By: Dennis Fithian @dennisfithian

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen the Red Wings play a worse game than they did Friday night to get eliminated by the Preds in five games. Detroit did look old, small and slow. However, I don’t think they are that old, small or slow.

Tomas Holmstrom’s had a tremendous career but I would not sign him for another year. Jiri Hudler is going to want too much money –so I think he’s gone. Everybody thinks Brad Stuart’s heading back to California as a free agent. It’s down to Nick Lidstrom to see if he wants to come back. If Lidstrom wants to come back it’s a no brainer to have him return.

With the money the Wings have they should be able to pull either Zack Parise or Ryan Suter. Getting both sounds great but seems unlikely.

I’m not delusional. The Wings will not be one of the top two contenders for the Stanley Cup when next year begins. The doubting and lack of lofty expectations could be a good thing for a team that for the past 15 years has been the favorite to go all the way.