Two tweets from Kevin Allen

"Believing Hossa won't get done in Detroit if he won't accept a "Franzen style deal" Red Wings have less than $4 million left"

Nothing too surprising, really. The Wings have $2.4 million left in cap space and 3 forward spots to fill. There is simply no money to sign Hossa unless several contracts are moved. I would argue that Maltby, Draper's and Homer's contracts are almost dead weight to our roster, and freeing us of those deals would clear up close to $4.5 million in cap space. The trouble is, I can't think of a GM who would want to help the Wings and take those contracts off our hands (not to mention that Draper has a NTC and can block any trade). So, unless Hossa takes an incredible pay cut, he will not be a Wing next season. Essentially, it came down to Franzen vs. Hossa. Franzen signed first and for about $2 million less than Hossa is probably looking at. Should Kenny have waited it out, signed Hossa and let Franzen walk instead? It will be a debate that will continue on for years.

Also...

"Hearing Red Wings did make an offer to Mikael Samuelsson that didn't get it done."

If he wants more than 2-2.25 million, then you have to let him walk. If he will settle for that, then we should listen and try to get a deal signed. Personally, I've always wanted Sammy to re-sign and I've always thought that he would not. His last contract of only $1.2 million was his best contract, yet. And, since he is approaching his mid 30's, this will be his last chance at a deal. He already has a ring. He knows the Wings cannot give him market value because of our poor cap situation. I think he takes a higher offer from a lower-tier team looking for a veteran top 6 forward (maybe Atlanta?). This way, he gets his money and his ice time. Makes sense to me.

With that said, I doubt the negotiations are over with. We are still a week away from July 1st, and I don't see Sammy as one of the guys to be picked up right away on the first day of free agency. This one still has a few twists and turns left in it.

Finally, here is a permanent link to Kevin Allen's twitter page. Now, you are officially a fan.