Rolston’s rights traded to Tampa Bay (UPDATED)
Posted on June 29th, 2008 – 6:22 PMBy Michael Russo
Fyi, I’ll try to throw up a free-agent primer late Monday.
7:37 p.m. I am hearing from a source that the Wild is preparing to trade Brian Rolston’s rights tonight, most likely to Tampa Bay.
8:25 p.m. According to sources, the Wild has traded Brian Rolston’s rights to the Tampa Bay Lightning. I am not sure what the Wild is getting back yet and the conditions.
9:03 p.m. update: NHL hasn’t approved this yet. There are some conditions that have to do with Tampa being able to sign Rolston. This is speculation, but I’m guessing the fourth-rounder Tampa sent to Pittsburgh is in play. Tampa’s probably saying it has the pick back now that it signed Malone (PIttsburgh gets a third in that case), but if the contract hasn’t yet been approved by the NHL, does Tampa own that fourth again? This is just speculation, but since it’s hung up right now, something’s going on.
9:42 p.m. The trade is done. It’s for a conditional draft pick with three different conditions apparently depending on whether Rolston signs with Tampa Bay or not. The conditions will be spelled out to me in a little bit. I’m up against deadline, so I’ll be back later
9:57 pm update: OK, here’s the best it’s been described to me. Rolston’s rights were traded to Tampa Bay for a third in 2010. However, if the Ryan Malone contract is approved as expected, the pick becomes the 2009 fourth round pick Tampa traded to Pittsburgh.
HOWEVER, if Rolston signs there, that fourth becomes a third again — either San Jose’s third-round pick in 2009 that Tampa Bay owns or Tampa Bay’s third in 2010 — at the Wild’s option.
Got it? Dizzy yet? I am. To make it simpler, essentially the Wild picked up a fourth that could become a third if Rolston signs there.
OK, I’m back. Fun day 
I left a baby shower at 3:45 p.m. to deal with this story and here it is 11 p.m., and I’m finally done.
Although, it was made easier by some NHL peeps that clued me in and let me get a head start on the story, which I appreciate greatly.
Even Rolston asked me tonight, “How the heck do you get your scoops?” I was hours ahead of Rolston, who made countless calls and couldn’t get it confirmed that this trade was coming down.
Here’s the deal. I had a long chat with Brian tonight as you’ll read in tomorrow’s paper.
I did joke to him that if he signed in Tampa, I could not wait til Wes Walz blows the whistle and makes him skate a lap and do 20 pushups. Rolston jokingly told me what he’d tell Walz if that happened.
Rolston said in his opinion — and granted, this is before Tampa Bay throws some bigtime dollar figures at him Monday, so this could very well change – he’s still a free-agent as of July 1.
Rolston talked about how great the Wild has been and how fair it has been and how much he loves the fans here. But it’s gotten so close to free agency, he just feels he has to see what his market value is and which teams come after him.
He wasn’t casting blame, but he did half-wonder how this would have all played out if the Wild had come to him in January or last summer. But now free agency is too enticing. He said if he doesn’t sign with Tampa Bay on Monday, as far as he’s concerned, the Wild’s still a player.
But that to me seems very far-fetched. A dozen teams are going to throw cash at him, and suddenly the Wild would find itself in a feeding frenzy and potentially waste time negotiating fruitlessly with Rolston while perhaps miss out on others.
So I don’t see it happening, although Doug Risebrough declined to comment on the trade tonight because he still has interest in Rolston. And awkwardly, he felt he couldn’t comment on Rolston because suddenly it would be like tampering. His rights belong to another team, so he couldn’t say he still wants him.
It’s a shame though. This is one good player and one good guy. You have no idea how respected he is amongst his teammates.
11:15 p.m. addition: I just talked to Brian Lawton, Tampa Bay’s new VP of Hockey Ops and former MInneapolis-based agent and North Star. He’s seen Rolston play countless games in the last three years and wants Rolston badly, especially since No. 1 pick Steven Stamkos is going to need mentorship.
Here’s a quick quote from Lawton: “This one’s pretty simple. We’ve identified Brian as one of the elite free agents available, one his ability and two his character,” Lawton said. “We’re excited to have his rights and we’ll get into it [Monday] and see where it takes us. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him and a deep appreciation for him as a player and person.”
By the way, Lawton did hint that the Lightning wasn’t done, that he’s got something else up his sleeve. He didn’t say if it was a UFA (although they like Vrbata, I hear) or trade (perhaps Dan Boyle?).
While Risebrough said last week the Wild would have to look for “alternatives” if it wasn’t able to retain Rolston, it’ll be difficult to fill his skates.
No Wild forward has seen more ice time the past three years (more than 20 minutes a game). He supplied a big shot from the power-play point, was a tremendous penalty killer and is one of the NHL’s best defensive forwards.
In three seasons with the Wild, Rolston climbed up the Wild’s seven-year record book. His 96 goals rank second, 106 assists fourth, 202 points third, 40 power-play goals second, seven shorthanded goals second, 21 game-winning goals second, 887 shots second and 47 multi-point games second.
I see the Wild signing Andrew Brunette and going after another “impact forward.” Problem is, there’s not a lot of impact forwards available. I’ll write more about that Tuesday. Like I said yesterday, they also want a “top-four” defenseman, but if that market gets crazy, they’ll pursue a trade most likely.
Here’s a quote from the Tampa Bay Rolston press release:
“As we said earlier this week and we are trying to prove after making our deal with Pittsburgh (Saturday), we will work feverishly to improve the Lightning team for the 2008-09 season,” owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie said in a joint statement.
“We believe getting the Lightning a head start in the negotiating and signing process can help us secure the players we are targeting. Nothing is guaranteed here, but we hope to have a chance to get another quality player in a Lightning uniform sooner rather than later.”
329 Responses to "Rolston’s rights traded to Tampa Bay (UPDATED)"
Rolston will easily get $5 million for three years now and that is not a price the Wild should have paid.
I love Rolston, but spend the money and keep some of the younger player - PMB for instance.
hasta la, Bri.
Hope DR can find someone to replace him.
- I think a DR rule we can etch in stone is he will never sign a player over 35 for more than 2 years.
- Problem is, there’s not a lot of impact forwards available.
No kidding - I guess the Isles tried to trade for Huselius’ rights - Doug Smugborough better be ready to work those phones on Tuesday.
Yeah I say good luck trying to fill those skates but I don’t know if we’d be happy giving him $5M a year for 3 years. I just don’t trust it. Oh and thank God I don’t have to hear anymore Malone talk!!! The Ryan Malone love fest will soon be over.
Boy oh boy…Smuggy’s gonna roll out the red carpet for Old Players #1 and #2.
It’s shaping up to be a blockbuster offseason!
Kj It will no doubt be interesting
I think the Wild will surprise everyoine with the off season results. If they sign Brunette and lose Rolston. I like it ! I think it would be nice to see Demitra back here playing with Gaborick. You cant minimize Demitras performance in helping the Wild get those extra points that helped them win the division
Good luck to Rolston. I hope he does get his $5 million. I am just glad that we are not paying that amount, even though, he is a good player and we will miss his 30 goals.
Russo, how much do you think it’ll take for Rolston to go to Pittsburgh? Pens may have some room this year but not so much next.
It’s show time for Mr. Leipold. We’ll see how this new ownership is really going to operate. If Leipold wants a winner he is going to have to spend some money. The next two weeks will tell the tale.
Wow - FYI - this is now above:
UPDATE: I am hearing from an impeccable source that the Wild is preparing to trade Brian Rolston’s rights tonight, most likely to Tampa Bay.
Hockey Buzz has the following opinions on whom thw Wild will be interested in come Tuesday
As such, I have taken a thorough look at the available UFA’s and have come up with a guy or two I would REALISTICALLY like to see the Wild take a shot at. That said, let’s take a look:
Center: Jason Williams, Brendan Morrison or Michael Peca.
Left Wing: Kristian Huselius, Andrew Brunette, or Ladislav Nagy.
Right Wing: Rolston, Demitra, Michael Ryder or David Vyborny
Defense: Ron Hainsey, Dmitri Kalinin, Mike Commodore or Brooks Orpik
I am hearing from an impeccable source that the Wild is preparing to trade Brian Rolston’s rights tonight, most likely to Tampa Bay.
Just not for Kuba
Tampa realizes there’s a salary cap, don’t they? And defense is sorta important? Lot of potential scoring there. Dunno how they’ll keep the puck out of their net.
more info for Wild fans
James Mirtle, a columnist for The Golbe and Mail, also posts a great blog at mirtle.blogspot.com. He has painstakingly rated this year’s free agents in a number of different categories. I have reviewed and summarized some of his information below with names that either now mean something or soon will mean something to Wild fans. Other names are included for comparison sake:
Points Per Minute - Forwards
1. M. Sundin
2. M. Svatos (RFA)
3. A. Brunette
4. W. Wolski (RFA)
5. P. Demitra
15. M. Hossa
18. O’Sullivan (RFA)
19. P-M. Bouchard (RFA)
21. J. Sakic
22. J. Pandolfo
25. R. Malone
31. R. Robatille
35. M. Naslund
68. B. Rolston
76. D. Moore
88. S. Veilleux (RFA)
Of note, Colorado has a plethora of top points per minute forwards. Demitra was surprising to me at #5, but it was nice to see him well ahead of O’Sullivan whom we traded, in part, for Demitra. Rolston also surprised me being so low on this list. Interestingly, Robatille and Moore, both former members of the Wild were on the list.
Points Per Minute - Defense
1. M. Streit
2. B. Campbell
3. M. Green
15. W. Redden
21. K. Carney
22. K. Foster
40. J-M. Liles
41. P. Nummelin
47. B. Orpik
48. S. Hill
49. A. Zyuzin
50. J. Smith
53. A. Foote
54. K. Sauer
Interesting to see Carney, Foster, Nummelin and Hill on this list, while Johnsson, Burns and Schultz are noticably absent.
Grading Free Agents by Points (Forwards with 35 or more points and Defensemen with 20 or more points)
Forwards:
1. M. Sundin
2. J. Jagr
3. M. Hossa
6. P-M. Bouchard
7. B. Rolston
8. A. Brunette
10. M. Naslund
11. P. Demitra
12. C. Perry
15. P. O’Sullivan
Defensemen:
1. M. Streit
2. B. Campbell
3. M. Green
Clearly, Streit, Campbell and Green are the TOP 3 defensive prospects in this year’s free agency. I was surprised that Bouchard rated higher than Rolston and was happy to see Demitra again above O’Sullivan in these rankings. Brunette at #8, just behind Rolston, gives me some satisfaction that if we lose Brian, we can replace his points with Andrew. Also, if Rolston doesn’t re-sign with the Wild, I would be happy to retain Demitra
So Wild fans, who is on your REALISTIC wish list for this free agency period?
What do you think of the free agent rankings?
How will the continuing saga of Rolston, Demitra and Brunette play out?
Will Bouchard receive an offer sheet and, if so, for how much and will the Wild match it? At what point will they take the compensation and let him go?
Will this year be the first year that the Wild breaks the mold and go after a true “All-Star”?
As always, Go Wild!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
KiPA: I can answer that. $14-$15 million for 3 years.
In case people forgot, the Wild has spent near the cap for the last two years. From DR’s own words on his blog”
“Last season we ranked in the upper third of the NHL in spending, and we will spend more in 2008-09.”
In the 07-08 season, according to nhlnumbers.com, the Wild had a cap hit of $49.1 million — the actual cap was $50.3 million.
Hmm. I guess what I’m getting at sunshine was if you think Rolston will take less to play with Sid. Like I said, the Pens may not have much wiggle room the next few years.
Rolston also surprised me being so low on this list.
It’s because he is on the PK.
KiPA: He is not going to take less. Its his last big contract. He also has a SCP ring with the 1995 Devils. Sid and Malkin are not enough to satisfy him.
Let’s say - if all things equal - $15 million for 3 years — were offered to him by Pens or CBJ, he would take the Pen’s offer. If its $500,000 less, I don’t see him taking the Pen’s offer.
He’s at the end of his career. He wants to make as much as possible because his playing time is limited. He could probably play longer but his value will drop significantly as he ages.
Its about the money, I think. I know I am being cynical but I am a realist. I don’t fault him for wanting to cash in.
So basically the Wild need to bend over and take it up the tailpipe.
Nor I, sunshine. I just don’t expect the Pens to be big players in the UFA market.
18568…18567…18566……18000……15000………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….18
I think the only team that he would take less to play for would be Detroit because its his hometown state. Every other team, it will be about money.
Not that it’ll seem to matter…the Tampa Bay Yankees look like they’ll get to him first.
It’s probably been stated already, but what does the Wild receive if we “trade his rights”? If he’s going to be a FA anyway, why would anyone trade for his rights when they can just wait ’till July 1st?
TB could hook us up with Wanvig’s rights
KiPA: Are they going to re-sign Dupuis and Hall?
The Pens have significant RFAs to sign so I can see them not being major players in the UFA market.
Great post Beaver.
This is a terrible move by the Wild. Rolston is their only reliable scoring option. Remember Gabby can be gimpy. Rolston is a rare hard working two-way player.
Brunette is also 35. I like is game around the net, but I like Rolston more as a pure goal scorer.
If the Pens can figure out a way to sign him, the Wild should have been able to. We need more impact players. I could be a dark winter this year at the X.
Actually their only RFA is Fleury I think. Everyone else significant is UFA.
I’d like them to sign Dupuis (or ANY winger; we have 1 right now) and think they will, but I think Hall’s interested in leaving. The Dupuis is just my opinion, Hall I think I saw in an article.
Update from Russo:
” I am hearing from an impeccable source that the Wild is preparing to trade Brian Rolston’s rights tonight, maybe to Tampa Bay. This is not set in stone yet.”
Brunette is 34 and not subject to the 35 year-old rule.
Wallshot - a picture is worth a thousand blog posts.
Ah ha ha, yeah I found it appropriate 6GS.
I think the Wild made a mistake by not offering Rolston the contract he was looking for. Sure, it’s not the end of the world, but as Russo stated several times it leaves a large hole in the line-up.
I know it’s risky signing 35 year-old players, but I think Rolston is the type of guy you take that kind of risk on.
Not many champions are made from those who take no risks.
Not many champions are made from those who take no risks.
No guts, no glory?
Bottom line I take Brunette over Rolston on any day. Good Bye Rolston lets move on.
Not many champions are made from those who take no risks.
Wallshot
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.
Tom Lynn
Adios Roli. Thanks for the RolstonWatch 2008 Live Blog, Russo. 
Its a risk with 35 year-olds but I think the bottom line is that DR doesn’t want to pay him $5 million a year.
I hope the deal is similar to the Pens deal re: Malone and Roberts. Guaranteed pick regardless if there is a signing or not.
Beaver -
Very interesting list. Of course one thing everyone should keep in mind is that players who are used on the PK a lot are naturally going to have a tough time being high on a points per minute list.
For instance, it wouldn’t surprise me that a guy like Brunette is high on the list since a substantial portion of his ice time is on the PP and he doesn’t kill penalties.
Not to say that it makes the list worthless but it - like all stats - doesn’t tell the whole story.
Fuck the Lightning.
Latest Russo:
8:25 p.m. According to sources, the Wild has traded Brian Rolston’s rights to the Tampa Bay Lightning. I am not sure what the Wild is getting back yet and the conditions.
The perfect scenario IF it is Tampa…
Wild move the Rights to Rolston, plus Johnsson for Dan Boyle.
We take on a little more salary but get our Top 4 D-man at a little higher price.
Wasn’t Johnsson out last high-priced top D? That didn’t work out too well did it?
Weak minors league talent, Demitra and Rolston gone, ticket prices up, and Gabby one year from bailing. Something doesn’t add up.
Here’s how it breaks down….
Wild get teh top 4 D-man they are looking for that can move the puck and it only costs them $1.425 more a year than Johnsson but we’ll get production from him.
That leaves the Wild $13 million to go get Bruno at $2 million, which leaves us $11 million… get Demo back for $3.5 million and then dip into that $2 million dollar cushion of DR’s to land Hossa at $8 million. (i know… it’s impossible but just leave it alone)
D-pairings
Burns-Schultz
Boyle-Skula
MAB-Rietz
(Cuma, Belle, Stoner as 7th) cause Foster isn’t coming back.
I like it.
We still don’t have our Top 4 unless you think Skoula is a Top 4. He is only a Top 4 now by default.
The team hit a low this last season. Even JL threw his hands in the air. Gabby and Demo tipped their hands with their comments about their other BFF Hossa. Rolston put his house on the market a month ago. Demo went to Vancouver about a month ago.
My bet, they all tossed the towel in on DR and JL and have decided to leave. The center situation was serious…keep Foy over Pouliot (C), waive Dominic Moore (C), make Demo play (C), then instead of bringing in a (C) Dr signs Simon. I think the attitude of the players was obvious and when JL started to verbalize that he lost the team, it appears it was because of a team leadership and now that leadership is leaving.
Let the rebuilding begin. Would have been nice to have gotten some value for Demo and Rolson since we could always use picks, etc.
Bergeron could be a top 4 on any team Sunshine. COULD
Last year’s team really lost its leader when Walz retired. Rolston’s leadership was based on his being a veteran ala Carney. He wasn’t the leader of that team– there wasn’t a leader. If he was, he would have righted that ship earlier and he wouldn’t be calling any player the “franchise” when even the Wild has been careful to not label any player as the “franchise player.”
Too bad Jeff Halpern* is a low cap hit player, it would be nice to get a stop gap C out of this.
* if healthy
Ultimately I think the Wild will need to take a shot at Gabby this summer. If they can’t re-sign him, they need to trade him, before the beginning of the season.
With Gabby’s injury problems, he could easily be injured near the deadline and them the Wild could easily get nothing for him.
No way am I drinkin’ the KoolAid that says we write off the season now. Lots, lots of time — and still 2 days before FA even starts.
I’m frustrated at losing Rolston, too, and other seemingly too conservative approaches, but I’ll wait to pass judgement ’til at least late August.
We now MUST trade Gabby….trade him to the Bolts…let’s get LaCavalier and get some toughness. Gaboriks going to be worthless if we don’t get full value for him this summer.
Blow this thing up and start over…sad but true.
Nice update from Russo - looks like DR will nearly get the pick he gave up for Cuma back a year latter, a move most didn’t like but I did.
Any chance the Wild goes after Bobby Holik? Seems like he’d be a good fit at center…
trade him to the Bolts…let’s get LaCavalier and get some toughness
Uh huh…that’ll happen.
You’re on crack if you think TB would give up Vinny for Gabby.
-Ms. Conduct, who would like a list of the 12 stories Russo is working on 
Will TB have to give Rolston 4 years to sign before Tuesday?
Get at crazy Barry Melrose while he’s got the trading itch!!!!
I mean c’mon…did you see what he’s paying Malone?
Maybe LeCavalier is pie in the sky…but seriously…Gabby is worth alot right now…he probably wants to play in the wussy Eastern Conference….we need to maximize value NOW.
ty MNBrew…
That’s my feeling too. Let’s wait until DR has a chance to do something, and a chance to trade, and or sign players before the season is considered lost.
but I think Rolston is the type of guy you take that kind of risk on.
I really find this funny that we are bitching that we didn’t give rolston 15 over 3 years when numerous times last season he was beaten senseless by russotans. he’s lazy he doesn’t have heart, he doesn’t hustle, all he does is glide into corner and hug hence the name huggy bear. he is one trick pony, gain the zone and slapper.
i’ve come to realize that nothing will ever satisfy some here.
Lightning blog also reporting on the 4th round pick - http://blogs.tampabay.com/lightning/
Hmm if we are trading him to Tampa does that mean I’ll have to dust off the Kuba jersey?
Bye Bye Rolston. Have fun chasing another Cup. And lol @ TBL… that is way too much for Malone. Almost $5 mil per? I don’t think he is worth that. I just don’t want another Johnsson situation.
To all of you people who are saying ‘blow it up, and start over’… you can’t be serious. who hit the panic button anyway? As I said before, back away from the razo-blades and put down the crack pipe.
You just figured that out Greenstar?
Reading this blog you’d think that Rolston was the franchise player.
I really find this funny that we are bitching that we didn’t give rolston 15 over 3 years when numerous times last season he was beaten senseless by russotans. he’s lazy he doesn’t have heart, he doesn’t hustle, all he does is glide into corner and hug hence the name huggy bear. he is one trick pony, gain the zone and slapper.
I’ll comment on this, GS because you were quoting me. I was never one to bash Rolston while he was here. I’ve always been a fan and I’m sorry to see him go.
I did occasionally make a “huggy” crack, but that was only to get a laugh or two.
Farewell, Rolston. Sorry to see ya go…
Blow this thing up and start over
what is there to blow up? it isn’t like we are the st louis blues or atlanta flames. we have identified the core that the team will be built around which is koivu, burns, schultz. I think they want #10 to be a part of that but #10 may have other ideas. I also think they want benny and shepard to be a part of that core as well but benny took a year off so to speak and shepard isn’t out of his rookie contract. If parrish can figure it out, foster bounce back from injury, yawnson play like he did in playoffs…the wild can still be competitive now, which give you a shot at glory, and have a bright future.
brunette will help if that happens. MAB will help. hopefully DB’s wonky back is ok and he worked on his hands.
there are a lot of ? but not everything is bad news.
You just figured that out Greenstar?
Too much GTA IV. it’s slowing me down.
Wallshot, i quoted you only because you had the last positive quote with rolston in it. It’s not everyone.
someone earlier was saying that vinny got an extension in TB. neither nhlnumbers nor nhlscap are showing that. is this true?
Very nice G*, I am in agreeance. It’s not time to blow up the farm yet.
Liles and Foote off the market.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242041&lid=sublink01&lpos=headlines_nhl
G*: yes it’s true about Lecavalier, but they can’t formally announce it until Tuesday.
i said atlanta flames. doh! of course it is the thrash. and talk about star power not getting you anywhere…atlanta has kovelchuk and hossa and todd white and where have they gone?
Liles and Foote off the market. (I’m not linking because it’s getting me moderated.)
G*: yes it’s true about Lecavalier, but they can’t announce it until Tuesday.
Excellent point, G*. Star power gets you nowhere without chemistry and a team attitude. Or something like that.
But hey, I like blowing things up. Explosions are cool.
Predicting a rebuild is NOT pushing the panic button. If Rolston, Demo and Gabby have all decided to max out and see if the grass really is greener, that loss of point generation would qualify as a rebuild. Russo isn’t painting a great picture - which is who most of us are looking to for the inside scoop. DR has a plan and given the way the team dynamic worked last year, I am all for letting him work through this. There may be a lot more to this than we know. For all we know, DR and JL may want to shake it up. Fine by me.
I’m glad DR was able to get something for Rolston. It may not have been much, but better than nothing. He took a shot at Roli, so I don’t mind him waiting this long. I suspect MAB could end up being a top 4 defenseman.
Oilers acquire Visnovsky from L.A.; ship Stoll and Greene
makes sense KiPA, thanks.
Liles has never done anything for me, not sure why but nothing.
Foote might have 2 more decent years in him but he is making 6mil per i think. ouch. not sure if those 2 years will be that good.
I thought the fun was supposed to be Tuesday, but we get some weekend action.
Gabby is a wuss and NOT a leader. He is like Demo, loves the lifestyle of NHL but has no real desire to win a cup. Evidenced by how he doesn’t train properly EVERY Offseason and thus gets hurt early in each season (groin)
He has value now…get some hard nosed assets for him now…or risk becoming the T-Wolves of the NHL.
Visnovsky is a $5.6 million cap hit through 12/13 - Johsson contract haters need to get some perspective.
Lots of interesting discussion and ideas.
Rolston can be replaced. It just changes a bit what the Wild’s priorities are.
About two weeks ago on Sid&Dave, DR outlined his discussion with Rolston. I thought is was a reasoned approach.
Apparently, Rolston has other ideas. So, we will go on without him.
Based on the above, DR gets something from TB no matter what - good job.
the woodwork around here is going to look like carpenter ant city by 10 am tomorrow.
DR seems like hockey’s answer to Kevin McHale. What deal has he ever made that works for the Wild. Signing BR was the highlight.
Two years at $3 million per is a good deal on Foote - made that trade all the better.
i’ve come to realize that nothing will ever satisfy some here.
So true
YES! We get a pick either way. Its the second best thing to do when Rolston and the Wild can’t come to an agreement.
I’d say a fourth is a good deal…a third would be amazing…
Good work DR.
Now what?
We need to build from the blueline…we need another solid D-Man….
What’s the first best thing?
Huh, I’m a little surprised one team is willing to part with a 3rd or 4th for less than a 2 day jump on 7/1.
KiPA - do you know what your squad got for Malone’s and Robert’s rights?
Kevin, the 1st best thing is: To crush your enemies, to see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women.”
Course other than that, how ’bout Malkin for Gaborik?
Now that Malone signed, a third-round pick in 09.
The first best thing would have been re-signing Rolston. Second best thing trading his rights away for a guaranteed pick.
How much does this change the Wild’s position with Demitra?
Demitra should not be pursued…he was so lazy, particularly in the playoffs we’d be better off taking a chance on someone else…and if his problem was playing center, we don’t need his whiney poison in the locker room cuz he didn’t get his way
Green*…I wasn’t clamoring for Rolston to be signed, I said DR lowballed him and that’s why there wasn’t any counter.
I suspect Rolston will sign 3 years for 12.5 mil.
All I have been harping on in the offseason is the 14+ million cap space available and to ADD top tier talent.
We cannot even re-sign the FA we want. Or, of course, DR didn’t really want Rolston here for more dough than he made last season.
At this rate, even the Old Players won’t end their careers here.
Prove me wrong on Tuesday DR.
Just. One. Player.
Secuel- This makes sense if Gabby is going to be here at minimum a year. He just compliments well
GoW, what does the Beav think about your position?
Three down
- No Malone
- No Roberts
- No Rolston
Ok… who’s next?
Demo?
Campbell?
Redden?
Who’s the next lucky guy to be “the man we were after” only to have them slip away to a “oh so tough market”.
Tick Tock, Tick Tock… DR sleeping while on the clock…
Schmidty…
Strange but true! On Wednesday you can add to your list of Smuggy’s almosts.
GoW…Demitra is wating until Tuesday to announce his 5 year deal in Vancouver. I wonder if Gillis (his old agent who is now the GM there) realizes he won’t get 15% of the deal… 
Rolston sucks-wake up-he cant skate worth a damn-the fricken tongues on his skates are folded over like noodles. Horrible match up with him and bouchard. Hes not even worth skoulas money. He never skates hard for the puck-he never hits anyone because hes a chicken s–t. Now we have to get rid of skoula and bouchard. Fricken rebuild forever with Doug raiseyourticketpricebrough. The only good thing about going to the game now is Boogaard.
I think we’re overlooking the biggest question of all here.
Russo: dude, you were at a baby shower?
“To all of you people who are saying ‘blow it up, and start over’… you can’t be serious. who hit the panic button anyway? As I said before, back away from the razo-blades and put down the crack pipe.”
Nailed it Austin! We have a good core of young players who seem very happy here and I could honestly see a lot of them playing their entire career in Minny. Please people stop acting like we’re the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Rolston sucks-wake up-he cant skate worth a damn-the fricken tongues on his skates are folded over like noodles. Horrible match up with him and bouchard. Hes not even worth skoulas money. He never skates hard for the puck-he never hits anyone because hes a chicken s–t. Now we have to get rid of skoula and bouchard. Fricken rebuild forever with Doug raiseyourticketpricebrough. The only good thing about going to the game now is Boogaard.
That’s right. Teams don’t need players like Rolston or Bouchard. Nah, just fill the squad with Boogaard and other goons. Genius.
He wasn’t casting blame, but he did half-wonder how this would have all played out if the Wild had come to him in January or last summer.
Because I think TB will do what they did with Malone, I think their offer will not only be for good money but for four years. So we will all be able to agree that DR should not have done anything like TB will probably do on a contract that some might even say makes the Johnsson deal look good
However, if Doug Smugborough learned never to make a “bold move” by going after a RFA like he did way back when in CGY, he might learn from this one that you don’t let any significant player you want to keep get to UFA. I would also like to think that he now knows even minor UFAs (Fridge and Voros) will not provide the MN Wild discount in late June.
Dater on Bruno to the Wild is worth a read - http://blogs.denverpost.com/avs/2008/06/29/bruno-back-to-wild/
Lucky:
Your reasoning is not going to work. People have already jumped off the ledge.
Once they are gone, they are gone.
It’s too late to save them? Well you guys can always get back on the bandwagon once the season ACTUALLY STARTS! But I guess if people want to work themselves in to some sad state depression then knock yourselves out.
Ahhhh, it’s all playing out just like I had hoped!
Rolston - gone, and no whispers about Demitra now, since he was supposed to be option #2. Russo, did you get anywhere with that question, or typical “uh, I mean to call and talk to him” response?
No PMB contract. That worries me. Watch, Kevin Lowe is gonna toss out a 5Mx5yr deal for PMB, and we’ll be forced to match it, or lose him.
Also, Johnsson is still not yet traded. Why? Need to swap him for someone a bit younger.
We haven’t acquired anyone’s rights. Hmm. Does that mean we’re not after someone specific?
Might get Bruno back, which could be nice.
Of those on TSN’s list of their all-free-agent team for a scoring forward, and a top-4 D, Vrbata and Hainsey are the only ones I could see agreeing to come here.
Great scoop Russo!
In other news LA trades Lubo for Stoll and Green.
wtf; a new owner with a history of over spending AND THIS IS HAPPENING?!
im thinking the way things are going; and with leipold’s track record; is hossa in play?
Almost no body has been begging for Hossa more than me kjr… but I am also of the understand that those chances are slim given
#1 - We are talking about a Minnesota Sports team going after the best. Almost never happens.
#2 - We are talking about DR and his rare exceptions of signing someone big for the Wild (Roston & Demo where the only two Bold moves he’s made to date)
#3 - They still seem to think they need a Top-4 D-man more than scoring. I don’t understand that because we basically have what we had last year for defense/goalies and did just fine. Where we were lacking is in the scoring department. With Rolston & probably Demo gone there is 66 goals walking out the door. You can add Bruno but that’s only good for 20 goals… so we are still 46 short of last year.
As much as I covet Hossa (sorry KiPA), I know that it’s more a dream then a reality based on the guy(s) behind the wheel.
Let’s hope DR can pull off the following:
Bruno $2-2.5 million
Naslund $3.5-4 million
Demo $4 million
Mike Green $4 million
Taking out my Hossa dream, this is the best I could put together given what’s left (and the hope Green makes July 1st)
I know it’s not July 1 just yet and there is plenty of time before training camp starts, but does anybody else in Russoville have a growing pain in the bottom of their stomach much like you get when you eat an undercooked piece of chicken? The writing just seems to be on the wall that the team is going to bring in more stop-gap players with very little impact. Not being able to work out a deal with Huggy, who openly said a few months ago that he would like to stay here, makes me belive that if Gabby is not signed long term this summer, that he too, will be going out on the market one year from now. It’s only June 30, but that undercooked piece of chicken is really doing a number on my stomach 
I said DR lowballed him and that’s why there wasn’t any counter.
you got some good sources to know this. I haven’t seen amounts reported anywhere. I suppose that any contract rolston accepts you can say that is minny didn’t make that offer they lowballed him.
Again, can’t win.
foote’s 6 over 2 is a pretty good deal.
Ok… who’s next?
Demo?
Campbell?
Redden?
i hope it is demo. he can slip. between campbell and redden i think id rather have campbell. if the hip is fine, i’d still look at rosival.
I say the Wild make a run at Ryder as a Rolston replacement, he’s got the skating necessary to fit in a Wild system.
I am surprised to see the Bolts try for both Malone and Rolston, but hey, with Lawton now in charge there nothing that should surprise me. I thought Chicago would be a good fit for Rolston, but Buffalo is going to throw some money at him, but I don’t see Brian wanting to have his family move there. Who knows, maybe he’ll figure out there isn’t any other green grass out there better than here, but not counting on it. My guess is that there is some kind of secret deal negotiated already with a number the Wild haven’t met, hence the stalemate, so once free agency hits they’ll take other offers to see if anyone else hits or exceeds that number and if not he’ll sign with that original club for that number.
Green*…it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to determine that DR’s offer was WAY below what Rolston believes his ‘market value’ to be.
DR acknowledged in his quotes that they obviously had a different opinion on what his market value was.
No matter…he ain’t coming back.
Again, can’t win.
You cannot win if you aren’t in the game.
If DRs perception of value is below what the market truly is, then he obviously will NOT add any talent.
TB has the ‘no state tax’ intangable.
That and the willingness of management and ownership to improve NOW instead of ‘the future’.
While it amounts to something, the no-income tax in Florida won’t have as big an impact as you might think. NHL players (as are other athletes) are taxed where the income is earned, so only slightly more than one-half of a TB player’s income gets the benefit of no state income tax. Again, it’s not nothing, but it’s not as great as it sounds at first blush.
…. I said “slightly more than one-half” above because, in the case of a TB player, he would have his 41 home games, plus the away games played in Miami (and any other state without income tax), be free of state income tax.
Not that this means anything, but I heard Lou Nanne say yesterday that he will end up in Detroit.
So what else did Lou Nanne say.
Only that the wings were interested and that Rolston being a Michigan guy would be close to home.
While it amounts to something, the no-income tax in Florida won’t have as big an impact as you might think. NHL players (as are other athletes) are taxed where the income is earned, so only slightly more than one-half of a TB player’s income gets the benefit of no state income tax.
Alert Al Franken
kj: We’re going back to the future with Brunette!
Time to take a page out of Pitts book, sorry Kevin, this year wouldnt be a bad year to be competitive but just fall short in games, win the lotery pick and get Jon Travares.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z28zS_sJjpY
He probably would have been the #1 pick if the league allowed him to enter the draft this year.
Leave cap space to go all out for Ilya Kovalchuk when he is a UFA. I am not for posting videos but watch this one and you will see how training has changed in the last 15 years. This kid is 17 in this video. Turns 18 in Sept.
Why is Nanne moving to Detroit? They’ve got Howe…not fair!
In full anticipation of much gnashing of teeth and calling for DR’s head in the coming days, let me say this:
I am still holding him to the initial plan (since I do not believe they have amended it).
Therefore, and I’ve said this all along, I feel they did not live up to expectations this season since they did not improve on their finish from last season.
And I EXPECT them to improve in the coming season. To me, that means winning a round.
Short of that, I’m going to have a big problem. None of this “I’ll never watch another game” BS…I’m a fan. I’m just going to be pissed, and will probably have run out of patience with Mr. Risebrough and possibly Mr. Lemaire as well.
Are my expectations meetable without Rolston and Demo, but with Brunette and someone else (Huselius?)?? Maybe. I don’t know.
And that’s my point: that DR’s action or inaction during FA season does NOT mean the team will succeed or fail this season.
There may be cause to burn him at the stake. But lets try to keep a little perspective in the next few days/weeks.
Going for Travares makes more sense than going for Kovalchuk because “the plan” calls for saving future cap space but not overpaying UFAs. DR will sepnd money on his own players* so Travares could be hear long-term unless, like Gabby, they don’t give a super star enough reasons not to go to UFA. The Johnsson contract haters have spoken!
* PMB extension pending, make up contract for Bruno coming
None of this “I’ll never watch another game”
Too late - I already had to pay
Rolston Leaving and Demitra leaving will only lead to a salavating agent “knowing” how much a team needs and can spend on a player PMB. Like Buffalo had to do for Vanek after Briere and Drury left. PMB would not go to the net in the playoffs (not like anyone else did) and is a great puckhandler and distributer, just need to be carefull how much you sign him for. I am only saying go for the #1 pick beacause we have a chance to bring up some of the young guys and let them learn this year. Gillies, Pouliot, Cuma, Cal, Kalus. Our vets (Gabby, Koivu, Parrish, PMB) are middle career guys that also need to learn how to be a leader. That is a lot of young guys and we saw the Finals this year Rugged old men (Real vets) beat highly skilled youth. It’s part of the process just ask Wayne Gretzky. He lost his first finals. Also, going for the #1 pick can me trade up and not from 24th to the 23rd. Especially with maybe a young stud goaltender dangling for trade bait in the future (most bad teams need a goalie)
thing is, we will never know what the wild offered. maybe they offered 12 over 3? 14 over 3. maybe rolston thinks he can get 16 over 3, 18 over 3. did he tell the wild that? would the wild met his terms if they were 3 mil apart over 3 years? problem is they never knew how far apart they were.
i still say rolston was PO’d at not getting extension during the year and was walking unless the wild beat every offer made to him. and beat it by a wide margin.
Rolston Leaving and Demitra leaving will only lead to a salavating agent “knowing” how much a team needs and can spend on a player PMB. Like Buffalo had to do for Vanek after Briere and Drury left.
Vanek’s price was driven up because he was signed to an offer sheet and Buffalo either had to match it or let him go. I think that has more to do with Kevin Lowe than his salivating agent. Although, I’m sure the agent did plenty of drooling over it anyway.
Is there any doubt that PMB will be qualified and then elect arbitration? Even with the cash freed up by Rolston and Demo (probably) leaving I just don’t see DR offering him $4M.
So he gets qualified and then files for arbitration, they dance and then he gets like $2.25M for one year, the Wild accepts it….does he hold out?
If you had the picks, why not sign him to an offer sheet at, say, $3.92M (which is just under the threshold between giving up a 1st and a 3rd and a 1st, a 2nd and a 3rd) just to put DR to the decision alone?
As far as overpaying for Kovalchuk, it is impossible. That guy is a monster playing in a bad market. He will be in the prime of his career when he is a UFA. Goals each of his seasons 29, 38, 41, 52, 42, 52 (on a horrible team). This guy doesn’t miss on breakaways (ask Roloson). That is worth 10 wins with the shootout right there. Most importantly he is big 6′1″ 220lbs (20 more than Gabby and only misses about 2 games a year)and plays with a edge. Meaning will go to the net, will hit other players, and has a few fights under his belt. Gabby is an important piece to the puzzle no doubt, but Ilya would be worth 6-7-8 million a year easily. Did I mention that shot? Ask Belanger how good it is.
Without the offer sheet Vanek probably would have only got a 75% increase in salary instead of 100%. The Buff was in a pinch and they knew it, Thus the offer sheet, and the match.
So, say Mr. Walz knows he’s going to Tampa in mid-June, talks to the ownership about a ‘family friend’ who happens to be a UFA, probably has discussed with him about what he might want to make for his final big contract. Can we get Tampa for tampering?
At least we’ll have another draft pick we can use next year to trade up 1 spot in order to pick up that defensive minded forward we’re coveting in the 1st round that no one else wants!
So different news sources and Bob McKenzie are saying that the Bolts want to trade Dan Boyle to make cap room. Boyle signed a contract near the trade deadline for $33.3 million over 5 years with a NTC.
http://winnipegsun.com/Sports/Hockey/2008/06/30/6023796-sun.html
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/2008/06/30/6025896-sun.html
I finally caught up and have to agree with a lot of what Green* is saying. This year really isn’t a great year for UFA’s, but I would like to see them make a run at a solid wing to help out (along with Bruno). I think D-men that fit JL’s mold can be purchased on the cheap. What kind of mutiny would happen in here if we got Campbell for $6M+ a year and he put up Johnsson type numbers? Center is an issue and stop-gap is probably the only way to solve it until Shepp or Benny (or both) can prove to be a bona-fide number 2 guy. I still think Mikko between Gabby and PMB could be a very scary line to opponents.
sorry…Butch made $2.6M last year, he’s probably not going to get less in arbitration. My bad.
As long as the awarded salary is less than that $3.92M I think he could still hold out and/or be a prime target for an offer sheet.
I still think Mikko between Gabby and PMB could be a very scary line to opponents.
I agree with this. However, even with all of Lemaire’s line-juggling, how many times have you seen Gaborik and Bouchard on the same line (besides the PP)? I count zero.
Can offer sheets come after arbitration? Or is there a specific time period for them?
sunshine: nhlscap.com tells me this
“Any Restricted Free Agent not currently signed to an SPC who has not accepted his qualifying offer, has not filed for arbitration, or has not been taken to arbitration by his Club may be signed to an offer sheet. If a player is going to arbitration, he cannot get signed to an offer sheet by another team.”
My point (poorly made) was that, if you are a GM and you think PMB would end up going to arbitration, then why not sign him to the offer sheet?
more info on offer sheets:
Okay, thanks. That’s helpful.
“how many times have you seen Gaborik and Bouchard on the same line”
I wish they would put them together… a pure passer, with a great scorer seems to make a lot of sense to me… apparently it doesn’t to JL for some reason.
I don’t want to throw away the season, but with Rolston likely gone perhaps it might be time to take a step back? The Wild as of right now don’t have any high priced veterans. Use this season to break in the rest of the youngsters. Take advantage of Lemaire teaching Sheppard, Gillies, Pouliot. Grow the core talent (9/96/10/8/55) another year and get the team primed for the 09/10 season.
Think of it like the Oilers season last year. They really started to figure it out at the end of the year and could be dangerous this year. Same with the Coyotes.
I just think it is going to be tough to patch work a Cup contending team from the current crop of FAs. Perhaps there are some trades that could be done? But sometimes you just have to step back to move even further ahead.
How about a real back to the future episode, Dowd is a free agent, so is Dupuis, pull Darby out of retirement, trade for Richard Park, sign Brunette, Wanvig is a free agent! Where’s Cliff Ronning when you need him? Just kidding folks, just kidding!
Maybe its that JL thinks the only thing coming from a Gaborik-PMB line would goals against. In order for that line to work, both of them have to be consistently committed to defense and working in the corners.
does building for next year really count Gabby as core? what is the chance he will resign here for anything less than the 20% max contract? what is the chance that the brain trust will offer him that?
AiH…
Thanks for wasting my STH $$$ on not trying to win.
You have all made my point for me.
what is the chance he will resign here for anything less than the 20% max contract?
I don’t think there are too many teams that can really pay him $11.4M. So, if he does sign here, I don’t think it will take the full 20%.
what is the chance that the brain trust will offer him that?
Approximately 0.000%.
Why is the Wild in the position it is in right now?
kj: issues with self-confidence?
Seriously, I think WE are partly to blame for their current position, however you specifically describe it.
To the extent that the X is full every night, we haven’t given them any reason to change course.
Use this season to break in the rest of the youngsters.
That should spark the Gabby extension negotiations
In seriousness, if the Wild brings back Bruno and gets Holik on 2 year deals and adds a player like Huselius or Ryder upfront and a replacement for Skoula in the top 4 in the back, I will be happy. Given its past, the Wild need to do things to remain credible with fans and #10. Plus, the new owner should want to appear like a winner rather than just a ticket price raiser. The OJ trade was a nice try, but you can’t just say we tried to get better and missed so lets just do a rebuilding year instead.
kj, you are being unreasonable. You can’t compete for the Cup every single year. Sometimes things need to be re-worked a bit, as AiH said, sometimes a step backwards is needed to make advances in the future. If you feel like you are wasting your money, sell your tix off… I am sure there are tons of people that would be willing to take them off your hands at face value. It’s a choice you make to purchase the season tix, no one is twisting your arm to make you buy them… buying season tix is not equivalent to a train ticket to bitch city. So please stop pretending like your season tickets give you privilege.
isn’t #10 coming off a max contract? personally i think the front office is comitted to making #10 the franchise player here. problem is #10 isn’t as comitted, IMHO.
Thanks for wasting my STH $$$ on not trying to win.
It would be a waste if you are in it for one year. now if this turns out to be toronto where they are not even competitive for the next 3 years, then I’ll biatch right with you. if they stay the same or even regress a little in 08 but have pieces in place to really move in 09 thru 11, i’m ok. that and i’m still getting to see the greatest game in the world in person.
Just out of curiosity, how much do season tix run you?
DR: Let me be the first to welcome you to the Wild family, Mr. Leipold.
CL: Thanks, Don. Tell me in 30 words or less, what’s the pulse of the organization?
DR: It’s Doug, sir. Umm, I’d say the financial side of things is pretty good. They’re still filling the building and the waitlist.
CL: Well, I want to hoist the Cup.
DR: Absolutely, sir. We all do. Trust me: it’s a great feeling. But hoisting your bank account’s a pretty good feeling too, right?
CL: You’ve got a point. Say, that reminds me. (pushes intercom button on desk.) Marge? I’m expecting a call from Boots. If he calls before Doug and I are done, just email him my bank routing and account numbers. He’ll know what to do with them. Uhh…you didn’t hear that, Darrell.
DR: It’s Dou…uh, understood, sir. As I was saying, sir, I can probably get by one more year without us really needing to break the bank before they start jumping off the bandwagon.
CL: I thought we were already pretty close to the cap, Dom?
DR: Well, we are sir, but that’s not my fault. See, when you go into free agency you pay what the market bears and that’s not always what the player is worth, intrinsically speaking, see? And Jacques is so hard to shop for…
CL: Just what the hell does that mean, Darren?
DR: Uhh…nothing sir, just that getting the players who, er, fit best in his system to want to come here costs a little extra money.
CL: So, Lemaire is the problem?
DR: No sir. Not at all. It’s the…agents! Yeah, it’s all the agents’ fault.
CL: Okay whatever, Dorian. Listen, if you can make them think it’s the right way to do it, keep us within profit margins this season so I can track down Del Biaggio.
DR: Yes, sir. Understood sir.
CL: Close the door on your way out, Davis.
Way to add about 20 gallons of fuel to the DR hate wagon fire brigade (DRHWFB for short), there Nick.
One ticket doesn’t matter, as there are tons of corporate suits that want those tickets to give away. it will take a number of years of crappy hockey to make them care about tickets.
Why is the Wild in the position it is in right now?
I think JL lead clubs do better when guys do what he wants and not what they want. last year we had too many dollar guys and guys looking to get paid, to work as a team. I think management is recognizing that and reshaping the club to get back to team over stars.
it isn’t flashy and it won’t allow fans to brag about having (flavor of the day) but we have proven it can work.
i could be wrong.
When they stop announcing sell outs, the buzz that drives demand for corporate suites will also fade.
G*: that’s a pretty good theory. That being said, it would seem to be very easy for a guy like Gaby to walk away from that. Would you agree or disagree with that?
Just out of curiosity, how much do season tix run you?
a little over $6k. that’s why i need that lawyer gal in my life.
I just think it is going to be tough to patch work a Cup contending team from the current crop of FAs.
Aaron, what makes you think there is any intention to build a cup contending team?
You can’t compete for the Cup every single year.
How about once?
G*, that is a pretty penny. You gotta come down here to visit and then we can introduce you to our lawyer friend ;).
How about once?
When the time is right, sure… but we all know this is not that year.
Would you agree or disagree with that?
100% agree. and if #10 can’t buy into the team thing then we should send him.
teams can have star power and still have team. i look at san jose, new jersey, montreal as examples.
If DR and Tom Lynn are as “strategic” and “plan oriented” as they promote themselves, then none of this should be coming as a surprise. They have had 3 years to watch Rolston’s value/age outgrow the Wild’s interest and have had ample time to plan a counter move. 2 years of the same with Demitra and plenty of time to figure out PMB. Falling back on “we are trying to build a strong foundation” challenges their credibility when there are apparently weaknesses in Houston and their scouting. An organization making as much money as the Wild shouldn’t have this problem. Losing key free agents is another sign of issues. They loaded up for a playoff run with Rolston, Demitra, Johnsson, Carney, et al, and most of those guys are now gone or leaving with apparently a weak FA class to pick replacements from. If DR is as smart as he thinks he is, he has been aware of this for 1-2 years and should have moves planned out. It’s like chess. Always thinking several moves, in this case years, ahead. This year and next are the first time these guys have really been challenged and we will see if they have what it takes or not. If we aren’t sitting here in September stunned in wonder over how the heck he signed Gabby and pulled off a couple of major FA surprises, then SC talk is just lip service.
100% agree. and if #10 can’t buy into the team thing then we should send him.
teams can have star power and still have team. i look at san jose, new jersey, montreal as examples.
great points.
I can see this being exactly what DR promised Lemaire this spring. The ol’ “I’ll go with the guy with 11 rings versus the kid with none” deal.
kj - I understand your frustration as a season ticket holder. But perhaps next season is a bit rough, but the following two are pretty special. Are you season tickets purchased only to see a playoff team? How many teams make the playoffs every year?
_______________________________
I don’t know Wallshot, perhaps DR and CL have no intention of a Cup run this year. Sometimes you have to take an honest look at things. Maybe they realize they could do a couple smart things this year and set themselves up as an elite team next year.
Keep in mind I’m not giving the Wild a free pass to mediocrity. I want them to be fiercely competitive. It is much more enjoyable. I’m just trying to guess at how you make the current situation a Cup contender.
Falling back on “we are trying to build a strong foundation” challenges their credibility when there are apparently weaknesses in Houston and their scouting.
the strong foundation is on the big club. last season the extended to pillars in schultz and burns. shepard played the entire season. reitz didn’t fall on his face for his debut. the aeros made the playoff, right? I think they addressed the issue in houston with the coaching change. I don’t think things are as bad in houston simply because we can call up players to instantly fill holes at a moments notice.
boy have i forgetten the english language. the = they. to = two.
To add on to Green*’s post, over half of your minor leaguers are pretty much career minor league players. For each Nuke Laloosh (sp?) there is at least 1 Crash Davis.
kj -
need a flashlight to get out of that BOX?
I agree Green* completely on what the approach with Gabby should be. If he’s committed to playing a team game at the potential expense to his stats, then I want him here and hope he wants to stay. (Frankly, he was pretty good with the team game at the end of last season.) If that’s something he can’t commit to, then I think he needs to be moved, which would be a setback to the team’s immediate prospects.
Also, isn’t part of the “plan” that we’re counting on/expecting players like Burns, Gabby, Koivu, Shep, Schultz, SRV, Foster (injury aside), et al to continue improving? That’s a still a young core and the group that you’re building around. Another year under the belts of that group alone is incremental improvement, no?
Yeah, Aaron, those comments are just me being cheeky.
In all honesty, I’d like to remain positive about the team and it’s future but it really does seem like someone is asleep at the wheel. I wish I could go back to the days when I paid much less attention to this kind of stuff. Seems following the game was more fun. What is that phrase - “he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.”
Don’t Gaborik and Bouchard both play right wing? That’s probably one of the main reasons we’ve not seen them on the ice together.
Wallshot — that phrase is a corollary of the “ignorance is bliss” cliche. Or to pull another Bull Durham reference, “the world is not made for people cursed with self-awareness.”
Yes CW, it is. I just went with the biblical reference.
kj - need a flashlight to get out of that BOX?
???? - is that you Doug Smugborough?
Is the Bible telling you to stay stupid and therefore happy? Interesting…
I appreciate the whole “You may have to take a step backwards in order to take two steps forward” mantra, but don’t you usually expect a bit of a slide AFTER an organization has actually won something? Not after getting bounced once again in the first round of the playoffs? For what the Wild appears to be losing from it’s 07-08 roster, I just don’t see how the outlook looks bright for the 08-09 season. Looks like this summer’s Eric Belanger may as well be Josef Stumpel. What’s truly disappointing is that last October when Walz quit, the Wild was left with a 19-yr-old kid as it’s #2 center and that situation still has no been rectified. Hopefully the change to July 1 will correct that problem but I am just not that optimistic.
Walz quit, the Wild was left with a 19-yr-old kid as it’s #2 center
he would have been our number 3 center if koivu wasn’t hurt.
No, Chi-Wild, you’re thinking of the MN Wild marketing department.
I thought it was “The world is full of people not burdened by the curse of self awareness.”
Greenstar says >>I don’t think things are as bad in houston simply because we can call up players to instantly fill holes at a moments notice.<<
Going on the assumption that you meant “can’t”, tell me again why you have a minor league club if you can’t rely on them for reinforcements when you need them. I know it’s not simple, but a lousy coaching choice cost them a year. It is another area where the Wild public mantra of building a superior organization may be questioned.
Touche, Wallshot.
I hear ya, DB - it’s not unreasonable to think that before you have to take a step back, you were further along.
This UFA class is starting to remind me of the NFL class two off seasons ago when the Vikings prize signings included Visanthe Shiancoe. As I recall, everyone blasted them for not spending more of their money on guys like Kevin Curtis even when they had cap dollars to spend. Instead, they held their powder for the ‘08 FA group. It was better not to have wasted long-term contracts and cap space in ‘07, which might have made impossible their ability to make the acquisitions they made this off-season.
i meant can’t.
minor league affiliates are there to develop your younger talent. not hold big league talent to fill gaps mid year for a week or two at a time. the daum experiance was a bad call and was taken care of quickly. i’m ok with that.
It’s with great pleasure to announce that the Wild are listed as 1 of 6 teams “interested” in Hossa on ESPN Insider - Rumor Central.
Is there more to the story that we aren’t getting from Russo, or is ESPN reading Russoville? Either way, a national media outlet listing us as interested make me a happy!
HOSSA! HOSSA! HOSSA! HOSSA!
Schmidty - why do I get the feeling that this is going to be the high point of UFA for you?
We can be interested all we want. If he doesn’t want to play under Lemaire then he won’t come here no matter what we throw at him. Especially if his BFF has been calling him this season crying about playing center in this “stiffling system”.
Besides Hossa is there any other free agent that would get you feeling pretty excited about Wild hockey?
I can’t really think of one. However, is there room for two guys named Marian playing right wing on this team?
Oilers traded Stoll and Greene for Visnovsky. The Alberta teams have been pretty active. Time to respond DR.
Anyone mention the Avs resigning Foote and Liles yet?
Liles is going to get just over $4MM per season for four seasons. He was a defenseman I was interested in.
Say what you want about DR, but when Liles signs a deal like that you have to admit DR was brilliant with the Schultz and Burns contracts.
Very possible 6GS
It’s not like Wild are giving any of us anything to get excited about… so I guess being named in by a National Media outlet that we have interest in him will have to work.
And Lucky, fact is that money talks (not that the Wild talk with it much) but I think you could get Hossa here for the right price… even with the crying from his BFF.
Personally, I’ll take Demo, Hossa and Bruno back and actually feel like we have a chance this year. Beats the hell out of 3rd & 4th tier clowns.
The Alberta teams have been pretty active. Time to respond DR.
What are you talking about?? DR’s been active. He signed Maxim Noreau!!!!1oneoneeleven
Good point WS - I withdraw my request for DR to respond.
Say what you want about DR, but when Liles signs a deal like that you have to admit DR was brilliant with the Schultz and Burns contracts.
For sure, Johnsson Haters could also admit that these deals make is possible to pay the premium for a UFA instead of re-signing Kuba or banking on draft picks that haven’t produced an NHL d-man since Burns (who was going to be our big winger). I won’t hold my breath.
You know a while back I predicted that DR would call this season a “lets see what the kids can do” year. I kinda have to change my mind thinking about #10. If we are serious about him being the big piece to this core then watching kids develope won’t entice him to stick around and sign an extension. I still don’t think Risebrough will make a blockbuster trade to boost our 1st line but maybe we could offer Hossa big money and see if something could be worked out. Maybe offer to open up the offense a little bit this season. Or maybe Risebrough calls mother Russia and says “Hello Yashin… exactly how much did you say you wanted to come back to the NHL?”
“Hello Yashin… exactly how much did you say you wanted to come back to the NHL?”
oh man, I hope you have a fire retardant suit on right now…
I should have explained myself a little better. I don’t WANT him but I know Risebrough is bargain shopper and he made an offer last year to get Yashin over here. Russo confirmed it.
Ya, even my comments about Hossa are less ludicrous than wanting Yashin.
I can understand Gaborik not wanting to stick around if a team is in develop mode. But at some point a player has to realize any team in the league could be at the top one year and the bottom the next.
Tampa Bay fell off, so did Carolina and Anaheim.
When you sign a seven year deal you have to know there will be ups and downs. Perhaps Gaborik can look around and see a pretty solid group of youngsters realizing this team could be special in a couple years.
that’ll probably help. Just make sure you’re near a working faucet for a little while.
I thought some teams looked into Yash again (who had a decent season in Russia from what I heard) and he’s still looking to break the bank.
Testing…
I would love to respond but apparently I have been ‘boxed’.
Steady progress.
Building a foundation for the future.
Making the playoffs consistently.
These are basic tenants of the Wild management.
Nowhere does it say one step forward, two steps back.
I enjoy the NHL no matter what. But, my key questions are:
1) With over 14 mil in cap space available, why not do everything possible to acquire talent?
2) When exactly does the mantra change to ‘we want to contend for the cup every year’?
3) If we are the ‘model’ franchise, who’s doing the modeling? The owners (i.e. cash cow) or the fans (i.e. hanging a real banner).
Again, I cannot judge DR on this year’s FA signing period because it has not arrived.
I am just saying ‘be prepared’.
Perhaps Gaborik can look around and see a pretty solid group of youngsters realizing this team could be special in a couple years.
That is what DR should sell but he should also bring a really good offer to the table with him. If you want to keep #10, cut the crap and put something solid on the table. However, I might add that rolling over after missing on the OJ deal isn’t the type of thing that inspires confidence. All the more reason to do something soon.
ee a pretty solid group of youngsters realizing this team could be special in a couple years.
This will sort of back up 6GS, but the italicized tactic didn’t work on Hossa. Got to have a good figure to go along with it.
Okay, catchin’ up, shotgun style:
——————-
I think Russoville’s on the verge of lacing its Kool-Aid with cyanide.
Isn’t that redundant? Lol.
—
Once the Honeymoon is over (which it is because we AREN’T an expansion team anymore)
Wrong. It’s all about the benjamins: Once the ticket sales dry up, THEN the honeymoon is over. Agreed, we are NOT an expansion team anymore, so DR and Co. better be careful, that ticket sales draught may be right around the corner.
—-
If the Wild goes into next season with Gabby still as a pending UFA, ticket prices should be rolled back to post lockout year levels.
We can only hope.
—-
Don’t get all down because the OJ trade fell through, do something else or at least work on Gabby’s extension - every day that passes gets him close to his own UFA pot of gold!
Agree. Re-sign your players early. See Exhibit A: Rolston.
—-
Overpay for a guy because he is buddies with Gaborik?
Huh? We re-signed Demo??? Lmao.
—-
I had a vision of what’s going to happen this summer. It looked like this:
http://www.snorgtees.com/images/KoolAidMan_Fullpic_2.gif
OMG, I’ve seen/read some funny a$$ $h!t here over time, but THAT, my friend, takes the cake!! ROTFLMAO!!!
—-
The other day, there was such an uproar about the Wild trading for Demitra to entice Gaborik to stay. Why isn’t there an uproar about
Two words: Patrick O’Sullivan.
—-
I would not give Holik $5 million
Nor wood anyone else.
—-
Too much GTA IV. it’s slowing me down.
*chuckle*
—-
Russo: dude, you were at a baby shower?
LMAO.
—-
i still say rolston was PO’d at not getting extension during the year and was walking unless the wild beat every offer made to him. and beat it by a wide margin.
Agreed. Very likely.
—-
Ilya would be worth 6-7-8 million a year easily.
Without question.
—-
what is the chance that the brain trust will offer him that?
Approximately 0.000%.
Aww, don’t short change us with ballpark, thousandths-of-a-per-cent guess work! Lol.
—-
buying season tix is not equivalent to a train ticket to bitch city.
Really? I would have to disagree. I think everyone has a ticket to “bitch city,” if that’s where they want to go. And if they want to go there, more power to ‘em. Doesn’t mean you have to go along with ‘em. And in this case, I’d say STH have just as much, if not , more leeway to head to BC, imho
—-.
a little over $6k. that’s why i need that lawyer gal in my life.
Same.
—-
Time to respond DR.
Nah, I’m done with the reactionary “responding.” PROactive.
—-
Ya, even my comments about Hossa are less ludicrous than wanting Yashin.
lol. Ftw.
—-
O Rly?
Wtf? Lol!!!oneoneoneeleven.
…And, DR: Props for getting SOMEthing in return for Roli. Better than a poke in the eye w/a sharp stick.
Now, pass me a Exploding Bag of Racoon Dung (EBRD)!
So.. here’s a question for you?
Can the Wild still say they have a “plan” to build from the draft and add veterans? Isn’t it a complete policy shift to say that we will be letting a handful of youngsters make the club?
Also to that point, how many times are the Wild going to change the “style” of game they want to play? Last year it was all about getting bigger because the Ducks were so successful. Hence the moves for Fridge, Simon, etc.
Now Tommy Thompson is rambling about how the Wild want to be like Detroilet with puck moving defenseman. So are we going to go through this every year? Are we ever going to just land on a style and move forward with it?
Also, Russo… you have to give us a few updates today and tomorrow… please?
These are big days for teams in the NHL… or at least most teams.
IIIIII’m….the maaa-aaan….in the box.
i don’t think DR rolled over in the OJ deal. I think florida took an offer we couldn’t match. if the deal was PMB and our 1st, that ain’t a bad deal. getting ballard and boynton and 1st is a hard deal to match. unless you want to give up burns or schultz and PMB.
1) With over 14 mil in cap space available, why not do everything possible to acquire talent?
because if said talent wants 2, 3, 4 year deals than you are risking a better opportunity in year 2 or 3 for better talent because fans want you to guess at talent today. if they want 1 year deals then you don’t have much to lose.
2) When exactly does the mantra change to ‘we want to contend for the cup every year’?
should it? I mean realistically is that possible? personally, i think if you are a playoff team consistently you are contending for the cup but I know that isn’t good enough for some around here.
Hey kj - the question is are you running around (in) your box or are you running your box?
I just had to ask…..
Woooon’t
yoooooou
coooooome
aaaaand
save (him).
So looking around and the NW Division, Calgary signs their FA and adds Cammalleri (who I’d like to see in a Wild sweater); Colorado resigns Foote and Liles, Edmonton trades for Vis; Vancouver hasn’t done anything but bank on them getting Demo. It’s obvious that Wild fans are frustrated because we haven’t traded (save MAB), haven’t resigned anyone, and all of a sudden Tampa has a limitless supply of cash. I second the statement made way earlier of, “Isn’t Tampa aware there’s a CAP?” I had a great weekend away from the blog hiking up half of Long’s Peak to Crater Lake. Looking forward to tomorrow and putting off work for a day. Over/under on Roli getting booed if his new team in playing in Minny this next season?
i mentioned that identity issue yesterday schmidty and agree 100%. instead of sticking to their identity, they reacted to being bounced by anaheim by trying to become them and was then bounced by a more finesse team. it kinda proves that more than one style, when executed well, can win in the NHL
because if said talent wants 2, 3, 4 year deals than you are risking a better opportunity in year 2 or 3 for better talent
However, each UFA is a crapshoot. You cannot bank on talent becoming available in future years. Some teams actually re-sign their players.
- What I meant on rolling over on the OJ deal was: DR tried to make the team significantly better right now through that trade and got beat by a better offer. That should not directly lead to a rebuilding year.
- Shock: Greg Malone, the father of Ryan Malone, hired to TB’s scouting department. The St. Pete Lightning blog guy has noting new on Rolston yet - http://blogs.tampabay.com/lightning/
Wild was left with a 19-yr-old kid as it’s #2 center and that situation still has no been rectified.
Give DR some credit, he adressed that situation 4/25/08.
He bought Shep a b-day cake!
What I meant on rolling over on the OJ deal was: DR tried to make the team significantly better right now through that trade and got beat by a better offer. That should not directly lead to a rebuilding year.
got it and agree.
So, please correct me if I am incorrect, but on the eve of free agency, the Wild currently has Mikko, Shepp and Belanger as their centers of choice for the 08-09 campaign?
And Pouliot if he makes the team AND they play him there.
lemmiwinks, in fairness, in the last several months, the Wild has re-signed or extended some of its own - Koivu, Burns, Schultz.
HD: no worries, I wasn’t trying to come off as upset, just trying to pull together reasons why the blog is in a frenzy. There will be no bitching/complaining done by me. I might be a bit disappointed after the FA period, but still can’t wait to order up the CI for next season.
Truth is, the real value of players does not change just because we lose someone.
We all ought to want the team to think long-term. If they do not, then there will be a mess waiting to happen.
Probably the reason Gabby and PMB have not been together is they needed two scoring lines and someone had to feed Rolston.
People, so many of you are negative about things that may not even happen?
Nobody can guarantee wins. You can to some extent guarantee a competitive team. Lets see what we have before we hang them out to dry.
ps - your are not wrong Greenstar at 11:16. Also, I agree that if superstars (ie: Gabby) are not on board, then they are better off elsewhere and we are better of with what they return.
So, please correct me if I am incorrect, but on the eve of free agency, the Wild currently has Mikko, Shepp and Belanger as their centers of choice for the 08-09 campaign?
And, one year ago today, wasn’t it Walz, Mikko and (maybe) Shep? I honestly don’t recall: when did we get Belanger?
I might be a bit disappointed after the FA period, but still can’t wait to order up the CI for next season.
Agreed 100%. I can’t wait for the season to start, regardless of what happens.
Who do you think the Wild will go after? Who will they actually get?
I say they go after shea Weber and Husselius and end up with Husselius for starters.
add Demi Moore to the list of centers one year ago today.
when did we get Belanger
Late July I want to say - for sure it was after Handzus got his $4 million for 4 years deal (take that Johnsson Haters) and well before training camp.
Sorry MNWILDGUY - Shea Weber was signed by the Pred’s: 3 years - $13.5 million back on Jun 23rd.
As far as Huselius goes, Columbus has him targeted as one of “their guys”, and with $12-15 million in cap space look for them to out bid the Wild.
Iceman/AiH…is there anything that DR can do this offseason that will leave you just a little cranky???
kj - I will be somewhat concerned if the Gabby situation extends past the summer - i.e. he starts the season for the Wild in the last year of his current K.
Don’t forget, as someone else pointed out, if you start the season with an UFA Gabby, he could be one groin injury away from zero trade value.
Greg Malone is going to have that SCSU to Tampa pipeline cookin’!
See, we aren’t the only ones who will bring on family members of high contract guys as scouts, do they even know his qualifications?
DR is taking his nap right now, so at 11:01 pm (I am assuming it starts at 12:00 pm Eastern) he can begin driving around National Hockey Land looking for those talking pumpkins in the other teams trash heaps!
Not to mention the distraction.
Thanks, Schmidty. Maybe I’ll just have to get used to Irmen, Foy, and Clutterbuck.
EL G, wasn’t Malone’s old man on a cup winning team way back when? I’m not saying that instantly qualifies one to be a scout, but it does show that he’s been around hockey, knows hockey, etc.
FA starts Noon ET tomorrow.
El G,
According to that TB site posted earlier, his dad was a scount in Pitt, now he’s in head of Scouting in TB.
Go figure.
Anyone seen my chaps?
Rosie - did you forget them in Deep Breaths basement again….?
Rosie, you looking for the assed ones or the assless ones?
Greg Malone is going to have that SCSU to Tampa pipeline cookin’!
Duvie Wescott is available and I think they have some spots to fill in behind Kuba and Boyle.
Uhmmm…. or was that in Goodys basement…?
When is Gabby’s brother going to be named the new Bolt European scout?
It’s been over a minute since there was a post so I thought……
I *think* Mr. Malone was with Phoenix this year, but working the eastern US (possibly as an advance NHL scout??)
Seen one basement, seen ‘em all.
MNWILDGUY - not trying to pick on you but the Wild isn’t resigning Foy either.
Which is my segway into those who are to Schmidt-faced (cleaned up for the family channel) on the Kool-aid…
For all those who aren’t concerned about the teams moves or lack there of… Here is a quote that might spike your punch:
“Minnesota is close to entering next season without any of the 10 unrestricted free agents who played for the Wild last season.”
- Rolston 81 games
- Demo 68 games
- Fridge 58 games
- Radio 73 games
- Voros 55 games
- Carney 61 games
- S. Hill 35 games
- Nummelin 27 games
- Foy 28 games
- Simon 10 games
That’s 496 games that DR will need to fill in the next 2 months for next season. If that doesn’t give you Kool-aid drinkers in the CtC Club a reason to be concerned, I don’t know what will.
Thanks for the updates on Greg Malone and start time of Free Agent period. I guess we’ll all be logged in 11:01 tomorrow morning watching all the other teams sign players.
Irmen? UGH, lets not go there. Career minor leaguer at best.
- Rolston 81 games
- Demo 68 games
- Fridge 58 games
- Radio 73 games
- Voros 55 games
- Carney 61 games
- S. Hill 35 games
- Nummelin 27 games
- Foy 28 games
- Simon 10 games
We’ll miss Rolston. No doubt. But, for the most part, the rest of those guys were just bodies in the lineup - of a team that got it’s butt handed to them in the first round of the playoffs. Again.
The Wild is not Brian Rolston or Marian Gaborik. I’m willing to bet that MOST of those guys are completely replaceable.
I don’t understand the fear mongering right now. Again, if DR fails to stock the team in such a way that they maintain (or, God forbid, improve on) their play/finish from last year, then lets draw and quarter him in Rice Park.
But he hasn’t NOT done anything yet.
9 of the 10 can be easily replaced or letting them go is more of a blessing than a liability.
Gillies replaces Fridge and Foy
Benny replaces Voros and Simon
Clutterbuck replaces Radio
Bergeron replaces Hill/Nummi
Reitz replaces Carney
Brunette replaces Pavol
We really only need 1 more to replace Rolston, who is the one who is the toughest to replace.
The only 2 I wanted back from that list were Roli and Fridge. I expected Demo to get more money than I would be comfortable with. Obviously, losing Roli is a disappointment. Fridge may not be lost yet. The others …. so what?
I was hoping it was Gabby they traded, not Rolston. Rolston is more of a leader than Gabby could ever hope to be. I don’t care if hes 9-10 yrs. older either. Another dumb move by Risedork. Way to go. Other teams are moving, signing free agents,improving their club(s). As usual, Risedork sits on his hands.
very interesting stuff from McKenzie.
The bit about the Performance Bonus Cushion in particular:
Schmitty:
Not to pick on ‘ya, but:
segway = 2-wheeler.
segue = any smooth, uninterrupted transition from one thing to another.
lol.
Not sure where my old media guides are, but quickly: Greg Malone was a Pens player and scout during the time they drafted Ryan (so nepotism surely had something to do with it; Ryan was a fourth-rounder in ‘99). Greg was not a scout with Pittsburgh last year. I think he was let go when Shero came aboard a couple years ago but can’t remember for sure.
lol… thanks bfw
I was using the “2-wheeler” to find this overly potent stash of spiked Kool-aid everyone is drinking in the CtC Club.
NiNY - that’s our point… he has done nothing
I believe it’s called the Kool Aid Keg, Schmitty. lol.
NiNY:
Great scoop on the Cap. Think Dougie’s up on this, or his lawyer pal?
NiNY - that’s our point… he has done nothing
No, he hasn’t done what you’ve wanted him to do. There’s a difference.
They’ve made some decisions on pending RFAs/UFAs, moved one for a conditional pick, probably had exploratory, non-tampering discussions with others…
Think Dougie’s up on this, or his lawyer pal?
God, I hope so.
That means Rolston’s SALARY has to be the full $5M or whatever he’s looking for. Also, maybe it’s harder to sign kids like Gillies?
Are you joking El Gato….?
Gillies is going to play a full season with 10g, 9A?
Clutterfok also a full season with 7g, 10A?
Bruno replacing Demo… lol
I didn’t know Bruno played Center
OK, catching up late today…
First, I can see both sides here. On one hand we’ve got what I’ll call the restless side. Based on DR’s offseason track record they aren’t expecting a bold signing. The biggest one they’ve done is Kim Johnsson, and while he’s not a bad player, he’s not exactly Norris trophy candidate material either. Given that the Wild have the “flexibility”, i.e. cap space, that DR claims he wanted, add in that two significant players in Demitra and Rolston appear to be leaving, the time cries out for this summer to be the year the Wild is the team that makes the big splash in free agency. Yet nowhere to be found are the Sundin or Hossa to Minnesota rumors. Keeping the powder dry for next year sounds like a cop out and an excuse to be cheap. Nickle and diming the team into mediocrity, missing the forest for the trees and rubbing the fans the wrong way. The glow of the honeymoon is dimming.
It’s a fair argument, IMO.
On the other hand, we’ve got the patient side. They see Kim Johnsson and all of the criticism he gets for his contract as exhibit 1a in why you need to proceed with caution. The Wild are doing pretty well and blowing your wad in free agency is a minefield that could just as easily blow up in your face. If they get locked in to a player for several seasons and that player doesn’t live up to expectations, it will hamstring the team’s ability to compete in the future.
And I think there’s a lot of validity there as well.
I think the former sees the latter as suffering from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and the latter sees the former as singing a poor rendition of (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.
I kind of see the truth as somewhere in the middle. I think the Wild have done OK, but they’ve got a bit of work to do still in term of the roster. I think they were short a top-4 D, and a top-6 center last season. Rolston and Demitra create another couple of holes. MAB and Reitz don’t really address the defense. They are this season’s Nummelin and Carney (or Hill).
They don’t have to spend $6MM per on a top-4 D. Rosival was not wanting to double a $4.2MM annual salary. That was his two-year number, so we’re looking at something around $4MM for a guy like him. That’s about where the market is there. I think a decent stay-at-home guy that could be paired with Johnsson could come for less than that.
Bruno would alleviate some of the loss of Demo and Rolston. If the assumptions of a $2.5MM cap hit are correct, then we’re still looking at about $6-8MM for two more holes to fill up front (depending on how much up to the cap DR is willing to go). So if you go this way, you can see why Hossa or Sundin don’t really fit the picture. Now we’re looking more at guys like Huselius or Ryder or whoever else that isn’t going to go for top dollar.
Now, I think it’s *possible* that you could go the other way, and go after Hossa and then fill in the rest with whatever fits with however much money is left. This will probably mean shakier depth unless the bargains and/or rookies do better than expected. It’s hard for me to say that I prefer one approach over the other, because I think both could work.
This I will agree on. I don’t think this season needs to be a step back. As has been pointed out, they’ve got a nice core locked up and a pretty good combo in goal. Plus Gaborik. Take that flexibility and put some pieces around that and you could put a pretty good team on the ice.
As long as Rosie’s chaps were brought up. It will be full-scale size posters of Rosie in her ass-less chaps for everybody in Russoville if DR actually does something to imrpove the Wild in the next few days. Oh, and signing Gabby and PMB to extensions does not count because the Wild clearly need to ADD to last year’s group that got bounced by the Avs in 6.
The only way to make the Rolston trade look good is if you go after Redden or Campbell and get Hossa (for Gabby’s sake) and get a decent powerful center.
NiNY:
Yeah, I read that and it was interesting. I was a little surprised that many teams were not aware of it. Though, I wonder how big of deal it would and how firm is the cap really under this “no bonus cushion”
Someone was telling me that they heard Lou Nanne say that Hossa wouldn’t come to Minnesota because there is one particular player that he can’t stand. That sounds bogus to me, has anyone else heard this?
All in all, it’s been a pretty lame NHL offseason so far. No way is Malone worth what Tampa gave him. And Michael-Liles is a $4 million/year defensemen? Sergei Gonchar makes $5 million per season!
nice recap, toivo. Succinct. I like that.
You mentioned the “pretty good combo in goal”. I wonder if they’re going to be talking to ThomLynnBrough too this summer. Hards is a RFA after this season and Backstrom is a UFA after this season.
Gillies already signed at I think $1.2 - $1.4 million cap hit. It might make it harder to sign Cuma. Though, I don’t see him playing this fall so signing him might not be too troublesome.
Geez, didn’t realize I was writing War & Peace there.
nice! I didn’t realize Gillies had signed. nhlscap.com has him at a $875k per for the next 3 seasons.
nice summary, toivo.
To clarify, I think this season only has to be a “step back” if the Wild is forced to deal #10 (which I think it should if he can’t be extended).
Sunshine - ditto your comment about how teams were apparently unaware of the cap issue McKenzie wrote about. You would think each team would have a small staff of folks devoted to capology, much like NFL teams do.
Yeah, that’s his base salary without the bonus amounts. I can’t remember the exact amount but I just remember reading that Turris’ agent said that Gillies’ contract was a lot less than Turris. Of course, it would be since Turris was picked #3 overall and Gillies didn’t go until the 16th.
That’s his salary. His cap # is just over a million with his bonus included.
If you assume Pouliot and Gillies make the team in the fall, we have about $38 million cap hit for 16 players. We only need to fill it out with 6 forwards and 1 defensemen.
If you assume Pouliot and Gillies make the team in the fall
Guaranteed.
If you assume Pouliot and Gillies make the team in the fall, we have about $38 million cap hit for 16 players. We only need to fill it out with 6 forwards and 1 defensemen.
…and we have $19M with which to do so. Call it $16M if you figure DR will leave himself some flexibility for wheeling/dealing, etc.
Agree on Gaborik being the wild card. I think the big source of the anxiety (I feel it too) is that there’s just so many open-ended questions right now. The first big one didn’t go so well, or at least not like a lot of us would’ve hoped. Gaborik’s situation is probably twice as important as Rolston’s, and the lack of urgency there is a bit unsettling.
Gaborik’s situation is probably twice as important as Rolston’s, and the lack of urgency there is a bit unsettling.
Ditto, x 1 billion!!!111oneoneoneeleven
However it all shakes out, it should be interesting to see who is on the team at the very least. If we’re already talking like Pouliot and Gillies are there, along with Reitz, possibly Clutterbuck… Wow, that would be a pretty green team.
Dontcha mean Forest Green?
Actually we need 5 forwards and 2 defensemen
However if you add:
Foster at $1 million
SRV at $800K (could be less)
PMB at $4 million
We are looking at $44 million for 19 players. Still would need 3 UFA forwards and 1 defensemen.
(Before, I was counting Foster before adding his salary. We still need another defensemen. )
So $10 million for 3 UFA forwards and 1 defensemen.
All righty, then.
C’ya’ll tomorrow for the fireworks, (or lack thereof, lol.)
L8r!
Gillies is certainly on the team because he can’t be sent to the AHL. Pouliot is almost certainly on the team because they will give him a shot to see what he can do. Reitz should make the team as a 6 or 7 D and then Clutterbuck or somebody (possibly somebodies) similar to replace Voros, Foy and possibly Fedoruk. Someone previously mentioned all the holes to fill. The response, correctly, was that most are interchangeable parts. But Rolston and Demo are certainly not and their scoring must be replaced and added to.
No updates from Russo? What up?
Nothing much to report until tomorrow–although he did say there would be some kind of free agent preview tonight, didn’t he?
I don’t know - I lost track. I was expecting more in the paper yesterday, but alas - not much. Maybe they didn’t give him much space with the US Open coverage, etc.
I’m still waiting for the other 11 stories he was working on yesterday to pop. Though the flurry of activity last night was worth a day of not much. Sounds like Rolston isn’t rushing into Tampa’s warm embrace too quickly:
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/16889-Lightning-continue-to-wheel-and-deal-before-free-agency-even-opens.html
At least he’s making it look good with a little toe drag.
making it look good with a little toe drag.
I applaud you for that.
We got next-to-nothing for Rolston (we would have received nothing anyhow, granted; but…
We’re not getting anything for Demitra,
and we can’t get rid of Skoula!
What’s a GM to do??
What’s a GM to do??
1) Throw a pile ‘o dough at Hossa.
2) When he rejects it, publicize it so you make it ‘look’ good.
3) Reinforce to the CtC club that the ‘window of opportunity’ for those ‘vets’ is over.
4) Scour the cart for talking pumpkins.
kj: ‘CtC’ club?
“Scour the cart for talking pumpkins.”
Think we’ll see a pumpkin patch this season?
WRT…yes, the Content to Compete club…
No need to challenge for the Cup when you have a ‘competitive’ AH…er…NHL team.
TB just signed Prospal to a multi-year contract. Also, Shelley re-signed with the Sharks.
I am getting so sick of the shit being thrown at the team by you so called “fans”. Just because things don’t go the way you want them to go, you have to throw a temper tantrum like a 5-year-old. It’s real effin’ old. There is this thing called patience, which you obviously have none… and you are trying mine.
ATX…chill man.
Some of what I say is banter. Some of what I say (waiting for DR to make a move) is reality.
I am patient. I have been there since the inception of the team.
However, the way the new NHL works - and management’s seeming inability to adapt has me becoming more and more impatient.
ATX, I share your feelings.. As much as I want to see them win, I have no problems if the Wild join the “Tavares Sweepstakes” either. Next years draft is supposed to be very strong again, so if your team was going to suck for a year, then let it be this one.
ATx: We, the fans, are getting equally sick of the BS thrown at us by the Club, such as ‘we’re still building for the future’, etc., etc.
No, we aren’t trying to throw temper tantrums. Nor should it be construed that way. What it should be seen as, is honest concern from those who just got their season ticket costs jacked up (by up to 12 percent) and then, stand by and watch as nearly every other team they compete against does something, which they think will make them a better hockey club while our ‘brain trust’ stands there, playing Mah Jong with themselves.
Patience is a virtue. Join us in some! We hopefully will be rewarded tomorrow…
ATX:
Tell me about it. Its making reading this blog not fun anymore.
Hey, don’t knock Mah Jong.
(I know it won’t make anyone feel better, but the Pens had 12 UFAs and 1 RFA, what they’ve done is take the RFA to arbitration, lowball three UFAs to the point that two immediately declared they’ll test the market, then trade two UFAs in the conference for a draft pick. We have more D under contract than forwards for next season.)
ATX and Wild’n'NH - DR went for a significant upgrade this year in the OJ trade - why should he give give up and “re-build” now?
KiPA At least you team has a well-stocked ‘D’. At least in numbers. The Wild can say they have a couple prospects (Cuma, Reitz), three first-line D (Burns, Schultz, Johnsson — for now, at least) and a human pylon (Skoula). Johnsson’s $5M/yr contract is up after the ‘08-09 season.
And no other team, no matter how bad their ‘D’ already is, wants Skoula.
How ’bout a Skoula trade with Ak Bars Kazan in the Russian Super League?
DUMP THE DUMPPER !!
All I am saying is that there is a big difference between creative banter and chatting about problems with the team and Name Calling… and the later is waht a bunch of you have resorted to. All this “smug” and “CtC” crap is just annoying and not constructive at all. I understand being upset about getting ticket prices jacked up, be IT’S A CHOICE you make. You pull out your wallet and make the descision to pay that money for those tickets. DR, the team, Jl, CL… none of those guys are out there twisting your arms to buy the tix or watch the team at all. It’s all up to you. I have been patient with all this crap but I can’t do it anymore. Name calling has its place on grade school playgrounds, not on a blog where adults are trying to have good conversation about the direction of their favorite hockey team. It’s a game, it’s entertainment, it’s not the be-all-end-all of everything, and some of you are certainly acting like it is.
I have had a less-than-stellar day, and I am probably just a little touchy right now… but seriously think about what you are doing… just a kind reminder, tone/sarcasm/ etc is very hard to discern through text.
Tell me about it. Its making reading this blog not fun anymore.
That is exactly what I am trying to say.
Sorry, I couldn’t help it.
Our D means nothing though. We’re in the East, remember? If we don’t score 20 goals a game, we can’t win.
and….ATX, no one is making you read this blog. It is a choice. skip the posts you don’t like but to go off like you have is the 5 yr old tantrum you are trying say other have had….
ATX, you can only defend Risedump and the rest of the losers with the Mild front office only so long…..at some point I’d think you’d have to realize that they’re not interested in winning and they’re a bunch of frauds over there in St. Paul.
Just wanted to say that it’s difficult to find intelligent hockey discussions many places. This blog and the comments are (usually) the best place to find the information first, which is nice for especially busy times of the year, like the start of free agency.
That’s why I read the blog and these comments. Best information first. Digging through piles of crap to get there is just an unhappy byproduct.
my tix went from 72.50 to 75. I’m not that great at math so someone else can tell my what pct raise that is.
Mike, I am not defending them, I am just saying that I like the team, and I like watching them, and if I lived in MN I would happily pay money to see them play.
And my15k, that is a fair point.
FA-eve buffet, served by Michael…
Also, Many of the people here constantly complain that they are dropping money on the team and they are unhappy about it… if you are unhappy spending the money… here is a novel idea… don’t freakin spend it.
And if they’re not interested in winning, I’d like to know why they’ve taken the time to develop solid young players in Koivu, Burns, and Shultz.
If the management were honestly only interested in money and they actually believed they could do whatever they want and the fans won’t care, they would stay near the minimum salary, resign Kuba, trade away Gabby for a bag of pucks, and do whatever else is cheapest.
Everyone is interested in winning. It’s just a matter of perspective on whether you think the management is taking the right path to get there.
Sell your tickets…its as simple as that. You obviously are having issues with raising prices and this will only be the beginning. You think prices are going to drop? Not likely.
From what it sounds, most of the complainers here think DR should have signed Hossa already! July 1 and good luck with that!
Just. One. Dork.
It’s time for me to go home. Peace out Russoville.
Frankly, ATX, I don’t see that there’s that much to like. The Dumpper doesn’t seem to have any interest in putting together a winning team. I expect there’ll be alot of crickets chirping away over in the offices at the “X” tomorrow.
All you dopes out there who are hoping that they’ll chase after Hossa, well you’ll be deserving your disappointment.
THEY DON’T CARE ABOUT WINNING!!
THEY JUST WANT YOUR MONEY !!
UNDERSTAND??
Blog…
No, I am not dumping my tickets. I can criticize the front office the same as non ticket holders.
Part of my posts are sarcastic, but rooted in what I believe to be true.
Riser is scared to make a mistake.
Johnsson was an expensive lesson and he had to backtrack from why he was signed.
They tried to get OJ. Just like Pittsburgh tried to win the Cup. They both fell short.
The situation the Wild are in (with all the expiring contracts) leave ‘flexibility’ but only if you use it.
That is where we sit, until tomorrow.
And if DR pulls off some great moves…I will be the first one to COMMEND him for improving the team. But if we get another ‘Simon’ signing…well…you know what to expect.
I saw this on a hockey blog earlier today:
I didn’t realize the NHL still existed.
How did the Quebec Nordiques and Winnipeg Jets do this season?
LOL
Must’ve been Tiger Woods’ blog.
“All you dopes out there who are hoping that they’ll chase after Hossa, well you’ll be deserving your disappointment.”
I don’t care if they sign Hossa. I just like watching Minnesota hockey. I think you are blinded by your hatered for DR. There is no team in any sport that doesn’t WANT to win. For some it’s harder than others… and for DR it’s tough because he is conservitive. But I don’t mind being conservitive when it comes to the team. I like the direction the team has gone so far… this off season has been a little suprising, but I think they will rebound from it. I have faith, and I belive the team will be fine.
And kj, that is a extremely reasonable post. I agree with you on all points there. Hopefully DR gets something big done.
What do people think about Naslund?
