Helene St. James reports this morning that Jim Nill and Hakan Andersson are going to take a look, but admirably points out they were going to the tournament anyway. She says the Wings are “keen to acquire him”. Cool. I’m keen on lots of things. I’m keen to fly my own rocketship, but I don’t own any diapers. I’m keen to change my name to Duke, but it’s a little late for that. I’m keen to work for Dunder Mifflin, but I think it’s a fictional organization—not sure.

She quotes Holland.

“We’re interested, but let’s factor in money, let’s factor in term, let’s factor in our needs.”

Forget term and forget needs. If the Wings could do it, both of those issues would be (1) figured out and (b) determined quickly, if not already. Of course the Wings “need” Forsberg. Who doesn’t, if just to keep him off other Western rosters. Cut to the chase.

Financially, it makes no sense whatsoever. 4 million in Cap room? Outstanding. We’re in there. Sign him. Give him a stall next to Homer. Put him on the second line and hand us the Cup.

Not so fast.

4 million in space is not going to bring Peter Forsberg to Detroit. Ken Holland’s already operating from a position of weakness because Forsberg, if he has any nad whatsoever, hates Detroit and all the Wings stand for. He loves Colorado, has houses there, tummy rubbers who stalk him, friends in the room like the other #19. 4 million would get him to Denver, and they have 5 to spend.

And 4 million? Not quite. Ken Holland’s not going to shell out every available cent to a guy who could very well be hurt by the time the second round starts. If he signs Forsberg it would be for less than that with all sorts of wacked out incentives. It would have to be one of the more creative deals in recent memory.

But it’s not going to happen because Forsberg has so many other options. Philly? He likes Philly. Likes the team, likes the town. Dallas? They’ve sent half their staff over there to convince him he needs to buy a big ‘ol grill and become a Swedish Redneck. Tony Romo’s probably on the phone right now.

But he’s not going to Dallas and he’s not going to Philly or Vancouver or Ottawa. Or Detroit. He’s going to Denver because they can afford him and because….they can’ t fill their arena either. Would the Wings sell out if Floppa joined the Dynasty? Yep. Would Denver? Oh yeah. You think the Walmart guy or whatever tool owns that team cares about chemistry in the room, breaking up a team that practically scores at will? Nope. Because the fans don’t know them and don’t care to. But they love their Floppa in Denver. And they’d flock back to the Tab Can to see him.

And, be honest, you want him back there too. Is it a little scary? Sure. But, so much more satisfying when we beat them…again.