I think the NHL is a better league when the Red Wings are in the mix. I grew up watching Federov, Lidstrom and Yzerman. Always picked the wings when I would play NHL 94.

Vrana, Hronek, Zadina, now Kubalik. All gone. Beginning to think Yzerman isn’t real keen on Czech players.
- danimal6777

Palat is the only one he’s ever kept around very long.

Don't tease us Jeremy. Who is the potential "get" you refer to ??
- todd3066

I honestly wish I could say. I promised the source it would be held tight while the player makes some decisions.

After yesterday, this team feels very different. I’m still shocked by the acquisition and subsequent cost. My hope is that the final pieces out there is that they will see a much more exciting future for the franchise. They took a step forward with total points last year, now I’m mulling line combinations. Having Debrincat one one line and Raymond on another feels like a nice 1-2 on the right side.

Vrana, Hronek, Zadina, now Kubalik. All gone. Beginning to think Yzerman isn’t real keen on Czech players.
- danimal6777

It’s an odd scenario with those 4. 2 were used to acquire assets, and 2 were let go for a fresh start. Interesting observation. Thanks for dropping that in.

Vrana, Hronek, Zadina, now Kubalik. All gone. Beginning to think Yzerman isn’t real keen on Czech players.
- danimal6777

I don't know how, but I'm sure this is Jiri Hudler's fault.

It’s an odd scenario with those 4. 2 were used to acquire assets, and 2 were let go for a fresh start. Interesting observation. Thanks for dropping that in.
- Jeremy Laura

Let's remember Yzerman gave Zadina a 3 year contract(without much production) just last year. The decision to part ways was that of Zadina, not Yzerman.

I honestly wish I could say. I promised the source it would be held tight while the player makes some decisions.

After yesterday, this team feels very different. I’m still shocked by the acquisition and subsequent cost. My hope is that the final pieces out there is that they will see a much more exciting future for the franchise. They took a step forward with total points last year, now I’m mulling line combinations. Having Debrincat one one line and Raymond on another feels like a nice 1-2 on the right side.
- Jeremy Laura

If I had to guess, I'd say it's Patrick Kane....

THis was one of the most-impressive deals to hit the NHL since Lord Gordie played in the AS Game in Detroit in '80. Simply sublime move by The Captain. THis changes the landscape for DRW completely. He's not going to be the saviour, but he's pushed the bar so much higher. He wants to be a Wing, big deal to have a player SO wanting to play with a team that he leaves around $2m and 3yrs on the table...think about that. He. WANTS. To. Be. A. Wing.

One of the unspoken things about this contract: The Cat will only be around 29 when it ends.....in the prime of his professional life and could easily bring a HUGE haul of draft picks and assets if needed. This alone is something that makes the deal epic.

so the question becomes: Is this the push to leave the rebuild and enter the "SCPO-bound" phase? How competitive will this team be against the TBL, CAR, TOR, etc...? I think there's still a couple of pieces that need to be addressed (solid Top 4 D, shut-down G, etc...) before we get TOO dead-set on taking the final skate with Lord Stanley's chalice. We're not there yet......but I feel (at this moment...) that we're going to push some teams out of SCPO contention. The nice thing is that we have the flexibility to add some pieces. Cannot wait to see what the starting lines will look like..........

Kubalik was on his way to being a formidable player based on last season and how he did in the IIHF tourney this year......he surprised a LOT of people, I think. Debrango wasn't going to be much, IMHO. We kept all of our potential studs. ALL of them.

AM trying to temper expectations, but today (even though SC is being hammered with rain....) is a VERY bright day in HockeyTown.

DeBrincat to wear # 93.

DeBrincat to wear # 93.
- TheSeer

Should have given him #91

I honestly wish I could say. I promised the source it would be held tight while the player makes some decisions.

After yesterday, this team feels very different. I’m still shocked by the acquisition and subsequent cost. My hope is that the final pieces out there is that they will see a much more exciting future for the franchise. They took a step forward with total points last year, now I’m mulling line combinations. Having Debrincat one one line and Raymond on another feels like a nice 1-2 on the right side.
- Jeremy Laura

I need to take a moment. After the press conferences…. It is a great day to be a Wings fan. It’s been a while. We have a team that can wins some games