The Red Wings tried to bring back Mathieu Schneider with a last-hour offer, but wound up being outbid by the Anaheim Ducks. Detroit general manager Ken Holland phoned Schneider's agent just before noon and offered a deal with an average salary "in the fours", according to Holland. Schneider wound up signing with Anaheim for two y ears at $5.5 million and $5.75 million.
That gave the Red Wings the money to sign Brian Rafalski to a five-year, $30 million contract. Thus Detroit replaced a 38-year-old, puck-moving, American defenseman with a 33-year-old, puck-moving, American defenseman.
"We're disappointed we lost Mathieu," said Holland. "But we're very, very excited to have Brian."
Holland said that Red Wings' other three unrestricted free agents -- Dominik Hasek, Danny Markov and Todd Bertuzzi -- are still possible signees.
The Red Wings and Hasek talked several times Saturday. That the netminder hasn't come to terms yet is somewhat perplexing to Holland.
"I'm cautiously optimistic ... I think he wants to see what we'll do and how much cap space we'll have," said Holland. "At least that's the way it appears."