According to the NHL.com's
30-in-30 feature on the Detroit Red Wings, the team is happy with their team's core players despite significant departures due to the salary cap.
"As expected, the salary-cap stricken Detroit Red Wings got hammered once free agency started July 1. Marian Hossa, Mikael Samuelsson, Tomas Kopecky and Ty Conklin led the charge out of Motown, and Jiri Hudler was considering leaving for a Russian team."
While the departure of Marian Hossa seems to be the most significant, the
recent loss of Chris Chelios will also hurt the team. A veteran of 25 seasons, Chelios is still a capable defensemen and provides valuable leadership come playoff time.
He is also Detroit's dirtiest player.
