Detroit Red Wings: Breaking down the worst Ken Holland Transactions

Robert Lang wasn’t a total bust for Holland but when you look at what the Detroit Red Wings gave up to acquire the forward you are left to wonder what if…

The Los Angelas Kings drafted Robert Lang in the fifth round of the 1990 NHL Draft. Lang was a member of the Czech Republic team that won Gold in the 1998 Winter Olympics over Team Canada behind a stellar goaltending performance by Dominik Hasek.

More from Detroit Jock City

• Tigers Sign Manager A.J. Hinch to Long-Term Extension
• Lions vs. Bears Week 14 Opening Odds Disrespect Detroit
• Former Tigers Celebrate Jim Leyland Hall of Fame Call
• This Pistons Team Could be the Worst in Detroit Sports History
• 4 Free Agents Tigers Should Sign During Winter Meetings

When the Detroit Red Wings added Robert Lang in 2004, the franchise was only a couple of years removed from winning the Stanley Cup as they remained a perennial Cup contender.  The organization was the New England Patriots of today in the NHL.

Lang was enjoying a tremendous season with the Washington Capitals; he was the top rental target throughout the entire league leading the NHL in scoring at the time of the deal. In just 63 games with the Caps, he accumulated 29 goals to total 74 points.  He was able to continue to produce with the Wings recording 5 points in 6 regular season games although he was injured with a broken rib for much of the remainder of the regular season.

The Detroit Red Wings eventually were eliminated by Jarome Iginla‘s Calgary Flames who went on to the Stanley Cup Finals only to lose to the Tampa Bay Lightning in seven games.  It was a year to remember if your name was Dave Andreychuk.

Lang produced for the Wings leading up to the second round exit; he recorded 9 points in 12 playoff games.  Lang remained in Motown for two more full seasons recording 119 points through 159 games with the Wings.  He totaled 23 playoff points in 36 playoff games as a member of the Detroit Red Wings.  As we said, it wasn’t a total disappointment but when you are already a Cup contender, and you add the top scorer in the league you’re expected to finish the year with a championship–it didn’t happen.

The Wings traded Tomas Fleischmann who’s since bounced around the NHL.  He’s recorded 335 points through 657 games.  The Wings also traded the 29th overall pick in the 2004 draft that would end up being Mike Green.

Although Mike Green is a solid defender for the team now, imagine if the Wings had a young 30-plus goal scoring, young, dynamic right-handed defender to play alongside Nicklas Lidstrom.  Who knows what that could have led to for the Detroit Red Wings.