Approaching July 1

We're four days away from Free Agency and I figure it's a good time to touch on UFAs, RFAs, and players who have already been told or informed their clubs that they'd be testing the market.  Tonight it's going to be strictly Red Wings, but I might cover my mini-base of the Jackets later on... because there's actually quite a bit of rumblings from Columbus coming through my news feed.

Aaaand... we're off!

Restricted Free Agents

Valtteri Filppula (C) - Been said that our little Flip has denied at least one, possibly two, qualifying offers from Ken Holland and the crew.  He's quite the dandy center, the first Finn we've "raised", and just helped recruit a countryman to our overly Swedish team.  The more Finns the better!  Hey, one can hope, because clearly Flip has won over many Wings fans.  Unfortunately, it looks as though he won't be signing before July 1, and he could draw a fairly large offer sheet, though Holland has already said he will match anything he gets offered (unless, of course, it's like... league max or something).

Kyle Quincey (D, pictured at right) - Quincey has been given a qualifying offer, though no word on accepting it.  He has spent the past few seasons in the AHL, and with the Wings depth on the blue line, he might have a hard time getting out of the minors.  If Quincey is not signed before July 1, and he received an offer sheet from another team, my gut tells me that the Wings will let him walk.  We are stacked deep on defense and Q might just have the short straw at this time.

Jonathan Ericsson (D) - Also offered a qualifying offer, Ericsson has a special situation.  If he is not signed to a multi-year contract, based on his slow development (he was chosen last overall in 2002, it's quite understandable), Ericsson can become a Group VI Unrestricted Free Agent following the 2008-09 season.  He will have had the required three years pro and less than 80 NHL games which gives him the freedom to find somewhere he can immediately be effective.

Jimmy Howard (G) - Our last RFA to consider, Howard was long considered the next gem in net.  Unfortunately, his inconsistency has kept him in the AHL and there's talk he still might not be ready for even backup to Chris Osgood next season.  As with the other RFAs, Howard has been offered a contract, though terms have not been released and there is no word as to if he has signed or not.

Unrestricted Free Agents

Brad Stuart (D) - The big second pair defenseman we desperately needed, Holland is working with his agent from what I've heard.  Our #3, Kronwall, makes an even $3 million a season and Stuart made $3.5 last.  Ideally, we would drop Stuart's salary to even with Kronwall, but on the open market he could draw $4, $4.5, or even more.  With this, I'm sure Holland would consider resigning Stuart for the $3.5 he made last season, and quite frankly, I'd be furious if he didn't offer that and maybe a hair tops.  Yes, Kronwall is considered our #3, but Stuart is in prime and Kronwall is still developing.  For the sake of argument, I consider the hard-hitting duo interchangeable.  Unfortunately, Stuart also has just revealed a shoulder injury.  It could play in our favor depending on how questionable it is and if we can get him to sign for less because of it, but it could also be a problem next season so we would be back to relying on .

Andreas Lilja (D) - Our #5/6 defenseman who filled in as a #4 before Stuart came along, I have NEVER been a fan of him.  He's basically my whipping boy.  If something goes wrong anywhere on ice when Lilja is on, I can usually find some way to trace it back to him.  And his nickname is Lily.  Lily?!  Ick.  Not to mention the whole sex scandal thing when he was in Florida.  That plus some really creepy smiles of his plus his frequent on-ice brain lapses... equal nightmares galore.  Holland offered him a two-year contract and it looks as though he's going to accept.  Me?  I'm screaming 'shoot me!' repeatedly.  How are our prospects supposed to move up if we keep resigning these guys that don't do anything special!?  I'd rather our #6 spot be reserved for developing a player, not giving a Swede a job for the sake of his friendship with his countrymen.  Because I forget who it is, but one of our other Swedes lives right across from Lilja and they carpool everyday... and I'm afraid Kenny's losing sight of the prospects because of this little buddy-buddy fest.  *Gag*

Chris Chelios (D) - Holland made it known quickly after the Cup was won that Chelios was welcome back if he wanted to return.  He did not play a game in the finals, missed some regular season games with injury, and was a healthy scratch a bit more than he was used to, but Chelios knows his position with the team.  The veteran leadership he provides for our young blueliners is amazing.  Holland is in talks with Chelios.

Aaron Downey (RW, pictured at right vs. Ian Laperriere) - I LOVE this guy.  He fits like a glove in the Motor City, a blue collar city, and more than proved his worth throughout the season both on ice and in the locker room.  You might hate him if you're on the opposing team because he stirs up drama (had two fines due to his antics this season) but I would hurt you if you didn't appreciate him after seeing what he's really like.  What a character!  He had a segment on WingsTV briefly video blogging the hours leading up to a game, he's done a very down to earth edition of WingsTV's 2:00 For the FUN of It (highlights a player and his life outside of hockey), did a hilarious interview of the Black Aces during the Dallas series, provides comedic interviews whenever asked - playing or not, and takes his role as a regular working guy quite seriously.  At the Mellon one game?  There was a forklift in the way of the Wings pre-game soccer kick around.  Picture this.  Here comes Downey, strutting like the ham he is, "Lookout, working man coming through!" climbs up, moves it, and continues on as the crazy-fun "Uncle Darryl" (don't ask, I don't know!) to the Aces.  Really. But as far as his status, Holland said he would offer him a contract pending if either he or our other toughie, McCarty, would agree to a two-way contract.  Speaking of...

Darren McCarty (RW) - "Mac" has long been a crowd favorite (see: the Brawl in Hockeytown).  Even with his addictions and gambling problems, and buying out his contract in 2005, the Wings faithful missed the big guy.  With two seasons in Calgary, then no contract at the start of 2007, most people thought his hockey career was done and over.  But longtime friend Kris Draper gave Mac the new start he needed.  When Mac was finally sober, Drapes pointed Mac to CORE fitness, a program that Draper co-owns.  When physically in shape, Drapes helped Mac to the Flint Generals of the IHL (another Draper co-owned deal) and when he was improving there, Mac made it to the AHL affiliate of the Wings and Holland promised to watch Mac's progress.  Well, a hat trick, a few fights, and a number of very good games, along with the veteran leadership that the Wings brass was hoping would return to shine, found Mac with a pro-rated contract for league minimum and he was back in the Winged Wheel.  It was a long, hard road, but he stuck it out and his teammates supported him 100% and here he is now, with Cup ring #4, all from the time with his adoptive hometown team.  Mac has been offered a contract and will be with the Wings next season, although final details have to be worked out such as two-way or one-way.

Dallas Drake (RW) - The gruff warrior was an offseason acquisition after his former team (St. Louis) bought him out.  I'll admit I was seriously against the signing, and his regular season performance did nothing to convince me of Holland's move's value, but the playoffs told a different story.  The 1989 Wings' draft pick (he was traded to Winnipeg after a season and a half) exploded in the offseason with a physical streak probably only beaten by Kronwall and the unlikely Datsyuk.  He was a force to be reckoned with and brought a ton of energy to the team.  A genuine nice guy off-ice, he really won me over the last few regular season games and the playoff games.  He's 39 and contemplating retirement.  Holland has asked Drake to let him know prior to July 1 what his intentions are, and while all signs point to a cheerful retirement (Dally finally got his Cup!), I don't think I'd be upset if he took a roster spot as a #13 or 14 player.

Mark Hartigan (C) - He didn't play much with the big club, but Hartigan did hold his own when asked to fill in.  My only concern, if he does resign with the Wings, is taking the place of a top forward prospect such as Helm.  There has been no word on a contract offered.

Dominik Hasek (G) - Good old Dom retired.  At 43, this was his second retirement, but this will be his last.  He said his drive to play just isn't the same as it's always been, and he wants to work on his company, Dominator Clothing.  I'm sure we'll still see Dom around the D though as his son is attending Michigan State, and while visiting him, I'm sure he'll stop in to see his former teammates.  Good luck, Dom!  Thanks for the heart attacks and crazy antics, they will be missed!

The Outside Agents

Mats Sundin (C) - Not that the oldest team needs to get any older, but Sundin could provide some great leadership and we could offer him one last big bang at the Cup.  Montréal and New York (Rangers) are considered the two front runners for the vet's services, but the Swede would be at home in nearby Novi (lovingly named Little Sweden by our resident Swedes and the Wings staff) and would be with the reigning Cup champions who happen to be the last team that repeated.  Yes we can do it again!

Markus Naslund (LW) - The current Canuck isn't talked about as much as his Swedish Leafs counterpart, but we think Nazzy would fit in just fine.  He's in about the same situation as well!  So, to recap... Little Sweden, proven repeats, and oh yes, we're well under the salary cap (about $8 million estimated after we resign Stuart *crosses fingers*!)

Darcy Tucker (LW) - This one isn't being talked about as much by the media as it is on Wings message boards.  True he could provide experience we will lose if Drake retires, but we drafted Drake and thus will just about always have a soft spot for him (even if he captained the Blues and provided years of angst for us).  Tucker though?  Just a punk.  I will so pass on signing this guy!  Let Downey and Mac alternate the tough guy role for us, I don't need no Tucker.

Ray Emery (G, pictured at right) - This one I want to die over.  I almost had a panic attack when it was suggested the Wings take him on as a backup and give him a shot to turn around his career.  What?!  Bring in a primadonna who has actually had a fight with a teammate!?  NO THANKS.  But then I got to thinking.  And yes, I really hate it when I think sometimes, particularly when it comes to this.  I though, what if we really COULD change his career?  He's only 25, and to be honest, I'm starting to doubt if Howard can take the #1 position within the next three years (when Osgood will probably retire).  Having another young guy with pounds of talent - even if he might have lost sight of it briefly - could be for the better.  We helped Cleary turn his image around, gave him a new lease on life, and he found a hopefully forever home here as well.  Even if we don't keep Emery, even one or two good seasons might be helpful.

Marian Hossa (RW) - This is just a joke to me.  I was following a live chat on Puck Daddy yesterday and during a hot seat session, Spector said Detroit would be Hossa's destination.  Sorry, what?  I really don't like that overpaid, underproducing, overhyped little Penguin right now, and haven't seen anything to change my mind.

So.  Me?  I have a fair bit of waiting to do before I find out next season's lineup.  With all of our RFAs holding out for some reason (who put what in their water bottles?) and a key UFA that is going to wait it out... it's going to be a bit nerve wracking!