MLive’s Ansar Khan reports that the Red Wings may end up bringing in Jonathan Bernier as their back-up goaltender, and he confirms that the Wings have been “kicking the tires” on Valtteri Filppula:
The Red Wings have had productive talks with defenseman Mike Green and are expected to sign him to a two-year contract, perhaps before Sunday, a source indicated.
Jonathan Bernier has emerged as the leading candidate to fill their back-up goaltending position, likely on a three-year deal. There is interest in Carter Hutton, but it appears he’s leaning toward the Buffalo Sabres. Robin Lehner no longer is a possibility.
The Red Wings also will add a forward, quite possibly a familiar face in Valtteri Filppula, 34, on a two-year deal. He would provide some insurance at center in case Henrik Zetterberg’s troublesome back forces him out and can also play on the wing. And despite their hopes that No. 1 draft pick Filip Zadina will make the team, the Red Wings still are pursuing Thomas Vanek on a one-year deal.
Khan continues, concluding with the following:
The Red Wings had offered Green $10 million on a two-year deal – he was making $6 million a season. He’s expected to return, unless another team indicates it will give him three years.
Having Fil or Vanek back would seem like a step backward. But, the overall depth of the team would improve given these kids aren’t going to light the world on fire right away. So the question is:
What gets sacrificed? Does someone like Nyquist truly get traded away? Is Athanisiou still going to get signed or will he be moved? So many questions are going to get answered in the coming days and weeks.
One thing is for sure, I’ve gotta upgrade my cable package to watch the entire season. This is one of the best efforts to rebuild and remake the team that I have ever seen. The real question is…. Is it enough? Any improvement is improvement at this point.
Let’s not forget, Vanek or Flip could be shipped out come deadline as well!
I’m still ok with Green coming back, especially if it’s on a shorter deal. However, if he does resign, let’s not go get another defenseman.
What I don’t like is signing a veteran forward, particularity if it’s Fil or Vanek… that’s just Old-Time Kenny coming forward and overpaying his favorites under the flag of “loyalty” again. Just embrace the youth movement for pete’s sake!
Did I miss Holland’s rebuild? More rooms required at the extended care facility.
Holland Lies or doesn’t know what a rebuild is, or both!!
Holland Ate the Brown Acid at Woodstock! This guy has truly dropped his marbles on the floor.
Ugh. A GM who explores ideas. We need a GM who has less ideas.
Let’s not be too quick to get the “Holland has to go” bandwagon rolling again. After all, he has been on a roll since the Tatar trade. Any one of Green, Vanek or Filppula could be moved at the trade deadline for future draft picks, as an earlier poster mentioned. And there is still plenty of time between now and the end of training camp for trades. For me, at least, I’m willing to give Kenny a longer leash and see what he can pull off in the next 3 months.
If Zetterberg won’t be returning, it makes sense to sign Filppula or Vanek. The fact that they’re “kicking tires” on Filppula makes me think there is a real possibility Zetterberg won’t be returning. Green for two years is OK with me. Kronwall probably won’t play 82 games. His knees aren’t going to allow it. I know the Wings need to bring up D from GR, but until Kronwall retires and Ericsson’s contract expires, they will be in the Wings lineup. Too bad DDK and Jensen are so mediocre. As long as the Wings are rebuilding, they still need to remain competitive. If they develop a losing mentality it could really hurt their younger players.
It’s that time of year so I’m going to wait it out before getting any sort of worked up.
Z told HSJ I believe that he fully intends to return this season and was training and feeling good. That wasn’t too long ago. We all know when he LTIRetires it will be because of his back whether it’s an issue or not. I think he will be back for one more year but who knows.
Who knows what is going on. If the GM is talking to the Filppula camp, there is a reason. If Z retires, it’s not going to be random, he’s too much of a professional and his contract was laid out for him knowing he may call it a day early. If it’s actually on the table, there is a date they will know by.
If Kenny and staff has actually turned a new leaf, the next few months will be the time to tell. I’ll judge later.
Old habits sure die hard.
I thought we were going to see a little more change.
Sure there is still time to see how all of this shakes out – lots of time. But Holland’s MO has always been stockpiling aging veterans he’s familiar with or has a connection to, especially forwards. Sure if Z’s played his last NHL game, that’s changes things; it would be kind of a bombshell.
Otherwise, the numbers Holland keeps citing re: opportunities for prospects just don’t work with the veterans he wants to keep on hand. Does he trade Nyquist or AA sooner than later? It’s possible. Does he then get a player back, restoring the same logjam? Or does he get a pick or young prospect?
I will give the front office some credit for acting a little earlier and more decisively to make some choices and move on from players they don’t see a future with. Moving out Ouellet and Russo and Renouf actually does at least solve the problem of playing time in Grand Rapids for the prospect defensemen. It helps a bit in giving Hronek, Hicketts, etc. an audition in Detroit.