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Will Red Wings fans embrace the villainous Jordin Tootoo in Detroit?

Greg Wyshynski

Jordin Tootoo is the type of player you love to hate, but would love to have on your team. But the initial reaction from fans of the Detroit Red Wings — who signed Tootoo to a three-year deal with a $1.9 million annual cap hit — may put that theory to the test.

Tootoo is a crap disturber, a pest, a tenacious player that'll go over the edge (or over Ryan Miller) to make a play. He's been suspended, he's battled substance abuse and had ex-girlfriend and American Idol Kellie Pickler call him out in public. He's had his wars with the Red Wings during his eight years with the Nashville Predators — honestly, who shoves Datsyuk?

So as Red Wings fans processed the return of Mikael Samuelsson to the fold for 2 years and $6 million, they were also struggling with Jordin Tootoo wearing the Winged Wheel for the next three years.

J.J. From Kansas on Winging It in Motown:

Jordin Tootoo is a Red Wing for three years. He will get paid an average of $1.9M for each of those three years. I will spend every single one of those games listening for a person blowing one of those stupid whistles in the crowd and praying that they get tuberculosis of the colon.

James DeVol of Overqualified and Unemployed:

Tootoo could add a little grit and meanness to the team but I am concerned sometimes when an abrasive player is added to our finesse team…but, the league is heading in that direction so maybe we have to keep up.

Anthony at Unconnected Red Wings Blog:

He's a pretty expensive 4th liner. Tootoo has spent enough time terrorizing the Wings over the years, so I suppose it's better to have him on our side. And if ANY of you bring that stupid train whistle to the game, I will END YOU.

The Chief from Abel To Yzerman:

Absolutely despise the Tootoo signing. I honestly dislike this player and I'm not sure I'll be able to set that aside.

Finally, Red Wings GM Ken Holland, via Helene St. James, on Tootoo:

"We're stepping out of our comfort zone."

Red Wings fans: "So say we all."