Jokinen to Phoenix done
Posted on June 20th, 2008 – 5:26 PMBy Michael Russo
It looks like Olli Jokinen is headed to Phoenix in a deal for Minnesotan Keith Ballard and Nick Boynton.
FYI, major wireless issues here. Right now, I’m on dial up, so you might not see blogging until well after the Draft.
Now we’re sharing wireless as writers. It’s very civil. Thought I’d sneak on while Newsday’s Greg Logan deals with the Isles’ draft pick.
Obviously, Jokinen deal is done and the Panthers get Keith Ballard, the stud former Gopher. Very good trade for both teams, and no doubt, Bouchard’s contract status hurt the Wild and the fact Jacques Martin has been craving defensemen for months. And it’s a Jay Bouwmeester insurance policy in case he squeezes his way out of there by playing hardball, which I’m told is a big possibility.
I think Jake Gardiner goes to Anaheim, which shows great interest in the former Minnetonka star, at 17. Ottawa wanted him at 18, and poof, all of sudden Anaheim shows up at 17.
FYI, Doug Risebrough and owner Craig Leipold are huddling alone in a tunnel chatting as we speak. Risebrough’s got his glasses on and they’re going over papers. I’m thinking of walking over and yelling, “Hey, what are you talking about?”
Think they’ll tell me?
Risebrough is now chatting with New Jersey GM Lou Lamoriello. Just speculation, but maybe Wild is thinking of moving up. Devils have the 21st pick, three ahead of the Wild.
Risebrough is now talking to Washington’s GM, George McPhee. Caps are at 23, so clearly there must be a player the scouts want to make certain they get.
Ottawa at 15 now. Possibly Gardiner?
Nope.
Gardiner to Ducks at 17
Wild traded 24 and next years third to jersey for 23.
Significant price to move one spot up, eh?
We will find out later why.
Wild has taken from the hometown Ottawa 67a, Tyler Cuma, a defenseman.
315 Responses to "Jokinen to Phoenix done"
If the a-hole that runs the NHL wasn’t so opposed to guys with real money buying teams in the NHL, the Blackberry guy would be in the league and you would have internet.
When will the owners pull their heads out of their collective asses and tell Bettman to take a giant leap off the Empire State Building for the betterment of the league ????
Is there such thing as dial-up these days?
So does everyone here realize that if the Wild do offer PMB + Benny + #24 pick, that is the equivelent of trading 3 first round draft picks for ONE FREAKING GUY!? I dunno about you but that sounds absurd to me. PMB is only 24, and Benny has hardly played in the NHL and the 24th pick is nothing to sneeze at. If that is the deal that is made, I wll be upset with DR. I am off to bowl now… good luck everyone.
The pick wouldn’t be in that trade.
Not only are we giving up so much but how do we know Ollie fits here? Facts are he A) Plays in the stat friendly eastern conference. B)Plays in the marshmallow south east division.
C) Has never played in the playoffs.
The pick is definitely in play. The deal is something like this:
PMB + Pouliot + #24 for Olli + #31
ATX…c’mon dude…take a valium and chill.
I don’t think it’s a 3 for 1 deal. I think it is either player and the pick. Or the two players.
Besides, Martin is delusional. Let Cowgary overpay.
Pouliot or PMB and the pick
or
Pouliot and PMB works for me.
No Sheppard. Period.
I just know Olli the Duck lights up the Pens. Get him out of the East!
Yeah KiPA…you’ve seen him more than us…you’d like to see him in Iron Range Red?
Yup. Based on when I’ve seen him, that trade offer’s not too much for him (but as for how he does against non-black and gold teams, I can’t really say).
Stongman competitions are fun and all, but lets see some freaking draft coverage! I scored a couple of dirty goals at drop in today and almost had a sweet upper glove goal but the goalie was pretty ridiculous, also laid a few people out. Fun times, I’m putting off going down to the pool and drinking, instead drinking and sitting on the couch. Let’s get it on!
TSN’s saying Tanguay’s going to Montreal for the 25th pick.
Im with kj here i dont think it is a three for one, but ive been wrong before…only once.
Olli to Calgary, likely then.
Damn. Cammalleri to Cows
anywhere online to watch draft?? tsn is saying service not available!
I’ve seen that some Russian league is offering $12.5 million per year to Malkin. I believe it was from the CHL.
sunshine…if Jokinen goes to Cowtown and it is a decent deal (in what they give up) I’ll be p^ssed.
If he goes to Cowtown and they give up a TON (no more Tanguay to part with) then I’ll laugh.
Jokinen would like MN better though. That Iginla dude is SOOO over… 
check out hockeywebcasts.com.
I’d have like to seen Cammalleri here for a pick
Big time goal scoring to compliment Iginla. And the Cows get some cap relief and keep a 1st round pick. Ouch for the NW division.
I say give up whatever you have to. TO get this guy.
AiH….would have gladly given up Pouly and #24 pick for Cammalleri, then trade Parrish for a pick 
nevermind its on vs.
jokinen to the yotes
Jokinen to Phoenix? Wow.
Jokinen to FL for Ballard, Boynton, and #49
olli to phoenix???!!!!!
Jokinen to FLA for Ballard/Boynton and pick.
So much for that!
that’s PHX not FL
on to july 1st.
bring on Mallone!!
PMB is saved for one more day.
ATX is a happy man and so is his wife!
Now the question is, how will PMB feel about being offered up in a trade?
damn, Stamkos has some hot sisters….or friends….regardless. WOW
“16? 18! ALL RIGHT!!! GIGGITY!” “Mom!!!!” “Hey, this is about to get interesting!”
im shocked, wasnt expecting to see stamkos go first..dont know how to do the face things.
Have to think PMB will be dealt now, regardless.
Lemmi, second that on the hot sisters/friends.
im still not sure pmb wont be moved either.
PMB, if not traded, will get a multi-year offer from DR and he will ask for a NTC
Whew! I think PHX gave up too much.
What’s the 16/18 about? I can’t see!
The whole arena is filled with “YEAH BABIES”!
Doughty kind of looks like burns a bit.
on the ice that is
Any other trades we might be able to do to improve?.
Oh wait… I get it now. Somebody’s got a dirty mind…
I have no idea what you’re talking about toivo 
That’s alot from Phoenix’s blue line. What does that mean for JB?
sunshine, if JB is Bouwmeester, I was wondering the same thing.
You wonder about JB for FLA and the defense situation in PHX.
Yeah, JB is Bouwmeester.
Wow 3 picks for Tanguay
little much for the habs i think. maybe it will work out?
ok 2 picks…..Bettman announced that wierd
PMB is only 24 and is only going to keep getting better. Wild need to sign him long term!
Malkin’s agent is saying Geno’s got no interest in the Russian offer.
U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!
I am happy for you, KiPA.
I appreciate it, sunshine.
And be happy as an American as well. Russia’s trying to bring back the Cold War.
KiPA: maybe it’s just revenge for Google starting a new race to the moon.
Yuri Gigaran (sp?) is spinning in his grave. (Or is he still alive?)
That Leafs/Isles draft is confusing as heck.
Congrats Kev. Land of the Sid, Home of the Malkin, eh?
Can’t even tell you how happy I am that OJ is off the freaking table. I didn’t realize how not-fond I was of that trade until it was no longer possible. Phew.
Ok, DR isn’t crazy.
But, he really has issues now.
Demitra…gone.
Rolston…gone?
I can’t believe they’ll go into next season without significant acquisitions.
Ok now that all this trade silliness is hopefully behind us….who do we get? McCollum? Gardiner? Ness?
No Olli means that a little more money for Rolston.
Umberger to Columbus? Oh please oh please oh please. I think 95% of his points come against us.
If no Demitra and no Rolston, I’d bet large cash on Hossa being in a Wild uni next year.
Damn….trades galore. and people said this would be an uneventful draft
While that is true sunshine, I have already moved on regarding Huggy Bear.
Maybe DR has too…and will do his juggling on 7/1.
Without signing Demitra, Rolston and not acquiring Jokinen, they have the $$$ to be players for Hossa.
Not a bad trade for Columbus.
OK, folks, let’s all take a seat and chill…
Good evening from Fort Worth, Texas, where it’s 96 degrees outside and not a TV with the Draft to be found. No one here cares at all. It’s all Pac-Man Jones and the ‘Boys and that’s about it.
PMB for Jokinen: Too bad. i think both sides will rue that deal. The ‘Yotes just traded away the two most likely guys to play with Olli (Boynton and Ballard) and the Panthers now have one less marquee to put up in a crowded South Florida market. (No, Keith Ballard won’t pack ‘em in, either.)
Have we actually heard the last of Rolston? Will the ‘Nucks actually take Demitra and try to leverage that to re-sign Naslund?
Makes you want to go, ‘Hmmm…’
Off to find a sports bar with the Draft on. (Fat chance.)
Great insight Jason…
Looks like we will be Watching the Same Wild team next year Minus Demitra getting Thrashed by Calgary.
Columbus is starting to have some offense, even though Pierre just mentioned this may mean Zherdev is on the trade block.
Traded away the two most likely guys to play with Jokinen? He’d be playing with two defensemen all the time?
I don’t think the Wild will rue that deal. It will be Florida. We gave them a good deal and they didn’t take it.
Great minds think alike, kj
Sunshine…apparently the road to the SCP for F-L-A requires an improved defense. Or, Martin DR’ed himself again…
He Martined himself.
PHX gets Boedker and they are scary up front…
When is Pierre McGuire no going to say its an awesome pick? Aren’t the first 10 this draft all awesome?
Yeah, PHX offense does look scary but if no good defense — well…
Sunshine and Jocksta: they’re going to request a transfer to the Eastern Conference so they don’t have to play defense
The ‘Yotes are going for offense at the expense of a pretty decent defense.
Easy goals in the desert next winter…
I guess, hehe. They have Michalek and Jovo on defense now, right? And Morris?
I wonder where the hell Gretzky gets this offense, offense, offense idea from???
KJ: you’re one funny guy
Small update from Russo - DR is looking over papers huddled in a tunnel.
Couldn’t hurt to try Russo. What’s the worst they can say?
shouldn’t the owner let the GM do his job
*bleep* off?
Russo…tell them that you know Bobby Orr…
Goddamnit. who’d would’ve thunk that tornadoes would strike in colorado? granter they’re like 2 hours away from me, but still…get back to the draft!
Hey, there goes my Texas boy.
I certainly hope JL had some input, I don’t want to see them take someone that won’t fit in JL’s system.
It would be nice if they had a scroll for people who didn’t see the 1st 8 picks or know any trades. Another great pick they say, that will change once it comes to pick 24!
Wow, LA is really building a solid core.
El Gato: I was thinking the same thing.
sunshine…which part?
scrolling or Wild picking a stinker???
A scroll? This is the TSN feed we’re talking about. Everyone in Canada has been watching it from the start.
We don’t need no stinkin’ scroll, eh
The scrolling thing. I think its hard for JL to make judgements on these prospects because he probably hasn’t seen them play unless they send him tapes.
so we are talking to the devils about moving up three spots?? anybody got a theory on this?
Russo update - moving up three spots with the Devils?
ms.conduct…3/4 of Canada have the current selections memorized (along with their strengths and weaknesses), 13 different mock drafts and 4 cases of Molsons.
now talking to the caps about moving up one? who is it they want so bad?
Only 4 cases? Are you sure that’s enough?
Isn’t moving up one spot what you were talking about earlier El Gato???
Jason…that was per person.
there goes one of the guys I wanted.
Ah, then that should be able to last until midday tomorrow.
I’m thinkin McGuire is an NHL homer.
Every pick has been ‘good’.
Has anyone got the tapes of him commenting on the Wild’s 2004 draft?
How would he describe Rosie?
Gretzky help us if that happens kj!
Just once (ok, I half expect it for the Wild pick) I want to see McGuire say:
“A lousy pick. This sets the organization back 5 years it is so bad. They may never make the playoffs again.”
Actually I remember Maguire blasting some picks last year. He’s pretty honest.
As for DR trading up, after seeing him do that last draft and snagging a guy I think is a stud in Gillies, I’m all for him trading up to get the guy he wants.
Not sure who that is though. I’ve heard rumors of going for a top goalie, perhaps the kid from the Finnish Goalie Factory.
KJ: I want to see what Pierre said when Burns was picked — that was a little of the board.
the only negative thing he has said all night is about beach, but there were also a lot of good things said so it was a wash.
is there any sanctioned Wild draft party?
You think DR is going to mention the draft party on the Russo’s Rants! Mike, make sure DR is onto this, everyone else has a draft party!
sunshine beat me to the punch!
I think we’re at it, Sunshine…
so really though - who would the wild be trying to move up to grab?
i got a draft party going on here and all three hockey fans in georgia are in attendance.
I think the wild are moving up to take santa claus, then trade him with a future first rounder for the easter bunny. Its all fantasy…I think thats all Mgmt does is dream what if
Is the official draft party drink Rock-A-Dile Red?
I guess it depends on who DR and the brain trust pick.
Well, I’ve got me a beer and snacks. Sounds like a party.
Blech. I love that they’re booing Burke. Poor Jake having to play for the dirty ducks. Oh, he’s a cutie.
well so much for gardiner
burke is an ars
So, Gardiner is a Waddler? Being a Skipper he’s well suited.
You know, I really hate Burke….year in, year out, Neids situation, Selanne situation…and where did it get them? bounced in the first….hope to Gretzky that continues to happen
Another great choice…blah, blah, blah.
Is it July 1st yet?
the devils and caps must not have wanted to trade eh russo?
I love soccer announcers. Just heard one say “there’s a sting in the tail.”
So Kevin, what does Red Army’s pursuit of Malkin do for his trade value?
Not sure, but there are reports that he’s about to sign an $8.5 mil/yr deal.
Hell of a finish to this Croatia-Turkey match by the way.
That young man has a freakish amount of product in his hair. I think he could use it to deflect bullets.
Wow…I was just looking at UFAs and saw that Owen Nolan is about the same age as Rolston.
devils making a trade look like
Well… I guess we won’t be jumping up.
hmm….
Right kj - Rolston and Tkachuk are a fair comparison. What is Tkachuk worth to you? That is probably what would be fair for Rolston.
The fact he was underpaid the last few seasons is his fault, not the Wilds. And apparently he thinks the Wild should have to pay for that mistake?
Tkachuk was worth a lot more to me at the Feb trade deadline in 2007…
I’m going on the record that the Wild draft the Finnish goalie Harri Sateri.
Shooter said the Wild were getting Gustafson, WRONG!
I guess maybe if they moved up to 21. His dad was a Capital correct (Bengt)?
Thank god PMB and POULIOT are still with the wild. Remember people Sheppard had 4 goals in 78 games it shocks me that you people want to hump his leg. DR must go
put me down for trade up to 23 and take cuma.
Remember that Sheppard is a KID and there were two options for him, Canadian juniors or the NHL. He got more out of a year in the NHL than he EVER would have gotten in the juniors.
Deschamps, CUma, Burlon, Dalpe and John Carlson still up on the board.
Any other predictions?
mnwild5…your post is perfect.
For me to POOP on
Alright, cut the mic on this guy already.
Aaron Ness?
Gotta love when the trolls come out, eh kj?
With the 24th pick the Wild take…
I’m in the minority with Ness. I think he has great potential but I don’t think, under the current Wild management and coaching, that Ness would reach his potential.
…hopefully someone who can help the team score more goals…
KJ: nice. I’d have to go CUMa…..don’t know about Ness if he’s available. Is there a tracker with best available left around?
Will the Wild pull a Viking and let the clock run out on their pick???
I would think Ness also.
I thought Glenn was going to start spouting ‘Alas, poor Yourik, I knew him Horatio!’ Save the soliloquy for the HOF induction!
do the wild have any centers that score goals? nope… not their job.
here comes mcguire’s first pick-bash?
I want Cuma or Deschamps. RLR says Deschamps reminds them of Vermette and Cuma reminds them of Toni Lydman.
I think we still have some good people to choose from. We need defense but we also need centers.
I say: Carlson or Deschamps
The Wild looked absolutely pathetic in that Colorado series- how many scoreless periods did they have?
4 picks have been made since Russo’s last post.
Will Edmonton read DRs mind and steal his choice?
Will someone behind the Wild want someone bad enough to trade up?
well so far im half right
God…..do we hate 3rd round picks or what?
Minny up
Called it kj!
The Wild just threw away a third round pick to move up one spot….. brilliant! lol
Please, do not be a goalie…
Here we go boys - Harri Sateri time
must really want whoever we pick bad.
smuggla…glad to see ya man!
So, since the Wild forwards were so bad against the Avs, the brain trust decides to draft…a goalie???
Well DR just cranked up the expectations of this pick.
You gotta think that trade was just so the Wild could say: “Look- we made a trade during the offseason!”
can’t imagine who would be so valuable at this point in the draft…
I hope its just not for a goalie or for Ness.
Cuma is ranked 16 and Deschamps is 25 by TSN…..which would be easier to chant?
kj- likewise… Been mia, but I happen to be catching this draft for the first time in my life so I thought I’d come over and see what everyone thinks…
That trade makes no sense. If the Devils wanted the guy we were going to take, then they wouldn’t trade down with us in the first place. Why give up a 3rd rounder to move up 1 spot?
thanks tommy
Nice!
oh man i am good.
El G…brilliant!!!
taht chick in the white shirt is awesome too…
Well sounds like it was a good pick anyway, ranked higher and was in some peoples top 10.
do we get that gal in white as well? would make it was worth the 3rd round pick
Good pick though, looks like a young Burnsie too…
I wonder…. - how comparable to Gardiner he is and how much he needs to grow up/fill out. Whats the timetable on Cuma?
I think he would have been there at 24. I think its a waste of a 3rd rounder.
It will be interesting to see who the Devils take.
According to these announcers, every player who’s under 18 and under 5′10″ can “skate like all get out”…
Can you see the future, sunshine? If so, please tell me who is all going to win the baseball games tomorrow so I can bet on them. If not, stop.
NJ’s pick is really scrawny.
New Jersey just played us.
They knew the Wild were eyeing Cuma and probably convinced the Wild they’d take him if the Wild didn’t trade up with them…
Exactly smuggla.
DR blinked.
Sounds like another Schultzie. Money in the bank, but let’s give up like a 4th, 5th, or 6th rounder to move up 1 spot.
hey whatever happened to getting jarret stoll from edmonton…? I know that was a popular centre choice at the deadline…
I am not saying he’s a bad pick. Its just that DR might have been lulled into thinking that NJ was going to pick Cuma when they probably have no intention of picking him.
We moved up one position.
Can’t argue with the pick though, projected at 16 got him at 23. At least the guy’s not an absolute shrimp like 90% of the guys that’ll get drafted.
Well, we missed out on Jokinen.
Can we sign Huselius? Any thoughts there?
I can imagine the conversation:
DR: C’mon Lou…you know you don’t want our guy.
Lamorello: Dougie, Dougie…can you afford to take that chance?
DR: Ok Lou…what do you want?
Lamorello: A third next year.
DR: WHAT??? Are you kidding me??? I can’t do that…I have a reputation to uphold.
Lamorello: I know…that’s why I didn’t ask for PMB and a 3rd. I WANT you to be in the NHL…
Yep, DR blinks alot, unless he staring at the headlights!
On to the UFAs!
Hossa baby!!!
I am thinking the teams that had Cuma “ranked in the top 10″ were teams that drafted after the Wild…
exactly kj.
I’d like to see that kid we got from the Bruins in the Fernandez deal get some ice time next year. He played so little last year I don’t even remember his name…
Burkey and DR talking.
was that DR talking to burke?
?!?!?!? burke + dr?
Hey I think the Wild did great- I might be overly optimistic here, but Cuma does draw alot of similarities to Burns and Burns might be our second best player on the entire team…
I dunno… what else would we trade away? more future picks?
I don’t think Cuma has the size Burns does, but it is interesting that he changed to defense from forward, and can skate very well.
Deschamps still on board. Gritty two way forward who can put the puck in net.
Also Carlson, Burlon, Sauve, Dalpe, Trivino and Ness.
I thought I saw Cuma listed at 6′2″ but he still might be growing….
I am pretty sure he is closer to 6′1 and 190. I know they can still grow and fill out, but wasn’t Burns already 6′3 and around 200-205?
hes listed as 6′ 175 on tsn but only 18 so plenty of time.
I wasn’t saying he’s a shrimp by any means; just simpy saying that I wouldn’t be so fast to compare him to Burns.
so we lost out with delta?
Sounds like Cuma was a good pick, just not sure it’s worth giving up a pick to move up one spot. Never give away your picks even if it is a late pick how do you build a team without picks.
phx looking to be an eastern team in the west looks like.
So we get home just in time to see the Wild pick and lo and behold, VS sucks. No reception.
But I think I am pleased with the pick. Sure, we may have gotten duped into giving up a 3rd rounder (next year?) but really, we’re not good in the third round anyway.
And I am VERY PLEASED to see that PMB is still with us!
Just got back and read through the posts, and I gotta say I am suprised. Suprised that there are not more people here wanting to casturate DR. I for one, am very happy. PMB lives to see another day and we got a projected 16th ranked guy at 23. Nice. I never wanted the Joki deal in the first place. I do think NJ may have played DR… but really, other than Detroit, does anything great ever come out of the third round?
And I’m not sold on the idea of being an eastern team in the west. Not sure that’s a successful game plan, really.
I think I’ll wait until Mid july to want to castrate DR we can still have a lot of fun in free agency. Let’s see how he balances rolston vs. PMB. I’m sure he gives the multi-year to PMB and locks him up now. lets rolston walk and we make a decent free agency splash. I really like the idea of the younger kids getting in earlier. bring up gilles.
6′1 158 man that is one skinny dude
I feel sorry for Atlanta. I am not pretending to be a scout but all of the publications I have read that this Daultan Leveille (spelling) is all speed, no scoring, hockey sense.
you should feel sorry for atlanta (players) period. i live here now and watch a lot of hockey here and it is pathetic, i feel sorry for anyone that comes here, and understand why they all want to leave. its nothing like up north.
ATX…I would love to skewer DR, but under the scenario that played out, he couldn’t get Jokinen.
Sure, he gave up a 3rd but as mentioned before, our 3rd rounders are meaningless anyway.
If this guy (Cuma) becomes a stud, who will care anyhow.
Best of all, he kept the core and reduced PMBs market value considerably. I am sure the fact that no one would trade for him will be mentioned at contract time. And will be filed away for future UFA reference.
So, no big splash…no MAJOR screwups.
MiG, who is the tiny guy? Our Vs. feed is garbage so I con’t watch.
Well, see you guys tomorrow morning. Time to go have a few beers and relax. The draft stresses me out, hehe.
Well, I wish we had a lower 2nd round pick due to the depth of the draft but I guess we will see what we can get at 55.
Austin, I just hope we can sign your boy to a long-term deal. If we miss out on Rolston and only get PMB for one year I’m going to puke.
I’d love to see Hossa as a UFA signing, but it doesn’t seem realistic. Huselius, anyone?
You think he reduced pmb’s market value? With others or here?
I was under the impression that FL didn’t like the uncertainty, but I didn’t get to watch the whole thing unfold. Is that incorrect?
atx, the dude atl took leveille. glad to hear that the nickname huggy bear stuck too!
A third to move up one measly spot? I want to play poker with Doug R. Seriously.
I certainly hope the pick turns out great, but Doug needs to get a grip sometimes. Could this be the highest price ever paid to move up 1 spot for a pick outside the top 20 in any sport? Weird.
Well put kj.
Oh, and MiG, Georgia is an awful awful place. I have been through the state many many times and I have not seen one thing that would make me even consider moving there. My condolences.
I’ll jump on the huselius bandwagon with you wallshot.
austin, not here by choice. if i had one i would be in the great state on MN.
Just got home from a day out at the Fairgrounds. So does picking up this forward turned D-man mean that Burnsie gets to be Yoda now? He’d probably do the Yoda voice and everything the big goof.
I’m expecting DR to proffer a 3 year deal to PMB, but if I were him I’d make it a 5 year deal at $4 million per season. If he could get him at $3.5 that’d be fantastic. May seem like a deal at the end.
Would the Yoda voice help his mentoring skills? If yes, then I’m for it.
I hear ya MiG. I am not in TX by choice either… but lucky for me Austin is actually pretty badasss. Lots of good stuff in this town.
I am guessing that huggy is gone and DR will bring in huselius to try and replace him for much less money.
What’s up with Huselius? How old is he? And what would his nickname be?
I’ll have to catch up with you all in the morning really. I’m beat and a tidge sunburned (I think I didn’t reapply in time).
Night B’Geek! Use Aloe!
Am I correct in understanding that 10 of the first 20 picks this draft were defensemen? That’s crazy!
i watched a few cgy games last year and he seems ok, he will score some goals, probably not 30 but his cap hit last year was only 1.4 hes only 29 and had 66 points last year, i would not be too upset to go and get him for 2 mil.
Austin: Huselius’ nick is Juice in Calgary.
What are the odds we do a Burns/PMB/Shep with this Cuma kid and keep him this year to begin his Jedi training immediately?
Realistically, are we going to want to have both Reitz and Cuma getting popcorn all season?
And if so, then I’d think we would HAVE to find some Carney-like Yoda figure to round out the defense corps and play Crash Davis to these damn kids.
I see I missed the smuggla drive by.
Hope you’re doing well smuggs.
“What are the odds we do a Burns/PMB/Shep with this Cuma kid and keep him this year to begin his Jedi training immediately?”
I am totally for that Nick. Especially since Foster is hurt.
So, NiNY, who is our new Yoda?
Oh, and “Juice” doesn’t make sense… I wonder why.
the video of DR and Delta dancing was hilarious. DR doing all the acting and theatrics and Delta just staring at him totally stoic like “Can we just cut the shit? Tell me what you want and what you want to pay for it and get out of my face.”
i dont know that hes ready physically but I would not be opposed to it since we dont have many serviceably D if he gains 10lbs or so.
Just wanted everyone to know that I told you all Cuma would be our guy.
Both on this blog, and on prohockey news.com… Check out the mock draft on that site… Cuma to the Wild.
WildinATX: Jason Smith is an interesting name. Also, Lilja is a UFA this year?! Only made $1M last season and is 32. Smitty made a touch under $2M last season.
he would be better than hill.
So Lilja was great for me my first year of fantasy hockey. I’d like to point out that I won our league that year (it was the 2006-2007 season). So I’m for him.
I don’t know anything about Jason Smith. Should we be interested, and why?
Wow Buddah! We are so proud that you called it! I’m just messing eith ya… everyone who calls it always has to brag a little. Good call!
Lija is a name that sounds familiar… why?
Lilja was the Skoula of the Detroit defense. He seemed to have lapses too.
I guess every team has to have to some degree a Skoula on their defense.
Jason Smith was in Edmonton for a while. I *think* he got the C after Ryan Smyth got traded. He’s been in Philly maybe since two trade deadlines ago?? Solid, if unspectacular, more of a defensive defenseman, will drop em on occasion, obviously got some leadership qualities. I didn’t watch enough Flyers this season to know if his game is just falling off the table though.
i wouldnt mind lilja, rozival, sauer or vandermeer.
Burns: Wild defense is played that way not…
Cuma: Dude…who taught you to talk like that?
NiNY…Juice? As in Newton or???
I think Sister Christian would fit him nicely.
Buddha…how did you know? Did DR rub yer belly for luck?
that should be rozsival
The old guys are Klemm, Matvichuk, Modry, Richardson (can’t believe he’s still in the league), Aaron Miller, Hedican.
I actually don’t really want any of those guys, but if we’re strictly going for a 6th defenseman mensch, a la Carney, there you go.
I always assumed it was juice because it KIND OF rhymes with HUSElius.
kj: we couldn’t trade for him then.
We couldn’t have Queen MAB and Sister Christian on the same team. We’d be the laughingstock of the NHL.
Lame day for golf and a big family dinner byt what can you do on a Friday night in June? Particularly since the Rolston negotiations are going bad I was bumed to learn we did not win the OJ contest today but I do like the pick and the Wild did lose OJ to a better offer not from CGY. Plus, since DR went hard at OJ, I think I can feel safe that he recognizes the need for a 1/2 C that can play the JL system - we are just going to have to wait longer to find out who 
(and we need a winger to replace Rolston is he bolts, DR ain’t playing golf for a few more weeks!)
So are people not fond of the MAB trade?
Nick the nickname makes a little bit of sense there. I am sure the Russotonians would come up with another one once we saw him play enough ;).
The Rolston talks are not over yet. I am still holding out hope for him. Although, if it comes down to it, spend that extra on locking PMB up long term.
Sorry, I don’t know your nicknames. Who’s Sister Christian?
I’m personally in wait and see mode on the Queen.
KiPA: kj was suggesting Sister Christian as an extemporaneous nick for Kristian Huselius.
Night gang. Back for more draft fun tomorrow!
I’m assuming Christian Huselius.
Whether or not PMB is peeved at DR now that he was obviously dangled as bait is a huge question. It will be interesting to see how that works out.
Nick, do you have a word-a-day calendar by chance? 
If I were him, it’d be more motivation to be awesome. I hate being undervalued, but I love sticking it to people later.
It will be interesting.
…Oh.
Oh?
Sorry, the Mr just introduced me to maybe the best website ever … word games that buy rice!
KIPA, you don’t like the 80’s rock?
NiNY…like we aren’t already???
Nah, Night Ranger rocks.
You really think we’re the laughingstock of the NHL?
Night Ranger?
Why is MAB ‘Queen’? I don’t get it. Apparently it’s Romeo & Juliet? According to the wife.
KJ, we are not the laughing stock.. we are BORING. et your facts straight!!
Check the clip your husband linked.
Nah, Austin, your six-goalie system is really exciting.
Kevin you are just jealous!
I guess I didn’t put the two together!
I blame it on the distractions.
Couldn’t sleep so caught up on the reading. Queen MAB is Billy Shakes but not Romeo & Juliet, try Midsummer Nights Dream. She’s Queen of the fairy folk. I’m going to try and go to bed…. again. It took forever to get through everything tonight. Ok this time it’s nighty night for reals.
Kevin you are just jealous!
It’s true. I cannot deny it.
kevin, is there anything new to report about the hossa situation up there?
Bandgeek is our local expert on these matters. Or NiNY.
You can’t Kevin! Who needs exciting player like Crosby and Malkin!? Certainlt not the Western conference!
Not really, still just the 7 years for $50-52 mil reportedly offered.
Kevin, I told the husband earlier that it is unlikely that Malkin goes back to Russia. What is your take?
i dont think he will take the russian deal but jesus 12.5 mil tax free a year, this league might just be a little bit serious?
Well, I don’t know, Austin, the West’s defense is so great that Crosby and Malkin would be reduced to 40-point players. They’d be easier to afford though!
I sure hope he doesn’t go back, and considering he defected in the first place suggests he’d rather play here anyway. For what it’s worth, his agent said Malkin has no interest in the offer.
yeah i dont think he would ever do it but that is a serious offer.
I like that take on it Kevin. You gotta love the west!
MiG, I really think that much money is really tough to not look at seriously. But isn’t it all about Lord Stanley in the hockey world?
Russia’s still pissed he left, and it’s a new league trying to make a name for itself.
Agents can be full of … crap … but still, from the impression he gives I’d have to believe he has no interest in going back.
Or at least I hope. On the other hand, if he’d be interested in coming to MN, that’d be a whole different story (sorry!).
austin, for me yes but when you get to the level these guys are at?? i like to think the nhl is unique and they are not just about the money like the nba, nfl and mlb (in that order) but I dont know.
As for Malkin with the money, it’s also about quality of life. There is a good chance he likes his quality of life better in the States than in Russia. Hopefully anyway.
Wait… the NBA is not all about the money? Since when? Damn I hate basketball. College b-ball is okay I guess.
maybe i should have explained better, i meant the nhl is unique meaning they are NOT all about the money UNLIKE the nba, nfl and mlb in that order…sorry for the confusion.
ahh I see now. thanks MiG.
Since I am bored.. here is a youtube video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=2q_OQvnTQ1M&feature=related
I think I got you’re point, MiG.
MiG — Who would you like to see us get this summer?
Oh Food!
