Red Wings Make Qualifying Offers to Nine Players

According to Ansar Khan, the Detroit Red Wings have made qualifying offers to nine restricted free agents -- five regulars at the big club and four Griffins. From mlive:

The Detroit Red Wings made qualifying offers to nine players before Monday’s deadline, retaining their rights when they become restricted free agents Thursday.

In addition to making qualifying offers, as expected, to Darren Helm, Justin Abdelkader, Patrick Eaves, Drew Miller and Derek Meech, the Red Wings also qualified defensemen Sergei Kolosov and Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, forward Jamie Tardif and goaltender Daniel Larsson.

The article also notes that this means the Red Wings have decided to allow Evan McGrath and Johan Ryno to leave as unrestricted free agents.

For Tolefsson and Larsson, the offers are just to retain the rights to the players as both are headed to Europe to continue their careers. The others are all likely to be re-signed and would probably take up around $3.5m+ cap space; which would leave $1.7m for further signings and/or trades.

Red Wings Select C Riley Sheahan with First-Round Pick

Last night the 2010 NHL Entry Draft began with the future of the League eagerly awaiting the moment they had dreamed about since they first laced up their skates.

The Great Debate was, for now, ended as the Edmonton Oilers chose Taylor Hall of the Windsor Spitfires with the first overall pick, leaving Tyler Seguin as a pretty handy consolation prize for the Bruins with thanks to Brian Burke for bailing Boston out of their cap issues and giving them the 2nd overall pick for good measure.

With their second highest pick in two decades, the Detroit Red Wings picked Notre Dame centerman Riley Sheahan with the 21st overall pick. Below is the scouting report on Sheahan from hockeysfuture.

A casual observer of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish might not pay much attention to Riley Sheahan. He's not flashy, doesn't look fast, and isn't yet lighting up the score sheet. He has a decent, but modest, five goals and nine assists in 23 games.

But Sheahan is one of the youngest college freshmen in the country, having just turned 18 in December. And he's good. Really good.

Notre Dame had an easy time recruiting the player. Sheahan, an Irish Catholic, grew up wanting to play at Notre Dame. His second cousin Brock Sheahan had played there two years ago.

Sheahan made a big jump up to college hockey from his hometown St. Catherine's of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (Golden Horseshoe Division), which is at the junior B level. There he had 27 goals and 46 assists in 40 games last year, and was the leading scorer on the team for the second season.

But despite his background, Sheahan slid right into the Notre Dame line-up and contributed.

"He’s a very smart player," said Ryan Thang, a Nashville Predators draft pick who is captain of the Fighting Irish. "He’s really young, but he understands the game like a veteran. Coach (Jeff Jackson) has given him a lot of responsibility and he’s handled it perfectly. If you’re understanding the game you’re going to get time on the power play and penalty kill, and Riley is.

"He’s a really skilled guy with great vision. I’d definitely characterize him as more of the playmaker. He looks for the pass first, but he can definitely finish."

Thang, a senior, is four-and-a-half years older than Sheahan, so there's an age gap. Naturally some on the team find ways to tease him because he’s so young.

"We give him a hard time about that, but at the same time, he’s just a great kid off the ice and a pleasure to play hockey with," Thang said.

Fresh off the homestead, Sheahan comes across as younger than other draft-eligible players. The veteran players reached out to help him when he struggled with homesickness this summer during a six-week session.

"Going to summer school, being away from home for the first time, all the guys, not just the seniors, were all really good," Sheahan told Hockey's Future. "It's comfortable being around them."

Moving away from home this year and the homesickness that has come with it has been so difficult that Sheahan said it's the most adversity he's faced yet in his hockey career.

"I had played at home my whole life, lived at home, went to school with all my friends at home," Sheahan explained.

But his parents have been supportive during his transition. His father, Mike Sheahan, has attended every Irish game except for those in Alaska.

"He’s still young," Thang noted. "He’s still getting accustomed to the busy schedule, of the school load and being on your own away from home and stuff like that. Most kids his age are still playing junior hockey, still in high school. He’s made big strides since he came in this summer. Just like anyone, it’s an adjustment being away from home for the first time and growing up and taking care of yourself. It’s tough being a student-athlete, especially at Notre Dame."

Asked what part of Sheahan's game has improved the most of the course of the year, Thang said "I think his ability to make plays under the speed of college hockey. He was playing junior B hockey, which isn’t the best hockey. It was definitely a step up for him."

Self-analyzing his improvement Sheahan said, "I think my confidence level has gone up a bit. At first I was a little hesitant to make moves with the puck, and take chances to create a scoring chance. And I got a little bit bigger and stronger so I could compete with these bigger, stronger players."

The 6'2 center dropped a bit of weight at the beginning of the year, but gained it back as muscle, so he still weighs just under 200, but it's a more muscular 200.

"I'm eating a lot healthier so I think my fitness is up a bit," Sheahan said. "That helps a lot."

Asked which NHLer he would compare Sheahan to, Thang said, “Off the top of my head I would say Rick Nash a little bit. He’s a bigger guy, not a huge power forward but has got great vision, likes to go to the net, can shoot the puck and score but can make plays as well."

Sheahan has something else in common with Nash when he was still playing junior -- he doesn't look like he's doing much on the ice. It's just so effortless for him that it fools you. Thang agreed with this assessment.

"Yeah, Riley if you look at him it doesn't look like he’s working that hard but he’s really effective on the ice when he gets the puck. Smooth strides, doesn’t look like he’s going that fast, but then he’ll blow by you."

Sheahan is so skilled that even his mistakes look good. In a recent game, he came in hard on the goalie and then just tucked it in five-hole. It looked like a slick off-speed goal, but he said he didn't intend that result.

"No," he said laughing. "I meant to go high blocker, but I kind of just fanned on it and got lucky. I'm glad it looked like that, but it wasn't what I meant to do."

Scoring on his first ever collegiate shot, Sheahan continues to show soft hands. And this despite shattering one of them in a hockey fight last season, something rather out of character for the mild-mannered forward.

"I've still got six plates and a pin in there," he said, pointing to the top of his hand.

Centering the third line with Thang and Ben Ryan (NAS), Sheahan has the opportunity to show how good he is both offensively and defensively. He got an even better opportunity on defense when the Irish turned to the Torpedo system of four forwards and one defenseman on Dec. 11 and 13 when they had just three healthy defensemen.

"Yeah, that was really different," Sheahan said. "Especially against Michigan, one of the better teams. It was another adjustment period, something I'm not used to."

But he added he'd be glad to do it again.

One of the best college defenders in the nation, Ian Cole, who watched him from the stands due to a concussion, gave a thumbs up to Sheahan's go-around at defense.

"He did a good job," the junior said later.

Even when the center is not assigned to defense, Sheahan comes back and helps the defense a lot.

"Well in order to be offensive, you have to get the puck first," Sheahan reasons. "So, defense zone is just as important as offensive zone. Everyone loves scoring goals, but you have to get the puck first."

Sheahan has been on the power play since the very first game of the season, but was recently moved to the point.

"I played on the point last year, so I'm pretty comfortable there," Sheahan said. "Wherever coach wants to put me on the power play I'm glad to play."

It's hard to name a weakness on Sheahan, but the humble 18-year-old was able to come up with one right away.

"Right now I'm struggling winning faceoffs," he said. "I've been talking to the coaches about it. In order to put me out there, they have to be confident that I'm going to win possession. So I have to work on my faceoffs and then be a little more consistent every shift, try to make something happen. At the beginning of the year I was doing alright in the faceoff circle, and now I'm sort of struggling so I'm doing extra faceoffs after practice. Hopefully it will turn around."

Sheahan said he is also working on "just trying to get my head on straight and not get big-headed and let this hockey thing make me cocky."

Having been ranked fifth among North American skaters by Central Scouting in the mid-terms, there will surely be a little more attention on Sheahan between now and June.

But the effect may be a good one, as when he is fully confident in his abilities, his game will probably take off even more.

Datsyuk Wins Third Straight Selke, the Lone Award for Red Wings

Pavel Datsyuk became the first man since Bob Gainey won the first 4 Selke trophies awarded, to win the honor of being the League's top defensive forward on three consecutive occasions.

Three awards had a Red Wing up for nomination -- Jimmy Howard for the Calder Trophy as well as Datsyuk up for both the Selke and Lady Byng but only the one will make its way to Detroit. The lone award makes it the leanest Awards night for the franchise since 2003/04 when Kris Draper also took home the Frank J. Selke Trophy.

The night extends one streak for Datsyuk but ends another. After winning the last four Lady Byng Trophies for sportsman-like play, he lost out to Martin St. Louis of the Tampa Bay Lightning missing his chance at a fifth.

And to own up to my predictions -- it wasn't too bad of a result. Out of the eight predictions, five of them turned out to be correct, including the 'certainty', Dave Tippett. The three stumbles were the newly-named Ted Lindsay Award and two Red Wing nominated awards, the Selke (yes, I believe Kesler was a deserving winner but was ultimately done in by his +/- rating) and the Calder Trophy (close call, I knew if it wasn't Jimmy it'd be Tyler Myers). So 5/8 ain't so bad. I'm just glad the Wings got something. I believe the last time the Red Wings as an organization received no awards was in 1998/99. Good to keep the streak going!

New Wallpapers!!

Word on a Wing plans on expanding its features a little with the addition of desktop wallpaper available for download. The first release is Henrik Zetterberg available in 1280x800, 1280x1024 and 800x600. If anyone has any special requests in terms of players or screen resolutions let me me know and I'll see what I can do.

Visit the Wallpapers page to download!

2010/11 NHL Schedule Released

NHL.com has released the schedule for next season. The Red Wings open their season on October 8 at home against the Anaheim Ducks followed by a meeting with the Stanley Cup Champion, Chicago Blackhawks the next night in Chicago for the unveiling of their Stanley Cup banner. Detroit will also be involved in the NHL's "Hockey Day in America" which includes Washington @ Buffalo; Philadelphia @ NY Rangers; Pittsburgh @ Chicago and Detroit @ Minnesota.

Schedule for Detroit:
Oct. 8 Anaheim, 7:00 p.m.
Oct. 9 at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
Oct. 12 Colorado, 7:00 p.m.
Oct. 14 at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Oct. 16 at Phoenix, 9:00 p.m.
Oct. 21 Calgary, 7:00 p.m.
Oct. 23 Anaheim, 7:00 p.m.
Oct. 28 Phoenix, 7:00 p.m.
Oct. 30 Nashville, 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 3 at Calgary, 9:30 p.m.
Nov. 5 at Edmonton, 9:00 p.m.
Nov. 6 at Vancouver, 10:00 p.m.
Nov. 8 Phoenix, 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 11 Edmonton, 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 13 Colorado, 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 17 St. Louis, 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 19 Minnesota, 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 21 Calgary, 5:00 p.m.
Nov. 24 at Atlanta, 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 26 at Columbus, 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 28 Columbus, 5:00 p.m.
Nov. 30 at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.
Dec. 3 at Anaheim, 10:00 p.m.
Dec. 4 at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.
Dec. 6 San Jose, 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 8 Nashville, 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 10 Montreal, 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 11 at New Jersey, 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 13 Los Angeles, 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 15 St. Louis, 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 17 at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 19 Dallas, 5:00 p.m.
Dec. 22 Vancouver, 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 23 at St. Louis, 8:00 p.m.
Dec. 26 at Minnesota, 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 27 at Colorado, 9:00 p.m.
Dec. 29 at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 31 N.Y. Islanders, 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 2 Philadelphia, 5:00 p.m.
Jan. 4 at Edmonton, 9:00 p.m.
Jan. 7 at Calgary, 9:00 p.m.
Jan. 8 at Vancouver, 10:00 p.m.
Jan. 10 at Colorado, 9:30 p.m.
Jan. 14 at Columbus, 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 15 Columbus, 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 18 at Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 20 at St. Louis, 8:00 p.m.
Jan. 22 Chicago, 2:00 p.m.
Jan. 26 New Jersey, 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 2 at Ottawa, 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 4 Columbus, 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 5 at Nashville, 8:00 p.m.
Feb. 7 N.Y. Rangers, 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 9 Nashville, 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 11 at Boston, 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 13 Boston, 5:00 p.m.
Feb. 17 at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 18 at Florida, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 20 at Minnesota, 6:00 p.m.
Feb. 22 San Jose, 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 24 Dallas, 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 26 at Buffalo, 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 28 at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.
Mar. 2 at Anaheim, 10:00 p.m.
Mar. 3 at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.
Mar. 5 at Phoenix, 8:00 p.m.
Mar. 9 Los Angeles, 7:00 p.m.
Mar. 11 Edmonton, 7:00 p.m.
Mar. 12 at St. Louis, 8:00 p.m.
Mar. 16 Washington, 7:00 p.m.
Mar. 17 at Columbus, 7:00 p.m.
Mar. 19 at Nashville, 8:00 p.m.
Mar. 21 Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m.
Mar. 23 Vancouver, 7:00 p.m.
Mar. 26 Toronto, 7:00 p.m.
Mar. 28 Chicago, 7:00 p.m.
Mar. 30 St. Louis, 7:00 p.m.
Apr. 2 at Nashville, 3:00 p.m.
Apr. 3 Minnesota, 5:00 p.m.
Apr. 6 at Carolina, 7:00 p.m.
Apr. 8 Chicago, 7:00 p.m.
Apr. 10 at Chicago, 4:00 p.m.

NHL Awards Predictions

So it's just two more sleeps to the ever-tacky NHL Awards are once again handed out to honor the NHL's best. The 2010 version will be emanating from Las Vegas, NV for the second consecutive year and features Snoop Dogg as well as some of music's most irrelevant acts. It will also be hosted by big baseball fan, Jay "Hockey Sucks" Mohr. A fine choice indeed, NHL.

Anyway, onto the part of the show that matters... it'll probably be a relatively lean night for the Red Wings. With Lidstrom not being nominated for his trophy and Pavel having a lean year (but still getting two nominations) Jimmy Howard is probably the Wings' best shot at an award.

Vezina Trophy

Awarded to the best goaltender as judged by the League's 30 General Managers. Currently held by Tim Thomas.

Finalists:

Martin Brodeur (NJD) -- 45-25-6, 2.24 GAA, .916 SV%

Ilya Bryzgalov (PHX) -- 42-20-6, 2.29 GAA, .920 SV%

Ryan Miller (BUF) -- 41-18-8, 2.22 GAA, .929 SV%

WOW Winner: Ryan Miller

For most of the season Ryan Miller was the most talked about as the Vezina-favorite, and with good reason. With little help to speak of, Miller lead his Buffalo Sabres to the best record in the Northeast division and was second only to Tuukka Rask in SV% and GAA while playing in 24 more games.

James Norris Memorial Trophy

Awarded to the best all-round defenseman in the League as judged by members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. Also known as the Lidstrom Trophy. Currently held by Zdeno Chara.

Finalists:

Drew Doughty (LAK) -- 16 goals, 43 assists, 59 points, +20

Mike Green (WAS) -- 19 goals, 57 assists, 76 points, +39

Duncan Keith (CHI) -- 14 goals, 55 assists, 69 points, +21

WOW Winner: Duncan Keith

In my mind, Duncan Keith was without question the NHL's best defenseman. The gold-medallist and Stanley Cup-winner deserves one more trophy to top off his outstanding 2010 season. While his +/- rating is significantly lower than Mike Green's and his point total is slightly lower, he is still light years ahead of Green in terms of defense. Coupling that with a massive 69 point season, he takes the Lidstrom Trophy home in my eyes. Having said this, it wouldn't surprise me to see it go to Mike Green. His Coffey-esque numbers usually garner more attention than they necessarily deserve.

Calder Memorial Trophy

Awarded to the best player at his position in his first year of competition as judged by members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. Currently held by Steve Mason.

Finalists:

Jimmy Howard G (DET) -- 37-15-10, 2.26 GAA, .924 SV%

Matt Duchene C (COL) -- 24 goals, 31 assists, 55 points, +1

Tyler Myers D (BUF) -- 11 goals, 37 assists, 48 points, +13

WOW Winner: Jimmy Howard

Many non-Red Wings' fan might accuse me of being biased, and this may prove to be the case. But I truly believe this award is out of Howard and Myers. Jimmy has had an exceptional season in a tough situation in Detroit. With Chris Osgood faltering for the second straight regular season, Ken Holland and Mike Babcock looked to Jimmy Howard to take the reigns, and that he did. Backstopping a heavily injured team, Howard finished the season 5th in the League in both SV% and GAA.

Lady Byng Memorial Trophy

Awarded to the who combine sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct with outstanding play as judged by members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. Currently held by Pavel Datsyuk.

Finalists:

Pavel Datsyuk C (DET) -- 27 goals, 43 assists, 70 points, +17

Brad Richards C (DAL) -- 24 goals, 67 assists, 91 points, -12

Martin St. Louis RW (TBL) -- 29 goals, 65 assists, 94 points, -8

WOW Winner: Martin St. Louis I guess...

I dunno. I mean, how do you seriosuly judge this award? I really give no thought to this award during the year, so I'm just going by numbers now. Datsyuk had a big drop in production this season, we all know that. St. Louis had a great year and has the numbers... so I guess I'll pick him. Whatever.

Frank J. Selke Trophy

Awarded to the forward who demonstrates the best defensive skill in the NHL as judged by members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. Currently held by Pavel Datsyuk.

Finalists:

Pavel Datsyuk C (DET) -- 27 goals, 43 assists, 70 points, +17

Ryan Kesler C (VAN) -- 25 goals, 50 assists, 75 points, +1

Jordan Staal C (PIT) -- 21 goals, 28 assists, 49 points, +19

WOW Winner: Ryan Kesler

Probably not the most popular choice among Red Wings' fans but I honestly believe Ryan Kesler deserves this one. Datsyuk had a pretty rough season compared his preceding campaigns and Kesler's 75 points while taking on the oppositions best is too much for me to ignore. Staal will get it one day. Not on Wednesday though.

Jack Adams Award

Awarded to the NHL coach of the year as judged by National Hockey League Broadcasters' Association. Currently held by Claude Julien.

Finalists:

Joe Sacco (COL) -- Record: 43-30-9

Dave Tippett (PHX) -- Record: 50-25-7

Barry Trotz (NSH) -- Record: 47-29-6

WOW Winner: Dave Tippett

This must be the most obvious of all the awards to be handed out. Dave Tippett did extraordinary things with a pretty ordinary team. With no stars to speak of, the Phoenix Coyotes smashed franchise records of 40 wins and 95 points with their 50 wins and 107 points. The marks also set records for the Winnipeg Jets franchise records in the NHL. Ilya Bryzgalov was the only real outstanding player on the team, so Dave Tippett gets a lot of the credit for the team's turnaround since Wayne Gretzky. If there is one certainly during this whole night, it is surely Tippett.

Ted Lindsay Award

Awarded to the most outstanding NHL player as judged by the NHL Players' Association. Currently held by Alexander Ovechkin.

Finalists:

Alexander Ovechkin LW (WAS) -- 50 goals, 59 assists, 109 points, +45

Sidney Crosby C (PIT)-- 51 goals, 58 assists, 109 points, +25

Henrik Sedin C (VAN) -- 29 goals, 83 assists, 112 points, +35

WOW Winner: Henrik Sedin

I never used to think that Henrik would have had this in him. His ability to shoot the puck alone was one hinderance I thought would keep him from being a genuine elite player but his 29 goals have silenced me. For the first time in his career, he finished a season over 1 point per game, and this year he easily eclipsed the mark. Sedin lead the League with his 83 assists and 112 points which is enough for me, to give him the Award. Crosby could get this thing, but Sedin is my choice.

Hart Memorial Trophy

Awarded to the most NHL's MVP as judged by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. Currently held by Alexander Ovechkin.

As above. It's the same damn thing, with the same damn finalists!

Red Wings Pre-Season Schedule

The Red Wings will join the Penguins on Wednesday, September 22 to play the first ever game in Pittsburgh's new arena, the CONSOL Energy Center. The meeting will open the pre-season for both teams. From the Red Wings' Official Site, the pre-season schedule looks like this:

September
22 Wed. At Pittsburgh CONSOL Energy Center 7 p.m. EDT
24 Fri. CHICAGO Joe Louis Arena 7 p.m. EDT
25 Sat. At Chicago United Center TBD
26 Sun. NY RANGERS Joe Louis Arena 5 p.m. EDT
29 Wed. At NY Rangers Madison Square Garden 7 p.m. EDT
October
1 Fri. TORONTO Joe Louis Arena 7 p.m. EDT
2 Sat. At Toronto Air Canada Centre 7 p.m. EDT
3 Sun. PITTSBURGH Joe Louis Arena 5 p.m. EDT

Todd Bertuzzi Signs Two-Year Contract Extension

As per Helene St. James at Freep:

Todd Bertuzzi has agreed to a two-year, $3.875 million deal with the Detroit Red Wings.

“It’s just a really good fit for me,” the forward said. “My kids were so pumped when they found out we’re going back for two more years -- now my son gets to stay in his hockey program, and they get to go back to the same schools.”

Todd Bertuzzi scored 18 goals and got 26 assists in 82 games for the Red Wings last season, plus 2 goals and 9 assists in 12 playoff games.

Flip Senior On His Way to Detroit

Often bereft of compatriates to play with, Valtteri Fippula was a lonely Fin after the departure of 2nd Finnish player in Red Wings history, Ville Leino. His loneliness won't last long however, with Ken Holland's signing of his older brother, Ilari Filppula to a one-year, two-way $500k contract.

From Ansar Khan at mlive:

The Detroit Red Wings have signed 28-year-old Finnish free-agent forward Ilari Filppula, the older brother of Valtteri Filppula."

He adds some depth to our organization,'' Red Wings assistant general manager Jim Nill said. "His career has blossomed in the last 2-3 years. He was one of the better players in Finland. It's time to see if he can play in the best league in the world.''

Ilari is a 28-year old winger, who also has the versatility to move to center when needed. He has spent his entire professional career in the Finnish SM-Liiga, playing for JYP, Jokerit Helsinki and most recently TPS Turku where his club won the Finnish Championship and he earned himself the Jari Kurri trophy as the playoff MVP.

Filppula is 5'11", 191lbs and last season with TPS, he tallied 12 goals and 37 assists in 58 games but was a minus-3 despite leading his team in scoring. He's said to be a good playmaker but doesn't skate as well as his younger brother, Valtteri.

The Chicago Blackhawks Win the Stanley Cup

Well, the 49-year drought is over -- the 'Hawks are Stanley Cup Champions again. In a well-deserved Cup run for Toews and his mates, the Blackhawks were able to overcome the gutsy Philadelphia Flyers in 6 games to be the third straight team to take the prize in hostile territory.

Amidst a throng of boos from the Philly crowd, League commissioner Gary Bettman presented the Conn Smyth trophy to Blackhawks captain, Jonathan Toews as the playoffs MVP. Then, moments later requested the 22-year-olds presence once more, this time to collect the big prize -- Lord Stanley's Cup.

The Flyers looked set to continue their fairy tale playoffs campaign when with 4 minutes to play, sustained pressure in the Blackhawks' zone culminated in a game-tying goal to make it 3-3. The teams traded chances in the final moments of the game but a dramatic overtime win was set for someone.

The momentum remained with Philly during the extra-time, but the cruel thing about sudden-death is it only matters if you score. 4:06 into OT, Patrick Kane made a drive to the net on an, at first, seemingly unsuccessful play. Subsequently, Kane screamed down the ice in celebration as his teammates, opponents, officials and fans alike all seemed confused with the preceding events. The puck was confirmed to have gotten behind Michael Leighton and hidden in the netting and the real celebrations began.

It was one of the stranger ways I've seen a Stanley Cup won, with only one member of the winning side willing to throw off the gloves and cheer.

So there it is -- they did it. Now the Blackhawks' fans have the Cup and something to hold over the Red Wings. Congratulations to the 10,000 fans that had heard of them 3 years ago. Oh, and congrats to the 'Hawks fanbase that went two whole months without making chants about Detroit. It seems your feelings for your own team finally outweigh those for the Red Wings. Oh.... wait. I guess not.

Bertuzzi Offered Two-Year Deal

According to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press, Ken Holland has made an offer to unrestricted free agent Todd Bertuzzi for a two-year contract as well as making qualifying offers to the Wings restricted free agents:

The Wings have offered a two-year deal to unrestricted free-agent forward Todd Bertuzzi. They also have extended qualifying offers to all five of their restricted free agents: forwards Patrick Eaves, Drew Miller, Justin Abdelkader and Darren Helm and defenseman Derek Meech. There have been some preliminary talks with the agents for Eaves and Miller. Eaves, Miller and Meech all have arbitration rights.

Bertuzzi's deal is expected to be a small discount to last season's 1-year/$1.5m agreement in light of the added security of a multi-year deal -- one that Bertuzzi hasn't has since Brian Burke and the Anaheim Ducks bought him out of the second and final year of his 2-year contract in 2008. Any financial details of the offer are, at this stage, just speculation and the Bertuzzi's agent is still yet to confim an agreement.

Holmstrom Signs Two-Year Extension; Becomes Wing for Life

Tomas Holmstrom will remain in Detroit for the rest of his career, much to the joy of Red Wings' fans and the dismay of opposing goalies.

Last season Holmstrom scored 25 goals and 45 points in 68 games, but those numbers don't include all the screen-shots he doesn't tip or get an assist on. "Homer" has had his butt in the faces of NHL goaltenders for 13 seasons, getting cross-checks and stinky gloves in the face as a result. However, doing it all wearing the Winged Wheel means he also got repaid with 4 Stanley Cups along the way.

Holmstrom's cap-hit will drop from $2.25m last season to $1.875m for the next two seasons, a great deal for 25 goals, no doubt.

Per Ansar Khan of mlive: "I'm very excited about it; I know Tomas is, too,'' Howard Gourwitz, Holmstrom's agent, told Booth Newspapers. "It's a real honor to play for one team your entire career. To have won four Stanley Cups is a dream come true. He's really excited and he's proud to stay here.''

This signing gives us a clearer picture of how the Red Wings' roster will shape up. With 17 players signed at approximately $52.25m. The salary cap is expected to be around $58m to $58.8m, leaving Ken Holland with plenty of space to make all the anticipated re-signings. Two UFA's -- Todd Bertuzzi ($1.5m last season) and Andreas Lilja ($1.2m), five RFA's -- Darren Helm ($.6m), Justin Abdelkader ($.8m), Drew Miller ($.5m), Patrick Eaves ($.5m) and Derek Meech ($.5m) are all expected to receive offers to stay in Detroit.

Nicklas Lidstrom to Return for Another Year

According to Ansar Khan of Mlive, the Detroit Red Wings' captain Nick Lidstrom will finalize the details of a one-year contract extension with Ken Holland later this week.

A source told Booth Newspapers on Monday that Lidstrom has decided to return for another season. The club is expected to finalize a one-year contract extension this week with the six-time Norris Trophy winner as the league’s top defenseman.

In Lidstrom, the Red Wings see the return of their leader and one of the defenseman in the League, still at the ripe old age of 40. While the details of the contract are still very much a guessing game, the cap hit for Lids will most likely be a uniquely high one for a player of his age, even after the hometown discount -- but Nick is a uniquely talented player, with whom the Red Wings are perennial Cup-contenders.

The deal has been officially signed for $6.2m for the 2010/2011 season.