Rolston-Wild relationship is “not yet dead” … but close?
Posted on June 25th, 2008 – 10:10 PMBy Michael Russo
Every time I think of this Brian Rolston stalemate, I see that Monty Python character, “Not Dead Fred.”
In fact, I know the actor who plays that character in Monty Python’s Spamalot on Broadway, and every time I think about this Rolston situation, I think of Tom Deckman screaming repeatedly during the show, “I’m not yet dead.”
Well, the Rolston negotiations are not yet dead, but it might as well be.
It’s close folks. As you can see in the story in Thursday’s editions, there is absolutely no talk between the Wild and Rolston right now and there’s no reason to think these two sides are going to come together by early next week.
It makes you wonder if deep down, Rolston’s already decided to test the open market.
And Rolston’s going to ace this test. Somebody will sign Rolston, and somebody will sign Rolston for big cash.
My only contact with Brian the last couple days is via text message, and he said to me tonight he doesn’t want to get into a “back and forth” with the Wild “in the paper.” But Steve Bartlett, his agent, has seemed to cut off contact with the Wild, and he’s certainly cut off contact with me considering the amount of voicemails I’ve left recently with no call back.
Bartlett has not called the Wild back since last week, according to assistant GM Tom Lynn.
Regardless of who’s right or who’s wrong here, this is the reality: Take Brian Rolston out of the Wild lineup, and it’s a massive, massive hole.
What do you lose? A guy who plays 90 seconds a power play at the point, arguably the best slap shot in the NHL from a forward, a phenomenal penalty killer, a respected voice in the locker room and quite frankly, a 22-minute-a-night vet who literally plays every single game (essentially).
How do you replace that in this sub-par free-agent class? You can’t, although you can get the guy that plays every single night in Andrew Brunette (the current Iron Man leader in the NHL).
I see the Wild going after Brunette and having a good chance at him. I also have an idea of other guys the Wild will go after, and I’ll talk more specifically about that this weekend or in the paper July 1.
Also, if you notice in the story, Tom Lynn publicly addresses Todd Fedoruk and Aaron Voros for the first time, and you shouldn’t expect them back, either.
If you look at the signings recently, it seems few teams have been able to re-sign their own unrestricted free agents.
K, that’s it. If you hear from me Thursday, it’ll be very late as I get my injured foot poked and prodded by doctors and sharp instruments during the day.
563 Responses to "Rolston-Wild relationship is “not yet dead” … but close?"
Apparently Voros and Fedoruk are worth more to someone else.
Voros in Vancouver?
Fedoruk in Chicago?
This summer will suck. But not as bad as next hockey season.
Voros wants more than $500K? He isn’t worth more than that. However, I can understand the one-way contract. He doesn’t want to go to the minors.
yeah, great. I guess I will have to get center ice to watch actual hockey.
So even Todd Fedoruk and Aaron Voros aren’t buying what Doug Smugsborough is selling. Cool with not over paying for Rolston but not cool with not replacing him with a high end UFA.
we will call it Houston North, or the other Twins team.
Mr Michael….. Sure you mention somethings that are truth. But you must realize that he has done some good things as well. Its not reasonable to say that he has done nothing good… I am going to add some thoughts to each of your laundry list of anti DR comments
I’m saying fire Risedump because under his leadership the Mild have done nothing…. How many years have they been an organization Michael ???
Not landing Jokinen is more nothing.
Yes Michael he did fail to get Jokinen. Sometimes you lose
Not signing Hossa, or a player like Hossa (mark my words)is more nothing.
Michael lets not judge the minute by the hour shall we ??
Not signing Rolston (mark my words again) means more nothing.
You have to wait for all of this to play out Michael… Nothing has yet been defined on what the roster will look like next year
Impact of Marc-Andre Bergeron will be nothing.
hmmm…. for what role Marc will be playing on this team I would disagree.. He is not expected to be Paul Coffey Michael
What Marc-Andre Bergeron meant to the Ducks: nothing.
He meant something to the Oilers Michael
Trading for Dominic Moore was nothing.
Yes that was a failure of his
What JL knew about Dominic Moore: the same as Sgt. Schultz , he KNEW NOTHING!!
Easy Michael !!
Trading for Chris Simon was nothing.
Michael…. How would you like to be out playing hockey at the park and I come up behind you and I take my stick and pull your legs out from under you and you bash your head on the ice. (Just like the movie ice castles Michael) How would you feel ?? Now you know how Marion Gaborick feels Michael.
Calgary battered Minnesota- A good Gm does what Dr did. Protect your star player. You are wrong with the silly bickering on why Simon was picked up !
Ice time Chris Simon got in the Avs series: almost nothing. Read above Michael
Impact of trade deadline deals during the season = nothing. Many teams can say the same thing Michael ! Cant they ??….. Wait, slowdown close your eyes and reflect before you answer
Impact of signing Kim Johnsson: nothing.
You are reaching in my opinion
200 UFA’s available after the lockout a few years back and the Mild sign nothing, NOBODY!!
Trading O’Sullivan for Demitra resulted in nothing.
Winning the division is nothing ? making the playoffs two years in a row nothing ?
If Demitra goes elsewhere you got nothing for O’Sullivan.
O sullivan has proved nothing thus far, and a player has to work with your coach
He cut Brunette and got nothing.
DR admits his error in letting him go. That is what a leader does. Not like Brad Childress Michael !!
The Mild in the playoffs the last two years have meant nothing.
I think you need to reflect and be more objective Michael
Get my drift?
I would think that’s more posturing with Fedoruk and Voros. I wish management wouldn’t handle things, by releasing information through the press. I don’t really think it does much, but make the players not trust management. You should work out your contracts by working directly with player and player rep.
I think that it could be a sign that if Rolston is gone Gaborick qont be traded. Just pure speculation on my part but it is what the Beaver suspects
At the end of the day, we really don’t know until Rolston signs. Maybe he’ll get 3-4 yrs at 4.5-5 mil. I think DR is at least justified in not pulling that trigger. That being said, DR better sign some other younger targets.
Regarding Fridge and Voros…yeah, they’re fun, but are they really something special? I don’t think so. There’s no harm in letting them see what the market will give them.
What do you guys think Voros and Fedoruk are worth? You guys make it sound like they should be paid $1 million. I suggested giving SRV $800K and someone said that was paying too much and he is a checker with 11 goals.
Last season, Fedoruk received a $875K from Dallas but MN was only liable for half, Voros $495K.
I think a small raise is warranted so around $525K- $600K should be sufficient. Voros was scratched for most of the second half of the season.
I agree, it shouldn’t be done through the press but the public wants to know the statuses. Are they talking? Are they close? We would like to know the specifics ie numbers and years but that is not going to be provided.
We fill in the blank and speculate based on what’s provided to us by Russo and Shipley. The Wild is not alone in this. We hear about the talks regarding Sundin, Hossa, Malkin, Campbell, and so forth.
The thing is Lynn hasn’t mentioned how much for any of these players. What is a substantial raise for Fedoruk or Voros? Did they want 200,000 more or $500,000 more? I just don’t think management should be saying anything like that unless they are disclosing actual numbers. Deal with your employees directly not through the media.
I agree that contracts are not best negotiated through the press, but when you have your fan base going nuts because you have not re-signed the UFA you have targeted as priority, I think a GM is justified in saying, “hey, we’ve given him three f’ing offers and have heard jack sh*t back from his agent.”
I know what you’re saying sunshine, but “The Wild hoped it would jump-start negotiations Saturday by making it known publicly that the team had made three contract proposals to Rolston without receiving a counteroffer” seems like your trying to gain ground through the media rather than release information for fans. II don’t believe this is how the news of the other players trade negotiations were slanted.
I think it’s a bit naive to think that “other players” contracts aren’t negotiated in part through the media.
On the bright side, it looks like there’s no doubt we’ll see Gillies up with the Big Club this year.
…and Clutterbuck, and Pouliot, and…Cuma?
It may also make a player not really dig management, which wants a hometown discount as it is. It sort of shows disrespect towards said player. Other free agents see this and the next thing you know it’s hard to get free agents unless you overpay.
I’m not that big on Rolston, personally. If he wants too much let him go, but handle things with some class. The main reason why the fan base is going nuts, isn’t because of this one signing. It’s from 3 bad draft years and even more bad trades or no trades at all.
Something’s got to give in the stalemate. It sounds like Rolston’s side is not taking the initiative to negotiate. Why not say, hey, we’re waiting for your counteroffer through the press? We are still interested so give us a call. In the Pio, it sounded like Rolston had some urgency after it came out publicly there was no counteroffers.
Personally, I found it revealing that they hadn’t received a counteroffer.
Its also the Wild’s preemptive to deflect harsh criticism from the fans to say”Hey, we made 3 offers and we received no response back. We made every good faith effort to re-sign Rolston but he wasn’t having any of it.”
I would rather Rolston did what Malone and Hossa did and just say, “I want to test free agency.”
I have no problem with voros and fedoruk pimping themselves for the highest dollar. while i’d like them both to stay here, no big loss if they leave. easily replaceable.
rolston checked out when it was reported that they turn down offers but don’t counter. i think this they have to meet my market value and that the wild will have a chance to match any offers is just a lame attempt to save face with the local fans. I’d rather he be honest and say “y’know, i’m 35 and have one big contract left. I’m looking to get paid.”
Exactly, Sunshine. What Rolston wants, and likely has always wanted, was to test the free agent market, which is his right. He was blowing smoke up fans’ arses as well as management’s to say or indicate otherwise. If you want to test FA mkt, I have no problem, but don’t pretend otherwise.
And I really don’t have a problem with him going out and finding a deal and going back to the Wild and saying, “Can you match this?”
Wasn’t DR also saying that there is a different market for every team. So if he wanted to go to a losing team and make more go a head. Not sure looking at where the wild are, that we won’t actually be that loosing team next year though. Hope not though.
At the end of the day, we really don’t know until Rolston signs. Maybe he’ll get 3-4 yrs at 4.5-5 mil. I think DR is at least justified in not pulling that trigger.
I think we can all agree on that but I would add to your comments that DR better sign some other younger quality targets.
Regarding Fridge and Voros…yeah, they’re fun, but are they really something special? I don’t think so. There’s no harm in letting them see what the market will give them.
I also agree with that and as for going through the media, at some point as we get close to July 1 we all know that guys like Fridge and Voros are going to be UFAs. However, Lynn could have provided less confrontational comments I think. Also, the fact that Lynn took the time to explain how day one FAs are overpaid once again has to lead you to believe that the Wild are not going to pay cap space to get better. So if the Wild gets better next year, it looks like it will be because UFAs that didn’t get the big money decide to sign better cap contracts with the Wild because its the Wild. Well, I guess that puts Doug Smugsborough’s credit on the line anyway. Also, those mid teir FAs are sure to spark the Gabby negotiations 
I will also agree with the comments made here that Rolston could have grabbed a bit more high road in this process. Few fans that understand his situation will begrudge him for looking to get paid or, for that matter, taking a run with the Red Wings.
Totally, 6GS. Given that our lack of prospect depth has been exposed, DR cannot sell the “youth movement” by not re-signing Rolston. Yes, Pouliot and Gillies can get an opportunity, but not re-signing Rolston also means freeing up cap space to sign some under-35 UFAs.
I can see what you’re saying Greenstar. It’s pretty obvious if they aren’t meeting his apparent market value now, they sure as hell aren’t going to pay more than someone else is paying after July 1.
I think it is probably best to trade his rights ASAP. Though I think before the draft would have been a better time if you were going to do so, it sounded like they were at this point in negotiations for a while.
…or “quality” targets, as you say.
The Wild is not an elite team even though the management likes to talk that way, which is fine - whatever.
We like every other team at our level will have to overpay to get UFAs. We don’t even have the weather going for us. So I think they will have to overpay to get good players, just not third line grinders. The best DR can do is minimize the overpaymet. That is just reality.
I also think its their way of saying we aren’t going for the Hossas or the Campbells but we will go for second tier guys.
That’s the whole point though, johng, what is Rolston’s mkt value at 35? If the Rangers (who are not much closer to a cup than the Wild are) offer Rolston a 4 year, $4.5M deal, is that “market”? If that is, then let him walk. If market is a three year deal at similar money and the Wild have an option of matching, then they look good.
Sunshine…again you speak the truth. The Wild is a good (but not great) team in a good hockey (but not Canada or an Original Six) market, without a tradition just yet. DR seems to negotiate in some other reality.
Scott Niedermayer expected to return per blog on the Duck’s official webpage
http://ducks.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NHLPage&id=12887
“I’m not going to get into the other topic on the table in Ducks land, but I will say that the buzz around here is that we will be hearing word from Scott Niedermayer as early as tomorrow morning. And while it’s well-documented that I don’t have a good reputation with this sort of thing, you can book it: He’s coming back.”
This gets interesting. They might have to make some cap space if they are going to re-sign Perry and some other RFAs.
Wally….Shut the F up
- if Hossa and Campbell are the only players off the list, that’s fine.
- DR seems to negotiate in some other reality.
The smugisphere? 
Twins have gotten by without Hunter, Gomez has been an exciting replacement.
Wild will be just fine without Ralston if he does not wish to be here.
CW - I thought I was agreeing with the point. Unfortunately, Rolston has had all of the bargaining power through this whole thing.
I just think if it was me I’d offer my top offer right away. If it doesn’t look good trade his rights for draft picks or prospects. Especially when the player holds all of the cards.
Baseball is a different game when it comes to Minny and the economics are completely different…I don’t buy the analogy. The Wild should be buyers in hockey world.
Is this an every year thing for hockey fans? I haven’t been as involved as I am this year, so I haven’t been through this post-draft, pre-FA period before. Is it normal for my stomach to be beckoning for some Pepto and my mind beckoning for some Xanax? Or is this year just boding unusually poorly?
Just a thought, not sure I believe it myself but here’s a thought. Do you all think the post lockout year where we played all of our young guys sort of hurt us? My thinking is instead of having the youth spread through out our development system they moved up too quickly and didn’t have proper time to develop.
I don’t have a problem with letting Voros and Fridge go. There are plenty of other goons out there.
One thing on Voros, he was a great shot in the arm to the team when he got called up and had great energy and exuberance. However as his numbers and performance began to slide, he didn’t seem to have the same energy either after a while.
Iceman, you are a rock solid poster but Chicago Wild is 100% right, a top hockey market should be looking to get better almost every year. Rebuld after you have won something more than a NW title or when you don’t have an awesome veteran coach, or when the good contracts on your team (the goalies, Burns, Mikko, Shep, Schutlz, PMB and Belanger - solid at his price) outweigh the bad (Parrish and Johnsson).
johng, I do worry about that with Clutterbuck. Hopefully if he’s up (which seems increasingly possible) his minutes will be reduced and he can continue to play the game his way without fading out due to injuries or just toomuchtoosoon. Any of the others that would come up are a year or two or three into their pro careers, so I don’t worry so much about them.
Ms. Conduct - its a this year thing I think. There’s not usually this much turmoil and drama.
Sunshine, I was the guy who talked about overpaying for SRV - I thought you meant 2.4 million PER year for 3 years. 800k is a great deal I think.
Regardless of whether or not the Wild sign the “big free agents” or not - next year isn’t the year. I imagine Doug trying to position himself for the following year’s free agent class. Whatever.
Bummer about Fridge. I thought he talked about wanting to stay here too.
Thanks a bunch for the update russo!
Good to know. Otherwise, I was seriously going to plan a 3 week vacation this time next year. Maybe South America. Machu Piccu.
Oh no. If we DO decide to “wait till next year” and there are a lot of UFA’s available, I’m sure this board would be just as alive, and even fiestier due to the lack of action this year.
A vay-cay might be a good call. s. africa is a good call. no ice there.
SGS - Do you really think at the end of this last season that we were really that close to having a SC quality team. I don’t think the rebuilding is really managements choice at this point. I don’t think signing Hossa or anyone else would make us a contender. Our youth needs to develop a bit more and hopefully fill some holes than after a year or two we can hit the free agent market and have a legitimate shot at a cup.
I don’t think we are rebuilding because we aren’t willing to pay, just that we have made some poor choices in the past and splurging now isn’t going to help at this point.
I concur johng.
On the Brunette front, Dater reports that Brunette and his agent have had no contact with the Avs so it looks certain he will be available - http://blogs.denverpost.com/avs/2008/06/24/still-no-contact-with-bruno-and-the-messy-sakic-situation/#more-294
A great part of a solution but far from anything alone that would get #10 excited. I once again have to say that if Fridge* and Voros* are not giving Doug Smugborough a Wild Discount, why would Gabby?
* I don’t disagree with any of the posts above regarding either players value or ability to be replaced. Also, to drop the negativity for a second, could no solid move on Fridge mean the Wild knows it has a great shot for Malone?
Here here 6GS!
Mike should have added this:
What the Wild have won…nothing.
I don’t even want to go to the opener in Oct. To see them smugly raise a division CHAMPION banner. Puuhhhhleeez! It means nothing. Has anyone seen an NHL commercial about being division champs? NO! Stanley Cup baby. It changes everything.
That banner is like the certificate of participation a kid gets after t-ball season is over. Wait…that certificate is better, but you get my drift.
The smugisphere…another instant classic 6GS!!!
Lynn should NOT have said what he did. By not announcing any signings, we KNOW that our UFAs are going to test the market. The negotiating process has a better chance to succeed if it is kept confidential. Is Smugsy going to announce on Tuesday AM that he offered Marian Hossa 4.5 million a year for a hundred years?
I wasn’t lamenting the fact that Voros or Fedoruk were irreplaceable, I was lamenting the fact that DR is doing nothing.
Is it so freakin hard to negotiate with MORE THAN ONE PLAYER AT A TIME???
I have to multitask at work (this blog not withstanding) and am expected to make progress on many fronts.
All of this offseason turmoil is directly placed at DRs feet. He has made the decisions that have led us to this crossroad. Yes, I think this offseason is THAT critical. I hope he does too.
Just one player.
I remember Rolston stating not that long ago that the Wild met his term, and therefore the question essentially was meeting his price. So that’s clearly where the issue lies.
I personally believe that Rolston likes everything he’s experienced about playing here and he’d really like to continue playing for the Wild. That’s why he would’ve make the comments implying that he’d like his agent to stay in communication with the Wild and possibly make a counteroffer. On a personal level, I bet he feels rather torn. But I’d guess he (or at least his agent, of course) also wants to actually EXPERIENCE the post-July 1 financial landscape rather than just re-sign and surmise what it would be. That approach would let him freely examine all his options and seemingly would also take any subsequent financial hindsight “what ifs?” out of his equation. . . . The odds might seem slim of him re-signing after July 1st. But I still sure hope he will.
- I agree with Russo, that without Rolston the Wild has a huge hole to fill. Not that they can’t do it. But it is a huge hole. Brunette would help a lot. But they’d still need a good deal more.
- Johnsson is a very solid defenseman but not a stud. He’s paid like a stud. If it comes down to roster re-building, I’d love to turn Johnsson around for two already-decent players who still have room to grow. It would likely take separate deals and maybe other assets to make that happen. I’d also settle for just one solid player and a little more cap space to help make something else happen.
- Fedoruk certainly didn’t hurt his UFA cause by how he played here. But we’ll see if he’s overestimating his open-market value. He’s less of a goon and a better skater than it seemed before he arrived. I’d want him back in a heartbeat and over Voros hands down. Voros brings energy but not much else with any consistency. Guys like him are a dime a dozen.
I think Gabby is the one guy you don’t ask for the discount. He’s going to demand Vinny money and DR is going to find out that this time, he can’t win. He’s going to have to pony up if he wants Gaborik. Its going to be a straight up money negotiation - no Demitra to help smooth the path or strong arm him.
Gaborik knows his worth to this team. DR will put up a fight but this time, I think Gaborik will win out.
johng, I think there is a window open right now based on:
- Having JL for a few more years
- These cap friendly hits:
Mikko at 3.3 for 08/09, 09/10 and 10/11
Shep at 1.4 for 08/09 and 09/10
Burns at 3.6 for 08/09, 09/10, 10/11 and 11/12
Schutz at 3.5 for 08/09, 09/10, 10/11, 11/12 and 12/13
Collectivly Harding and Backs are at 3.8 next year
And out Houston fans have given solid reviews on Gillies who will also be cheap over the next few years
Why should we blow off a year? And I am not saying go crazy in FA, just go to more than just K-Mart. Also, trades are a huge option before being foreced into it by Gabby. The OJ trade was a near miss, I liked the effort there.
I would think that they should be able to take a run at someone a little more prominent now.
Though I suspect if they go for a center it will be an old one so they can offer a shorter contract if they are overpaying. I think in a few years Sheppard and Koivo will actually be such a solid one two punch at center in JL system, that a high dollar long term guy might make it harder to sign both of them what they are worth. I don’t think we can count on the cap rising 3-5 million a year.
Ms Conduct, if you are thinking South America, may I suggest Brazil (Rio and its environs) or Buenos Aires…your dollar will go about as far as it’s going to in these times and both are great cities. Flights are looooooong, though. Either way, it’s time better spent.
Sorry for the non-hockey post there…
6GS — we could just hand over the blog to you for a bit. It’d be under control. Calm, rational…good work.
6GS - They are good, but only 1 or 2 of those are first liners right now. Unless they trade one of those guys or Gaby they aren’t going to get much.
Harding will be your clear number one after next year and will probably be signed to 4 or 5 year contract, so I think he will be cheaply for a while.
Johnsson is a very solid defenseman but not a stud. He’s paid like a stud.
Collectively, in each of the next two years, Johnsson, Burns and Schultz are a $12 million cap hit, or $4 each, not bad. If you have to go to UFA, you have to pay extra.
Though I suspect if they go for a center it will be an old one so they can offer a shorter contract if they are overpaying. I think in a few years Sheppard and Koivo will actually be such a solid one two punch at center in JL system.
I agree with you on Sheppard and Koivo johng, that is why OJ was a nice fit - he had 2 years left on his $5 million deal. I am fine a stop gap measure at C, like kj’s favorite former Hartford Whaler, Bobby Holik
Chicago Wild - unlike Mike, I would never claim that my smug shots are rational!
What happened to Russo’s foot?
What are those idiot Wild brass doing? Having a fire sale on the whole team? They are letting Rolston slip and now we shouldn’t expect Fridge or Voros back either? Wow… add to that Carney, Hill, Demitra and Radivojevic and you have 7 free agents down the pooper… wake up… there didn’t need to be a “rebuilding year” this year… Winning the Division was an improvement from last year and we had the chance to go up more and get better next year… awesome… now we start again from scratch. You have a core, yes, but a core is crap without the apple around it… and I don’t want to hear any of this BS about bringing guys up from the minors. There’s a reason guys are in the AHL… because they can’t cut it in the NHL! Press ganging them hastily into the NHL is stupid… there are reasons that we didn’t see Kalus or Gillies or Belle or Clutterbuck or Stoner or whoever… they’re not that good… get over it. We didn’t even see Pouliot until the end of the season when the centers were hurt and the Wild HAD to call him up. Oh they put up good numbers… IN THE AHL! The Wild are gonna suck this year… you don’t release 7 free agents and replace them with inexperience… thats just stupid management… I hate wishing ill on my own team, but I can’t wait to see this whole thing blow up in the Wilds’ face…
What really sucks it would have been better to have traded Demo, Rolston and maybe Gabby at the deadline. I never thought I’d be saying this back in March. Hindsight is always 20/20 i guess/
Any feeling where Rolston ends up?
(Not that I’m thinking of him as a Hossa replacement, mind you.)
KiPA:
Cap space and need: Columbus, Rangers, Colorado, and Atlanta.
His wants: Detroit, his home state.
Hm, I can definitely see the Rangers. They love signing over-priced 50-somethings.
If you have to dump Fridge and Voros to pay Rolston, I am fine with that.
But if you simply tell all your free agents to take a hike, well, I guess maybe the time to trade Gabby, Koivu and Burns for draft picks is upon us.
Give us some hope, DR. Make us believe that this team is dedicated to winning, rather than simply dedicated to competing.
KiPA - a wild (pun intended) guess would be Chicago as he turns down slightly better offers from the ATLs and FLAs of the world.
I’m thinking a whole South American cruise… Argentina, Brazil… the whole shebang.
I suppose it would be a lot cheaper to just put the computer away, other than for work, for a few weeks.
South Africa is a good option. Two of our best friends are from there, so we’d even have tour guides.
LOL, I swear this teams brass is competing with the Wolves for biggest idiots on the block… seriously.
It is becoming clearly obvious that players don’t want to be here and that environment has been created by DR and the gang.
It shows the Wild are cheap, aren’t commited to winning, and are trying to do things “Minnesota Style” aka - on the cheap.
And to make things worse, it looks like we’ll have a 2003 type line-up out there which won’t be able to compete in the North West Division. I also don’t expect Gabby to stay after a year of playing with the proposed line-up below, so we can look forward to that soiling the season.
Not that I blame him with the efforts or the lack there of by DR.
Here’s your 2003… err 2008 starting line-up (following DR’s big FA signing of Bruno):
Gabby-Kiovu-Bruno
PMB-Shepp-Parrish
Kalus-Belanger-Gillies
SRV-Pouliot-Clutterbuck
In 2003 that might be a good line-up as we were “still building for the future”, but frankly put a line like that in 2008 SUCKS!
This could very well be my last year as a STH. Especially if we are rebuilding. The Wild Brass will struggle to build a team and by the time they do they will have wasted the years and good contract signings of Koivu, Burns, Shepp and Schultz.
I hope I am wrong, but short of DR blowing up the FA market throwing money every where (including HOSSA)… we’ll be lucky to be .500 this year.
Lucky to be .500 this year is right on! How about fighting to stay out of last place in the NW: all teams there look to be better with the exception (maybe) of the Canucks, who, it appears, are interested in Hossa.
See… Thats what I’ve been saying. Just a glorified AHL team is all we’ll have. “Rebuilding” my a**… we wouldn’t have to rebuild if DR wouldn’t be dissolving the team…
To SixGoalie, (from lasta night) lots of turmoil in the league this year and not just with the Wild. And, also to ChicagoWild, I think my earlier Gomez for Hunter baseball analagy still holds.
But, I agree they need to replace their losses. How though when there may not be the candidates?
Problem is you do not want to tie up too many future dollars so that when your own prize players come up for new contracts you cannot retain them.
Maybe a key free agent or so who is needing an opportunity, plus guys languishing in the system who is not quite ready.
However it plays out, I would rather see the team think long-range instead of a one year solution.
Everyone remember DR’s quote before the year started. Not verbatim but close: “This will be the last shot for this group of player together. Next year this team could look vastly different.” I think he knew this was coming all along and hopefully has a plan to fix the sitch.
I’m not all that worried at this point. If FA’s don’t want to come here then we need to build through the draft. There is no other way around it other than trades and what do we have to trade except our core players and nobody wants that.
Call me dumb, I thought Rolston was different then the rest of the show me the money players.
If FA’s don’t want to come here then we need to build through the draft.
Considering the potential makeup of next years team, we could have a really, really high draft pick.
Isn’t anyone else tired of being ‘conditioned’ to just be happy that the NHL came back to MN? To just be happy that we ‘compete’? Hello…EVERY team in the league competes. A fraction of them seem to be committed to trying to win the Cup.
When does the mindset shift from the future to the present? The last year of Burns, Koivu and Schultz’s deals???
Just. One. Player.
A few problems with your plan Frankie…
#1 - I’m tired of DR plans, they haven’t worked and so to expect that he has another one that will… i’m not waiting around to see.
#2 - Building through the draft means you actually need to know HOW to draft. The Wild have a suspect record as Russo pointed out in a story less than a week ago. So that strategy is out the window with our current Mgmt in place.
#3 - A new owner comes to town, raises ticket prices and this is the image you wish to portray to the fans? Really?
The STH’s and the warming house will disappear faster than the “big Minnesota” crowds upon hearing the State Fair is out of Food & Free stuff.
This team & Wild Mgmt has been preaching “the plan”, the “build from the draft”, the “keep the core and add a few Vets”. Well, we have slowly achieved some nice goals with playoff appearances and a division title. So to go from that to the “Glorified AHL” Team as paulr put it, is unacceptable.
It should be unacceptable for all Wild fans, but especially those that have put down hard earned cash in this type of economy for what they hoped would be “the next step”…. forward.
Schmidty - haven’t I already tried to set you straight on Kalus before? Forget about him for now and for next year.
I’m still hoping for a Pouliot, Sheppard, Gillies line next year. Their skill set really compliments each other nicely. That would be your 3rd line.
The Wild have to bring back SRV to anchor that 4th line. He was solid down the stretch on that 4th line with Radio.
Agreed KJ… but with now Fridge & Voros gone we might need. Just. Two. Players.
Complaining on a blog won’t make FA’s want to come here either. All I’m saying is if they don’t want to play here, we have no other choice. And, no, I’m not satisfied with mediocrity in pro sports in this state but it has become a reality. FA’s bolt from here like there’s no tomorrow. I’m on the same page you are when it comes to building for the future…the future is now but that doesn’t mean were going to get everyone we covet.
It isn’t even July 1 and people are going off the deep end about #12? I was one of the big advocates of getting rid of him so I’m not all that mad about it. Someone will pay him $5mm/yr for 4 years. Good luck with that. DR is smart for not going there. There is no loyalty in pro sports. Shoooooooow meeeeeeee the mon-nay!
No AiH… who else are you going to put on the line? You just lost Voros & Fridge as well. If DR is closing his eye’s when they walk, what makes you think he will fill that void that I dropped Kalus into? Look, following the exodus… I was just trying to fill the roster up with what we have… cause there are no promises DR will do anything in the Free Agency period.
Schmidty-what would you like them to do? Kidnap Hossa and make him sign here? It doesn’t work that way. I’m just being a realist when I say that these guys won’t be coming here. I don’t know that for a fact but from everything I’m hearing here, it ain’t happening. Great, we might get Brunette. That’s a start but I don’t see any big name players coming here. And, if we don’t trade #10 for something in return, he’ll be gondy too.
And, one other thing, it isn’t my plan. It’s DR’s and the hand he was dealt. Everyone thought Huggy Bear wanted to play here. We now can see that is fantasy, not reality.
“Not signing Hossa, or a player like Hossa (mark my words)is more nothing.”
Hossa’s agent (Rich Winters) has made it clear that Hossa wants to play for an “elite team” with a plan and other factors (like weather). Is Minnesota that team? nope. dont blame your GM for player / agent politics that you cant control. its nice to think these players actually have “free agency” where teams can compete for their services, but in reality, its a heavy bias to which teams they want to and will play with. Pittsburgh has the best long term plan, and even though he rejected their offer he very well could be back there to play with Crosby. theres a lot of teams out there that could use him who have no chance in hell.
Schmidty/paulr - try to keep in mind that every team has to rely on a couple AHLers or first year Euros. You can’t put together a team of skaters from top tier FA talent. It’s just not possible with a salary cap.
Also, the negativity about the Wild’s drafting is getting a little tired and played out. Besides AJ Thelen all of the 1st round picks appear to be working out. We can argue all day long what the value of the 2nd round a later picks are supposed to be.
I’m also tired of hearing about how Detroit got lucky with a few picks. You can’t define a trend with one point and Detroit is just one point. You don’t hear about the brilliance of other team’s late round picks.
lets remember that free agency is not over yet.
In regards to wanting to play/live in Minnesota:
Mark Stuart (defenseman for the Bruins) was on CBCs hockey night in Canada radio yesterday. He made a comment that he is back home in Minnesota for the summer. He said it is great being in Minnesota because so many other NHLers live there in the offseason. It makes training and conditioning easy with so many guys around to join in.
I’m not sure that means they want to be there during the hockey season. But it is an indication that NHLers regard Minnesota as a favorable place to maintain a residence. Also, the public education is top notch in Minnesota. The state is well taken care of and the residents have a fairly high quality of life compared to other states.
We need to remember that hockey is a job. Hockey players are looking for a good company in a good location so they can take care of themselves and their family. I think North American players with families consider things like this.
John Tavares, here we come.
After wading through the flood of tears and plugging my ears from all the wailing going on, I have decided to pass out free razor blades so you all can kill yourselves… because it sounds like you all would rather die than watch Wild hockey next season. Talk about jumping to conclusions. You have no idea what next season will hold. I am annoyed with all this “Smug” name calling you have going on too. Get over it, it’s just a game. And it’s a game I enjoy watching and paying money for. Sure I would like to win a Cup, but realistically this coming season is not te year to go for it. DR made some mistakes and he is paying for it now. It doesn’t mean I won’t watch the games.
As far as Voros and Fridge go, I will be sad to see Fridge leave for sure. I thought he was a pleasant suprise and he played well here. Voros doesn’t matter so much, go let him take stupid penalties elsewhere.
Right on Wallshot… as the days pass, the hard work our club is doing for us fans is deafening from the silence.
AiH/Frank/Dr. Tricks/Reid - I’ll add you to the list of those folks content with “competing”.
I will praise or complain about this club as long as I am a 1/18,000 shareholder. And right now, I am not pleased with its efforts OR its results.
I guess I can understand why AiH and ATXwf seem ok with this. The team they have been watching in Houston last year will look strangely similar to the one playing in Minnesota this year.
I don’t watch the Aeros Schmidty. I like watching NHL hockey.
AiH/Frank/Dr. Tricks/Reid - I’ll add you to the list of those folks content with “competing”.
And to the list of people that have no problem with the coming season being all about the pending Gabby trade because that is where this thing is headed if its a rebuilding year. Maybe its because I don’t follow the East closely but I wouldn’t be excited to get what ATL got for Hossa in that trade.
They haven’t been silent. They have been trying to work out a deal with the one guy they targeted out of their UFAs. It just happens that he doesn’t want to negotiate with the team.
They have already made qualifying offers to their RFAs and said that they will negotiate with them after JULY 1st.
Free Agency is not until JULY 1st. Today is not JULY 1st; its only JUNE 26th, folks.
SGS, the Gabby sistuation is less than desirable for sure. I would hope that DR would be smart enough to not let it turn into a Hossa situation. I would rather him deal Gabby at the beginning of the season (if he realizes that he cannot come to terms on a contract) and get something worthwhile for him.
don’t get me wrong, I am not complacent. every year we do just well enough to finish in a spot where we don’t get a shot at a game changing prospect. and we haven’t gotten luck on any late rounders yet. we are also an expansion team. lots of guys playing now were drafted before the team existed.
Thank you sunshine, at least one person out there actually realizes what day it is.
Schmidty at 8:42. You might be setting the bar unrealistically high with regard to the time frame.
You do not think DR’s plans working out? I think the team has been successful to date!
Their success is far more than anyone could have realistically expected from an expansion team. Coming in after Atlanta, Nashville and with Columbus is not where you want to be because the talent pool is much thinner.
You must not put any value on a NW Championship and there playoff appearances?
The Canuck and Oiler fans would maybe have liked to switch places with us.
Frank is right about DR’s remarks.
To be in the same place after 2008-09 season that they were after 2007-08 will not be easy. We will see whether DR/JL have rabbits left in their hats.
In the meantime, you can add me to the same list that you are putting Frank, AiH etc on. But, we are not saying it is just ok to compete, we are saying it takes time to build.
Well put Iceman. I think winning the division is a nice acomplishment. I also agree that this next season will be a challenge. I am still looking forward to it regardless.
you can add me to the list of folks that are content with competing schmidty. I’m in optimist boat as well. All this hardship is a part of being a sports fan
what frustrates me is that we wasted a really high pick (4th overall) on pouliot, where there are many other contributing dynamic players that make differences already playing in the NHL.
reid, that is hindsight talking. And who knows, given the proper opprotunity this season Benny may suprise us all and show exactly why he was choosen so high. I think the kid obviously has some talent… it’s high time to see what he can do sitting at the big kids table.
Welcome to the boat jimlove!
If we are going to build through the draft, shouldn’t we hold on to draft picks instead of trading them away to move up 1 position in the draft, etc?
You do not think DR’s plans working out? I think the team has been successful to date!
If Gabby walks, all that probably changes. And the salt in the wound will be all the other teams circling the X like vultures waiting for their team to trade for him.
El Gato, a thrid rounder isn’t likely to pan out anyway. It was no big loss IMO. Trading away your firsts and seconds are the real killer.
Alright. back to work. Hopefully the sun shines on Russoville and everyone smiles today.
So every year we should just trade every pick below the 2nd round we have so we can move up 1 or 2 spots? Can’t have much of a minor league team with that thinking. How are you going to get ‘lucky’ like Detroit without those picks? If they had traded those ‘picks that don’t pan out’ picks away, where would be their Zetterbergs or Datsyuk or Franzen? Why would NJ stockpile them (since they got 1 from us and 1 from Washington to move down 2 spots), that franchise hasn’t been successful (sarcasm)?
That’s not what I meant El Gato. I was just saying that one pick probably wouldn’t have made the difference. You can’t do it every year obviously, but occasionally it’s probably fine. The Devils haven’t been successuful for quite awhile, they are probably trying to re-stock so they have more bargining chips. Granted, you could say that we could use some chips of our own… especially given the current pickle that the team appears to be in.
Iceman, as far as Oiler fans, weren’t they in the Stanley Cup finals a few years back and if Roloson hadn’t become injured they may have won the Cup. They also have a lot of young talent and they will probably be better than the Wild this season.
At least the Vikings are giving us something to get excited about.
“The Devils haven’t been successuful for quite awhile”
Excuse me didn’t they win the cup in 2003?
What do you mean by quite a while?
I am not ready to slice away at my wrists quite yet.
7 days from now? I am not so sure.
I would like to find out how many people will be OK with the Wild not making the playoffs this next season? You know, build for the future…blah, blah, blah…
I am NOT ok with it. Especially with the smugness shown by management.
In 8 years, they have not attracted a single top tier FA. They are perilously close to allowing their one star to dictate his exodus.
All of the holes for the 08-09 season are not from being a new franchise, they are because of the GM’s decisions and plans.
That was 5 years ago. What have they done since? Granted, I guess five years isn’t that long… still, it seems as though they dropped off the face of the earth after that win.
jaws, did you see ’sarcasm’?
Auatin this ain’t bad
2008 — lost to NY Rangers, 4-1, Eastern Conf. quarterfinals
2007 — defeated Tampa Bay, 4-2, Eastern Conf. quarterfinals
lost to Ottawa, 4-1, Eastern Conf. semifinals
2006 — defeated NY Rangers, 4-0, Eastern Conf. quarterfinals
lost to Carolina, 4-1, Eastern Conf. semifinals
2004 — lost to Philadelphia, 4-1, Eastern Conf. quarterfinals
kj, not making the playoffs would definitely sting… but the playoffs are a looooong way from now. None of us have any idea how all this will pan out. I am waiting till well after July 1st to pass my judgement on FA moves n(or lack thereof). Maybe DR has something up his sleeve. With all these FA’s leaving, that is freeing up quite a bit of cap space… I’m not sayin’, I’m just sayin’.
holy. crap.
Just…wow.
I seem to recall, and correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t we get dumped in the first round of the playoffs this spring? Wasn’t that the same result as last spring?
Why is that result - that lack of progress, if you will - worth preserving from the perspective of your role players?
I’m not saying I don’t like Rolston, Fridge or Voros. They’re all fine. Fridge was a very pleasant surprise (you’d think that DR would want to keep him just as a shield against all of us saying he has no idea what he’s doing), Rolston would definitely leave a hole. But it’s not like we’re talking about the Wings dumping Zetterberg and Datsyuk!
All of you who are pining for a big name FA, have no reason to complain about DR not overpaying role players on the basis of one partial good season (Fridge/Voros). Is there really a higher ceiling for Fridge and Voros than what we saw last season? Are they really irreplaceable? There are NO other players (Clutterbuck) who couldn’t replicate their exact impact from last year?
If Rolston wants to get paid, then that’s his right. Do I think he might have taken a different tack in this negotiation than what’s been reported? Yes. Is his agent coming off as a pompous doofus? Yes. But, if DR is 100% sure we’re not going to be able to meet his demands, why hasn’t he traded him yet?
Letting these guys take their chances on the open market is far different from how DR and Co handle the Gaby/PMB situations - as far as our long-term prognosis.
I guess you are right Jaws. My bad. they just dropped off my radar I guess.
Austin- They have been in the playoffs every year or nearly every year since. Isn’t that enough by competiive standards
So help me understand something then? How is it that you are so comfortable with the direction things are heading? And don’t say your not because you have just argued against most of my points.
You seem content with competing.
You seem content with DR’s plan, even as it unravels in front of you.
You seem content with the inability to sign a single UFA on our team this year.
You seem content with waiting until 11:58pm on June 30th to sign our players.
So where does this “optimism” come from? Are you a Twins fan? Cause I could understand it as they have been “baiting” people along since 1992.
I am struggling to understand how anyone could be “ok” with what is taking place with the Wild and the MAJOR step backward they are about to make. And yes Sunshine, I know the date but I also know DR’s history… which IS the best indicator of future efforts.
I hope I am dead wrong and it all comes together nicely for them. I’ll even come on these boards and publicly apologize to all for my foolish thoughts… HOWEVER, I feel it’s nearly beyond repair at this point and am baffled that you are ok with it.
NiNY, I am sure Clutterbuck can fill the role of, scoring a few garbage goals, taking stupid penalties, and getting is face punched in, just fine.
NiNY, why on earth would Gabby want to sign here then? We could offer him $10M a year but if he is under the impression he’s going to be playing on the same line as Belanger and Parrish I don’t think he’s going to achieve NHL ‘rock star’ status. (Don’t laugh, you will see JL pull out that line combo more than a dozen times this season)!
Well said KJ (10:09am)
Oh, and if Fridge is gone, who’s going to protect Gabby from the cheap shots and cross checks and slew foots and everything that was happening to him last year until Fridge was put on his line. Maybe PMB will throw the smack down again!
You seem content with competing. (I am content with competing. I like seeing a solid, fun-to-watch team on the ice that may have an off chance at winning the cup. However, when the time comes to make a serious run, I would expect the Brass to give it a shot… unlike this past season. And this next season is definitely not the time for that run IMO.)
You seem content with DR’s plan, even as it unravels in front of you (I never said that. All I am saying is that his job is more difficult than you can imagine. I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes.)
You seem content with the inability to sign a single UFA on our team this year. (There is no proof of this yet. There is still time. Plus it depends on his other moves. Maybe the team improves on some of those FA’s that are leaving. Although I am sad to see Fridge go.)
You seem content with waiting until 11:58pm on June 30th to sign our players. (Only one I am really worried about at this point is PMB. We have to wait and see on Gabby… The rest of them seem to be halfway out the door already. No use in crying over spilled milk, when I can just pour myself another glass.)
El Gato: Maybe he wouldn’t. But not re-signing Fridge and Voros (and, to an extent, Rolston) by now doesn’t mean that Gaby will be playing with Belanger and Parrish.
I guess my point is that, no DR doesn’t have the best record-to-date, but he CAN start rectifying that next Tuesday. I’m saying it’s a little soon to be writing off the roster for next season, because that roster is still very much up in the air.
If we get to camp and it’s Houston North, then I say open fire on him. Burn him in effigy and march on the X demanding his ouster.
But he hasn’t NOT done ANYTHING yet.
NOt sure why all of a sudden we think DR is smug and why we so many sure that we will be a bottom feeder next season.
Personally, I do not think signing a top tier FA for big bucks is the measure or key to success. But, Rolston himself was in that category.
NiNY is correct in pointing out that we did not exceed the first round two years in a row and so maybe some of these guys are not the answer.
Only one star KJ? What is Burns, Schultz, Koivu, etc?
I would like to know how much input JL has on who we try and pick up. It just seems a lot of times that we really haven’t been able to get the right sort of players to fit his style. In my opinion he doesn’t adapt his style much to the players he’s been given, so give him more input and go after players he wants.
El Gato: did Fridge’s protection help Gaby put out in the playoffs?
Yeah, we all had high hopes at the trade deadline also. Iceman, Burns is an emerging star, but calling Schultz a star would be like calling Kevin Lowe a star on the 1980’s Edmonton teams. Solid defensive players are not stars. Koivu could become a star if he’s not on a checking line, he would need to play with Gabby to get to that status.
“NOt sure why all of a sudden we think DR is smug and why we so many sure that we will be a bottom feeder next season.”
Agreed. I don’t know a single “Smug” person that would admit to a mistake like DR did with Bruno.
People are quick to follow the leader off a bridge.
I hope I am dead wrong and it all comes together nicely for them. I’ll even come on these boards and publicly apologize to all for my foolish thoughts…
Me too.
But, if DR is 100% sure we’re not going to be able to meet his demands, why hasn’t he traded him yet?
Nobody else wants to over pay Rolston before UFA?
Well said KJ (10:09am)
+1
Schmidty, Twins have not been baiting people since 1992. They have played a lot of pretty good baseball since then. Not quite good enough but pretty good.
In a competitive world there are simply not championships for your favorite team every year.
Actually, if there are thirty teams and if there were an average for championships then each team would be on a 30 year cycle for winning.
As fans, I think there are reasons to have a high standard. But, we need to understand why those standards can not always be met.
NiNY - His protection might not have helped, but his goals did!
NiNY, no because we didn’t play a team of thugs like Calgary or Vancouver (which we still will have to play alot again). Was he slew footed or tripped or cross checked in that series? I just know he was ineffective because maybe Lappy and their ilk did a great job of defending him and playing the Wild style of hockey.
Well put iceman @10:34.
Nobody else wants to over pay Rolston before UFA?
touche, 6GS.
His protection might not have helped, but his goals did!
I realize this doesn’t take away from your point, jimlove, but Fridge - with his goals - didn’t help us win anything.
NOt sure why all of a sudden we think DR is smug
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wild/20587944.html?location_refer=Wild
oh totally - it was more of a fun comment. I wouldn’t bank on fridge turning in to johan franzen. ever. Maybe with a million to one odds, because if it happened…..
NiNY, no because we didn’t play a team of thugs like Calgary or Vancouver (which we still will have to play alot again). Was he slew footed or tripped or cross checked in that series? I just know he was ineffective because maybe Lappy and their ilk did a great job of defending him and playing the Wild style of hockey.
Fair point, El G.
I would say that Fridge would have more value if he was able to offer a shunt for the attention that Lappy and his ilk paid to Gaby than as a nuclear deterrent to goons on teams we didn’t play.
Again, it’s not that I don’t like Fridge. I would be happy if we were able to keep him. The point really is that A) I wouldn’t want to overstate his worth - and then pay for it, 2) he’s not irreplaceable and III) we don’t know for sure that he won’t be here next year.
I wouldn’t bank on fridge turning in to johan franzen.
man…that’s an UGLY visual…a guy as homely as Franzen … with no front teeth to boot?!
NiNY, Fridge should also remember the team that resurrected his career that was in all respects over after being sent through waivers to the minors by Dallas. So Fridge lands on another team and that team asks him to be a fighter again. You think he’s going to wish he stayed here?
Smug? I thought I was the only smug here…
here here el g.
El G: also a fair point. But that career, having been resurrected, is now potentially worth more than it was pre-resurrection to him and his family. I can’t blame the guy for wanting to see if he can maximize that.
smuggla! Dude, how’s Philly?
6GS - why is that article evidence of DR’s smuggness?
I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree Iceman & ATX. To much mediocrity when it comes to sports in this state. I understand the dynamic of being competitive but at some point… you need to make the move to go for it and not just continue to ride on the money train laid down by those complacent to have a team.
Historically, Minnesota sports teams have done just that and it’s why you see only two championships, heck only 3 finals APPEARENCES in over 25 years of Minnesota Professional sports teams. So in approximately 90 seasons of sports we have just THREE. That is weak and unacceptable to me.
Again, we’ll agree to disagree.
yep, happens to the twins all the time. they give guy chance after chance. then poof. gone to the highest bidder, which in baseball is never the twins.
the vikings did lose 4 super bowls. so um, thats the finals.
NiNY, It’s great out here- warmer weather, the chicks are great too. Couldn’t see the much of the Wild the second half of the season. Except I saw all the playoff action. The Wild really had problems scoring and looking into next season, I don’t think one or two FAs will solve all that. Defensively the Wild is one of the best. But you still have to score goals to win and the Wild don’t score that much. It’s a pretty sad state of affairs. How’s things in Upstate NY? Enjoying the summer?
yeah, but those superbowls weren’t in the last 25 years reid…. but there’s always next year! The irony in that statement is so funny right now..
NiNY, I guess that’s true. We can’t hold it against Fridge if he’s going to have someone pay him a $1 mill a year contract off of what he did here.
Hockeydad, he called the Wild a ‘winning organization’, um, you’ve had 3 winning seasons so far out of 8. That’s below .500 folks.
“I do believe what’s market for one is not market for another,” Risebrough said. “Now, you might say that sounds like you want him to come cheaper. No. I’m viewing us in a group of teams as that market, and there could be a different market with a different group of teams.
“So if you’re not in the history of playoffs and you don’t have a history of winning, that’s a different market than somebody that’s comfortable with the core that we have, the youth that we have and the plan that we have.”
In other words, Risebrough is saying that Rolston must decide if he wants to make more money in a potentially poor situation, market and location.
“I have something to offer that has to be considered, a good team with a good future and everything else that comes with it,” Risebrough said. “There’s a certain value that I offer that isn’t necessarily what somebody else could offer. And that’s not saying you have to take less. It’s that we view we’re in this group and that group’s in a different category.”
But when it comes down to actual dollars, the reality is Risebrough is saying Rolston might need to leave money on the table if he wishes to re-sign with Minnesota.
I guess I missed the non fluke Stanley Cup run or the long-term extension for Gabby or even a shred of evidence the the Wild will step up and re-sign Gabby like you knew TB would do with Vinny.
So in approximately 90 seasons of sports we have just THREE. That is weak and unacceptable to me.
I have no problem with this sentiment as a fan. Heck, I even share it.
Lets play it out though:
Say DR goes out and gets all these FAs, and then say he picks up a couple key players at the trade deadline in exchange for picks and/or prospects, and then say everything comes together and they win the SC next spring.
But then, next year, devoid of valuable picks, and denuded of a rejuvenative (I don’t think that’s actually a word, but WTH) farm team, we come crashing back to earth, and pull an Edmonton or Carolina and miss the playoffs altogether.
The outlook at that point is that we’re farther from Cup contention than we were during the summer of 2008.
But we have that one championship.
Do you, as a fan, feel better?
Party’s over, dude. Sure, your hangover will be gone tomorrow, but your team is a shambles. What if Monty Brewster’s accountant doesn’t figure out the ruse and come in and save the day? Sure he had a great time, but was it worth it?
The question is: does one championship, at the cost of future challenges for more championships, allow you to die in peace as a Minnesota sports fan?
(There is no wrong answer, by the way.)
Schmidty, why doesn’t anyone ever ask how a 175 lb slap hitting center fielder who hit ZERO HR’s in over 500 ab’s his rookie season somehow gained 50 lbs of solid muscle and became a consistent 30+ HR guy and a Hall of Famer. That might taint the 2 championships that were won.
NiNY - I think one parade down Kellog with that giant cup would cement the love for this team for a lifetime. I was a little peeved that the Wild sat out the post-lock out FA bonanza but overall, I enjoyed building this team and would be happy to rebuild again after seeing the Wild’s captain accept the Stanley Cup.
smuggla: things up here are good.
The bar was quiet without you around for the second half of the season.
Do we need a little more controversy here?
that is a nice picture to daydream about 6gs…
You need to get to the playoffs to win the Cup. Then you need skill and luck. Did Edmonton have by far the best team in 1986, yes. Did one unlucky Steve Smith off of Grant Fuhr own goal kill their Cup hopes, yep. How about the 1994-95 Wings, they were 33-11-4 that season. They lost the Cup in 4 straight because their coach couldn’t figure out how to beat a system that he himself had implemented back in the 70’s with Montreal (yeah, that Scotty Bowman guy trying to beat JL’s developed ‘trap’). You get to the playoffs and with the right bounces, great goaltending and timely scoring you can win a Stanley Cup. But you have to make the playoffs 1st!
How about Rolston’s agent likes to have relations with farm animals.
hey - its inter-species erotica smuggla.
jimlove, you provide a new meaning to getting someone’s goat.
DR’s “smugness”
We as fans of the Wild can be annoyed with his “smugness” but he and the Wild have to project that they are a winning team. We are just steps removed from being called an expansion team. To be a winner, you have to see yourself as a winner and project yourself as a winner.
Who wants to go into a team that has said we are a losing team or a team that is going nowhere? Its all about marketing the team to a wider audience and to other FA.
We can debate all we want about how DR sees the Wild and how the fans see the Wild. However, I see no wrong in him telling the wider hockey world and its FA that he and the team seem themselves as a competitive team, who has a chance at the playoffs and beyond.
To be a winner, you have to see yourself as a winner and project yourself as a winner.
“Don’t worry Rickey, you’re still the greatest.”
Sorry, sunshine, I couldn’t resist.
Like I said earlier, we are still dealing with being an expansion team. there are many people playing now that were drafted before the wild existed. at least the 1994-1999 drafts are still in play for the other teams. they are not for the wild. i will give them that one consolation.
I think part of the problem here, and let me know what you think about this:
Does anyone remember for the first month and a half of the season, the Wild were in the top 4 teams in terms of national power rankings? The Wild was even a number one for a while. Then someone got hurt, one player quit on his team, and one player got his leg broken by a slash. From then on, the Wild did just enough to eek out a few victories (while struggling mightily to score) and was eliminated in the first round while going consecutive periods in a row without scoring a single goal.
What will the Wild’s power ranking be when we start the 08-09 season?
What worries you more:
That the Wild will not have cap flexibility, or that they will use cap flexibility as an excuse to hold down payroll?
That the Wild players and their agents don’t communicate, or that the team uses communications problems as an excuse to sign high ticket players?
I was hoping that the problem was that behind the scenes Naegele was interested in holding down payroll instead of “going for it.” We’ll see after July 1 but it’s looking a lot like more of the same with a new owner and a cap in place. I HOPE I’M WRONG.
Smuggla - we’ll be able to answer that question post july 1.
I was thinking about that point earlier today though…
Koivu was out for what one to two thirds of the season and still had a break out year? We were hit with injuries/freak appendix surguries early and late, couldn’t put together any kind of decent winning streak; And we still won the division.
Also, I’m not sure that DR’s “plan” includes a cup in 8 years. If I remember correctly, and I probably don’t, around year five it was expected to break into the playoffs consistently (check). The next step above that would be winning the division (check). Will we win the division every year (in the NW, doubtful) - so we take a year off and make a run at the western conference in the following year (09-10). That puts us in the SCF within 10 years. Not too shabby. I’ll take it.
SHOULD HAVE READ: That the Wild players and their agents don’t communicate, or that the team uses communications problems as an excuse to NOT sign high ticket players?
I think one parade down Kellog with that giant cup would cement the love for this team for a lifetime
Well said, GGGGGGS.
ATW–Razors? Yikes! And, for the good of the team, IF Gabby’s to be traded it’s best to be done at the Trade Deadline for the maximum ROI.
toivo–Ditto Wallshots post (last thread?) Solid contributions. And props on the calling your shot on Vinny.
rock/kj–Bizarro Kool aid is INDEED drink of choice for all Risedummpers, lol!
GGGGGGS-smugishere = instant classic!
smugisphere
can someone help me understand this:
Wes Walz QUITS on his teammates, the fans and the entire Wild franchise, and there are fans out who are saying “thanks for the memories Wes” “congratulations on your new job with the Lightning Wes”
Wes Walz turned his back on our team in the middle of the season and left the Wild scrambling for the rest of the season.
As far as I’m concerned Wes Walz is a puck ass quitter. Thanks for the memories? Wow 5 whole seasons, wow. That gives a guy a license to QUIT on everyone mid season? Whatever- don’t let the door hit ya on the ass on yer way out Wes.
I think one parade down Kellog with that giant cup would cement the love for this team for a lifetime.
I can’t see too many Red Sox fans being willing to give back that second WS title as they were sated from the first one.
smuggla’s BACK, sports fans! He’s BACK!
Wes Walz QUITS on his teammates
Can’t argue with that. Shoulda hung ‘em up in the summer, if that’s what he wanted to do. Give management some time to fill the gap.
No wonder there was “no similar position available w/ the Wild.”
reid, those 94-99 drafts of other teams are where DR is picking up his FA bargains from, so they are very much in play for the Wild.
Beware of the talking pumpkin!
Listen to the Wizard!
no, the guys from those drafts that sucked enough for DR to want to sign them, are out of the league and in europe. most of the folks still in the league are the big names that will never be on the wild.
- To those that reject the “DR is smug” line of thinking I respectfully ask this question: are the Wild trending towards retaining Gabby or trading Gabby? And how does trading Gabby get this team closer to the cup - the Hossa deal did not get ATL closer to the cup, I think we can all agree on that.
- NiNY - What the Red Sox do is not restained by a salary cap and the role of the draft in MLB is way different than the NHL. The lack of MN pro championships also plays a role and what the Wild does after winning the first cup will be a nice problem to have
I, too, Nick, would be willing to put up with a number of horrendous seasons for one championship. But it’s a false choice because, unfortunately, there are no such guarantees that if the Wild signs as many top tier UFAs to large (and long) contracts it will win that championship. The NY Rangers know something about that, as do the Yankees who, for all their spending the last several years, have little to show for it.
All:
From earlier, what do you think the chances are that JL’s questions for DR were:
–You gonna re-sign Gabby, or trade ‘em?
–You gonna let the kids play this year?
What if the perceived rift between Gabby and JL came down to a “it’s him or me” situation?
Gabby is not anywhere near a sufficiently accomplished player that I would ever let him dictate who coaches the team.
bfw is hammer, he hit nail on head.
So if Gabby is traded/leaves via free agency, what is the over under in seconds that his brother is canned as a scout? I would set the over under as 45 seconds!
I think DR’s philosophy is that players will come and go either through trades or free agency. You can control some of it but other times you can’t. Stability in the team is important, which means a stable coach.
If JL leaves, Dr and Co. will search long and hard for a coach that will be on the team for the long haul or until he decides to leave.
You see it with Buffalo and with Nashville. Players will leave, they will have bad years but they will rebound.
“You seem content with competing.”
Since when did we start talking about Terry Ryan?
Actually, there are some major similarities between the Twins and Wild. Both focus on developing players, both seem content to compete, and both have coaches intent on playing a certain way (at least the Wild aren’t stuck with that POS Nick Punto).
El Gato, LOL on the 94-99 draft comment, at least no one can blame DR for making bad picks in those drafts.
After once again reading thru most of these posts it becomes very clear to me that we are a bunch of fans that truly wants the best for our team the Wild. Some of us are just a bit more patient then others.
I don’t think the Wild is one high priced free agent away from the promised land (SCF), sorry kj! Since I don’t see us as a legitimate SC contendet next year I value the though of cap flexibility more then signing a overpriced player for a year or two. What I really want to see is players with the right attitude (and of course talent) joining this team.
When you look at most successful teams the seem to have that special chemistry to them. The million dollar question is how do you create the atmospher to achive this? I certainly don’t know but I hope the players DR eventually will sign will foster this with in the team.
Nurse Julie, Skoula to Wild as Punto to Twins!
done. bds - well said. Nothing else to say after that unless its rumor mongering about possible lineups. My projection - holik, orpik, huselius & brunette + a couple of random grinders. We’ll overpay for at least one or two of those guys probably, but whatever, it is what it is.
So to answer your question: If it comes to it, it will be Lemaire over Gaborik.
I think players like Schultz, Burns, Koivu, and others would genuinely miss Lemaire. He has taught them a lot. I think Gaborik to an extent will admit that he has learned from JL and is a better player because of it. He still won’t like the defensive game but he is a better player for it. Other players like Walz, Holik and Niedermayer credit JL for teaching them the game.
El Gato - good point in bringng up Gabby’s brother. What does it say about your effort in scouting Euro’s when you name one of your players brother as one of your scout. Correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t think the Red Wings are using any brothers as scouts in Europe.
Right Hockeydad.
BFW, if you have players determining their coach, then you have the inmates running the asylum and no team at all.
And who really knows what this so-called rift is about, beyond the frustrations that happen in any clubhouse?
The players and strategy are management and coaching decisions.
For Gabby, the next contract will be $$$. He is entitled to lots.
But, maybe that will be more salary than is healthy for the Wild to take on.
So, if you were GM BFW, the decision is: are you willing to pay him maybe 20% of the total cap space, if he stays.
But, more importantly, what else will that money buy?
Personally, I think I would take what the money would buy if his demand exceeds the number that leaves me with too many other holes and no way to fix them.
They are putting together a team. Burns, Koivu and Schultz have reasonable contracts that allow the team to shop and fill holes.
Rolston seems to want a contract that is for him only and not the team. If Gabby has the same desire then I would rather have what he will bring.
Gabby is a nice hockey player to have but he is not indispensible.
Minnesota Winning Percentages since 1990:
Vikings - .524
Wild - .533
North Stars - .436
Timberwolves - .435
Twins - .502
Gopher Hockey - .662
Gopher Basketball - .570 (.537 without violation year)
Gopher Football - .424
So to answer your question NiNY.. Yes. I would take a Cup here even if it mean FIVE years of rebuilding followed it. As you see in most sports, success breeds success and since there hasn’t been much of that here, you can see why athletes aren’t knocking down doors to come here.
Bruno will return, we will get one more lower level C and a servicable cheap D-man. That’s it and JL will refocus on the defensive part of the game and developing the youngsters.
They better make sure Gabby stays healthy, a groin injury at trade deadline could destroy all of DR’s plans. Might cut into his trade value.
They better make sure Gabby stays healthy, a groin injury at trade deadline could destroy all of DR’s plans.
The thought never occurred to me, an excellent point. When you think about that, don’t you almost have to move him this summer if he will not sign an extension and/or DR will not give him a Vinny deal.
Meanwhile, CGY has placed Rhett Warrener, Anders Eriksson and Marcus Nilson on waivers.
That is a big gamble to take holding on to Gabby until trade deadline. I would really love to get him signed long term but we’ll see what happens.
To those who think we’re close to blowing up the team and rebuilding - drugs are bad mmmkay?
To those who think we’re close to blowing up the team and rebuilding - drugs are bad mmmkay?
But smug storms are worse
I Caramba
bfw is hammer, he hit nail on head.
El G, I was frickin’ laughing soooo hard at that. I was imagining that being said in a heeeavy Bizarro accent. LMAO.
BFW, if you have players determining their coach, then you have the inmates running the asylum and no team at all.
Right! And I would argue that happens with some regularity in the NHL (Tortella, ex.) But my question was tongue-in-cheek. Of COURSE Gabby’s the odd man out in that scenario. I’m just trying to piece it all together:
1. JL has questions before he can return.
2. DR has the answers.
3. DR signs the contracts.
4. Vinny (will) sign(s) an extension.
5. DR says “we’ve got other priorities, we’ll get to it later.”
6. DR has gone on record as saying this a year to “see what the kids can do” (i.e. rebuilding?)
So, if you were GM BFW, the decision is: are you willing to pay him maybe 20% of the total cap space, if he stays.
Easy.
No.
I had a great conversation with JL at the State Fair the summer before our first season. I had been following the draft prospects for months and months, and was curious to get his opinion on our new guy, this Marion GAborik/gaBORik fella.
Essentially, JL said that the kid was phenomenally fast, with a wickedly quick release (dead-on). But, curiously, he said he flet that Gabby didn’t have the agility that he expected from European-trained players.
My initial observations confirmed JL’s statements: This kid could fly, but need to develop some agility to along with it (think: Modano, Walz, et. al.)
Here we are eight years later, and this millionaire prima donna has the same mind-boggling speed, wicked shot, but the same 1-dimensional “from A-to-B” moves he had as a teenager. And I don’t think I’m the only one that thinks he his one-dimensional, with predictable moves.
So, my point is: Move him to a team that can better utilize him, and do everything in your power to get A KING’S RANSOM IN RETURN.
/rant.
El G,
I got a ‘C’ note on the under, baby!!!
I shutter to think of Doug Risebrough trading our best player. He has a history of bad trades. Not just here but when he was the GM for the Flames. Always with the dumb trades. If Gabby goes expect to be on the losing end of a Joe Thornton trade…
Sorry in advance if this triple posts, …
But smug storms are worse
lol, GGGGGGS.
Interesting observations and earlier discussion with JL, BFW.
It Gabby has a similar weakness as Rolston, one big move. Rolston is probably worse, either a huge slap or nothing.
I shutter to think of Doug Risebrough trading our best player. He has a history of bad trades. Not just here but when he was the GM for the Flames. Always with the dumb trades. If Gabby goes expect to be on the losing end of a Joe Thornton trade…
FTW.
…and btw, the question was if I was GM. *grins smuggly*
Thanks, Ice.
I thought I was the only one that was wondering if Roli even knew how to take a shot OTHER than a slap shot.
One. Trick. Pony.
I don’t know what you guys have all read but the things I have read and heard about Gabby is that he won’t get the type of contract he thinks he will on the open market. He’ll get a nice deal but he won’t get the max 20% he thinks he is worth. Too many of the teams out there all agree he is one more groin injury away from never playing again, then throw in the fact he has had back-to-back playoff disasters and that doesn’t help his cause either…to me his playoff disasters hurts his cause more than the injury concern.
One. Trick. Pony.
Further evidenced by his battle-cry which is, “FOR PONY!”
Don’t worry, my friends. We have nothing to fear. We still have Steve Kelly, don’t we?
then throw in the fact he has had back-to-back playoff disasters and that doesn’t help his cause either…to me his playoff disasters hurts his cause more than the injury concern.
Wrong! Last year, yes - he did not perform well.
The previous year, he had 3 goals and 1 assist in 5 games. That is in no way a “disaster.”
Also, how are you privy to the inner thoughts of Gaborik that you know what he “thinks” he will get?
However, I agree with you that I think he would not get the maximum deal on the open market either.
“As you see in most sports, success breeds success”
How do you explain the Pittsburgh Pirates then?
Another thing, that article about Rolston’s “value” does not make DR seem smug to me. If anything it makes Rolston seem smug. Rolston knows he could take a little less in MN and help the team out, but instead he would rather go digging for gold. Talk about smug.
…So I’m lookin’ at what we could get as comp for PMB if there was an offer sheet, and it’s less than I remembered.
Can’t remember what PMB’s salary was last year off the top of my head. Would he take $3.9m/yr?
That’s only a 1st and a 3rd. (I say “only” just because I was thinking it was higher. Must have been thinking of $6.5M = 4 1st’s!!)
a la HomerMmmmmm. Draaaaft piiiiicks.
*We still have Steve Kelly, don’t we?*
Oh, then it’s REALLY razor blade time…
Sources tell TSN that for the 2008-09 season, the salary cap will rise to a maximum of $56.7-million. That is a $6.4-million increase from this past season when the cap was set at $50.3-million.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241724
Another thing, that article about Rolston’s “value” does not make DR seem smug to me. If anything it makes Rolston seem smug. Rolston knows he could take a little less in MN and help the team out, but instead he would rather go digging for gold. Talk about smug.
Smug….or just looking to get the most he can for his family.
After Detroit won the Cup, the analysts all talked about how impressive the Winning Culture was in Detroit, and that many Detroit players were willing to take a “hair cut” to stay.”
I fully expect every UFA to “gold dig” for dollar they can. Most teams are experiencing difficulty signing their own UFA, simply because the grass (and the cash!) is always greener on the other side.
SGS, that TV contract with VS. is paying off. Either that or the NHL has invested in Phil Falcone’s hedge fund.
““As you see in most sports, success breeds success”
Add, Chicago Bulls, SF 49ers, and the NY Islanders to that list. That covers all major sports.
Did I just stumble into a LA Kings blog?
“….or just looking to get the most he can for his family.”
The guys is already a multi-millionare. What else do you need? IT’s greedy.
Wallshot, all you have to do is read between the lines on basically everything Gabby has says plus his history for negotiating. I would also say two years ago was a disaster for him. He is the “go to” player on this team and he hasn’t led them out of the first round the last two years. I would call that a disaster.
Another thing, that article about Rolston’s “value” does not make DR seem smug to me. If anything it makes Rolston seem smug. Rolston knows he could take a little less in MN and help the team out, but instead he would rather go digging for gold. Talk about smug
I don’t have a problem with this at all. If I worked for a company for 3 years, did a good job and was told I was valued but I had an opportunity to do the SAME THING for a lot more money with someone else OR I could stay where I’m for less just to help the “team”, you can bet your sweet arse I’d jump ship too. Does that make me smug too?
Main Entry: smug
Pronunciation: \sməg\
1 : trim or smart in dress
2 : scrupulously clean, neat, or correct
3 : highly self-satisfied
#3 = the Wild as an established, winning team that is committed to winning as Doug Smugborough would have you believe. Like I said before, I must have missed the non fluke run at the Stanley Cup.
#3 does not equal looking to maximize your salary
um, the tv deal isn’t paying off. Its called, higher ticket prices. so, thank you season ticket holders for jacking up the cap for me. I can’t afford to go to a game myself.
Wallshot, it also boils down to quality of life. For instance, if I were offered the same job I do now for a fairly large pay increase, but they new offer came from someplace like… oh let’s say Hellhole Atlanta. You bet your ass I will stay put right here in Austin TX where I know I am happy. If I were in MN I would not even think of leaving there for very many other places. Would you move to Atlanta, NY City (where everything is more expensivve), LA, or any other busy/expensive/unsafe/place where you have no family or friends, just for more money? If yes, then yeah I would say that is somewhat smug. I would rather be happy than rich… but I guess that makes me the minority.
It’s well within Rolston’s rights to go out and get what he can… that is fine. My point is, that DR is not smug for the way he is negotiating the contract. If anyone here is the real villian it is Rolston’s agent.. .now THAT is one SMUG bastard.
Oy! Lots to catch up with today.
First, I think some judgments should be held off on until the smoke has cleared. I think there’s a lot of good reason to be apprehensive on a lot of issues here, but we really don’t know how it’s all going to shake out yet. As much as I have been unimpressed with Risebrough (and I do think he’s got a certain smugness about him — his Chris Simon rebuttal comes to mind), the summer has really just begun.
Funny, I ready bfw about trading Gabby and trying to get a king’s ransom for him and I thought, “Yes, I think that’s what I would do as well if I was in charge.” and then I read Lucky’s post about shuddering over a DR trade, and I though “Yeah, there is that track record of his, isn’t there?” And that’s kind of what it’s like following this team as closely as a lot of us do. I want them to do something bold, but don’t trust DR to pull off bold very well. We’ll see.
The notion that the Wild are still an expansion team needs to go. I’m not saying they should have won a cup by now, and there is some validity there, e.g. the Wild don’t have a Lidstrom, but then there are more ways than one to acquire talent. Not every player is like Lidstrom where he stays put forever.
As for being OK should the Wild not make the playoffs this season, yeah I’m OK with that, but at the same time I don’t have a problem with criticizing DR or anyone else with the team, either. I’m OK with it because in the end, it’s hockey, and I love it. Winning is better than losing, but I think the journey is more important that the destination.
Deep, huh?
Also, any money past a certain point is just ‘Gravy’… and when you keep piling on the gravy, that makes you a glutton.
What about Parrish? Was it just a fluke down year, are his skills eroding, or is he hamstrung by “the system?”
Do we keep him? Does he have trade value or should we admit a mistake and buy him out. I believe he has 3 years left at 2.85 million. That would be a cap hit of 5.7 million spread out over 6 years, so a little under a million each year, correct?
IT’s greedy.
So sad, but yet, so true.
If I worked for a company for 3 years, did a good job and was told I was valued but I had an opportunity to do the SAME THING for a lot more money with someone else OR I could stay where I’m for less just to help the “team”, you can bet your sweet arse I’d jump ship too.
FTW
I think Parrish would have some trade value. But I think we let him loose out on the ice early in the season and see if he can rebound from last year’s disappointment. If he can’t, then fish with him near the deadline and see what kind of fish you can reel in with him.
I wouldn’t be excited to get what ATL got for Hossa in that trade
Not caught up, but the big parts of that trade were the No. 1 pick and Angelo Esposito (once thought to be last year’s No. 1 pick until questions about his attitude surfaced and he plummeted to 20). Esposito’s the key.
Armstrong’s a third-liner (best friends with Crosby, who turned him into a bit of a goalscorer) who will contribute 10-20 goals, and Christensen has potential to be a No. 2 center, but he was usually buried on the fourth-line or at wing.
This just in:
Craig Leopold is the new Harold Ballard! Wild become Maple Leafs of the Western Conference!
“Hey, these people are zombies. We can ice any team and they still will come.” says unnamed team marketing agent.
Star?
Last I checked Koivu, Burns and Schultz have zero All Star Game appearances. They will be good…stars in training?
Sign a couple of top notch FAs for 5 years. In years 2,3,4 you GO FOR IT.
You have to start adding FRONT LINE TALENT sometime. It might as well be while your core (signed at a reasonable price) is STILL HERE.
- Talks break off between Theodore, Avs - http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_9699836 - things are ugly over there. Lynn could have pointed to the Avs as a team that can’t sign anyone.
- Angelo Esposito is Benny without the draft day free fall
NHLPA ‘93
Was that the one with fighting and blood on the ice when a guy got hurt?
Best
Game
Ever!
Some teams are waiving folks, do you think DR would waive Parrish?
El Gato, you can make Wayne Gretzky’s head bleed in that one I think. Or was that EA Sports NHL 93′? I can’t remember.
sunshine, I would be shocked if they waived Parrish.
everything I learned about hockey I learned from NHL ‘95 on SNES and slapshot.
Man, and I even grew up playing hockey through middle school. How sad!
and admit failure, never.
ok, who broke the website’s layout?
sunshine/timnado,
I was kickin’ around the idea of Parry awhile back, and those numbers sound’ bout right. It’s 2/3 of the contract over twice the remaining length.
But, a recent Russo article pointed out that the team could simply put Parry thru waivers after camp, and would then only have to pick up 1/2 his remaining years’ salary (I’m paraphrasing). My guess is that would be a better move…….
so don’t expect DR to make it! Bahda bing!
Good call, BFW. I like Parrish and am not necessarily opposed to keeping him around but it seemed JL had little faith in him last year and in this day and age of the cap a bad contract can haunt a team.
See what he’s got in camp. Hopefully he has bounced back but if the wheels have indeed come off, I’m sure another team would take him at half price.
How do you explain the Pittsburgh Pirates then?
I do not believe you went there. (But for the record: owners cheaper than Carl Pohlad and GMs more incompetent than Mike Milbury.)
Angelo Esposito is Benny without the draft day free fall
You’ve seen Esposito play?
ATX, I couldn’t disagree more with you about Rolston being greedy by seeking the best contract he can get. I have not liked at all the way he and his agent have handled the negotiations with the Wild because it now appears to me he had little intention of signing prior to July 1. That said, don’t blame the athlete for the market in which they work. These guys have only so much time to make their money and far be it from any of us to tell them when they have made too much. That’s his decision. Besides, it’s not like he has a net worth of $500M or anything.
KiPA - no, just that the attitude questions are the same.
That said, don’t blame the athlete for the market in which they work. These guys have only so much time to make their money and far be it from any of us to tell them when they have made too much. That’s his decision. Besides, it’s not like he has a net worth of $500M or anything.
Hey man, we make a lotta money, but we spend a lotta money too!!
—P. Ewing
Hey man, we make a lotta money, but we spend a lotta money too!!
—P. Ewing
He shoots, he scores.
Nice. 
just that the attitude questions are the same
Oh, gotcha. Didn’t know that about Pouliot.
It seemed Espo would do really well in Pittsburgh, because Sid and Geno would’ve taken the attention away from him. If he turns into a star, the Pens got hosed in the deal (the Cup finals run not withstanding; it was just a run, there was no parade.) If Espo turns into nothing, then it’ll be mainly a wash.
NHLPA ‘93
Was that the one with fighting and blood on the ice when a guy got hurt?
Best
Game
Ever!
Agreed! But I burned up some many, many hours (and days) of NHL ‘96 w/my roomies, we fried the game, resulting in some absolutely hilARIous glitches…Like when the dude goes to the penalty box, and the GOAL LIGHT GOES OFF WHEN THE DOOR CLOSES!
rotflmao!
He shoots, he scores.
Nice.
*glides on one knee, strikes archer pose*
Thx.
Its official: The new cap is $56.7 million, lower cap is $40.7
NEW YORK/TORONTO – The National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players’ Association announced today that the Team Payroll Range established for the 2008-09 League Year, pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, provides for a Lower Limit of $40.7 million, an Adjusted Midpoint of $48.7 million and an Upper Limit of $56.7 million.
[…] Pierre’s never wrong about these things, except, like, always), but mostly because the best hockey writer south of the 49th parallel says that Brian Rolston is gearing up to walk away from Minnesota on July 1, after the Wild […]
Thanks Sunshine -
If I remember right we have about $40 M tied up so far which would give DR about $16M or so to play with for next season, right?
I had to go there KiPA. It is a valid point.
“These guys have only so much time to make their money and far be it from any of us to tell them when they have made too much.”
Good point, but you can make money after professional sports too. Go on to be a coach or something like that… or you know, fly airplanes out of Dallas like Secord does. You can make a living like a normal person too ya know. Plus, if you are smart about saving your money when you are playing, you should be able to survive for a looooong time on that. But you know it is their choice.
Adios Russoville, I am on my way to Kansas City. Please but the crack pipes down and wait for July 1st. We will see what DR can do here. Hopefully he doesn’t blow it.
Ok, let’s play the what if game. Just for fun, nevermind how unlikely the scenario is, what do you think about the following circumstances?
First, the scenario must assume the following:
Hossa is a no go. Rolston and Demitra are both gone.
Ok, given those factors. Let’s pretend the Wild makes two decent wing acquisitions, such as Huselius (who I honestly think would be great for our team, and maybe Brunette or Nagy something of that caliber.
If all of the following were to happen, the two most glaring needs are still center and defense. What are the options out there at center? Doesn’t seem like a lot right.
I see there’s still a chance Sundin could hit the market. If he does, do you think it would be worth it try to throw mad cash at him on a one-year contract?
So your top six would like:
Huselius-Sundin-Gaborik
Nagy/other-Koivu-PMB
What do you guys think?
Again, not about the likelihood. But would you do it, etc?
According to DR, we have 14 players (including MAB and Reitz) under contract for a little over $35 million. I think if we add Pouliot and Gillies, the total amount will be about $38 million for 16 players.
PMB, Foster, and SRV actual salaries are still up in the air but with their qualifying offers we will be at about $44 million or so for 20 players.
Adios Russoville, I am on my way to Kansas City.
The Optimism Index in Russoville just plummeted - Have Fun!
Of course these guys can get a normal job after they’re done playing, but so what? Highly unlikely a commercial airline pilot is going to be able to pull down $4-5M per.
The Optimism Index in Russoville just plummeted - Have Fun!
…as did the amount in the Kool Aid Keg! j/k, j/k.
What your point on naming those teams ATX?
Sure, there will always be the exception but you know as well as I do that winning gets people interested in playing for you. As somone else mentioned above, players in Detroilet will take pay cuts to stay because they WANT to be there or play there.
DR “thinks” we have that, but we don’t. Plain and simple.
Wallshot - I still think the best bet for the stop gap measure at C is a former Hartford Whaler but big one year money for Sundin is possible because whatever it is, DR wants to keep it short. Hell, even Yashin could emerge again at some point. Anyway, so since DR can’t do something huge for Gabby at C, I would ask what can he do at wing? Huselius would be a nice fit for the Wild but Ryan Malone is a rich man’s Fedorik!
Again, not about the likelihood. But would you do it, etc?
Nope. Not this year.
I’d ride out the Gabby scenario, and try to get one or two #1’s, a younger established player, and a prospect for him.
UFA pickups should be on the younger side, with mid- to long-term potential. As great as Sundin is, his window is now.
Play all the kids, see how far they can grow in a year. Along the way, try to ditch any dead weight for picks, and if you’re lucky, you’ll end up with a high pick.
At that point, depending on your progress, you fill the holes with UFA or trades (think: Philly.)
Just ramblin’, but given the circumstances, that’s a start…off the top of my head…
I believe Parrish is on a one-way contract, no? So the thing with the Wild waiving him and getting his salary/cap hit down to half is if they waive him and then find out someone would claim him on re-entry waivers - at which point we are on the hook for half his remaining cap hit. That’s why we weren’t hit for all of Fridge’s cap hit - same story.
If Parrish clears waivers and goes to Houston we still owe him 100% of his full salary/cap hit I believe.
Wall shot -
Wow. A great set up. Is it reasonable cap wise? who cares? I’d switch huselius and nagy, and thats it, unless nagy is a goal scorer (Don’t know much about him - just know that butch won’t finish and Mikko will likely be playing D in that situation).
Huselius’ name has been tossed around favorably many times by many in R-Ville, and he’s pretty realisitic in DR’s… what is it? Smugisphere?
DR “thinks” we have that, but we don’t. Plain and simple.
That is the best definition of DR’s smugness.
As somone else mentioned above, players in Detroilet will take pay cuts to stay because they WANT to be there or play there.
DR “thinks” we have that, but we don’t. Plain and simple
See 1:29pm. FTW.
If Parrish clears waivers and goes to Houston we still owe him 100% of his full salary/cap hit I believe.
Salary? Yes. Cap hit? My gut says “no,” but I’ll have re-dig that one up, NiNY. Maybe read up on the Tucker article, see what I can find…
Surely someone would pick Parrish off waivers… that would be quite sad to see him relegated to the AHL.
This is way out on the limb, but I wonder if Gaby could be swung for Martin St. Louis? I might have said Vinny, but I just don’t see DR giving anyone 9 years or whatever.
Here’s how I got there (and I admit, it’s razor thin):
1. I like the theory that JL’s talks with DR included things like “Oh my lord…dese Slovakians are killing me! Why we can not get more nice French Canadians? Now Butch…dere’s a guy I like to coadch.”
2. DR could be argued to have started down that road by patting Radio on the butt as he boarded Aeroflot flight # 764 from Minneapolis to Moscow, and giving Demo the restaurant tips in Vancouver. Meanwhile, it’s been pretty quiet on the PMB front.
3. The Wild/Lightning co-prosperity sphere is bolstered by the hiring of Walz.
4. There’s the chance that the Bolts could trade MSL’s $5.25M cap hit and have to pay Gaby more, but they’ve got 8 forwards under contract for next year according to nhlnumbers.com right now. It looks like they’ve got about $20M in cap space (to a $57M cap, and INCLUDING MSL’s $5.25M) right now. They could swallow an additional, say $2.75M for one guy.
5. They might be able to entice Gaby’s BFF (Demo) and his BFF (Hossa) to join them…not a bad way to sell some exciting hockey to the unwashed in TB.
6. JL gets another French Canadian, we replace Gaby’s offense (albeit with someone with significantly more miles on him - so I’d want to get some kind of youth back as well) and everyone wins…
I’m with hockeydad on the greed thing. At the end of the day, it’s still a job. True, one of the best jobs in the world, but it is a job. And yeah, there are other things in the world besides money, and I think most players do in fact weight many other factors into any decision.
If we want Rolston to take that hair cut, there’s got to be a pretty good $_?_MM reason why he should, and maybe DR couldn’t convince him of what that reason is.
actually, add this to point 5 in my little dream above:
Tocchet, late of the Coyotes, helps Lawton and Co entice Hossa’s l’il bro (Gaby’s actual BFF) to come to FLA too. So you’d have Gaby, Demo, Hossa and Hossa. Suddenly, the daily direct flight from Bratislava to Tampa Bay is sold out from October to April!
NiNY, love the thought process, but no thx. (See my 3:02pm)
Gotta fly, but couldn’t find the answer to the Waiver question.
toivo,
Ditto WS’s earlier praise, I regularly look to hear your schtuff.
L8r!
I think if Rolston had made money in the past like Demitra, he would be willing to take a slight pay cut. The fact is he hasn’t. This is his last big money contract so no matter how much he likes the Wild, he really wasn’t going to take one.
I think DR kind of knew that because he went out and got MAB for his cannon shot but he was naive to think that Rolston really was going to take a pay cut. Asking is fine but Rolston should have just said to DR, I am going to test the market and you will have a chance to match it.
Tocchet doesn’t have to entice Marcel Hossa out of Phoenix. They didn’t even qualify him so he is UFA.
NiNY - I like it, any one remember if Melrose is a major Gabby fan?
NiNY - I could live with your idea of a MSL for Gabby trade but I don’t think it would happen. Do you seriously think Walz would want to start his coaching career the same way he ended his playing career, by yelling at a bunch of Slovaks for not playing hard enough?
Afternoon all, doing some slacking while I should be assembling a virtual building. Anyway…word here in the good ‘ol CO is that Sakic isn’t giving the Avs any indication if he’s retiring or not, so they’re basically holding onto $5-7 mil that may go nowhere, leaving them unable to retain some of their UFAs and spend on others next Tuesday. So things could always be worse.
MSL is the size of PMB but with more meat. He is feistier than PMB and drives to the net more but could he play against Phaneuf? He hasn’t even had a fighting major.
I think if Rolston had made money in the past like Demitra, he would be willing to take a slight pay cut. The fact is he hasn’t. This is his last big money contract so no matter how much he likes the Wild, he really wasn’t going to take one.
I took some heat for making largely this same point a while back, sunshine.
and much faster. though he has been around for a while now.
…Or one could love hockey and live in FL and be forced to watch the Panthers year after year…..ZING Russo!
BDS hits the bullseye! Those guys were probably the main reason Walz left in the 1st place!
Hey lemmi, what do you think of kurt sauer? i always thought he was pretty serviceable and would like to see him on the wild. he is “one of us” after all…
maybe we could pick up marcel as well. should come cheap and enjoy playing with gaborik until we decide what to do with him.
Remember how well Walz and Gabby get along. I don’t think you’ll be seeing Gabby with a Bolt on his chest.
NiNY: But we are right on this.
timnado: Sauer would work well, after all, it was him and Foote that shut Gabby down IIRC, so they had to be doing something right, correct?
that’s what i thought. he seems to provide some good shutdown defense for a reasonable price. frankly i am a bit surprised that colorado is willing to lose him.
i won’t hold it against sauer that he was traded for skoula…
We could trade Skoula FOR Sauer
wow, i think that move would get DR in everyone’s good graces fast!
but it would probably leave Giguere looking for work soon.
The issue with Sauer is durability. Hasn’t played over 55 games in a season since 2003. But he’s a pretty good player IMO and would upgrade the blueline. Maybe not my first choice, but they could do a lot worse, too.
I thought it was Salei and Foote that shut down Gaborik.
Walz and Gaborik got along fine. I think in the beginning Walz and the rest of the team had to teach Gaborik to use his linemates and not do things by himself. I don’t see a problem with them. They did get into a little scrum in practice but they both laughed it off. I think Walz even said something along the lines of “He knows I love him…but he better watch his elbows”
Marcel Hossa sucks. Don’t pick him up.
I *think* I read that the Slovakian word for “lump of clay” is Marian.
Just sayin’.
No more Slovaks. I want more US born players. More NCAA players.
gotta go help my 3.5 year old practice holding her breath and going under water…back later.
More NCAA players. More fourth line players.
No more Slovaks.
No more ‘play when I want to’ players.
No more ‘pouty-face’ forwards who shut themselves down when they don’t play the position they want to when THEY want to.
Just say NO…to Slovakia.
And, of course…NO ex-GOPHERS!
Uhmmm…. Plymouth Guy = Parrish or Malone?
From ESPN –Ladislav Nagy
The talented Slovak has slowly disintegrated from talented prospect to overpaid underachiever. He did not play after Jan. 18 with a neck injury last season in Los Angeles and will once again hit the free-agent market in search of a home to finally make good on his potential. Hard to imagine Nagy will see anything close to the $3.75 million he made last season, but someone will take a flier on him. Wonder if playing with countryman Demitra, perhaps in Vancouver, might jumpstart a stalled career? Word is Nagy has been working out diligently and will be ready to prove doubters wrong at training camp.
Sound familiar? Are Slovaks all a bunch of little girls that need their BFFs on their line in order to play well?
What’s with all the xenophobia? I don’t care where hockey players come from as long as they can score, skate, and play hard.
They could come from the South Pacific for all I care.
Chicago Wild - sort of like all the Swedes in Detroit. Oh, that’s right they actually won something…..
sunshine - relax, all of us know all players have to hail from North America to be any good.
Just kidding!
sunshine: Xenophobia? Or just tired of picking up players who play to lose?
Seems to me that IMO Slovaks can only play with other Slovaks. And only certain Slovaks, at that. (Read: Branko)
Time to wipe out the ‘Slovak Mafia’ on this team. When the Slovaks play like the North American players, call us, will you, sunshine?
Sunshine, that’s the problem…the playing hard criterion. There seems to be a trend or theme amongst talented Slovaks where their heart or desire is questioned and the remedy ALWAYS seems to be to bring in a fellow Slovak to motivate (usually Pavol), cajole, cuddle, or whatever it takes to light a little fire in the belly.
Gabby has only played with Slovaks for two years. Before that he played mainly with a Canadian named Wes Walz. I would say that Gaborik and Demitra has probably played with each other less than Gaborik and Walz (7 years), this includes international, NHL, and their home team.
You are basing it on two years of the Wild. Hossa didn’t play with one Slovakian in Atlanta. Satan didn’t play with one on the NYI. Marcel didn’t play with one Slovakin when on the Rangers.
Hey now! Our nanny is a Slovak and she’s the best!
To contrast, do you see Naslund or Sundin constantly mentioned as a UFA possiblity to baby sit fellow Swedes that just don’t seem to be putting it together without a fellow countryman? Maybe it’s coincidence, but the same criticism seems to resurface…
Playing hard on the team was not exclusive to the Slovaks. You see it with Rolston, Parrish, and other players.
Gaborik never asked for Demitra to come to the Wild. The Wild did that on their own. I contend that if they would have went out and got a #1 center, Gaborik would have still signed on the dotted line. He wanted to see DR step up and grab good players and be contenders. He was tired of playing in a losing team.
The way this is shaping up, one has to wonder if there wasn’t a pact or something to leave. There was obvious dissent in the locker room and Gabby, Rolston and Demo spoke to JL about backing off and just letting them play. JL even threw his hands in the air and verbally said so. Demo and Gabby tip their hat about Hossa not being willing to play here. Demo runs off to Vancouver in advance of when he should have. Rolston puts his house on the market well in advance of contract discussions and then doesn’t negotiate. My bet…Gabby will NOT sign. JL and his crazy line changes. DR hasn’t made great moves (simon, Foy over Pouliot, cutting a center forcing Demo to play C, talking Walz into playing when he actually wanted to be done…etc) DR seems to be living life afraid to make a BIG mistake. However, his making a lot of mistakes regardless and those have and are starting to have BIG consequences. I may be wrong, but we are in a re-build mode now.
…is it a reporting thing (i.e., a lazy shortcut for explaning lower than projected production)? A not smiling thing?
Regardless, Pavol was brought to Minny in large part as an incentive for Gabby to resign. You cannot deny that. My point was not that Slovaks always play on a line with each other (that’s out of their control), but rather that an alarmingly common solution for a seemingly unhappy or unproductive Slovak is ostensibly to bring in a fellow Slovak. Like I said, it may be simply lazy reporting…an echo chamber that starts and is repeated. Found it interesting is all.
Why would they ask when there is higher chance that there is already a Swede on that team? There are more Swedes in the NHL than there are Slovaks.
Would Nummi or Backstrom signed with the Wild if Koivu wasn’t here? They got offers from other teams.
I am not denying that the Wild did that. I am saying that Gaborik never asked for Demitra to come to the Wild.
Tracer brings up an interesting point that I am sure had to have been discussed here during the season, but what are the thoughts of JL’s lack of consistent lines. That would bug me as a player.
You guys are contending that Gaborik asked for him. He never did.
My contention is that if the Wild would have gotten a #1 center at that time, Gaborik would have still signed with the Wild.
I know/see what you are saying, Sunshine. My point was that it’s brought up more often with Slovaks. I can’t know whether there’s truth to it.
I do think it’s reasonable to expect European players would feel more comfortable with some players from their country of origin. No problem with that. It just seems to be discussed slightly different or in a slightly different context with Slovaks.
Rolston, Demitra, Gaborik, and PMB asked JL for a little leeway when he was cutting their ice time in January when they went on that awful run.
Hard to get across in a post, but trying to express more curiousity than accusation…
CW: maybe it happens to be a cultural thing?
I haven’t gone back to look, but do we have some of the same Russotoans leading a charge to ban Slovaks from the Wild who were also demanding that DR throw a ton of money Hossa’s way?
I only want Hossa if Pavol comes back
Where is it brought up but with the Wild? Show me where it has been said with the Hossas, Satan, Chara, or any other Slovaks that is not based on an opinion. That ESPN last bit was an opinion. IMO, Nagy needs health more than another Slovakian player to boost his numbers.
No, I realize it’s all opinion…I was just noting that it’s one that comes up all the time. Found it weird/interesting.
I admit I like Gaborik but I am not blind to his laziness or his lack of defense. I have said it that we will need to trade Gaborik if there is no extension agreement in place.
I have said that we should keep Rolston over Demitra because we need his scoring and his durability. I like Demitra because he and Gaborik on the ice during OT gives us the best chance to avoid a shootout. But I am not blind to the fact that he was unhappy playing center, even though, him being there gave us the best chance to win.
Just as I like Burns, I am not blind to the chances he takes that results in a 2-1 going the other way.
Like I said, they are basing it on the chemistry seen between Gaborik and Demitra. Its like the non-verbal communication between the Sedin twins. They just know where the other player is.
I like Gabby too and while he wasn’t scoring in the playoffs, he was playing more D and throwing some checks around. It really would have been nice to see Gab and PD with a center like Walz or Koivu all year on a steady line.
Speaking of Sedin twins, I heard some report the other night that Van maybe looking to move them? WOuld they have to be traded together?
And speaking of Van, is the conventional wisdom that Naslund is resigning?
I think Vancouver doesn’t want Naslund back and he doesn’t want to re-sign with any divisional foes.
Bye bye Rolston.Trade him Minnesota he is not comming back. Big $$$ in his head.
If indeed Pavol Demitra signs with Vancouver as soon as Free Agency begins I wonder if we would have a legitimate gripe concerning tampering. Apparently he made some trip to Van while still our property. Maybe we could get some compensation out of the deal. I recall Scott Stevens being awarded to NJ as a result of the Blues tampering in order to sign Shanahan. I’ll take whatever competitive advantage we can get.
lets ask for Luongo.
But of course!
On another note, we could probably have Mathieu Schneider for a bag of pucks with Niedermayer coming back. But he is 39 and comes with a 1 year cap hit of 5.6 mill.
On another note, we could probably have Mathieu Schneider for a bag of pucks with Niedermayer coming back. But he is 39 and comes with a 1 year cap hit of 5.6 mill.
Wow. Take that Johnsson haters.
Yeah it was pretty tongue-in-cheek. Think of it as poking a beehive with a stick in hopes of stirring up some activity. In this case, I was just trying to get some hockey chat started up again.
Nick, maybe you’ve worked out the numbers more than me, but Tampa traded Richards as a salary dump. Now you’re saying they’re going to take on Gaborik, Demitra AND Hossa? (I understand you said they’d trade St. Louis, but isn’t Gaborik’s cap hit larger?) Again, I didn’t work out the math, but that seems contrary to what they did at the deadline.
Also, Orpik rejected the Pens’ offer today (no specifics reported) but his agent said they’re still talking and Orpik’s not set on testing the open market.
Since so few pending free agents are signing, Orpick must have turned down a decent offer in years and/or money.
I think the Richards deal was as much about getting a goalie (Smith) as dumping his salary. They have plenty of cap room right now (~$20M) and adding Gaby but subtracting MSL is only a net add of ~$2.75M. If they brought all those Slovaks together I bet you could get at least one of them to play ball on salary (Demo?) just for the fun of playing together.
Like I said, though, it’s razor thin.
I think the Richards deal was as much about getting a goalie (Smith) as dumping his salary.
I’d argue that. Dallas happened to have two No. 1’s that they could part with one. Karri Ramo was supposed to be a stud prospect that could’ve been ready.
Everyone says Pittsburgh’s going to become Tampa North because of big three in salaries, so I think Dallas just happened to provide TB with a good trading partner.
Agreed that Demo might go cheaper though.
Well, I’ll give you that the ability to net out a lot less cap hit was probably mandatory to the Bolts, how’s that?
As long as the boogie-man is coming back, who cares if we pick up anyone else. Let boogie get some 2nd and 3rd line duty, 15 - 20 minutes per night, and watch the f*!@ out. He needs a chance to prove to all the haters that he is indeed A HOCKEY PLAYER.
Let boogie get some 2nd and 3rd line duty, 15 - 20 minutes per night, and watch the f*!@ out.
This killed me.
Still laughing.
I didn’t know Randy Macho Man Savage was a Wild fan.
how’s that?
NO! You have to admit you’re completely wrong and I’m right!!
Actually that’s fine. I can’t really argue TB needed a goalie either. If Turco hadn’t struggled like he did and opened the door for Smith (who kicked it down) then I wonder where Richards would’ve ended up.
Given past experience, if Rolston wasn’t signable, when would you expect DR to annouce he traded the right to negotiate? How many days before July 1st?
Has any other team acquired a UFA pre July 1 rights this period? I think I remember one deal at the draft but I am not sure.
I know that the Hurricanes traded a pick for the rights of Hrodichuk (sp?) of the Preds and he opted for free agency. It was a conditional pick so no loss from either team.
I don’t this player but if enforcers or Fedoruk-like players are opting for free agency, there ’s got to be something wrong with this picture.
Is the NHLPA pushing their players towards UFA ie exercise your freedom from your team?
I believe there is a contingent pick going back to the Leafs from the Habs, depending on whether or not they sign him. I think I heard that somewhere.
Tracer: If DR was a realist, he would have traded Rolston’s rights by now. DR is still holding out hope that Rolston re-signs with the Wild. Every day he still has Rolston on the roster, his value to the Wild plummets. Unless he is signed then traded, of course, for something even more valuable.
Is there any way to find out/approximate the Wild’s available funds?
I think the reason why DR isn’t trading his rights is that Rolston and his agent’s actions signal free agency. It would be like a Malone situation. You can trade my rights but I am not going to negotiate and I am bent on testing the market.
There seems to be a push back from the pending UFA’s on this.
I respect Malone for saying “look, don’t even bother with trading my rights because I ain’t talking to any team until July 1st.” From a team’s point of view, it sucks.
Do you think DR could work a sign-and-trade with ol’ Huggy? It would be fantastic to get some sort of value from a Wild asset days before losing him for nothing.
Um, sure, DR can as long as he can SIGN first. Since Rolston and his agent is refusing to talk, I don’t think that is going to happen.
Here is a weird stat for you guys, Minnesota has the highest winning percentage when they are outshot - 60%.
The Wild is ranked 26th in shots on goal with an average of 27 shots per game. We are the 20th team to allow the least amount of shots by opponents at 30 per game.
I think our lack of shots comes from the fact that we primarily play the perimeter so a lot of shots don’t actually get to the net. JL system actually seem to work that way, because it’s more about absorbing the opposing teams attack and sort of waiting for a mistake to take advantage of. Perhaps the opposing goalies are a bit lax from the lack of shots.
It’s beginning to appear that 2008-2009 is a re-building year. Good. It appears that Leopold wants to create his own Wild team. BUT, if the Wild have to re-build from past mistakes, THEN THE RE-BUILDING HAS TO START WITH GETTING RID OF RISEBROUGH, LYNN, TOMMY THOMPSON & HIS STAFF. BECAUSE THEY PUT THE WILD IN THIS POSITION, NOT THE PLAYERS!!!!
I think the shot stat is, partially, because when we get a lead we go into a defensive shell in the 3rd period — we give up lots of shots, but more often then not we hold onto the lead…
The Wild is ranked 26th in shots on goal with an average of 27 shots per game.
No wonder Parrish struggles in our “system”.
Amen, NiNY!! He scores off other guys shots. They don’t shoot - he doesn’t score.
And just like that, the idiots to the West upstage the Wild with another stupid move. Guess everything is peachy in Wild land.
not only that, but when he’s battling in the slot and the shot comes from the perimeter somewhere but gets waylaid well before he gets a chance to tip it or whatever, then he’s behind the play as it heads back up ice - and he’s not the most fleet of foot guy in the league to begin with.
I can see where it’s hard for JL to deal with that.
This just further shows me that DR needs to communicate better with JL about personnel.
idiots in the west?
before he signs them to the dotted line…
the idiots to the West upstage the Wild
Did something happen in NoDak?
well, if someone besides burn could get a decent shot off from the point, parrish would have a much better chance. I cringe every time skoula wobbles one near the net.
yeah, it really does seem like DR and JL don’t talk at all. do we have any evidence that they even know each other?
Idiots to the west was a T-Wolves refernece, no? McHale apparently couldn’t help himself again and traded Mayo away at midnight last night.
HE TRADED THE MAYO CLINIC?!
Can he even DO that?
What about the GTRCMBSHP?!
the idiots to the West upstage the Wild
Did something happen in NoDak?
Hey!! Easy now Nick!!
- So let me get this straight, DR twice fails to trade for the NHL’s OJ to fill a gapping hole in the roster, the Wolves draft but than trade an OJ and OJ Simpson is still on vacation in Minnesota.
- Meanwhile, the Wild remains firmly in the Ryan Malone trade rumors!
There have been no offers from the Penguins to Malone since at least that date. The Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild and Vancouver Canucks are believed to have interest in Malone, who may command an annual salary topping $5 million.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/s_574811.html
Minnesota has the highest winning percentage when they are outshot - 60%
The Six Goalie System is working the way it is supposed to
NiNY - LOL on the Mayo reference.
I did hear some rumors that the GTRCMBSHP have had inquiries from both Russia and Vancover about opening new satellite clinics.
If Malone gets $5 M+ I sure hope it isn’t from the Wild. This would make Parrish’s deal look cheap!
Although they both play in front of the net, I am under the impression that Malone hits more and is faster than Parrish? Parrish looked like he had lead feet last year.
That being said, I would say that $5M/yr for a nice role player seems a bit steep.
If Malone signs with the Wild, that would mean he gave Doug Smugborough the MN Wild discount. My guess: $4 million per for five years.
and that is a lot of money for a guy who can’t create his own offense.
Rolston seems to want to test the market, but what I do not understand is how any team could fit his salary desires into a long-term plan and still afford the rest of a team?
Also, it seems to me that by Rolston overplaying his hand he will not get what he wants.
He is not the creme de la creme anymore, if he ever was. That is not to say he is a slouch.
The fact there are no other signings to speak of anyplace, it just seems like there must be quite a chasm between the teams view of players salaries and the players/agents view.
yep. everybody wants to get theirs. they see that giant cap expansion, and they all want a slice. To quote a former minnesotan “I’ve Gotta Feed My Family,”. and then there are aspirations outside of hockey that make it tough, and you have every person in your life whispering in your ear(pronger).
There are a couple of teams with gaping cap space like Columbus and Atlanta who can offer Rolston what he wants for 3 years.
Its a matter of does he want to go there. Rangers also has some room. I think they are letting most of their UFAs test free agency.
If CBJ misses on Malone, I could definately see them going big time for Rolston.
Some excerpts I ran into…Look for DR to overpay since he most likely be painted into a corner:
As one NHL coach said after the draft, if you think signing free agents is going to save or fix your team, you can forget it. But if you’re looking to fill a hole or add a final piece, then the free-agent market can be a boon.
Witness the successes of the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers, who both made significant offseason acquisitions last summer and advanced to the Eastern Conference finals and second round, respectively.
Too often, however, teams view the free-agent market as a panacea for poor drafting and/or development of players (see: the Atlanta Thrashers and Toronto Maple Leafs) and end up in a cycle of mediocrity because free agents almost always represent a greater economic commitment.
This summer represents a conundrum for NHL GMs as the free-agent talent pool is especially thin compared to the past two summers. But with the salary cap rising to as much as $56 million, up from last season’s $50 million, it’s entirely likely that GMs will be forced to overpay for those free agents.
Here’s a look at the top forwards who could be available July 1:
Marian Hossa
Contract talks have broken off with Hossa’s adopted team, the Pittsburgh Penguins, after he declined to accept a multiyear deal that would have paid him north of $7 million annually. Guess the lure of playing with Sidney Crosby and winning a championship in Pittsburgh after recording 26 points in 20 postseason games wasn’t enough. The Bruins are expected to be hot after Hossa, who has ties to GM Peter Chiarelli from their days in Ottawa. Phoenix has Hossa’s younger brother, Marcel, but it would be a big salary bite to sign Marian Hossa for a Coyotes team that’s trying to rebuild slowly and economically.
Vancouver GM Mike Gillis will be looking to bolster the Canucks’ anemic offense with a winger that can play with the Sedin twins, and Hossa would be a nice fit there. But here’s the thing with Hossa. Wherever Hossa ends up, the chances are good he will be that team’s top-paid player; but his personality isn’t necessarily one that jibes with those kinds of expectations, either on or off the ice. That’s what makes his disinterest in Pittsburgh’s offer so curious. He was a perfect complement to Crosby, yet he will be expected to be “the man” in most other markets, a role for which he is not ideally suited.
Ryan Malone
The Pittsburgh native will be looking to break the bank July 1 as one of a small group of talented, physical wingers on the market. Malone had a breakout season with the Stanley Cup finalist Penguins; he had 27 regular-season goals and 16 postseason points playing mostly with Evgeni Malkin. The Penguins won’t be able to afford Malone, who will be hotly pursued by Columbus, a team desperate to get into the playoffs for the first time. Minnesota, Malone’s adopted summer home, also will be in on the bidding. Vancouver could be interested, too. The New York Rangers will be looking for defensive help, but could use Malone’s blend of physicality and scoring touch to help get more out of centers Scott Gomez and Chris Drury. While it might be a stretch to assume Malone consistently will be a 30-goal scorer, his fearlessness and ability to kill penalties make him a desirable asset.
Pavol Demitra
There’s no doubting Demitra’s skill, yet things never really came together for him in Minnesota after coming over from Los Angeles in a 2006 draft deal. Maybe it was coach Jacques Lemaire’s stifling defensive style or maybe it was Demitra. Some GMs question Demitra’s heart, but there will still be suitors, most notably Vancouver, where Demitra’s former agent, Gillis, is now GM.
Brian Rolston
Speaking of the Wild, contract talks haven’t gone as smoothly as either side would like in Minnesota, and there are rumblings Rolston will take his booming slap shot elsewhere come July 1. If that’s the case, and Demitra moves on, that will put significant pressure on GM Doug Risebrough to fill those gaps in the Wild lineup. As for Rolston, it’s easy to see him pounding home Crosby or Malkin passes in Pittsburgh or quarterbacking a New York Rangers power play that ranked 22nd in the league despite a bevy of talented players up front.
Michael Ryder
Here’s another interesting situation. Coming out of the lockout, the native of Bonavista, Newfoundland, tallied back-to-back 30-goal seasons in Montreal. Yet, last season, he fell out of favor with coach Guy Carbonneau, spending considerable time in the press box and slumping to 14 goals in 70 games. For a team looking for a big winger who’s shown he can score at the NHL level, Ryder will certainly command much less money than others in this free-agent class. The new ownership group in Tampa has promised to bring in free agents, and Ryder will be looking for a new start. The Islanders will always struggle to land top-notch free agents and Ryder might benefit from playing under coach Ted Nolan, who’s terrific at reclamation projects.
Sergei Fedorov
The one-time Hart and Selke Trophy winner and three-time Stanley Cup champ fit nicely with Washington’s dynamic Russians, Alexander Ovechkin and Alexander Semin, and it’s hard to imagine that GM George McPhee won’t work hard to keep Fedorov in the fold. Fedorov won’t command anything near the $6 million he made last season, the last of a multiyear deal signed in Anaheim; but he still showed he’s a productive NHLer. Teams looking for help down the middle include Atlanta and Montreal. Fedorov, along with killing penalties, chipped in 13 points in 18 regular-season games for the Caps and five more points in seven playoff contests.
Brendan Morrison
One of the few centers available this summer, he could well end up back in Vancouver. Still, he might be another player who could do well with a change of scenery after he was out between Dec. 10 and March 10 with a wrist injury before suffering a season-ending knee injury in late March. The likable B.C. native managed one goal after his return from the wrist injury and posted only nine on the season. Still, if healthy, he’s a 20-goal man with decent skill and would be a welcome addition to any dressing room. Atlanta, playing with Ilya Kovalchuk, might be a nice landing place.
Good reading on bfw’s post. The problem is, as someone said above, with the cap increasing and the paucity of quality UFA’s, every UFA thinks he is going to hit the jackpot–and some will. And, if we lose both Rolston and Demitra we will be even more challenged offensively. So, I am not confident but until we see what the developments are, it is hard to draw any conclusions.
If you are dipping into the UFA market, you will have to overpay, unless of course you go after a non-in-demand player. The best a GM can do is minimize it and hope that the player will play up to that level. Teams can really only ask their own UFAs for a discount.
Thanks for the nuggets bfw. I just think that when you remember how enamored JL was with putting the big guys in front of the net late last season, Malone is the perfect fit for what he is trying to do. All smug and Wild Discount shots aside, the one thing DR is going to have give way on to sign Malone is a no trade clause. However, since he can spin it as an exchange for paying Malone less than other teams would have, he does have a decent reason to break with his philosophy.
wow…Russian league offers Jagr $35/3yrs…that’s a lot of rubles.
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241785&lid=sublink01&lpos=headlines_main
For what it is worth, Eklund is reporting that he is hearing that the Wild will be going after major UFA’s but of course mention no names.
btw, that’s S. Burnside’s scoop. Here’s the full article:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=3461706
—-
reid: I heard rumblings that the Pronger situation had quite a bit to do with a quite comely local sports anchor, can’t recall for sure. G*, you out there?
wood: In general, it’s safe to say the UFA’s leave their teams to go for the dough. So if we assume that, Roli and Demo are outta here (see above about added pressure on DR).
So here’s the rub: It hit my last night that, if DR really wants to make a run, and if CL really means it when he says he wants to win the Cup, then we’ll see a repeat of the Yawnson scenario. We’ll end up overspending (for Malone?).
So thats’s what’s so painful about the off-season, potentially (see paragraphs 1 and 3 in above article). I totally agree with those assessments.
You make it sound like screening a goalie is a bad thing. Yes, they can’t tip as well as Parrish but he was injured a lot and was slow getting back to form when he returned. He couldn’t be out on the PP all the time so they had to put someone there to screen.
bfw - Thanks for the nuggets. If Ryder can be had for mid level $’s if would be a great fit for the Wild. I also wonder how serious Naslund is about not going to a NWC team. His production is down the last years but he is still a great passer and would definately get the puck in front of the net on the PP. In addtion he is a perfect guy for the Wild locker room.
Does anyone know why Naslund doesn’t want to play for a NW team?
Talking about Parrish, does anybody know if he has recovered from his concussion suffered in the playoffs? I would assume so but concussion are so difficult and I hadn’t read that he was still suffering from the effects.
BDS…that Eklund crap is in direct contradiction with everything this blog knows about DR.
So, either Ekulnd is right…and we are all wrong (meaning DR changes his pattern) OR we are all right and Eklund is wrong.
Hmmm…I wonder which way Douggie Smugs will go?
Hockeydad: I don’t know, I sort of thought it was out of some kind of respect/fondness for the good citizens of the ‘Couv - but that’s probably far too altruistic.
bfw - you are right on with Prongers, “caugh” situation with a local Edmonton TV Hottie “caugh”, No specifics needed but aledgedly his wife apearantly didn’t enjoy seeing the other woman on TV daily or something like that. G* might have more info on this.
I wouldn’t mind either of those guys. But also keep wondering what we will do with Gabby and Butch.
Does anyone know why Naslund doesn’t want to play for a NW team?
Because he doesn’t want to be hit by Henrietta and Danielle???
kj - LOL, however I tend to believe we are right and Eklund is wrong.
Now Douggie Smugs prove us wrong!
G* might have more info on this.
Yeah, let’s a photo link!
Actually, I thought those rumors of Pronger and the local EDM newscaster had been put to bed (no pun intended) and that there was really nothing to them.
Eklund is probably reading our comments on this blog and assume that the Wild would go after Hossa.
You make it sound like screening a goalie is a bad thing.
Not at all, it didn’t work all that well with the players the Wild had last year but I do think it can work with better talent (i.e. Malone and a healthy Parrish).
Christie Chorley is her name. Google away for photos of her. She’s OK, but Edmonton does get pretty cold in the wintertime, I guess.
Hey blog,
I’m living in edmonton right now. I’ll talk to some of the locals to see if I can dig up any dirt.
It gets really cold here in the winter: -40 without windchill.
Makes Minny seem like the equator.
Pronger, you bet he ‘Pronged’ her!
Maybe Naslund wants to score 60 goals out East?
It would be nice if Morrison was 100%, he might work here.
Hockeydad - I just think the rumors where denied by the Pronger camp, go figure. So yeah they where put to bed alright.
Actually it strikes me as a bit strange that you would pick LA if one of you have shall we say a wandering eye. Wouldn’t that sort of be like giving the alcoholic a job at a brewery? I’m just wondering?
TSN is reporting that the Ducks just waived Bertuzzi
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241810&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl
With Niedermayer back in the fold, they need to make room for their RFAs.
Of course, I would rather have Parrish at the front but if he’s out with an injury or is in the first PP unit, someone has to be at there. Might as well be a big body.
Wouldn’t that sort of be like giving the alcoholic a job at a brewery?
I giggled at that.
GGGGGGS
Here’s the deal on Malone, imho. He’s no dummy: He’s not taking less than the max the market will give. And, although it would be complete Bizarro DR, I could see him bringing in Malone for $4.5-5.5M/yr, simply because he’s got nothin’ else (think: no Roli, no Demo, bye-bye Gabby?)
Yeah, I thought that Chorley, too, made rather public denials, etc., because the rumors had become so widespread.
Hockeydad, you may be right, but it’s still fun to make fun of the neandrathal.
Ted Nolan - reclamation projects, like Chris Simon? Funny that he was the guy I wanted here 2nd to JL. I always thought he was a pretty good coach.
Bert’s had some hard miles, but we don’t have Dom Moore anymore, so anyone, do we grab him if the price is reasonable?
Wouldn’t that sort of be like giving the alcoholic a job at a brewery? I’m just wondering?
gold.
bfw: no way will DR give Malone $4.5-$5.5 million a year. Maybe $4 million but not more than that. That would be worse than the Johnsson deal. It would be a horrible and desperate move.
Even KiPA doesn’t think he deservers $4 million a year and he likes the dude.
BDS, it’s perfect because LA women would not go near a thing like Pronger, where Edmonton women probably would! His wife is smart, maybe she’s eyeing the young actors.
Wouldn’t that sort of be like giving the alcoholic a job at a brewery? I’m just wondering?
gold.
+1. I think they call that the “immersion technique” of rehabilitation.
It would be a horrible and desperate move.
Exactly!! I agree. That’s my point. It’s not about what he ‘deserves’ anymore. All the pressure’s on DR to have SOME scoring on the team, after losing Roli and Demo.
…Unless CL is full of hot air when he says he wants to win the Cup. See?
El Gato - LMOA, I suppose the frase “Dont’ you know who I am” uttered by a hockey player (especially Pronger) in LA will be answered by a swift, NO
Bert would look great in a Wild uniform for the right price. I always though he was overpriced at $4M.
I think it was sunshine that told us he had heard that Naslund would not consider any NWC teams, but who knows.
- If DR is never going to give another “Johnsson deal” then he is never going to sign another significant UFA. bfw nails it at 11:51
- Bert would look great in a Wild uniform for the right price. I always though he was overpriced at $4M.
When it comes to players disappearing, Bert is Houdini.
bertuzzi in a wild uniform? Wouldn’t the state of hockey go into more of an uproar than when we picked up simon?
Maybe we’re just quick to forgive.
Even KiPA doesn’t think he deservers $4 million a year and he likes the dude.
I like him a lot. He needs to score 25 goals twice in a season though before earning $4 mil.
I like him a lot. He needs to score 25 goals twice in a season though before earning $4 mil.
50 goals in a season!?!?!?!?!11oneone
I agree with jimlove: Who in their right mind would want Bert here?
Exactly, Wallshot. Then he can get paid.
I’m thinking out of my left mind!
Or my hind mind!
Bert? Are you guys insane? He’s got bad karma now.
Gets traded to Florida in what ends up being viewed as a disaster for the Panthers.
Member of 2006 Canadian Olympic team that doesn’t even come close to a medal. Canada! I blame Bertuzzi and his bad karma for this, another disaster.
Traded to Red Wings last year. They lose to the Ducks in playoffs. He is a non-factor. Perhaps this one is not on Bertuzzi, but still.
On Ducks this past season. Defending cup champs get beaten thoroughly in first round.
i’ve never been to edmonton
toivo: he also killed my fantasy team for a two or three-week stretch when I got bombed each time (soon as I cut him, I ended the regular season with three wins.)
We don’t want an anathema like Bertuzzi on our team. What a trainwreck that would be!
On the bright side, we’d have someone to boo everyday! (Besides Boogaard obviously).
Maybe it would get DR fired? Or give us the 1st overall pick. You are right toivo, bad things just follow him around, he’s like a goonish Charlie Brown! I take it back, no more Bert, let him go to Calgary!
its as if bert had a couple of good seasons a couple years ago. Maybe he just never righted his mind after breaking that guy’s neck.
* steve moore=that guy. Blanked on the name.
Wallshot - ‘anathema’? sweet, new word of the day, I’ll have to look it up!
Dumb and Dumber would probably think the crowd was saying ber-TUUUUZ-i instead of BOOOOO!
its as if bert had a couple of good seasons a couple years ago. Maybe he just never righted his mind after breaking that guy’s neck.
Actually, I think he’s had back problems the past few years. A bit ironic, perhaps?
Bryce Salvador wants a no-trade clause.
*mind boggled*
http://njmg.typepad.com/devilsblog/2008/06/salvador-wants.html
what goes around comes around? Simon essentially was banished from league and has been exiled to Russia….
toivo - thanks for setting me straight! It is insane but if his back is finally getting well and the price is right why not give it a chance?
I think his bad karma actually started when he told the Wild players to get their tee times ready because there was no way they where coming back to Minnesota for another game in the 02/03 SCP.
KiPA - thanks for the linke to the Salvador story. How about keeping your game at a high enough level so the team doesn’t want to trade you?
Hey Russo, any updates? It’s mid-day Friday and still no news? How is that possible…..
Do we have to hit a comment cap of like 500 before we get the next update?
Help us man…. we are dying here.
I would consider giving Salvador that no-trade clause depending on what the trade-off is in terms of price. I think he’s a pretty good stay-at-home D. Of course we know DR doesn’t do NMCs, so that pretty much rules out the Wild.
I can understand where he’s coming from on a personal level, and if that’s what is more important to him than getting the most money than I think he’s right to say so. At least he’s up front about what he wants.
i think russo should publish rolston’s cell so we can text him to stay.
it gets 40 below in the norther part of the state where I am.
i’ve never been to edmonton
Classic.
i think russo should publish rolston’s cell so we can text him to stay.
He’d need a fat contract just to pay the bill.
I was wondering where G* was hiding and then it hit me. I’m sure you cannot bring your cellphone or Blackberry to the US open and I’m sure his waiting for the 1:25 PM tee time?
Anyone that’s seen Vrbata play wanna poke some holes in this assessment from McKeen’s?:
Fast, slick winger with soft hands and a dynamic shot…most lehtal working the half-boards on the PP…moves fluidly with the puck, powered by quick acceleration and a deceptive change of pace…however, he’s often unwilling to pay a physical price and can be utterly anemic defensively, and totally lacking enthusiasm…must show more than just the odd flash of aggressiveness - top six or bust.
BFW: FWIW, I haven’t seen a lot of Vrbata, but what I’ve seen does not impress me.
More and more I’m hoping to see Huselius on our squad next season. I still want Rolston back though too. :-/
Anyone have any clue what can be done about the enormous hole at center? Aside from buying duct tape.
we could give sundin a boatload of money. that would fill the center hole nicely. but that won’t happen and it will be more money than it is worth.
Anyone have any clue what can be done about the enormous hole at center?
Outside of a trade, I don’t see how its not duct tape and I am OK with that - Shep should be this team’s number 2 center soon. However, there is no reason for the Wild to use duct tape for a top 4 D-man or on the wing.
Duct tape won’t help. This isn’t a chemical attack. :-O
reid - Sundin would look great centering Gabby and would fill Huggy Bears spot on the PP. It would not be cheap but if CL really wants to allow DR to make a splash it would be a good start.
GGGGGGS,
Based on past performance, I’d agree. It’ll be “whoever’s-still-available-after-July 4th,” aka, sloppy seconds….or, dare I say…dumpster diving? lol.
Considering what’s availabe via UFA at C, though, I’d say that’s not bad.
If you’re gonna spend, might as well pony up for a top 4 D or winger.
yeah, I certainly feel we have a large void of Swede’s that we need to fill. Mats would be great. He is a bit old though. @37 already. yeah, he would be awesome to have, but what, for 2 years? not sure what kind of contract he is looking for.
fill Huggy Bears spot on the PP.
Look for MAB to fill some of Roli’s PP mins:
100+ mph slapshot…excels at distributing the puck on the PP…
–McKeen’s
bfw - agreed on MAB and if I recall right Mats really excel a bit deeper down in the zone controling and distibuting the puck from the top of the circle to bellow the goal line.
WTF!
I thought you couldn’t announce re-signings until July 1st!
Somebody help me out on this one!
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241820&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_nhl
they were locking up RFAs. who would have been free on july 1.
reid,
Nope ALL are UFA.
What gives?
Lankow is a UFA but I think they can announce it if you re-sign your own players.
A team can sign its own UFAs I believe pre-July 1.
right, like rolston and what not. my bad. i think its part of that july 1 grave period like we are working on. so till july 1 they are sort of rfa and become ufa. thats the way I understand it.
WTF!
I thought you couldn’t announce re-signings until July 1st!
Somebody help me out on this one!
The limitation applies only to players who become a UFA after NEXT season (i.e. Gabrik, Lecavalier).
RE: Flames signings — I think the only issue for not re-signing them earlier was that they had to wait until the new cap number was announced, otherwise the signings would have put them over the cap..
My bad. My eggs are scrambled.
I was thinking of the “pre-July 1st-contract-extension-announcement” thingamajigger, a la Vinny.
(If I don’t get an update, or see a roster move soon, my brain may liquify and dribble out my nose!!!)
CW - I’m not sure that is the whole reason it was not announced earlier since teams can temporaraly exceed the salary cap with up to 10% until training camp.
Steve Bernier @ $1.3M/yr for a 3rd rounder anyone?
http://www.tsn.ca/columnists/scott_cullen/?id=241735&lid=sublink06&lpos=headlines_nhl
I thought I saw that explanation somewhere…I stand corrected. Not sure how close the Flames were to the cap.
Like I said the other day, when a GM can do what CGY just officially did, feel free to be as smug as you want for a little bit. The fact that Conroy is in this group gives Sutter all the more reason to blow the top off the smugometer. Do someting DR and you can do the same.
BFW — that’s an interesting article. Wild could get O’Sullivan back for a second round pick…although, I think the Kings would match in a minute a salary in that range mentioned in the article.
Along those lines, I like where the article has PMB signing…agin though, I think that is probably going to be low.
BFW
Why not just try to get sullivan back?
J-love and I are on the same page.
I don’t think DR would even try signing someone to an offer sheet. I think Buffalo would match a measily offer like that for Bernier, or the Kings for O’Sullivan for that matter.
And anyway, why give up a second or third round pick for a young, talented, up-and-coming player when you can keep it at later trade it away for a worthless veteran who won’t see any ice-time or the chance to move up ONE spot in the draft???
So true wallshot. Those offer sheets really limit the amount of bad decisions you can make, and we know how much DR values flexiblity.
Come to think of it… it just makes a stronger case for trying the offer sheet game…
We don’t have our third pick anymore. We traded it away to move up one spot to pick up Cuma. It has to be our pick not another team’s.
Bernier and O’Sullivan would be matched easily because both teams have sufficient room to match a $2.6 million offer.
And anyway, why give up a second or third round pick for a young, talented, up-and-coming player when you can keep it at later trade it away for a worthless veteran who won’t see any ice-time or the chance to move up ONE spot in the draft???
ROTFLMAO! FTW.
In regards to the offer sheet discussion the following blog entry was posted yesterday by Tom Lynn on the Wild ops blog.
http://boards.wild.com/index.php?automodule=blog&blogid=2&showentry=227
Does the ‘flexibility’ plan have a backup?
I’m thinking the UFAs here in MN don’t care much for DRs flexibility.
Oiler, Jarret Stoll still interests me.
And, there is a Finlander named Laine who I am told is over the draft age and can shoot like Gabby.
Tom Lynn’s bit has this:
Has the Wild ever signed a player to an Offer Sheet?
No, but its General Manager once did, while General Manager of the Calgary Flames under a prior CBA, signing Teemu Selanne from the Winnipeg Jets. The offer was matched and the return to the Flames was a net negative, as the media and fans then expected even wilder “bold moves” thereafter.
So the moral of one DR move in CGY is “can’t win, don’t try.”
Oiler, Jarret Stoll still interests me.
Me too, but DR could/should do it through a trade, right?
In regards to the offer sheet discussion the following blog entry was posted yesterday by Tom Lynn on the Wild ops blog
Thx, BDS. Nice pull.
…But does anyone else wonder how our Assistant GM has time to draw up this RFA thesis? Aren’t there other, real, pressing issues to attend to, rather than gloss over the masses?
Speaking of the masses, did you read the Kool Aid Man responses? lol.
6GS…yes, since it doesn’t work, don’t do it.
Also, rip it as much as possible to the ‘conditioned’ fans so they will continue to remind other free-thinkers that ‘it doesnt work’.
Must be why Penner didn’t lead Edmonton to the Cup last year. Oh wait…he is signed for a LOT more than one year. Jeez…I guess they’ll just have to build around him, eh?
bfw: what else is there to do while they’re sitting around waiting to hear back from Bartlett?
Let’s see…replace end boards, netting and glass behind goal on end we attack twice, check…replace net on goal we defend twice, check…run Skoul-o-meter ice flatness test on goal line we defend twice, check…order winch for raising division title banner, hmm, scratch that, maybe just do a one-time rental…attend PA announcer elocution rehearsal for “The following bench minor has been assessed, to Minnesota, two minutes for too many men on the ice” script…
…status check on top secret “quicksand” platform being installed in slot in end we defend twice in the event Backstrom is in goal for shootouts, check…
NiNY - LMAO, and to think he wrote it when he was in Hilton Head? what else to do… Uhmm, play golf… maybe, or attend beer drinking functions with other asst. GM’s. No better take the opportunity to educate the fans on how much we dislike the offer sheet. Just in case a certain PMB gets signed to an offer sheet that we don’t want to match because it will affect our future flexibility.
…take down all of Ryder Rolston’s drawings of “Gaby The Sieve” from home locker room, check…
install “Cone of Silence” over sec 218 to quiet KJ, WRT, et al…check
…meeting with Bomber to finalize curriculum for “Hockey 101″ for Terhaar, check…
kj - no need to do any remodeling to the arena before the NRC. Everything will need to be reinstalled after the september festivities.
….make sure a bunch of “Cone of Silence”’s are on order and scheduled to arrive in the end of September….
…confirm acceptable internal temperature of 165 degrees for $9 concession stand dollar hot dogs, check.
commission mural of picture of Bruno scoring on Roy for the main entry hall in case we sign him, check…
oops.
confirm acceptable internal temperature of 165 degrees for $9 concession stand hot dogs, check.
“cone of silence” LMAO…
really?! $9 for a dog? That’s insane.
(speaking of which, I just got a hankerin’ for some Old Dutch snacks in the windmill pack…dang, that’s rough)
bfw - should that not be $11 hot dogs by the time the season starts? You know delivery charges are destined to rise….
really?! $9 for a dog? That’s insane.
They’re the new 2lb. MegaWild Dogs!
Great with mustard and onions, btw.
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241824&lid=sublink01&lpos=headlines_nhl
carter is locked up so much for him as an offer sheet eh? So wait, we could have signed PMB to an extension? Why were we waiting till after the 1st? - I must have forgotten.
bfw - should that not be $11 hot dogs by the time the season starts? You know delivery charges are destined to rise….
LMFAO…right, right: “Gas is over $4/gallon, we have no choice!”
wow…remind me to eat before the game next time I’m at the X…speaking of which, I have just put a stop in the TC on my 4Q travel junket. If I wait until the NHL schedule is released to finalize the dates, it might not be a coincidence.
jimlove - thanks for that info. So does that raise PMB market value to over $5M / season? That’s pretty steep in my book.
NiNY - I foresee a Russoville gathering in the 4Q and it might not be a coincident.
man…I’d like to thank McHale for making today so placid in Russoville. Now THIS is what summer SHOULD be like!
jimlove - thanks for that info. So does that raise PMB market value to over $5M / season?
Eh? Gas prices!?!?!11oneoneeleven
So wait, we could have signed PMB to an extension? Why were we waiting till after the 1st? - I must have forgotten.
The article states “sources tell TSN,” so that means the team has not announced it. Which is dead-on: They will not be able to officially announce until July 1.
Of course, if WE had wanted to extend PMB, WE could have been negotiating with him as well. But lo and behold, a mere qualifying offer (think: lowball.)
one, one, eleven.
Ha-larious
!?!?!11oneoneeleven
Wall,
I’m friggin’ crackin’ up at that, but have NO idea what that is!?
one, one, eleven.
Ha-larious
+1
silly semantics. they get me every time.
What am I going to do at work once july 1 is over… well I guess that week will be full of discussion about how we over or underspent…
I just have so little to do and this blog fills in so many holes.
LOL… could it be DR counting the number of players on his roster…???
NiNY - Since it is Friday and Russoville is very pleasant what’s being poored in the bar this afternoon?
BDS…funny you should mention!
I recently had occasion (read: lost a bet) to drink a “dead Mexican goat” shot…but enough about me.
What can I getcha?
We had to extend PMB a qualifying offer to retain his rights. If we didn’t, he would have been UFA.
I don’t think DR is worried about an offer sheet. If there is one over $4 million, he would take the picks. If its less, he will match it. Even if PMB doesn’t sign a multi-year extension but a one-year, he will be traded.
It’s just an old computer nerd jerk. People often type “1″ when trying to enter in several exclamation points repeatedly. Just an exaggeration of that fat-finger typo.
Ahh….since it is a hot summer afternoon why don’t you poor me a Lakemaid beer by Schell’s while you tell us what’s in a “dead Mexican goat”, thank you.
Lakemaid, coming right up.
A dead Mexican goat, my friend, is a shot of milk, tabasco and the lowest of low shelf tequila in the house. The latter curdles the former and the tabasco creates a, oh how do I put it, “je ne sais quoi” sort of a finish on the entire production. A truly horrific experience.
Wallshot - I like it…..sort of when you are so mad you need to type extra fast. lol, especially on a crackberry when your fingers doesn’t move fast enough.
We had to extend PMB a qualifying offer to retain his rights.
Nope. We could have negotiated an extension, like Carter.
Now, after a Keg of Kool Aid, ya might think we HAD to offer a QO, but that’s not the case.
bfw: yes DR could have negotiated with PMB but he was going to wait until he dealt wit Rolston. So, a qualifying offer was extended to retain his rights. Not every team has negotiated with their RFAs. Some have but I haven’t seen even half announce their RFAs signings.
I guess I was wondering because the rolston negotiations have turned into a dead mexican goat that maybe we would focus on getting some folks locked down.
Maybe DR is just studying extra hard on UFAs. Hopefully.
well played, jimlove. Well played.
Exactly, BDS.
Kool Aid causes cancer, just say “no”. True story.
A dead Mexican goat, my friend, is a shot of milk, tabasco and the lowest of low shelf tequila in the house. The latter curdles the former and the tabasco creates a, oh how do I put it, “je ne sais quoi” sort of a finish on the entire production. A truly horrific experience.
Dang. I got it all wrong. I thought that was the recipe for an “Exploding Bag of Racoon Dung”!!
Dang. I got it all wrong. I thought that was the recipe for an “Exploding Bag of Racoon Dung”!!
LMAO!!
yes DR could have negotiated with PMB but he was going to wait until he dealt wit Rolston
*chirp. chirp. chirp. chirp*
—-
Let’s walk thru thi– No, wait. Let’s not go over this again.
Just don’t understand the prioritization:
Roli.
PMB.
Gabby.
WTF!
In an unlikely way, perhaps the most interesting team to monitor in the days ahead may be the Minnesota Wild, who stand poised to lose both Rolston and Demitra as free agents, after it looked almost certainly as if they could get at least Rolston under contract. Rolston is one of the most accomplished two-way centres in the league, and scored 96 goals in three seasons with the Wild. If he goes and Demitra ends up in Vancouver, what are the implications for Marian Gaborik, their leading scorer last season (42 goals, 81 points), who is only a year away from unrestricted free agency? Gaborik, if he shows the requisite patience, could be next year’s answer to Hossa, his fellow Slovak, an attractive pick-up at the trading deadline for any contender and then a going-into-his-prime free agent, who can score with the best of them, even in the Jacques Lemaire system.
http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080627.wsptduha27/GSStory/GlobeSportsHockey/home/?pageRequested=3
The Globe may no idea Rolston does not play center/centre with the Wild (and probably won’t on his next team either) but they nailed the Gabby situation perfectly. How long before Canadian writers are putting Gabby in VAN or EDM or TOR? I would say one week.
Since the bar is open, can I have a chocolate stout?
I need both beer and chocolate to deal with this week’s new. Probably no Rolston, probably no Gabby, No PMB, Fridge or Voros,no new information and a new low for bad drinks.
That should be news not new
Just don’t understand the prioritization:
Roli.
PMB.
Gabby.
Fastest ones to UFA?
ere ya go, Bead, one chocolate stout.
No PMB, Fridge or Voros,no new information and a new low for bad drinks.
But we still have each other…
6gs.
That is a hot mess.
LOL @ kj…
there has been some great material here today…
I need both beer and chocolate to deal with this week’s new. Probably no Rolston, probably no Gabby, No PMB, Fridge or Voros,no new information and a new low for bad drinks.
+1
6GS - thank you - we all know writers (Russo excluded)don’t ever let facts get in the way of a good story. I especially like “most accomplished two-way centres” part. Since they think he is a centre my bet is that he will be billed as Sundin’s replacement sometime over the weekend.
bless you NiNY. I’m not at the ledge but I’m sitting in the office throwing peanuts out the window! If we don’t get something from Russo soon…
Roli first because he is UFA.
PMB because he is RFA.
Gabby last because he has one more year on his contract and will need more time to work out.
Most likely Gabby and his agent wouldn’t discuss an extension until they see what the Wild does anyways. Can’t blame the guy.
If we don’t get something from Russo soon…
I know…I’m starting to fear they cut off the wrong foot last night…
Beadwench - lol, your on a roll. Have another Stout on me…..
500 posts and counting.
If Russo was a real hockey writer, he wouldn’t let a little thing like a broken foot keep him from blogging. He’d tape it up and go to work.
No heart.
If Russo was a real hockey writer, he wouldn’t let a little thing like a broken foot keep him from blogging. He’d tape it up and go to work.
No heart.
right! Be like…Radio?!?!
We will not see anything done about Gabby’s potential extention until he and his agent get a handle on what this years market will do with players of his caliber, i.e Hossa.
NiNY - another Lakemaid please.
Is it a Young’s Double Chocolate stout or someone else’s?
KiPA: I see someone has hit the anger part of his emotional roller coaster or are you being silly?
KiPA - LOL, yeah, he doesn’t use his foot to type, does he?
Gabby last because he has one more year on his contract and will need more time to work out
With all due respect — and I due mean all due respect — was that comment made while completely submerged in a pool of Kool Aid?
With that logic, why the he!! does Vinny have a new deal, with virtually the same circumstances?
If one truly is intent on signing him, and would not consider trading him at the Trade Deadline, why have they not even started negotiations? How can he be your LAST priority of those names?
Pass the ‘racoon.
I’m being silly, Bead. Just making a joke that hockey players play with broken bones all the time, but Russo wimps out (and he doesn’t even need his foot to write! broken hand maybe I give him a little slack. Maybe.)
I’m actually still in acceptance mode.
Russo’s a gamer.
He knows he isn’t needed for the ‘dead time’ between the draft and July 1.
There’s growing sentiment to the contrary, kj.
It just occured to me why we have not heard from Russo. He is probably using his temorary handicap parking pass as well as his press credentials to get in at Interlachen. My bet is that he is joining G* and are following the pairing that is currently playing hole 1.
Russo’s a Sally.
If he were all about hockey, he’d be here.
(I am easily swayed regarding this topic KiPA… :P)
Yes, that was quite a rapid turnaround. Did you give yourself whiplash?
I am easily persuaded to drink.
NiNY — I’ll be drinking for a while, so I’m looking for something lighter than the chocolate stout. Do you have any LaBatt’s in the silo cans?
Whoa, you’ve managed to stay in acceptance mode. That’s good. Now if we can get people some information (Anytime Russo, we’ll even take just a crumb or two)everyone will have something new to chew on.
Is there a place in the stats for players who play through injuries or some kind of record? That would make it easier to compare maginal (or not) players who have similiar stats. Kinda of like a tie breaker.
you’ve managed to stay in acceptance mode
I had a brief “well maybe…” thought when I heard what the cap was going to be, but it didn’t last long. It was fleeting.
It would probably do us all a world of good to avoid any hockey news until July 1st. We’re either going to develop Trolls on the board, jumping off ledges or kool-aid overdoses.
Of course, avoiding the board is so not going to happen in my house. I start having DT shakes when I miss a day of hockey related news.
All of you are too funny. DR has a secret plan. Someday, free agents won’t get market value after July 1st and then the Wild will make big, block buster type moves. Until then, he is smarter than the other GMs and won’t give into pressure. He is quietly letting them lose “flexibility”…their great folly.
Us Wild fans are fortunate to have a GM with such a great plan.
Just kidding…hopefully he does have a good play. I am the last one that shoudl be running a team, but it is fun to obsess, lose sleep, rant, cry sometimes, etc. This is fun, isn’t it…lol.
Yeah, Smugsbrough has got them all outsmarted!
Time for a real beer. Enjoy the weekend and I’ll be back for Mondays roller coaster ride of emotions.
Can you make me a black-tooth grin, Nick?
Carter–3 yrs–$15M.
What, pray tell, is a black-tooth grin, Wall?
Zzzzzzzz
Zzzzzzzz
(dreams Russo will update us soon)
Zzzzzzz
Zzzzzzz
Slow day in Russoville. So as much as I am not a Doug Risebrough fan I will have to say thank you to the man. He is very careful about the trades he makes and players he signs. Think if we were stuck with a GM like Kevin McFail! I don’t care one bit about basketball but it is somewhat embarrassing that the only time Minnesota is referenced in the NBA news is when they are talking about the lastest Kevin McFail blunder. Congrats Kevin on pulling off the worst trade of the Summer two Summers in a row! You did it buddy.
Wallshot: You’ve been listening to some Pantera? NINY: double/triple shot of Crown Royal with a splash of Coke. Can also use Jack/Seagrams 7 too. Made famous by now dead Dimebag Darrell Abbott and his cohorts in 1 Pantera.
And you call yourself a barkeep, Nick!?
Nah, Lemmi - I was just trying to keep the trend of bizarre sounding drinks alive.
I couldn’t agree more Lucky about McFail… but our boy isn’t out of the woods yet.
Remember, even though we are waiting until July 1st…. we know of him doing NOTHING for over a week since the draft and that final offer to Rolston. I could be wrong (and an update from Russo would be nice… hint hint)
Hard to update if nothing’s going on.
Why the hell are we up so late, Kev? Free Agency insomnia?
I’d even take a “schultzy” KiPA. Something, something about nothing, nothing about something.
yesterday while mowing the lawn I was thinking about Mr.Thompsons press conference and he mentioned that yes we are trying to copy the wings, and the ducks with big forwards that go to the net. that kinda omits a handfull of talent PMB,Demo, Rolston all very talented but cant battle for pucks with size. One of the xm hockey talkers mentioned that the wild would try for Bobby Holik from the thrashers, a big mean center sounds great! If we do lose rolston I ‘m hoping we can fill his shoes plus more! His slapshot is sick but its his only trick remember any of the shootouts last year that rolston would slap away? (sometimes they lit the lamp!) IMP I hope we keep Todd and Aaron If PMB was the size of Zetterberg then keep him too but…Mabey DR has a plan This is making for an interesting 4th!!!
there are a couple pairing’s i’d follow in edina this weekend, no doubt.
tried to catch up but i gave up. I will comment on this:
Minnesota sports teams have done just that and it’s why you see only two championships, heck only 3 finals APPEARENCES in over 25 years of Minnesota Professional sports teams. So in approximately 90 seasons of sports we have just THREE. That is weak and unacceptable to me.
since 1980
including the 4 major sports
LA
boston
detroit
chicago
philly
denver
baltimore-wash
st louis
san fran
edmonton
dallas
miami
atlanta
pittsburgh
oakland
houston
buffalo
have more playoff appearances than mpls-stp
seattle-vancouver
san antonio
cleveland
cincinnati
san diego
charlotte
montreal
calgary
tampa
toronto
kansas city
phoenix
indy
salt lake
portland
milwuakee
orlando
nashville
ottawa
have fewer, and I didn’t count those with no appearances.
this goes back nearly 30 years. the teams at the top generally have mulitple franchises per sport. new york has 3 hockey teams, 2 hoops teams, 2 football teams, 2 baseball teams. LA had 2 football, 2 NBA, has 2 hockey and 2 baseball.
And if you look at that list, in general you’ll see why players want to go to those that have been there & done it.
The wolves (sorry to add it to this board) had a star in KG, which had other people WANT to come here to play. They don’t now… and after trading Mayo, still have no one that WANTS to come here to play.
The Wild are heading in that direction, which was my point. When Gabby goes, there won’t be anyone that a player would WANT to come here and play with. That’s why I think it’s critical that you get one of those guys (Hossa) or (Gabby) so folks will want to come here.
Otherwise you wait and hope through the draft that someone will develop.
And please don’t tell me that we have Burns, Koivu, etc. They are great players but aren’t the type of player that would cause a Hossa or Sundin or someone of a higher level to want to come here to play with them. That’s all I was saying.
actually, you were b!tching about how this city doesn’t expect championships and based that off of how we have been to finals 3 times, in 25 years. you said nothing about having star power.
take the teams at the top of the list. new york’s number is largely based on the yankees dominance in the 90’s. that had nothing to do with star attraction but $$$$ that george could toss at them. It also includes the islanders run in the early 80’s. Then boston. recently it was the pat’s and red sox. the sox are just like the yankees where it is $$$$. early it was the celtics domination, along with LA, in the NBA.
detroit is high on list thanks to the redwings of the late 90’s and the bad boys run in the NBA, the lions don’t exist and the tigers have been virtually non-existent as well.
how about LA? it is all lakers. star power? maybe. money, absolutely before the cap which they were in the playoff nearly all of the 80’s.
is it star power that attracts talent to win championships? what about houston’s run in the NBA or san antonio? what star power is attracting talen in SA? tim duncan? they have 4 championships and i challenge anyone to name more than 5 members. i’ve given you one and i’ll give you david robinson.
if it is star power you want, be a rangers fan. it sure worked for them over the last 20 years.
