According to this article on mLive, the Wings have between $2-$3million to spend on free agents. Holland would prefer to sign more than one player with that amount. Remaining free agents include Alex Tanguay, Mike Comrie, Petr Sykora, Vinny Prospal, Jason Williams, and Bertuzzi. The best of the bunch is Tanguay, who made $5.4million last season, so he'd have to take a massive pay cut. Same with Comrie (the youngest), who made $4million. A more likely target would be Sykora or Williams. Sykora was a healthy scratch by Pittsburgh in the playoffs, so that's gotta be a major red flag. Williams does not put up the offensive numbers of Sykora, but he is familiar with the Wings system. That may make him the likeliest of signings.
I'm not sure how Holland is going to stretch that $2-$3million into two players, but he's worked magic in the past. I'd really pressure Tanguay right now, knowing that most NHL teams are hurting financially. A one-year stint with the Wings could lead to good things for the 29 year old. He'd slot right in on the powerplay, and, despite his Avalanche past, I think most Wing fans would be happy to have him.
What about Hudles?
According to the article, Hudles will go to arbitration, but it's a mere formality at this point. The arbiter's ruling will only stipulate his salary when (or if) he returns to the NHL. There's nothing stopping Hudles from playing in Russia next season, and that's exactly what the Wings are expecting he'll do. Hudles has truly turned this into a big mess.
Los Tigres
The Tigers continued their road woes last night. After taking a 3-0 lead, thanks to timely 2-out hits by Ramon Santiago and Dusty Ryan, Tigers starter Luke French immediately gave the lead right back. The Rangers struck for 4 straight runs and tacked on 3 more later in the game. The Tigers rarely threatened after the 2nd inning. Yawn.
There's no relief in sight. This is your 2009 Detroit Tigers. And, to be fair, they're better than last year.
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