Detroit Red Wings Trade Rumors

Wings' Danny Cleary to miss his first game with knee injury
February 10
Detroit News
 
"Danny Cleary … out. Jimmy Howard … out. That's the status of two key Red Wings heading into weekend games against the Ducks (tonight) and Flyers (Sunday) Danny Cleary (knee) and Howard (broken right index finger) will be re-evaluated Monday, Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said. Cleary was scheduled to have fluid drained from his left knee Thursday, Holland said. "They'll (doctors) decide if they're going to do anything (further)," Holland said. "We'll give him a few days off here and decide Monday (if he's ready to play Tuesday against the Stars). "I would say he's day to day.""
Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings to enjoy Winter Classic Week
February 9
Toronto Star
 
"It's not just a Winter Classic day. It's now a Winter Classic week. More details about what the NHL plans for its Jan. 1 outdoor game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings — perhaps the worst-kept secret in sports — are beginning to leak out. There'll be two news conferences, one at 10:30 a.m. at Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers, another at 1:30 p.m. at Michigan Stadium, a.k.a. the Big House, where the league hopes the big game will draw upwards of 100,000 people. The league intends to draw on the population of Leaf Nation — the main reason a Canadian team has been invited to what has been an exclusively American event — to help reach its record crowd levels at the"
Regents OK $3 million lease of Michigan Stadium for Winter Classic: Leafs vs. Wings
February 9
Detroit News
 
"The University of Michigan is in final negotiations with the NHL to hold the Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Michigan Stadium on Jan. 1, 2013. Michigan stands to gain $3 million from the NHL lease to host the game between the Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs at noon on New Year's Day. The NHL hopes to break the hockey attendance record of 104,173, set Dec. 11, 2010, when Michigan hosted Michigan State. Michigan's Board of Regents approved the proposal during a special meeting Wednesday morning that most regents attended via conference call. Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon said the contract, that he's been working on since November, should be finalized "soon.""
Detroit's Jimmy Howard out two games with broken finger
February 3
NHL.com
 
"The Detroit Red Wings announced Friday that goaltender Jimmy Howard will miss the team's next two games because of a broken finger. Howard, an All-Star this year who leads the NHL with 32 victories, broke a finger on his right hand during Detroit's 4-3 win in Vancouver on Thursday night. The Red Wings said he will be re-evaluated Tuesday when the team returns to Detroit following its four-game road trip."
Maple Leafs to face Red Wings in Winter Classic: Report
January 19
Toronto Star
 
"It appears the Maple Leafs will indeed play the Detroit Red Wings in next year's Winter Classic — a game the NHL hopes will break attendance records. A source close to the talks confirmed a deal was just about done, after similar reports in Detroit newspapers. It's been an open secret since the last Classic, between the Rangers and the Flyers, that the NHL wanted the Leafs to play the Wings next time. The Michigan website Mlive.com reported Wednesday that the Wings had come to terms with the University of Michigan to use Michigan Stadium — a.k.a. The Big House — for the Jan. 1, 2013 game."
Red Wings to host Toronto in Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium
January 19
Detroit Free Press
 
"A source has confirmed to the Free Press that the Detroit Red Wings will host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Jan. 1, 2013, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. The Red Wings won't get to announce that they're hosting the Winter Classic until next month, but that's only because logistics won't allow it. The Wings asked to host the game right after participating in the 2009 game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Wrigley Field. Detroit was an easy selection for the NHL and NBC, which broadcasts the game, because of the rich history of the Wings and Detroit's wintry location. But it remained to be negotiated whether it would be held at Michigan Stadium, which can hold a record-setting crowd topping"
Maple Leafs-Red Wings Classic in jeopardy?
January 18
Toronto Sun
 
"There might be some trouble at the Big House for a proposed Maple Leafs-Red Wings Winter Classic. University of Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon told the Detroit News earlier this week that an outdoor game at the school's football stadium held before as many as 100,000 people could encounter scheduling conflicts and other hiccups. "When we were approached (by the NHL), I thought this could be a great opportunity. But boy, doesn't it have a lot of complications, and I still feel that way," Brandon told the paper. "They play it on Jan. 1. It's a holiday, a long time after the stadium's closed up. And, everybody is out of town, and I hope, in fact, a lot are at a bowl game watching our"
Red Wings in line to make history at home Monday night
January 16
Detroit News
 
"There's a chance for history tonight when the Red Wings host the Buffalo Sabres. With 14 consecutive home victories, the Wings can set a new franchise record if they earn No. 15 against the Sabres. The Wings haven't lost at Joe Louis Arena since dropping a 4-1 decision to Calgary on Nov. 3. With the road-heavy schedule the Wings had in December — and are still trying to navigate through in January — to some players it doesn't feel like the Wings have really been at Joe Louis Arena much. "We haven't been at home that often," Danny Cleary said. "The streak feels weird. It's been so separated. That whole December and January run we weren't at home (the Wings were on the road for 14 of 19"
Leafs in Winter Classic could mean more Burke on TV
January 15
Toronto Sun
 
"Coming soon to a bigger picture television screen near you: Brian Burke, Ron Wilson (assuming he's still the coach) and your Toronto Maple Leafs, the first Canadian team to be involved in the National Hockey League's Winter Classic. While it has yet to be announced or officially confirmed, it certainly seems apparent that the Leafs will play the Detroit Red Wings outdoors next January at the University of Michigan. And what's surprising about this is that NBC, the American network that puts so much into televising the Winter Classic, is on board with having a Canadian team involved, especially considering that NBC rarely, if ever, features a Canadian team on any of its weekly NHL"
Source: Big House Classic plan includes Detroit
January 14
ESPN.com
 
"The NHL has all but finalized details to hold next year's Winter Classic between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, while continuing negotiations for a second outdoor rink in downtown Detroit where all ancillary events would be held, a source told ESPN.com Friday. The league would like to have the matter settled by the All-Star break in late January, according to the source. The Jan. 1 game between the Original Six rivals would be played at the University of Michigan's "Big House," which, at 110,000-plus seats, is the largest college football stadium in the country. Ann Arbor is about 43 miles west of Detroit. But cognizant of the need to"
Wings' Pavel Datsyuk a game-time decision for Coyotes
January 12
Detroit News
 
"There are a couple game-time decisions for the Red Wings before Thursday night's contest against Phoenix. Pavel Datsyuk (lower-body injury) took part in Thursday's morning skate. "I feel OK," said Datsyuk, who added that he feels "better" after three days off the ice. Datsyuk said a final decision would come down to what the trainers and coaches say. "Eight hours, we'll make the decision," Datsyuk said."
Red Wings' Pavel Datsyuk out tonight vs. Islanders
January 10
Detroit Free Press
 
"Quick update from Nassau Coliseum: Red Wings forward Pavel Datsyuk is out tonight against the Islanders. Datsyuk said he suffered a lower-body injury during Sunday's game at Chicago, but didn't think it was serious. He's being held out tonight as a precaution, but said he hopes to play Thursday when the Wings host Phoenix. Judging by his mood, Datsyuk isn't overly concerned. Asked how he got hurt, he replied, "it's secret information. KGB tell me, don't tell nobody." He did reveal "I feel it little bit yesterday and I hope it's better today, but not better. I hope it's one game.""
Red Wings' Chris Conner fractures hand, is out two weeks
December 16
Detroit News
 
"Tough break for Chris Conner. The Westland native, who had been playing well for the Red Wings, will be out two weeks with a slight fracture in his right hand. He has one goal and two assists in six games and made a positive impact with his speed on a checking line with Danny Cleary and Darren Helm. "It felt a little jammed," Conner said after Thursday's morning skate. "They took a look and it showed something." Enough, however, to force him to watch for a couple weeks. "I want to play and the situation I'm in, I want to keep proving I can play at this level," Conner said. "It could be worse. I just have to stay positive.""
Red Wings GM Holland: No trade talk despite another tough loss
November 19
Detroit Free Press
 
"Red Wings general manager Ken Holland watched his team practice Friday. He wasn't planning a makeover. The Wings have struggled this season, to be sure; they have lost two in a row entering today's game at Los Angeles, but before that, they had won four straight, and they started 5-0 before losing six in a row. After a 5-2 loss Thursday at San Jose, coach Mike Babcock had strong words for his team: "We've got to have a discussion as a group. Do we want to be a good team or not?" While the offense has come in spurts -- seemingly it's either five goals or one -- Holland isn't talking trades. "First of all, that's not my M.O.," Holland said. "And we're not the only team where we are in the"
Everything's better for Red Wings after a win -- even practice
November 8
Detroit Free Press
 
"The way the Red Wings broke out of their slump led to a much more pleasant -- if short-manned -- practice Monday. "No question," coach Mike Babcock said. "Relief. You can just tell by the way they were passing the puck today. What happens is, the game is tight; the game is tight, and suddenly as you loosen up and you score, then there's more room out there. There's not more room that they created or even that you created, it's just you feel it, because you're executing and you're fluid. When nothing is going right, you're grinding, and that's just the natural way the game is.""
Punchless Wings see winless streak hit 6
November 4
Detroit News
 
"Teams usually are tested at some point during the long hockey season. Are they good enough, mentally strong enough to be a championship-quality team? The Red Wings might have reached that critical juncture already. The clear inability to score goals continued to haunt the Wings on Thursday as they lost, 4-1, to the Calgary Flames. The defeat stretched the Wings winless streak to six games (0-5-1), a streak in which the Wings have scored a grand total of six goals. If they aren't careful, the Wings could be digging themselves a hole from which they won't be able to climb out of later in the season."
Wings coach breaks up Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg
November 3
Detroit News
 
"Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk. Playing together. Imagine the offensive potential. And right now, that's all it's turning out to be: A figment of the Wings' imagination. "They're not going to be together," Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said Wednesday. "I just played Pav and Z together nine straight games. Through that time, we haven't done enough, so I'm not playing them together. "We need more people going. Maybe they can help them get going. They have to help themselves as well. We have to change some things up and see if we can't do a better job." The Red Wings have scored five goals the last five games — all losses. Datsyuk has eight points (two goals) in 10 games, while Zetterberg"
Reports: Niklas Kronwall, Wings agree to seven-year extension
October 31
Detroit News
 
"Defenseman Niklas Kronwall and the Red Wings have agreed to a seven-year contract extension, according to reports. TSN of Canada says the deal is worth $4.75 million per season. Kronwall was in the final season of a five-year contract."
Red Wings powerless on power play
October 24
Detroit Free Press
 
"Could have, would have, should have, but didn't. Coach Mike Babcock tolerated no "what ifs" after the Red Wings' 7-1 loss Saturday night to the NHL-leading Washington Capitals. The Wings might have delayed their first loss of the season had they scored during a second straight half-minute, two-man advantage in the second period, but instead their power play again sputtered, and a 3-1 deficit soon became 4-1. "A goal there, we're right in the game," Henrik Zetterberg said. "We can take that on the road. But against these kinds of teams, you have to score goals, because they will score goals. They are really good when they get their chances, and you have to match that. Their power play was"
Time off makes Wings restless
October 20
Detroit News
 
"Everyone agrees the Red Wings have gotten off to a good start. But exactly how they're 4-0 is a bit fuzzy. "Do you remember it?" kidded Red Wings coach Mike Babcock after practice Wednesday. "It's been so long. We'd like to get playing." Most NHL teams have a light October schedule. But … The Red Wings have nine games this month. Making it even more unusual is that their games have been bunched up on weekends."
Red Wings sign Fabian Brunnstrom, release Ryan Johnson, put 5 on waivers
October 4
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Detroit Red Wings made two moves today that cement their 23-man roster: signing Fabian Brunnstrom and releasing Ryan Johnson. Neither decision was unexpected. Brunnstrom and Johnson both came to training camp on tryouts; Brunnstrom after soliciting an invitation, Johnson after being invited at the behest of coach Mike Babcock. Brunnstrom, 26, was the more intriguing of the two, by far: a 26-year-old winger who scored 17 goals as an NHL rookie three years ago. The Wings recruited the 6-foot-1, 205-pound Swede at the time, but he ended up going to Dallas."
Brendan Smith awaits his fate on hit
September 30
Detroit News
 
"Brendan Smith will learn his fate today. Smith talked with Brendan Shanahan, the former Red Wings player and current NHL chief disciplinarian, on Thursday to discuss a shoulder check Wednesday to the head of Blackhawks forward Ben Smith. Brendan Smith is likely to be disciplined on the matter. He received a game misconduct and a match penalty during the 4-3 exhibition loss. Brendan Smith declined to speak to reporters Thursday. Although not justifying the hit, Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said the offensive player needs to be responsible, too."
Injury to Red Wings' Jan Mursak opens opportunity for Fabian Brunnstrom
September 27
Detroit Free Press
 
"Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said this morning that injured forward Jan Mursak likely won't be back before Christmas. Mursak fractured his left ankle during Sunday's exhibition against the Chicago Blackhawks, and while surgery may not be necessary, the damage is extensive. "I think closer to three months is what we're looking at," Holland said. "We're going to wait for the swelling to go down and then assess him. He's got a broken ankle. He's got some other broken bones, stretched ligaments. "I don't think he needs surgery -- nothing is displaced, everything seems to be in place -- but they're going to see if they need to put pins in or anything. We'll know more in, say, a"
Wings' Jan Mursak has broken ankle, could miss three months
September 27
Detroit News
 
"The news on the injured Jan Mursak, the young forward who played well in a brief NHL stint with the Red Wings last year, got worse Monday, and there was a general sense in the dressing room the so-called hockey gods were particularly unkind to him. Mursak suffered a broken ankle during an exhibition last weekend against the Blackhawks, catching it between his body and the boards as he slid with considerable force. As television replays made clear, ankles are simply not intended to bend that way. After the game, coach Mike Babcock was willing to hazard a guess Mursak might be lost through about Thanksgiving. By Monday morning, it was clear it might well be at least Christmas."
Red Wings' Jan Mursak could miss 2 months
September 26
Detroit Free Press
 
"Red Wings left winger Jan Mursak is going to miss an extended period of time with a non-displaced fracture of his left ankle. "Two months for sure, I would think," Wings head coach Mike Babcock said after Sunday's 4-3 preseason win over Chicago. Mursak, 23, injured the ankle in the second period when he drove hard to the net, lost his balance and crashed into the backboards. "It's unfortunate for him, a guy that had a real good chance to make our club, that he's going to start behind the eight-ball," Babcock said. "It's tough when you're a kid. It's tough missing the start. It's hard to catch up.""
Younger Wings linemates will challenge Todd Bertuzzi
September 23
Detroit News
 
"Having Justin Abdelkader and Darren Helm together keeps the average age of any Red Wings line down. But throw in Todd Bertuzzi … Bertuzzi is 36 years old and skating with Abdelkader and Helm, both 24. "I love both of the kids, they're in for a long career, and they play the game right," Bertuzzi said. "We'll see what kind of chemistry we can build throughout the preseason and if we can contribute at both ends." Bertuzzi arrived in training camp with no lingering issues from a concussion suffered during Game 7 against San Jose in the Western Conference semifinals last season. While he's excited about the possibilities of skating with the young duo, Bertuzzi simply is pleased to be skating"
Red Wings start exhibition play with setback
September 23
Detroit News
 
"Finally, a chance to play a real game against a team other than themselves. After multiple days of intra-squad scrimmages, the Red Wings opened their exhibition schedule, with a 3-2 loss at Pittsburgh on Wednesday. Niklas Kronwall and Jiri Hudler scored the Red Wings goals, with Pavel Datsyuk assisting on both goals. "It was good to have an NHL game so you can see guys against NHL players and see where they stack up," coach Mike Babcock told reporters afterward. "We had tons of chances. They had a few more.""
Clean-cut Conklin returns in backup role
September 23
Detroit News
 
"Who is that guy? He sure looks like Ty Conklin. More than a few players did a double-take after seeing goalie Ty Conklin the past couple days. Gone was the bushy beard, the overgrown hair. It took a while to adjust to the clean-shaven, clean-cut Conklin. "Time to clean it up a little bit," said Conklin, with exhibition games beginning. Conklin will be in net tonight when the Wings face Philadelphia in London, Ontario. Conklin was signed over the summer to replace the retired Chris Osgood, and to back up Jimmy Howard. It was a return engagement for Conklin who, ironically, backed up Osgood during the 2008-09 season. "Definitely, it feels the right choice (to return)," said Conklin, who"
Red Wing Todd Bertuzzi embraces new role on 'two kids and a goat' line
September 20
Detroit Free Press
 
"Todd Bertuzzi spent a good dozen minutes signing autographs Monday following the Red Wings' scrimmage, which is when the start of a little ponytail got noticed. Bertuzzi said he was growing one because he and 10-year-old son Tag "have the same haircut." As he fits in at home, so Bertuzzi is focused on fitting in at work, where he finds himself in a new role. He has been a top-six forward most of the past two seasons, but he is starting training camp on the third line with Darren Helm and Justin Abdelkader. Bertuzzi, 36, scored one of Team Lindsay's goals in the 6-3 loss to Team Howe, showing off his soft hands. Though he's a decade removed from being a prime-time power forward, he put up"
Wings' Johan Franzen eager for progress
September 20
Detroit News
 
"Johan Franzen knew the questions were coming. When a player of Franzen's stature scores two goals in the final 27 games, goes quiet in the playoffs when his team is eliminated, the questions come from every direction. Everybody wants to know one thing: Why? Franzen isn't sure himself. "I hate these questions," Franzen said. "I didn't even know I had that (deep of a slump)." The Red Wings don't know the answers either; they just hope Monday intra-squad scrimmage was the first step to a bounce-back season."
Wings prospect Brendan Smith hopes patience pays off
September 20
Detroit News
 
"Brendan Smith would have been playing in the NHL last season if he were part of an organization that needed to rush him. The Red Wings, however, don't have any such problem. So, Smith was in Grand Rapids, playing big minutes and getting accustomed to pro hockey. Smith may be ready for the NHL this season, but again, the Red Wings don't need to push him just yet. "I'm just trying to show I'm ready, that's the biggest thing," said Smith, who is being paired with veteran Mike Commodore during the exhibition season. "It's just the way it is and that's how it was with most of these players. Everyone has gone through it.""
Wings' Patrick Eaves embraces change and scores
September 19
Detroit News
 
"One thing to remember about Patrick Eaves is he was considered a goal-scorer when he broke into the NHL. His role changed when he came to the Red Wings two seasons ago, becoming more of a defensive-oriented player. So when coach Mike Babcock decided to begin this training camp with Eaves on a scoring line centered by Pavel Datsyuk, with Danny Cleary on the other wing, it was an indication maybe there's some offense still to be mined out of Eaves. "Those are two world-class players and to be out there it makes you better," said Eaves, who celebrated in the first intrasquad scrimmage Sunday with a goal in Team Delvecchio's 2-1 victory over Team Howe. Fabian Brunnstrom added a goal. Valtteri"
Plenty of new kids at Red Wings camp
September 16
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Red Wings left for training camp Thursday, opting to fly to Traverse City rather than bus as has been their routine. That's one thing that's different this season. The other change is just how many new faces are on board, and how much competition there is both on defense and among the forwards. For a team that has been bounced two years running in the second round of the playoffs, an infusion of fresh blood -- and young blood -- is a welcome change. "We've had basically the same team for a lot of years now," defenseman Niklas Kronwall said, "and I definitely don't think it's bad that we get a little bit of change. We're really deep this year, deeper than we have been, and that feels"
Center Cory Emmerton knows spot with Wings not guaranteed
September 13
Detroit News
 
"This is a different camp for Cory Emmerton. Emmerton either will stay on the Red Wings roster or be exposed to waivers and likely be lost to another team. That, however, only can happen ifthe Red Wings send Emmerton to Grand Rapids after the exhibition season. Chances are, Emmerton is staying in Hockeytown. But … "Mostly every year you're pretty much told you're going down to Grand Rapids to play a lot and work on your game and better yourself as a player," said Emmerton, a second-round pick in 2006. "This year's it's a little bit different with the waiver thing (but) they won't keep me just because of that. "I have to show them I'm ready to play and help the team when I need to be"
Bryan McCabe still waits for deal, while Modano and Selanne decisions imminent
September 12
ESPN.com
 
"Camps around the NHL open later this week and unsigned veteran blueliner Bryan McCabe could possibly still sitting at home. The 36-year-old unrestricted free agent is hanging out at his South Florida home still pondering his future. "There have been discussions with several teams," his agent, Ian Pulver, told ESPN.com on Monday. "Bryan is still considering his options." McCabe had 28 points (7-21) in 67 games with Florida and the New York Rangers last season. He's no longer the offensive force he once was, but he's a solid two-way player and also a popular player in the room."
Retired Wing Chris Osgood warming up to coaching duties
September 1
Detroit News
 
"Chris Osgood certainly looks like a coach out on the ice, leaning on a hockey stick, wearing red gloves and black sweats with a red-and-white winged wheel emblazoned on his chest. But gazing at the still-youthful face and not seeing Osgood play is going to take some getting used to. His title is not yet set in stone. But Osgood, 38, who won more games in the NHL than all but nine goalies in history, appeared at Joe Louis Arena as a coach for the first time Wednesday. The occasion seemed a lot happier than bittersweet. "I'm excited about it," he said, flashing a familiar smile. "It'll be fun. I'm going to enjoy it. I'm looking forward to going up to Traverse City with the young guys.""
Lidstrom's return maintains Red Wings' high expectations
August 30
Detroit News
 
"However the coming season goes for the Red Wings, it all began Monday on the east side with a vigorous, voluntary skate at City Sports Center. Quite nearly Labor Day, and the guys are beginning to congregate — 18 days before training camp opens in Traverse City, 22 days before their first exhibition at Pittsburgh and 38 days before their first game of the season, Friday, Oct. 7. "The summer was good!" said the suntanned, seemingly ageless captain, Nicklas Lidstrom, 41, the 2011 Norris Trophy winner who returns for a 20th season. "It went by quick. I was back home for most of the time, and just enjoying the family." Asked if, as he anticipates the 2011-12 season, it feels a bit like a"
NHL policy change on substance abuse?
August 18
Toronto Sun
 
"The recent off-ice deaths of two NHL players could spark a change in how the league conducts its substance abuse and behavioural program. Commenting on the passing of New York Ranger Derek Boogaard and Winnipeg Jet Rick Rypien at the league's research and developmnt camp in Toronto, commissioner Gary Bettman told a wire service that he will soon approach the Players Association to study the current policy. Boogaard passed away in May after a mishap with alcohol and a painkiller drug. Rypien, who reportedly suffered from depression, died Monday and police will only say the circumstances were not suspicious. Both men had been in the program, which has helped many players with varied"
Red Wings give shot to former Star Fabian Brunnstrom
August 16
Detroit News
 
"It took about three years but the Red Wings finally have Fabian Brunnstrom. Brunnstrom, a Swedish forward who was a much-publicized undrafted free agent in 2008, will come to training camp on a pro tryout. "It's about competition, and if he comes in and plays better than someone else, we'll find a place (for him)," Jim Nill, the Wings' assistant general manager, said. "Things probably haven't gone as he would have liked, but this is an opportunity." Brunnstrom, 26, signed with the Stars after a hyped free-agent tour and scored three goals in his first NHL game. He wound up with 17 goals and 12 assists in his rookie season in 55 games. But Brunnstrom, who's 6-foot-1 and 206 pounds, only had"
Mike Modano hints at retirement in radio interview
August 1
Detroit Free Press
 
"Former Red Wing Mike Modano appeared on a radio show last week and sounded like a player ready to announce his retirement. He was on the "Bob and Dan" radio show on 1310 The Ticket in Dallas on Friday. When was asked if he'll play again, Modano told the hosts: "I don't know. I think that was the swan song." Later when he was asked if he wanted to make a retirement announcement right then on the show, he said, "Not yet.""
Modano hints at impending retirement
July 30
NHL.com
 
"Mike Modano said he isn't ready to announce his retirement, but did say during a recent radio interview that he isn't working out for the 2011-12 season and hasn't spoken to any teams about playing a 22nd season. "I don't know," he said Thursday when asked about his playing future by Dallas radio station 1310 AM. "I think that was the swan song." Modano, 41, was limited to just 40 games last season due to a serious arm injury. He severed three tendons and a nerve in his right arm during a game Nov. 26 in Columbus when a Blue Jackets player's skate got caught inside his glove. The injury sidelined him three months and scuttled his hopes for a happy homecoming; Modano had grown up a Red"
Wings sign two to contract extensions with AHL's Griffins
July 28
Detroit News
 
"The Red Wings on Wednesday announced that forward Francis Paré and goaltender Jordan Pearce agreed to two-year contract extensions with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL. The team did not release the financial terms of the contracts. Pearce, 24, of Anchorage, Alaska, was 20-15-5 with the Griffins in 2010-11, his second full season as a professional. His goals-against average was 2.89 and he had a .908 save percentage. He is 21-18-5, with a 3.01 GAA and a .904 save percentage in 50 career games in the AHL."
Red Wings' Kris Draper to retire
July 26
Detroit Free Press
 
"One of the best bargains the Detroit Red Wings ever got is retiring after 17 seasons. Kris Draper — known as Drapes among teammates, nicknamed Nailz for his relentless fitness, an original member of the Grind Line and a four-time Stanley Cup winner — is scheduled to make the announcement Tuesday morning at Joe Louis Arena, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. Draper had wanted to play another season, but with next season's team already stocked with 14 forwards and with Draper having just turned 40, space and time scuttled that plan. Draper's retirement comes a week after another fellow longtime Wing, Chris Osgood, hung up his skates. Draper came to Detroit in June 1993,"
Kris Draper expected to announce retirement Tuesday
July 25
Detroit News
 
"One week after Chris Osgood retired, it appears another long-time Red Wings player will hang up his skates, as well. The Wings have scheduled a press conference for Tuesday at 11 a.m., at which time center Kris Draper is expected to announce his retirement. General Manager Ken Holland and Draper will attend the press conference, which will take place at Joe Louis Arena. Draper, 40, has been considering retirement this offseason. If he were to return, Draper likely would have to battle rookie Cory Emmerton for a spot on the team."
Red Wings' roster appears set; Detroit will have cap flexibility to make midseason move
July 22
Michigan Live
 
"The dust has settled three weeks after the start of NHL free agency, and the Detroit Red Wings still have a lot of salary-cap space. But their money will collect dust for now because their 23-man roster appears to be set. General manager Ken Holland does not anticipate signing another free agent (a handful of notable-but-aging forwards and defensemen remain unsigned) or making a trade before the season. With roughly $5.8 million in cap space, the Red Wings will have flexibility to make a midseason move or two. "I think we can compete and I like our cap space," Holland said. "If, after 60 games, we get to the (trade) deadline and are in a playoff position, we can make a deal. We haven't had"
Red Wings announce signing goaltender Ty Conklin
July 20
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Detroit Red Wings made it official this morning, announcing they've signed goaltender Ty Conklin to a one-year deal. "We had him two years ago; he won 25 games for us; we know him as a person," general manager Ken Holland said. "We like him. He's a good fit." Conklin, 35, was brought in to back up starter Jimmy Howard after other plans fell apart. When free agency began July 1 the Wings went after Tomas Vokoun. They offered similar money to the $1.5 million he got from Washington, but the Capitals offered Vokoun a chance to be the starter, while Detroit's opening was for a backup. When Chris Osgood opted to retire Tuesday, Holland had Conklin lined up as an alternative. Conklin played"
Ty Conklin expected to return as backup goalie for Red Wings
July 20
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Red Wings will announce this morning that they have signed Ty Conklin to be the No. 2 guy next season, according to a source close to the situation. When free agency began July 1, they went after Tomas Vokoun, and when he instead opted for more playing time in Washington, the Wings turned their eyes back to Chris Osgood. Osgood decided he doesn't have it in him to keep playing and announced his retirement Tuesday. Now Conklin is their man, for the second time around. Conklin, 35, played for the Wings in 2008-09, going 25-11-2 with a .909 save percentage and 2.51 goals-against average. He spent the last two seasons with St. Louis. Conklin has appeared in 200 NHL games, also playing for"
Chris Osgood's status with Red Wings might be cleared up Tuesday
July 19
Detroit News
 
"The Red Wings have announced a teleconference call for noon today with general manager Ken Holland and goalie Chris Osgood. Neither returned phone calls or text messages Monday. Rollie Thompson, Osgood's agent, was in the dark, too. "I came back from my cottage, turned on the computer, and saw there was a news conference for (today)," Thompson said. "It's all news to me." Thompson said he texted Osgood Monday evening and was told Osgood was "meeting with Kenny.""
Chris Osgood, Red Wings veteran goaltender, to retire
July 19
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Red Wings have scheduled a conference call today to announce goaltender Chris Osgood will retire and instead take a job within the organization. The Free Press earlier reported Osgood would return to play, but has learned otherwise. Osgood, 38, spent much of last season injured, unable to play past January after undergoing sports hernia surgery. The Wings explored bringing in a new backup goaltender when free agency began July 1, including making an offer to Tomas Vokoun, but were unable to find anyone. That prompted general manager Ken Holland to reach out to Osgood. Osgood had told the Wings after the season ended that he would like to play another season."