Wings get Cujo

[Trots]

Curtis Joseph signed a three year deal with the Red Wings today. He basically signed the same contract Hasek had, but for three years with an option year.

Fans here are fairly sedate, although happy with this transaction. Joseph was clearly upset about leaving Toronto. He cried at his departing press conference there. As he is a Toronto native, I guess I'm not surprised. He really loved playing there and did his best to put a positive spin on everything in Toronto.

I especially loved how he made sure to call Detroit "Hockeytown, U-S-A", not just "Hockeytown" as the marekting people have everyone around here saying. It was just another signal to his fans in Toronto who believe they live in "THE" Hockeytown. I have to think he had a problem with Dryden, Quinn or someone else in the organization. Why else leave a place you love so much over two million dollars?

I'm happy with the move, although Cujo's Olympic performance does scare me some. He looked so awful in what was clearly an opportunity for him to become Canada's #1 backstop. If he can't handle that pressure, what will happen in a town where he's expected to win the Cup? Detroit fans were riding Hasek by Christmas last year. It won't be better this season, either.

The money also is a concern. I'm well aware of how free agency works and it's pitfalls. However, should Cujo really get Hasek-type money? Hasek had six Vezina Trophies, a couple of Hart Trophies and an Olympic Gold Medal to his credit. Cujo has??????? Regardless, I still love the guy and imo the Wings got the best goalie on the market.

In other free agent news, the Wings are still negotiating with Chris Chelios, but no agreement has been reached. The Leafs quickly replaced Cujo with Eddie Belfour. Bobby Holik has signed with the Rangers as has Darius Kasparitis. The Bruins have reportedly offered Teemu Selanne a contract and Bill Guerin seems close to joining the Stars.

Robert Lang moved to Washington, Adam Oates went to Anaheim. Felix Potvin re-signed with the Kings. That's all I can remember.

[I Are Baboon]

THANK GOD we signed CuJo and not Belfour! I've always been a CuJo fan, and I am thrilled to see him join the Wings. WOO HOO!

Chelios and Wings management are not that far apart on a contract. We'll have him wrapped up for another two years.

[Trots]

Chelios has inked a new deal with the Wings. It sounds like the only reason he even explored options was that he was pushed by the Players Association.

[Baseball Guru]

Toronto didnt waste any time replacing Cujo signing Belfour....

Great, just give the Wings the cup again:wink:

I'm sure Cujo was crying all the way to the bank making his 8 million a year;) :biggrin:

[Tigers#1]

WOW! I leave town for a week, and the whole team changes!:biggrin: I didn't think we'd get Cujo, or resign Chelios. How much did both sign for?

[Trots]

Cujo got 24 million over three years with an option for a fourth. It's the same deal that Hasek got. Joseph will also get a one million dollar bonus for winning the Cup.

Chelios' deal, I think, was a two year 13 million dollar contract.

Guru, you know as well as me that signing players doesn't guarantee a Cup. This team is still pretty darn old and managed to get through the year with a minimum of injuries. Odds of that happening again are not good. They also stand to lose guys like Larinov, McCarty, Duchesne, etc... Role players that may be replaced by unproven kids.

#1, I was wondering where you went.

[Baseball Guru]

LoL...I know Brian, I'm just messin with ya...I do that to one of my best friends who's a HUGE Wings fan:biggrin:

Of course i know thats not true, remember, I'm a Rangers fan:crying2:

[Trots]

In spite of my Islander leanings, I decided not to make the Ranger connection for you, James. Courtesy just won out. I guess you can tell it's the off season.

Hey, LeiterFan, should I change my screen name now that Trottier is a Ranger?