Live From Ottawa
Posted on June 19th, 2008 – 7:22 PMBy Michael Russo
Late update I know, but lots of writing for my other job — the newspaper 
– Brian Rolston: Since I talked to Brian Rolston yesterday and couldn’t get Doug Risebrough on the phone, today I sat down with Risebrough for his rebuttal. Risebrough said there is a difference in opinion as to what Rolston’s market value is.
You can read all about it in Friday’s paper, but he said in his opinion, market value is different from team to team. He essentially said if Rolston wants to play for more money on a losing team, he’s got that right. But the Wild has to place a value on him, and if Rolston wants to play for what Risebrough considers a winning team in a great market and wonderful place to live, he may need to make a decision and leave some money on the table.
Risebrough said he believes there will be further discussion, but he refused to say there would be further negotiations or offers tendered.
– Olli Jokinen: I’ve been told my multiple league and team sources that the Wild is indeed very much interested in the Florida Panthers’ captain, who’s scored 173 goals the past five years.
Right now, however, the price is not right. The Panthers wants a young, up and coming prospect from the Wild, and Risebrough is not willing to part with him. If that specific part of the package changes, the Wild would pull the trigger. But right now, it will not.
GM Jacques Martin is doing the rounds and trying to get the highest possible return. If he can’t get what he wants, the Wild hopes the price comes down Friday (in other words, different player than that specific prospect).
– Draft stuff: I did a story on the Wild’s sub-par draft from 2004-06, mostly focusing on 2004. The Wild didn’t hit on a player yet in that draft. You can read it tomorrow, but I had to do some significant trims (I like to overwrite), and this is one chunk I cut out. I was doing a comparison with the Red Wings, who’ve got a history on hitting grand slams with late picks. I had to cut this chunk out.
For instance, the Swedish Franzen was apparently playing in the North American
equivalent of a beer league. Datsyuk was a scrawny kid that didn’t speak a lick
of English. (Wings assistant GM JIm) Nill went over to Sweden to scout former Wild Mattias Weinhandl and suddenly asked Red Wings super scout Hakan Andersson, “Who’s that?”
It was a project named * Zetterberg.
Of course, if the Red Wings were so smart, why’d they take three players before
Zetterberg and seven before Datsyuk?
Or, as Nill says, “We had Franzen on our list three years prior and didn’t take
him, so I don’t think we’re that smart. There is an element of luck and we’ve
had our share that didn’t work out. But we give them a good environment to excel
in and they’ve taken it to new levels. We don’t rush players. We allow them to
patient and play in the minors or stay in Europe.
“Zetterberg was in the dressing room with Steve Yzerman. Datsyuk sat with Igor
Larionov. They’ve learned from great players, grabbed them and worked hard to
develop into great players.”
– Lastly, when I went to the Wild’s hotel to meet with Risebrough in his suite, I ran into Glen Sonmor shaking hands in the elevator and saying goodbye to Guelph Storm goalie Thomas McCollum. I still think the Wild is targeting defensemen, but it has given hints that it could take a goalie. And McCollum is the top rated goalie in the draft, and the Wild clearly re-interviewed him because I know he met with Sonmor and chief scouts Tommy Thompson and Guy Lapointe.
OK, I know this reads quick because it was. It’s 8:21 Eastern, and I’ve got people to go hang out with
133 Responses to "Live From Ottawa"
Russo, you should find out what you can about reports the Pens are trading Malkin. Seriously, I can’t concentrate on work (where I am at present) right now.
I have to say these Malkin trade rumors make absolutely no sense to me.
The same guy who wrote the Pens should consider a Brown-Johnson-Player A-Player B-2 picks trade also said Malkin is soon going to sign an $8.5 mil/year deal.
So where the heck is everybody? I need to listen to you talk about the Wild to get my mind off this Malkin mess.
He must be talking about Sheppard. DR would give up Pouliot in a heart beat.
DR should have signed Fiala and used him as trade bait.
That seems so much more logical. I understand the Pens can’t keep everyone, but a.) they don’t have to trade Malkin this summer, even if he’s not in their long-term plans (but that itself makes no sense either) and b.) if it were true it would mean that Hossa is all but locked up, but that doesn’t sound like that’s the case either. Anyway… like I said, doesn’t make sense to trade him.
Is Sheppard still considered a prospect?
He played in the NHL for better part of the whole year with decent numbers and not too many mistakes. Maybe it’s Gillies that DR is referring to.
He must be talking about Sheppard.
I concur.
As for the Pens, its too bad TB has two big contracts already on the roster. The only way a Malkin trade makes sense is if you get a stud that can play right out of the draft. The cap friendly nature of rookie contracts would allow the team to add other pieces.
OK, I’ll talk about the Wild. It sounds to me like both Rolston and Risebrough have dug in their heels so he’s going to test the market, but then again he might be bluffing. I kinda am leaning towards the former as he’s been hinting for a long time that he’s underpaid, etc. and that it’s not just a negotiating strategy.
I agree that “prospect” is a strange term for Shep but Russo can’t be referring to anyone else.
Based on DR’s comments, he better hope Rolston does not end up on a good team if he goes for the gold. On the plus side, those of us worried that DR was going to overpay and/or do a 4 or 5 year deal can probabably rest a little easier.
I can’t imagine Russo calling Shepard a prospect. He has an NHL contract and played last year…that isn’t a prospect.
Could it be Rietz? He showed very well when he finally did make the show.
Picked a good day to come back home. Sounds like it should be an interesting weekend. I cant wait to see how this shakes out.
OK, I know this reads quick because it was. It’s 8:21 Eastern, and I’ve got people to go hang out with
Russo I think you need to get your priorities straight.
That prospect has gotta be shep (or maybe Gilles) and I don’t want DR to part with either of them. I am sure he would trade benny for OJ.
Sheppard is still a prospect in that he really hasn’t proven himself yet. He has the makings of an NHL stud but he is still a little raw.
If its not Shep, its Gillies. If I were Florida, I would want Shep.
I don’t want to come off like an I-Told-You-So sort of guy (and I think the regulars would agree I haven’t done that), but here’s what I wrote here back on May 30 regarding Rolston:
“He’ll have to take a haircut to stay here, and there probably isn’t a lot of willingness to do that, since he’s taken a considerable haircut the past three seasons to be here.
On the other hand, how much better can your life be if you make $14 million the next three years vs. $10 million? And what about the intangibles? Do you want to fight NYC traffic all the time and have your kids grow up in that atmosphere? Ditto for Philly, or SoCal. Where are you going to have fans like these who appreciate how hard you work each night?
If it’s about money, then it’s 80/20 he leaves. If it’s about life, we maybe have a 50/50 shot.”
Now I read DR’s comments tonight, and I feel like I had a pretty good grip on the situation back then.
I’m pretty sure it is Shep. Isn’t that what they wanted at trade deadline(+Bouchard and whatever else)? I can’t see them getting that excited for Gillies. Not a knock on him but Shep has a much higher ceiling. With Risebrough’s awful luck trading Ollie would come here underwhelm and Shep would go on to be the next Sakic…
Kevin,
Dont know if you remember our discusion earlier this year about Malkin. But, it’s Draft day soon what would you take from the Wild for Malkin? DR has talked a lot about flexibility so anything is open including Gabby if you think it can work. Others like Bouchard, Pouliot, Gilles, Sheppard, and of course Picks. I dont think DR will make a huge splash for OJ, but I think he would for Malkin. My offer would be Bouchard, Parrish, and one of the following Skoula, Pouliot, or a 1st round Pick.
Good point, it could be Gillies but I agree Florida should want Shep more. I do recall your post Goalieguy and you are right, it is even truer today than it was when it was written.
Hey, if Martin thinks Pouliot is that prospect I’d hate to disabuse him of that notion.
I don’t really know, but would the highest rated goalie in the draft (arguably the first goalie taken) really fall to #24? I thought it was kind of a top heavy draft? And if not, and this is the meat of my point, why would we be talking to him…unless DR’s getting close on a trade to move up in the first round?
edubs, not sure I’d make a trade with the Wild involving Malkin. Bouchard would be involved, probably, otherwise.. I don’t really know who I want that you’d part with (*coughBurnscough*). Few people seem to like Pouliot here, plus I don’t want another center that’s converted to wing, so not him. Not sure what kind of prospects you have. I know nothing about Gilles but he might be an option. Sheppard a defensive center? Him maybe.
Gabby’s too expensive.
I have seen multiple mock drafts with the Wild taking a keeper. McCullom was one and another had a Finnish keeper (can’t remember the name). For what it’s worth…
As far as the draft goes, I thought it was a fairly deep but not a lot of top end talend?
that’s “talent”
Most people have the first goalie rated around 20th or later. Many have the Swed goalie going first. Can’t have to many goalies. Harding goes down who is the backup. Look what happened to Rangers Blackburn? If you are looking at a player for Florida why not just trade them the pick? Goalies are great trade bait though, look at Manny and Boston. St. Louis can never settle on a goalie. It truley is the one must have position.
I’m loving the McCollum bit.
I doubt Burns would go I believe he has a Wild tattoo on his back. Its kind of like a no trade clause.
The money we save on Malkin can go to laser removal.
Kind of like that old football comercial where the guy gets the lions tattoo and then they tell him he has been traded
no interest in parrish?
Burns, Koivu and Sheppard are definitely untouchables on this team for the next 3 years at least.
Maybe a little.
GoalieGuy, I am not convinced Rolston took a haircut to come here in the first place. He got market, and then the market went up.
But, that was the contract for him to make it big. Now, with the cap number working against the older player, the big long-term contracts are just no-good for a team.
So, if Rolston wants the big contract, both he and the Wild are better off if he walks. Rolston has been good but he has liabilities too.
We have a Finnish goalie playing in Finland yet from a prior draft don’t we?
Nobody is untuchable that is why DR insists on not doing a no trade clause aka Nick Schultz. Especially when you are talking about a possible franchise player. It could be many years before we get a top 10 draft pick.
Russo’s Rolston article is here - http://www.startribune.com/sports/wild/20587944.html?location_refer=Wild
It does say Rolston wants a multiyear deal in the $4 to $5 million range but it does not say how many years = multiyear.
Burns and Koivu, I wouldn’t trade. But why would you call Sheppard untouchable? He’s got a lot of potential, but he certainly hasn’t proven himself yet.
2006 G Niko Hovinen
Kevin,
Schultz, Parrish, and a pick?
Russo also mentions that CGY and VAN are the competition for OJ. Both of those teams have an advantage in terms of 1st round pick but I would say the Wild are still better positioned than CGY since they have to move Tanquay. Too bad OJ does not have a no trade clause, since he wants out of FLA, I am sure he would rather not go to the semi (at least) rebuilding project in VAN. Also, you would hope Martin is a little gun shy talking to the team that got Luongo!
Cant expect a team to trade for nothing. A big name would be a must in the deal for Malkin (Koivu, Schultz, Bouchard). It would be more of what fits for Pittsburghs needs right now. Its all about the package. You want Koivu and a pick? Koivu would be a good fit
It could be many years before we get a top 10 draft pick.
It could be next year. Just watch…
:-O
The Don is busy.
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wild/20586719.html?location_refer=Wild:highlightModules:1
If it isn’t Shep then it is Gillies for sure. He looked incredible in the few games he played at the end of the season with the Aeros. I was impressed. It was the first time in two seasons I was really excited to watch a Wild prospect.
Sure, Pouliot had some electric moments, but once Gillies arrived I was a little more excited to get to the rink and I found myself isolating on him during his shifts.
I would be a little sad to see Gillies traded away, especially for a guy that Florida is so willing to give away. Red flag? The Rays couldn’t wait to unload Delmon Young.
I’m hoping we get to see a kid line next year with Pouliot, Sheppard and Gillies or some comibanation of at least two of them. Get those guys on the ice together and let them grow! Their skill set really compliments each other as well. Pouliot is a smooth skating, dangling sniper, Sheppard is learning the rigor of pivot for JL and Gillies can dig in the corner and get to the net. I’m salivating at the thought of their potential.
Wow - I butchered “combination” sorry I got excited.
Hm, I’ll let you know, edubs.
From South Florida’s finest newspaper:
One of them is Jake Gardiner, a 6-foot-2, 170-pound high school defenseman from Minnesota, who Luce said the Panthers will speak with again today before the draft.
Most draft pundits believe Gardiner, a powerful skater who is one of the fastest in the draft, will be taken between No. 15 and No. 20 overall. The teams holding those picks are Nashville, Boston, Calgary, Ottawa, Columbus and the New York Rangers. Along with the Minnesota Wild, which picks 24th and has been rumored as a destination for Jokinen, Calgary appears to be an intriguing possibility. Flames coach Mike Keenan is fond of Jokinen, and the Panthers could ask for the Flames’ No. 17 pick, forward Alex Tanguay and one of Calgary’s several talented blue-liners.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/hockey/panthers/sfl-flsppanthers20sbjun20,0,6854176.story
Dear Jacques Martin,
If Alex Tanguay sucked in CGY, why would he be better in FLA? You need to build with young players that will listen to your new coach. His expereince involves coaching young players. Keep the Betrtuzi colored glasses on at all times. Thanks! Adam
So, as the playoffs proved, our cupboard is pretty well bare. We have a couple of items in there, but pretty much no depth. We have a chance to pay market value to keep one of our best players, and potentially a chance to trade from our weak cupboard for another solid player.
The question I have is, what is the future of this team. Seems to me, DR would be happy to hover around the last playoff spot forever, rather than taking a chance on loading up and either falling flat or making a deep run.
This team doesn’t have the horses to get deep on their own, and it seems rather likely that DR is going to let Demetra and Rolston walk.
If he wants to know why I dumped my season tickets today, he should feel free to re-examine “the blueprint”.
sunsentinel is a great paper but the miami herald and george richards is definetly the best place for panthers news the past year or so.
HABS INSIDE/OUT site says Ottawa has no control of their team, the Gladiator is hot though. Hope Emery has a new crack pipe.
Edub-
“My offer would be Bouchard, Parrish, and one of the following Skoula, Pouliot, or a 1st round Pick.”
I don’t want to sound sarcastic here… Skoula is not equal to Pouliot or a first rounder. Skoula is terrible, only NHL player I have ever seen trip over ice more than once in a game, and I watched him do it three times in the matter of two periods. Terrible.
As for the Malkin talk. It’s a ploy. Who in their right mind trades Malkin for anything except proven top-tier NHL talent and the pick? No one, that’s who.
Rolston needs to get paid, plain and simple. Jokinen is nothing special and he can take a walk for all I care. Sheppard will be a stud in less than 5 years. Jokinen will be old and useless in 3. Not to slight him, but he just is not anything special. FLA is asking way to much for him, and I’m afraid they’ll get it.
Wild could very well take a goalie at 24, but I don’t see it, unless they are the best player still available. I’m sticking with Tyler Cuma at 24.
Haha… I was looking at the 2008 UFA list and was assembling a wish-list, so to speak… top was being Brendan Shanahan, he’s a veteran player and happens to be one of my favorites… and still good… haha… back to point in case… it seems that the Vancouver Canucks are not going to re-sign a certain Markus Naslund… wouldn’t that be irony if one of the greatest Wild-killers ended up in a Wild sweater? Not saying its even close to gonna happen… but it’d sure be funny…
bored at work… overnight sucks… anyway… I’m seeing a lot of former Wild players as free agents and I was thinking… if this were NHL 2K8 I could rebuild a Wild throwback team… haha… I was also thinking about that I’m disappointed that Branko is gone… he was my favorite… (don’t laugh)… I even had a Branko jersey… looks like its an (almost) collector’s item now…
YES! Haha! I want Craig Weller from Phoenix! Haha… he’s a cheap player (pricewise and, from the looks of things on-ice-wise) but he demolishes Columbus Blue Jackets. Observe:
Buddha,
a very enlightened post, IMHO.
As for the draft, it is deep, especially in defensemen, but really only has one can’t miss star in Stamkos. Picking at 24 should be good this year for finding a solid defenseman who’s ready to get his feet wet in a year or two. I’m not totally against a goalie, but I think they can still get a good goalie pick with their second rounder. What they’re likely not going to get is a top line forward, which is one of their needs, so D makes the most sense to me. There should be any of a number of solid guys available at 24 still.
Oh, and of course I remember Goalieguy. And I still disagree with your argument. I don’t think it’s a money vs. life decision. I think it’s a money vs. playing for an organization you believe in. Or put another way: Detroit. Who really wants to live there? Not that many, really, but players want to go there. Why? If it was all about life, then I think everyone would want to play in California.
It has begun.
Toronto trades a third round pick for Jamal Mayers.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241190&lid=sublink01&lpos=headlines_main
Be sure to read the user comments from Leafs fans who are hanging themselves now.
I would certainly hope if the ‘prospect’ is Pouliot, that DR would pull the trigger.
paulr, nice clip - the original hit on Nash looked clean to me.
Goody: Thanks… working overnights gets me a lot of time surfing NHL clips. Weller destroyed Jordin Tootoo too… although it was notably more dirty. I liked seeing Nash get smoked and his little cronies getting some of the same… Weller can do it again… bring him here! (not really, I just admire him for destroying One Way Rick Nash) Hahaha…
Ok, here goes nothing (puts on flack jacket)…
In running the numbers last night I have found a way for DR to make a significant move that would make the Wild legitimate contenders for this upcoming season.
First, you pull your offer off the table and wish Mr. Rolston the best of luck somewhere else.
Second, you trade the #24 pick, Mark Parrish, and Kalus to San Jose for Marleau. Parrish, even though this board has left him for dead is a consistent 20G/20A guy who has trade value. He was injured a lot last season and we shouldn’t put him in the same doghouse Lemaire did. I think this is a fair trade for them because they get back into the first round (losing their pick in the Campbell deal), a proven player in Parrish and over $3 million in cap space to go sign Campbell which is their top priority.
Third, you go sign Hossa to a 5 year, $40 million dollar deal (yep $8 million a year). This should making the re-signing of Gaborik easy. Stay if you want at $8 million a year or go… we have someone to replace you.
Four, you go sign Butch to a 2-year deal worth $3.5 million a year.
This WOULD keep us under the Salary Cap with a cap number of $54.7 million
Our lines could be:
Gabby-Marleau-Pouliot
Butch-Koivu-Hossa
Fridge-Belanger-Voros
SRV-Sheppard-Gillies
Yes, this plan does throw Gillies, Voros & Pouliot into higher roles and would require us to add a very cheap 7th defenseman but it could be done based on salary cap numbers.
There it is, my plan for DR to make the Wild a success. Fire away
All I’m saying is it’s a good thing my brother-in-law has an iPhone so I can at least check what’s happening this weekend. You guys keep a good tally for me ok? And when I have time I’ll pop in for up dates. I’m spending the weekend with one of my other loves… old cars. It’s Back to the 50’s weekend out at the Fairgrounds and every year the family goes down and spends the weekend together looking at the cars. My dad still drives the car (1929 model A) he drove when I was a little kid, and my brother-in-law inherited a Packard from his dad. No old car for the Mr and I as of yet but some day…. and when I do I’ll get it painted Iron range red. Later guys, I need to go find some breakfast.
FYI: Weller is a UFA this year… Cheapest winger on the market…
Schmidty: Although unlikely as it is, I’d kill to have Patrick Marleau on the Wild. I like the way you’re thinking!
Schmidty:
Hey, if you can hold all things constant, I like where you’re going! I like to come up with speculation trades/UFA signings as well!
With that said, I really hope we do not draft a goalie in the first round tonight. Goalies are so hard to judge when they are young; mentally tough, late bloomer, played on a good team, etc.
I’m hoping for Cuma, Burlon, Carlson, Deschamps, Dalpe, Gustaffson or Trivino at 24.
Here’s to Christmas Day for most of us! I’ll be refreshing tsn.ca every minute!
Schmidty: I like everything except I think we’re still short a defenseman (even after adding the cheap 7th guy - which makes Reitz the cheap 6th guy).
I’ve also heard the cap will be in the $56M range, so we might have a little more space, but DR also has said that he wants to save space in case of injury, to protect against offer sheets, go out and get Willi Plett at the deadline, etc.
Didn’t read all the posts yet, but don’t you think the prospect could be Ryan Jones? He is supposedly a stud… I think Shep is a likely option, but there are a few others that I would be hesitant to let go of.
Schmidty, I too like your thinking. Though, I’d guess that Gaborik would like to play on a line with Hossa and he might throw a hissy fit if he didn’t get that combo as often as he’d like.
If the Wild drafts a goalie at #24, then you could argue that Harding or Schaeffer becomes a trade commodity.
Schmidty, in principle it makes the Wild better, but 8 million for five years is a lot of money to take away from future caps. And, it is hard to let go of the #24 but maybe you could make it our second round choice.
You would think that if not Pouliot, then someone else are ready to make the jump this year. But, maybe what makes Pouliot more of a trade commodity is he does not seem to have a winning attitude.
Didn’t read all the posts yet, but don’t you think the prospect could be Ryan Jones? He is supposedly a stud… I think Shep is a likely option, but there are a few others that I would be hesitant to let go of.
No. I don’t think anyone projects Jones to be anything more than a third line player.
(NiNY) - Agreed, we’d be thin back there but Reitz played pretty well in the playoffs where he wasn’t a total liability. Besides, it’s easier to defend your own net if up by 3 goals.
(Goody) - That could be an issue, but I think he’d get over it if we were putting up good numbers when playing with Marleau.
(Iceman) - But how valuable is the #24 if the Wild are picking it? I know it’s a little bit of a shot but as Russo pointed out in his article the Wild haven’t been getting many hits as of late. Why chance an at bat at #24 when you can get an instant HR with Marleau?
Just my thoughts anyways. I know the scenario is unlikely given DR’s very very conservative nature, but it’s moves like those that help you take that next step. Pitt gave up some good prospects to add Hossa for just the Playoff run, and it took them to the Finals. Washington barely made the playoffs by winning it’s division. It made some good creative moves at the dealine and they went on to win the last 7 games and sneak past Carolina to get in.
Oh, thanks Wallshot. I though I heard that he as supposed to be a badass. I guess I heard wrong.
Schmidty, if San Jose would do that, I would be ALL over that deal!
I haven’t even heard rumor of SJ and MN talking at all though, so it’s probably not worth speculating about.
I don’t think Hossa would come here given Gaborik’s remarks on the subject either. Although I supposed he could have been joking.
Bandgeek…Back to the 50’s is quite the event. I (since I have a 68 Cougar) like the Car Craft Summernationals better tho…
Schmidty…I like the boldness, but DR doesn’t have the stones for that. And, (goalieguy…write this down) he will NOT spend more that 52.5 million this year.
Schmidty, great scenario, don’t think it’s going to happen, but if it did I’d call you freakin’ Nostrodamus!
Off the Minnesota player list yesterday, the one player that intrigued me as far as physical stature was MacWilliams 6-2 214lb who is going to UND looks to be slotted around where our 4th round pick is. Anyone have any info on this kid?
Jones is a 3rd line badass. I think he’s probably a pretty good hockey player but a big part of his appeal is up here *points to head* and in here *points to heart*. He’s like the Bizarro Pouliot.
Mason from NSH to STL for a 4th round pick and no, it does not appear that NSH has resigned Ellis yet.
Anyone see this update from the Montreal Gazette that mentions the “rumor” that Gaborik is one of the wingers available for trade?
I hadn’t hear that one….
How would you guys feel if Fla threw Bowmeester into the mix. I know I am dreaming here, but Oli + Bowmeester, for (I can’t belive I am saying this) PMB, Shep, and the #24. I doubt Fla would part with Bowmeester, but that would be a good deal for both ends I think. Fla gets young talent… and we get a good young defensiveman and scoring. Plus Bowmeester is a RFA so he is definitely in play.
I still think giving up PMB for Olli is a wash for scoring and Olli costs $1-2 million more per year.
Bouwmeester is probably looking for a nice bump as well into the $3 million dollar range.
So you’ll have $8 million tied up into those two players. Are you assuming in this scenario that the Wild would resign Rolston or would this be done if we didn’t get him?
If you think we have problems signing PMB, JB would even be harder. He is likely to want more money than Burns, maybe at $20 million-4 years.
Not saying it wouldn’t be nice. Its just that you might be giving up Sheppard for a one year deal and that is not worth it.
Schmidty, I hadn’t really thought about it in depth.. It was just a thought that popped into my mind. I didn’t work out the numbers.
Some of the Martin quotes I have seen stongly indicate that FLA wants to add a high end D-man which does help CGY in its OJ pursuit. If that is the case, it is all the more unlikely that Bouwmeester would be traded. However, we are talking about FLA!
All I can say is that Olli and Iginla will kill the Wild if that were to happen.
I would like to get Olli and test him out for two years - a la Demitra. However, I am more cautious of the price the Wild has to pay.
We will have to wait and see.
It’s so quiet in here today… I figured the trade scenarios would be flying around like crazy. When does the draft start anyway?
Ick. I worked hard this week to make sure I could follow the trading/draft day phenomena that is today but now it’s going too slow.
With that said, what are all of your opinions on Antoine Vermette? I have read that the Sens cannot keep both him and Mezaros. He has played wing with the Sens but he can play center. I think he would be cheaper than Jokinen and would be a could piece to add to our core.
Your thoughts?
Every time I think of trading draft choices and prospects, it makes me think of Forsberg to Quebec for Lindros?
Wasn’t Forsberg a guy without much reputation at the time?
Vermette is listed as a C on nhlnumbers.com. Plus he is only 25. How much was he making last year? Is he due for an increase?
Vermette is a nice player. I’d make a deal for him.
ATX…that Bow/Ollie scenario is woefully inadequate for what the Panthers would receive in return. I suspect that Martin is asking for way too much since he’s been fleeced almost as much as DR has.
I am hoping that Russo for Malkin deal is in the works…
53 points for him last season.. not bad. But I wouldn’t give PMB or Shep up for him.
ATX…just to clarify…I would make the trade in a heartbeat tho…
Austin: wondering about some UFA D-men. Campbell and Streit as far as salary. Who knows anything about Kalinin, Hedican, Streit, Rozsival, or Mara?
That’s because you hate PMB kj. PMB is younger and he had more points last season… I would definitely keep PMB over Vermette.
lemmi, I have heard Campbell’s name thrown around a lot. I would not be against getting him. Depending on the cost of course.
I know that question is for Austin but I feel like replying.
I don’t know anything about Kalinin. I do know that Hedican is mobile but rather soft. Rozsival is a PP specialist in my opinion who had a good year. I think he is a mobile Foster with a more accurate, less velocity, shot. Whenever I have seen Mara, I haven’t noticed him. So, that probably means he is decent at everything but isn’t great at anything.
I am hoping that Russo for Malkin deal is in the works…
kj: I have foreseen it!
I’m thinking that Bouchard with an offensive minded team/system would easily produce more than Vermette.
However, Vermette seems to be more of a gritty team player who also scores. And with him playing behind Spezza/Heatley/Alfreddson, you wonder if more ice time/bigger role would allow him to become a first line player. I’m just speculating–not saying he is a first line player.
I wouldn’t mind a trade for Vermette. He’s got talent and I believe he is one of the best faceoff men in the league.
56.7% last season.
Jocksta, I agree about PMB. I think if the Wild added a true scorer and put PMB on a line with him we would see an improvement in PMB’s numbers.
ATX…I meant that I would make the Bow/Ollie trade you mentioned in a heartbeat!
I wouldn’t trade PMB for Vermette.
I would trade Skoula however… 
TSN says, goaltenders Ray Emery and Dan Cloutier have been put on waivers.
I think we would all trade Skooba kj! And as much as I love PMB, that Bow/Oli trade would make me jump for sure.
I think if the Wild added a true scorer and put PMB on a line with him we would see an improvement in PMB’s numbers.
You mean Rolston isn’t a true scorer?
Ok, you got me with Parrish…but PMB hasn’t exactly had to go it alone.
Don’t get me wrong. I like PMB’s creativity. I just wish he had a little more Datsuk in him.
Ok to everyone: How much of a raise are Streit and Campbell going to get this year? Campbell made $1.75 mil last year and Streit made $600k. Even doubling Campbell’s salary or quadrupling Streit’s would be affordable for a top 4 D-man. Are either of them?
Was just re-thinking the Vermette speculation. The Sens would need picks/prospects since the only reason they would want to move Vermette is due to financial reasons…so I guess PMB wouldn’t be available.
I am really high on Sheppard and can see him being a better Vermette in a few years. I don’t think Pouliot would be enough and we need picks to restock our prospect depth…
“but PMB hasn’t exactly had to go it alone.”
I wasn’t trying to say that he was. I was just saying that he would probably see an increase in numbers by playing with OJ or someone like that. And I think we all wish he had a little Datsuk in him.
Bandgeek…Back to the 50’s is quite the event. I (since I have a 68 Cougar) like the Car Craft Summernationals better tho…
KJ, were you there last year?
I just wish he had a little more Datsuk in him.
I wish mini-me had a little bit more of ANYTHING in him. He’s too scrawny. Lift some weights, drink some protein shakes. Seriously.
Jeffs468…yep, I was…all weekend.
My Cougar was parked near the grandstand area all weekend.
I have been there every year since it started.
did you watch the burnout show last year?
I’m going to guess that Campbell gets 5-6 mil because he can move the puck. After everyone watched Detroit’s defensemen play a vital role, Puck moving defenseman will be rewarded.
I haven’t seen enough of Streit to comment–I’d guess he’ll get 4-5. I think I have read that his point totals were inflated due to the PP he was on–I could very well be wrong though.
Jocksta, those are going to be 2 happy guys come July 1. Can you imagine getting your salary quadrupled? or octupled? Unbelievable. Maybe I need to start working less and playing hockey more Good thing for half-day friday’s and drop-in at 2:30
Hey, anthing more than 5% increase and I would be jumping around =)
Which network(s) is the draft broadcasted on this year?
VS in the US tonight. Then maybe it’s moving to NHL Network tomorrow? Not sure.
Crazy! Malkin to Russia? http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241220&lid=sublink01&lpos=headlines_nhl
What is the cahnce that he will actually go?
Austin: sounds like Russia just throwing money at him in order to screw over the NHL. From the sound of the article, it probably wouldn’t happen if Russia wants to play in the Olympics, IIHF, or National tourneys
yeah I don’t think it will happen either lemmi… but you never know.
Thanks, ms. C.
Yes VS tonight and then NHL Network tomorrow at 9.
AustinTX / lemmi - Wasn’t there some hangups with the Russian Hockey Federation when Malkin was drafted by the Pens? That’s why he couldn’t play until two years after he was drafted. I forgot how that all came through, but I’m sure that the Russians have sour grapes over that.
If Malkin were to sign, I would think that there would be a significant overhaul of the salary cap to keep players in the league. Hopefully sanity prevails.
I am not sure about all that ballgame, but it would make sense. Walking away from that kind of money would be tough… but hopefully Malkin doesn’t go for the cash.
bg: yeah, that’s what the article was saying, if the NHL tried to take the Russian league to court. The Russian league took the NHL to court b/c the NHL took Malkin away from his contract w/the Russian league initially and they lost. Eg- Russia takes Malkin back and the NHL can do nothing.
After I posted, I read the rest of the article - my lips usually are flapping before I get all of the info. Anyways, $15 mil US for a year of hockey would be tough to pass up. On the other hand, from what I’ve heard, he’s enjoying himself here and his parents have been spending a lot more time here too.
It would be a big hit to the league if he left. I’m sure that it could be traced back to being Bettman’s fault, too.
I think the official response to anything going wrong in the NHL is “It’s Bettman’s fault.”
From a purely financial standpoint the new Russian League is going make things very interesting. Historically, new leagues don’t last that long and get folded into the existing league but perhaps the Russian league has the funds to prevent that.
Malkin’s Russian contract had a two-week notice out-clause (though they don’t any more). Not sure if NHL contracts come with those.
Geez, I’m so hungry. Both from a Russovillian perspective and from a growly tummy perspective.
Laughing at the idea of giving 2-weeks notice to get out of an NHL contract.
(ms.conduct) Agreed on the Russoville front. What are you hearing Big Guy? Give your faithful a mid-day update…. we are hungry for more.
Marleau Update: It appears the Sharks are done trying to please Mr. Campbell and will let him walk to free agency. That means they don’t have to move Marleau and maybe even unlikely they will now.
Mr. Liepold, know that when you are serving hot-dogs between periods for three games this year, that if these next couple weeks go sour that you may have people buying fully loaded “Wild Dogs” from you and then returning them to you via air-mail.
Btw - 4 hours, 36 minutes til the draft
I find the draft to be anticlimactic especially when your team is picking late in the draft, and yet I’m sure I’ll end up watching it anyway. And then, just like last year I’ll later ask myself why.
Vermette - I like him, but wouldn’t trade Butch for him.
Streit - Good second pairing D man, great on the PP. He’ll get, I’m guessing, something around a $3-4MM cap hit.
Campbell - I think he’s looking for bank. Sounds like the Sharks aren’t offering what he was looking for, and my guess here is in the $6MM cap hit range.
Malkin - This much I know. He’s a HUGE star in Russia. When I was in Torino, there were probably more Malkin jerseys than any other, including Ovechkin, Datsyuk, Kovalchuk, Kovalev, etc. Maybe because he was the only one playing in Russia, but I was like “Who’s this Malkin that everyone is wearing?” That said, I’d be surprised if he went back, as right now the NHL is still clearly the gold standard of hockey. But then with that said, if they were able to lure him back, that would be quite the coup and would go a long ways towards really legitimizing the new KHL as a competitor to the NHL for players. It’s not about “screwing the NHL over”. It’s about the Russians being serious about creating a league that is an attractive alternative to top players.
I don’t think it would cause teams to re-think the salary cap. The NHL can still pay players plenty.
I find the draft to be anticlimactic
I would agree with that but take it several steps further.
Wake me in the fourth round.
(Unless something disturbing happens with Malkin. Then shoot me.)
Your team doesn’t have a pick until the FOURTH?
Ouch. Good thing you had a top 3 pick 981268982 years in a row!
Lunch!
Yup. Fourth round, #120 (1st went for Hossa, 2nd went for Gill, 3rd went last year for Laraque).
That’s why you heard reports of a Malone’s rights-to-Columbus trade.
And please. It was just 981268981 years in a row.
2:59 PM ET Buffalo is interested in Brian Rolston and could be trying to acquire his rights to negotiate with him.
Another tidbit from Ecklund..
