POST SEASON RED WINGS NEWS

Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Chelios finished as Red Wing
Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News

Detroit -- The news wasn't surprising but no less significant.

The fact the Red Wings parted ways with Chris Chelios on Monday was expected. But it screamed attention, nonetheless.

Chelios, 47, didn't play much last season and had become an extra defenseman. But he's a surefire Hall of Famer. And when a team parts ways with a Hall of Famer, it's news.

General manager Ken Holland met with Chelios on Monday and officially told him the Wings wouldn't be bringing him back after 10 seasons.

"It was kind of understood last summer that the 2008-09 season would be the last one for Cheli as a Red Wing," said Holland, noting the need for the Wings to bring in young players such as Jonathan Ericsson. "Cheli wants to play another season, and I believe he can still play."
Bothered by a leg problem early in the season, then put in a reduced role when he returned, Chelios played in 28 games. He didn't have a point but was plus-1 and had 18 penalty minutes.

Chelios was in six playoff games, didn't score and had an even plus-minus.

He didn't return phone calls Monday. Chelios also didn't speak to the media after the Wings cleaned out their lockers after the playoffs.

He said late in the regular season he didn't expect to be re-signed by the Wings, citing the need for players such as Ericsson to get playing time.

Holland said Chelios was a terrific addition to the organization, after being acquired at the 1999 trade deadline from Chicago for defenseman Anders Eriksson and first-round picks in 1999 and 2001, neither of which ever reached the NHL.

"We signed Chris to a three-year extension right after the trade, and I figured if we could get to the end of that contract, it would be a great deal," Holland said. "As it turns out, Chris and I worked out another four or five contracts. In my wildest dreams, I couldn't have imagined what Chris has contributed to this organization. He was part of two Stanley Cups, played key roles in countless playoff series, helped us win a lot of regular-season games.

"Just a perfect role model for young players. His dedication to the game is extraordinary. He's a first-ballot Hall of Fame player."

Chelios played a significant role in the development of defensemen Jiri Fischer and Brett Lebda, Holland said.

The speculation now will begin as to where Chelios could end up next season.

The fact he was willing to play for $750,000 this season -- and could conceivably sign for less next season --will interest many teams looking for veteran leadership and, essentially, a coach on the ice.

Returning to his hometown Chicago Blackhawks could be a possibility. Chelios also has expressed interest in playing for the New York Rangers.

Babcock could be '10 Games coach

 Wings vice president Steve Yzerman , Team Canada's general manager for the 2010 Olympics, is expected to publicly name his coach Thursday in Montreal.

 Speculation from the Canadian news media is rampant Wings coach Mike Babcock will be the coach. Along with his success with the Wings, Babcock has coached Canadian teams to world championships at the pro and junior levels.

Chelios as a Wing

How the defenseman fared during his 10 season in Detroit:

Year	GP	G	A	P	+/-
1998-99	10	1	1	2	5
1999-00	81	3	31	34	48
2000-01	24	0	3	3	4
2001-02*	79	6	33	39	40
2002-03	66	2	17	19	4
2003-04	69	2	19	21	12
2005-06	81	4	7	11	22
2006-07	71	0	11	11	11
2007-08	69	3	9	12	11
2008-09	28	0	0	0	1

*Norris Trophy finalist

ted.kulfan@detnews.com (313) 223-4606

Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Yzerman's Hall-of-Fame verdict due at 3:30 Tuesday
Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News

Detroit -- The call will probably be placed this morning, maybe somewhere shortly after lunch.

There's little doubt Steve Yzerman will get the notification from the Hockey Hall of Fame Tuesday that he's been selected for enshrinement.

Yzerman is considered a lock for what could be one of the greatest classes the Hall of Fame has ever welcomed.

The official announcement will occur at 3:30 p.m.

"He's one of the greatest players of all time," general manager Ken Holland said of Yzerman, who is now the Wings' vice-president. "In terms of his will, sacrifice, ability to play through pain, he was a true role model for young players."

Along with his 1,755 points, Yzerman won three Stanley Cups with the Wings and was a major factor in Canada's 2002 Olympic gold medal.

More than his offensive output, though, or his awards, Yzerman's ability to lead was legendary.
That included the 2002 Wings' Stanley Cup team that could be well-represented Tuesday during the announcement of inductees.

Forwards Brett Hull and Luc Robitaille, both of whom were on the 2002 team, are also likely inductees.

Hull scored 741 goals, third all-time. Robitaille's 668 goals were more than any other left wing has scored.

New York Rangers defenseman Brian Leetch is expected to be the fourth and final inductee.

A 17-man panel is responsible for making the Hall selections. A candidate must be endorsed by at least 75 percent of that panel to gain election.

The process is conducted in secret and voting results aren't released.

Monday, June 22, 2009
Wings' Chelios to have role with Olympic team
Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News

Detroit -- Chris Chelios will be part of the 2010 U.S. Olympic hockey team -- just not as a player.
Brian Burke, the team's general manager, told ESPN he's asked Chelios to be part of the team in an off-ice capacity.

"The greatest warrior of all was Chelly," Burke told ESPN.com. Burke doesn't know in what role he'll use Chelios but "all I know is, I want him involved."

Chelios, 47, just completed his 25th season in the NHL. He's played in four Olympic tournaments.

Red Wings general manager Ken Holland and Chelios are to meet in the near future to discuss Chelios' future with the Red Wings, although Chelios admitted late in the season it's unlikely he'll return to the team.

Chelios said he'd like to play one more NHL season.

Friday, June 19, 2009
Pavel Datsyuk awarded Selke
Red Wing also wins Lady Byng for his sportsmanship
Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News

This was Pavel Datsyuk's first visit to Las Vegas. And unlike many other visitors, Datsyuk hit the jackpot.

A finalist in four categories at the NHL Awards show Thursday, Datsyuk won his second consecutive Selke Trophy (best defensive forward) and fourth straight Lady Byng (gentlemanly play, sportsmanship).

Datsyuk was a finalist for Hart Trophy (Most Valuable Player) and Lester Pearson (NHL Players Association MVP). Both were won by Washington's Alex Ovechkin.

"I'm very lucky, very happy," Datsyuk said in a telephone interview. "I'll have some very good memories."

While Datsyuk repeated, Chris Chelios and Nicklas Lidstrom left empty-handed.

Chelios was a finalist for the Masterton Trophy (dedication to hockey), but saw the award go to Nashville's Steve Sullivan. Lidstrom was denied a seventh Norris Trophy (best defenseman) by Boston's Zdeno Chara

Datsyuk will relax and soak in Las Vegas for the remainder of the weekend.

"See a couple of shows for sure," Datsyuk said. "I don't gamble. I don't like to gamble. But we'll look around and do things here."

Datsyuk beat out Philadelphia's Mike Richards and Vancouver's Ryan Kesler, a Livonia native, for the Selke. Datsyuk beat Richards (945-942), though Richards got more first-place votes (61-55).

The Selke is special to Datsyuk, considered more of an offensive player early in his career. He credited his coaches and teammates for his development as a defensive player.

"Just watching how hard they work, how important defense is," Datsyuk said.

He bested Martin St. Louis (Tampa Bay) and Zach Parise (New Jersey) for the Lady Byng. Datsyuk earned 64 first-place votes, easily winning 933-662.

Datsyuk was proud fellow Russians Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh) were finalists for the Hart and Pearson awards.

"It gives hope for young kids in Russia who want to play," Datsyuk said.

When accepting his Lady Byng, Datsyuk said: "I accept this award for the Red Wings and City of Detroit and kids who play hockey. Never give up on your dreams."

In winning his first Norris, Chara got 1,034 points (68 first-place votes), followed by Washington's Mike Green (982 points, 50) and Lidstrom (733, 14).

"Chara deserved it, he had a real good season," Lidstrom said. "He's a player who has improved and developed into a great player since coming into the league."

With six Norris trophies, Lidstrom remains one behind Doug Harvey (seven) and two behind Bobby Orr (eight).

Lidstrom said it was different having the event in Las Vegas this year, after years in Toronto.

"There's a different feeling for sure, it is Las Vegas," Lidstrom said. "I'm kind of glad they moved it."


ted.kulfan@detnews.com (313) 223-4606

See ya Chelios
He had some good years here but we don't need him for another year.


If Yzerman doesn't get into the HOF there is something seriously wrong.

Datsyuk! He should have won the MVP but oh well. I'm still pissed Lidstrom got screwed out of the Norris.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Wings' Steve Yzerman makes Hall of Fame; Hull, Robitaille also elected
Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News

Steve Yzerman was one of the greatest players in NHL history. Tuesday, he was recognized for it. The legendary Red Wings player was selected to the Hockey Hall of Fame, as part of the one most star-studded induction classes ever.

Yzerman and former Red Wings teammates Brett Hull and Luc Robitaille, along with former New York Rangers defenseman Brian Leetch, will be enshrined Nov. 9 in Toronto.

"It is a tremendous honor to receive this news," Yzerman said in a statement. "I want to thank the selection committee for recognizing my contributions. I truly had chills down my spine when I got the news."

New Jersey Devils president Lou Lamoriello also was elected in the builder category.

Yzerman, Hull and Robitaille were part of the 2002 Wings team that won the Stanley Cup.

That team eventually could end up with as many as nine Hall of Famers -- Yzerman, Hull, Robitaille, Igor Larionov (already inducted), Dominik Hasek, Brendan Shanahan, Nicklas Lidstrom, Sergei Fedorov and Chris Chelios.

Yzerman retired in 2006 with 1,755 points, sixth on the NHL's all-time list. He was part of three Stanley Cup-winning teams and won a gold medal with Canada in the 2002 Olympics.

Yzerman also won a Lester Pearson Award (best player as judged by the NHL Players Association), Selke Trophy (best defensive forward), Conn Smythe Trophy (playoff MVP) and Masterton Trophy (dedication to hockey).

Yzerman currently is vice-president of the Wings and executive director of Canada's Olympic program.

Hull retired in 2005 after a 19-year career with Calgary, St. Louis, Dallas and Phoenix, in addition to Detroit. He played for the Wings from 2001 to 2004. He scored 86 goals in 1991 and received the Hart Trophy as league MVP.

His 741 goals trail only Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe. His 24 career playoff game-winning goals are tied with Gretzky for the most in NHL history. He scored the Stanley Cup-winning goal for the Stars in the third overtime of Game 6 of the 1999 Finals.

Robitaille, who played for Detroit in 2001-02 and 2002-03, received the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie in 1987.

Leetch became the first American-born player to earn the Conn Smythe Trophy after leading the New York Rangers to the Stanley Cup in 1994. He also twice won the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman.

Detroit News wire services contributed.

Red Wings, city officials discussing where team will play in future

FREE PRESS NEWS SERVICES • June 24, 2009

Red Wings and Detroit officials are continuing to work on a deal that involves the future home of the team.

Olympia Entertainment has until Tuesday to notify the city if it will continue leasing Joe Louis Arena before a 20-year option automatically kicks in.

The lease expires June 30, 2010.

Ilitch Holdings Inc. spokeswoman Karen Cullen would not comment today on a lease renewal nor whether there are plans to build a new arena.

Olympia Entertainment is a subsidiary of Ilitch Holdings. It owns and operates the Fox Theatre and operates Cobo Arena and Comerica Park.

The Ilitch family has said it would like to build a new arena for the Red Wings or renovate Joe Louis, which opened in 1979. Mike Ilitch bought the Red Wings in 1982.

Keep the Joe! Those end boards are the best in hockey. Don't touch them!

Wings close to deal with Leino; Holland 'not optimistic' about Samuelsson

HELENE ST. JAMES • July 3, 2009

The Red Wings may announce a two-year deal for restricted free agent forward Ville Leino as early as today.

But general manager Ken Holland said Thursday he's "not optimistic" that he'll be able to keep unrestricted free agent Mikael Samuelsson, who is seeking a long-term deal averaging upwards of $2 million a year. The Wings want to keep Samuelsson closer to $1.5 million a year.

Restricted free agent Jiri Hudler plans on filing for arbitration before the weekend. At that point, the Wings can choose whether the arbitrator should decide on a one-year or two-year deal. Hudler, 25, who made $1.15 million last season, will see his salary increase anywhere from the $2.5 million the Wings are offering to possibly an award in the $3.5-million to $4-million range. If the Wings don't like the arbitrator's number, they can trade Hudler.

"The math is simple," Holland said. "At the end of the day, when the season began we had five guys who were in line to become unrestricteds. We were proactive with two -- we got Henrik Zetterberg done, and then we got Johan Franzen done. I'd like to have Sammy back. I'd like to have Hudler back. But it's a cap world. We can only do so much."

Leino, 25, showed this past season what a terrific offensive upside he has and should fit in nicely as a second- or third-line winger.

Thursday, July 2, 2009
Marian Hossa bolts to Chicago
He signs 12-year, $62.8 million deal, but wanted to stay
Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News

Detroit -- Marian Hossa knew his stay in Detroit could last one season and that's exactly how long it was.

Hossa signed a 12-year, $62.8 million contract with the Blackhawks on Wednesday, along with friend and Wings teammate Tomas Kopecky, who signed a two-year deal.

Almost a year ago, Hossa signed a one-year contract with the Wings in hopes of winning the Stanley Cup. But that dream was crushed when the Penguins -- the team Hossa left for the Wings -- defeated the Wings in the Finals.

"I had a great time in Detroit and I was hoping we could get something done," Hossa said in a teleconference early Wednesday evening. "But with the economy and the salary cap, it's really hard to sign star players on a team and we had a lot of star players on that team. Somebody wasn't going to be able to sign and I guess it was me.

"I knew it could be for one year and it was a great year. We didn't finish the way I'd like. But it's time to move on. Chicago made me a great offer and it's a great hockey town, and the team is young, big, strong and fast. It has a nice future and that's why I came here."

Hossa hinted that if there weren't a salary cap, he probably would still be a Wing. But with the Wings up against the salary-cap ceiling, a return was going to be highly improbable.

Especially after the Wings signed Johan Franzen late in the season, Hossa knew his days as a Wings were likely done after last season.

"Ken was saying after he signed Henrik Zetterberg he was going to try to sign either me or (Johan) Franzen and you have to be happy for the guy (Franzen), he improved big time and he deserved everything he got. With the salary cap, it would be tough for me to return.," Hossa said. "Otherwise, if there was no salary cap, I was sure I'd still be in Detroit."

Hossa is looking forward to staying in one city after short stays in Pittsburgh, Detroit and Atlanta.

"Definitely that was something to look forward to. If it were in Detroit, that would be great. But with the salary cap it was going to be difficult to stay there," Hossa said. "I'm looking forward to not having to worry about it year to year. I'm set for 12 years and that'll make it easier to focus on just hockey."

Kopecky and Hossa weren't expecting to be teammates again after this past season with the Wings, but they appreciate the good fortune.

Said Kopecky: "Marian and I are good friends off the ice and it helps when you come to a new city and organization. When I was talking to my agent (both are represented by Ritch Winter) I knew Marian was thinking about what to do and when he told me he was signing with Chicago, it kind of helped (with his own decision).

"I've known him for a long time and it's easier to adapt to a new city and organization."

Hossa angered fans in Atlanta and Pittsburgh when he left those teams.

Hossa is hoping Joe Louis Arena fans won't be another group of alienated fans.

"I hope it won't be that bad," Hossa said. "Everybody knew (with) my situation it would be tough to sign long-term in Detroit. Zetterberg and Franzen signed, and obviously if I had signed, probably another five guys would have to be traded or not signed. There would guys gone from the lineup and that would be hard to deal with, too.

"Obviously it'll be mixed (reaction) when we play in Detroit but I made this decision and it was best for me."

ted.kulfan@detnews.com (313) 223-4606