Koivu to Koivu to lift Finland
Posted on May 12th, 2008 – 8:23 AMBy Michael Russo
Mikko Koivu scored the winning goal with 3:50 left in regulation to lift the Finns over the Americans, 3-2, on Sunday. Older brother Saku fed Mikko, and he drove from the side of the net, awfully similar to his winner earlier this season over Colorado.
Niklas Backstrom got the win.
The highlights can be seen on tsn.ca.
Here’s the Canadian Press game story.
A phantom goal by Ville Koistinen sparked the comeback. The puck went under the side of the net just like Brett McLean’s goal against the Wild’s Dwayne Roloson in Dec. 2005. That was the game video goal judge Gary Pedigo slammed the door on my face when I sought comment after the NHL admitted Pedigo fouled up. 
Canada’s Brent Burns has five points in five games. Koivu has six.
Here’s a link for world championships stats and results.
OK, about to continue my Florida vacation, although I’ll be on KFAN at 2:30 p.m.
141 Responses to "Koivu to Koivu to lift Finland"
is that the same weinhandl we had that is in 2nd place in scoring?
Green* - #80 for Sweden? Yup. He’s playing for some club called Linkopings?
Here’s a YouTube clip of that phantom goal. This one went through the netting, but I was thinking about that 2005 goal as well when I saw it. Here’s the Backes fight at the end of the game too.
Go USA! Either Canada or Finland in the first round of the Quarterfinals. Either way - should be a great game & great opportunity for an upset.
Yes
I asssumed it was Greenstar.
Looks like Nonis could be used by TOR to land Delta Burke after next season. Regardless, I agree with the others that noted JL’s return means DR is not going to Maple Leaf land.
Well, on the Hotstove the other night, Strachan (?) mentioned that four teams, including the Wild, gave an indirect No to the Leafs about allowing to speak to whomever they were interested in. Not sure if the Leafs were really interested in DR or not.
sunshine - thanks for that note, it could speak to CL’s commitment to DR.
I for one am glad JL is coming back. On the fence about DR though. Good to see Mikko playing well for Finland. That kid is becoming quite the stud (in more ways then one, sorry girly moment).
From TSN “”The Latest: Mike Ribeiro was not suspended for his slash on Chris Osgood in Game 2, so he’s good to go for Game 3 in Dallas.”"
Seems to me that the NHL continues to invite major trouble by condoning this stuff.
They get Simon for how many games but as we have seen this year there are many instances where they do not even comment.
If they allow it, one day, there will be a really nasty, career ending or permanently disabling event and the NHL will look like it is a zoo run by the inmates.
I thought Ribeiro should have gotten at least a game; but to hear Osgood whine in the post-game presser that he may have end-butted Ribeiro but if he did it was an accident was total bullsh!t. Watching the play he clearly sticks the butt-end out as Ribeiro skates by. Knew exactly what he was doing; doesn’t get Ribeiro off the hook for going Simon all over Ozzie’s chest, but Ozzie looked like a dolt for trying to brush off what he did as “accidental”.
to hear Osgood whine in the post-game presser that he may have end-butted Ribeiro but if he did it was an accident was total bullsh!t. Watching the play he clearly sticks the butt-end out as Ribeiro skates by. Knew exactly what he was doing
+1
Dustin Brown just scored on a wraparound to make it 7-1 USA over Norway with 15:00 to go in the third.
What is with the throwing of the octopus on the ice before the game at Detroit?
Another summer, more Yashin speculation:
Alexei Yashin is ready to return to the NHL.
But if anybody wants the unrestricted free-agent centre, they’d better make their pitch because he has a lucrative offer to return to Yaroslavl in the Russian league next season.
It’s believed the Wild and Canadiens have held talks with Yashin’s agents.
The 35-year-old Yashin, a former No. 1 pick of the Senators, had 43 points in 56 games this season with Yaroslavl. He returned to his homeland after receiving a $17.6-million US buyout from the Islanders last summer.
“Some teams were asking me about (Yashin) at the under-18 championships in (Kazan, Russia last month),” said agent Todd Diamond. “We had a few teams that were inquiring. He had a great year over there. He was the MVP of the league and he was the leading scorer in the playoffs.
“He’d like to get back to the NHL. He had a lot of success in Russia and he has the chance to return there. I know right now that NHL teams aren’t really thinking about the future, (but) he’s not going to be around on July 1 because he’ll already be committed to going back to Russia.”
Holy Smokes - Pat Kane on a spin-o-rama backhand pass to a streaking Phil Kessel for the put-a-way. 8-1 and John Tortorella is looking smug.
Link - http://ottsun.canoe.ca/Sports/Hockey/2008/05/11/5530811-sun.html - it is also on the Yahoo NHL Page under Rumors
US sounds mad as hornets.
Depending upon W/L’s it seems the US will play either Canada or Finland again or maybe both? The future schedule looks like a Chinese menu.
yashin was MVP only acquiring 43 points in 56 games? shouldn’t the best in the league, not including goalies, get more than a point a game?
They must play good defense in Russia
They must play boring Minnesota Wild hockey in Russia?
Anyone else see this USA Today piece about the return of the glowing puck? Kinda scary, so I hope it’s bogus.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/mccarthy/2008-05-11-McCarthy_N.htm
What is with the throwing of the octopus on the ice before the game at Detroit?
I’m blocked from most sites that help. This is a decent one, though:
http://ask.yahoo.com/20020607.html
shouldn’t the best in the league, not including goalies, get more than a point a game?
I thought so too, G*. However, I do vaguely recall that certain European leagues only give out 1 assist per goal, rather than two.
I don’t know what leagues do that, but I suppose that would account for those blah numbers, if in fact that was the case. Can anyone verify that?
thanks bfw
Yashin… what do you guys think?
no prob, kgoph.
sunshine,
Here’s my take: Ticket prices go up (http://teammarketing.com.ismmedia.com/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/Fan%20Cost%20Index/NHL/nhl%20fci%2007-08.pdf) so the team is better positioned to make a run a top-end UFA or two. Just as importantly, CL is on record as saying he’s going to do what it takes to win the Cup (paraphrase).
Yashin would certainly be an upgrade in talent, but it would depend on his price. The guy’s gettin’ over $2mil/yr from the Islanders buyout, so you’d think he’d sign for a reasonable amount, if he really wanted to get back to the NHL. Could certainly use the right-handed shot, and he would improve our size down the middle. Not sure about his character, if he’d do what it takes to win as a team.
Let’s take a look at some other options:
2008-09 UFA Centres:
Sakic
Federov
Sundin
Forsberg
Holik
Weight
Straka
Morrison
Conroy
Langkow
Rucchin
Smolinski
Avery
Prospal
Williams
Gratton
Perreault
Peca
Kelly, Chris
Yelle
York
Reasoner
Take alook at some of THESE names:
2009-10 UFA Centres:
Lecavalier
Koivu
Lang
Horcoff
Sedin, H.
Comrie
McDonald
Cammalleri
Connolly
Madden
Kovloz
Marchant
Stumpel
Sillenger
Niedermayer
Reinprercht
Antropov
Axelsson
Arnason
Brylin
Armstrong
Pahlsson
Bonk
Bates
Malhotra
Laperriere
Franzen
Let’s hope the CL era begins with a bang!!!
some of the classic series will have the glow puck and i don’t mind it that much. I think it would be worth another try. maybe use it for replays and guage it’s reception there?
Coming out of my NyQuil induced haze to say wooo Go Pens. Your boys just keep getting it done Kevin. Good for them, and happy news for you.
The Ozzie/Robeiro thing, I thought I had heard they were both being fined? I could be wrong.
Back to napping. Have to shake this cold by Wednesday because I’m going to a Twins game with H. and it would be no fun sitting through a game in the Dome with a bunch of tissues in my pocket. I’m not missing dollar dog night.
IMHO I don’t care for the streaking puck…
But I am intrigued by shot speeds. I think they used to have the speed with the streak on FOX?
I’ve always been curious what some of those Rolston rippers would have clocked out at. It’s still a shame he was not selected for the Hardest shot comp. at that All Star game.
Supposedly Habs, Bruins, Rangers interested in Hossa with Pens unable to re-sign him because of cap. Redden gone from Senators.
1) MVP awards aren’t handed out based on just point totals.
2) I’ve heard Russian hockey is in fact very tight-checking and is not high scoring at all, but no idea if they hand out just one assist.
3) Ribiero probably should’ve been suspended, but Osgood’s antics (which include initiating the incident with the end of his stick and flopping backwards as if hit with a cannon ball) probably made the league decide against it.
4) I think you should fear Yashin being interested in going to the Wild.
Rangers interested in signing a high-priced free agent? Shocking.
Yeah, kind of out of character for them, eh?
Russo on Kfan:
- “Sanity will previal” and Rolston will be signed. As the FLA meeting is done, Rolston’s agent should hear from DR soon.
- Demo = “no chance” - both sides ready to move on.
I am not convinced that was actually JL that called in. Could be very wrong but just don’t think it was.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=237420&lid=sublink01&lpos=headlines_nhl
This guy sounds like a stud. With Detroit’s track record signing Euros, I’m sure this guy will be lighting up the league sometime soon.
Ribiero probably should’ve been suspended
I’m ok with the decision. No harm, no foul. If they woulda suspended Ribiero, they most definitely would have had to suspend Osgutless. A butt-end to the face can really mess a guy up.
I think you should fear Yashin being interested in going to the Wild.
No doubt. But, at the right price, if the guy can put up 60-80 pts, win a few draws, and convert on the PP, bring it on.
But I am intrigued by shot speeds. I think they used to have the speed with the streak on FOX?
Good point. I think there’s all kinds of room for improvement for NHL telecasts. For example, I’m not into NASCAR at all but when I happen to surf through to a race, I am always impressed with the amount of information provided to the viewer (real-time) and the manner in which it’s presented.
I think the networks and the League need to team-up to find ways to get more timely info to the viewer in an unobtrusive fashion. Shoot speed would be a great start. I’d also like to see ice-time, and in-game matchups (which I’ve seen done more lately).
But, at the right price
Famous last words. You think he’ll get along with Lemaire?
shoot speed = shot speed.
So I was listening to Russo on Hartman. Nothing earth shatterin: talked about not surprising Lemaire was coming back and JL’s likely private disappointment with DR’s trade deadline moves. Talked about the conference finals and probably right moves by the NHL on Osgood and Ribiero.
Then Hartman wasted I am sure 5 minutes of Russo’s quality time with KFAN’s “Our Jacques Lemaire” bit.
I don’t mind the “Our JL” bits but it bugs me when its being done during an interview. If Hartman doesn’t have any additional questions, just end the segment and not waste guests’ time. Put more commercials or have callers.
Famous last words. You think he’ll get along with Lemaire?
The hand strikes, and gives a flower.
He clashed with Nolan in the playoffs, and got benched. If he truly wants to play (a big ‘if’), then it’s JL’s way or the highway (ask Wanvig, Parrish, et. al.)
I’m only looking at it comparatively from what we have up the middle now…which isn’t sayin’ much. There’re plenty of UFA centers that I’d be more interested in (see above), but at the same time, I’d like to see more talent at the ‘X’, for cryin’ out loud.
No doubt. But, at the right price, if the guy can put up 60-80 pts, win a few draws, and convert on the PP, bring it on.
I would also add on a 1 to 2 year deal.
I would also add on a 1 to 2 year deal.
OMG, tooootally. 1 year ideal, 2 yr MAX. Critical point, Adam.
With Yashin, assuming you were willing to sign him, you would NEVER sign a long term deal.
Kevin, why would getting Yashin be a bad thing?
Signing Yashin brings to mind the signing of Daigle a few years back….
Yashin is old and has a terrible history of being a pain in the a$$, both to coaches and in the lockerroom. Wild better have bigger fish to fry this offseason than Yashin.
Closed circuit to KFAN brain wizards. The JL bit is old, tired and not funny. You’ve beat it into the ground, please move on.
Austin, check DB’s post. Yashin undoubtedly has talent and would be a big upgrade to your center position, I just think he’d also present a huge chemistry problem (don’t underestimate that) and could do more harm than good. Just my opinion though.
The KFAN atitude towards the Wild in general is old and not funny. Tired doesn’t begin to explain it. Why would you pair the Wild beat writer with the one on-air host who could care less about hockey in general than anything else? Chadwick Hartman would rather talk ad nauseum about his spoiled little brats at home with the yuppie wife than talk hockey. Maybe we could have received some real answers if they hadn’t wasted their time with Cory Cove’s ‘Bit.’
Thanks Kevin. I certianly would not underestimate that. I was unaware of his doucheyness.
I just read Jason Blake wants out of Toronto, didnt we talk about him at one time?
No prob Austin. Yashin’s never lived up to his potential (an Ottawa draft pick not living up.. shocking) and he’s always been a prima donna. I wouldn’t want him on my team if I needed a C.
You mean the yuppie ex wife (at least that’s what I heard)…
Once again, in JLs system it makes no sense to get s SCORING center. Better to invest in a scoring WINGER and get a PLAYMAKING center.
I am sure Demitra will light it up somewhere else. Once he is ‘free’ of JLs system that obviously has ‘held him back’.
Gaborik to Tampa. This summer. Take their 1st overall pick and let them worry about signing him. Maybe get them to throw in Halpern or Jokkinen (Jussi).
Brent Burns, just the other day, ruptured Jeff Halpern’s ACL at the Worlds with a hip check. Kind of an akward hit as Jeff had a guy hanging off him. Halpern was the Captain for Team USA, and he will not be replaced as “C.”
I think Halpern will be out for a while.
Halpern is out for 6-8 months. In JL’s system he would be a nice add if he were healthy. A good defensive forward who can also put the puck in the net.
Erat signs for 7 years, $31.5M.
That’s a good deal for Nashville.
If you could somehow convince Tampa to part with the number 1 pick (which you won’t, especially not just for Gaborik), you have to jump all over that. Stamkos is the perfect player for JL’s system
Tampa won’t. Didn’t they just get rid of Richards to make room in the cap? Why would they jump back into that fire again?
Sharks fired Ron Wilson.
Wow … I think I read recently that he was confident in his job security …
Confident as long as he gets out of the second round, apparently, which he couldn’t do very often.
KiPA…true.
Isn’t the ‘vote of confidence’ given by management usually conditional and always referred to as ‘the kiss of death’ in hindsight??? 
I know Halpern was hurt. Exactly why I thought he could be part of the deal. Tampa needs a dynamic winger. Gaborik would be just that (if you don’t believe me - ask him) kind of player when set ‘free’ from the JL system.
Would you trade the #1 overall pick for a known all-star franchise player???
We can only hope…
Isn’t the ‘vote of confidence’ given by management usually conditional and always referred to as ‘the kiss of death’ in hindsight???
Yes.
Tampa needs a dynamic winger.
They have St. Louis.
Would you trade the #1 overall pick for a known all-star franchise player???
No, not if I knew how much that player’s fan base wanted to trade him as quickly as possible. And, as someone pointed out earlier, not after dumping salary. I wouldn’t take on a $7 mil guy with health issues.
Then Lemaire should be fired. He only got out of the second round once with the Wild, and that seemed like a decade ago. Wilson, Quennville. I am surprised Lemaire has kept his job. He has man love for Skoula who just sucks, and never seems to adjust his coaching style. Gonna be a long playoff winless year again next year.
KiPa, with all due respect no GM bases a trade or fails to make a trade based on what the other team’s fan base thinks. Fans are fickle and in many cases, as often demonstrated here and elsewhere, opinionated but not always knowldegeable. But TB would never trade for Gabby because they shed Richards because they had too many big contracts. Why add another. I am happy we don’t have a franchise that sheds coaches on a whim. I have always liked the Twins patience with Kelly and then Gardy. I remember too many Ray Millers who were just stopgap measures. And I respect the Wild for that patience also. It was not a decade ago we made the WC finals and I am happy we are not changing coaches. I just hope we add some players. By the way should Tippett be fired because the Wings are schooling the Stars.
And it’s not the entire fan base that wants to trade him. It’s probably not even more than a third of the fan base — it’s just the ones who want to are more vocal about it.
Agreed, woodcock, which is why I threw in the very rational point of salary/injury concerns (again, also pointed out by sunshine). I just remain surprised at how many people I see on here shouting to trade Gaborik.
Put me on the record as saying trade Gaborik ONLY IF no agreement is reached on an extension.
Put me on the record as saying trade Gaborik ONLY IF no agreement is reached on an extension.
Outside of the Negative Nancy crowd, I think that is the general consensus.
Yes, Woodcock at 9:52, good example with Kelly and Gardy.
It pays dividends to ride over the rough spots because with a little patience you can usually get what you want. In this case a Stanley Cup.
The teams that fire their coaches are always rebuilding.
I’d like to think that because Lemaire does not have to worry alot about being fired, he can be tougher on Gaborik and bench top players who aren’t performing like Parrish.
We have seen the growth of Gaborik, Schultz, PMB, Koivu, and Burns under JL, Ramsey, and Tremblay. With so many coach changes, they might not developed properly. Would we have seen Burns on the blueline and being one of the best defensemen under 25?
JL has his faults but he has done a great job on our draft picks.
I don’t understand all the clamor I hear about trading Gaborik. Especially for draft picks. Trading an established star for such an unknown quantity doesn’t seem like a wise move.
I think if the Wild does not manage to re-sign Gaborik, it will be a colossal failure. You think this team has scoring problems now–imagine he gets traded for a draft pick or two and we have to wait 3 to 4 years to see any production from them?? Yikes.
No thanks, the team is only mediocre offensively as it is.
If you can’t get the extension done with Gaborik I feel that you almost have to trade him.
As for a trade all I would want is an elite youngster and a first round pick. For example Peter Mueller and Phoenix’s 1st round pick. What I’m saying is quality over quantity.
On an unrelated note, the NHL needs to create an NHL Elite League and put Zetterberg and Datsyuk there. They are too good for the NHL.
I can understand that perspective, Aaron, and I don’t disagree. As a last resort, yes you should get something if you fail to extend his contract. But to me it’s still a failure.
On an unrelated not, I was wondering why I hadn’t heard much about the Swedish national team this year. And then I remembered… they’re playing in Detroit.
*note
>i>And then I remembered… they’re playing in Detroit.
+1
And then I remembered… they’re playing in Detroit.
+1
The guy that hosts CBS Hockey Night in Canada Radio likes to call Detroit the Tre kronor (Three Crowns) Red Wings.
Speaking of Sweden, Mattias Weinhandl led the leauge in goal scoring. He was with the Wild organization last season. I enjoyed watching him play for the Aeros. He is an elusive dangler with the puck and a great passer. However, I’m pretty sure he would get crushed in the NHL especially in the NW Division.
Aaron, he got crushed, lost his cool and cost JL some dough. He had trouble staying out of JL’s dog house if I remember right.
But to me it’s still a failure.
That’s fair.
Oh I know Bandgeek.
He does have a fun name to say… Wienhandl…. hehehehe….. wow must be residual NyQuil in the system.
My trade scenario for Gaborik is based upon my being a realist.
1) Demitra is not coming back. If he was brought here to get Gaborik to sign an extension, how does dumping him make Gaborik sign another extension? Say what you want about his maturation, but I think that will make him want to leave.
2) With his history of injuries and lackadaisical play, are you going to give him maximum $$$?
3) His contract is a source of pride for him. It gives him ‘cred’ in the homeland. Do you think he is going to give the Wild a hometown discount and sign for less? If not, see #2.
4) He can ‘prove’ to everyone how great he is by becoming a UFA and signing in the Eastern Conference.
Granted, those are just my opinions but to me it shows that re-signing him is going to be near impossible. And, since he is in the final year of his contract, he will not have much trade value after the Wild fail in an attempt to do so. That is why you need to trade him before it gets ugly.
I think I’m convinced now it doesn’t matter who comes out of the East. Detroit will steamroll either team.
Kj: It will never get “ugly” with Gabby. If they don’t have an extension signed by the middle of the summer, he will be dealt before training camp opens up. Both sides have been quoted as saying as the time to talk extension is now and that Gabby doesn’t want to see it turn into a Hossa situation. Neither side will allow it to get ugly. Unless, of course, you consider that 4-pound mole/growth on Gabby’s mug ugly. Then, my friends, this situation passed the ugly off ramp about 4 miles ago.
K in PA: Granted Detroilet is playing lights out and will beat either Pitt or Phil in the Finals, but the Dead Wings have really gotten the sweetest of draws all throughout the playoffs. Didn’t have to go through Anh, Cal, or SJ. Teams that like to bang, which Detroit does not. Doesn’t mean they still wouldn’t have won those series as well, but Nashville, Colorado and Dallas is about as easy as it could have gotten for the Wings. I mean, when’s the last time they’ve trailed for Christ’s sake?
Deep…LOL
Way to put it all into perspective!
My definition of ‘ugly’ is the rest of the NHL knowing that the Wild were unsuccessful in signing him to an extension - thereby diminishing his trade value.
I think to get max value, they may have to wait until trade deadline day next season and hope that Gaborik has a phenominal year.
I am with Aaron on this one.
Keeping Gabby is a priority. But, I will not consider it a failure if they cannot come to terms. Sometimes, there are just too many obstacles.
This is a team being put together. Everyone has a role.
When someone is not willing to fit that role or can’t fit it, or believes they are bigger than the team, then the team is better served to move on and go past the contentious attitudes sometimes associated with failed negotiations.
This is not to say Gabby has or does not have an attitude. That will be apparent in what happens next.
My opinion also is that no final decisions have been made regarding which Wild players do move on to greener or browner pastures this summer.
So, I would not kiss Demitra or others off yet.
When you have one commodity and 30 potential buyers kj, I do not see how they can collectively low ball the Wild if a trade is in the cards.
They will all need to evaluate individually how much they can afford for such a player.
It may or may not be enough.
Ice…I thought Russo reported that both the Wild and Demitra have ‘moved on’?
How long of a deal would DR have to sign Gaborik to? I’m wondering if at this point signing him to a shorter deal might not be a bad idea.
Remember the ‘pinch’ and surgery. It could mean Gaborik is ready to skate away from the groin issue. It could go the other way. I’m thinking he’s either on the verge of breaking out or breaking down. Offer him a 1-2 yr extension for decent money. Tell him his performance in the playoffs and the uncertainty of the injury makes you hesitant. Tell him if he proves the injury bug is gone and that he can play in the playoffs expect a big re-negotiation next year.
If he doesn’t take it, shop for trades.
I forgot about the surgery.
You know, given his current health status, he may be untradeable in the off-season.
Teams may want to see what he can do B4 ponying up any kind of decent trade scenarios.
I will say it again: Gabby does not need Demitra to stay with the Wild. What will decide if he wants to re-sign is the moves the Wild makes by July 2. Those will be more important than playing with Demitra.
He’s done the I-played-with-one-of-my-idols-and-bff-in-the-NHL. He doesn’t need to do it again.
I can see him getting $7-$8.5 million/yr for 4 years.
Ice: while the suitors would be many for Gabby, I don’t think there are 30 teams that can 1)Offer up the young talent and picks it would take to get Gabby in a trade and 2)Have the cap space available to cough up $40 million+ over the next 5 years, which is in the ballpark of what it is going to take. First, eliminate the teams that are ballz-tight to the salary cap. Then, with the remaining teams, eliminate the ones that don’t have the good young players it would take. I think the list would be relatively small, say 6-8.
If we keep Gabby, we keep him. If we lose him, we lose him. With the injuries Gaborik’s had, we’ve “lost” him more often than not. The team can cope without him and even manages to win. It all depends on who else is signed to the team.
What will decide if he wants to re-sign is the moves the Wild makes by July 2.
While this may end up being true, unfortunately it’s not an overly impressive offseason for UFA’s. The best the Wild can do in this respect is to sign Rolston (short-term) and extend PMB.
This may just come down to dollars and cents: Would Gabby turn down a long-term deal for big dough? Doubt it. At the end of the day, it’s not really about the Eastern Conference, or his BFF, or the system, or JL, etc.
It’s all about the benjamins.
Gabby’ll take his shot at free agency if he is not offered a big-time deal this summer. He knows someone will cough up the big bucks. The question is whether or not CL and Co. will be the ones to do it.
kj, but lots can happen between now and then. Maybe plan B or C or whatever. Until there is something concrete about Demitra signing or the Wild signing his replacement he is still in play here.
DB, I won’t deny that there are many teams that for one reason or another are not interested in Gabby.
My point was more that getting him is a competitive situation for those who dearly want him. I do not think he is damaged goods, everyone in the league is a hit away from the end of their career.
It is little like Santana. The timing will be important. The biggest value will be achieved if he was to move this summer while he is still under contract.
It all depends on who else is signed to the team.
Good point. As disapointing as Demo’s 54 pts were, we will need to replace those somehow.
The biggest value will be achieved if he was to move this summer while he is still under contract.
I don’t know that I agree with this. I think the highest value for Gabby over the next year (in order) will be: at the Trade Deadline, followed by this summer’s Entry Draft. After that, I’d say it would be at the start of UFA Signings, July 1st.
Case in point: The Thrashers received Armstrong (1st Rd), Christiansen (3rd Rd), Esposito (1st Rd), and a 1st Round pick for Hossa and a bucket of pucks.
…Wait. Uh, that was Hossa and Dupuis. My bad.
So, in essence, that’s more than three first rounders for Hossa at the deadline. I’m betting that Gabby would get a king’s ransom next Trade Deadline.
…But, it’ irrelavent if CL ponies up the loot this summer.
Lock up Gabby and PMB, sign Rolston for 1-2yrs, and make a run at Vinny next summer!!
build - and what do the Wild get at the deadline if Gaborik is in his final year and on the IR?
Try to extend Gaborik for 3 years at a fair market price. If not, then trade him for a top end young player and a 1st round pick. I don’t want a Thrashers type deal. Give me Mueller and a 1st round pick or Toews and a 1st round pick. A quality player and a quality pick. I don’t want a bag of hit or miss players.
Or I would welcome a straight up trade for a hard nosed captain like Morrow or Jokinen. I would love to throw in more players, but we have to be realistic.
In regards to Gaborik in the playoffs, I thought he played really good hockey, he just couldn’t get the results. Sometimes you work hard and it just doesn’t happen. He is streaky like that.
There is no point in trading him after next season is over. Teams will just wait until July 1st for free agency. Why give up anything when you can wait several weeks?
If no extension is reached, the best scenario is to trade him before the season starts. No media scrum to poison the locker room for 5 months. You know Russo will start in right away at camp if Gaborik does not have an extension in place.
Being unable to sign Gaborik would not necessarily constitute a failure. If they don’t get a deal done, hold on to him all season with the hope that he comes around in 2009, only to see him walk… now that would be a failure.
The extension needs to happen this summer, and I think it will, but really I’m just guessing. I could just as easily see how kj’s scenario unfolds as well. I kind of wonder about his maturity, but don’t necessarily buy the idea that he’s more about himself than the team. I do think he wants to play on a cup contender and maybe isn’t feeling like DR is carrying his weight in the deal, and/or isn’t crazy about the style the Wild play.
In other words, I think this summer is similar to the last time the Wild were in this situation with Gaborik. If they make a couple of moves that Gabby thinks will make the team better, I think he’ll sign. If the big roster moves expected for next season include adding Pouliot and Gillies, and possibly another checking forward from Houston, and then adding a couple of #5-6 defensemen in free agency, then I think he might balk.
But, it’ irrelavent if CL ponies up the loot this summer.
Perpetuating a Wild Myth Alert - the decision to extend Gabby has nothing to do with CL’s budget. The budget is the cap with the new owner until DR convinces him otherwise
And yes, I agree that if the extension doesn’t happen, the trade should happen this summer for the reasons listed above by sunshine and AiH. You can’t let these kinds of things fester.
There is no point in trading him after next season is over.
Where’d ya get that one? Hard to disagree with ya there. Not one of the options I’m recommending (above.)
what do the Wild get at the deadline if Gaborik is in his final year and on the IR?
Fair point. But Hossa was out with a groin injury, and traded just a couple months later.
Try to extend Gaborik for 3 years at a fair market price
Not a bad idea in theory. But, if you’re Gabby, would you sign it? Or wait for UFA? No brainer.
Give me Mueller and a 1st round pick
Mueller’s a stud. Take him or Toews in a heartbeat.
Bottom Line:
Our top six forwards scored more points than any other Western Conference teams’ top six forwards, with three exceptions. If you decide to move Gabby, you’ve got to get true value in return.
Perpetuating a Wild Myth Alert - the decision to extend Gabby has nothing to do with CL’s budget. The budget is the cap with the new owner until DR convinces him otherwise
Agreed, but you’re missing my point. Some suggest a “fair” offer for Gabby, (lowball?). I’m sayin’: Spend what you need to get it done.
I’m sayin’: Spend what you need to get it done.
That is the $100 million question and I should have said you were unintentionally perpetuating the myth.
PS - Solid scoring stat - not bad for the Six Goalie System.
Bottom Line:
The Wild’s top 6 goal scoring forwards only scored more total goals than 5 other teams in the Western Conference.
These kinds of stats are generally meaningless. Some teams are top loaded at forward, some teams are more reliant on goals from the defense etc.
This comment is not going to be popular but…….
After watching 6-8 weeks of playoff hockey and the teams that are playing in the playoffs, I have to agree with some on this blog that say Wild hockey is boring. The creativity, the balls-to-the-walls plays, the effort, passing, team play, you don’t see that watching the Wild. My question is, why not? Why do we sit on a 1-2 goal lead? Why so structured, no room for offensive creativity. I’m a little disillusioned today Russoville. I don’t know if it’s the ticket hike, watching teams play or this Gaborik thing but I’m losin’ the faith brothers and sisters……..
other should have been inserted there
Gaborik will forego becoming a free agent IF he is offered a spectacular contract.
My opinion is that he is not worth 8-10 mil a year and suspect that the Wild braintrust believe that as well. He obviously believes he is.
This is why I would say his resigning here is less than 30%.
I guarantee you Toews or Mueller would NOT be traded for Gaborik…even straight up.
I would be impressed if DR is working behind the scenes right now to see if Gaborik can be re-signed. If he determines he can not, the best time to trade him will be at the Entry Draft.
I thought he can’t talk to Gaborik about an extension until after July 1st. He can talk to other GMs about a trade for Gaborik but that would mean that DR does not want to re-sign Gaborik at all.
SS6 don’t lose the faith sister, drink some kool-ade. It’s ok to be feelin’ the way you do. Other people get the winter blahs, hockey fans get the disillusions of summer. Watch Slapshot or Miracle and stick your head in the freezer to smell the ice, it’s like a sunlamp for hockey fans. You’ll be just fine.
Flyers fans look like they belong at a deer hunting convention. I’ve seen less blaze orange opening weekend at the Mr grandparents farm with all the rellie’s there to hunt. It makes my eyes hurt. ….. Can you tell I’m bored? Maybe I should head the advice I gave SS6 earlier and go smell some ice or watch a movie or something….
Toews for Gaborik? Yeah, I’d make that trade for the Wild in a heartbeat. Mueller’s a stud too and would probably be more realistic. Chicago’s finally going through a renaissance, I don’t see them trading Toews.
Anyone heard from Nick lately?
Nope, the bars been locked tight. He doesn’t trust me with the keys anymore. Congrats on your boys going 3-0 tonight Kevin.
Hehe, wasn’t looking for a drink, I just hadn’t seen him in a while. And thanks.
Is Sykora ok? Pretty cheap shot by Downie after he again gave away the key goal.
No clue. I haven’t heard anything. Can’t say I’m surprised at Downie’s cheap shot. It’s fine though. His insertion into the lineup gave us two wins.
I like how the AP story, presumably written by the Philadelphia-based reporter, said Malkin dove to draw a “questionable” hooking penalty on Hatcher, while the NHL.com story says it was a “needless” hooking penalty by Hatcher.
I also liked how Shero gave credit to Craig Patrick for building at least part of this team.
Wait, so you actually like the bit about Craig Patrick or was that sarcastic?
I do. The game may have passed him by, his evaluation abilities may have wavered, and the salary cap era may have messed Patrick up, and the team needed a fresh face in the GM office, but he did a lot of good for a long time and his fingerprints are still in a lot of places on this team. He gets too much grief and not enough credit. He left Shero with a pretty full cupboard, Shero just, as he said, polished it up.
I understand why there was confusion. The first “I like” was definitely sarcastic, and I didn’t do anything to differentiate the second “I like.”
sunshine…I am pretty certain you can sign your own players to an extension any time you want.
See Martin Erat and Nashville.
This comment is not going to be popular but…….
After watching 6-8 weeks of playoff hockey and the teams that are playing in the playoffs, I have to agree with some on this blog that say Wild hockey is boring. The creativity, the balls-to-the-walls plays, the effort, passing, team play, you don’t see that watching the Wild.
ss6, a lot of that is because it is playoff hockey. Any team that makes it this far in the playoffs is hopefully going to be a little more “balls-to-the-walls”. I’d guess that all of the remaining teams played a little differently in the regular season.
KJ:
The reason I asked was that it was reported by Russo and others that they couldn’t speak to Gaborik about an extension until after July 1st because he is not a UFA this summer but next summer. So any trade discussions at the entry draft would mean that DR has no intention of re-signing Gaborik.
Erat was RFA this summer so that was why Nashville could speak to him about an extension.
they couldn’t speak to Gaborik about an extension until after July 1st because he is not a UFA this summer but next summer.
Correct. See Section 11.10 in the NHL CBA.
Also, Section 50.5(f)(ii):
A Club that wishes to sign a Player to an “extension” of an existing SPC may do so only in the final yer of such SPC.
I learned something today:
Martin Erat’s new seven-year, $31.5 contract with the Nashville Predators has been rejected by the NHL.
Erat’s contract was rejected because it violates a clause in the CBA that regulates year to year fluctuations in salary.
For example, if you take the first two years of contract, the higher salary in those two years can’t be more than double of the lower salary. After that, the salary can’t fluctuate up by more than 100% of the lower salary and can’t fluctuate downward by more than 50% of lower salary.
I am no expert on the Preds but this still seems like way too much money for Erat. However, the fluctuating cap hits - within the rules - seems like the way to go for players such as him.
I think $4.5 million a year cap hit wouldn’t be too bad over the length of the contract. However, seeing a $5 and $6 million hit, makes me cringe. I noticed a NMC, too.
I don’t think the cap hit fluctuates. I believe the cap hit is an average of the total contract over the number of years. So in this case it would be 4.5 every year, actual salary that year.
*regardless of the actual salary that year.
Sorry.
*regardless of the actual salary that year.
Correct. Total amount of salary, including bonuses, divided by contract length.
Ok, here’s a question:
How’d you like to be the “capologist” for the Predators, and have overlooked this one before submitting it? Oops!!
Ouch on the Erat signing (and my being misinformed).
So, DR will have to wait until the current season ends before Gaborik would be in his last year?
Must officially start a ’season’ on July 1?
I believe the cap hit is an average of the total contract over the number of years.
Now I learned two thing today - look out Chris Snow
So the breakouts would only be for accounting purposes but not for cap purposes.
So that would mean that even though Gaborik is suppose to receive %7.5 million next season, his cap hit is only $6.33 million?
I guess it makes sense.
That’s right, sunshine. If nothing else, it makes cap totals much easier to keep track of.
Well Adam it’s always good to learn things, because now you know, and knowing is half the battle….. Did I really just say that? Man I need to find some lunch, this low blood sugar is doing bad things to me.
KiPA, where are you? Your team is sandblasting everyone and everything in sight! You’ve gotta love that.
How do the Pens matchup vs. the Deadwings?
Bandgeek,
Go ahead, make your jokes, Ms. Jokey…Joke-maker. But let me hit you with some knowledge. Quit now. Save yourself the embarrassment of losing with these losers.
Food… and that’s not lunch either. From Russo.
