Trade deadline eve (updated)
Posted on February 25th, 2008 – 8:15 PMBy Michael Russo
Sorry, I was trying to meet someone for dinner after writing into the evening. Practice ran late into the afternoon, early evening, and get this: My Verizon blackberry got no reception in the bowels of the Verizon Center. That’s why I didn’t blog about Forsberg at the time.
Not a shock, because I remember my cell never used to work when the place was called the MCI Center.
On another humorous note, it would have been great theater if a candid camera was on Pioneer Press writer John Shipley and I as we tried to work the kiosk to buy our $1.65 train ticket back to the hotel after practice.
I am not exaggerating when I say it took us 10 minutes to get our tickets. We were like two buffoons. I’ve had less trouble in Paris, and about the only thing I know in French is how to say, “Comment ca va?” to Jacques and Mario.
Then, we’re on the train, and it was like that Seinfeld episode where Elaine went crazy. Our driver slammed on the brakes more often than if he was driving on the L.I.E. at rush-hour.
Anyways, you know by now that Peter Forsberg is back in the NHL, back in the West and back in the Wild’s division — with his old team, Colorado.
GM Doug Risebrough wouldn’t tell me if the Wild backed out of the Forsberg sweepstakes when his agent said Forsberg wasn’t confident with his feet, or if the Wild was in it to the end. He alluded to the fact that the Wild did want him, but he chose to go back to where “he knew.”
Again, I think this just adds further pressure to make some sort of spark by Tuesday’s 2 p.m. deadline.
Vancouver and Calgary have won four in a row. Colorado now has Forsberg back, not to mention injured Joe Sakic, Paul Stastny and Ryan Smyth back. And the Avs and Wild play three times still, including in two of the final three of the season.
Problem is: Clearly it’s not easy to make a trade right now. Tampa’s made the only trade of the night with Philly, dishing smooth-handed but lead-footed Vinny Prospal back to the Flyers. Asst. coach Terry Murray is a huge fan of Prospal. He had him when he was the head coach there, as well as when he coached Florida.
Risebrough said prices are off the charts right now and few teams are willing to pay them off.
He said there will be “fit” trades.
Of the players I asked today, Pavol Demitra was the only one comfortable enough to say he hopes the Wild make a move, preferably for a “center.”
I’d look at Atlanta and Bobby Holik. And I’d call mid-morning Tuesday when Thrashers GM Don Waddell’s going to be overwhelmed with trying to get the best package for Marian Hossa. Waddell will be so focused on Hossa, he’ll probably give Holik away.
Holik is physical and is third in the NHL in faceoffs. The downside is he’s slowed over the years and is no longer a big scoring threat.
Jacques Lemaire said it’s critical the Wild start offering more effort, specifically the Wild’s “skilled” players. He said of those players, Brian Rolston is “trying,” which is an indictment of the others — no doubt.
He actually had a lot of interesting stuff to say about his squad today that should sound off alarm bells.
OK, that’s it for now. Talk to you throughout the deadline hopefully.
199 Responses to "Trade deadline eve (updated)"
I’ll go out on a limb and say there won’t be any deals until after tomorrows breakfast.
Secuel, you may be right.
Tomorrow will be a VERY UNPRODUCTIVE day at work.
Damn, I guess the speculation was for not. Oh well, off to get kids put to bed.
How many times has JL called out his top players this year for wanting more effort? Too many, IMO.
Good thing I’m in the office all day tomorrow to keep a bead on what happens trade-wise.
I’m really looking forward to tomorrows game. First time at VZC for me where I can actually cheer for a team. I just hope that the Wild show up and play. The Caps have been down recently and tomorrow is going to be a bounceback game for one of these teams. Let’s hope it’s the boys from Minny.
Sec, I agree..JL should crack some skulls if the boys aren’t earning their pay.
Can we take from DR’s comment that there will be no blockbuster trades from the Wild but minor trades like last year?
Demo wants a center? Go figure…
so I guess it wasn’t about the money with Foppa afterall…weird.
Oh well.
Yanic Perreault, anyone?
Niveous: I will not be at the game tomorrow. Couldn’t get the local wholesaler to “need” my services in the area - so no trip.
Enjoy, and bring us a W!
Look, if you can’t expect the top players to put the team on their backs and carry it, then you really need different top players. JL is not wrong to continue to remind them.
With #37, he never needed reminding.
Way back in the last thread, somebody suggested offering Harding to FL for OJ.
Tsn has Vokoun listed as the 14th best goalie right now. Why would they covet Harding?
By the way, Backstrom is listed as #12.
NiNY, I’ll do what I can. My wife and I will be there with our sweaters…plus a couple of other posters said they would be at the game too.
Maybe next year I can plan a NY/NJ trip if the Wild head up north a bit. 
C’ mon Russo, you’ve got to have better dirt than that on Christmas Eve!
Not important whether the team makes a minor or major move if whatever they do does improve the team.
DR is not going to a darn thing is he.
kjr, he will do something… it’s ust a matter of what it is he is doing…
Let’s not get nervous. We don’t need to make a move just to well, make a move.
Maybe DR should trade Demo for a “center.” 
well i think that we as wild fanatics are under the suspicion that our gm is reading the same guide as the gm of the jr varsity bball team at target center is. show a little, tease a lot, and then when time has passed say ” I TRIED REALLY HARD” but they wanted to much in return. without telling us what they wanted. will something happen?? doubtful.
Dominic Moore scored for Toronto tonight. Just a tid bit.
The boys better put up more consistent efforts or their going to golfing early this year.
The difference between good teams, and elite teams is elite teams find ways to win. This team doesn’t have anyone that will fire this team up like Walz used to. At least that’s the way it appears from someone not in the locker room.
Anyone else frustrated with how many loose pucks we fail to pick up in the crease? Seems like we miss so many of those tap ins. Kipper seemed like he had all day to find the puck, and smother it. Seems like pattern with how often I notice it during games.
Wow…is this deja vu all over again?
And I don’t mean dancing girls either!
No moves, no DR to be found. I can hear/see it tomorrow:
“We tried but to no avail. We did not want to pay the exhorbitant prices teams were looking to get for the players they wanted to deal. We would rather adhere to our philosophy and build for the future as we raise ticket prices another 23% next year.”
Yes we need a center. Peca, Federov, et al do nothing for me.
Stoll would work, but the Oil probably will not move him.
Of course Demitra would like to see a centerman added. So he can coast a bit more.
bolts fire sale has begun, prospal to philly. will this get the ball rollin?
Prospal a Flyer, eh?
Guess someone can make a move after all.
kj: wow…I have to think we could have done Foster and a 3rd to match Alex Picard and a 3rd.
I agree with you Kirk Wise,no real drive to win.Also have you noticed that checking is nearly non existant the past week?Playing like pansies if you ask me.
“Of course Demitra would like to see a centerman added. So he can coast a bit more.”
kj, that is a crock of sheit. He wants to play where he knows he can be effective. I know I wouldn’t want to be taken out of my comfort zone after 14 seasons in the NHL. But Demo has been playing center and he has gotten a little bit better at it… but I do not blame him for wanting to go back to the wing. I really don’t think it’s so he can “coast”.
NiNY…sadly, I agree. But, maybe Prospal wasn’t a priority for DR.
We’ll get the excuses tomorrow.
And DR says the prices are too high? Maybe he’s shopping at the wrong stores.
Well… Prospal is UFA but we would have had a chance to get him sign next year.
We could have done this deal with Foster or Belle and 3rd round because both Foster and Picard are RFA at the end of this.
I’m not trying to fall into the trap of every player dealt would have done great in St. Paul, but he is a center…
Christ. That seems cheap for Prospal. Bloody Flyers. Curses.
Maybe Foster and somebody for OJ?
Please ATX…
That was a throway ’stir the pot’ comment. I know Demitra would be much more effective on the wing.
But if we get a center, there’s no guarantee that JL puts Demitra on wing. I think JL wants more from him so he makes him uncomfortable.
There is no denying who the puppetmaster is!
29 goal guy was that available? DR IS STARTING TO P*** ME OFF.
kj, I thought that comment was a bit ‘out of character’ for you.. But I am easily riled up these days. 
Boyle is off the market:
Prospal might have 57 points but he still is a -7. I think they might want someone that is a little better in the defensive side and is good in the faceoff circle? I’m not sure what his faceoff % is?
Not surpirsed about Boyle.
it might mean that Richards will be on the move soon.
A minus-7 on Tampa Bay is probably one of the team’s best. Have you seen their defensive play/goaltending? Shudder.
if DR doesn’t trade for Hossa, St. Louis and Jokinen tomorrow, this place will be unbearable.
Kevin in PA - will the Pens really move Malkin? Why?
Bill…it’s Tampa…is anyone on the team a plus?
Besides, we need scoring.
Stoll makes the most sense at this point if we can twist Lowe’s arm a bit to pry him loose.
Federov is a possibility. We won’t see Federov and Foote.
OJ’s price tag went through the roof with us the minute Foppa finished the g in Forsberg on the contract.
So what do we do? We can’t do a damn thing except wait for DR to pull the trigger on something or sit still.
I agree with ATX using one of my favorite oxymorons, VERY UNPRODUCTIVE day at work tomorrow.
Prospal is 54.5% on faceoffs, but only took 5% of Tampa’s draws. Not that impressive.
IF they ever move him, it’ll be because they don’t think they can afford him, Crosby, Staal, Whitney and possibly Fleury. My uninformed opinion says there’s a zero percent chance of them moving Malkin tomorrow. Since Crosby’s still out, they cannot possibly consider trading Malkin at this moment. Down the road maybe.
54.5% FO for Prospal according to TSN.ca
That does seem extremely cheap for Prospal. +/- is bad but that’s not say a player can’t become more accountable defensively in a new system.
We have to start getting more contributions from the “plumbers”. Voros effort getting to the net was great. Goal waived off was bogus.
We need a guy like him to keep doing that. If we get some ugly goals it should open things up for the prettier plays to work.
Voros and Radio have combined for 1 point since New Year’s. Ugh.
Kirk/Secuel…
JL wants his scorers to score. If we depend on Voros and Radio to score, then all is lost. They’re a combined 1.4 mil on the cap. Or roughly 1/4 of Kimmy’s contract.
I can’t figure out why Voros has completely disappeared the last 20 some games. Seems like he’s battling the puck more. We don’t get consistent traffic in front of the net either.
39 shots yesterday but on how many was Kipper screened? Seems like we don’t get as many tips in front any more.
Another thing. How many blocked shots do we get from the point?
why are the kings so quiet amidst all this speculation? what would it take to pry callamarri(sp?) loose. if prospal was that cheap….
Flipped the m’s and l’s, kjr. It’s Cammalleri, and he’s only 25. The Kings may be good with him and a few others in a year or two.
kjr, are you thinking of Cammalleri? He plays the LW. He doesn’t take a lot of faceoffs, but his % is good at 54.7.
I’m not saying we need to depend on them to score. Just to get some contributions. Remember when they were the “fuse” line for a week? We get none of that now. Every now, and then they give a shift with some sustained pressure but it’s just not enough right now.
WRONG time of year to have JL making comments that sound off alarm bells.
Austin Texas guy . I used spell check just for you. Would you like a team in Minnesota that plays the style of the Ducks and Calgary ? or do you like the european style players like Gabby and Butch, the more sensitive to the physical type players ? If your answer is you like the eurpean style player, you have to make a decision as a hockey club to have someone who can police in the NHL. Do we have agreement so far ?
I like the european style player style like the Wild have , but you have to have some tough guys in the roster. You cant let Goddard flex his muscle and allow hIs squad to do whatever they want . What happened in the Calgary game is unexcusable, that is why you need a bag for your head. If you disagree Austin Texas guy what are you disagreeing with ? besides my spelling
My question to the NHL and the media is this ? Last year Boogy was not allowed to police in the playoffs Does this mean that when the playoffs start that Boogy wont be able to police again ? It would appear that the NHL does not like the enforcer role, rather they favor teams like the Ducks and Calgary whom have a balanced tough guy approach thoughout the roster. So where does this leave the Wild for the future of the Wilds roster Now you catch my drift AustinTexas guy…… If the NHL does not support the Wilds plan for a policeman then like Boogy then its going to change the hockey players the Wild will be signing
Don’t look for Gabby to sign with the Wild again. He wants to play hockey, maybe he can do more of that in the eastern conference
At least we’ll know by game time tomorrow what did or did not happen.
I think I’ve aged a few years this season watching my favorite squad play.
Prospal is -48 in his career. I’m just saying I don’t think he is the type of center we are in need of. We need a bigger stronger version of Walz. Is there such a guy out there? Holik, Stoll, Fedorov, Peca. Peca is the only one under 6′ and under 200 lbs. I would take anyone of those guys.
I think the instigator rule is proof the NHL doesn’t like the “enforcer.”
i’ve must of been having a secret craving for squid; sorry!
Can Wes pull a Selanne and come out of retirement to whip these boys into shape?
Nothing wrong with having a squid craving.
kj- Yes, the scorers need to score. And by no means should muckers be a main source of goals. But contributions are needed from all lines this time of year.
Wally that was your best post ever. I actually agree with a lot you said. I too like the european style guys. I agree that we do need some toughness to make sure those guys don’t get mauled. However, I do not think Boogie is the only answer. I also don’t think the Ducks have a “balanced” tough guy approach. They are a bit too dirty for my taste. I would rather have a few guys (3 or 4 perhaps) that can protect our guys with clean hits instead of taking penalties. I also disagree with the Calgary game being lopsided in the ‘toughness’ department. But does that make we want to put a bag on my head? Certainly not. The Wild out played them most of the game, they just didn’t get the bounces they needed. Very good points on your part Wally, but I just disagree.
You describe the former North Stars to the tee,good old wally
Concerns about this team? Interesting some of us were raising the “marshmellow” concerns about this team back in late November! This team may make the playoffs and it will be one round and done, there is no grit.
I believe we are much better off having this team miss the playoffs and hope we do well in the lottery.
As for the Bouchard questions I think they have been answered, he is one of many players who absolutely will not go into traffic and score tough goals. So if he was the roster player Florida wanted for OJ then the Wild needs to re-think this one.
Wally I see what your saying. I think that is why JL puts Voros with Gabby and Demo and Fedoruk with PMB and Demo. To protect them when they are out there. I think Gabby is tougher than we give him credit for. Yesterday he put a few good hits on Hale and Phenuaf (sp)? He’s not going to fight but he doesn’t back down to being hit. I think we need the size and toughness in our centers. I also think we need a hard nosed defenseman with some size.
Thanks for the late night snack Don.
I’ll take Holik versus another Adam Hall/Demi Moore-esque trade (trades to say we did something, but gain another chair warmer in the popcorn palace). Holik would actually have some value just by winning some face-offs (not with D&Q either).
I brought up the Prospal thing a LONG time ago to go with Demo and Gabby…I think Russo addressed it at some point in time by saying his skating left something to be lacked…but at the same time, 29 goals are about 25 more than Radio has this season….I’ve been busy lately but check in from time to time and notice that people want OJ or Federov or some kind of impact player here but are not willing to give up anyone, Butch, Hards, etc. If the current collaboration of players isn’t working, something’s got to give. Can’t have your cake and eat it too.
Holik would be a solid pickup. Wouldn’t take much to get him either.
Come on Lemmi, we are all willing to part with a certain Slovakian defenceman for any of those guys.
HAHA BNAG I love it…..never thought that that’s the reason he was really on the team, to keep Demo and Gabby happy…it’s all starting to make sense. Skoula’s their other BFF!
DR wants to build for the future, and Gabby says he wont resign /the Wild,maybe it’s time to deal him now,You think that would wake a somebody?
the wild are more physical than they have ever been; we are just in the worst possible division for the team we have. we have the best talent in the plodding NW but it just does not suit us well. that being said if we would have buried one third of the chances we had the last three games all would be rosy in russoville. put the puck in the net boys and we will be right back on top. who knows #25 may clank one off the post and it will go in!
Spector says Wild in Hossa and Jokinen markets - http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/7840242/Richards,-Hossa-still-in-demand-on-eve-of-trade-deadline
We Minnesotans have always had fast skilled pro teams with tough guys backing those players up. Fedoruk has half of a face left and Varos scares no one. Basil Mcrae,Boogy those are respected fighters. I would say if Boogy ever plays again, all you need is a big defenceman like Boogy- You need two guys who can throw them if you play Calgary or the Ducks. This is only if you are going to play with the type of skilled fast roster the Wild are playing with now and in the past
I dont think that the NHL supports what the Wilds roster/Boogy which meens that the Wild will need to stray away from what Minnesotans are used to seeing.
I’ve got a feeling that Jokinen isn’t going anywhere, and that Hossa is going to go to a team with a desperate GM (not the Wild). I need to shake off this deflated feeling.
Some more worthless stats. Holik +115, Peca +74, Fedorov +259, Stoll -6 for there careers. This is Stoll’s first year being - player other than first year he only played a few games. If we can get one of these centers I think it would make a big difference in are lineup. Hopefully when I get to work tomorrow we will have one of these guy’s and a big D with a mean streak.
“I also disagree with the Calgary game being lopsided in the ‘toughness’ department. But does that make we want to put a bag on my head? Certainly not.”
That should say I AGREE with the Calgary etc…
No surprise with Boyle.
Can BUF do the same?(Soups)
Scary to think what Burke does with that top 5 of the greasers tommorow, he’s not afraid to pull the trigger.
We need to face facts this team can’t win right now with how they are built. Is this the time to deal Gaborik when his value would be really sky high?
Someone made the comment about the “defeated feeling” right now and I agree. Right now if they can’ improve this team considerably for the near future then we should package Gaborik and Demitra for say Kopitar and Dustin Brown and be done with it!
The fact that Gabby does not want to have Hossa be on the same team as him is the reason to do the deal for Hossa if it makes sense to from a what you are giving up position. Hossa may just be what gives Gabby the motivation to play at his best always. As a manager you want to get the most from your people so do it.
Holik makes sense because he played for JL before so he may get spaked by that, so if you cant get Hossa get Holik I say
Its not that Gaby doesn’t want Hossa to be on the same team. Its that Hossa doesn’t want to play for the Wild. Demitra has also said the same thing.
I am sure Hossa doesn’t want to worry about defense. Holik as a rental we would be okay if we don’t have to give up alot for him.
I think DR is going to do something. This team is NOT tough. Nobody can win a faceoff. Demitra always coasts. I say trade Gabby and Demitra. Go after Pecca, Holik and/or Federov. All plus players and two are Selke finalists. We also need some GRIT. If they let Voros do his thing and also played Foy some more, they might have that. Foy can play tough given the opportunity. We need an enforcer. Boogy is the goods but he doesn’t help us if he is hurt.
I think all this team needs is some f’ing consistent players and effort. To wit: We beat the physical Duck team 3 out of 4 times this season. And the skilled Detoilet team we owned them for 2 periods in that last game, then for reasons I have yet to fathom, we let up and lost in OT… The more I think about it, unless an acquisition can spark some consistency and full-time effort, I don’t know if it’d do any good.
I have full faith in JL ability to teach anyone defense. If we’re looking for help, the guys plus/minus rating don’t matter ’cause JL is going to fix his defense. We need a spark.
When Voros arrived the Wild weren’t playing all that great but he sparked, the team played better. But Voros ran out of gas and there hasn’t been a new spark.
Good teams continually create sparks, to keep the fire lit. Hasn’t JL’s biggest complaint is the teams inability to be consistent? The Wild has sparks but then the fire dies. You don’t win Cups like that.
Prospal’s not been playing much center this season. He’s been playing wing with Vinny and Marty. Helps with the scoring stats for sure!
Still, he’s not bad for the price he fetched. I don’t think he’s the guy the Wild need though.
Will the boys find that spark tonight after the trade deadline has passed and nothing happens?
I hope to God that they do.
Let’s be honest: The best move the Mild could make at this point would be to get rid of Risedump. He’s just gawd-awful. Seriously, this team is going nowhere with him as the GM. Time to cut bait with that moron.
Mike! We thought you’d never show up!
Hello to Timberwolves and Vikings fans. Feel free to ask what offsides is. We’ll toterate your whinning about the trade that you so smartly know will never happen even though your begging for something even though you wouldn’t know the players outide of say Modano and Jagr or maybe Lindros. Yeah thats the ticket we should just trade a 7th round pick for Lindros and satify the morons.
Don’t you heve better things to complain about like the economically illiterate democrats once again needing to raise your taxes to come up with an extra 6 billion in revenue since they spent the last 6 billion on unnecisary stuff?
Mike…I knew it would take a real downturn in the season for us to see you again!
Nothing like kicking a sleeping dog or something like that… 
The Wild have a real reason to panic.
If Forsberg doesn’t spark the Avs to the playoffs, I think he, Sakic AND Smyth will retire. Don’t forget, they have a couple of ‘extra’ forwards they could trade today for a goaltender.
And I saw that Rob Blake is willing to waive his NTC for…you guessed it…Colorado.
I don’t think it is time to blow it all up, but there is definitely a glaring need for a center. And not a Demi Moore type either.
Oh and Grimes…take your illiterate political commentary somewhere else. You see, the Democrats in this state haven’t been in charge for 6+ years. Yesterday was the 1st time EVER for a T-Paw override.
Remember that drunk guy in Major League II played by Randy Quaid? The guy who hated Rick Vaughn and got more and more belligerent as the movie went on?
Yeah, that’s Mike.
Look, I want OJ, Fedorov, Hossa and Foote in a Iron Range Red for tonight’s game too, but honestly, I’d rather have a GM that shows a little restraint After last years’ deadline deal debacles in Nashville, Detroit and elsewhere, I don’t see DR making a foolish move. He’ll address the team’s needs, but he’s not going to get fleeced.
The money is there, sorry but if you have to raise taxes to the degree of 6 billion your not worthy of being in charge, and the party lable really doesn’t matter on that. As for the Wild lets remember that despite being one point behind in the devision we still have games in hand over every team in the league in many cases 3 or 4, it’s tough to be in great shap points wise given that, and hey if we’re panicing over a 3 game losing streaks it clearly means the team as currently put together is having a very good season. Lets add to it if we can but don’t undervalue skill or we will be begging for it in the playoffs. Grit and toughness is worthless in the playoffs if you don’t contribute a point at least every other game.
The fact that Gabby does not want to have Hossa be on the same team as him …
I wouldn’t read too much into that statement.
…get Holik I say
is what I’ve been saying for three days, to the criticism of many in Russoville.
And for crying out loud, leave politics out of Russoviille. There’s no need to talk about these things that divide us, because deep down, Republicans, Independents, and Democrats, liberals, moderates and conservatives, radicals and reactionaries alike, we all have one belief in common: Matt Cooke Sucks!
I’m with you all the way on Holik, wafer. I’ve been saying that for a long time, too. I think he’d help us in a lot of areas as long as we keep in mind the kind of player he is. He won’t score many goals anymore, but he’s a great FO guy, he’s big and tough, he has playoff experience, and he knows JL (and vice versa). His presence might free up Mikko and Belanger to play on scoring lines, or he could get Shep some rest.
I have full faith in JL ability to teach anyone defense. If we’re looking for help, the guys plus/minus rating don’t matter ’cause JL is going to fix his defense. We need a spark.
When Voros arrived the Wild weren’t playing all that great but he sparked, the team played better. But Voros ran out of gas and there hasn’t been a new spark.
I agree that JL can teach anyone to be defensively responsible. I wonder though if the reason why Voros had a tremendous first couple weeks (month?) was that JL’s defensive influence had not yet fully set in. I wonder if once JL started trying to mold Voros defensively he has been unable to work both ends of the ice and in his desire to please the coach (not get yelled at or benched for defensive mistakes) has lost his offensive game.
Now don’t get me wrong. JL is the man and defense is extremely important (especially for a team which struggles to put pucks behind goaltenders).
Grimes: This is not the place for political commentary. Besides, the people of Minnesota won yesterday, defeating the evil T-Paw and his hench-wench, the Alte Frau-cum-Transportation Commissioner Molnau…but I digress…
Vinny Prospal to Philly is frankly much ado about nothing, IMO. The real wheelin’ and dealin’ will be done during the morning (and early afternoon) hours today. Who will hit the panic button first? Add to that the continued rumors of those dreaded words, ’salary dump’, in places like Tampa Bay (ownership change needs to be better financed) and Nashville (continued low attendance) mean there could be some real interesting trades this day…
Anyone else think that Colorado could be at the start of their OWN avalanche? Like, all the way down the mountain, as it were, to the bottom of the heap? This very well could be the last call for this group of Avs, and it could get really ugly in Denver this summer…
Will anyone able to play be left standing in Edmonton by the end of the season? And, thanks to K-Lowe and MacT, how long will it be until the Grease are off the scrap heap?
Calgary says they’re ’standing pat’ with what they have. Have fun out there, Flames…and shoot occasionally, will you, Alex Tanguay?
this is going to be one long f’n day of whining.
Let’s also not forget that JL’s defense first mentality really does limit our ability to be ‘tough’. JL has been known to bench players for taking undisciplined penalties. Being ‘tough’ often times results in such penalties.
this is going to be one long f’n day of whining
You misspelled winning G*! Lets hope for a win tonight!
Wafer: Agree with your last comment. Matt Cooke does suck!
Green*: Whining? Who’s whining? We haven’t seen DR NOT do enough to even start whining yet!
I’m pretty excited for today. Whoever ends up with the team… It would be pretty exciting to see them play tonight in person if they can make it there in time.
Matt cooke does suck.
Will anyone be happy if we trade for Peca?
Will anyone be happy if we trade for Peca?
based on the last 100 entries i doubt that anyone will be happy with any trade.
comrie resigned if it hasn’t been reported.
JimLove: They may not make it to DC in time for tonight, more likely Tampa for tomorrow. Of course, Sunrise to Tampa is like here to Fargo…
Dave: Peca? Really? No, thanks.
Dave, I’m not sure what Peca can still bring to the party, but I think he would fit into JL’s system with very little effort. Like Holik, he’d free up another center for the Groins, probably Koivu.
But for a third line center, I’d rather have Holik’s size.
link to tsn’s tradecentre blog. it is up an running. mostly canadian team talk.
Rumoured deal: Ottawa gets Hossa. Atlanta gets Vermette, Schubert, Foligno (I’m going to leave it with last names and assume you all know who these guys are. I’m not talking.
Rumoured Montreal deal: Habs get Hossa. Atlanta gets Ryder, Grabovski, Lapierre. Gord Miller points out this may be a straight-up rental and that Hossa may not sign re-sign with either team.
Rumoured Richards deal with Columbus: CBJ gets Richards. ATL would get: Tollefsen, Fritsche, Brule, Hainsey (wow)
Rumoured Dallas: Stars: Richards. ATL: Smith, Jokinen, Halpern, Fistric.
Rumoured Canucks: Richards for Bourdon, Schneider, Draft Picks.
Bob: “At the end of the day Vancouver might be a day late and a dollar short… not saying Brad Richards WON’T go to Vancouver… just saying Dallas and Columbus might be ahead in the pecking order.”
forgot addr
I don’t think it’s true that no one will be happy with any trade if that’s what you’re saying, G*. Wafer and I have gone on record as saying we’d be happy with Holik. Other people have mentioned Fedorov. I’m just looking at some of the players who are supposed to be “on the move”, like Peca, and I’m thinking, “Ewwwwwww.” I guess I’m just trying to steel myself for when Ottawa gets Hossa, Chicago gets Richards, Detroit gets Fedorov, and Vancouver gets Jokinen. Would I rather that DR do nothing at that point, or would Peca be a suitable consolation prize?
good stuff over there
Mad Mike Milbury makes a bold statement: “I think Foppa becomes Floppa.” Darren “Pale Rider” Pang is back undeserving of the Pale Rider nickname this morning (he looks the most awake of anyone): “I really fear they’re got a little step older,” says Panger. Here’s Pierre McGuire: “If he can come back and play at 80 or 90 percent that’s a lot better than what they have… they’d better add another piece of the puzzle or they’re not gonna make (the playoffs).”
8:12 - Pierre: Foppa “… did not want to go to Detroit because he’s an honourable guy.” Panger: “He’s a very loyal person… he feels bad about what happened in Philadelphia.” James Duthie then correctly asks why he didn’t sign in Philly. JFJ says he would have been disappointed in Foppa and his agent Don Baizley for making such a snap decision about returning and leaving a lot of teams in a lurch that gave solid offers (Philly, Chicago). Overall consensus: No one thinks Foppa will reach his old level again.
Easy folks, the world won’t end whatever happens.
If prices are too high, I will not blame DR a bit for not making any move. If he does make a move, I hope it is astute.
10 + 38 = OJ +/+?
Peca wouldn’t be horrible, depending on the cost of course. He’s taken a large percentage of CMB’s FOs, and he’s 54%. He could probably help us in some ways.
Are you saying you’d trade Gabby and Demo for OJ, iceman? Just asking.
Well at least under iceman’s deal, each team gets two healthy groins.
And more … but not a suggestion, only asking if that is a change that makes sense to anyone?
See Shipley in the east for another perspective.
I’d trade Demo for OJ. I’m tired of Demo’s half-effort evening skates…I really think OJ is what the Wild need (which means I’ve just doomed the Wild to not get him)… 
If we trade Demo, do we say goodbye to Gabby next year?
souhan and lane were sitting in for matt thomas last night and lane said the wild looked terrible in their last 3 losses and then in the next sentance said he was no afficianado of hockey. i doubt he has ever seen a game. he also says that the wild have to make a move in order to make some noise in the playoffs as this honeymoon has got to end. he might be true but his problem is he is comparing hockey to other sports. hockey’s fan base is different. doesn’t mean people are growing impatient but i don’t think the same rules apply to hockey as they do to basketball, which is all these clowns know.
some caller asked souhan a couple hockey questions that were deep but not that deep and souhan admitted he was at the end of his hockey knowledge. didn’t take too long to get there.
Good morning, kids…day off, NHL Network on, laptop and cell phone at the ready…let the fun begin!
From that blog G* was talking about:
Bob on Olli Jokinen: “If Florida gets the right deal today they will (trade him)… The Minnesota Wild, Anaheim, Philadelphia Flyers and Calgary Flames all interested…”
Bob wonders if Pierre-Marc Bouchard might be involved in a Jokinen deal.
Dreger: “The price (for Jokinen) is ‘believed to be horrendous’ and Florida may have wanted Tanguay and prospect Michael Backlund. Perhaps that’s why GM Darryl Sutter pretty much said his team was done dealing yesterday.
that backlund must be a stud if that deal is considered too high and enough for calgary to declare they were done dealing.
looking good like I won’t get called into work today, I say get Adam Hall and Dupuis oh and Ryan Malone Duvie Westcott and Tyler Arnoson.
Lets get real unless your the Mets making the Santana trade most trades in sports are meaningless or don’t matter for a year or two. Wecan shift around player A for player B and our playoff success still comes 98% based on the guys we have.
Question I wouldn’t approve under any senerio but could we trade Harding the short term return might make for a fun spring, plus it’s always meaningless late season call ups that m=become the hot goalie in the playoffs.
Goalieguy…you suck!!!
I am not holding my breath for any Wild activity. However, I am keeping my eyes open.
I don’t trust any blogger when it comes to DR. He doesn’t talk.
Although…I think KLowe might be willing to deal Stoll…
souhan and lane
I think I found your problem.
They just asked TSN’s panelists - Milbury, Pang, McGuire, Ferguson - to name their top five Cup contenders. They all led with Anaheim, but McGuire listed the Wild third, citing “top 10 powerplay, top 10 penalty kill and the best coach in the business.”
Boy, it’s hard to believe our PP is top-10. It sure doesn’t seem like it.
Bob on Olli Jokinen: “If Florida gets the right deal today they will (trade him)… The Minnesota Wild, Anaheim, Philadelphia Flyers and Calgary Flames all interested…”
Bob wonders if Pierre-Marc Bouchard might be involved in a Jokinen deal.
Dreger: “The price (for Jokinen) is ‘believed to be horrendous’ and Florida may have wanted Tanguay and prospect Michael Backlund. Perhaps that’s why GM Darryl Sutter pretty much said his team was done dealing yesterday.
Also, TSN had a crew in Florida (because the Leafs are there), so they have a guy on full-time Jokinnen watch, and the Thrashers are in Montreal, so the Canadian media are all over the Hossa beat. Habs are said to be hot for Hossa, but the Thrashers have cancelled their morning skate, so there’s no one to talk to yet.
So yeah, I’d say those Panthers fans that found their way here might not have been on glue after all - sounds like they want the moon and stars for OJ.
And if that’s the case, make the MG for OJ deal, but wait until this summer.
wafer you getting that from the blog on TSN.CA or TV?
mcguire loves the wild. powerplay was good, now bad. one reason the wild are not in first.
I will go on record right now that I don’t want to pay more than PMB and B-b-b Benny for OJ, and we’d better get a pick back in that deal.
Good morning, NiNY. Agreed.
NiNY…they wouldn’t take PMB,b-b-b-bozo AND a pick for OJ.
They ARE on glue, then, kj.
G* - from the blog
NiNY - According to the Don, Fla isn’t keen on B-B-B-Benny, which is probably why that one guy was saying PMB, Reitz, Irmen, and about 10 other Aeros in exchange for OJ.
Actually, I wouldn’t shed too many tears if it was PMB, Irmen, and Reitz for OJ and a 2nd rounder .
Early grumblings:
And throw in Foster and Mezei and I’d be positively giddy.
Big TSN discussion of Ottawa’s goaltending situation (my question: Why isn’t Ray Emery’s nickname “Sugar Ray?”) and the possibility was raised of our old pal Roloson being dealt to the Sens…Does the old man have another Cup run in him?
i was wondering if TV was carrying what the blogger is bloging and the TV was behind.
Jokinen is about the only tradeable asset the Panthers have right now. Can’t blame ‘em that they want maximum return. PMB & B-b-b-Benny plus a No. 2 in next year’s draft might just do the trick. Then again, read above…
The Toronto media in Florida is about the last thing the Panthers need…
What about Rolston for Vermette? Give us something to build on, and Ottawa gets a “Clutch player who scores big goals”. Just don’t tell them about the Huggie Bear rep.
On glue…ha! I told you we ain’t givin him away. It makes no sense. Would you guys give Gaborik away if you were in our shoes?? Heck no. I think some people make the mistake that since his name has been brought up in trade rumors all year that he’s a UFA after the season. Sorry, but we have him for 2 more years, and at a bargain. Figure it out people.
And, to whomever asked on the last thread if Harding and PMB would do it, I think you’re getting closer but I still don’t think that would be enough for our GM to move him. Just a hunch.
blog’s about a half hour behind, G*
WRT - Panthers don’t want B-B-B-Benny.
Isn’t Emery’s nickname Ole Ray???
You’re right, FLPN. It’s going to be a long day, and I don’t want to argue with you for all of it. I apologize.
FPN - How about Foster for Mezei straight up?
Wafer: No Benny? No problem! They’ve seen our roster, take your pick of Slovaks (and we’ll throw in Skoula for good measure!) for OJ…FPN: we don’t expect OJ to go for nothing, just how much do you think JM will want? A player, a top-grade minor-leaguer and ? What do the Panthers need?
kj: Emery’s nickname sure is ‘Ole Ray’ after last night!!
WRT - This is from last week:
Tikkanese says:
February 22nd, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Personally, if I was given the chance to come up with an offer, I’d give up Bouchard, Schultz, Foy, Irmen, and either Khudobin or Kopriva for Jokinen. Probably a 2nd or 3rd round pick, too.
The Wild are going nowhere fast. Their build from within has failed to produce a playoff series win, they have virtually no young talent in Houston to build from, they don’t want expensive free agents, and they will do nothing prior to the deadline to make the team better. For all this talk about how great the Wild management is, it has NOT produced great results. And since Risebrough already said that they will not be able to sign their 8 agents, the team will actually have less talent in years to come (again, nothing great in Houston). Time for Wild fans wearing rose colored glasses to take a step back and look at results, and the future.
One thing for certain through the first hour: John Ferguson has more hair than Milbury, Pang and McGuire put together.
Wafer: O, you are generous. So is Tikkanese. We could get OJ for less than that. A Slovak or two, a top player off Houston and ?
FPN: Thoughts?
Who are the “wild?’
Tom
The Wild’s apparrent lack of toughness is more likely a result of coaching philosophy than all of the players being cupcakes. Goody made this point earlier this morning.
The Aeros play a very physical style of hockey. Not because they are any tougher, that is just the coaching philosophy.
Some coaches preach finishing your checks and banging bodies and others are more concerned about staying in position.
So it is no surprise Voros was successful early. He was used to the reckless style of hockey he played in Houston. Plus he was likely fired up to make an impression. He won a job and has been forced to play a more conservative style of hockey and he has suffered as a result.
i don’t think it is because voros was forced to play conservative, i think he is playing more like his skills allow.
Don’tbeFooled - you have been fooled if you think there isn’t any talent in Houston.
With the exception of Belle and possibly Irmen, I would say every player is vastly improved compared to last season.
I’m glad Florida has no interest in Pouliot - the guy is going to be good.
WRT - I wasn’t suggesting that deal, that was one of the Panthers fans that found his way here.
I’m not on the OJ train, which is why I’d say PMB, Foster, a prospect (Irmen or Reitz), and a pick for OJ and Mezei.
I’m on the Fedorov + Holik bandwagon.
Aaron…the problem isn’t physicality with the plumbers. It’s the skill guys that aren’t getting it done.
I’m afraid FLA is holding out for PMB and Sheppard, and I wouldn’t make that deal.
Anyone else have the TSN trade center tracker open at work? I’ve got the sound off because it’s too distracting, but being able to check it without refreshing or anything is nice.
There are a lot of random ‘pot stirrers’ in here today. I had no idea that the trade deadline brought out the trolls in droves.
Aw c’mon Austin…let the trolls feel important.
NHL.com is doing a live stream that started at 9 CST.
Wallshot, I just opened that trade tracker thing… thanks for the tip. That should help a little with ym productivity.
I still think any deal involving PMB would be a mistake. Go get Federov, Pecca, or Holik (or any combination of 2) for cheap!
there was talk on the radio here this morning of the wild asking about Holik. but people here couldnt identify a rink 98% of the time so take that for what its worth.
I’m mostly with you, ATX, in that moving PMB would be a mistake. I’m less excited about Holik, but three months of Federov sounds exciting.
Wallshot-I have the TSN trade center tracker open, but nothing is happening.
I’m now in the main room with NHL Network carrying “TSN TradeCentre”, and the laptop flipping between here, Wild.com and the normal home page. I’m afraid I’ve gone to the dark side…
Yeah–I have TSN’s Trade centre running also.
I am at work…suffering.
It’s been said that GM’s learned their lesson last year with the rental moves not working for those clubs.
IMO, last years big names(gimpy Foppa, old Tckuck, declining Smyth) are not in the same league as this years rumored names(Richards, Olli, Hossa).
That’s too convienient of a card to play saying “look at last year”.
Lets say Wild get OJ, or do really want him. You people who know say he is a scorer more than assist guy.
If he is primarily a goal scorer, how does he get them? Like Parrish? Or, do his wings feed him from the corners?
If his wings feed him, and he is a goal scorer in his own right, then it does not seem like he is the ideal playmaker for our Slovakian Groins does it?
It might seem he would be more effective with a Fedoruk or someone who you don’t mess with in the corners.
kj you have the internet at work obviously.. that’s all you really need.
Greg, what do you mean nothing’s happening? No picture, like it’s not functioning? Or like no players being traded?
DBF, oh right.
ATX…yeah, but streaming is frowned upon. Besides, our crack I.T. staff is logging all interweb thingy traffic.
So, this blog is about all I got…
ATX, like kj, I’m at work. Yes there’s the internetweb, but I for one can’t see any streaming media. At least they haven’t figured out to block tsn, but with the way I’m hitting it this morning, I don’t expect to see it tomorrow.
TSN analyst just picked Gaborik over Richards to have on a team.
andy strickland reports that bryce salvador traded to nj pending physicals
The big story of this trade deadline are the contract extensions that have been handed out. In the last week, we’ve seen extensions signed by Schultz, Comrie, Boyle, Jackman, Steen, and Hunter.
At least a few of thse are names that were potential rental players that are now off the market. Boyle and Comrie were shopped around, their teams clearly didn’t like the offers, and resigned them instead. Those are “trade deadline deals” - they just don’t involve players changing teams.
“10:18 - John Lu: “I do have confirmation that Marian Hossa’s equipment is still in the VISITOR’S STALL at the Bell Centre.” Wow. It’s really has come to this.”
Ha.
Yeah that sucks for you guys Wafer and kj. At least my work doesn’t really care what websites I visit as long as I get some work done in the process. We are not really supposed to stream due to the needed bandwidth, but I need to know what’s going on!
Yes, Wafer, and we also now know that it’s 122 steps from the visitor’s dressing room to the home dressing room at Bell Centre.
ATX-I was meaning that no trades are happening.
I think it will pick up a bit though as we enter the home stretch.
I just saw on the douche’s website (I know, why am I looking there, but I’m looking for anything right now!) that possibly Federov and Peca to the Wild.
Wafer: The question is equipment still in the bags?
If get a chance, check out the live stream from nhl.com.
The analysts pick up their Blackberry’s and start banging as soon as they stop talking.
Danny…I would have to agree. Teams are seeing that they value their own players much higher than other teams do.
It makes sense to extend a known asset.
food above
Yeah Greg it has been slow. Honestly, if we can get them cheap, I really like the idea of Federov and Pecca coming to MN. It adds a lot of playoff experience, some grit in Pecca, and a little speed and passing in Federov. I like that idea. Too bad The Douche is reporting it… probably means it’s not even close to happening.
OddManRush: Look at Pierre McGuire…he’s going a mile a minute on his Blackberry!
Cam Janssen on returning to St. Louis, his home: “It was a blockbuster deal…for my Mom and Dad.”
I am not in favor of the Wild picking up a rental unless it is cheap. If they are going to do a deal, it is hopefully someone to be here awhile.
To get someone good, it seems to me we would see a shift of talents and the Wild get more physical at the expense of losing a skilled guy.
Seems like with OJ being big or Stoll who mixes it up too, that those guys are the most prominent names that provide a long-term change.
But, with the steep prices being asked, now I am starting to wonder whether NHL buyers will get anything done?
From ATX’s comments, we have assets in Houston, but why deal them if they will be big stars tomorrow?
So, maybe we just sit tight unless the deal is affordable in terms of assets lost.
Why would Columbus give up both Peca, and Federov unless they are getting a sweet heart deal. I don’t think there’s a chance they would both come here.
I agree iceman, what’s the point of giving up the farm for rentals? I think either way this team will look vastly different next season.
Holik will be moved as soon as Hossa deal is done but not until then. THey may as well keep Holik if they don’t move Hossa and make as deep a run in the playoffs as they can (take the compensatory picks). But Holik still makes the most sense as far as the deals out there. Pick and prospect or Pick and Foy/Carney/etc would be all it would take at that point for a UFA.
Brian Campbell traded to San Jose per TSN
Brad Richards officially asked to remove no trade clause… If he agrees he will be traded to Dallas
Capitals supposedly going after Fedorov
Huet to the Caps for a 2nd rounder
