Brown, Murphy Retire; Holmstrom Remains Unsigned

Former Red Wings Doug Brown and Larry Murphy announced their respective retirements last week. The Red Wings had announced that they would not renew either players’ contract for the coming season.

Brown, 37, revieved offers from “half a dozen” teams but chose to keep his family in Detroit rather than relocte for a couple final seasons. He spent the summer talking to area firms so that he could enter a career in business if he was unable to somehow return to the Red Wings.

Murphy, 40, retired after not recieving an offer from another team. Acquired at the 1997 trade deadline, Murphy played a major role in both of Detroit’s recent Stanley Cup Championships but had been criticized as of late regarding his age and lack of speed.

Tomas Holmstrom, the Red Wings’ last remaining free agent, has not yet been signed, dispite local radio reports and an ESPN.com article. Red Wings GM Ken Holland hopes to have the gritty winger signed before the start of training camp.