You’re right. I expected this from Pavel, not quite this bad but he did have a breakout season. But from Henrik? Does he expect to get all-star salary for all-star potential? He needs a breakout year first. I don’t think many teams will throw him that bone. The bad part about Henrik is that he’d likely leave for another NHL team, while Pavel will just be in Russia so we’ll retain rights to him.

I think Red Wings fans always exaggerate players’ loyalty to the team and how we think every NHLer wants to be on the Wings and would take a pay-cut to be here. It’s more of an illusion of loyalty how we keep a solid core of players around. We do it with money. Why else was McCarty making so much this season? Not saying guys like Mac weren’t loyal but Ilitch has given them plenty of reasons to be loyal with generous salaries. We don’t have a bunch of volunteer players. And those days of sentimental, fraternity salaries are over. It’s time for business. As sad as it is to cut Mac, it’s a smart move in the new age. And I struggle with getting over it myself…

I really wish people, myself included, hadn’t played up their role as “the foundation of the franchise in the future.” That obviously got to their heads. So much for loyalty for team over selfish conceit.