DETROIT RED WINGS SEASON PREVIEW 2008-09

By Mike Jack, www.EpicCarnival.com The Detroit Red Wings, last season's Stanley Cup Champions, didn't have to improve their roster this off season, but they did anyway. In recent years, many championship teams have done the opposite. In the salary cap world, it's extremely difficult to keep great teams together, because the more success you have, the more is expected in salary. Key Additions: Marian Hossa (RW) and Ty Conklin (G) The Wings have added another star player in Marian Hossa for relatively cheap. Hossa wanted to come to the team that has the best chance at winning the Stanley Cup this season so badly, that he was willing to take significantly less than he was offered from other teams. Apparently, the Wings made a deal with Nicklas Lidstrom that he would settle for $7.45 million per season only if the Wings promised that he'd remain their highest paid played. That's why the Hossa was signed for $7.4 million. In Ty Conklin, the Wings have signed a top quality back-up goaltender who can step into a starter's role if Osgood becomes injured. He may not be as legendary as Dominik Hasek, but he'll do just fine. Key Departures: Dominik Hasek (G), Chris Chelios (D), Dallas Drake (RW), Matt Hartigan (C), Darren McCarty (RW) and Garrett Stafford (D). For more, go to: http://www.epiccarnival.com/2008/08/detroit-red-wings-season-preview-2008.html