Markstrom to Calgary
- Datsyuks_Dangle

6 yrs x 6 mil, that’s pretty hefty for the market. Solid guy, but I don’t think I’d want that deal

6 yrs x 6 mil, that’s pretty hefty for the market. Solid guy, but I don’t think I’d want that deal
- Jeremy Laura

At that price, and where the team stands right now, me neither. I'm reading on another board that the Isles might be looking to trade Varlamov also. I'm assuming the Wings will grab a goalie in the next day or two, I'd rather it be a cheaper option.

6 yrs x 6 mil, that’s pretty hefty for the market. Solid guy, but I don’t think I’d want that deal
- Jeremy Laura

Insanity.

In fairness he had a really good year, but also he'll be 31 soon and holy crap that's a lot of money and term for a goalie who had a grand total of zero legitimately good seasons before turning 28.

wings sign a goalie!!!!!

But it is Kevin Boyle

In an impressive interview, Bobby Ryan reaffirmed that Yzerman had him sold on Detroit. What was even more impressive was Dylan Larkin’s assist. We don’t hear a lot about what’s going on right now, but below are Ryan’s impressions from speaking to Larkin:

In this case, Dylan Larkin helped, too.

"Dylan was probably one of the biggest conversations I had where he mentioned, 'Listen, you can come in and we can be a much more competitive team than we were last year. You’ll help, we’re a year older, we’ve been through it a little more. There’s going to be some other players coming in.' They have a good feeling that they’re going to be a much more competitive team," Ryan said. "That’s all I needed to hear.

wings sign a goalie!!!!!

But it is Kevin Boyle
- HenryHockey

Kyle Criscuolo, Kevin Boyle and Riley Barber, yep, keeping them in the system

Thoughts so far? Ryan and Merrill both on 1 year low $ contracts. Both are excited to be here and that’s a huge plus. Yzerman seems to be very focused on specific players that can help the team in the short term. With Mantha and Bertuzzi still needing deals, it feels like the GM is being careful with money spent, no craziness on the horizon.

It remains to be seen if Tyler Johnson will clear waivers. I’d love to pick that player up, but, as many of you have indicated, Yzerman may not want to take on that $. We’ll see.

Do you think TJ will make it through waivers, or will he have a new team by noon tomorrow?

Thoughts so far? Ryan and Merrill both on 1 year low $ contracts. Both are excited to be here and that’s a huge plus. Yzerman seems to be very focused on specific players that can help the team in the short term. With Mantha and Bertuzzi still needing deals, it feels like the GM is being careful with money spent, no craziness on the horizon.

It remains to be seen if Tyler Johnson will clear waivers. I’d love to pick that player up, but, as many of you have indicated, Yzerman may not want to take on that $. We’ll see.

Do you think TJ will make it through waivers, or will he have a new team by noon tomorrow?
- Jeremy Laura

You seem to be a smart guy... so.. Why would you want to claim Johnson, the worst player on TB right now, that even TB fans and bloggers said needed to be healthy scratched for playoffs?
He wasn't wanted for the pick payment, so sure as hell, he shouldn't be picked up for free, taking on that cap hit.

Torey Krug to STL, is that Pietrangelo leaving?

You seem to be a smart guy... so.. Why would you want to claim Johnson, the worst player on TB right now, that even TB fans and bloggers said needed to be healthy scratched for playoffs?
He wasn't wanted for the pick payment, so sure as hell, he shouldn't be picked up for free, taking on that cap hit.
- StargateSG1

I appreciate the compliment. I think that Johnson got drowned on an immensely talented roster. The opportunity in Detroit would give him an opportunity where, I believe, he would thrive. Apart from that Detroit is so bad up the middle, TJ would be an upgrade. Detroit is still underneath the cap floor. Next year Glendening and Helm are both gone, Filppula too. I just don’t have an issue with that cap hit in our current situation. I can only give you my thoughts and opinions. This is where I’m at. Yzerman may well take a pass, I have no idea where he’s going to land on this.

it will be interesting to see how the Johnson situation unfolds but the good news is that whatever Yzerman decides, there shouldn't be any surprises due to his familiarity with him. As for the goalie situation, I prefer the patient approach at this point. Let the craziness happen elsewhere and be frugal with the remain options as it is still very much a buyers' market as far as goaltending goes.

i also love the fact that both Ryan and Merrill both really wanted to be here as i am certain that kind of mindset will help with the dynamic in the locker room and with the overall culture. Last season may have been rock bottom but it is nice to see the Winged Wheel is still respected by players and these two understand the pride and tradition that this organization exemplifies.

i also love the fact that both Ryan and Merrill both really wanted to be here as i am certain that kind of mindset will help with the dynamic in the locker room and with the overall culture. Last season may have been rock bottom but it is nice to see the Winged Wheel is still respected by players and these two understand the pride and tradition that this organization exemplifies.
- Diller

I agree on the attitude these two are bringing. Ryan had the new appreciation for life that only comes when you go through hell. It’s something that can inject positivity and passion. Really hoping for good things for these guys and the team

Hey, Fans, mornin' J. Sorry I missed the wild day yesterday; drove from VA to SC for the long weekend.

So, for several weeks (months???🤔), we've been talking about what was going thru The Captain's mind, moves to make, etc... Of late, I saw a trend amongst the JL Blog faithful: Culture Change. The Ryan signing shows The Captain's cards; Toxicity permeated the lockerroom, thus forcing drastic actions and well-planned moves. LOVED to see Ryan sign, never thought of him as a possibilty.

Ryan strikes me as a kid deep of character and truly appreciative of a chance to 1). Be part of a legacy of excellence, and 2). Mentor the kids on what it takes to play the game with HEART, with thanks, and humbleness that comes from surviving adversity. This kid laid out a personal drama that is embarrassing to those who suffer from its wrath. But he held his head high, admitted he had become powerless, and that he had a problem....and got into a kife-fight to overcome it.

My Dad says a man's character is judged based on what he does in the face of adversity. Maybe the Wings would've been wise to hear/understand/live that saying. But many didn't and are either gone, or are on notice: Fix your face, and drive on.

So, here's my take: Sucks that no stud G or D has been signed, but the CULTURE has been adjusted. I'll take that every day of the week. Will keep an eye on the blog throughout the day to see what transpires (TJ on WAIVERS?!?!?!?🤪😳🤯). Keep up the fire!

Does anyone have a sense of what the value might be for Varlamov via trade? Five mil for 3 more years... is that positive or negative value? Might Lou be willing to throw a pick or prospect in, in order to move on from him and hand the reins over to Sorokin? If so, it could be a win-win to stabilize the goaltending while continuing to stock the cupboard for the future

Does anyone have a sense of what the value might be for Varlamov via trade? Five mil for 3 more years... is that positive or negative value? Might Lou be willing to throw a pick or prospect in, in order to move on from him and hand the reins over to Sorokin? If so, it could be a win-win to stabilize the goaltending while continuing to stock the cupboard for the future
- Diller

A sweetener would be required, but he has an NTC and that could be problematic....and because he has an NTC, why would he want to come to lowly Detroit???

Does anyone have a sense of what the value might be for Varlamov via trade? Five mil for 3 more years... is that positive or negative value? Might Lou be willing to throw a pick or prospect in, in order to move on from him and hand the reins over to Sorokin? If so, it could be a win-win to stabilize the goaltending while continuing to stock the cupboard for the future
- Diller

The comps are out there. The only players close would be Talbot or Khudobin...age, GAA, SV% from a quick interwebs search. Talbot signed for 3x$3.7m, Khudobin 3x$3.3m. Could throw Holtby, if you want....2x$4.3m....I'd say Varly could be a 3x$3m, but based on moves made thus far, the question is Character. Does Varly fit The Captain's vision of a player wearing the storied Winged Wheel. Stats alone indicate pretty solid numbers: 2.67GAA, .915SV%, and coming off a 4x$20m contract would he be willing to take a $2m/yr cut in pay for a rebuilding/re-culturizing team? I think he's an automatic 3-4yr contract and of course an upgrade in net. The G market is rapidly dwindling so if he checks the boxes, we need to ship or get off the pot. I'm interested.....

Tyler Johnson will likely be a Red Wing in a few hours.

Tyler Johnson will likely be a Red Wing in a few hours.
- gergeswillems

Dude, if we get TJ, I may well ship my pants!! THAT would be a shot across the bow that The Captain's forcing change and means business. Heard TJs a real character guy, so would opine he meets that bar and is an acceptablr move.....

Does anyone have a sense of what the value might be for Varlamov via trade? Five mil for 3 more years... is that positive or negative value? Might Lou be willing to throw a pick or prospect in, in order to move on from him and hand the reins over to Sorokin? If so, it could be a win-win to stabilize the goaltending while continuing to stock the cupboard for the future
- Diller

Stevie said he's signing a UFA goalie. It could be Greiss. Maybe Craig Anderson. There's not much left. Varly was kept around to mentor Sorokin. This Varly rumour was made up by Ek. I put no stock in it.

Dude, if we get TJ, I may well ship my pants!! THAT would be a shot across the bow that The Captain's forcing change and means business. Heard TJs a real character guy, so would opine he meets that bar and is an acceptablr move.....
- mcmastermike1968

Nothing like getting a 2C for free. I'd laugh my ass off if Brisebois puts Gourde on waivers too and Stevie claims him. But I'm not sure about the waiver rules. I think if a team claims a player off waivers then they're last in the next waiver claim. But I don't know for sure.

Nothing like getting a 2C for free. I'd laugh my ass off if Brisebois puts Gourde on waivers too and Stevie claims him. But I'm not sure about the waiver rules. I think if a team claims a player off waivers then they're last in the next waiver claim. But I don't know for sure.
- gergeswillems

4x$5m for a 2C....and a good character guy. I'd buy that. Believe the Waiver rule is last-place = 1st shot at offering. If the player signs, the team goes to the bottom of the list. If the player doesn't sign w/in 24hrs, they're open to the league. That being said, TJ KILLED us the last couple of play-off series so how poetic would it be, a few years down the road, to have signed the guy that broke our backs?!?!?!

4x$5m for a 2C....and a good character guy. I'd buy that. Believe the Waiver rule is last-place = 1st shot at offering. If the player signs, the team goes to the bottom of the list. If the player doesn't sign w/in 24hrs, they're open to the league. That being said, TJ KILLED us the last couple of play-off series so how poetic would it be, a few years down the road, to have signed the guy that broke our backs?!?!?!
- mcmastermike1968

There's also a possibility that Yzerman claims TJ and then flips him to another team (Rangers?) at 50% retained. Stevie picks up a 2nd round pick.

But 2.5 mil is alot of cap to retain for 4 years. So I'm guessing Stevie keeps TJ.

A sweetener would be required, but he has an NTC and that could be problematic....and because he has an NTC, why would he want to come to lowly Detroit???
- HenryHockey

I guess Detroit is in a unique position when it comes to trading for players with NTCs. They have first pick at waivers so any player that doesn't want to lift his NTCs for the Wings, the team can simply waive them and have the Wings claim him and then send whatever they agreed to for the trade for future considerations.

That being said, i don't think the Islanders are looking to trade Varlamov at all. They do need to make more cap space to sign Barzal and Pulock. My guess would be they try to trade/dump one or more of Boychuck, Andrew Ladd or maybe even Josh Bailey. I'm sure they would likely prefer to dump Boychuck and especially Ladd but those would likely cost a 1st and in Ladds case a top prospect for sure. I don't want Ladd but if he came with a 1st round pick and Whalstrom or Dobson then that would make it very very interesting to me.

Does anyone have a sense of what the value might be for Varlamov via trade? Five mil for 3 more years... is that positive or negative value? Might Lou be willing to throw a pick or prospect in, in order to move on from him and hand the reins over to Sorokin? If so, it could be a win-win to stabilize the goaltending while continuing to stock the cupboard for the future
- Diller

Varlamov is probably slightly overpriced at 3 years x $5 million? I don't love that he's 31 and has three years left but he is coming off an extremely good season, especially taking into account shot quality. I think he's better than his raw save percentage numbers suggest, and they suggest he's still at least solidly above average. Wings would probably still have to give up something of at least moderate value to get him.

I definitely wouldn't hate bringing in Varlamov depending on the trade terms but overall I would be surprised if that trade happens. I think the Isles will keep him. Sorokin is exempt from next year's expansion draft so the Isles can still protect Varly and not expose either.

I think my top option right now would still be signing Greiss to a one or two year deal. He is old but he is still good.

If that falls through, scoop up maybe Dell or Miller (if he doesn't retire) for one year. Those guys are both clear backups (at best) but still a lot better than Pickard.

I think as we get closer to expansion draft time there will be some teams looking to move good 1A / 1B guys rather than lose them for nothing as either UFAs or expansion draft casualties. Maybe whichever goalie Colorado (Grubauer or Francouz) or Arizona (Keumper or Raanta) decides not to keep could be a midseason target?

I get the desire to try to solve the goalie problems sooner rather than later but I think at this stage of the rebuild it's okay to wait a little longer.