Free-agent eve
Posted on June 30th, 2008 – 6:58 PMBy Michael Russo
Just received a text message from Brian Rolston, “I will be going to free agency.” Tampa made it hard, but he says this is “once in a lifetime” opportunity.
Here is Doug Risebrough’s blog posted this morning on wild.com. It gives you an indication of how much analysis of players goes into free agency. Does this lower expectations? Certainly, but it’s accurate, too. This is not a deep free-agent pool. If you miss out on the top, top guys, you can get yourself in big trouble in the next few years if you overspend just trying to show you’re working.
Late Monday night update: Rolston sleeping on decision and will decide on Tampa Bay in the morning.
Everybody from the Lightning organization called Rolston today to try to woo him - Lecavalier, Walz, Melrose, etc. Ill try to update in the morning when I find out his decision, but I’m going to be unavailable for a couple hours, so I might not be able to.
Tuesday 5:30 a.m. hello: Two things. If you read the story in the actual paper this morning (I pray people still do), please note, fifth graph, that $16 million figure includes anticipated raises to Bouchard and Veilleux. It’s correct online now; I messed up in the paper.
Now, if Bouchard was traded, that figure increases significantly.
Also, these “featured comments” that go up automatically next to our articles? Normally I could care less, but this one is driving me nuts.
A reader wrote, “rolstons agent got a job in Tampa and Demitras agent got a job in Vancouver. The wild never had a chance to sign these two guys.” Amazingly enough, nine out of 10 people LIKED this erroneous comment as of 5:30 a.m.
The comment is so ridiculously inaccurate, I felt compelled to correct it publicly considering it’s somehow appeared featured next to my article.
First, Rolston’s agent is not the GM of the Lightning. Brian Lawton was not Rolston’s agent, Steve Bartlett is. And while Mike Gillis might be the GM of Vancouver, the Wild was not interested in bringing Demitra back — and vice versa, I believe.
OK, you’ll likely hear from me again shortly after free agency begins. I won’t be around this morning.
A hockey writers’ dream.
I know it’s sad, but I enjoy sitting at my laptop making call after call on July 1 trying to find out the goods. I’ll have my left foot elevated, of course. XM Radio’s Ron Rimer broke the news this late afternoon. I’m likely having surgery next week. (Off the record, I was Rimer’s source; Yes, I scooped my own Blog)
I’ll be sidelined two to three months believe it or not, meaning there’s a good chance I accidentally run over Gaborik’s foot in my motorized George Costanza cart in training camp. But at least I’ll be able to push that Falness character out of the media scrum.
OK, on to the free-agent primer.
First, here’s that depth chart we published after the Draft so you have at your disposal. Obviously, you can ignore that last category.
As of now, Brian Rolston has not signed in Tampa Bay despite the Lightning offering him a Brink’s truck, I am told. I am also being told it’s looking more and more doubtful Rolston signs, although that could change. Brian Lawton and Len Barrie are using every ounce of persuasion they have. I haven’t heard back from Rolston this afternoon, but this is further proof he wants to go to free agency. In other words, if Tampa can’t get it done, the Wild wasn’t going to get it done.
Deep down, I really think he’s praying the Red Wings come calling. That would be a dream come true for the Michigan native and childhood Wings fan. Two other big options? I think Pittsburgh and the Rangers. I think he’d sign either place in a heartbeat.
I know Florida wants to sign him and make him the Panthers’ captain, but if he’s not interested in signing in Tampa Bay, why Florida? Deep down, Rolston still wants to be in a hockey city, especially since his son, Ryder, looks like he’s on his way to being as good as or better than pops. So Rolston wants quality youth hockey.
That’s why maybe, and just maybe, Rolston does come back to the Wild if the stars don’t align. I’d still consider that beyond doubtful.
Another option could be Colorado, which has great youth hockey in Denver. Yes, Rolston’s played there before, but he’d be in a different role this time. And the Avs have a bunch of cap room.
Onto free agency:
– I talked to Risebrough this afternoon.
First, I don’t think he’ll be saying again he’s not afraid to let unrestricted free agents play out their contracts. He admitted he probably should have locked Rolston up months ago instead of allowing him to be enticed by getting “his rights back.”
You get this close to being completely free, you can’t help but wonder which teams want you and how much they’re willing to give you. And like we’ve stated all along on here, this could be Rolston’s last chance at not only a big payday, but picking his team.
– Risebrough said the Wild has tons of flexibility to make big moves — specifically, about $16 million of cap space — and plans to be active. But like we’ve said all along, the cream of the free-agent crop is limited, so if the Wild swings and misses, it’s not going to throw dollars at lesser quality guys.
If they strike out, I can see them really going the trade route.
– I believe the team is going to at least inquire about Marian Hossa. I still can’t believe it’ll get him. I’ve been told he’s not interested, although I know Risebrough and Marian Gaborik did have a conversation yesterday and you have to wonder if Hossa’s name came up.
And, Gaborik did fly home to Slovakia, so maybe Gaborik does a little, I don’t know, begging!
– Risebrough talked mostly about his desire to add an offensive-minded defenseman this summer, in addition to the Marc-Andre Bergeron addition. The Wild feels if it could add a quality top-four defenseman, it would have as strong a top-four as there is in the West with Brent Burns, Nick Schultz, Kim Johnsson and Player X.
I think Michal Rozsival or Brad Stuart would be a huge get for this team.
But maybe they go the trade route because Risebrough mentioned he’s not completely enamored with the defenseman free-agent market after the top, top guys. Let me throw this out at you, and this is just speculation.
Dan Boyle’s on the block. Yes, he makes over $6 million and he had a pretty severe wrist laceration last season, but he’s a pure offensive defenseman. And Risebrough makes this type of acquisition sound more important than getting a forward (as you’ll read in Tuesday’s paper). We know the Wild’s had a lot of talks with Tampa Bay the last few days. One has to at least figure that Boyle’s name came up.
I covered Boyle in Florida back in the day before he developed into the star he is today. Panthers dumped him for a fifth-round pick that became Martin Tuma (Yikes). Boyle is one dynamic player. Of course, he does have a no-trade clause, and it would take some assets to get him — maybe a Pierre-Marc Bouchard.
Another possibility via trade? Anaheim’s Mathieu Schneider, perhaps. Brian Burke and Doug Risebrough are very chummy, despite the comical stuff at the end of last year’s playoff series.
– The desire for a top offensive blue-liner surprised me because I think they lack grit on the back end and should maybe go after a Brooks Orpik or Mike Commodore. I hear the Wild is concerned with Jason Smith’s shoulders, so I don’t see that.
– As for forwards, I do think Andrew Brunette will be back in a Wild sweater. After that, I think the Wild needs another impact forward and a center. I don’t know if it gets both.
Like I said, I think Hossa is not coming. Kristian Huselius will get lots of points. I covered him for a long time in Florida, and he’s as skilled a player as I’ve ever covered. And we know the Wild likes him because it nearly dealt Pascal Dupuis for him a few years back. But Huselius isn’t exactly going to muck it up in the corners in the playoffs.
Michael Ryder’s another interesting name. Before a lousy year last year, he had 85 goals for Montreal in his first three seasons. He’s skilled, great shot, can skate. He’s not very gritty and defensively, he was a minus-25 two seasons ago. Not very Jacques Lemaire-like, if you know what I mean.
Niklas Hagman is an interesting name. I also covered him and I just wonder if he was a one-hit wonder last season. Other guys include Darcy Tucker (scoring and nastiness, which the Wild wants), Radim Vrbata (lots of talent), Markus Naslund (past him prime?) and Todd Bertuzzi (bad back and broke the neck of the brother of an ex-Wild, but still offers a brash style, plus it would be a heckuva story considering how much Wild fans adore him).
At center, Sean Avery offers so much (skill, mean, speed), but to give a guy a long-term deal who’s act wears out after two years? I don’t see the Wild doing it. Bobby Holik (big, faceoffs, played for Lemaire, smart, great team guy) might be a good pickup. Brendan Morrison is coming off reconstructive knee surgery, although his reps have informed each team he’ll be ready by camp. Jason Williams has game.
Anyway, it’ll be fun. Hey, even if nothing happens, at the very least, the Wild should announce the signing of Tomas Mojzis!!!!
I’m going to ice my foot.
338 Responses to "Free-agent eve"
I’ll be sidelined two to three months
Ryan Malone would still be skating. Just sayin’…
On a serious note: I said it before, but I don’t see Pittsburgh being a player for Rolston. Not if he’s wanting $5 per.
Ok, all BS aside…
I am hoping the Wild improve the club.
They have the means…I just hope they have the will.
i’d guess rolston would take less than $5 to play in det, pitt, or NYC. not sure why the rangers but to each his own.
as for the end of last blog…it is in the state constitution to bitch about your sports teams. just how it is up here. my only complaint is lately, if you don’t bitch, you don’t care and that is far from the truth in my case.
Well put, GreenStar. I do care, I’m just not going to cry about it if the management doesn’t follow my exact desired plan.
Well, except if they let PMB go. That I’d cry about (just a little). Then I’d also have to add a second team to watch.
See my last post on the last thread.
And like we’ve stated all along on here, this could
Looks like Russo got cut off. Wonder what someone doesn’t want him to type…
hmm.. So, in other words, nothing’s happened yet, other than Lilja, Nokelainen, Shelley, and Gaustad resigning with their respective teams.
Sundin said no to the Habs, will go to July 1, as he hasn’t decided if he’s gonna play next year.
Also, Vinny hasn’t actually accepted that mega contract with TB yet. He can still go out as a FA tomorrow.
Campbell will also wait for tomorrow.
McKenzie says Anaheim will trade Schneider, and the Oil will trade Pitkinin also.
Well, I’m all eyes on the notable sites tonight, and NHL network on TV.
I actually liked your last post kj. Which has been unusual for me lately.
Would it not be bizarre if Brian resigned with the Wild?
If he wants a chance to win a cup, then Pitt or Det…Tampa for huge bucks and free wheeling fun under Melrose, but not certain, immediate team success.
Det blog mentioned him, but so did Dallas paper too, but am not holding my breath he signs with Stars.
It should be fun to sit back and see what happens going forward.
First, I don’t think he’ll be saying again he’s not afraid to let unrestricted free agents play out their contracts. He admitted he probably should have locked Rolston up months ago instead of allowing him to be enticed by getting “his rights back.”
That’s not smug - maybe we are off to a good July 1 start here.
He nodded off at the laptop! Must’ve gotten some good meds. 
No, not smug. That’s more like “Doh!”
He nodded off at the laptop! Must’ve gotten some good meds.
LMAO
Also, Vinny hasn’t actually accepted that mega contract with TB yet. He can still go out as a FA tomorrow.
You have got to do better than this.
You have got to do better than this.
I can. I heard that Sid the Kid is pissed that Malone is gone and Hossa is playing hardball, demanding a trade, with a Gaborik for Crosby deal as the most likely scenario.
Also, Vinny hasn’t actually accepted that mega contract with TB yet. He can still go out as a FA tomorrow.
As reported by Bob McKenzie this evening on TSN, the contract is NOT inked, they have a verbal agreement is all, and if Vinny decided he wanted to try the market, he could.
He wouldn’t be a FA tomorrow, MuN.
toivo: You haven’t been spending your summer atop Mt. (Al) Davis at the Mausoleum have you, smoking something funny, or something, have ya there?
this could….
Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!
This has been an add for Lifealert.
Heh, I can come up with fantastic scenarios with zero chance of ever happening completely sober.
Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!
Somebody DO SOMETHING!!!
Funny.
toivo… Yes, I typed that wrong as Bob was talking awful fast. he could be a UFA next July.
OK, let’s play a game. Finish this sentence:
“And like we’ve stated all along on here, this could _____”
My entry: “itch when it dries.”
And by any realistic expectation, Vinny’s not going to all of sudden bail out on Tampa here. Why would he?
“be the season I don’t make shameful references to Flordia.”
Just kidding
So will Rolston be as productive on another team as he was here?
I’m just wondering because I read that he wasn’t a consistent scorer until he came to the Wild and that these last three years have increased his value. Any chance that won’t hold true on a different team?
Oh and I could confirm the whole increased scoring thing, but I’m too lazy to look up his stats.
they wild and aves are in OT. $50 colorado wins.
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.
+ 1 on this kj comment at the end of the last thread
Oh and I could confirm the whole increased scoring thing, but I’m too lazy to look up his stats.
i got your back
year - points
94 - 18
95 - 24
96 - 45
97 - 30
98 - 57
99 - 31 between 3 teams
00 - 58
01 - 62
02 - 59
03 - 48
05 - 79
06 - 64
07 - 59
he scored 31 once with boston in 01-02. his point totals declined in minny but his goals scored went 34, 31, 31. had 45 assists in 05-06. 28 last year.
toivo, suppose the Pens throw the same offer at him… What would you do if you were him?
Go to an instant cup contender, or stay put in TB?
Rolston only had one 30+ goal season prior to joining the Wild, and all three seasons with the Wild were 30+ seasons for him.
How that might affect his production on another team, I have no idea. What it won’t affect is his market this summer.
burns just did the toe drag only to be stoned by jose. I know we lose but damn this was great hockey.
Great rest of the thread Russo - should be a fun Tuesday!
MuN, your hypothetical can’t happen. The Pens couldn’t throw that same offer to him until next summer. So what you’re suggesting is that after coming to this verbal agreement, Vinny would have to back out with the intention of becoming an UFA next summer. It just doesn’t typically happen — I can’t think of any examples of where it has — and Vinny doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who would go against his word like that. I’m also saying that from everything I’ve read, Vinny wants to stay put in Tampa, so any speculation there is based on what?
OK, who had, “be Rolston’s last chance at not only a big payday, but picking his team.”?
I’ll bet when Schmidty starts wagging his tail and whining when he reads the part about Risebrough talking to Gaborik and him flying back to Slovakia.
Or the human equivalent of that.
I can’t believe Russo made no mention of Josef Vasicek anywhere there. He’s PERFECT!
I hope Lecavalier is tired of money, palm trees, beaches, throngs of girls in thongs, and driving his fancy cars without worrying about rust. I hope he yearns to sign under his value to a long term contract in MN because he loves waiting line passive agressively, hotdish, and playing with out his sweater on. Then I want tickets on the glass, a pony, a surprise party, and… well he hasn’t signed yet right?
Did I mention he’s Slovakian and plays center?
ATX/WATX…
In the days or months leading up to tomorrow we have had plenty of time to disect and criticize management (Smuggy, etc). Riser’s quote tonight from Russo would appear that he may have learned a little bit.
However, if it is a ’swing and a miss’ and we go into training camp without any appreciable influx of talent, I won’t need to rally anyone around to my point of view.
I am optimistic that DR knows he needs to do something, but pessimistic that he is paralyzed by fear to do something (other than trade PMB).
Perhaps he will have that decision made for him. There are a lot of analysts that believe PMB is one of the premier RFAs on the market.
I think Filppula is. Russo…if you’re reading…have you had any indication from DR that they might test the RFA market???
Why is it DR admits to mistake, after mistake, after mistake? Why does he get chance, after chance, after chance? If that was you or I doing that, we would have been out of a job already!
He had more goals than Demo last season, too.
toivo: I’m ’bout it. He is from Czech Rep. though.
And… I have it on good information that he loves him some hotdish.
I’ve always liked Ryder (not Ryder Rolston). His bad year last year might make him fit into DRs affordability scale.
Vrbata, Williams, Huselius have all been mentioned as upgrades in talent.
Louie said on Barierro’s show that he thinks the Wild will need goals, not stopping them. And he thought that a good way to pick them up is via the PP (and Brunette).
rrd: you’re right! hockeydb has it wrong. Should’ve known that though from his name.
Forget it. Deal’s OFF!
Doneski.
The only Czechs that work on the Wild are defensemen after all.
I hope the conversation between DR and Gaborik involved his health, training, and oh, his upcoming contract.
The only Czechs that work on the Wild are defensemen after all.
There’s a Czech D man on the Wild? I thought that was a human pylon??? 
#1 - Thanks Russo, we greatly appreciate the update.
#2 - Did anyone reading the see the name HOSSA? HOSSA! HOSSA! (ok, settled down)
#3 - It’s good to see DR realizes he screwed up with Rolston & Probably Demo…. but I hate this “pre-cop out line” - so if the Wild swings and misses, it’s not going to throw dollars at lesser quality guys.
#3 - I still can’t believe DR thinks we need a Top-4 D-man. Seriously… we gave us near the fewest goals in the league for the ump-teenth time and scoring just as few. How can he not see that we need scoring more than D. JL’s system is all the D you need. Put myself or Wallshot or NiNY or even Mike (the dumper) on a pairing with Skoula and we’ll be fine. We don’t need to spend on Defense.
#4 - Giving up PMB (a scorer & play maker) for Boyle is a horrible trade on several fronts.
a. we take on about $4 million a year
b. we will have nearly $12 million in 2 D-man
c. WE NEED SCORING 1st!!!!
#5 - When HOSSA said he didn’t want to come here, one of the reasons rumored is that there is/was a player here he hated. We lost 10 of 22, our chances have to be good he’s gone.
With that… I say…. Get out the Damned Check Book DR… time to go shoppin!
HOSSA! HOSSA! HOSSA! HOSSA!
Schmidty…how do you really feel???
We’re not out of the Hossa sweepstakes yet!
Ouch on the foot. Does Russoville need to get out their hammers and scrap wood and build you a ramp?
Alrighty boys and girls, Russo’s report has got me all jacked up and ready for 11 a.m. tomorrow. Ready to spend some money, baby! Get out the checkbook, Riser! *shakes pom-pons*
Stephen Bartlett, the agent for left wing Brian Rolston, said Monday night that there has been little change in the way negotiations have gone between his client and the Lightning.
“No real change since the last time I spoke to you,” Bartlett said.
At that time Bartlett said he there was no clear indication Rolston would not go into free agency. Asked if that that should be construed as not optimistic, Bartlett said, “You can put whatever kind of characterization on it you want. I’m not going to say nay or yay or good or bad.”
Bartlett said he would keep talking to Tampa Bay.
“I never stop talking,” he said. “That’s not my style.”
http://blogs.tampabay.com/lightning/
Bartlett will talk and string along the team until Rolston hits free agency without making a counteroffer.
At least we got a pick for Rolston.
Funny how an agent’s story changes depending on his audience?
That man has a future in politics!
Scratch Corey Perry off the wishlist.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242101&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_nhl
Lets see DR states I should havent let Burnette go ( he wont be able to play in new nhl)(had 3 good season with Colorado) DR says I should have let some free agents play during the year without contracts. (Sorry JL) now he is almost admitted that it was total mistake to not lock up Roloston sooner. Maybe DR is not built for the new NHL. DR should be in the hot seat if the team doesnt go far in the next two to three years. I am tired of his mistakes
WTF!! DR comes out and says, “Gee! Maybe I should have come at Rolston a little earlier. And ya know, letting Brunette go was maybe a mistake.” Do ya think!!! Dougie buddy. You are an effing NHL team president. You got hired because you were supposed to be smart enough to not make these junior league mistakes.
3 years ago I bought a big screen and bailed on my 4 club seats because it wasn’t worth $400 a game to see on average 1.3 or whatever the flock it was Wild goals per game. DR better have a couple of aces up his sleeve in the next couple of weeks or I am giving up the Wild for Ice Road Truckers. Well, I might tivo and watch once in awhile just to see Gorg try and explain the neutral zone trap.
“I never stop talking,” he said. “That’s not my style.”
he stopped talking with the wild a week ago.
but I hate this “pre-cop out line” - so if the Wild swings and misses, it’s not going to throw dollars at lesser quality guys.
I don’t think this is a cop out line. i think it means if we swing for schmidty man crush and miss, then swing and miss on someone like campbell or the next big dollar FA out there, don’t expect the wild to out bid for a mid level guy, which is all that will be left, by 3 mil a la yawnson.
I’m with russo, rosival would be very nice is Iron Range Red or the new forest green.
I still can’t believe DR thinks we need a Top-4 D-man. Seriously… we gave us near the fewest goals in the league for the ump-teenth time and scoring just as few
our defense was not nearly as good as in past years. leads were no long safe entering the 3rd like they used to be. Russo also said he is looking for scoring defensemen.
Schmidty,
Every hockey site I read or listen to has said the same thing, re: your #3 post.
#3 - It’s good to see DR realizes he screwed up with Rolston & Probably Demo…. but I hate this “pre-cop out line” - so if the Wild swings and misses, it’s not going to throw dollars at lesser quality guys.
I agree that it is a cop-out, but it is also the truth. On NHL Live today, they were specifically asked about MN this free agency period, and the guys said they see MN making a trade for guys, rather than paying a lot on the open market.
So forgive my ignorance, but a couple of days ago Russo said Fedoruk was not coming back? Why would the Wild not re-sign one of the brighter spots from last year?
The more I listen to DR, the more I believe it is less about building an SC team than it is doing it his way. He would rather make no deal than make a deal that turned out poorly. He is afraid to make a mistake. That is all ego. It’s not even his money so what is he afraid of? In today’s capped NHL, there will be no SC for anybody who is afraid to swing from the heels once in awhile.
Thanks for listening. $6.25 bottomless glass of cabernet (tasty) at D’Amico with dinner tonight. What a bargain!!
I can’t even imagine the reaction if Bertuzzi came here. A tale of two fans perhaps: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tqPFLvzGRQ (read the comments). One fan would probably suck him off, the other (a vancouver fan?) would kill him. Oh lawdy youtube comments.
He is afraid to make a mistake.
if true, can one blame him. he was just beaten senseless for 3 mistakes in 8 to 10 years with wild. bruno, FA’s playing out contract and not resigning rolston earlier.
Word is he wants too much money, Mojo. I say pay him whatever he wants.
Green*…isn’t FAs playing out contract more than one mistake?
Do you think his time as GM has been mostly positive?
Oh, and I would trade one Stanley Cup WIN for rebuilding after getting ousted in the 1st round ANYTIME.
Kevin Allen, USA TODAY
Agent Steve Bartlett’s message to potential free agent Brian Rolston on the eve of unrestricted free agency was that he had journeyed too far not to at least sightsee at the destination.
Although Bartlett was open to the Minnesota Wild’s offers for Rolston, he believed it was more logical to see how the marketplace looked when the signing period starts Tuesday at noon ET.
“It’s like signing up for a year-long voyage, then jumping off on Day 364, the day before the ship pulls into port,” Bartlett said. “It’s hard for me to think that’s good strategy. This doesn’t mean we couldn’t sign with an existing team, but the temptation is to wait and see what the lay of the land is on free agent day.”
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2008-06-30-nhl-freeagency_N.htm
Let me rephrase that…
I would trade getting ousted in the first round and rebuilding and not winning a Cup in the forseeable future for winning the Cup and being mediocre for the next 5 years.
The cold meds just kicked in.
My theory:
DR’s a commie! He’s a no-good, godless, pinko commie! He hates puppies, baseball, and apple pie too! It’s the duty of every red-blooded, god-fearing American (and Canadian?) Wild fan to taunt him ruthlessly, perhaps even hurl bardyard animals at his house.
“What’s that sweetness? NO, no - they’re our friends”
This years free agents leave a lot to be desired and we don’t want to tie up future cap room on second rate free agents who want long term high buck deals - so go after Sundin with a max out two year deal. It doesn’t mess up the cap down the road + it gives us a second quality center. Then add Michal Rozsival or Brad Stuart. You can do it Dougie and if you do the Risedump, DR is a dummy etc. comments will go away - (or maybe half of them will, until we lose our first exhibition game).
Wow, every time I check in here lately it’s One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest. People need to get out around the grill more with a cooler full of beer and relax a little bit.
KJ, you would bitch every single one of those 5 mediocre years after winning the Cup. Don’t kid yourself.
Now where is Nurse Ratched?
For the database guys:
The $16MM DR referenced, where does that place us versus the other teams?
Overpaying just to get somebody doesn’t make any sense. I think the target is a Dman because we might be able to get one for something reasonable in value. Looks like the forwards lack depth. When the supply is low, the price rises. Hence the Bolts backing up the Brinks truck for 35 year old Rolston.
Beep..beep…beep.
I remember DR went out and overpaid for a guy named Yawnson. So you are saying you want him to go open the checkbook for a couple mid level forwards and give them multi-year deals?
Went to dinner and haven’t completely caught up, but I did want to say this:
If DR swings and misses and then refuses to spend the same money on lesser guys, isn’t that a good thing? Especially if he then turns to the trade market instead of the FA market (unless that trade market involves PMB, then I can answer that question with a big NO)?
On a more-sane note, I really don’t have a problem with DR or the way this team is run. Overpaying in the name of “DO SOMETHING” is incredibly stupid. As Dickie Dunn said, fire up the grill and grab a beer; enjoy summer before we are plunged back into the ice-box.
That reminds me, I should buy some brisket to smoke this weekend. Maybe pork shoulder instead.
DD: Don’t bother reasoning with them. I mean wanting to pay Fedoruk whatever millions he wants for 6 goals. That is plain stupid and more stupid than DR not signing Rolston earlier this year or last year.
I hope Lecavalier is tired of money, palm trees, beaches, throngs of girls in thongs, and driving his fancy cars without worrying about rust. I hope he yearns to sign under his value to a long term contract in MN because he loves waiting line passive agressively, hotdish, and playing with out his sweater on. Then I want tickets on the glass, a pony, a surprise party, and… well he hasn’t signed yet right?
I am not caught up yet… but I had to put this out there asap.
Best. Post. Evar. I lol’d. 
Getting Kimmy for a $4.8 m cap hit doesn’t look so bad now with the cap at $55m, compared to his first year with us which was against a cap that was in the low $40’s.
Maybe that’s the problem … down here in Austin we’ve been enjoying a lot of grilling and beer. Must be why we’re ok being patient with DR.
And, no matter how much of a pleasant surprise Fedoruk was this past season, I would not want to way overspend on him just to keep him around. Still, if he finds we offer a comparable deal to the free market agency, maybe he’ll still come back to us next season. Maybe.
Mr. Bandgeek: Just say ‘no’ to pork shoulder. Definitely go with the brisket. Beef…it’s what’s for dinner!
Vinny L. cannot sign his extension with Tampa Bay until tomorrow (according to the CBA) because you are not supposed to talk with potential UFA’s until July 1 of the season before they become free agents. (Hence why DR is supposedly not talking to Gaborik until then, either.)
I think with Fedoruk, Lemaire told him to be a hockey player first and an enforcer second. I remember that article that either Russo or Shipley wrote about him wanting to move beyond his enforcer role and become a hockey player. Lemaire gave him that chance.
I hope where he goes next, that coach will give him the same chance that Lemaire gave him.
How good did Kimmy’s signing look when the cap was in the low 40s? Through my scanning today of Russovile I don’t have enough fingers to count how many times people pointed to Kimmy being as a bad signing. He was overpaid to fill a need and we locked him up for multiple years tying up valuable dough under the cap. I’m saying, lets not start spending money just to spend money. The same people bitching about spending money will likely be the same ones bitching later about overpaying for a guy.
Don’t underestimate hotdish Austin… Who am I kidding…? I have to give the nod to Florida beaches. Or, how about thongs on girls on florida beaches with some tater tot hotdish on a stick!!
Lightning owner Oren Koules said he has had one conversation with Brian Rolston about money. Koules said Rolston, whom the Lightning are trying to sign by midnight before he becomes an unrestricted free agent, is more concerned about quality of life issues.
“They’re literally meeting right now,” he said of the team and the player.
http://blogs.tampabay.com/lightning/
The problem Wildfor#9 is if you have to trade for players… you have to GIVE SOMETHING UP.
Didn’t DR learn his lesson with Demo? He could have signed him the year before as a FA, but instead waited a year and gave up a 1st round pick and our ONLY talent at the time down in Houston.
Signing a guy through FA only costs you money…. not picks, not players. So pardon me if I am being blunt that is simply a STUPID PLAN.
Go sign some guys damn it!
(takes two pills and thinks of Hossa in Iron Range Red to calm down)
Totally agree on Fedoruk (I was kidding on paying whatever he wants, for heaven’s sake)… I grew really fond of him and hate to see him go to a team where he’ll just be in a “washed up enforcer” role again. I’m guessing since he’s wanting more money, he’ll insist on a better role, too. Just please don’t go to a team I hate. PLEASE.
Hotdish is tasty. Come on Vinny. Tater tots! Cheese! Other stuff!
Hey! I love hotdish!
But not the tater tot hotdish on a stick. That wasn’t all that good.
Vinny ain’t coming here any more than Malone is any more…. he loves the lighting like DR likes to trade picks away.
I’m cool with signing guys. Bruno would be great to have back, I’m all for investing in a talent like Hossa too. But being stupid and signing guys for more than they are worth and for longer than they should get just to “do something” would hurt with the Cap down the road. Then you can draft til you turn blue, develope players and watch em walk when your money is tied up in 3rd and 4th line grinders and you have nothing to give them.
Is this wrong? As a break from the insanity and giddy antici—-pation, I’m actually enjoying the hotdish repartee.
I’m going to go try to sleep now.
I’ll be on in all my glory tomorrow morning, though. Expecting the same from the lot of you.
Buona sera.
Question about the new/AHL kids playing next year: After a year under Lemaire, will they become more tradeable assets? Or less so?
Thanks for the link 6GS. I guess there are people in TB that actually like hockey!
As for the ‘quality of life’ issue… I can definitely see where Rolston is coming from on that one. I lived in FLA for a long time, went to Tampa quite a few times, and it’s not what I would call fantastic. Actually I would call Tampa a ’shithole’. Plus, hockey down there only exists in two forms… NHL, and roller.
nighty night Nick. Let’s hope for some action tomorrow from Douggie and the crew.
How the hell would you put hotdish on a stick??
Schmidty,
I too would prefer they sign talent as FA, rather than waiting. The problem is that there is not much talent this FA season, and I would rather not see DR overpay 3rd line guys, particularly defensemen.
I would jump for joy if they are able to get a talent like Hossa on the FA market, but it’s very unlikely. Thus, a trade may be the better option between: A) Sign second-rate player for first-rate money; or B) Trade for impact players…
P.S. Blunt is fine
Based on DR’s penchant for signing no-goodniks, I’m praying the news tomorrow isn’t “Wild sign Sean Avery to 5 year contract”. I will literally faint.
Still, I’m excited.
Foy was not a tradeable asset. I think being a Lemaire player, you have to know how to play the two-way game. That is always a good thing.
Is Sheppard tradeable because he was with Lemaire or because of his raw skills? Did Florida want Sheppard more because of his contract or the two-way skills that Lemaire taught him?
ms.conduct — not very well.
Would they have wanted Sheppard if they hadn’t seen his skills in the NHL?
WiATX: the same question applies to Koivu? Did Lemaire hone in his skills?
I think with Burns, you can make the strong case that Lemaire and coaches made him who he is. He had some of the skills but they refined them and added to them. Don’t you think:
Would they have wanted him if his name was spelled Shepherd?
(Sorry, got caught up in the “rhetorical questions about Sheppard” fever.)
If Avery signs here I will vomit.
WiATX: Sheppard had skills because he was expected to go in the top 10, I think. He went #9.
I don’t know. I’d like to think its because Lemaire taught him the game and defense positioning to round out his play. As the year progress, you could see the change in Sheppard in his demeanor and in his game. By the end, you felt strong that he will be a great player in the NHL.
Avery is exactly the type of Player the Wild needs! He is an agitator, He can fight, hit and score!!
I don’t understand while the Wild with $16 million are so “hamstung” but the other teams with that same $14-16 million aren’t. Seriously…
There is plenty of talent out there and if you want it, you go get it. What’s too much for a guy like Hossa? $8 million? $9 million?
And regardless of what any article or blogger (sorry Russo.. even you) tells you.. money talks. You offer Hossa $8.5 or $9 million a year and he won’t have any problems coming here. Everyone has a price.
What the Wild need to do is come out with a public offering right away of $7.5 million or $8 million for 4 or 5 years. That sets the bar. If you get him… great, if he turns that down then other teams will offer up more because they will think he wants more. In the end, it gets other teams to spend their money giving us a chance to pick up someone else they might have wanted but couldn’t get now because of what they spent.
Bruno’s will be all but a done deal at done deal at $2-$2.5 million.
So with $13 million left, go get Hossa. You will never be able to afford it more than you can today AND he’s available.
Same goes for that defensemen they were talking about… you want the best, then go get it. Give Campbell a $6.5 million a year contract. We have the money… use it.
And for the record… Hossa & Campbell aren’t busts like Johnsson, they will continue to produce.
Hotdish on a stick isn’t ideal unless you are on a Flordia beach. You have to sacrifice a little for the greater good in this case.
Shep had skills, and he was expected to go high. Couldn’t the same be said of Benny and no one wanted him? Is it the opportunity that makes them trade bait (provided they at least show up for it) or is it their own personal skill set?
Not sure we’ll ever know. But leaving them to develop in the AHL has apparently not lead to much promise for trade bait (at this point). Maybe it’s time to try something new?
Isn’t the max $11.4 now?
And regardless of what any article or blogger (sorry Russo.. even you) tells you.. money talks. You offer Hossa $8.5 or $9 million a year and he won’t have any problems coming here. Everyone has a price.
So why hasn’t Rolston signed on the dotted line in TB yet? Hmmm?
Yeah you are right Austin the Wild dont need a guy who isnt scared to hit!!
ATX: I hate Avery, but I will say that I wouldn’t mind him waving his stick in front of Luongo’s/Kipper’s face all game
If you sign Hossa for 8-9 Million then you have to pay Gabby 8-9 Million and thus having 16 -18 million tied up in 2 Players! Not sure if that is a good receipe
But only for a year…..MAYBE two…..paying peanuts….that have been on the floor…like in Along Came Polly.
One more thing — it has been said on this blog that people hate agitators until they are on your team. Well, I’m not convinced I fall into that category. I don’t like the disrespect that agitators show for the other players on the ice. To be honest, I had a hard time accepting Voros’s form of agitating last season, and he’s not exactly on the top end of the agitators.
Just not sold on that for the Wild. I think they can do better.
And… when you bring in the best, your young guys learn from those players and get better.
How do you think the Ducks, Sharks and Dead-wings do it? Even the head scout in Detriolet said it… you have a young guy like Zetterberg come in, and after being with and learning from a guy like Yzerman on what it takes to win and be a superstar… they learn and develop.
We need some of those stars in here for “the few young guys” that will be taking on a more active role this year.
And for the record… Hossa & Campbell aren’t busts like Johnsson, they will continue to produce.
And how in the world would you know this?? There are things called injuries.. .there are many reasons why they could see a drop in production. them producing is not as predictable as the sun rising and setting.. you just want it to be, so it is.
Granted, there is a high probability that they keep producing, but it is not 100% gauanteed like you lead us to believe.
I think with Pouliot it s his attitude. Once you have been branded as lazy or needing an attitude adjustment, other teams are less likely to take a chance on you unless you have mad skills like Gaborik.
He hasn’t proven himself. In his 11 games with the Wild, he showed that he can play at the NHL level but he can he do it for the whole year? I am hoping that he can learn from Sheppard about how to carry himself and his attitude. I think Gillies might force Pouliot to be a better also.
(wild2274) You don’t have to give Gabby that same money. You negotiate with him and if he won’t take what’s reasonable you let him walk because you have another Marion to replace him. And one that back-checks too.
I’m pretty sure that other teams will put up the same numbers that we can for a Hossa or a Campbell. It’s up to the them to choose where they want to go. I’d open the bank for either of those guys. I bet the Wild would and I’m sure a bunch of other teams are going to. Everyone has a price, but for those guys teams are going to be offering the same relative price because of the cap. If it were baseball it would be a different story.
lol, well hell ATXwf.. nothing is a gaurantee, doesn’t mean you don’t try because you “could” fail.
Get some players that can drop the gloves that dont run away when getting pushed in front of the net and can score. Bye bye you chicken s–t rolston. Fire DR for gods sake-why does this state always get stuck with dumba– gms that cant even tie there shoes. Its not hard to get some good players here and get rid of the crap(Skoula,bouchard,rolston,johnsson,parrish) SIGN HOSSA,AVERY,SHANNY
“But only for a year…..MAYBE two…..paying peanuts….that have been on the floor…like in Along Came Polly.”
That might make it easier to swallow. I just hate that guy soooo much. No respect for the game at all. Huge classless DOUCHE. And yes wild2274, your comment makes the bunny cry. Avery is awful.
Oh, and one more thing I was wondering about. Gabby had that hip surgery this spring. Is there any chance that could have a negative impact on his playing, rather than the positive impact (keeping him injury free) that is expected?
Not a doctor, so I’m just asking.
Oh, and I’m not sure a “star” is always the right person for young players to learn from. Sometimes it’s just a hard working player. Like Yoda.
Minnesota doesn’t have enough glam or movie star for Avery to come here.
Off to bed…
Let’s HOPE for a happy & busy day tomorrow. Goodnight
I would trade getting ousted in the first round and rebuilding and not winning a Cup in the forseeable future for winning the Cup and being mediocre for the next 5 years.
this is where we differ. i don’t want to waste my money for 5 years to have the best paper chance on winning a cup. and it is a paper chance because you cannot guarantee me a cup win. I would rather have a solid playoff team because playoff teams can win the cup. non-playoff teams can’t.
Sunshine, I agree about Benny — his attitude was a turn off for teams. But what about before? When he was first drafted was he instantly known as a head case, or did that take a little time?
Thank you, GreenStar. I really cringe at the thought of watching multiple years of bad hockey just to say — hey, my favorite team won the Stanley Cup that ONE YEAR where we were good. I don’t like to watch crappy hockey.
That is true Schmidty (your 10:34 post), but still, you gotta weigh your options carefully. And failure is a scary thing.. especially when you are under a lot of scrutiny, like GM’s of professional sports franchises.
Looks like Rolston’s going to decide in the morning.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242117&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_nhl
I did a little googling on Gaborik’s type of hip surgery. Competitive marathon runners were fine afterwards but they had to put the time in rehabbing it correctly.
Hedican had the same surgery and came back to play within 2 months. He was out for a lot of games because he didn’t give it time to rehab properly.
Rosvival (?) had the same surgery at least a month after Gaborik had his done. I would be a little concern about his. Will he have enough time to rehab it? I think Gaborik will have sufficient time but I hope he is diligent with his health and his training.
Thank you, GreenStar. I really cringe at the thought of watching multiple years of bad hockey just to say — hey, my favorite team won the Stanley Cup that ONE YEAR where we were good. I don’t like to watch crappy hockey.
That’s not quite the point, ATX. I said this the other day - I would agree with kj if you could guarantee me the Cup once every 5 years (or more). There are no guarantees. Basically, what he’s saying is something like this - I’m OK with a crappy team if every 5th year you get me the President’s Trophy and be that year’s favorite to win the Cup. Being the favorite doesn’t win you the Cup. The entire argument is built on one large assumption.
I think Pouliot’s head case became more apparent during his stints in Houston. I could be wrong but the sense is that he regressed instead of progress.
” I would rather have a solid playoff team because playoff teams can win the cup. non-playoff teams can’t.”
+1
That is well said G*, and I agree 100%.
Good night Russoville! Lets hope DR does some good things!
The other issue with spending that much on Hossa & Campbell is that not only is Gaborik a UFA next season, but so is Backstrom.
The offer Schmidty talks about would work if the Wild were one-two players away from a cup-contending team. After losing Rolston, I don’t think they are a Hossa away from winning.
I would be willing to mortgage the future if I thought the Wild could win it all. I think, using the AHL guys, they are not there yet.
Whoever asked about tying up so much money between Gabby and Hossa. Hossa is a complete player and plays a 2-way game and has consistently put up 80+ point seasons for the past 4 seasons (excluding this one). You give him 8-9 mil and pay Gabby 7-8 until he proves he’s the team player and two-way guy that Hossa is. Again referring back to TB: Vinny L, Vinny P, Roberts, Malone, Boyle, St. Louis, Smith, Halpern, and Kuba = roughly $31.5 million for 9 players. Is this normal?
…. and further, the argument entirely discounts any chance the team would have to win the Cup if it went the plan of trying to be competitive every year.
Rosvival (?) had the same surgery
Roszival’s always having surgery. (At least he was when he was in black and gold.)
I don’t think I was clear HD. I personally would rather watch a team that made the playoffs every year (President’s Trophy or SC favorites or not) and have competitive hockey with the chance of winning, rather than one good run to the finals with 5 years of a rebuilding, less than mediocre team that doesn’t make the playoffs.
And now, I’m off to bed. I hope for nothing but good things tomorrow!
KiPA: was he able to play a good portion of the season relatively well after returning from them?
I hear ya, ATX.
According to TSN, Rolston is only 25! Why wasn’t DR aware of this!?
…and he started playing in the NHL when he was 13.
Why to TSN keep writing that Rolston is 25 years-old? He’s 35 years-old.
Not in Pittsburgh, nope. His career here was basically injury-filled and never panned out to the potential we expected/wanted.
(Okay, looking back, his rookie year he played 75 games and 79 two seasons after that, but just 83 in the other two combined.)
It sure seemed like he was hurt all the time.
Lemmi, LOLa>
Goodnight for reaz this time! Laters.
For further Avery-induced vomit imagery, please see Men’s Vogue.com
On his best moment of 07-08 season, “Beating the crap out of Darcy Tucker.”
IMO - Anyone that thinks Sheppard is on the trade block is not thinking like a Riserough. Doug has a total man crush on the kid and rightfully so. I think he has a higher ceiling then most people realize. He held his own a full first season in the NHL AND he was a Lemaire rookie being held back and “learning the game”. Again JMO but a list of Risebrough untradeable players: Sheppard, Koivu, Burns, Gillies, Harding and maybe Schultz because of the contract. I won’t include Gabby because we might be forced to trade him if he has no interest in staying. Honestly I could see anyone else being shipped off to the highest bidder.
So what IS the plan DR?
Your recent drafts have sucked so there’s nobody there to play or trade. You won’t pay for a top FA. You won’t extend or trade current players, just let them become FAs with no compensation.
Manufacturing Orcs are we?
green* >>if true, can one blame him. he was just beaten senseless for 3 mistakes in 8 to 10 years with wild. bruno, FA’s playing out contract and not resigning rolston earlier.<<
If you are on DR’s Xmas card list, just say so and I will try and be more gentle with your buddy. He gets paid a lot of money to perform and as we speak, it looks like things are going backwards. One serendipitous trip beyond the first round in 8 years isn’t exactly Gaineyesque.
Here’s some bed time reading by one of our “favourite” scribes, enjoy!
KiPA:
Thanks for the info. Its like the same with Gaborik. Once you have missed two seasons with injuries, you become injury prone.
So Lucky: help us answer the question. Being with Lemaire for a year or even two, does it make you more attractive to other teams?
Can you say that Bruno, Park, Dupuis are where they are because of Lemaire or in spite of Lemaire? These three guys are just examples.
Correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t the Penguins coach praise Lemaire for the 2 way game of Dupius? Not that Lemaire is 100% responsible but I’d give him some credit there. Same with Burns’ game he was just praised by the coach of team Canada for how well trained he is. And I’d also say Rolston thrived in this defensive system.
IMO - Lemaire is a great coach when it comes to developing players. Problem is not every player fits his coaching style. As it’s been stated before there seems to be a disconnect between the types of players Lemaire wants on his roster and the types of players Risebrough is bringing it.
KJ, from your question from the last thread.
Nothing at all that DR does or does not do in the off season does will make me grumpy in the least.
I view the Wild as entertainment. The management maybe made assumptions that did not play out the way they wanted but what the hell, they did it with the best long-term interests of the team and the fans.
So, we will just go with the cards that we are dealt.
Yeah, Therrien liked Dupuis’ two-way game and Hitchcock did say that you can tell that Burns was well-coached.
We were trying to figure out if being with taught by Lemaire makes a player a tradeable asset. I think the answer is that they have to have some skill first and Lemaire helps hone them and rounds them out.
I think in many ways, Lemaire would like to have a player fresh off from juniors because its easier to teach them the game because they really don’t know much better. For some, it is harder to change the style of play - ie. Demitra. He did do a decent job playing the third-man center but his game was behind the net not far back away from the it.
Does anybody know how many current coaches in the NHL are considered “teaching coaches”? Or all of them are and I am giving too much credit to JL?
Couple thoughts/questions…
Perhaps I’m putting too much weight on what I saw this year in the playoff series with the Av’s, but if the Wild can’t sign a D like Stuart, Orpik, or Commodore, I’d like to see them try to sign Kurt Sauer. He’s solid, somewhat gritty & would compliment our current D’s well. I thought he was outstanding in the playoffs and could come at a reasonable price and with the Av’s resigning Lilles & Foote, there might not be a lot of $$$ in CO until they know what Sakic’s plans are?
Does someone know why we couldn’t land Huselius via trade from Fla years ago? He was traded for Montador and a prospect Fla had orginally drafted that is know playing in Europe. Didn’t the Panthers want something more than just Dupius & DR wouldn’t budge? So he went to the Flames where we get to face him 8 times a year and he always seems to put up points against us.
LOL at the Avery hatred. There’s NO WAY he’d settle for a “flyover state” gig. Absolutely no f’ing way. And I can’t even imagine the outrage… possibly worse than if they picked up Bert… if we got Avery (because he’d cost an extra pretty penny to come here).
Man, I can’t wait for Clutterbuck to come up and see what the reaction is. He’s a MUCH more calculating agitator than Voros. I don’t even consider AV an agitator. He’s the rat that eats your outside garbage, whereas Clutterbuck is the raccoon that figures out how to open your locked cat door at night and goes through your inside garbage, and then manages to frame your cat for tipping the trash can over and getting pizza sauce all over the floor.
I still don’t understand how hotdish can be on a stick. http://flakmag.com/misc/hotdish.html Ohhhhh…. a hotdish corndog. As a Texan, I’m utterly fascinated by hotdish and cheese curds. Forgive my crazy rambling.
I don’t know just being taught by Lemaire give you added value. Not everybody can be made in to a solid NHL player. Hell look at Foy he put up good numbers in the OHL and in the AHL but Lemaire got him and said nah I’ll show him to the popcorn machine. I think there are plenty of players willing to come and play under Lemaire.
Well I’m off to bed. Hopefully we have fun watching the first day of free agency!
ms. conduct: There seems to be new food-on-the-stick every year at the fair. A couple of years ago, it was key lime pie on a stick. Some say it was good.
I usually avoid most of the food on the stick at the fair. I know its not very Minnesota Fair like but I have my favorites. For me, its just cheese curds, bucket of chocolate chip cookies, milk shake or ice cream from the Dairy Barn, and on the way home Garlic French Fries.
I think the Minnesota Fair or “The Great Get-Together” is the either the largest or second largest state fair in the nation.
ms. conduct:
check out this video of the different types of food on a stick.
I used to work at the Fair. You can’t even imagine some of the food proposed to go on a stick that never makes it onto the menu… and its the second largest in the nation… Texas is bigger… imagine that…
I can believe it. I just shake my head at all the food ideas that are already at the fair.
However, its a all part of the fun of the State Fair, talking about the new food on the stick.
True… every year before Faritime (that’s what we who work there call it… its like D-Day…) they come to us with about 10 to 15 new additions to the menu… they get more outrageous each year… I don’t work there anymore though so I don’t know what would be added this year, even though the new menu is about a month away…
Yeah, I’m not much of a State Fair kinda gal. Aimless crowds like that make me nervous. Plus ours is way the hell up in Dallas. I only go to Dallas under duress or for hockey.
Awesome video, Sunshine… I may have to have a corn dog sometime this week just to honor this investigation into foods on a stick.
I was kinda thinking I wouldn’t make hotdish again until hockey season starts because I ate it for what felt like a week when I made it for the first time a few weeks ago (made a HUGE pan), but now I’m kinda craving it.
Oh yeah. Hockey blog here. Uh. Go team!
Michael Russo, the sharp Wild beat reporter at the Minneapolis Star Tribune
Just thought I’d share this bit from a Pittsburgh reporter’s blog.
Green*…just once I would like to avoid that awful feeling of elimination. I am a lot older and don’t have that many seasons left…
Again, my rallying cry has not been sign somebody…anybody…mine has been to add TOP talent. Be in it to win it. Hossa, Vrbata, Williams, Huselius. Hell, I’d even call Old Player #1 (Brunette) a good signing.
If the UFA market doesn’t work…go RFA. If that doesn’t work…trade. The problem with trades is no one wants the Wild’s prospects. They want what DR doesn’t want to give up.
I have been pretty consistent in my message to DR…the Wild NEED TALENT to win.
Yeah, I am sicker than a dog right now and that’s why I am posting at 4:27. At least when I am awake and sitting upright, I am not coughing up a lung.
KiPA…we have the creme de la creme here. No beat writer works as hard (or likes to constantly remind us he was right) as Russo…
or likes to constantly remind us he was right
I’ve noticed that.
FA list…. check
Blue Print to Success…. umm, check
Check Book…. check
DR…. ???
Lets hope we have a busy day. The rumor out there is that Boston will offer Hossa a $100 over 12 years. I think that is pretty crazy given the over 35 rule and as much as players like gaurantees until they are 41, I’d be surprised if he would accept a deal like that.
KiPA, you may know better than the rest of us but I think Hossa is very much about wanting to win a title. He has even said he would take less to play for someone who has a chance to win it all. (scratches head on why he wouldn’t stay in Pitt then, but whatever)
DR, don’t let that get you distracted. Offer thim the same $8-8.5 million a year for 4-6 years.
One question, with DR stating we have about $16 million to fill our holes, did he already take out his $2 million “cushion” or are we really looking at $14 million after the DR saftey net?
FA list… check
Blue Print to Success… umm, check
Check Book… check
DR… ???
Should be:
Affordable FA list…check
Plan for the ‘future’…check
Pre-set spending limit debit card…check
Will to succeed…???
I know the dust hasn’t settled yet but I stopped by anyway. KJ sorry your sick, I’ve already had my nasty summer cold and you have my pity, they suck. I hope Russo got lots of sleep last night, and has a bunch of back-up ice packs for his foot. Keep us informed Russo, it’s what you do best.
what did russo do to his foot? it sounds pretty serious
If you are on DR’s Xmas card list, just say so and I will try and be more gentle with your buddy.
I get a christmas card from the wild so you could say i am on his list. i don’t call him my buddy because he never returns my phonecalls.
Offer thim the same $8-8.5 million a year for 4-6 years.
i would believe he will but hossa will get $50 over 5 years. then we will get 50 posts saying how DR tried to lowball again.
It’s comical that Russo states the Wild will land Brunette but they will need ANOTHER impact forward. I hope to Rosie Russo doesn’t feel that Brunette is an impact forward. Brunette, at this point in his career, is a stop-gap, especially for a team who is seemingly hours away from officially losing Demo and Huggy to other teams. When a team as offensively impotent (don’t even like typing that word) loses forwards like Huggy and Demo, a player like Brunette should never be considered an impact player.
hang in there kj!
Hey, if DR makes an offer of $8-$8.5 million to Hossa and Hossa goes else where I won’t rip DR. That is an honest contract offer and not a “low-ball” in any way.
Now if he goes in with $7 million (which he already turned down) then ya.
It’s possible someone offers him $10 million a year Greenstar. Let me ask you this (and it’s VERY unlikely). Would you be happy if DR offered the following and got them?
Hossa $8 million a year for 5 years
Campbell $6 million a year for 5 years
Bruno $2 million a year for 2 years
I would. And we could under our cap with the money we have left. But we won’t. My point is that if you want to be the best, then you need to go get some of the best. Hossa or Campbell fit that offering. They make the players around them better and give us a better chance to win.
That in the end is (and should be) the ultimte goal.
I would completely agree DB
Problem is, you will never know if or what DR offered Hossa if he signs elsewhere. You’ll see a statement like “We felt we made a legitimate offer for what the market was this year.” You will not see any kind of dollar amount attached.
Hey, if DR makes an offer of $8-$8.5 million to Hossa and Hossa goes else where I won’t rip DR.
+1
By Michael Russo
“Also, these “featured comments” that go up automatically next to our articles? Normally I could care less, but this one is driving me nuts.”
Imagine if Russo rebutted all of the passionate heavy comments of the short-sighted common-senseless lot around here.
It would be a full time job.
Russo will have a good idea of how hard the Wild go after Hossa.
i would be happy with that. i’d be happy with brunette and campbel or hossa. i’m not going to send my tickets back if that doesn’t happen which is where we differ.
it isn’t that i don’t want them to sign any of those guys. i just don’t see failure if one of the top three aren’t signed.
When a team as offensively impotent (don’t even like typing that word) loses forwards like Huggy and Demo
too much rosie last night? we are worried about replacing Demo’s 15 goals? he hasn’t scored 30 since 01-02. demitra was ripped here maybe more than any other player for being a waste of space.
I liked the move when he came here but he can go and shouldn’t be hard to replace.
I dump a lot of the blame on Demo’s “demise” by him playing out of position. This argument has been played out at length on this board, but it makes a difference. As a forward to play center in basketball; ask a second baseman to play third base in baseball; ask a cornerback to play safety in football. Playing out of position can wreck a player’s production. When it is stated that Demo’s goals can be replaced, exactly what future Hall of Famer that we have in Houston is going to do that? The Wild’s prospect cupboard is Paris Hilton-thin and DR is on record that he will not overspend to try and improve the team. Stop-gaps, stop-gaps, stop-gaps. Also, you would think by now that Russoville would be growing tired of DR stating “I made a mistake by not trying to sign him earlier”. First Bruno; then Huggy. Does anybody belive that Gabby won’t be next?
Campbell will ONLY play in the East for family reasons…and Hossa?
Please…we’ll be reaching for “bargain” players no doubt.
Get used to it fans…this team is cheap, cheap, cheap.
You couldn’t be more wrong about my views Green*
I have never said I would turn in my ticket and won’t. I am a fan who has help pay for the players since day one. That is the reason I feel I can criticize, praise, and even implore the Wild go after “x” players that I think make the team better.
You have have me mistaken for someone else who is willing to give them up.
I’d disagree on the cheap factor Edge. The Wild have been spending near the cap for a couple years now. I applaud them for that.
I don’t disagree however that the Wild are always trying to find that diamond in the rough that JL can polish up. For once, I would like them to just go buy that diamond. (HOSSA! HOSSA! HOSSA!)
I would agree with you though that Campbell will probably play back East.
i guess i didn’t mean you would turn them in. just stating that i wouldn’t if it didn’t happen.
this team is cheap, cheap, cheap
this line is old, old, old
Russo is more stabby than sharp today. Damn commenters and their factual errors! Get off my lawn! 
this line is old, old, old
at times it seems to be true, true, true
BTW…I don’t recall saying I’d turn my tix in. I might sell most of them on the exchange, but I will never get rid of them.
When the money is there and the players are there, not spending $$$ will be construed as being cheap by some…prudent by others.
One problem with building for 3 years from now?
Injuries. Expiring contracts. Who knows what else.
We all want the same thing…for the Wild to improve the team. Let’s see what DR accomplishes today.
RFA Mike Green signs a 4 year extension - http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242142
When it is stated that Demo’s goals can be replaced, exactly what future Hall of Famer that we have in Houston is going to do that?
it takes a HOFer to replace a HOFer and demo is not a HOFer.
and who says it has to come from houston. i’d bet there are UFA’s in the $2mil range that could figure out how to score 15 in JL’s 6GS.
I am not worried about losing DEMO. I even think it is a good thing as i don’t think he had a positive effect on the room.
It keeps getting written that this isn;t a deep free agent pool and you can get into trouble by overspending for less than quality players. Well, how about overspending for quality. It’s all a domino effect. Lure Hossa with big dollars. What do you think that will do to Gabby’s view of staying here. Also, it proves this team is committed to winning a Cup, not simply being competitive. For argument’s sake: Hossa signs for 5 yr/$45 mill. Wild still have $7 million under the cap to add a role forward (Bruno) and a role center (Stumpel). Just like that you have replaced Huggy and Demo with Hossa and Bruno. That makes the Wild a better team than they were a year ago. This is all wishful thinking, I know, but I’m just thinking of the absolute pandalerium that would engulf Russoville if Hossa is signed to the Wild.
at times it seems to be true, true, true
when is this? sure they could have spent maybe a million more last year or the year before. and sure they were cheap pre lockout. I can’t agree over the last couple seasons.
It’s possible someone offers him $10 million a year Greenstar. Let me ask you this (and it’s VERY unlikely). Would you be happy if DR offered the following and got them?
Hossa $8 million a year for 5 years
Campbell $6 million a year for 5 years
Bruno $2 million a year for 2 years
I would. And we could under our cap with the money we have left. But we won’t.
I don’t think we have that room. I understood that we have ~$35M currently committed and that Foster, SRV and PMB will likely eat up another $6M. One would also want to leave a little comfort room under the cap. I don’t think $16M for 3 players fits.
Lure Hossa with big dollars. What do you think that will do to Gabby’s view of staying here. Also, proves this team is committed to winning a Cup
worked for pittsburgh. and atlanta. i mean where is hossa’s name on the mug?
look, i’d like him on the team but i don’t see it being the end of the world or a vast mistake if he don’t sign here.
Here is Doug Risebrough’s blog posted this morning on wild.com.
probably going to be a long day here if you aren’t a complainer.
Well, how about overspending for quality.
The definition of the Johnsson signing.
Green: I don’t see it as the end of the world either; but looking at what is left to bring in to help this team; does anybody here think the Wild is primed to make a decent run come April/May? Like I wrote, it is all dominos. If improvements are not made, do you think Gabby will want to stay? Look at the domino of Walz quitting. Left the team thin at Center in October and DR STILL hasn’t addressed the issue. Led to the team relying on a 19-yr-old as the #2 center going into the playoffs. One move can affect several others down the road. What DR does, or does not, to improve the team going into the 08-09 season is going to have a MONSTER affect as to what happens with the roster next summer. Spending a little extra to ensure Hossa is here, in my opinion, almost certainly guarantees that Gabby will sign an extension because the Wild is showing it is committed to bringing the players to win a Cup, not just be competitive.
(6GS) - That should give DR a good indication on what a Top-4 D-man is going to go for in this market. If he can’t stomach the $5+ million a year he shouldn’t even consider wasting time trying for one and focus on the scorers.
(Green*) - You’re wrong on Demo not being a HoFer. In 10 years he’s never had less than 50 points a season and has averaged 70. He’ll make the hall for sure as he’ll play at least 5 more years and break 1,000 points.
NiNY: If Johnsson is quality, then we have to re-examine the definition of the word. You have a defenseman who doesn’t play the body or put the puck in the net. Other than that he is fine. As for Hossa, he was arguably the best player Pittsburgh had in the playoffs and is a proven scorer who does, in fact, know where the defensive zone is, something that surly would make JL smile.
$16M to play with, according to Russo, inclusive of the raises to PMB and SRV.
You know who’s NOT in there?
Gaby.
So, unless Gaby resigns for the same money (and he’s due $7.5M this season, on a cap hit of $6.33M) and neither ne nor DR want him to play the season without an extension, that means even less of a pot for bringing in FAs.
I’m starting to feel that DR will base whether or not to ship Gaby this summer on his ability to bring in the “right” guys (as defined by himself and JL) over the next couple weeks.
Deep Breath, I don’t think anyone can say Demo was playing out-of-position. He only did not like the center responsibilities here.
But, that is somewhat a function of our total roster.
Deep: I disagree.
I think Johnsson is every inch the definition of quality. Not TOP quality, mind you. But quality: I think he’d make most teams’ top four. I’m not saying he’s intrinsically worth $4M+ or whatever he got. But that’s the point: we did overspend for quality.
Think about this, a team either has players or it has cash.
Now, we have cash. So, the Wild has flexibility for the moment.
The key now is, how to find a blend of players who compliment each other and the team to be stronger next year and leave some room for emergencies and raises to deserving players.
Give them time, I think it will be done.
From the DR blog: We cannot win the Northwest Division on July 1. But we can lose it.
I couldn’t disagree more. In fact it’s just to opposite.
(NiNY) - But the new contract for Gabby wouldn’t count against this years cap… it would go against next years cap if Gabby resigns. So you don’t need to include Gabby’s money as part of the $16 million DR gets to play with this summer.
You’re wrong on Demo not being a HoFer.
I stand by my opinion on this one. HOFers are great players. Demitra is not great. Good, sometimes great but not consistently great. playoff performance is substandard and no cups or even cup finals i believe.
Spending a little extra to ensure Hossa is here, in my opinion, almost certainly guarantees that Gabby will sign an extension because the Wild is showing it is committed to bringing the players to win a Cup, not just be competitive.
This is only true if HOSSA = CUP. I don’t believe that to be true. this hasn’t happened, hell he wasn’t even close in atlanta. and it didn’t start that domino effect down there did it?
signing hossa will help, no doubt. i believe we are overestimating his potential effect. he isn’t wayne gretzky.
as for the #10 effect…if anything, #10 is telling him not to sign here and #10 will go to the team hossa goes to. can the wild give #10 a 10 mil per contract if hossa is on the roster for 8 mil per? would #10 take less per if hossa was here? lot of questions to answer.
Has anyone from Shattuck St Marys talked to Ryder yet. If not can they in the next couple hours?
But doesn’t having Hossa here protect you against Gabby leaving? It’s insurance that you will be able to negotiate with him knowing that if he wants crazy money then we’ll let him walk.
Remember, Hossa is more the JL type player than Gabby is. In fact, the Wild could tell Gabby that if he wants Hossa type money then he needs to be the dynamic two-way player he is.
It couldn’t be a more perfect move for the Wild and one that I would over pay for in a heartbeat. ($9 million a year being my cap).
Did any kids from Michigan go in the 1st round of the draft? I know I saw a MN boy there.
Green*…
They were cheap up until 2 years ago. That is why I said ‘at times’. Then they finally started to spend - because they HAD to. A league mandated minimum as part of the CBA.
When has the Wild pursued a top notch FA and signed them?
I say it is ok to pay market value (or above) for a STUD player.
Hossa and Campbell are the only studs I see this year.
However, Filppula is a stud-in-the-making. He would be a spectacular RFA acquisition.
But doesn’t having Hossa here protect you against Gabby leaving? It’s insurance that you will be able to negotiate with him knowing that if he wants crazy money then we’ll let him walk.
I agree with this. hossa would be a fine replacement. i do think #10 walks if we use that in negotiations but that would be fine, IMHO
they finally started to spend - because they HAD to
snip
for a cat so disenchanted with the franchise i wonder why you do have tickets.
I’m not saying that Hossa ensures a Cup; but I think most of us would agree that we get closer to the Cup with Hossa on the team rather than Stumpel, Morrison, etc. Also, in terms of Gabby and the Cap, he is under contract so the 16 mill we have for this year doesn’t include any extensions that he would sign. That would kick in next year.
From the DR blog: We cannot win the Northwest Division on July 1. But we can lose it.
I couldn’t disagree more. In fact it’s just to opposite.
Huh? So, we can win the division today without a game being played? Cool.
NiNY: We’ll have to agree to disagree on Johnsson and quality. For me, I want my blueliners to either help put the puck in the net; break someone’s spleen in the corner; or knock somebody into yesterday when they try and stand in front of our net. Kimmie J does all but three of those things. You spend that kind of dollars, you have to get top-quality, not average to slightly above average quality.
(NiNY) - But the new contract for Gabby wouldn’t count against this years cap… it would go against next years cap if Gabby resigns. So you don’t need to include Gabby’s money as part of the $16 million DR gets to play with this summer.
If signed before the season starts, I believe it would include the 08-09 season, no?
Bring on the FA period! This is so exciting, I just can’t wait to be disappointed!
Once again, I ask the Johnsson Haters to tell us who plays all those minutes over the past two years. Kuba got $3 million from TB the same year, should the Wild have retained him instead?
If signed before the season starts, I believe it would include the 08-09 season, no?
good question
if not, has anyone looked at 09-10 cap situation. i’d assume campbell, gretzky i mean hossa, and bruno would all be more than one year deals. i know skoula would fall off. anyone else.
For me, I want my blueliners to either help put the puck in the net; break someone’s spleen in the corner; or knock somebody into yesterday when they try and stand in front of our net.
Sounds like Sean Hill’s game and he is available today.
(NiNY) No because he’s already under contract through this season for the existing terms.
(HockeyDad) The same could be said for the statement the other way if you want to be funny about it. The point is, adding top talent today makes a world of difference come game time…
Deep: I enjoy all those qualities as well. Look at the guys who are available who could give that to you, though. I can’t imagine they won’t be overpaid for.
Sean Hill doesn’t add offense and he doesn’t knock folks down in front of the net. Hopefully you’ve been watching Wild games the past 9 months to know this.
No because he’s already under contract through this season for the existing terms.
I think thats right, otherwise we would be talking abaout a “new contract” for Gabby and not an “extension” - also seems like something Doug “anything to lower expectations” Risebrough would bring up as often as possible
(NiNY) No because he’s already under contract through this season for the existing terms.
My point is, the 08-09 season has not started yet. Would the new contract render the old one moot? I’m not sure, and you might be right.
Could Gaborik’s signing bonus count against this year’s cap or next season’s?
In 09-10, MAB, Reitz, Skoula, Backstrom, Harding, Pouliot, and Gaborik are slated to be UFAs or RFAs == $15.5 million off the books. Though some will be re-signed: Gaborik and Harding for sure.
Hmmm, not sure the same could logically be said the other way. You still need to play the games with all the new talent, right? However, if you don’t improve your team over the summer then you might never give yourself a chance to win. That was his point. Didn’t see it as very controversial.
Alright, I have a few comments this morning but most of them seem to be in line with what G* have posted. I know it was really disturbing to have to write that.
…but with that said I really feel I need to defend Yawnson. Count me as one of the few that actually think his $4.8 cap hit finally is affordable if you look at what others are commanding on todays market.
I do agree with DB on what I idealy would like to see in a d-man. Tough hits in the corner and in front of the net and a ton of points. Unfortunately, I think this type of game was much more suitable for pre-lockout play then in todays NHL. Now in order to win more games we are more likely to see steady D with crisp break out passes to set up what ever offense we can muster. This is what Yawnson has done for us game after game. Now, if we just could get some more points our of him I would be completely satisfied.
not that i trust dr to do this but i wouldn’t mind seeing a big trade go down. dr and jl kinda lost the current team at times, so why not shake it up? i’m not sure who i’d trade or what for, but change is good sometimes.
so, go for it dougie make a move, show mchale he’s not the only one that can blow up a team! wait.. i just suggested doing something like mchale. thats probably… not… so good.
i haven’t noticed but is there any sundin talk? or is he not interested in minny?
On a side note, anybody read the drivel in the paper across the river? Dougie Ballgame is talking about how much “more” the Wild can offer to a potential free agent, aside from money. Nice arena, good young hockey team. Is he f&%$#ing serious? I am hoping to Rosie that he isn’t going to the agents of players like Hossa, etc and saying, “We’re offering you $2 million a year less than these other teams, but where else can you hear psuedo celebrities state “Let’s Play Hockey” before each game?” My god, is this truly how we want the organization to be run?
Deep - so if not Johnsson, who and is getting the puck out of the zone and being central to a top 5 PK “over-rated”?
I still need to catch up, but a thought just crossed my mind… so Rolston is going into FA even though TB got his rights correct? So the Wild still get the pick no matter what right? What is to stop a team from making a ’shady’ deal with a player before the deadline? Like, team A makes a under-the-table type deal where Player X agrees to a certain contract but it is never put on paper… then team A sells Player X’s rights to team B, but player X doesn’t sign with team B and goes to FA, where eventually team A gets the player back, plus the draft pick from team B.
Just a tought…
Being ultra conservative on July 1 makes sense if your scouts are ultra good. They ain’t. We couldn’t get a decent player out of the latter part of the draft if we had an advance copy of the 2014 all-star game program to work off of. So, Dourie, go sign some free agents. Max out for 2 years for Sundin if you don’t want to tie up cap space for too long down the road, and then go get a top 4 D-man, and then pray like heck.
BDS: I’m not even looking for a ton of points. Just be an offensive contributor, OR, be a physical menace in front of the net. Don’t have to do both, but one would be nice.
BDS: I agree with you on Johnsson. I’ve said a few times already that Johnsson seems to get his stick in the right spot to stop pucks from going into the net or break up little plays. He will hit here and there but his strengths are his outlet passes and the takeaways. Also, he doesn’t rim the puck around the net during a penalty kill.
6GS: I never stated that Johnsson was over-rated. I just don’t consider him top-quality. He’s an average blueliner on a team that is steeped in playing defense-first. He doesn’t hit and he doesn’t score. Getting the puck out of the zone is something that defensive are taught by the time they hit the squirt-level in youth hockey.
On to some UFA talk.
Deep - I think there is one player that could do some of the things we all love, i.e. big hits, if we are willing to put up with a few defensive lapses and no I’m not bringing up Sean Hill. I think Jeff Finger is still availabe from the Avs. He should be on the market for around $1M or so, thoughts?
for a cat so disenchanted with the franchise i wonder why you do have tickets.
Remember…even the putrid North Stars made it to the Stanley Cup Finals in year 14.
Count me as one of the few that actually think his $4.8 cap hit finally is affordable if you look at what others are commanding on todays market.
I am no longer alone
Now, if we just could get some more points our of him I would be completely satisfied.
History tells us he needs PP time, with Rolston and maybe PMB gone that could happen.
Dougie Ballgame is talking about how much “more” the Wild can offer to a potential free agent, aside from money
You are trying to get me to do Doug Smugborough posts but I won’t bite, I want to be postive today and I don’t want to piss off ATX
DB, I take those comments about the “intangibles” from playing here to be more along the lines of playing in a hockey market where people care. Many players express that as a real consideration. Will that get you a $2M discount? - of course not. But it can count for something with some players.
Yes ATXwF… and they call it the Doug Weight
ATX: The Wild will likely get the Bolts 2009 4th rounder.
Wasn’t that kind of happened with Tkachuk after he was traded at the deadline to Atlanta? Or was that just a rumor?
I guess its a risk teams take. Some teams will conditions put in that says if player doesn’t sign, the old team would have to give a 7th rounder to new team while the new team gives old team a 4th rounder to negotiate. That would be the smart way of doing things. The Hurricanes and Nashville did a deal something like this on trading a player’s rights.
I don’t want to piss off ATX
Ok, I’ll do it:
DUMP THE PASSER!
TRADE BOUCHARD NOW!!!11oneone
BDS: While I would love to see a top-quality blueliner come to the Wild, I don’t think that player is available this summer and I don’t think the Wild needs one right now. The team got bounced in round one not because the defense sucked, but because they couldn’t score a f&^$ing goal. Now they lose two of their top forwards from a year ago. You would think it would be fairly clear the team needs to bring in an impact forward or two…or three. Not only to replace what was lost, but to improve, because simply replacing what was lost won’t do it because it wasn’t enough a year ago to get out of round one. You have to replace what was lost, THEN ADD more because what the Wild had a year ago was clearly not good enough.
I understand some of the hockey market talk but it’s not like we are alone in this category. Yes, we sell out all our games but so does all the Canadian teams and most of the Northern east coast teams too. It’s only when we are up against a team south of the Dixon Masson line that this works and then we have the weather against us.
“You are trying to get me to do Doug Smugborough posts but I won’t bite, I want to be postive today and I don’t want to piss off ATX ”
Thanks 6GS! Hopefully today will be a good day.
Doug Weight did that? That is intersting to me.. it seems like a guy that really loved his team could help them snag a few picks by pretending he wants to “test the market”.
HockeyDad: May work on “some” players but at this point, the Wild doesn’t need any more “some” players or stop-gaps. They need impact players.
I will say that, a healthy Schultz (not to mention Fozzy) and our defense was not nearly as big a question mark as that series wore on.
I wouldn’t mind another good defenseman (to alleviate some of Skoula’s burden, for example), but given the choice I might go for a forward.
Like I said yesterday, Nanne says BR will end up in Detroit. Now that he did not sign with TB this just might happen.
Agree, BDS - though keep I mind that some guys also don’t like to play in Toronto and Montreal because there’s too much scrutiny. A fickle bunch, I guess.
“DUMP THE PASSER!
TRADE BOUCHARD NOW!!!11oneone”
A top 4 d-men would be an impact player. We need better defense.
I don’t know about you but during the playoffs, I held my breath anytime Burns, Johnsson, and Carnery were not on the ice. Those were the only ones I really trusted. I was afraid Skoula was going to have a mishap; Hill would be too slow; Nummelin would be rusty.
Burns and Johnsson were going to be worn out. Skoula held up and Carney was decent. But Hill and Nummelin — they had to play Reitz for goodness sakes.
New Jersey re-signs defenceman Bryce Salvador to a four-year deal worth $11.6 million (average of $2.9 million per season).
You might want to have this page going today:
did anyone else read where Visnovsky said he was “very disappointed” to have been moved to Edmonton?
Nice. IIRC, that is not the first time the whole “no one wants to play in Edmonton” thing has surfaced.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242089&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines_nhl
oops…strike my entire last post. He was apparently disappointed in the way LA communicated with him, and NOT at going to Edmonton.
Need.
More.
Caffeine.
The Don posted that Roli confirmed he is definitely going to FA.
NiNY: I think your post was correct. You know he was disappointed to leave LA for Edmonton. He has to say he is happy about going to there or he will get crucified for 5 years.
Ok… with just over 2 hours to go… predictions? Here are mine:
Redden - Columbus
Rolston - Detroilet
Demo - Vancouver
Rozsival - Chicago
Sundin - Montreal
Jagr - Rangers
Campbell - Rangers
Hossa - The Wild of course (ok, in reality I’m gonna say Boston)
That my guess on a few anyway…
Deep - I think we are mostly in agreement except we have to agree to disagree on Yawnson, who would be a top-4 D on any NHL team. If you call that average go ahead!
This is IMO our needs this off-season, not neccesary in the order of importance.
1. Replace some of the scoring lost by Huggy’s and Demo’s departure.(Huselius, Bruno, Naslund etc.)
2. Add some mid-level scoring, maybe another altenative to Parrish in front of the net. This could be done by bringing the fridge back.
3. Bigger physical D-man to solidify our blueline(Commodore, Orpik, maybe Hainsey, Sauer or Finger)
4. Midlevel center (Morrison etc)
5. Resign, extend, or trade PMB.
6. Make plan on how to handle Gabby (sign, trade etc).
I don’t see this season as a rebuilding season rather a season where it is time for the new guard, Koivu, Burns, Schultz, PMB to put their stamp on the team in the lockerroom as well as on the ice.
Is is 11am yet?
Was there ever really any doubt that Rolston was going to free agency? Why not just come out and say that at the beginning? All that drama the last week or so was very unnecessary.
Why would Hossa go to Boston? That seems like a bizzare choice to me.
Was there ever really any doubt that Rolston was going to free agency? Why not just come out and say that at the beginning? All that drama the last week or so was very unnecessary.
+1
Austin: if you believe the rumors, he’d have 100 million reasons.
Hossa to Boston because of Chara. I think Hossa has said that he would like to play with him.
2. Add some mid-level scoring, maybe another altenative to Parrish in front of the net. This could be done by bringing the fridge back.
FRIDGE? Mid-level scoring? Are you serious? Is there some OTHER Fridge out there that I’m not aware of? 6 goals does not equate to mid-level.
And what NiNY posted.
BDS - nice post. Seems both a sound and reasonable strategy. Now, if they could swing a big hitter like Campbell or the other Mariann, I could live with that, too.
On the Huggy Bear issue about letting everyone know he was testing the market or not I agree it might seem a bit out of character but I think he really was listenign to his agent and trying to save face with the fans. A very tough fence to straddle.
He listened to his agent and just let the Wild set the number where he will start his negotiation.
This team does not need more defense. You may have shivered a year ago in the playoffs but you have to remember that Schultz and Fozzie were gone. This team has always been about defense-first, which is fine, but sooner or later you would think management would grow tired of losing playoff games 2-1 and 3-2 and do something to rectify the situation. If the Wild is indeed going to being in an impact player, here’s hoping that it is a forward.
Oh, and before I forget this, if Pavol Demitra’s career qualifies as HOF caliber, then the NHL HOF must be the most watered-down in sports.
Wallshot - Easy….yeah, you are correct that calling Fridge production mid-level is going out on a limb I don’t neccesary want to hang on to, but I think his production could improve. My intention was to have the Fridge be part of this solution and not be the complete answer.
HD - I’m definatley not rulling out a swing or two at some of the higher priced guys but I have a feeling they will be too pricey.
>>Was there ever really any doubt that Rolston was going to free agency? Why not just come out and say that at the beginning? All that drama the last week or so was very unnecessary.<<
I think there was until it was clear that the Wild weren’t going to come up with a competitive bid. One does not negotiate by saying don’t bother to offer me a contract, I am going FA. He left the door open for the Wild to get competitive. The fact that they wouldn’t doesn’t make his tactics wrong.
If you can do audio at work, I suggest this Nanne interview from yesterday - http://www.kfan.com/cc-common/podcast/single_podcast.html?podcast=KFAN_Barreiro.xml
Highlights:
- He agrees with Russo that TB might have to trade Boyle and that the Wild would have interest
- Wild made Rolston 3 and 5 (!) year offers
- As noted above, the DET possibility
- Liked what he saw from Hossa and Gabby together at the Olympics
Wallshot - Easy….yeah, you are correct that calling Fridge production mid-level is going out on a limb I don’t neccesary want to hang on to, but I think his production could improve. My intention was to have the Fridge be part of this solution and not be the complete answer.
Gotcha. I wouldn’t mind seeing him back in a limited role either. Just not skating with Gabby.
I think from his last comments about changing his mind if they had come to him in January but being so close to FA indicates that he was going to FA no matter what.
He and his agent were willing to listen to the Wild’s offer but he had already crossed that road in wanting to test FA long time ago.
I think there was until it was clear that the Wild weren’t going to come up with a competitive bid.
Uh, we don’t know that.
Or he has been reading what Russo’s been writing and using it as part of his talking points.
As for Rolston to DET, if the Wild did make huge offers I think DET is out of it. They have no reason to overpay and somebody is going to give Rolston a contact today that will be the Johnsson Contract to the tenth power.
I think there was until it was clear that the Wild weren’t going to come up with a competitive bid.
As reported on the Lightning blog, the evidence is just the opposite.
Nanne saying that the Wild made Rolston a 5 year offer??? That is crazy. Though, DR did say that Rolston had 3 good years of playing and 2 where his role would change.
He agrees with Russo that TB might have to trade Boyle
Didn’t they just give him a fat extension during last season? Like right AFTER the Richards trade?
Morons.
Re: Hossa and Boston: I can’t imagine he legitimately thinks he can win a Cup there. He certainly wouldn’t face the pressure of having to be “the man” though. The Bruins haven’t been involved in Boston sports since Cam Neely.
He listened to his agent and just let the Wild set the number where he will start his negotiation.
Bingo.
Hey Schmitty: Regarding the Boston/$100M rumor, I think you had mentioned something about the length of term and the over-35 “rule”, but the thing is, this “rule” applies to the players age at the time the contract is signed. So, in that rumored scenario, the over-35 “rule” does not apply (as it would for, say, Rolston.)
DR better have a couple of aces up his sleeve in the next couple of weeks or I am giving up the Wild for Ice Road Truckers. Well, I might tivo and watch once in awhile just to see Gorg try and explain the neutral zone trap.
Hilarious.
Good for Roli. Didn’t want to see him go somewhere that seems to not suit his family/lifestyle just because they backed the Brinks truck up and had all the heavyweights slobbering on him. AND we still get a pick. Suck it, Tampa!
Been working feverishly on the work I’m paid for this morning so I can click refresh all afternoon…
Morning all! Christmas in July! Getting caught up this morning. Remember: Demo is Hossa’s BFF, not Gabby…so Demo was telling him “not to come”. Everything people are saying about Gabby really doesn’t apply if you look at the end of last year. He was playing a team game and there were no issues w/zee French Canadien coach. That being said, I liked Johnsson in the playoffs when he was playing 30+/game. Him, Burns, and *cough* Skoula *cough* were the best (read only) defensemen we had available. Series could have been a lot worse if we got blown out every game.
AND we still get a pick. Suck it, Tampa!
Wow! You go, girl!
AND we still get a pick. Suck it, Tampa!
Wow! You go, girl!
Agreed. That was pretty funny.
And I echo the sentiment wholeheartedly. Tampa’s really beginning to piss me off. I hate the “West has better D” argument but boy, Tampa has NOBODY on the blueline, especially if they trade Boyle. They’re going to depend on Smith to keep them in games and out-score everyone.
Should be exciting to watch at least.
Didn’t they just give him a fat extension during last season? Like right AFTER the Richards trade?
Morons.
Ha ha, Kevin - I thought the same thing! I’m sure it’s not the first time that’s happened though. I guess we have to take into account new management/ownership and all. But they’re still morons for also giving Malone $31 million.
“that will be the Johnsson Contract to the tenth power.”
That already happend with Malone…
Ha ha, Kevin - I thought the same thing! I’m sure it’s not the first time that’s happened though. I guess we have to take into account new management/ownership and all. But they’re still morons for also giving Malone $31 million.
I know George Steinbrenner lives in Tampa, but I didn’t realize the Yankees bought the Lightning.
On the homer side, does anyone know about Hedican’s injury status?
He stikes me as a good Carney replacement that might be had at a hometown discount, thoughts?
I do beleive JL’s system does put a hamper on defence scoring numbers, contrary to what DR says in Russo’s article. That’s why when he says bring in an offensive defence man makes me cringe, since that is what Johnsson was supposed to do when we brought him in.
In 48 games in 94-95 (NJ Cup year), Scott Stevens had 2 goals (1 PPG), Niedermayer had 4 (all were PPG), Driver had 4 (1 PPG), and Abelein had 5 (2 PPG). There are some decent offensive D-men in that group, but look at the goal totals!
BDS-love the Finger idea, cheap, young and may have some talent.
Tampa has NOBODY on the blueline, especially if they trade Boyle.
You must have missed Kuba’s all star year
Oh, you’re right, 6GS. I obviously meant nobody BESIDES Kuba.
…
You must have missed Kuba’s all star year
Oh, the memories…
I think Hedican wants to play for Northern California team. He has moved there and probably like to remain there.
Last season, he was able to control his back problems so he played a decent amount of games. Though he sustained an ankle injury and got hit with the flu bug.
In 48 games in 94-95 (NJ Cup year), Scott Stevens had 2 goals (1 PPG), Niedermayer had 4 (all were PPG), Driver had 4 (1 PPG), and Abelein had 5 (2 PPG). There are some decent offensive D-men in that group, but look at the goal totals!
Nice dig, El G. Although, I glossed over the 48 part, (misread as 82 games) and had to re-read that. Still, pretty pedestrian numbers.
Tores to CBJ for Brule.
I posted this last night and some of you might not have seen it. Our “friend” Slover analysing all NHL team’s needs.
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=428990
Will at least kill some time before 11 AM.
I remember Kuba’s ASG, especially when he knocked the puck into the West net.
any idea the best radio to listen to online for “live coverage”, if you will, this afternoon?
Outside of playing for SCSU, Finger would be OK (although he also got benched in the Wild series, granted for Leo) but it sounds like the Wild are have bigger thoughts on D.
Pens re-sign Dupuis to three years, about to sign Malkin for a Crosby-like deal (5 yrs/$8.7). No financial terms released on Dupuis.
sunshine - thanks for that info. Doesn’t he still spend his summers at the cabin on Gull?
The 95-96 season (a full 82 games), Niedermayer had 8, Stevens had 5 and the next highest D-man was (gulp) Mike Peluso with 3.
I would think Hedi will be on the road a lot this season, following his wife on the DWTS tour, no?
j/k
If Hedican is our day 1 signing there will be some seriously upset Russotans.
Hedican has in the past and will likely do so in the future.
I think the main reason why he wants to stay in CA is that his kids will be starting school soon and probably don’t want to move somewhere for a year. He is 37 years-old. Its probably not worth uprooting them for a year.
Tallackson re-ups w/NJ.
Totally clock watching…..
Tick.
Tock.
Tick.
Tock….
The 95-96 season (a full 82 games), Niedermayer had 8, Stevens had 5 and the next highest D-man was (gulp) Mike Peluso with 3.
Good Gravy!!
Pandolfo and Clarkson also re-ups
Kevin to figure out Dupuis contract move the decimal one to the left and that will give you the cost per goal.
bfw: and Brylin becomes a UFA as well, I see. That’s an interesting 3rd line-ish option….only $1.5M last year, and only 34. Obviously knows the same kind of system…he’s a CENTER…
Skipped them, ’cause they’re not “one of us.” lol.
NiNY - LOL…
Would this be a so called Slover pull?
You heard it here first, folks, NiNY is predicting the Hedi signing will top today’s Wild activity!
Brylin has not missed a regular season game in the last FOUR NHL seasons. Had been humming along at about a 35 point pace, until a big drop off last season. I wonder what caused that?
bfw: and Brylin becomes a UFA as well, I see. That’s an interesting 3rd line-ish option….only $1.5M last year, and only 34. Obviously knows the same kind of system…he’s a CENTER…
Smallish, but he’s won three cups. Meh.
Can’t say I have paid enough attention in the past to know the answer to this question, but how soon do UFA signings happen once we cross Noon ET? I know in the NFL it can happen very quickly - same here? Would we expect Campbell and Hossa to be signed almost immediately?
HD: Yup!
You heard it here first, folks, NiNY is predicting the Hedi signing will top today’s Wild activity!
sure, hang that yoke on me!
Today of all days, why isn’t NHL Live on? Or at least, it’s not on my program guide…
NiNY - Let’s hope it turns out to be a yoke….
BDS: haha! Good point!
…kinda feels like at the very top of the first big drop on a roller coaster, doesn’t it?
…aaaaand they’re off!
stuart stays in Det
Ah, there it is. Never mind.
fan590.com, from Toronto, has a special from noon-4 et on the start of FA
FYI…from the internet….
New Jersey re-signs forwards Jay Pandolfo (undisclosed), David Calrkson (undisclosed) and Barry Tallackson (undisclosed). Declines option on forward Sergei Brylin. Also, New Jersey agrees to terms with defenceman Bryce Salvador to a four-year deal worth $11.6 million
Food
Edmonton trades Pitkanen for E. Cole… can someone confirm this?
Corey Perry resigned with Anahiem, 5 year, $5.3 million a year.
Vrbata to Tampa
Wild will make no big moves and once again sign some middle of the roaders, maintainng that mediocre quality we have become accustomed to.
Brunette deal done
