Who is be the first free agent frenzy buyout, Alferdson full of it, Poile wins big

   If you really wanted to win a Stanley Cup would really choose Detroit over Boston? We don’t have time to go over everything; but if you at the status of the blueline…. It’s not even comparable. The Bruins hand down.  This being said…. I call BS on Daniel Alferdson; why did he not come right out and say it? He’d rather play with fellow countrymen Henrik Zetterberg, Jonathan Ericsson, Niklas Kronwall and Johan Fransen and he likes the way the Wings play the game…. And oh yes; let’s not forget he was offered way more money by Detroit, then Ottawa or Boston. If it was not about the money why not take a 2.75 million salary, instead he doubles it…. That extra 2.75 million he took; could mean not getting the extra piece at the deadline.

Who will be bought out first

   Of all the signings today, who is buy-out compliance waiting to happen? Twenty-four hours after being praised for getting something for Shawn Horcoff; Oilers general manager is wasting three million over the next three years for Boyd Gordon. If he were to match his career 9 goal output…. He’d be making $333,333 per goal. He’s not known as a big man up the middle, he doesn't address their need toughness, an average player on a horrible contract.

   Lord knows Steve Yzerman wasn't the only one throwing money at Valtteri Filpulla but come on, 5 years @ 5 million per? Coming off of his career worst 9 goals & 17 points, the Finnish centerman should give his agent a big bonus for fetching him this contract. I am not a Columbus fan, but thank god they did not get stuck with another stupid contract.

   Is Mike Ribero going to be worth 6 million when he will be 37 years old? I think not, and I can say that with some conviction.

Quite but effective

    Nashville has never been a top destination for many free-agents in years past; but give David Poile (Nashville GM) some credit they inked four free agent forwards addressing every need they had. It’s not far-fetched to say Victor Stalberg & Matt Cullen are top six forwards, they are  not world beaters, but for a total of 6.5 million (between the two of them), they score you between 15-20 goals each, something the team lacked last year. The other additions are what impress me the most, both Eric Nystrom & Matt Hendricks bring veteran leadership, penalty killing and toughness, something they desperately lacked since Jordan Tootoo went to Detroit. Can you imagine a 3^rd line of Nystrom, Hendricks and Paul Gaustad; holy black and blue, I would have nightmares if I were a smaller, less than tough team.