Attempt to land Suter failed

--The Wings made a strong pitch to land defenseman Ryan Suter and forward Zach Parise, the summer's premier free agents, but fell short, as both signed with Minnesota. The Wings, according to MLive.com, offered Suter, their primary target, a 13-year contract worth $90 million. Owner Mike Ilitch, coach Mike Babcock, adviser Chris Chelios and general manager Ken Holland flew to Suter's farm in Madison, Wis., on July 3 to make a personal presentation.

--Recently retired Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom will remain in the organization in a scouting capacity. Lidstrom, who has moved home to Sweden, will keep tabs on the organization's Swedish prospects and keep an eye out for talent in his native country. The seven-time Norris Trophy winner also will represent the organization at various events as an ambassador.

--The Wings announced there will be two alumni games preceding the Jan. 1 Winter Classic against Toronto at Michigan Stadium. The alumni games will take place at Comerica Park, home of the Tigers, on Dec. 31, and will feature about 100 players. The partial list of participating ex-Wings revealed on July 11 includes Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay, Chris Chelios, Mickey Redmond, Alex Delvecchio, Luc Robitaille, Chris Osgood and Mike Vernon.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"I like the attack game. I like to make sure we play the game with speed and with hockey sense -- foot speed, checking speed and gap speed. To me, speed and quickness is essential to work advantages into your game, with or without the puck." -- Wings' new assistant coach Tom Renney.

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