Told ya — Lawton to Lightning
Posted on June 25th, 2008 – 10:00 AMBy Michael Russo
Brian Lawton understandably tried to get me off the scent, but if you saw in my Friday for Saturday notebook at the Draft, the former player agent and No. 1 North Stars pick was seen with these very two eyes meeting with Len Barrie and Oren Koules, the new Lightning owners, in the back of a restaurant.
And this was not lunch because it was 2:30 p.m., the restaurant was closed and the only people still in the restaurant were me, Jeff Rimer, Bobby Orr, and the man known as JR, the Blue Jackets’ traveling secretary.
And, Barrie and Koules had already eaten earlier.
Today Lawton was hired as the Lightning’s Senior VP and Director of Hockey Operations. Jay Feaster, the GM, remains employed, but that has a lot to do with the three years left on his contract.
Lawton left the agent business this past season to pursue a career in management with a team. He was weighing a handful of offers this week and decided upon Tampa.
284 Responses to "Told ya — Lawton to Lightning"
Sorry Russo, but this one’s a snoozer.
Got anything better to report?
Wow Russo, you really love saying ‘I told ya so’. As always, we appreciate the updates! But, do you have anything on the Gabby trade rumors?
Well, as they say, “those who can’t do, teach …”
From last thread, AiH says: “Edmonton Sun reports that the Oilers are shopping Jarret Stoll.”
Anyone else think the Wild should be looking into him as an option? Made 2.2 last season, and given his stats I wouldn’t think he would be in the market for a huge raise.
Also, a little FA article from TSN: http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=11300
I wouldn’t be too interested, Austin. He hasn’t been the same since his concussion.
Wallshot, I did notice his decrease in point production in the last two years… I had heard his name mentioned in the past quite a bit so I thought he might be a good option. He is a C though.
Yeah, he is or certainly was a good player and he still might end up having a good career, but I’d be wary about at this point.
I certainly wouldn’t trade your boyfriend for him, but I wouldn’t be opposed to giving him a try for a low cost acquisition. Given his RFA status though, I doubt it would be an easy acquisition.
He’s also RFA and we would have to trade for him. Did the Oilers qualify him? If not, he could become UFA on July 1st. If he was UFA, maybe give him a shot at like $1 million-1 year deal.
For how much we bust DR’s chops from time to time things can be much much worse. Here is a Kevin McHale quote from a STrib article titled “McHale not sure of Wolves draft strategy.” Keep in mind this article is from yesterday and the draft is tomorrow - he better figure out that strategy in the next 24 hours.
McHale on watching Gallinari and Mayo drill alone — Gallinari in Los Angeles, Mayo in Chicago — on consecutive days last week: “They were both better than the chair. That’s a start. If you’re not better than the chair, you’ve got some real issues.”
Yeah, if you can’t get better talent first, then I like your idea sunshine. Although I think he’d cost more than 1mil.
It doesn’t surprise me that the Oil are shopping him though with the logjam they have at center. Horcoff, Gagner, Cogliano, Stoll. Must be a nice problem to have.
Wallshot, i wouldn’t trade the little bald guy for him either. But, as sunshine stated, if you could get him for a cheap 1 or 2 year deal, why not give him a try?
From the last thread - it looks like the Canucks will be prepared to offer Hossa a 5 year deal at $8MM per season.
It would be brutal to see that guy go to a NW Division rival, coupled with Cammalerri to the Flames that would be bad news.
Second, if you’re DR, don’t you have to make a competitive offer for this guy? Hossa is a scoring machine, solid two way player and was a force in the playoffs. With your divisional rival making a play for him you have to be right there with a similar contract to at least give yourself a shot.
Why make an offer for Hossa when he wouldn’t look at it? Focus on players that you have a legitimate chance to land. Hossa is the farthest from legitimate from all accounts.
Or he could offer Hossa a similar contract as Vancouver, knowing full well it will be turned down, just to make the fans happy that he “tried” to go after Hossa.
Hey Doug Smugsborough - why was it so easy for Tampa Bay to sign Lecavalier while your Wild are looking at a “Hossa Situation” with Gabby?
The final touches are still being worked on and nothing can be formally announced until July 1, but sources tell TSN the Tampa Bay Lightning and superstar centre Vinny Lecavalier have agreed to terms on a mega-deal that will pay him $77 million over nine years.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241633
right, I mean, i can say I offered you a bajillion dollars. doesn’t mean it ever happened.
i wouldn’t mind a langkow or a huselious. it would make the sting of it all just a little less. But we should pretty much resolve ourselves to the bs garbage dump pickups that we get instead of serviceable players.
Didn’t the Stars pick Lawton over Salane? Too bad Lawton’s hockey career didn’t progress like his after hockey career has.
Second, if you’re DR, don’t you have to make a competitive offer for this guy?
If there is one thing Doug Smugsborough has made clear its that Doug Smugsborough doesn’t “have” to do anything.
Look at it this way - if you don’t make an offer then there is a 0% chance Hossa signs in Minnesota.
The Panthers have Belak lobbying for his former Maple Leaf teammate Sundin to sign in Florida. I would like to think DR could get Gaborik to do the same for Hossa.
Yeah, who have we signed? we signed Rolston, white, and Belengar. Everyone else has been off the trash heap.
oops, forgot parrish and Yawnson. though, they are headed for the trash heap, or other teams thought they were on it.
From the last thread - it looks like the Canucks will be prepared to offer Hossa a 5 year deal at $8MM per season.
Isn’t that the same city his BFF Demo was looking at? If both are true, it seems even MORE unlikely that Hossa would be unattainable (for the record, I was gauging it has slim to none to be begin with).
This is another confusing situation. Gaborik and Lecavalier are in the same boat - approaching their last year of contract. However, Tampa Bay and Lecavalier have been negotiating a contract but under the CBA, they can’t start to until after July 1.
Are Russo, DR, and Shipley reading the CBA wrong?
in Gaby’s case, wasn’t it that DR said he didn’t want to talk to him until later in the summer, not necessarily that he couldn’t?
I have to agree with Sunshine & Aaron… it doesn’t hurt to try. It costs you NOTHING to put an offer in and tells the fans he wants to make the team better and win now. If he says no, well then you know you tried and you move onto other players who know you are serious about winning.
If you try to nickle & dime your way through Free Agency (classic Minnesota Sports technique) you are telling the stars in the league that you aren’t serious about winning.
You still have til July 1st… call Gabby and BFF Demo. Tell them that you’ll resign Demo and then for them to start working on Hossa so they three can play together.
Hossa is only a pipe dream to those conditioned by DR and other Minnesota franchises to not go after the big FA. That has won Minnesota exactly 2 championships in 4 sports for the past 20 plus years.
Russo, thanks for the update. Lawton should help the Lightning stear clear of crappy #1 overall selections (since he was one).
We are hungry for more dirt on Rolston, Gabby, Demo, DR… help us! 
in Gaby’s case, wasn’t it that DR said he didn’t want to talk to him until later in the summer, not necessarily that he couldn’t?
This is wishful thinking but I wonder if DR needs to bring a C (like OJ) to Gabby’s table. Note to Smugsborough: if your superstar retention is FLA or ATL like, there is nothing special about your organization - other than JL
NiNY: He said that he couldn’t talk to Gaborik before July 1st because of the CBA. For that reason, he is going to deal with Rolston, UFA, RFAs, then Gaborik.
Schmidty; Its an empty offer. Why bother?
The final touches are still being worked on and nothing can be formally announced until July 1, but sources tell TSN the Tampa Bay Lightning and superstar centre Vinny Lecavalier have agreed to terms on a mega-deal that will pay him $77 million over nine years.
One of many A-list FAs that will not be available when the signing period actually comes around. Any bets that Gaborik will be?
NiNY: He said that he couldn’t talk to Gaborik before July 1st because of the CBA. For that reason, he is going to deal with Rolston, UFA, RFAs, then Gaborik.
fair enough. Then I’m back to square one.
“Hossa is only a pipe dream to those conditioned by DR and other Minnesota franchises to not go after the big FA.”
This is more about knowing the situation more than this “conditioning” you speak of. We have heard Gabby scoff at the notion that Hossa would play in MN. We know that Demo is not a fan of MN, and he is Hossa’s BFF. It is a pipe dream because we know the situation. There is no way in hell that DR will offer Hossa a contract that is A LOT better than anything else he is offered. And let’s face it, unless the offer from DR is substantially better than other offers, there is no way Hossa is playing in MN. I would love to see him here, but it’s not very realistic. I won’t expect it to happen at all, so if it does end up happening I will be pleasantly surprised.
This is going back a bit, but Reid, I like Langkow too, but I think Suter has been saying that they have an agreement in place that will be announced after 7/1. Agree with you on Huselious (sp?) though.
Heh, the Nuckleheads claimed Wellwood off waivers.
Question…should we just steer clear of whiny, Slovak prima donnas, e.g., PD, Hossa, Gabby, et al, altogether? Seriously, they don’t want to play here because they aren’t allowed to cherry pick all game?
Chicago: I’ve heard the same thing (didn’t Russo opine as such as well?)…I also read, much to my chagrin, that the Flames have something already in place with Conroy too.
NiNY — yeah I think the Langkow thing was mentioned here somewhere in all the pre-draft postings. I think there’s something wrong with me. I have been refreshing Russo’s page every 10 minutes for two weeks. We need to start getting some info, signing some guys so I can get to work again.
every 10 minutes
actually, that’s not bad. I think I peaked around every 30 seconds on trade deadline day.
Either way, admitting’s half the battle, my friend.
*Heh, the Nuckleheads claimed Wellwood off waivers.*
That sounds about right.
I’ve been checking up on here the last few days but haven’t had time to post. So here’s what I don’t understand. Especially if you’re the owner or GM, why wouldn’t you want to win a Cup? The fans would love you and spend even more money, and you’d line your pockets and be a hero. Sign Gabby for a long time, obviously no one else in the NHL listens to this “no negotiations until after 7/1″ bs. How do people argue that teams only have 1 superstar that gets paid big $$? The Avs, Sharks, Ducks, Flamers, Tampa, Hurricanes, Pens, don’t need to mention the Wings, Buffalo, Flyers, all have at least 2 big name stars making some bank. What’s the issue?
one thing’s for sure: this place is going to be nuclear for about the first week of July.
With every FA that doesn’t sign with us they are going to be streaming out of the woodwork to bitch.
What does Minnesota offer that other teams don’t? just because we are all crazy for hockey, that doesn’t really mean anything to the players. We aren’t as hockey centric as the canadian cities. What can we offer that sets us appart? the only thing that sets us apart is the negative connotation we get from JL’s system. and the way players (gabby) complain about it. So that is the only thing that comes into play besides the $ is what the players have heard about the “borg”.
I use we as in Minnesota. my bad.
We need to start getting some info, signing some guys so I can get to work again.
+1 although my busy time at work is Jan. - May so a gut wrenching Wild off season is sort of a trade off. If Sutter has Conroy and Langkow (and Nolan I think too) in the fold with that team’s cap situation, he can be as smug as he wants.
How is it an empty offer Sunshine? He would love to have Hossa here, so why would the offer be empty. You try, and then make the guy say no thank you. If anything it might force Vancouver to have to offer up more money for him because they would see him saying no to $8 million of 5 years. There are lots of reasons to do it.
And lets not get to harsh on the Slovak’s. Kevin in PA will tell you outright that Hossa isn’t a whinner as you claim ChicagoWild. In fact, I believe that KiPA had said many times that he’s the perfect JL player as he as solid on Defense as he is on Offense.
Would think full house every night would count for something…not $1m/yr or anything, but something. Playing in front of arenas that are only half filled (with idiots to boot) has to be depressing.
well, it hasn’t detered any player who has taken big money to play for: columbus, nashville, atlanta, carolina, florida, tampa, and the list goes on.
Touche, Reid.
Yeah, maybe harsh about Hossa, but not PD…
6GS, you need to get back to work? Well, I am at work. I spent the morning filling out applications because on Monday I lose the cushy job. My boss asked what I was doing, I told him reading Russo’s. He gave me a weird look but then I said, what are you gonna do? lay me off? and he laughed so I think he realizes I’m seriously coasting.
Band, have you filled out an app for Wild GM? Good luck on the search.
http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?articleid=366944&page=NewsPage&service=page
——
Ok, I’m going Bizzaro Kool-Aid Man here, so I hope you’re drinkin’ outta plastic and not glass:
——
1. As the above link shows, the NHL CBA does not prohibit teams from working out an extension with their pending UFA, just the announcement of said extension. The new Lightning owners “targeted Lecavalier’s extension from the moment they came on board.” That being said, what the he!! are you doing negotiating with Roli, DR??? What the he!! kinda message does that send to Gabby about getting him resigned??? Why don’t you just rent out a Goodyear blimp and announce “Thanks for the memories, Gabby. C’ya!”?
2. There is NO chance that Gabby resigns now. I don’t have to give you the reasons, everyone here has listed them quite well before, including lack of proven scorers, defensive system, et.al.
3. Rolston will go where he can get the money. I think DR lowballed him, and he won’t resign. If DR was planning on signing additional scorers in an attempt to persuade Gabby to resign, then he committed an absolutely colossal mistake that may prove to be his demise.
4. I think lemmiwinks asked “Why wouldn’t you want to win the Cup as an owner.” Your answer is…..I’ll offer up the largest stuffed animal grand prize hanging over the stand to the first one who gets the answer. (Hint: see #5)
5. NiNY: fabulous dig on the CL issue earlier. Nicely done.
6. jsullivan: Thanks for the out-state perspective. I thought that was cool (but not necessarily surprising, unfortunately.)
7. I’ve officially reached my low-point of the off-season. I’d appreciate if someone can talk me off the ledge… 
Band - I will give you a reference for Wild GM as long as you promise not to go Garth Snow on Boogie. However, if DR is retained after this UFA period, maybe you could be the person that holds his mirror for him in public like that guy from the Time.
Band, Short-timer syndrome is kind of fun, but the pay sucks after its done….
I could be GM. All I’d have to do is ask you guys and Russo who we should have on the team right? Earlier this year ballgame and I were going to take over to Dumb and Dumber. I was going to be the new colorgirl (I think it makes me sound like a B level superhero) and ballgame was going to do play by play. But sure BANDGEEK FOR GM!! And I promise to try and keep it together around Boogie.
…and how much you wanna bet JL’s question to DR was: “Are you going to re-sign Gabby, or trade him for picks and prospects?”
I love it when a plan comes together!
–Hannibal
I keep seeing people include Gaborik in the whole whiny, prima donna bit. Am I missing something here? I don’t recall him being whiny at all. When there was a hold out on his contract, he even fired his agent and got it done. Lemaire has called him out at times, but he seemed to respond positively from that. I don’t recall him complaining openly about anything - so why is he being labeled as a whiny prima donna?
bfw, just keep repeating “I am not a Leafs fan, I am not a Leafs fan….” Once in a while you could throw in “I am not a Cubs fan…”
We will be fine, we will go on, and no one will jump off the ledge. Do you hear me!!! No one will jump!!!
There is NO chance that Gabby resigns now.
Short of giving him Vinny’s deal today or adding a big time C July 1 I have to agree. I mean look at the $ the BFF of his BFF is about to get. Meanwhile, DR couldn’t get Wellwood but he now has a chance at Jozef Stumpel - http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241638
bfw, Hannibal Lector? Is he still a FA? He’s about the same as Chris Simon but might cost less. I wouldn’t get on his bad side, though, he might have you for dinner (with some fava beans and a nice Chianti)!
Remember, CL declined Toronto’s request to talk to DR as GM. It would have been even more reason to not be a Maple Leafs fan (or more of one since they took him away).
bfw, just keep repeating “I am not a Leafs fan, I am not a Leafs fan….”
Soon you will be chanting, “I wish I was a Leafs fan…”
:-O
People keep whining about JL’s system. I don’t think it’s the system. We have too many players who can’t score. The majority of games last year we out shot our opponents,but we rarely had someone who could finish. I think he opened it up more this year and didn’t always play the trap.They were still a solid defensive team, but it was the lack of scoring that prevented them from running away with the division.
bfw, just keep repeating “I am not a Leafs fan, I am not a Leafs fan….” Once in a while you could throw in “I am not a Cubs fan…”
We will be fine, we will go on, and no one will jump off the ledge. Do you hear me!!! No one will jump!!!
Thanks, band. I knew I could count on you! I appreciate it! :))
And, yeah, you could be GM. We gotcher back!
bfw, Hannibal Lector? Is he still a FA?
lol, I was going for an “A-Team” reference there, but yours is a waaay better visual!
I’d appreciate if someone can talk me off the ledge…
Um… Adam Hall and Pascal Dupuis are UFAs. Does that help?
Glad I could reel you in bfw. Remember … ‘it’s always darkest before dawn’
dawn = July 1
More like (and not to be a Mike)
July 1st = Darkest
DR canned = Dawn
You also have to realize that Gabby is much younger than Hossa. He is making comparable money as Hossa at his age.
Gabby is likely to earn the same amount or a little less than Hossa in his next contract.
KiPA, If we sign both of them and Demi Moore, we’ll have three guys that can be tour guides to the Popcorn Palace. Now that is some good foresight!
They did well in Pittsburgh.. maybe it’s JL’s system.
*hides*
I agree with Jaws. People that keep talking about “the System” I don’t think have been watching the Wild recently and making those comments based solely on experience w/ JL and NJ or JL and a talent-challenged expansion team. Even in the Avs series, we got a ton of shots, but people just didn’t finish. I don’t think it was all Theodore standing on his head.
Good lord you guys are such downers, no wonder bfw wanted to jump.
Six Goalie System, I LOVE the ‘Smugsborough’ nickname. It’s quite “on target” he IS so F-bleeping smug for a jackass that hasn’t accomplished anything with the Mild.
FIRE RISEDUMP NOW !!
DUMP THE DUMPPER !!
CW, you just stole my thunder, but I too agree completely with jaws. JL’s “system” has won cups - the Devils basically still play it even after JL left. We have never had enough finishers on this team.
Dupuis did well with the Wild but I think he just needed a change in scenery. Hall wanted more money than what the Pens are paying him and DR refused. So he ended signing for a similar amount with the Pens.
I’m sensing an increasing air of discontentment amongst the Kool-aid gulping Mild faithful out there. Could it be that the worm is turning and the lemmings are starting to realize that they’re backing a classless organization?
Put down the Crystal Meth and put away your razor blades and guns!! Don’t forget to step back from the ledge while you are at it. Jeeze people, you would think the X just imploded and the team moved to Wichita and became the Kansas Meadowlark’s (their state bird). Just sit back, have a glass of Kool-Aid and wait for July 1st. Here is a great informational video aabout the internets for you all too:
so when was the last time the trap worked and won? those devils teams had finishers on them, and the best goalie in the league for the last so many years. and some of the best puck moving defense men in rafalski and neidermeyer. so um, we don’t have the guns for a system that doesn’t allow the center to be a part of the offensive play, to work at a stanley cup level.
If gabby is quoted as saying he would score more goals in the east, then for all intensive purposes there is a system. no matter what any of us or the organization says, his word trumps all of it.
Most teams play a style of the trap. Because JL is the father of the trap, the Wild gets the worst of the rap.
The Pens play a version of JL’s trap but they refuse to call it the trap. They forecheck harder and have finishers on their team.
FIRE RISEDUMP NOW !!
DUMP THE DUMPPER !!
Gabby said he was thinking of testing “out east”. That says to me that he wants to go where defense is not as important. If it had to do with JL’s system, he would have jsut said he wants to go to a team where they don’t trap as much.
I thought you would like that one Mike but let’s face it, your “RISEDUMP” and
“DUMP THE DUMPPER !!” will never be topped.
I wonder how realistic this rumor is about Hossa to the Canucks… especially when you throw Demo in the mix there, and Calgary getting better, and the Oilers sure to be a better team than last year… It really puts the pressure on DR to make something happen
And we won’t get any finishers because DR is not going to overspend on a top tier FA.
Nice phrase SGS. Perhaps we should combine yours and Mike’s to get Smugdump?
On a personal note:
I tried 2 different times to call my STH rep today. I dialed the Wild main switchboard, listened to Falness’ drivel and then punched #1. Both times, NO ONE ANSWERED!!! How can a smug, self-important, supposed ‘fan friendly’ organization like the Wild Not answer the friggin phone???
I think Gabby’s eatward gaze reflects a.) a big time C to play with on the Wild and b.) the style of play in the entire West. However, it was interesting to see Gabby on that top 10 of the 2000 draft show that in addition to Gabby’s 5 vs. NYR, he also has hatricks vs. NJD and OTT.
An Eric Cole for Gabby trade anyone?
yeah, its frustrating. there are centers out there that scored more goals than all the wild’s centers put together last season (45). I know we aren’t going to sign THE top free agent. But it would be nice to sign a sniper of some sort.
I don’t think it’s The System, either. The Wild don’t play a system that much different from what a lot of teams play. It’s pretty much the same system that the Canadiens played when JL was a player. It’s really not that different from what Detroit plays, but they’ve got more talent and better execution.
Eric Cole? And who else? You gotta get more for Gabby than that.
as an establish player, what interest do you have in getting screamed at and called out for your defensive game? playing better defense doesn’t put up more points. IT doesn’t pad your own stats. and that is what contracts are based on. and pro’s play hockey to make money.
A little Gaborik propaganda for you all: http://youtube.com/watch?v=XxSr1JzP99A
Again, Cole a 1x 30 goal scorer on a run-n-gun team for Gabby 5x 30 goal scorer on a defensive team?
Give me a break. If you throw in Williams, maybe we can start talking.
An Eric Cole for Gabby trade anyone?
If I’m Carolina, yes.
And did I forget to add that Cole is centered by Eric Staal? If he can’t score with him, how is he suppose to score with a mid-range center?
cole is a 3×30 goal scorer. but that isn’t something i would be interested in.
not to mention Cole is 30, and Gabby is what… 26? Just watching some highlights of Gabby, there is no way I want him gone. he is an amazing talent. And so ridiculously fast. I am hoping DR can get a deal done somehow.
Lecavalier and Kovalchuk were all at one time or another called out for their lack of defensive game. Spezza was also called out and he admitted during the playoffs that he needed to do a better job there.
The problem with Erik Cole is that he’s one hard check away from being a vegetable since the neck/spine injury he took a few years back.
FIRE SMUGSBOROUGH NOW!!
DUMP THE SMUGDUMP !!
if you include playoffs, my bad.
reid, Cole only broke 30 once. 29 and 22 are the closest he got otherwise.
Oh gotcha reid. Sorry.
nvm, i clicked on staal. my double bad.
Cole is not a 3x - 30 goal scorer, not according to his career stats on the Hurricanes webpage. He only hit 30 once in the 05-06 year. In 06-07, he scored 29 goals. Last season, 21 goals.
I did not mean to imply a straight up trade at all, just the main pieces! Seems like it could be a good trade to include a first round pick in. Cole and Gabby will both be UFAs next year and I have heard CAR would like to trade him.
If you are countingNHL, high school, and USHL, then yes, Cole did hit 30 goals 3 times.
yep, read the correction, or just post a ton blindly. whatever
The problem with Erik Cole is that he’s one hard check away from being a vegetable since the neck/spine injury he took a few years back.
Look - I got Mike to make a solid hockey point! Gabby’s groin vs. Cole’s neck, not good either way. For the record, I want to keep Gabby but I also don’t want a “Hossa Season” either.
Just saw the correction.
but you got in there and jumped on it. so that was fun. I know because I did it with my initial comment that was wrong.
Don’t want a “Hossa Season?” Better hope for a off-season trade, then.
No WAY Gabby is still around at the trade deadline next season. None.
” I want to keep Gabby but I also don’t want a “Hossa Season” either.”
Nobody wants that. It would be nice if DR could convince Gabby to stay though. I really don’t want to see him go… especially for someone like Cole/+1. If we have to trade him, you better get tops quality stuff in return. I expect to see Gabby’s production increase more this coming season, especially if he stays injury free.
- build from within: Gabby will re-sign with the Wild this summer or be gone by the end of this coming Feb.
- Ultimate Wild SCSU line: Parrish/Cullen/Malone
Six, I know hockey, Dude. It’s just difficult for it to surface and get past the bile that’s been buliding up due to the Dumpper. The Dumpper gets me pissed.
FIRE RISEDUMP NOW !!
DUMP SMUGSBOROUGH !!
(variations on a theme)
Look, I couldn’t care less who’s on the d@mn team when we win the Cup, Gabby included. Just win it.
And if that means letting Gabby burn up 60 goals during ‘08-’09, and as a result driving up his trade value, so be it.
(And, I know. I know. When we win the Cup sounds ridiculous. Positive thinking.
FYI: From what I hear with the Hurricanes, Cullen might still have problems relating to concussion he received during a Rangers game. He missed a lot of games and came back for one or two games at the end and then was out very quickly.
I posted this a few days ago; it bears repeating:
I’m saying fire Risedump because under his leadership the Mild have done nothing.
Not landing Jokinen is more nothing.
Not signing Hossa, or a player like Hossa (mark my words)is more nothing.
Not signing Rolston (mark my words again) means more nothing.
Impact of Marc-Andre Bergeron will be nothing.
What Marc-Andre Bergeron meant to the Ducks: nothing.
Trading for Dominic Moore was nothing.
What JL knew about Dominic Moore: the same as Sgt. Schultz , he KNEW NOTHING!!
Trading for Chris Simon was nothing.
Ice time Chris Simon got in the Avs series: almost nothing.
Impact of trade deadline deals during the season = nothing.
Impact of signing Kim Johnsson: nothing.
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.
If Demitra goes elsewhere you got nothing for O’Sullivan.
He cut Brunette and got nothing.
The Mild in the playoffs the last two years have meant nothing.
Get my drift?
- The Dumpper gets me pissed. We know that!
- build from within: sunshine said on the last thread that Russo said on WCCO that the Wild are likely to hold onto an unextended Gabby until the deadline than to do a trade this summer. That is why I am extra depressed in regards to Smugsborough.
Mike,
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it: DUMP THE DUMPPER must stay. (I do like the SMUGSDUMP, tho.)
6gs: THAT actually makes more sense, if in fact you’re not going to extend him. He better get a d@mn good package for Gabby, tho. And regretably, his track record on trades is a D(R)-.
Russo could be wrong but that is what his opinion was. He said possibly trade at the trade deadline.
Six Goalie: More proof that the Mild front office DOES NOT CARE about winning. Never have.
Mike,
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to research “the Dumper’s” (that’s just too funny a name to say w/o laughing) complete trade history with the Wild.
Good luck.
That’s an extremely short assignment, Build. If the goal was to keep me busy then a request researching the Dumpper’s dumpster-diving history would be time consuming.
Bandgeek at 1:05, I have been wondering the same thing.
@Mike - I guess I don’t see it that way. DR has made mistakes (always easy to see in hindsight) and missed some opportunities. But if you add the positives over the last 6 years it comes out different, including Gaborik, signing Burns, Koivu, Schmidt, etc for medium-long term contracts, playoffs x3 years, winning the division, etc. Again, look at Coloumbus, who’ve generally had higher draft choices, played in an arguably easier division, etc and are still a mess.
DR has a plan and is sticking with it. While it may be tough to take some times, in the long run it will probably pay off. Unfortunately it probably will mean this coming year is a down year, and very possibly seeing Gabby leaving.
Another research topic — I think it was on this post some time ago, but somebody mentioned Smugsborough’s previous tenure as a GM (at Calgary??) and that people were less than impressed with his work. I would like to know more about how he did there and why he is no longer there, i.e., are his tendancies/performances with the Wild similar to his previous job?
i don’t know. who’s plan has been better? DR or GW bush? and how long are we stuck with these plans that don’t work?
When the Dumpper goes on a vacation, to Hawaii for instance, do you suppose he heads on down to the beach with one of those metal detectors looking for loose change, or watches covered up in the sand?
J-Dubs - what kind of plan would call for letting your most successful build-through-the-draft player and face of the franchise leave just as he’s entering his prime? Have to find a way to keep him and build around him. It’s cliche, but he has skills that cannot be coached.
I am just going to pass out razorblades to all you guys so you can go ahead and end your apparent SUFFERING. Christ.
Go over to the Wild.com Message boards and spread your filth over there: http://boards.wild.com/
I will give DR 100% full credit for the excellent Burns, Schultz and Mikko contracts. Also, all the first round picks have worked except for one - not bad. Further, I think a lot of what the Wild did in the past reflected the old owner’s financial position so we also have to give DR some slack there. However, as we head to July 1 and, more importantly, the Gabby negotiaitions, its 100% on DR and doing the smug thing is not helping! You can’t lose a superstar you want to keep and be a good GM.
Plans that don’t work is all that they have at Mild headquarters, reid.
I find it interesting that when Craig Leipold was the owner of Nashville, he was quite agressive in FA and wasn’t afraid to spend money.
He buys the Wild and it’s as if Bob Naegele has never sold the team. Here’s what happened: on day one when Leipold first sat down in his owner’s office, Smugsdump the Dumpper, poured him a glass of that tainted Kool-aid and Leipold has never been seen since.
FIRE RISEDUMP NOW !!
DUMP THE DUMPPER !!
Two things:
1)I would have no issue whatsoever if the Wild gave Gabby the exact same contract as Vinny is apparently getting from the Bolts
2) Stumpel sure as sh!t better not be the Wild’s “answer” for a centerman this free agency period.
I find it interesting that when Craig Leipold was the owner of Nashville, he was quite agressive in FA and wasn’t afraid to spend money. He buys the Wild and it’s as if Bob Naegele has never sold the team.
That kind of condemnation is a little premature. The FA period hasn’t even started yet.
Sure, the outlook doesn’t look good but at least wait and see what happens before you throw CL under the bus too.
No Deep…they’re targeting Vasicek… 
DUMP THE DUMPPER !!
Says the one who consistently takes a dump all over this blog. Come up with a new catch-phrase, will ya?
Seriously. Even Smugsbrough was better.
In one week the bus is going to have an awfully bumpy road.
Bizzaro Kool Aide day indeed.
*Go over to the Wild.com Message boards and spread your filth over there:*
Indeed. I come here to get a respite from the board insanity (which I’ll admit, I’m getting sucked into more than I usually do. Time to put myself in the penalty box.)
In one week the bus is going to have an awfully bumpy road.
That’s fair.
In one week the bus is going to have an awfully bumpy road.
And actually kind of funny. Way to go, Mikey. 
“Says the one who consistently takes a dump all over this blog.”
In what way? By offering up a valid opinion?
they’re targeting Vasicek
On the off-chance that he is on the Wild this season, he better play reasonably well or I’ll never hear the end of it, will I?
Time to put myself in the penalty box
Aren’t Marney and Greenstar still in there??
In what way? By offering up a valid opinion?
No, not at all. I don’t have a problem with your opinion. I’m talking about the constant spamming of the same exact statements, over and over ad nauseum.
But, I realize I’m just contributing to the spamming by continuing to complain on it, so I’ll stop asking you to stop.
Mike you give no opinion.. you just spout “dump the dumper” over and over.. it’s like you want everyone on this blog to follow your lead like your the effin’ pied piper or some sh!t. If we did that, we would be “lemmings’ jsut as you suggest we are for being optimistic. Instead of spouting vomit all over the board, why don’t you come up with a viable alternative to our problems that does not include the phrase “dump the dumper”? How about taking a look at the free agents avaliable and suggesting who you would take and why?
In what way? By offering up a valid opinion?
Might be something to do with the way you toss around blanket insults, condense your “valid opinion” into an all-caps repetitive screech, posing as other people…
I’m probably missing something.
Bizzaro Kool Aide day indeed.
toivo: It was the Vinny “signing” that put me over the edge, I admit.
*glug, glug, glug*
If Josef Vasicek were any good at all, do you think that maybe they would have kept him in Nashville, or Carolina, or New York?
Vasicek is the exact type of dumpster-diving the Dumpper is into.
DB, I would have issue with a 9 year contract committing that much to one player. What if he gets a concussion and is never the same, or needs knee surgery, or production falls off, or becomes a distraction with negative attitude toward the team?
Still, an interesting thought I had yesterday - Ryder. He’d fit in nice, will need about the same or less money as Parrish, and we could send Parrish packing somewhere for a C or a pick next year.
Langkow would be nice, but I think the price is going to be too steep. Still, I think DR needs to be in the bidding.
Vasicek…hmmmm….
Lastly, with respect to Hossa in Vancouver with or without Demitra: I’d doubt it - for either player. As long as Vigneault is still the coach there, neither player is going to be set free, or any free-er than JL would do.
My bet is Hossa stays in the East, and Demo either goes East as well, or ends up back here.
Mike - you seem to have totally shifted purposes. I used to just be amused at your ability to get a rise out of the locals, knowing that was all you were trying to do. Now, you seem to actually mean the things you say, as if you actually care about the Wild.
I like the old Mike better.
Forgot to turn itals off - sorry.
“If Josef Vasicek were any good at all, do you think that maybe they would have kept him in Nashville, or Carolina, or New York?”
The same could have been said for Wes Walz… and he ended up becoming one of the most beloved players on the team. Same could go for Fridge too… and I think he panned out quite nicely this past season. Not all pick-ups are dumb ones.
I would love if we could move parrish somewhere and get his salary off the books. but I don’t see that happening. unless we send him with a brick of gold. parrish would be great with a bunch of highly skilled guys, but we don’t have enough of that to make him effective in our offense.
I suppose I could offer up alternatives as to what the Mild could do-shouldn’t do-whatever, Austin. But it would be a wasted exercise and a waste of time. The front office will do what they consistently do: nothing. They don’t care about winning,
Just retaining Rolston (which it appears won’t happen) wouldn’t be enough.
The Mild needs better players to contend. The Mild front office has shown neither the will nor the capability to improve this team to get it to the next level; as if qualifying for the playoffs and then getting drubbed in the first round means anything to anybody…
Agreed Austin. Some players (like Dupuis, who was mentioned earlier) just need a change of scenery. In response to Michael up North, I am surprised to have waited this long to see Ryder’s name mentioned. What’s the story with him? Sounds like he’s out in Montreal — why? Performance? Attitude? $$$?
yeah, walz was a needle in a haystack. getting a guy back from europe. not too many guys come back from the other side of the pond. chances of another pickup like that are slim to none.
Finally, read thru all the posts. Wow, aren’t we a pessimistic bunch of fans? Come on guys let’s at least enjoy some of Toivo’s Kool-aid Blizzard before we just dump on DR.
OK, in fairness I’ll be the first one to admit I’m frustrated with the lack of moves this season but it is not even July yet. I was hoping to see some intelligent discussions on players the Wild should persue and how they would fit in our system. I would like to see some interest in Lankow, Huselius, Malone, maybe Naslund if huggy Bear leaves. For D I would like them to persue Commodore, Orpik, Hedican and Finger any thoughts?
By the way, between Friday and Monday Pavel Kubina can be traded out of Toronto, despite his no-trade clause. I can guarantee by Monday night he’s no longer a leaf.
Wonder if DR knows that?
Isn’t the Avs Kurt Sauer a UFA? I think he would fit nicely here as a 2nd pair d-man. And he is one of us, after all.
CW, I had mentioned Ryder back at the trade deadline as someone that might fit the bill in a Habs-Thrashers trade involving Hossa. What struck me is here’s a guy who’s had 30 goal seasons, but in the last two years has just been snakebit in Montreal, and fallen out of favor with both the coaches and the fans. That reminded me of Parrish, and sure enough, their stats are eerily similar. Ryder’s a good sniper, and doesn’t depend on garbage goals and tip-ins like Parrish, and the Habs could use someone like Parrish in front while their skill players dance around with the puck.
I will give DR 100% full credit for the excellent Burns, Schultz and Mikko contracts.
OK, but remember: Not even DR himself is 100% happy with the Burns deal.
He’s stated that he wished he signed him for longer, and I agree. Burns is a cornerstone, so why not lock him up?
—-
it’s like you want everyone on this blog to follow your lead like your the effin’ pied piper or some sh!t. If we did that, we would be “lemmings’ jsut as you suggest we are for being optimistic.
Agreed. There’s been a bit more of that lately. Not sure why. Almost as if some are trying inordinately and unnecessarily hard to be influential and persuasive.
How about taking a look at the free agents avaliable and suggesting who you would take and why?
Ditto.
—-
I’m talking about the constant spamming of the same exact statements, over and over ad nauseum.
Think of it as uninteresting billboard; easily passed and ignored. lol.
The big Chris Simon trade dead-line deal (you remember, the one that would get the Mild past the Ducks in the playoffs) and the eventual drubbing by the geezerly Avs in round one has left me more jaded that ever, Hockeydad.
I was hopeful that the presence of a new owner would bring on some changes. Things appear to be worsening in a hurry. The constant in all of this is Risedump. He’s gotta go.
Vasicek is the exact type of dumpster-diving the Dumpper is into.
Not everyone on a 20+ man roster with a salary cap is going to be as good as Pavel Datsyuk. There are plenty of good players who make the rounds around the league for various reasons. A good GM will do some dumpster-diving, but find the right players. On the Red Wings, Cleary, McCarty, Downey, Drake, and Stuart and Lilja would all be dumpster dives.
My suggestion of Vasicek is in no way meant to mean I think he should be the key acquisition this summer, but I do think he’d be a good value signing. It would mean little without improving the top-end talent as well.
BDS, other than Malone (unless he comes in at $3MM or less) I think that is a good list of players the Wild should be considering.
Mike, given your logic of, “But it would be a wasted exercise and a waste of time”, you are wasting your time by spouting “Dump the Dumper” over and over because the franchise will run the same regardless of what we suggest. So you suggesting that ad nauseum is an exercise in futility. So please, give it a rest so the rest of us can go back to talk about possible trades/FA pickups etc… Maybe the things we are talking about won’t happen, but it keeps us entertained at least.
Complaining about the lack of a deal at the deadline or otherwise is easy enough. But the real question is, would you have given up the assets that would have been required in order to complete the deal? From what’s been reported, I can’t fault DR much for not pulling the trigger on a trade because I would have been hesitant to give up what was asked. The OJ non-trade was a great example. What was FLA looking for - Shep and our #1? I would not have made that deal.
If there’s some criticism it might be the lack of quality prospect depth. But I can’t fault DR for not giving up his best young talent in these deals.
@BDS
1. You going for Bizzaro Kool Aid, or Blizzard Kool Aid? I’ve got plenty of the former on my 12:05pm.
2. DR’s past GM history? Three words: Doug. Gilmour. Trade. Check it out.
3. Langkow’s been a “unofficial” done deal for awhile, they just can’t make an announcement yet. He’s staying in CAL.
4. Ryder’s been mentioned by myself (and others) sometime ago, from the standpoint (as mentioned above) that he’s broken the 30 goal mark, but was considered a flop in MTL, so he’s on the outs. Nice right-hand shot, and could be a nice pick-up IF he’s willing to lose face and take a pay cut.
—-
MUN,
RE: Ryder. See above.
Tell us more about that Kubina situation…Hadn’t heard that. Thx.
“I was hopeful that the presence of a new owner would bring on some changes. Things appear to be worsening in a hurry.”
The new owner hasn’t been around long enough to really judge. Maybe he has a different view on FA… we will have to wait and see. I am not sold on CL, but hopefully he can light a fire under DR’s arse.
Hockeyday, you are correct Kurt Sauer is a UFA and he could be a good fit at a decent price.
ATX, I agree that Malone’s play in the SCP can have elevated his price beyond what DR wants to pay. We might get a bit of the “I want to play here” discount however the same argument could be said for the Pens so I’m not sure but I hope they talk to him.
For all the Parrish bashers out there I’m confident he will bounce back this season. I’m not saying this was the reason for his decline but having a new baby in the household can really change the you perform athlete or not.
What really needs to happen is for the Mild front office to hear the fans discontent as to the manner in which the team is put together. So far what the Mild have given the fans is B.S.
It’s time to start caring about winning.
toivo…I threw Vasicek out a few days ago as a player (DR’s best UFA signing this summer) that he targeted all along (and that he would try to spin it that way)…and I was joking.
My rant on DR is similar to Mikes, but a little varied in message.
Ultimately it boils down to when exactly IS the future? When are you going to explicitly go into the FA market and TRY to IMPROVE the team with FRONT LINE talent. We have enough role players and checkers and 2-3 liners. We need a SCORER. Someone to put the puck in the net. The biscuit in the basket.
Just one player…14+ mil to spend. Give me one of the top 5 available to prove that you are in it to win it (kudos WRT).
At the risk of repeating, here is a link I posted earlier today from TSN: http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=11300
Who would you go after on that list?
the front office won’t hear this blog. they won’t hear anything other than $$. as long as there is still demand for tickets, they won’t care what you say. so spam some other board. It won’t make a difference.
bfw, Thanks for the Langkow update. Now I will need a big scoop of my Kool-aid Blizzard. Was there an unoffical price attached?
I agee on the interest in Ryder at a lower price. I just hink overall we need more of the guys that can put the puck in the net. Huselius fits this mold as well.
huselious, vrbata, and i wouldn’t mind liles.
From that list I would target:
1) Hossa (expensive but shows committment by front office to improve)
2) Langkow (unless he has re-signed)
3) Vrbata
4) Malone (see #1)
5) Sister Kristian
6) Orpik (see #1)
7) Streit
Jason Williams
Sadly, I predict we will sign NONE of those.
What really needs to happen is for the Mild front office to hear the fans discontent
Wrong. That will change nothing.
Owners hear $$$$$$$.
Liles does little for me. Huselius - yes. I wouldn’t mind Naslund at a reasonable price.
BFW:
Kubina’s contract has a no-trade clause, but it expires this friday. Not sure why they wrote it this way, but McKenzie @ TSN reported it a couple weeks ago, and it’s a good possibility he’ll be dealt since he was one of the 5 Fletch wanted gone.
Apparently McCabe and the others do not have this same clause.
ATX:
1. Glen Metropolit isn’t on the list 
2. Huselius
3. Streit
4. Orpik
5. Ryder
Those are the 5 I’d make a play for, knowing you won’t get them all.
oh - definitely Orpik.
kj, good list, but only Malone at a cheaper price than $4MM. I wonder how much of an increas Vrbata would be looking for?
Is it July 1st yet? I want to stop talking about this stuff and actually see some moves being made (by anyone!).
I read that Naslund wouldn’t consider going to a divisional team so it sounds like all the NW teams are out of the running.
I like Vrbata and Huselius.
orpik is going to want big money. more than dr wants to spend in his plan.
I really like the idea of Huselius… only $1.4MM last season too. What about Orpik, how much would he run?
kj, agree on the list but would ad Hainsey to it. Still I’m affraid your prediction in this case will come true.
Has the salary cap for next year been set? I’ve heard rumors about $54-57 mil but not heard a firm number.
But the real question is, would you have given up the assets that would have been required in order to complete the deal? From what’s been reported, I can’t fault DR much for not pulling the trigger on a trade because I would have been hesitant to give up what was asked.
Two examples.
Federov for Teddy Ruth.
Bryce Salvador for Cam Janssen.
I think the Wild had assets on par with what was given up for those two players and I would have given them up.
Speaking of Federov… could we pick him up at a discounted rate? I know he isn’t what he used to be, but it seems like he would fit in well in MN.
yep, and by pulling the trigger for OJ, does that make one really fast winger with a wimpy groin happy? giving him a real top line playmaker to compliment him? we shall never know.
Michal Rozsival might not be bad either.
Just curious, toivo, which Wild assets would those be comparable to?
DR should have picked up Huselius a few years back when Iron Mike in FL put him thru waivers.
ATX:
Huselius is probably gonna get 2.5 - 2.75 for 3 years.
Orpik, easily 3M.
Toivo, I dunno… When you’re slim in the prospect arena, dealing one for a playoff run is risky, unless you really think you can get there.
i would guess orpik would want at least 3.5 to 4 for 4 yrs.
this sucks…why are there not MORE updates…there has to be stuff to report on!
Also, why do I keep kidding myself and think that DR is going to do something really big in a trade or signing…isn’t he the guy who traded for Chris Simon?
Where is KiPA? Is Orpik worth 4 for 4?
ATX, I agree Fedorov would be an excellent fit here - a true fit for the role Walz had. He’s great defensively, and can really put up some offense as well. Got a great one-timer, too. At 3M he’d be worth it, but not at 5 or 6.
Only prob there is he likes ice time, and tends to complain when he doesn’t get it. as a #2 or #3 center, he might not be so happy. Besides, he’s in a mentoring role with #8 now.
Oh, Sharks just resigned Roenick and Pavelski.
he is a ufa this year, fedorov is right?
MUN: Wow, thanks. That’s weird.
bfw, Thanks for the Langkow update. Now I will need a big scoop of my Kool-aid Blizzard. Was there an unoffical price attached?
Price? For the Kool Aid Blizzard, or Langkow?
…oh, and btw, you should try some BIZARRO Kool Aid. Mmm.
I thought Orpik was solid stay-at-home defenseman. $4M/yr sounds a bit steep. what about stuart at detroit…he’s a UFA, isn’t he?
I can handle paying Orpik 4 for 4.
If the Habs can’t get the deal done with Kostitsyn, man I’d go after him too and find some way to either dump or buy out Yawnsson’s contact.
I’m full of ideas today
stuart finally played to his potential. he made like 3.5m last year. i don’t see him taking less from anyone but detroit.
I will defer to KiPA…he’s seen a lot more of him than I.
KiPA: Rossi (Pens reporter) was on NHL Live yesterday and said that Orpik might be willing to take a hometown discount. However, he’s going to way his options first. That might some good news for you.
Yeah Reid, Federov is a UFA.
Bizzaro Kool-Aid?? Is that what they drin in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas??
Oh, and sorry for the triple post here, but Thanks KiPA.
sunshine: Yeah, Rossi wrote that .. I forget when. Week or so ago I guess. He said he’d consider taking less if the Pens give him a five-year deal. Supposedly an offer might have come today.
Which is weird because for so much of the season there was no way Orpik would return. He hated Therrien.
stuart finally played to his potential. he made like 3.5m last year. i don’t see him taking less from anyone but detroit.
+1
Has the salary cap for next year been set? I’ve heard rumors about $54-57 mil but not heard a firm number.
Per the NHL CBA Critical Dates Calendar, the “Upper and Lower Limits” are set June 30th.
“Which is weird because for so much of the season there was no way Orpik would return. He hated Therrien.”
Funny how going to the SCF changes your perception of things huh?
Funny how going to the SCF changes your perception of things huh?
Yup.
Bizzaro Kool-Aid?? Is that what they drin in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas??
Not sure. Had to IMDB it, and it sounds like it. lol.
Anyway, it’s really the antithesis of the lemming-style Kool-Aid (see: Mike, Dump the Dumpper, et. al.)
To change the subject a bit… Between now and next Tuesday, DR has 3 contracts he’s alluded to offering:
PMB, and 2 out of Voros, Fedoruk, and Foy. My question is, what do you think the offers are going to be, and to whom?
My bet is the PMB offer is 5 yrs @ 19M.
I’ll also wager on him offering to Voros and Fedoruk, leaving Foy the odd man out. Voros might get 900k for 2, Fedoruk might get 1.2 for 3.
MUN, I agree it will probably be PMB, Voros, and Fedoruk.
PMB for 5 years at 19m would be a great deal IMO. I would love to have him locked up for at least 5 years.
I can handle Voros getting a 2 or 3 year deal for around 1 million. And I would love to have Fedoruk for 3 years. I think he was great for the team this season.
My suggestion of Vasicek is in no way meant to mean I think he should be the key acquisition this summer, but I do think he’d be a good value signing. It would mean little without improving the top-end talent as well.
I knew where you were coming from on this one, if that makes you feel any better toivo. FWIW, I think you’re one of the most reasonable and insightful regular contributors on this site.
Lecavilier resigned 9 years @ 77 Billion…i mean million.
That should set the bar for gabby to make no more than 8 million a season with his slightly lesser point production and durability.
Grim… I think it’ll take 8.5 to keep him here. He’d probably take 7.9 elsewhere.
Here’s numbers:
PMB - $19 million for 5 would be great. Its reasonable and tradeable in the future.
SRV - $2.4 million for 3 years
Foster - $ 1.05 for 1 year
Voros or Fedoruk - $1 million for 2 years
bfw - lol, yeah the Kool-aid Blizard is comanding a heft price tag these days.
Bizzaro Kool-aid is that what I can buy from the guy in the corner of Rice park?
Off topic completely… does anyone know when the Wild’s 2008 Prospect Camp is, and where it will be held?
You know what they say: Those who can’t do, become VPs of Hockey Ops.
Isn’t in the middle of July and at the X?
Buddha: Last year’s Prospect Camp started on July 23rd and was held at the X and Parade. It lasted a week according to news report.
FWIW: If it takes $3M/year to sign Huselius, do it. We need him on a 2nd line. Someone has got to be out there to hit something and he can do it.
re: Pavel Kubina: No, thank you. I really don’t want the guy that Tampa dumped for Filip Kuba. Do we really WANT another human pylon on defense? Isn’t the one we currently have (Skoula) bad enough for you all?
Hossa: We can’t even get our current Slovak players to play when the team needs them to. Do we really want to take a chance on another??
Well, do we??
Bizzaro Kool-Aid is the drink of choice for Risedumppers everywhere!
Sunshine, I’d suggest 1.5 for SRV - as great as he is on the 3rd line, 2.4 is a high price to pay for a grinder.
Overall the discussion today is fun - I like the fedorov talk, always. I’ve been pushing that one since the deadline.
WRT, not suggesting that we run out and sign him, but he could have some upside as a bona-fide D man. He’s not that bad, and had better success in Tor than in TB. Sometimes a change in scenery…. ala Dupuis.
Yes WRT…. I’d take Hossa every day of the week and in just about any position on the ice.
I’m not sure why anyone is wasting the time or the Wild’s tightly gripped money on suggestions to sign defensemen. We don’t need any (we don’t but not worth spending money on). This team is short on scoring. Scoring. Scoring.
As mentioned earlier, we out shot our opponents most games yet we lost many of those cause we don’t have guys who can put the puck in the net. If DR even wastes a nickle in FA for a defenseman he should be drop-kicked.
If Gillies is going to make this team, we have our 4 Centers:
Koivu
Shep
Pouli
Gillies
If they get a center, Gillies won’t make the club. So…. you go keep those for Centers (if Marleau isn’t available for PICKS-ONLY) and you go sign 3 quality scorers.
Russo? Help us man… we are dying for even an update of “Schultz”… “I know nothing” (in a thick german accent.
Schmidty,
Scoring is nice, but didn’t we have the scoring lineup the last 2 years? Guys that can score do nothing when they play in a system that stresses D first. What you need is to keep goals from going in, and continue to get your 2.89 GPG for.
Gillies will not play center. He only played there because his team was lacking centers. He was not good there from what I remember and that is why the Wild has slotted him for the wing.
Serious MUN? If that’s the case then just put 5 defensemen on the ice and call it soccer.
Just curious, toivo, which Wild assets would those be comparable to?
You know what? Doing this exercise was good. Or I should say educational.
Teddy Ruth: he was a 2nd round draft pick in 2007. The Wild didn’t have a 2nd round pick because they included it with Mitchell when they traded him to Dallas for Skoula and Belle. Good grief, why would you include a pick in that trade when you’re a seller? A 2nd rounder no less! They didn’t have a 3rd because that’s what they gave up for Dom Moore. Their 4th is Justin Falk, who I would have given up, but that’s not comparable. 2006’s 2nd was Ondrej Fiala, and I would have given him up, but now we know the Wild has already bailed on him so maybe he had no trade value. 2005’s 2nd was Matt Kassian. WTF???
OK, I give up. You’re right. They probably couldn’t have gotten Federov. The only options that I can think of are Pouliot, Clutterbuck and maybe Kalus. That is just sad that they probably couldn’t do better than Teddy Ruth (no offense, Teddy!). Now I think more than ever the Wild should have dumped Rolston and Demitra at the deadline. Now I’m depressed too. Somebody pass the razorblades.
You sure about the Sunshine? I recall following the draft the Wild raving about getting Gillies and how he was going to be the next line of Sheppard for the team.
To me, that would imply he would play center. However, if what you say is true then go get Marleau and add to scores on the wing. I’m fine with that too. My point is, the system takes care of the defense and we should plug in Stoner, Belle or Cuma to fill that seventh spot and not spend any money there.
whoa! pass the bong!
We need a top 4 defensemen because we spent too much time in our own end when we are playing against elite teams. By the time they get the puck out, they are too tired to score. We need a defensemen who can make that first outlet pass.
There are some games where we were grossly outshot by our opponents. I think for the most part our SOG were less than our opponents. We were able to win these lopsided SOGs because we were able to make the most of our chances. For example, Rangers game, the SOG for Rangers-Wild by period were: 10-2, 16-10, 9-10.
Yeah, I am sure, Schmidty. Gillies is not a center. He played on the wing when he was with Houston and they will continue to play him there.
lol @ MUN!
Sorry…. Thought I was getting skipped there - I was totally confused and bewildered.
They are not going to play Cuma this year. You would basically rely on Burns, Schultz, Johnsson, and Skoula. You have Reitz, who is rookie even though he spent 5+ years in the AHL. MAB who is 5/6th D-men and Foster, who will be out for at least the first half of the year.
MAB probably isn’t as strong defensively as Carney. If Reitz wasn’t signed, I would say that Cuma has a strong shot but you can’t rely on two rookies to fill that 6th spot.
DR needs to get a veteran NHL defensemen to fill the 8th d-men spot. I hope its a Top 4 gritty, puck-moving d-men.
And while we’re in a told ya so mood, I told you Vinny wouldn’t make it to UFA next summer. So there! :^P
I’m still depressed about Teddy Ruth, though.
Gillies was drafted as a center but Risebrough said he will not be played as a center. He will play in our system as a winger.
So I know we have no idea what to expect from this season but it looks like 2 big players are leaving and the free agency is really nothing to drool over this year with the exception of a handful of players we would never try for. Anybody get the feeling this could be a “Lets see what the kids can do” year?
Kalus could have been Ruth. He is a second rounder pick, too.
I hear Jaarko Ruutu is going to be available.
Oh, and thanks Wallshot @ 4:36
Anybody get the feeling this could be a “Lets see what the kids can do” year?
The thought has crossed my mind a couple of times, yes.
We were outshot by 251 shots for the season, so you may be right Sunshine, HOWEVER,
If you think you’ll find a Top 4 D-man that can move the puck and has a little grit for under $5 million… you are dreaming. (coming from one who knows as I have been begging for Hossa)
You might as well peg Campbell for $6 million a year. Orpik is bloated just like Malone. Had a good year, and a great playoffs on a team with 3 great superstars on it and everyone will over pay for them. Everyone forgets Orpik’s -36 in 2003-2004 or his career low in PIM this year. I bet any of us could play defense in Pitt. (No offense KiPA) When you are up by 4 and they have to keep TWO d-man back to protect against Crosby, Malkin (and Hossa).
Those players aren’t out there and if they are they want $5+ million. You want another $5 million wrapped up on defense? That would be $10+ million to two defensemen for the next two years…. God help us if that is our future. I’ll take my chances with Cuma.
We need a defensemen as much as we need a scorer.
I will settle for a gritty defensemen. I hate Commodore because he is a pylon but he is a physical pylon who takes stupid penalties.
We need a defenseman who won’t:
a. Take stupid penalties
b. Be a liability in his own zone
c. Turn over the puck in front of his own net, and
d. Be afraid to HIT SOMEBODY when necessary to stop a developing play.
Find me a man who can do that and I’ll have you a No. 4 defenseman. We’ll even throw in the popcorn machine our current No. 4 has operated previously!
From a player poll earlier in the year (which I cannot find online anymore)
If you could play for any NHL team (other than your own), which would you choose?
1) Toronto Maple Leafs (34) 14.4%
2) New York Rangers (29) 12.3%
3) Detroit Red Wings (19) 8%
4) Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks (18) 7.6%
5) Dallas Stars (15) 6.3%
6) Colorado Avalanche and Montreal Canadiens (14) 5.9%
7) Minnesota Wild and Tampa Bay Lightning (10) 4.2%
Phoenix Coyotes (9) 3.8%
9) Calgary Flames (8) 3.4%
10) Anaheim Ducks and Florida Panthers (5) 2.1%
11) Nashville Predators, Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins (4) 1.7%
12) Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers and San Jose Sharks (3) 1.2%
13) Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres (2) 0.85%
14) Carolina Hurricane and Edmonton Oilers (1) 0.42%
Teams without a single vote, from 283 NHLers: Atlanta, Columbus, New Jersey, the Islanders, St. Louis and Washington.
We are tied with Tampa Bay? Wow, I guess that warm weather does have its draws.
I don’t get New Jersey — can someone explain what’s so bad about the Devils? They are perennial contenders and near NYC.
And the last time I tried that bizarro kool-aid I woke up 3 days later, naked in the middle of a corn field.
Orpik’s -36 in 2003-2004 or his career low in PIM this year.
That was four years ago on a truly dreadful team. A lot can happen in four years. I said on an earlier thread this was Orpik’s breakout year that I’ve been waiting for. It took him a while (Therrien’s fault), but he was playing well before the playoffs.
And career-low in PIMs…isn’t that a good thing? He’s not putting his team shorthanded? I fail to see the negative in not having a lot of penalty minutes.
Orpik is more worthy of $4 million than Malone.
Thanks for the insight KiPA, but do it for more than 1 year (like I also expect from Malone) before you get a 200% raise.
The knock on the low PIM’s is good, unless you are looking for a “gritty, physical” defensemen. That shows me he’s softening up… which would actually fit into the historical efforts to bring tough guys in who then turn to lovers, not fighters.
See also.
(Matt Johnson)
(Sean Hill)
(Chris Simon)
(Adam Hall)
(Fridge)
In other words, 95.8% of NHL players’ first choice would be to play for a team other than Minnesota.
Ouch.
If the prospect camp is in July, why aren’t they advertising it? Dang it. I see the Wild prospects are participating in a tourny in Michigan in September. The Wings have their camp advertised and tickets available. Nothing from the home town team, though. If anyone has seen anything, could you post a link?
Orpik was solid last year, but not as good as this year, so the “do it for more than 1 year” argument has merit. He’s not softening up though. He got better physically and was pretty much the Penguins’ only physical presence (and spare me the “anyone can be physical on the Pens” jokes; he was legit). I think you can be gritty and physical without needing to prove it by taking penalties.
Malone also needs to do it for more than one year, and that’s just one reason he’s not worth $5M.
Calm down, toivo. You got more votes than the Penguins did (which boggles my mind and leads me to question the validity of the poll).
Calm down, toivo. You got more votes than the Penguins did (which boggles my mind and leads me to question the validity of the poll).
Homer…
Buddha:
The Wild prospects camp is usually closed to the public. Maybe what you are talking about is the Traverse City, MI Prospects Tournament, which is likely in August. They sell tickets to those.
I wonder if ‘ol Demitra dreams of playing with Hossa. They are so magical on the ice together.
Better at 4.2% than not be picked at all.
That is one funny but disturbing video. Here is one with the Hossa brothers, Demitra, and Gaborik.
If you think you’ll find a Top 4 D-man that can move the puck and has a little grit for under $5 million… you are dreaming.
So your saying Kim Johnsson’s $4.9 million cap hit for the next two years isn’t so bad Once again, day one or two UFAs get a nice premium, I am sure #10 understands that. I wonder if Smugsborough stayed late at the office to craft his own Lecavalier type deal?
How do you say ‘Blades of Glory’ in Slovenský jazik???
there is some serious malcontent brewing around here right now. There are still five whole days until July 1 and I think we’re going to need some valium in Russoville!
There are still five whole days until July 1 and I think we’re going to need some valium in Russoville!
The faith many had at the trade deadline has evaporated.
Mike: you forgot Willie Mitchell on your ‘list.’
Folks, just sit back and watch what happens from July 1 onward..anything can happen..hope for the best.
Last team to win the Cup w/trap? I’d say ‘99 Stars, but what really won it (no not a skate in the crease)
was a tight knit group of vets that had championship pedigree(Calgary Joe N.Habs Guy C. Mike Keane. Craig L etc) and Crazy Eddie Belfour.
They hated Hitchcock’s system but bought in, dug in, and fortunately won…it was chemistry,timing, grit and luck.
Keep the faith and let’s see what Wild mgt does. It’ just starting to get interesting.
If things do not work out, all of you band together and agree not to attend the opening home game. An empty arena on opening night..THAT would get their attention!
Good luck…will be watching from afar.
Nick, I tried hard to get them to put down the pitchforks and put out the torches, but they are still holding firm!
hey, perception is reality. Look at how many people around the league still think we’re a no-talent team that only traps….oh wait…
Sullivan:
Would you say that the 2000 and 2003 Devils were trapping teams?
LOL Lucky that video was awesome
How many people here can even explain what the “trap” is and what it isn’t. Anybody here actually played hockey?
The trap isn’t terribly complicated. EVERY team uses it some times (some variation at least), and hence could be called a trapping team.
I think it’s funny that people talk about Lemaire like he’s the creator of the trap. It’s been around way before he was coaching the Devils.
Yeah its called Defense
So many people talk about it but they can’t define it. Thats why I think it is funny when people say the trap is so horrible.
FANTASTIC comment, edubs. I have been playing hockey for 26 years (Cubs through adult league here in Chicago) and have the Center Ice pass to catch my Wild (and piss off the wife with 30+ hours of hockey per week) and don’t really see a very distinct difference with the style of play with teams throughout the NHL. Sure, there are some players, lines, or situations that allow for more aggresive forechecking or leaking out of the defensive zone, but it’s by in large situational…either time of game or matchups. That’s why it’s such a joke to hear national columnists, sports writers, or commentators talk about the “Wild’s defensive system” and JL as “creator/father” of the trap.
Yeah its called Defense
FTW
So many people talk about it but they can’t define it. Thats why I think it is funny when people say the trap is so horrible.
Amen.
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?
My wife can name off almost every number ANY wild player has ever worn since the Wild first started playing. She wouldnt know the trap if it hit her in the head. Please God don’t let her see this. They trap all the time in basketball also but you dont hear people complain about how they dont run and gun all the time.
I should clarify, lest it detract from my comments, Cubs through high school and college intramural at the U where in Minny…adult league here in Chicago. You guys would be amazed at the quality of players in Illinois that played club/travel or whatever else they want to call it. They wouldn’t have sniffed JV as a senior at ANY metro area high school.
Catch any Chicago Steel games?
No…no Wolves either. Until this year, Blackhawks tickets were easy to come by and relatively cheap. Kane, Toews, and the death of the owner changed that.
fresh post folks. also, o’sullivan scored more goals than demo this year. for millions less. Oops.
My sentiments too, GOW.
