Bruno’s back; Wild trades for Zidlicky; Rolston signs with the Devils
Posted on July 1st, 2008 – 11:00 AMBy Michael Russo
OK, I’m finally getting some breathing room here and I know this blog is as messy and unorganized as one of my kindergarten drawings, so I’m about to start a new post in a few minutes. I’ll try to give you some fresh stuff and analysis.
Wild has signed right wing Craig Weller as a depth move.
Risebrough says he’s been talking to Rolston and he’s going to have to make a choice. I’m hearing Devils now. And it’s official. Rolston to Jersey at four years, $20 million! Bobby Holik back to Jersey, too. Man, Holik, Rolston. How about Scott Stevens? Jacques Lemaire, maybe?
Risebrough indicates the Wild is not done. There’s no doubt the Wild is in on a couple of other deals. Risebrough admitted to talking to two players — who have not yet signed — directly to let them know “what the Wild is all about.”
Risebrough said something else big could happen, but if it doesn’t, “I wouldn’t describe today as not being big.”
By the way, neither team has reached Zidlicky today.
—-
Chicago signed Brian Campbell to an eight-year, $56.8 million deal, beating out Atlanta. Nicklas Lidstrom should ask for a raise now.
Just an update: Wild is working right now. We’re getting Risebrough at 5, and then he’s going back to work.
I know the Wild has talked with Michael Ryder’s reps and Kristian Huselius’ reps today, and there’s clearly other issues. Wild has made another offer to Rolston. He also has offers, I believe, from New Jersey, Pittsburgh, the Rangers and Detroit. He turned down a three-year, $13.5 million deal from Tampa Bay, by the way.
I know Rolston’s camp has talked with the Wild. If the Red Wings are legit, it’ll be tough for Rolston to leave that on the table.
I have not gotten to calling centerman agents yet today.
STAR TRIBUNE REPORTING
WILD HAS OFFICIALLY SIGNED ANDREW BRUNETTE TO A THREE-YEAR, $7 MILLION DEAL AND HAS ACQUIRED DEFENSEMAN MAREK ZIDLICKY, A QUALITY OFFENSIVE DEFENSEMAN, FOR RYAN JONES AND A 2009 SECOND-ROUND PICK.
Wild is definitely not done, I’m hearing. Whether that results in something, who knows? But I’ve been informed it’s “far from over.” Don’t let that freak you out, but it means they’re working.
Todd Fedoruk has signed in Phoenix. Mats Sundin apparently has been offered a two-year, $20 million deal by Vancouver. Brian Campbell’s got Chicago and Atlanta all over him. ADam Hall to Tampa Bay. Rangers sign Aaron Voros. Vancouver signs David Backes to an offer sheet!
Tucker to Colorado…Trust me, this will be your new Matt Cooke and Alex Burrows. Get ready to boo.
Here’s the link to watch Andrew Brunette’s winner against Colorado in Game 7 of the ‘03 quarters.
Zidlicky has two more years left on his deal at $3.5 million each with a cap hit of $3.35 million.
I’ll be in and out of here for awhile as I make calls. Obviously, you know I’ll keep you up to date on the Wild and be back later on for a complete wrap-up of the day.
I can tell you, if you’re trying to make sense of Zidlicky, this is basically what I predicted a few blogs ago. The Wild seemed to be concerned about giving a five- or six-year deal at $4 or $5 or even more million a year for a defenseman it did not consider to be star-studded.
You can read what I wrote a few blogs ago, but I started to get an indication that they much rather trade for a solid defenseman with only a couple of years left on his contract.
Couple interesting things: Ryan Jones has been in town most this summer working out at the X trying to get prepared for this season. Also, Zidlicky’s no-trade clause expired … this morning.
Here is a blog item on Zidlicky from a few days ago from my pal, John Glennon, of the Tennessean.
From the Zidlicky press release: “Marek is a top offensive puck-moving defenseman who will add tempo to our lineup,” Wild GM Doug Risebrough said. “He will complement a defense that is becoming more mobile and skilled, which we anticipate will make our team as a whole more offensive.”
This doesn’t necessarily mean the Wild is done for the day obviously. This is just the stuff I know now.
As for Bruno, he’s back and excited. Brunette ranks third in Wild history with 26 power-play goals and 110 assists and fifth with 164 points, and Wild General Manager Doug Risebrough has said routinely in the past few years that he erred in not re-signing Brunette after the lockout.
He’s the NHL’s current Iron Man leader at 453 straight games played. His contract is for $2.5 million, $2.5 million and $2 million.
———————————————————————————-
I hear Chicago is also hot after Campbell
Check out this link for your amusement (thanks to Fiona Quick for emailing this link)
I was asked via email to post blog updates on top rather than bottom. I aim to please:
Joni Pitkanen to Carolina for Erik Cole. Edmonton is going to be much better next season.
Radim Vrbata got $9 million from Tampa Bay for three years.
A player just told me Atlanta offered Brian Campbell a contract worth $60 million. Not sure of years, but I think EIGHT…sorry I put seven originally….
OK, I’m back, caffeinated and ready to go. Make sure you refresh this all day because I’ll have updates.
I learned today how many NHL types and players read this blog. Lots of emails wishing me luck when I go under the knife. None from the Star Tribune readership, I might add.
But I forgive you. You’re consumed with more critical things, like the free-agent frenzy.
I don’t know how this will go, lots of signings early or a calm before the storm. Remember, it took three hours last year before Todd White became the first NHL free agent to sign in Atlanta. That got the ball rolling.
I have a feeling this will be quicker. There is clear tampering going on. I just read one blog with a coach quoted at 10 a.m. ET saying he was in a nerve center and people were pounding out phone calls. The coach was openly talking about his team, we’ll say Tampa Bay, and how it was going hard after Radim Vrbata, which I believe I’ve reported here the last few days.
Brian Rolston promises to keep me informed today. He’s hoping for Detroit but hasn’t ruled out Tampa Bay, who offered him a sick deal. By the way, the Wild was miffed by a report in another publication that said the Wild’s best offer to Rolston was around $3.5 million.
Assistant GM Tom Lynn said that was “way low,” and Rolston also indicated to me that the Wild offered him a very quality contract. He just felt this was a “once in a lifetime” opportunity.
NHL Network is reporting Brad Stuart has re-signed in Detroit, Pascal Dupuis has re-signed in Pittsburgh and Jay Pandolfo re-signed in New Jersey. Rene Bourque was traded from Chicago to Calgary for a pick.
I do have to say about this frenzy, as exciting as this time is for you and me, it is quite absurd. I was talking to a team exec the other day about this.
Isn’t it stupid that the NHL allows this feeding frenzy? Why is there no negotiating period for a week like the NBA? This way, instead of people inflating the market and trying to outbid a million teams, players can actually visit teams and scout markets for themselves — like a Brian Rolston going and checking out Tampa and a half-dozen other teams.
It would also negate the rampant tampering in this league, which is disgraceful.
1 p.m. If you have NHL Network, Game 1 of Wild-Avalanche 2008 series is being replayed. I predict Joe Sakic wins it in OT.
1178 Responses to "Bruno’s back; Wild trades for Zidlicky; Rolston signs with the Devils"
Have a happy surgery, Don!
KiPA = suck up
Just trying to distract myself from the impending headline “Hossa bolts Crosby, Pens, signs $600m, 18-yr deal with some team that sucks.”
D’ya think some of the players post here and stick up for themselves??? 
Hey man, I offered to build you a ramp… sheeh. Or shall I say… Mojzis. Ha.
Bring it, people.
18-yr deal with some team that sucks
some team that USED to suck…
kj: I always find it’s hard to type while laughing… 
Well, kj, as G* pointed out, Hossa isn’t exactly Gretzky.
good luck with the surgery russo
Lets go wild, make a splash
LOL
Anyway good luck with the surgery.
BTW,
If any NHL players actually read this blog we understand the NHl is a business but we also understand taking the discount helps bring in better players to make the Wild Stanley Cup material. Not exactly rocket science.
444
kj - No, either that or Skouba can’t read English 
ms.c is on FIRE today!
Link to NHL radio….
I thought you’d already had the surgery. Good luck under the knife Mr. Russo.
FYI everyone- Charlie Walters was the one reporting 3.5 million.
Cujo to Toronto as a back up…
Pitkanen to Canes, Cole to the Grease.
Good Luck on your foot surgery Russo and thanks for the updates.
wow…pitkanen for Cole…the Grease going out on the limb for that one.
Another NHL Live rumor: Shanny to sign with NJD
I think both Pitkanen and Cole are RFAs in the last year like PMB
Would make sense for Shanahan. That’s where he started.
This is nuts. I don’t know whether to refresh and just look at the Don’s updates above, or the Russotoans.
Russo when this is all said and done please ask Brian if it is ok to go public with the Wild offer. We would like to know what Risebrough offered him. Thanks.
Oh crap. My Shanny loving/Devil hating friend is going to have a stroke…
hockeydad: I just made a run around the various sites I frequent and this one is at least as fast as the fastest.
Good luck there Russo! There, wished ya luck, but you should know us hockey types go under the knife all the time, then we’re out doing yard work and roofing later in the day. We thought you were one of us?
Well, Stuart’s off. TSN also reporting Mike Green resigned with the Caps, so there’s a good RFA D off the market. 2 down.
WOW - Anaheim re-sign forward Corey Perry to a five-year deal worth $26.625-million
Oh my god oh my god….Aggggghhhhhhh!!!!…… Sorry, frenzy took over my brain. I think I’ll go make banana bread and look away from the hockey stuff for a little bit.
Let the disappointment begin. :-/
I’m not a DR fan, but at least he got a 4th rounder out of TB for basically nothing (allowing them to negotiate with Rolston). Is that correct?
Whoa… Burke throwing out the dough to Perry!
According to TSN.ca Dupuis contact is for 3 years and $1.4M per year.
Remember when the Grease offer sheeted Penner, wasn’t part of Burke’s issue that he would then have to give Getzlaf and Perry the same?
Burke wants to keep Perry in the West so he doesn’t have to face him next yr when he is GM in Toronto. 
I had thought Cole was still “injury plagued”, but I guess he’s over that (71 and 73 GP in the last two seasons).
NiNY - IIRC you are correct.
Dupuis remains a Penguin - so much for rebuilding the retro Wild.
Foote gets a 2 yr deal @ 3M/yr with the Avs again.
good…so we still have a shot at seeing Gaby drop his purse with Foote…for now, anyway…
DR went to lunch, he thought it started at 12:00 CENTRAL time!
Their cap already stands right around $50 million, leaving them with slightly less than $7 million in potential shopping dollars
Boston Globe says the Bruins won’t play for Hossa.
Cole had a very bad neck injury during the SCP and this past year, they thought he might have re-injured it again when he received a hit to the head. Nothing serious but just a sore head.
He is UFA and signed this coming season at $4 miliion while JP is RFA this season
Which team is most likely to replace the Wild in the playoffs next season? Is Edmonton the favorite? Phoenix and Chicago should be much improved also. Who is going to score for the Wild this year when Gaborik takes his annual in season vacation?
I think players have better things to do than read blogs.
I think the Wild should roll the dice with Jason Smith’s shoulders if the price is right.
i like perry and would think that contract is in range for him.
D’ya think some of the players post here and stick up for themselves???
one might think yawnson hijacked 6 goalie system monkier to defend himself.
Cole had a very bad neck injury
The recipient of a check from behind by Mr. Orpik.
Yeah, like spending 10 hours a day in the Formula 1 racing simulator!
DR has now finished his happy meal and is headed off to SA to fill up the vehicle for his pumpkin run tonight!
Which team is most likely to replace the Wild in the playoffs next season?
i didn’t know the wild were missing the playoffs next season.
one might think yawnson hijacked 6 goalie system monkier to defend himself.
Busted!
I don’t if its tampering but I understand that after midnight on July 1st, teams can start talking to UFAs but can’t announce any signings until 12 EST.
I’d give Rolson 4.5, 5.5, 5.5, 4.0 and 2.5 -4.0 and 2.5 might seem like a bit much for someone his age, but he will be a valuable powerplay specialist at that age. I wouldn’t give him a no trade clause in years 4 or 5, though.
(Rolston -make this your counter offer!)
He’ll probably get more than that.
If the Wild don’t sign any “big-time” free agents, will they refund the raise in our season ticket prices for ‘08-’09?
How about adding Hagman from Dallas, Stillman from Ottawa and maybe even taking a run at Campbell of San Jose? If we got at least 2 of the 3 we would have a better team than we had last year.
sunshine, that would make a lot of sense on why stuff is going on. Why would you want to be able to announce anything at 1 in the morning, unless you were the T-Wolves trading the 3rd overall pick?
that’s original pucker. dig it.
Rene Bourque to the Flames.
Yeah, that was a rude awakening by the Wolves.
Can I get confirmation on something from the last thread please?
The 35+ CBA rule that penalizes teams that sign a 35 year old (or older)… it’s based on the age at the time of signing? So you could sign a sub-35 year old to a long term deal and if leaves 2 years later there is no cap hit?
DR spotted at Target buying more minutes for his pay as you go phone….
FYI, you cannot talk to a player until noon ET, not midnight…That used to be the time…
Schmidty, yes time of signing. So a long-term deal to Brunette, 34, would not fall under 35-year-old rule, for example.
Thanks for the update Mr. Russo, make sure the doctors work on the correct foot. I didn’t know Reusse could do that much damage stepping on it.
I would gamble that he wouldn’t leave. It would keep him and it would probably mean that we wouldn’t have to pay even more/year to keep him.
Again-even when he is 39/40, his slapshot on the pp will be worth 2.5 million/year.
Russo, get back up to the top where you belong!!!
learned today how many NHL types and players read this blog. Lots of emails wishing me luck when I go under the knife. None from the Star Tribune readership, I might add
Drop some names Russo.
Pucker: Getting a 4th rounder is nothing for this team. Now, maybe a team with a scouting department that can spot talent past the first round may be able to use that pick. But for the Wild, a 4th rounder is worthless. Sad But True. (always looking to work in Metallica song titles into the post)
Bruins signed Blake Wheeler.
Russo,
As I did not know you were seeing Dr. Nick Riviera for your foot, I didn’t think you would need any luck. Now that I know…
So… Eklund on hockeybuzz is of course reporting that Rolston is coming back to Minny. Why does Eklund play with our hears like that?
Thanks Russo for clearing that up for me. Glad to see you on and around. Hope the foot feels better during this busy day!
4th pick better than nothing. I guess some would like nothing instead.
I think the old rule of talking after midnight and then announcing at noon works better for fans. We will all have the major signings up sooner than waiting 3 hours for the first one.
DB - If DR blows it today/this week, here’s a couple more Metallica titles for you
DR - Unforgiven
Tom Lynn - Unforgiven II
Vrbata signed in TB.
yes time of signing. So a long-term deal to Brunette, 34, would not fall under 35-year-old rule, for example
Mike, thanks for having my back, er, the clarification.
BNAG: the frayed ends of sanity. I think that one’s more appropriate.
Seriously, fuck Tampa. Geezus. Enjoy the 8.00 GAA next season.
Vrbata to tampa $3M/year
Boogie..
DR-Misery
Please keep the blog clean, my kids read this for NHL Hockey info. No more effin hymers please.
Is the Vrbata the first UFA signing not of the same team that the player was with last season?
Sorry, Frank, I’ll keep it clean.
(There’s supposedly moderation on this board but it doesn’t seem to be very good.)
Three years, $9MM for Vrbata. Not bad.
sunshine: I think so.
KiPA, I do understand your frustration! It’s going to be interesting watching the new experiment down there, and see who wants out by mid-Feb lol.
Does it mean anything that Rolston is listed on the Lightning’s roster (http://lightning.nhl.com/team/app?service=page&page=TeamPlayers&type=roster) or is it just a technicality?
Vrbata was one guy I really wanted. To see the Yankees get him… ugh.
Wes is going to teach all the forwards of the JL mantra, call him a wizard-in-training! They won’t need defense!
No, that’s correct. In essence, he was traded to TB. Now he’s not with them anymore, since he’s a UFA.
1 hour in…. nothing, must be saving the fireworks for Friday, after all the “A” and “B” players are signed.
You hearing any rumors Russo around the Wild? Bruno, Demo, Hossa?
Who is DR dealing with?
PHX: Being as they owned his rights for a few days, he technically was on their roster….How on earth is Tampa paying for all this? It reminds me of Philly last year.
DR just got back from his errands and said, ‘It started WHEN?’
Oh yeah, Happy Canada Day!
I didn’t know Reusse could do that much damage stepping on it.
Have you seen Reusse lately?
Hossa here we come!
Leopold sure has been like a ghost since he bought this team. No word from him and no signs of a deep pocket book via free agency.
How many more players will sign up to “Ride the Lightning” today?
Well, despite the fact I don’t see any possibility of Hossa coming here, I did email some friends in Slovakia who do know him and Gaborik they should make a casual suggestion to come here. I offered to buy the beer and Slivovica.
“Ride the Lightning” today?
What is this, Metallica Tuesday? lol.
CuJo back in Toronto
How on earth is Tampa paying for all this?
They had a lot of cap room.
I didn’t know Reusse could do that much damage stepping on it.
Have you seen Reusse lately?
Yeah, Ruesse doesn’t miss any meals…or snacks either…
Hmmm…cross Vrbata off the list.
I wonder if DR ponied up any kind of an offer for him?
They had a lot of cap room.
Then why are they about to trade Boyle?
DR’s talking to wife & family, that’s who. He’s rubbing his eyes and saying something like he over-slept, but there was nothing going on today anyway.
CuJo back in Toronto
What is he, like, 50 now?
Hnat Domenichelli - classic expansion Wild player. Bad day to have to recall that name.
I looked last night and they have about $35.5 mil tied up in 11 players, including all the recent signings and Vrbata. The link at the top with a cover dedicated to Nummelin made my day
Bolts Signing Vrbata…must mean Rolston is NOT going there….will he be back?
I wonder if DR ponied up any kind of an offer for him?
i’m sure he lowballed him
DR spotted on 94 East for Hudson to buy fireworks for Wild Exec party on Friday. Wanted Bomber to go, but he was busy running to Starbucks.
Like the link. If you look at the roster Hnat Domenichelli and Johnny Pohl are also on the roster.
Seriously, though, any word on Rolston?
must mean Rolston is NOT going there
Don’t be so sure. Russo said they were pursuing even as they were going after Rolston.
I’m wondering if Leopold’s wife said enough is enough after the Nashville experience, and won’t let him pony up to make the team better? Uh-oh! I just gave DR another excuse!
Oh, and I highly recommend clinking on the link Russo has above. I got a couple of good chuckles there.
Then why are they about to trade Boyle?
To try and go after Hossa?
To try and go after Hossa?
Probably.
Maybe Rolston is more of a team player than we ever imagined…Giving his rights to Tampa, stealing the team a draft pick, only to sign back on the hometown squad…Rolston, you sly dog you…
Are you kidding me… I’m at the tipping point - first $4/gallon of gas, now $90 for a lower deck ticket to watch some joker getting paid $60M over 7 years…I really did get into the wrong line of work!!!
To try and go after Hossa?
Probably.
Shhhhhhhhhh! Don’t tell schmitty.
$60MM/8years is an awful lot of money for Campbell. I get the feeling that he’s going to be a guy that ends up being a regrettable signing if that number is accurate.
So I’m trying to figure out how to buy a hockey club lugano jersey. . .
Russo - Great link, to think that Petteri will have the fans thinking of the promised land is a bit strange…
*exclusive and artistic pictures of the sweating players*
Um. Do they ship that magazine to the US?
THE OIL….looks like they are shaking things up. Adding Cole is a nice move. So is adding Brule.
Me thinks the Wild are tumbling down the Division Standings as we speak….
Risebrough will be “smart” and avoid this feeding frenzy…but it won’t help our team get any better.
We seem to be of the mind that it’s better to be right than good! (about the whole unfounded escalation of salaries issue)
In the end, it really doesn’t matter what CL spends. They’ve all got to fit under the cap.
Question - What is to stop a team, lets just say pick I don’t know, Tampa out of the air… what’s to stop a team from signing everyone they can get their hands on for market value or slightly above and not worrying about the cap today. Now say they sign so many guys that they are way, way over the cap. What’s to stop them from then trading those guys for picks/prospects (essentially zero cap number guys) until they fall under the cap and have the players they want? Asside from the obvious problem that one might run into of not being able to trade away enough to fit under the cap are there any rules against trying that approach?
*exclusive and artistic pictures of the sweating players*
Um. Do they ship that magazine to the US?
Be sure to ask for “discrete packaging.”
[…] 1:21 PM - $60 million for Brian Campbell? link […]
to think that Petteri will have the fans thinking of the promised land is a bit strange…
They must be looking for the world’s best popcorn…
In the end, it really doesn’t matter what CL spends. They’ve all got to fit under the cap.
Question - What is to stop a team, lets just say pick I don’t know, Tampa out of the air… what’s to stop a team from signing everyone they can get their hands on for market value or slightly above and not worrying about the cap today. Now say they sign so many guys that they are way, way over the cap. What’s to stop them from then trading those guys for picks/prospects (essentially zero cap number guys) until they fall under the cap and have the players they want? Asside from the obvious problem that one might run into of not being able to trade away enough to fit under the cap are there any rules against trying that approach?
The league has to approval all trades. In that scenario, the trades that put the team out of compliance withe the CBA would not be approved.
Me thinks the Wild are tumbling down the Division Standings as we speak….
me wonders why we even play the games and don’t simply assign playoff positions the day after UFA signing day.
DR at Wells Fargo signing his bonus check for not signing any players!
Michael (Russo): Seriously, which flight were you on when the flight attendant ran the cart over your foot?
Will the Wild actually SIGN someone good today? I mean, first-line good? What about this $16M in cap room? The Leipold promise to do what it takes, the ‘in it to win it’ approach?
Or will CL let DR do it his way (i.e., on the cheap)?
fyi, on boyle, they’re not trading him now…it’ll be this summer, i am told
edgewild - Brule had 9 points in 61 games last year, which one was your favorite?
I really did get into the wrong line of work!!!
Yeah, too bad you can’t pump gas for a living anymore, eh? Those guys would be making bank with today’s prices.
Oh, that’s not what you meant?
Nevermind.
oh my, i just got the “slow down” treatment from my own blog.
So he’s gone, regardless. Just not today. Okay, thanks Russo.
Run and gun style in Fla. Get your Center Ice package now.
BNAG: World’s best popcorn at a hockey arena? Guaranteed…Edmonton, Rexall Place. I still think back on it…it was THAT good, even 3 months later!
bfw, so you’re saying that the league would cut off a team from signing anyone as soon as they hit the cap?
BTW, who thinks Sakic is going to pull a ‘Niedermeyer’ this upcoming season?
oh my, i just got the “slow down” treatment from my own blog.
Hysterical!
You can’t make that stuff up, eh, Mike?
Saladin - Once again when are some of you so called fans wake up and realize that the Wild actually have spent up close to the cap at least the last few years. You cannot call them cheap any more without sounding like a fool!
I’m of my mini rant again!!!
Random thought to keep me from driving to the X…
Will #2 become The Don while The Don is under the knife?
I don’t think Sakic will do that, too much class.
Goody, you can temporarily exceed that Cap, but you must then make adjustments to get under. Don’t have the dates in front of me. It’s later in the summer, iirc.
Wow, big props for Russo from EJ AND we’ve nabbed us some Bruno! YAY!
Shout out for Russo on NHL Live on the Wild’s dealings just now.
bfw - Think you can exceed the by 10% but need to be back bellow by the time training camp starts or something like that.
Wow, NHL Radio just quoted Russo!
Very good Mike!
Russo gets some love from Hradek!! So, two signings already!!
the, the, should read the cap, sorry.
WRT - Nummi must have made it….
Above:WILD HAS SIGNED ANDREW BRUNETTE TO A MULTI-YEAR DEAL AND HAS ACQUIRED DEFENSEMAN MAREK ZIDLICKY, A QUALITY OFFENSIVE DEFENSEMAN, FOR RYAN JONES AND A 2009 SECOND-ROUND PICK
Yes! Zidlicky is a $3.5 cap hit for the next 2 years.
Awww poop! We traded Jonesy??? He was so adorable! *sniff* I need a moment.
What do we think of Zidlicky?
Does Shep give #15 back to Bruno?
Zidlicky SHOULD replace maybe, Foster as #5 D-man? He’ll do more as #5 than Skoula does at #4…
Bruno’s back? Is DR really trying to suck up to the fan base and try to correct his mistakes?
If he is, it might be working..a little bit..but keep working at it, DR!
I’m getting a Zidlicky jersey right now. Do you likey the Licky?
The Vrbata signing is not an exact comparable - but it’s somewhat close - to what P-Marc could be looking at. Both wingers, Vrbata is 34 months older, but they’ve played a similar amount of time in the NHL (354 games for PMB, 402 for Vrbata) and have scored a similar # of points (221 for PMB, 226 for Vrbata). Vrbata is -6 for his career, while P-Marc is +21.
So if Vrbata’s a $3 million a year player, and I’m P-Marc’s agent, I’m telling DR: My guy’s younger, with more upside, more points per game and he can test the market next year. So let’s start the talks at 5 years for $22 million, maybe?
BDS: Yeah, Parrish was well spent money wasn’t it. Chris Simon added a lot to the playoffs, didn’t he. A bunch of $1MM players really adds a lot to the team, doesn’t it.
I am a p’oed fan who happens to have 4 seasons tickets. My problem is I am not from MN, so I don’t have the I’m so glad the Wild are back after the Stars left, that I will never question the direction of the team again, attitude.
I want my hard-earned money’s worth
sweet……DR come thru…..
bfw - Think you can exceed the by 10% but need to be back bellow by the time training camp starts or something like that.
That’s it, sounds ’bout right. Thx.
Nice to see Bruno back!.
Zidlicky! Me Likey!
As a DR detractor, enough with the “he is out getting hot dogs at SA” crap.
Bruno has offered to help move Shep out of Darby’s basement to secure the rights to #15.
Shep will be FORCED to give #15 back to Bruno. Of course, something good for Shep will be involved ($$) or something bad (Shep getting taped and left in the training room)…
that was the one prospect I liked. we finally had a good college player. a real power forward. better trade our rough north americans for another European.
SIGN PMB…at any cost!!!
(mainly because I have his jersey!)
Nashville trades defenceman Marek Zidlicky to Minnesota for prospect Ryan Jones from Miami of Ohio and a second round pick. Details to follow.
So how come when I go searching for Zidlicky’s stats I’m getting nada? This has me a bit worried.
Did the Don misspell?
The important thing is we got a retread (I like Bruno but we lost 3 good years) and an undersized defensemen.
Super
Rolston will come back for less $. Remember Kirby? He became the state’s hero. Rolston should do the same.
Good job DR so far, but we need one more at least to replace Rolston.
DB - With the trading of Jones, thus ends the 2004 draft class, correct?
Saladin - You are missing my point. They might not have spent money wisely but the point is they have spent money. How is that cheap?
Are you kidding me on Jones? Does Risebrough know how to make a trade without giving up any of the decent young future talent of this team?
6GS - At least we know he was on the phone when he went to get the hot dogs now…
they’re not trading him now…it’ll be this summer, i am told
That won’t be a simple thing though. Boyle would have to wave his NTC, and then there would have to be a team willing to take on his $6.67MM cap hit. He’s a good player, but that’s a lot of money.
El Gato: I think you are correct. The Wild have cleaned house of the disasterous 2004 draft class with Ryan Jones’ departure…
Claire, Ryan Jones is a future third-line player on the top end and a career AHLer on the bottom end. I don’t think it’s a big loss.
So how come when I go searching for Zidlicky’s stats I’m getting nada? This has me a bit worried.
Did the Don misspell?
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=2374&hubname=nhl-predators
- reid - how many Miami of OH and late season Aeros games did you watch to form your opinion? When AiH says “Zidlicky! Me Likey!” you know this deal is good.
A very pleasing start to the summer…
[…] forward Andrew Brunette has signed with the Wild. The move is a bit of a homecoming for Brunette. He played for the Wild from 2001 until […]
So does DR see Zidlicky as a C or B player?
Do you know what kind of leadership qualities Jones has? Take a look at the Red Wings third line, Kris Draper look familiar? That’s who Ryan Jones will be.
Zidlicky: Played in 79 games for the preds last year, 5 goals, 38 assists, +/- -5
Stoner still remains from 2004.
I’m not sure we should be giving up a prospect and 2nd round pick. It’s hard to build a team without prospects. Though admittedly I don’t know much about Zidlicky.
Thanks bfw, not sure what I was doing wrong though. Now what worries me is that he is Czech. The Wild have not had such good luck with Czech defensemen if’n I remember correctly.
Defensemen:
GOALS (5) Tied for 63rd
ASSISTS (38) Tied for 10th
POINTS (43) Tied for 14th
See above, Bruno not signed on the dotted line yet…
By the way, I think I just got scoreboard on the Brunette signing.
Don’t think of it as Ryan Jones, think of it as a 4th round and 2nd round pick for Zidlicky.
Sure Jones was fun to watch in college, but I think his upside is limited. The Wild were in no hurry to pull him from college and had no reservation about trading him. Enough said.
Sorry ms. conduct.
Claire - And you know what kind of leadership qualites he has, how? Just asking.
Zidlicky - $3.5 million a year for this year and next.
If Bruno is $2.5 million (guessing) then we should have $11 million left to go sign that “impact forward” (whishpers… HOSSA) and maybe a Center.
Hossa for $9 million, Holik for $1.5 million? Call it a day?
well, wow, we are all NHL level talent scouts. and we can predict the future. how many games did I watch? i watched some NCAA games where he looked like a man among boys.
From above
FYI: BRUNETTE DEAL NOT DONE YET, I HAVE JUST BEEN TOLD. HE’S LOOKING OVER THE OFFER AND IS EXPECTED TO SIGN.
Maybe he’s trying to figure out how to get #15 in the deal?
Alright this Zidlicky guy better be worth losing a 2nd rounder and my Jonesy. *grumble* Oh well, I guess I’ll get to see him when we play Milwaukee. Here’s hoping he turns out to suck.
The day’s not over year as far as the Class of 2004. I wouldn’t doubt DR is talking to AJ Thelen right now. He’s a defensemen, he’s from MN, how much better could it get!
BNAG: You’re correct, Bruno isn’t in the fold…yet. The wife will deliver him to our doorstep. She likes it here.
Zidlicky: -5 is a quantum leap over Skoula’s -14. -5 I can accept. -14 is really tough to swallow.
BNAG, that’s why he had to go to Target to replenish the ‘pay as you go minutes’!
Wouldn’t $3.5MM/per have been better spent on Rozsival?
Holy #&*#ing $%@! We used a propect from the 2004 draft class as trade bait! DB Are you reading this?
Saladin - LOL…that was actually pretty funny.
So, correct me if I am wrong, if Demo leaves, Branco is gone and the wild have acquired Zidlicky the czechs will outnumber the slovaks. Is that a problem?
reid - he was a top college player in his 4th year, of course he looked good.
With the Aeros he just blended in. He had a flukey goal in the playoffs.
I love this move. I wouldnt give you a bag of pucks for Jones. Farewell, second rounder (that hurts)
http://faceoffcircle.net/2008/06/30/foc-ufa-live-blog-2008/
1:45 PM - Rolston may be going back to Minnesota, per the Fan 590. The possibility of Huselius going to the Pens is on the rise.
We can only dream…
Hope that was fun! That will about do it for the Wild in free agency.
WRT, don’t forget the fact Zid can put up some points and isn’t afraid to shoot the puck AT the net.
WRT, don’t forget we’ve still got that -14 though. Let’s all bow our heads and pray that somehow DR can trade Skoula to somebody (or just sneak him in in fine print) for somebody - anybody - or nothing.
Who???
SO Zidlicky seems to be a power play D guys, isn’t that what we got MAB for?
well, lets hope he isn’t more productive this year, once again, like say O’sullivan.
You’re right kb - the 2nd round pick is what people should be concerned with.
However, I’m going with the Wild on this one. CL should know plenty about Zidlicky coming from Nashville. Probably a good sign.
Not exactly a name that rolls off someones lips when mentioning defensemen
O’Sullivan was a 1st round talent that dropped because of issues with his father that scared off teams. He is not comparable in talent to Jones. Let it go man.
Wild tried to sign Jones twice after his sophomore and Junior years. He refused to try and win a championship with Miami. His leadership was evident in everything he did at Miami, on and off the ice. Talk to the cancer kid he grew his hair for and ask him what kind of leader Jones is. Just ask Blasi about what kind of leader Jones is. Ask the guys who played that last game with him when he was responsible for most of their scoring and barely gave up against the eventual champion BC. Wild lost a gem, not to mention another draft pick for, granted a good defenseman. But couldn’t they just sign one of the free agents instead??? There were plenty out there. O’Sullivan trade was terrible move, this is a terrible move.
I know Zidlicky is really good in EA sports games if that counts for anything…
Wild#9, that Rolston talk was pure speculation. No news there.
Bettman on NHL radio….
you would know all about that WS
Hossa for $9 million, Holik for $1.5 million? Call it a day?
That would work for me
Rozsival would have been nice but DR got a top 4 d-man for a very good cap hit on the front end of the market.
Oh, I know it’s a dream that won’t come true. Faceoff’s next rumor was that there have been 10 offers for Rolston.
Jones never impressed me a whole lot in college, top to bottom the CCHA is pretty weak.
“Maybe he’s trying to figure out how to get #15 in the deal?”
Gosh I hope so. I don’t want to have to buy another jersey…
what do I need to let go of?
Sources tell TSN as many as four teams have table offers for the 37 year old, including one undisclosed team who has offered a whopping 10 million per year on a multi-year contract.
Wow - http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242175 - based on rumors, is FLA offering the $10 spot Russo?
This is a wash at best (Rolston=not signing for Brunette). Brunette, I don’t mind. Although, he’s not the “missing piece”.
Claire - all that is great but it doesn’t really prove he will end up a Kris Draper type player, sorry.
I watched Jones alot last year (Im in Cincy, bout 30 minutes away from Oxford).. had Jeff Taffe’s work ethic, half his skills
DP: That is a problem. But DR is going to bring in Condi Rice, and make it worse!
so by saying that the ccha is weak, what are you referencing that on? hopefully not this last season.
Eklund is now reporting that Huselius is an “e4″ to the Pens
What the heck is an “e4?” (No, I’m not taking Eklund’s word for anything, I’m just wondering.)
had Jeff Taffe’s work ethic, half his skills
Wait, Taffe has skills?
(Okay, okay, that’s not entirely fair. I’m too harsh on him. Wouldn’t mind seeing him get an opportunity in fact. He was buried on the third and fourth line here.)
This is crazy..
1:49 PM - Some more from ESPN’s Andy Strickland:
-Rolston has received a whopping TEN offers allready…
I realize the strategy of this summer. To keep PMB happy, bring in two defensemen who can move the puck (like PMB), and are about the same size (under-).
New line when PMB plays D on PP. The Munchkin Line!
Just to let you all know, nothing here is made up like our buddy Eklund likes to do
Haha.
maybe that is signaling a PMB trade? eh!
you would know all about that WS
Yes, I do… are you trying to imply something here?
The Penguins re-signed defenseman Mark Eaton… the mind is boggled.
Got to mean Orpik’s gone.
Im not talking Taffe in the NHL. I dont think he’s a viable NHLer. Im talkin in college, ike Jones was. Taffe was phenomenal as a gopher. Jones was allright, but looked like he couldnt care less
TSN is reporting Brunette as a done deal
tsn.ca is reporting the Bruno signing now.
i said the conference top to bottom is weak, outside of the top four you have ferris st, n mich, bowling green, alaska, etc. a lot of easy points against bad college teams
from a production standpoint, I view Bruno as more a replacement for Demo, even if the 2 are completely different types of players.
Goody: How can any Wild fan forget about the -14 albatross on our blueline? Skoula already has the “Express route to the Net” sign on him!
DR had until yesterday to cut him thru waivers. He didn’t do it.
Face it…we’re stuck with Skoula until his contract runs out.
God help the Wild.
well, the wcha is going to be just as bad soon enough. with everyone being one and done now. its the NBA on ice. But then again, Wheeler’s tom foolery may scare some of the people off. who knows how it plays out.
Green*…if DR would have made the right offer, Vrbata would be here.
Are you sayin 3 mil per is too much?
OP #1 good.
Zidlicky? Give up the ‘future’? Wow. All that I need to see now is Hossa!
KiPA, yeah he was pretty much a goner when he turned down their latest offer.
kolzig will be next in TB.
Parrish is a much bigger stiff than Skoula, if we are ranking stiffs!
WRT - stop this Skouba bashing. Don’t you remember we re-progamed him to be minute muncher martin by the end of last season.
sorry, i was off topic. there are some soft teams in the other conferences as well. time will tell what the wild gave up.
The thing about Skoula is (and he did play better last year) with the signing of MAB and Zidlicky the D are becoming pretty undersized, so it’s hard to cast off your 6′3″ 220Lb guy even if he does trip over the blue line on occasion.
Orpik was different from Hossa and Malone. The Pens basically low-balled the latter two to the point that pushed them to test the market. Orpik was different, based on reports. The sides were still talking (Hossa and Malone were not) and his agent said he wasn’t set on free agency.
I think Zidlicky is a nice addition. He’s not going to shut anyone down, but he can move the puck. Has nobody picked up on the fact that the Wild has added another Czech defenseman?
It’s possible that we’ll regret it in a couple of years, depending on what happens with Jones and that 2nd, but this should help for this season at least.
Jones finished 7th in scoring in college hockey, 1st in game-winning goals last year. He never missed a game in his entire 4 years at Miami, and was the captain of the club for three years. You may not think he’s spectacular and I never said he was going to be some Wayne Gretzky kind of player, but he’s going to be an impact hockey player and he could have been good on the Wild. He’s a leader, a hard worker and a finisher. How many of the young guys on the Wild are that? Everyone here complains about missing guys like Bruno and Walz, that is the kind of player Jones is.
TSN is reporting that Brunette has officially signed with the Wild.
FAN 590 outta Toronto reporting Rolston has recieved 10 offers….
Green*…if DR would have made the right offer, Vrbata would be here.
Are you sayin 3 mil per is too much?
nope. just proving the prediction that anyone that signs with another team is because DR lowballed him.
1 p.m. If you have NHL Network, Game 1 of Wild-Avalanche 2008 series is being replayed. I predict Joe Sakic wins it in OT.
Showcase goal for Fedorik’s agent - do I remember correctly that it was his only career PP goal?
Trading away anything past a 2nd round pick doesn’t scare me with our scouting staff. Even if Nashville pulls out a good player with the pick it doesn’t mean we would have used it on the same player…
College success means close to nothing in projecting nhl ability. Look back to Taffe for an example.
BDS; No, I won’t stop Skouba-bashing. He deserve every shot he gets. It took nearly two full seasons for the ‘brain trust’ to sit his heinie down and show Skouba how to run the press box popcorn machine. (BTW, did I tell you he’s now fully qualified on it?)
Saladin: Parrish may be a ’stiff’ from a money-for-production view, but Parrish never cost his team a division title, like Skouba did in 2006-07. Good ol’ Marty blew enough games for us to lose the division by one point to the ‘Nucks that season.
Pylons much minutes all the time along our nation’s roads and highways. Just ask Filip Kuba along the Lee Roy Selmon expressway sometime.
Looks like I picked a bad time to go to lunch. Good job DR! Bruno and Zidlicky, not too shabby IMO.
A buddy of mine said “it’s a real bummer we won’t get Campbell”, I told him “Who needs Campbell when we got Skoula”! thank you, thank you very much
Vrbata is not the missing piece. I dont even think he would help.
Yeah, Claire, that’s the impression I had of him as well. Though I wasn’t utterly convinced he’d make the big club either. Could have easily been an Irmen.
I’ll say this… it’s disappointing but as far as trade bait in Houston, I’d rather lose him than Clutterbuck by a long shot.
Is it too early for beer? *sigh* Ms. C’s fuego has been doused.
Claire- are you related to him or something? Give the kid a few years in the NHL before you compare him to Walz and Bruno. I wish him luck in Nashville. It is obvious that he wouldn’t have been a impact player next season and I’m actually more upset about the loss of the 2nd pick.
I’ve watched Game 1 a few times since it happened… turns out the Avs always win it. Strange…
Ah, but the Roy slayer is back! Gotta love it. Welcome back Bruno.
As reported on Theforthperiod.com website, the Brunette signing is done deal!! Welcome back Bruno!!
I am not sure Jones has the foot speed to be successfull in the NHL. I wish him the best though. I love the move, potential doesnt win you games. He could wind up being great in a couple of years but Z will contribute this year.
Does this mean that PMB is staying for sure now that DR has traded for a defensemen? How often do you think JL will pull his hair out with MAB and Z-man with their rushes?
BDS, Yes he did turn into serviceable marty at the end of the season. It’s just so much fun though…
Saladin, I don’t think many will argue with you that last season Parrish was dead weight. The difference is that Parrish is responsible for scoring goals, Marty is responsible for defending against them. Parrish makes a mistake and the other team gets control of the puck. Marty makes a mistake and the other team gets a goal. For that reason alone Parrish isn’t going to get as much flak.
Looks like many more years of mediocrity on the horizon in Pittsburg.
Someone posted that on TSN’s article about signing Malkin to an extension.
Russo’s been quiet for awhile. Working the phones, perhaps? I’m gettin’ a little bored with no new news in the last 20 mins. Maybe there’s something to the Rolston back to Wild rumor?
I just hope Bruno’s age isn’t starting to catch up with him. He was a tortoise to begin with.
phil: That Skouba for Campbell comment was just sick, man. Just sick…
Green*…
Thanks for parphrasing what I posted to meet your version of reality.
Sheesh.
For the record, I’ve got a bit of skepticism around most NCAA players. Not very many have amounted to much in the NHL. That’s about as far as my opinion of Jones goes.
wow toivo. there are tons of them that have turned into great players in the NHL. wow. might as well hate on juniors then. sheeeesh
For the record, I’ve got a bit of skepticism around most NCAA players. Not very many have amounted to much in the NHL. That’s about as far as my opinion of Jones goes.
Especially the 4 year players these days.
Toivo: your opinion matches those of JL and some of the Wild scouting staff.
Is that mike, as in “mike” at 1:20pm?
Can’t be, can it?
And yeah, that’s pretty funny KiPA. Get Crosby and Malkin locked up. A fast path to oblivion there for sure.
So after the Bruno and Zidy pick ups are the Wild mainly looking for a center and another wing?
Has nobody picked up on the fact that the Wild has added another Czech defenseman?
Toivo, see my 12:43 post.
KiPA, that seems like a pretty silly comment. I had no idea Malkin was mediocre.
Ok… let’s walk thru this…
DR wanted the following before today started:
Top-4 Defenseman: Check (sort of with Zidlicky)
Two Impact Forwards: Bruno - check
That leaves DR’s wish list:
1 Impact Forward
Possibly another player - a Center
$11 million to get it done. Should be easy math… HOSSA!
yep, the wild love the QMJL not so much love for the rest of north america. then its across the pond.
Wow… Fan590 said Vancouver offered Sundin $20 million over two years….
It’s time to pull out the “Big Checks” you see at golf tourneys.
Not to start a debate about this but it was just the other day I learned that Joe Pavelski was a 7th round pick. That said, I will not miss Ryan Jones.
Would the Wild have any interest in Naslund? I know he is like 34, but he can still play. Would he be asking for more then we are willing to pay?
Toronto radio reporting Vancouver has offered Sundin $10 mil a year for 2 years for $20 mil total.
Holy S%&t….
Austin, toivo: yeah, pretty stupid. Another comment said he disappeared in the playoffs, an obvious sign that person saw just the finals (malkin 10 goals, 22 points in the playoffs).
Christ. Sportsnet says the Pens offered Jagr a deal.
And vancouver’s throwing 2/20 at Sundin supposedly.
Say what you want, no one else was all that disappointed to see O’Sullivan go either and I was pretty pissed about that. I don’t see the need in giving up a second round pick for another defenseman when there were that many free agents available. Guess we have to hope Tampa signs Rolston so we get that conditional pick.
Thrilled to see Bruno back so that is one prediction down, one to go. We’ll see whether they make the move for Holik or go for someone like Brown instead.
Would not be surprised to see Ryder as the Rolston replacement though. Could be why they made the trade rather than spending cash.
Id prefer Holik or Federov at center, mainly becuase I speculate the price will be right and leave room to bring on another impact player, preferrably Commodore, to me
i say do what you can to get Hossa. i think with all the complaints about a weak free agent pool that this may be the new NHL free agency. most teams will lock up their top talent (Gabby hopefully, Malkin, Crosby, Etc) and there will be few opportunities to get a player like this without a trade.
“Vancouver offered Sundin $20 million over two years”
wow.
Claire…we get a conditional pick any way it works out. It just is a 4th round now instead of a third.
congratulations to blake wheeler! w000
Go4, that’s what I meant, higher conditional
From faceoffcircle blog:
My opinion on Zidlicky to the Wild and what he could do for them (asked by Rick):
Zidlicky is a good offensive defenceman that could anchor a powerplay. Look at his numbers from 2-3 years ago and you’ll see what kind of production he could put up. However, I have my doubts whether his numbers will return to that level on a defense-oriented team like the Wild.
He’ll help out, especially on the PP, but I don’t expect him to have any mind-numbing season. Regardless, a good move by Doug Risebrough
“Christ. Sportsnet says the Pens offered Jagr a deal.”
Say it ain’t so! The Jag back in PGH?
Vancover is nuts, 2 years @ $20 Mill for Sundin is crazy money.
Kaiser - the early rumors where that Naslund would not sign with another NWC team.
What are the Wild going to do for the center position? The center position was the biggest weakness of this team last year and they still haven’t addressed this problem yet.
We are done shopping for defensemen unless its for the Aeros. We have now 7 under contract with Foster pending. That’s it.
reid - I didn’t know Burns, Schultz, Foster, Parrish, Shep, Harding, Cuma, Gillies and Boogie were French Canadian - thanks for educating me!
Burns and Zidlicky on the points with Bruno working down low…pretty good core for a wicked power play, no?
Its all about the forwards now.
WE NEED CENTERS
2 of them!!!!!
Say it ain’t so! The Jag back in PGH?
Can’t imagine he’d want to return. I wouldn’t object (depending on the figures). I’m one of the three people in town who doesn’t boo him (though I made an exception during the playoffs when he was being a whiny bastard).
hockeyhawk44, I agree. Sounds pretty decent to me.
Cheer up, Russo! Of course we wish you luck for your surgery. Does this mean we’ll be blogless for a few days while you recover? You better do some future-reporting so we don’t miss anything Now go get today’s scoop, I’m counting on ya to keep me in the loop!! And yay for the return of Bruno. Hope there’s more good news to come.
Forwards/centers — its the offensive lines that will need to be filled. The backend is done.
homas Vanek (Minn) or Zach Parise (N Dakota)Dany Heatley (Wisc) and Chris Drury (BU)Jordan Leopold (Minn)John Madden (U of Mich) and Brian Rafalski(Wisc)Paul Kariya (Maine)Paul Martin (Minn)Joe Nieuwendyk (Cornell) and Brett Hull (Duluth)Mike Comrie (U of Mich)Matt Niskanen (UMD)Paul Stastny (Denver)
I would sure hate to have any of those guys on the wild. wait a minute..
“when he was being a whiny bastard”
When is he NOT being a whiny bastard??
Interesting read from DR:
http://boards.wild.com/index.php?automodule=blog&blogid=2&showentry=230
Austin: I became numb to most of his antics during his time here. During the playoffs he was accusing Crosby of diving and really getting in his face a lot. That I hadn’t seen from him before.
TSN is reporting the deal with Brunette is done. Not much different from what Don Russo is saying, but thought I’d through it out there.
Hmm… The Wild seem to be rather free-dealing with their American prospects. Then again, I think Leipold had something to do with the Zidlicky deal.
Anyways, below is a list of all of the signings and trades that were made this morning.
http://www.spectorshockey.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=762:nhl-free-agent-signings-july-1-2008&catid=5:trade-rumors&Itemid=9
For the record, I’ve got a bit of skepticism around most NCAA players. Not very many have amounted to much in the NHL. That’s about as far as my opinion of Jones goes.
Just off the top of my head from recent years:
Stastny - 71pts
Kessel - 37pts
Niskanen - 26pts
Toews - 54pts
Parise - 65pts
Zajac - 34pts
Johnson - 33pts
Granted they aren’t superstars - yet - but they are serviceable NHLers. Strange, they all seem to be WCHA players… Anyway, considering the number of players in the NCAA, yes very few amount to much but that could be said of the other leagues the NHL draws from as well.
Say what you want, no one else was all that disappointed to see O’Sullivan go either and I was pretty pissed about that. I don’t see the need in giving up a second round pick for another defenseman when there were that many free agents available.
O’Sullivan has had one good NHL year, he would not have helped the Wild get to the playoffs two years ago but he is a great story and I wish him well. What kind of UFA d-man could you get for two years at a $3.2 million cap hit? We shall see but right now, I like the deal.
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/boards/thread.php?thread_id=43357&forum_id=74
Check this link out.Not sure what to make of it.
It was stated earlier that Bruno is an impact player. He is not. He is a role player at best at this point in his career. The Wild needs impact players on the forward line to make improvements from a year ago. Bruno is not that player.
Tell Fiona Quick to go Chase Even Kaufmann some more. Hey Quick, I thought you said Kessel was going to play for the Badgers. Wrong again. Nothing new
Jones may be good down the line but what is the point in stockpiling talent that is 2 years away from contributing? Good trade!
Stastny is more than serviceable. If he hadn’t had an appendectomy and then a groin injury (or maybe it was a knee, can’t remember), he probably would’ve put up 100 points. He lost I think over a month to those injuries at least.
reid, way to arbitrarily throw out a tiny sample of success while glossing over the myriad failures from the college ranks, especially when they stay 3 years or more…….
KiPA, I hear ya, but I always thought Jager was a concer to the team. Granted, a very talented goal-scoring cancer…
Thank you all for taking Zidlicky. We had 8 NHL ready dmen signed, and this eliminates our logjam and dumps a big salary.
Zids best years were when he was paired with Kimmo Timonen. The two of them together were lethal on the power play. If the Wild can pair with another strong puck-mover he is capable of 55 points per year.
I still don’t think he feels completely comfortable in North America, and he does not speak much English. He can be soft defensively at times, but he does have a mean streak that is entertaining. Expect to see him drop the gloves 2 or 3 times each season. I will say that his play on the defensive end was greatly improved last season and frankly may have resulted in some of his offensive drop. As long as remembers his job is defense he will be an asset to you.
Hmmm…isn’t Ryan ‘Baby Im a Rich Man Too’ Malone from the WCHA?
Austin: nah, he didn’t become a problem until Lemieux came out of retirement in 2000. I think that affected his perceived “alpha dog” status. He went on record, I think during the playoff meeting, that the Penguins called his bluff when he asked for a trade.
He’s still the second greatest Penguin ever.
I guess I was referring to drafting: PMB,Stephane Veilleux, sheppard (Oops he was from QMJL), Pascal Dupuis to name a few.
KiPA, on Statsny… yes, more than serviceable but I don’t think he’s quite superstar yet. A few years like last year (without injuries) and then he’ll be there.
“Marek is a top offensive puck-moving defenseman who will add tempo to our lineup,” Wild GM Doug Risebrough said. “He will complement a defense that is becoming more mobile and skilled, which we anticipate will make our team as a whole more offensive.”
translation: he’ll be a “solid defensemen in our zone who can make the first pass pretty well by game 20 under Jacques”.
Thanks wastnashpredfan! Enjoy Ryan Jones! Good to see gracious fans from other teams around! Cheers!
“Ryan Jones has been in town most this summer working out at the X trying to get prepared for this season.”
Augh. Salt in the wound. My fresh meat spending his summer working his ass off for my team. Come on! Of course, maybe they didn’t like what they were seeing.
RUSSO… I’d love to know what other Aeros have been there. I heard several were invited to train in Minny this summer, but haven’t heard a name until now.
DB - I only listed Bruno as an “impact forward” because that is how DR will sell it. That’s one of his “two” he needed to fill his shopping cart.
I would agree with you… not an impact player but I’ll take him.
Let’ hope Hossa is next. (a true impact player)
Btw- Kolzig signed with Tampa as well.
jezus, what got into DR!? both these moves make sense! now he’s gonna sign a bona fide center and just blow my mind (langkow?!)…
lol tampay bay, by the way, let’s just sign everyone and hope melrose can sort it out. i seriously doubt this is gonna work out for them…
“I guess I was referring to drafting: PMB,Stephane Veilleux, sheppard (Oops he was from QMJL), Pascal Dupuis to name a few.”
Dupuis was a free agent, Veilleux was a 3rd rounder and the other two played as teenagers, whats your point? We drafted guys from every CHL league that have had success, the only place we havent developed talent from is NCAA.
then we have to throw out the success rates for people in all the other leagues, and I am guessing the sample size for all the other leagues would drown out the success rate they have. then compare that with the relatively small amount of NCAA DI teams, and the success rate it has, it would probably be better. it would probably be a fraction of a percentage point, but I would guess it would be better.
Bruno deal… 3 years, $7 million
$2.33 million a year
Russo..
Any calls into Rolston to see if there is any life in this coming back to MN rumor thats swirling???
hmm…how do you say “Yoda” in Czech? Marty’s got a buddy!
I guess I can’t really complain about $300K. I would’ve liked to see him at $2 million only.
Dougie Ballgame states that Zids is a “top offensive puck-moving defensman”. I’ll have to take his word on it, but 9 goals in his last 158 regular season games hardly makes me think we’ll be forgetting about Paul Coffey anytime soon.
that is my point. I would love for them to look around and get some people from the college ranks. I would say there was a disproportional amount from the Q. thats all. would like to see some chances taken on NCAA players.
WRT: What?? what?!..just tryin’ to get ahead on the man love we know JL will show scooby later this year.
Austin: this thread will be too busy for this, but maybe in a week or two we can hook-up on a thread and you get let me know how you like your HDTV. What you don’t like, what you’d change etc..
Thats a great deal for Bruno. Love they got him for so cheap!
Direct quote from DR’s blog on wild.com - “In our evaluations of the 30 teams we project 39 openings league-wide for top-6 forwards or top-3 defensemen. But only 18 players meet the description. The demand far outweighs the supply, which should guarantee that most, if not all, of those 18 players sign contracts for more money than they merit.”
THAT’S WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE SIGNED ROLSTON LAST SUMMER!!
the only place we havent developed talent from is NCAA.
I will agree that reid’s posts suck and kind of agree about NCAA. However, I doubt the NCAA accounts for more than 10% of players coming into the AHL or NHL so it is hard to see how the Wild are significantly differnt than the rest of the league.
Pucker, i think DR said he should have done that…nothing we can do now.
DB, ‘puck-moving’ and goal scoring are different things IMO. Puck-moving means he gets the puck and makes good breakout passes or skates the puck out rather than dumping it around the boards or otherwise out. Puck-moving doesn’t mean carrying the puck end to end.
I for one truly hope that Sundin was in fact offered the $20mil for 2 years by the ‘nucks. I also hopes he takes it.
Guaranteed dead last finish. Love it. Sign the deal Mats. Sign it fast.
Sauer signs with Phoenix.
I can’t believe FG didn’t offer that to Bruno. He (his wife) must just love us more! Bruno, welcome home.
Six Goalie System,
I disagree, i think NCAA is producing a lot more talented kids, we just arent on that train of developing them. Look at NJ, they must have a dozen ex NCAA players on their team, St. Louis has a bunch too. Just different Philosophys.
Does anyone know how Kalus is doing? If I remeber correctly, when we got him from Boston DR had him slated to be a top 6 wing.
Kurt Sauer to Phx
Theodore to Washington
Note. Not a lot more talented kids than CHL but more as compared to history.
Jose Theodore to Washington
Thought others might find this usefull.
I just figured out that I can open another tab in my browser of this same page. One scrolled to the top, one scrolled to the bottom. Refresh each and they stay scrolled where I left them. Now I can read Russo’s updates and the comments without scrolling all the way back and forth all the time!
Don’t we need to get a center?? Is there going to be any other moves today or is this it?
- Bruno deal… 3 years, $7 million = outstanding signing when you compare it to other contracts that will be signed over the next few weeks.
- reid - are you one of those guys that calls Sid to say “what the Wild need are more MN players.”
Theodore out of our division and into the Southeast Division. I’m sure he’ll love to play Tampa 12x per year!
2:53PM Washington signs UFA G Jose Theodore to a 2 year deal (undisclosed)
Good
Goody: I can appreciate “puck moving” but to throw in “top offensive” is even more spin than we’re used to from Dougie Ballgame. Zids erupted for 9 goals in two years with Nashville, I can hardly imagine what those numbers will translate to in the Wild’s run-n-gun system.
SGS haha
- reid - are you one of those guys that calls Sid to say “what the Wild need are more MN players.”
I love MN players but that isnt the answer…we need the best players we can get. If they are from MN Great, if not so be it.
Pucker: Theodore will love to play Tampa about as much as Tampa will love to light Theo up next year…
yeah, just the wcha alone there has been tons of talent going pro. It changed a bit with the last CBA. it made it more fruitful to draft guys going to college. or the thinking changed. I just feel the wild is missing out on a somewhat local talent pool. NJ is making a killing on it.
Kalus sucks. Nickname: Crack Squirrel. Tons of talent but little discpline (other than the disciplining the got from KC in the form of sitting the stands for a number of games). Also a bit injury prone due to his smaller size and his affection for finishing hard checks.
(Okay, I’m tres crabby. He doesn’t outright suck. He’s a project though.)
Good for Theodore. Get him the fk out of our conference. Where does Huet go??
Whatever will Jose do without having the Wild as his own personal beeyatch?
I thought Ryan Jones was tearing it up at Miami? (90-somethin points, in 80-something games?) …
…another prospect and pick gone from the already dwindling reserves…
“… what is the point in stockpiling talent that is 2 years away from contributing?”
Well, what are you gonna do in (2) years??
Not sure why everyone is going “ass-less” chaps on the Bruno deal. Did anyone out there think Bruno was in position to break the bank? He is a bit player and he got bit-player money. What that move does, in essence, is replace Demo. Now, the team still has to replace Huggy bear’s production and then ADD more on the forward line to be considered better than a year ago.
the majority of ncaa are drafted as 18 year olds, before they play a college game. most of the players that make it in the nhl, are already playing pro hockey by what would be their third year in college
I absolutely do not call sid and say we need more minnesota guys. the only minesotan in the last so many years I would have liked to have was paul martin. but he is all locked up.
Russo, isn’t this the Wild’s perfect scenario? They make an effort (= good PR), but miss out on Rolston ($4-$5m per year) but land Bruno ($2.3m per year), their building stays FULL and profit goes up, up, up….or am I just being cynical?
Pucker - Yes you are! They will still spend close to the cap regardless of Huggy Bear is here or not.
Pucker: you’re not being cynical, that is just par for the course in terms of Minnesota pro sports teams and high-profile FAs, aside from the Purple backing up the brinks truck to land the sack-master from KC.
Colorado signs Raycroft so Budja is #1 now I guess.
bruno’s numbers are closer to rolston’s.
fridge gone.
Sauer signed with Phx.
Bruno might have similar numbers, but he falls short in replacing rolston, especially defensively and on the pk
As a Club Level Season ticket holder, I see it as a slap in the face when the Wild do not spend the money that they have remaining in the cap. DR seemed to set the bar low on his Blog saying he will not spend the $$, I am not saying I want to overspend on Hossa or Sundin, but if we have cap room…then Spend it…especially when you are using the great arena and sold out croud as a carrot in selling players on playing at the X.
Phoenix signs the fridge for three years? He should forward some of the cash to the Wild coaching staff for resurrecting his career.
“this thread will be too busy for this, but maybe in a week or two we can hook-up on a thread and you get let me know how you like your HDTV. What you don’t like, what you’d change etc.”
No problem phil. We can talk about it after this FA craziness seems to have simmered down a bit.
Listening to Russo on KFAN, sounds like DR was more than reasonable with Huggy Bear.
scottie, its been 3 hours and 13 minutes, relax a little. they could still get a big fish and, even if they dont, there are always trades.
Bruno last year: 19g 40a
Demo last year: 15g 39a
Bruno is Demo redux, not Huggy
TB couldn’t sign rolston, no body has; he’s coming back like he said he would. The guy is a class act, the Wild needs him and the money is available. He’ll be signed by the end of the day.
Even going as high $4.5 million for Rolston.
Fedoruk to PHX. Enjoy!!
*fridge gone.*
Is someone cutting onions? Why are my eyes leaking? Be nice to him, Gretz.
Fedoruk to PHX - 3 yrs.
fedoruk to phx for 3 yrs
reid,
Perhaps my statement was a bit too much of a blanket. I should have said there are plenty of great college players who haven’t done much in the NHL, including most Hobey Baker winners. I’m not saying there are zero good players that come from the college ranks, but I remain skeptical of most NCAA players, and that would definitely include Ryan Jones.
I wish Fridge the very best. Glad to see him elongate his career.
Deep Breath- Bruno is Demo? Deal. For 1.5 million less per season, and no whining. Done.
Good-bye Fridge. If this is anywhere near $1 mill a year, the Wild lost out big. If it is closer to 2, the Wild made a smart move to not sign him.
Rolo sees dollar signs, will go to NYR or DET for 6-8/per, is my guess
Almost forgot: Demo got his last year in 68 games; Bruno needed 82. That move is a wash. Now they just have to replace Huggy’s production and ADD more firepower on the forward line.
including most Hobey Baker winners
Exhibit A: Kip Miller.
I hope you’re right Wild Man.
How would DR look after trading Rolston’s rights, then re-signing him? Pretty clever if it works out that way.
Maybe Rolston told him “I want to play for the Wild but just out of curiosity I want to go UFA and see what’s offered.” and DR trusted him enough to let him do it?
kb - whatever you are smoking it must be good…
Agreed kb, maybe once the dust settles on the FA whirlwind we’ll see what happens. I will stay positive.
Buddha: I never said the move wasn’t a good one, but Bruno is a cheaper version of Demo. The team still has to replace Huggy and ADD more.
douggie still sucks. his addition by subtraction sucks…..he better not be done. if rolston comes back or hossa has a brain fart and we talk him into comin…then douggie you might be ok in my books
Russo - solid on Hartman’s show as always!
BDS, I only wish……
Great insight on Hartman Michael, thanks. Although i still wish you had better info abour Roli comming back
Great insight on Hartman Michael, thanks. Although i still wish you had better news about Roli comming back
Great job on KFAN, Russo.
true, in the 27 years or so it has been around, there have not been very many hobey baker winners to go on and do well in the NHL. as it was stated earlier, most guys going to the nhl after college leave before playing 3 years. so guys like drury, kariya, Morrison, and Miller are pretty rare.
Jan asks: Is Bryan Murray asleep?
I say: Apparently he got hit by a car today, no joke, according to a friend of mine in Ottawa.
This is from that faceoffcircle.net blog…
DB-
Didn’t mean to come off rude there. Just expressing my opinion.
I don’t know how you replace huggy bear. Don’t know that you can. Hossa hates JL, Malone is gone… as fans we can just close our eyes, and hope when we open them, that #12 is still there…
Not likely I know. Please, let me dream for just awhile longer. Five more minutes… please?
Eh, I thought the Don was only OK on KFAN.
kb - LOL
Toronto signs UFA defenceman Jeff Finger to a 4 year deal worth $3.5-million a season
Yeah BRUNO!!! I’ll miss Rolston but i’m glad to see our clutch playoff stud back in the uniform he should have always been in. Introducing your 2009 Stanley Cup Champions… The Minnesota WILD!!!!!!
SGS - you gotta be kidding…..!!!
Toronto signs UFA defenceman Jeff Finger to a 4 year deal worth $3.5-million a season
WOW Is that over paying if i have ever seen it…yieks.
people fail to realize, minnesota is not a destination for any top free agent in any sport. find me a top player at the prime of his career that wants to come here. minnesota is and always will be a middle of the road team
Buddha: Everyone and their little sister knew coming into the summer of ‘08 that the list of potential FAs was weak to say the least. Dougie Ballgame should have been working the beads during the season to lock up Huggy then. I know he has stated as much, but that still does not take away from the fact that he didn’t do it.
Finger at $3.5Mil/year now that is a joke. Jeff take the money and run!!!
No wonder they have problems in Toronto.
jeff: you change that philosophy with dollars. Look at what the Purple did with the sack master. Back up the brinks truck and the top players will come calling. Can’t be afraid to pay for top league talent. (Kimmie J does not count)
I think the Finger deal makes the Zidlicky deal looks even better.
football contracts are not guarenteed, enough said
Between Finger and Malone, SCSU fundraising should be fine this year
Jeff - are you not suppose to be in summer school today?
Minnesota doesn’t offer anything like the coasts. we also don’t have nice local tax laws to entice people. you would think that hockey would be the one sport that our location would be a positive for. so far it has not. I guess people don’t want to live here year round. they just want to train here in the off season.
jeff.. you’re nuts. Minnesota is absolutely a destination to certain players, especially in hockey. Look at Rolston. Brunette. Some guys love a good hockey town with good fans and a chance to compete in the playoffs. Minnesota gives you that. Hell, MN is a destination in football too, at this point.
I think the Finger deal makes the Zidlicky deal looks even better.
I think it makes any deal look better.
His salary last year was, according to nhlnumbers, $475K. That’s a nice raise.
jeff: signing bonuses are. The top FAs in football are getting signing bonuses that are a lot of times larger than regular contracts in other sports. Gotta spend the dollars to get the top FAs. Hasn’t changed and it never will. You want a difference maker like Hossa to play for the Wild, the Brass is gonna have to cough up the dollars.
BDS you took the words out of my mouth on Finger! 3.5 mil per year for a guy who was benched in the playoffs!
I really want to know what PHX paid for Fridge. I will mis him, he was fun to watch.
Quite the pay day for former huskies. wow. 3.5 per for finger. that is so much money.
Bruno last year: 19g 40a
Demo last year: 15g 39a
Bruno is Demo redux, not Huggy
how about 2 years ago?
can’t compare from one year, sorry. over their careers, brunette and rolston have similar numbers.
Austin: Sounds good
Bummer about fridge, I thought for sure he’d want to stay with the team that pulled him up out of the gutter…guess not. I do wish him well in PHX.
Jared Allen got $30 million in guaranteed money and jeff is still stupid.
Top player in any sport wanting to come to Minnesota? Jared Allen? Steve Hutchinson? Darren Sharper? Just a couple of kinda good players wanting to come to Minnesota
Okay, so I see that Adam Hall has signed with Tampa Bay and so has Kolzig.
Um…. they have to be hitting the cap right? They haven’t even signed Stamkos and that’s at least a $3.7 million hit.
Adam Hall to Bolts
Tampa Bay signs UFA forward Adam Hall to a 3 year deal worth $1.8-million
Adam Hall - 3 yrs; 1.8m to guess-who? Tampa. That seems low.
I’d love to know the $$$ on the Fedoruk deal. Just to know how much was too much for DR.
Um…. they have to be hitting the cap right?
One would think…
G*: Gotta go on the last year or two maybe when players get to be of bruno’s age. Production is going to decline. Bruno = Demo only less expensive.
I think I could watch Bruno score that goal a million times.
those players were all given probably the largest contracts ever for their positions. or pretty close to it. just give them a suitcase of money. they all had more guaranteed money then previous contracts for that position.
DB, what about Rolston’s age? On that logic, won’t his numbers also decline?
I don’t mean to insult Finger because I think he is a fine player that I felt the Wild should take a look at for around $1-2 Mil but he is in no way worth what the Leaf’s gave him.
No doubt!
Hockeydad: Of course you would expect them to decline, but Huggy was 31 goals a year ago playing in this system. Bruno was 19 in a much, much, much, much more offensive-philosophy in Colorado. Bruno is a good signing for the team, but he is simply Demo only cheaper.
Still so many big names out there… Lets get that pen dipped in some ink and start writin zeros
Voros to rangers
Huet to Chicago
Cap-center on Hockey Buzz - from NHLCAP.com -
Tampa still has about 7 mil to use.
Watching that Game 7 goal is so great and sad. Great to have Bruno back, sad that it was Sergei on that rush, RIP.
Watching the coachs on the bench, I think JL was in shock.
BDS: The signing of Finger to that kind of dollar is why the Maple Loafs are in the state they are. Aside from maybe the McHale-led Mutts, can you think of a more disfunctional organization in sports in terms of Management?
Huet to the Hawks ….
Stillman to Panthers
Well we’ve gotten a lot less gritty so far this summer… Fridge, Voros, Simon, Hill…Good thing we still have the new tough guy in Butch
From the AZ Republic:
Fedoruk, 29, a 6-foot-2, 240-pound left wing, signed a three-year deal worth about $3.1 million, according to league sources.
Cory Stillman to Florida? Wow. Why doesn’t he just file his retirement papers now?
The Wild were going to sign Bruno regardless of whether they signed Rolston.
DB - LMAO…You are correct!!! How much do they have tied up in D now?
Voros to Rangers
Voros to the Rangers
yes, the KNICKS
Stillman to FLA…
Wow, 3.1 mil for 3 years for Fedoruk? I think thats a bit of a steal- thoughts?
For Fridge, it might have been both money and length of contract.
Huet got $5.6 Mil/year for 4years
Dougy R is losing my trust.
I’m waiting to hear the Loafs are trying to sign Campbell to a 6-yr/$90 million dollar deal
Vorros is now gone to the rangers
LOL the knicks
Adam Hall to TB.
Huet @ 5.6 per for 4 years is nuts!
Finger to Toronto at 3.5M/year is just nuts. Just nuts. Toronto needs help, granted, but that’s to much for thay guy.
6GS is right: SCSU fundraising should do well this next year…
Happy for Fridge. Rangers with Messier was one of his favorite teams.
Godard signed with Pens… yeah, Boogie is not the undisputed champ in the NW…
I liked Fridge but 3 years is a bit long for him.
Mike,
Sorry to hear you’re going under the knife, what are you having done? Hope it’s nothing serious! Good luck and thanks for the good work on the blogs…..
I would guess 3yrs was too long for DR to sign Fridge, I think it’s a bit of a risk.
This is a guy who got put on waivers last season.
“Fedoruk, 29, a 6-foot-2, 240-pound left wing, signed a three-year deal worth about $3.1 million, according to league sources.”
If this is true, I am not happy. 1 mil for Fridge is perfectly reasonable IMO.
See ya later Voros… Go east, take dumb penalties, and try and chest someone to death out there.
Fridge at a $1 million. No thank… at 750K is good.
Hopefully these signings mean that there is money on the horizon for all of us SCSU alums? Best pick up a powerball ticket tomorrow night.
Hawks have something like $12 million tied up in goaltending now.
We can do without Voros, Fedoruk, and Simon. None of them were all that good. They were slightly better scoring, weaker Boogards. I’d rather just have the one Boogy Man and a couple of scorers instead of those wanna be tough guys
Voros was great for one month, then disappeared the rest of the season. Rolston still hasn’t signed???
DB - second that…next week they will announce that they have secured all the funds needed to rework the NHC.
I don’t mind the Wild losing the players it has, I just wish the team would ADD some players.
(I would have paid Fridge $1.33M per for 3.)
I wonder if alumni services have called them asking for more money yet?
I like the Fridge as a person, sounds like he’s a good dude so thats too bad. Voros can take a hike…Colton Gillies is goign to be a beast next year. Glad those two wont take his mins…
Voros gone to Rangers? Hope he likes life in Hartford, ‘cuz that’s where he’ll probably go at some point this fall…
yep, Fridge hustled and played a hard nosed team oriented game. he will be missed.
With the hawks and all that cash in the net, how can they get Campbell?
Everybody stop dreaming about Hossa.
bruno
19-40-59
27-56-83
24-39-63
rolston
31-28-59
31-33-64
34-45-79
I don’t think anyone has said that Bruno is meant to replace Rolston… He’s meant to improve apon Demitra
i would have to guess that bruno’s linemates throughout the year were a bit more gifted.
Voros was pretty worthless in the grand scheme of things. I liked his energy, but you would think a player who is not garunteed to play a full 80 game season would be excited everytime he touched the ice…he wanted more money and we said no! His hit on novotny was dirty, i’m sorry.
G*: you have to temper the stats that Bruno got in Colorado with the fact that he was playing in a wide-open system that actually encouraged a forecheck in the offensive zone with more than one player. Bruno is a nice signing but he is Demo only cheaper.
re fedoruk…the per year amount is reasonable, the length is a risk. isn’t he still one punch from a labor day telethon?
Voros to NYR
do you think that SCSU has looking at their “how much our grads make on average numbers” and added 8 million per year to it? that would bring an average up a bit.
did either of them graduate?
Bruno i think replaces the loss of Rolston, good stat.
BTW For the record, I THINK DOUG R IS AN IDIOT AND WE WOULD BE BETTER OFF WITHOUT HIM.
He should run for prez and run our nation like he does the Wild, 4 years we will have a surplus (too bad he is a silly canadaian
Vancouver signs RFA forward David Backes to an offer sheet, 3 years $7.5-million
Voros and Simon were only good at commiting flagrant penalties.. Fedoruk was ok at best, but i’ll be nice and give him a little more credit by not lumping him in with those other two.
$3.5MM for Finger? Hmmm, interesting. That’s definitely a lot of money, and basically it’s based on one+ seasons of NHL play. I will say that he was probably one of the more underrated players in the league. Didn’t have a great series against the Wild, but wasn’t exactly terrible either. Had the one glaring botch on Butch’s OT winner of course, but is a solid player IMO. Not sure if I would put him at $3.5MM solid though.
Voros will not be missed. I agree he brought som good energy early, but by the end all he did was tak bad penalties.
I will miss Fridge but he is not irreplaceable and I think 3 years was a bit long.
Why shoud we stop dreaming about Hossa? Dreams are all we have at this point!!
Can we offer 10 Mil for Scott Stevens to come out of retirement?
Nuks, RFA offer sheet to Backes…
So none of the big names have really moved yet….players wanting too much? Too many teams offering? What gives?
Also: Nuks pull an Edmonton with an offer sheet to Backes for 3yrs/$7.5 mil.
Anyone heard anything about whats going on with PMB and Vellieux????
NiNY…I am with you. Fridge re-made himself into an NHL player.
I bet he gives O.J. some room to work.
And while we are dreaming, mabye this is the year Boogie unleashes his hidden scoring potential!
I’m delighted that AV is going to the Rangers. They’re the only EC team I watch regularly and I still have a soft spot for the guy even if he played like an idiot most of the time he was up. Avery’s replacement? HA! Anyway, good for him.
And I’m mad as hell about the the Fridge deal. A million was exactly what I would have paid him. Maybe he likes his shoes to melt to the pavement? Goddammit. At least I’m not fighting back tears anymore. The Voros news was a pick-me-up. I hate being such a girl but there you have it. I really loved Fridge.
Glad to hear we’re not done either. Though if we trade another promising Houston player, There Will Be Blood.
No College Players??? Hmmm, let me think about that, other guys left out…most of Team USA, Rafalski, ROLSTON, PARRISH, Ryan Miller, the list goes on and on. THere is a higher percentage of US players in the NHL now more then ever. Cullen, anyone else want to add more names???
BTW, O’Sullivan was a headcase and a pain in the butt himself, not just his dad…
Colorado signs UFA forward Darcy Tucker to a 2 year deal worth $4.5-million
What about Juri Kurri? 10 mil for him?
Seriously we should have locked up Mikko for 8 years.
Dougie states he doesnt mind letting player play out their contract, WHAT A MORON yeah do that and let bidding again.
Lock em up sooner, who cares if they are a vet, then your only bidding against yourself.
Stupid peeps in high places
If Skoula did what Finger did in the playoffs, this place would have been a madhouse calling for his head!
Voros was an RFA, but I’m guessing the money is low enough that the Wild will get nothing in return.
There will be plenty of replacements for his style of play.
Avs sign Tucker to a two-year, $4.5 million contract.
We still haven’t added what we’ve lost.
Yes Green*, I know…there is still time.
Just sayin’…
Don’t know the Blues cap situation, but they have to match the offer sheet for Backes, no?
Well, we are more than 4 hours into FA - certainly it’s time to start panicking.
Vancouver signs RFA forward David Backes to an offer sheet, Avs sign Tucker, EDM very active earlier this week…is it just me or is the division getting a little better….
Bruins to buy out both Manny and Murray to make room for Hossa.
Hockeydad…considering that it’s only a 2nd rounder for him, I would match it - if I had the cap space.
Speaking of cap space…
hockeydad: it’s “only” $2.5M per…I think they do. It’s also only a 2nd rounder coming back if they don’t.
So who is left: Huselius, Rolston, Ryder, Sundin, Jagr, Campbell, and Redden of the bigger names, right?
I think the Sauer signing is really good value - 4 yrs at $1.75M per
Don’t forget Jason Williams.
I forgot Demitra.
all i’m saying is brunette will go a lot further to replace the lost production from pavel bure rolston that is currently thought.
av’s get Tucker
LEts see dougie said he made a mistake of not signing Bruno and waiting for Rolston… I wonder when he is going to admit that he is an idiot???
If i were The Jague i would prob wanna throw his suit coat over his head and give him a few uppercuts to knock some sense into him.
I think he is starting to become the NHL version of Mchale
Dammit… I wanted Backes to come home…
WEEI’s saying Boston’s offered TWELVE YEARS to Hossa.
Best of luck to the Fridge.
Here’s to hoping Gretzky doesn’t have to MC a telethon for him if he decided to hit Boogie’s fist with his face again.
Green*…I think OP #1 will do very well here and was/is a fan favorite.
It makes lots of sense.
Now, go get Ryder or Filppula.
damn, strikethrough doesn’t work
More american players…. The Parise Brothers are from the twin cities
Does anyone else think our team is gonna suck? Come on either go big or go home
If i were The Jague
I have no idea what this even means.
why are you guys not responding to me… it hurts
i think the list was supposed to be college players, not just americans
Hossa to bruins for 8.3 per?
When the highlight of your off-season is re-signing your coach, it’s going to be a long winter….
thanks nick, well the coach of the Wild, sorry i did not have my french canadian spell check on
BTW: nhlnumbers.com shows the Blues with 17 guys under contract (including 2 goalies and 6 D) for a total of about $43M in cap hit. That does not include backes.
This year’s gonna be neat…for everyone else.
C’mon Doug, knock my socks off!
oh…gotcha big k.
PS: I love your stores.
Kolzig to Bolts….something tells me he is going skip a lot of practices, or it might kill his confidence
They both played for UND…. if that counts
I want Schmidty’s thoughts on this 12-year, $100-million Boston’s throwing at Hossa.
Or , in your case big k, just go home. Your negativity is brigning us down.
why are you guys not responding to me…
can only respond to people that trot out the worn out “wild suck”, “DR sucks”, “the wild are cheap”, “spend some money” so many times.
from Russo’s pal’s Predator’s blog on Zidlicky:
“I thought his defensive play improved last year over 2006-07, but he’s still a risk taker who finds himself out of position at times.”
Not to worry, I’m sure Lemaire and Rammer will beat him into submission very fast. We can’t have our defensemen taking chances, now can we? No, no, no.
Most American players DO go and play college. Two more college guys, Toews and vanReimsdyk.
There are a few that go play elsewhere (i.e. Patrick Kane), but not many.
Where are you guys getting updated so quickly?
Wild didn’t have to re-sign Lemaire. He was already under contract for another two years (08-09, 09-10)
Russo says “Tucker to Colorado…Trust me, this will be your new Matt Cooke and Alex Burrows. Get ready to boo.”
He is absolutely correct. He wasn’t even in our division yet I had him ranked probably top 5 among my all-time hated players.
So Huet to Chichago? I wonder what happens to the Kava-bullion-cube? Trade bait? I hear he has a hefty salary…
Here is what a friend of mine who works at the Fan590 said about Zidlicky…
strong offensivly, good skater, really good shot, qb’s the pp very well but very subpar in his own zone hes alot in the mold of a gonchar defensivly he needs a defensive partner, if put in the right system with the right partner the guy is a solid #3
i love you guys
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=11353
check this site out for updates.
nearly 550 posts is too much for my tired brain to wade through again…why is the USNDTP in full throat here, exactly?
- Plus big k, your URLs make it obvious you are several different people so we are not sure who to respond to.
- dcpander - Toews is from Winnipeg. Just call Sid on Sunday and say the Wild need more MN players, OK?
Parrish4Prez: http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=11353
Wykat-
Voros was a rule 6 UFA, no compensation to the Wild.
Russo says “Tucker to Colorado…Trust me, this will be your new Matt Cooke and Alex Burrows. Get ready to boo.”
that’s fine and all…but the only guy we have with any stones right now is Boogey, and I don’t see him antagonizing him…well, at least not more than once.
http://faceoffcircle.net/2008/06/30/foc-ufa-live-blog-2008/
This site has been good today too.
DiPietro, Tkachuck, Amonte, Grier, Anson Carter, Ryan Whitney, JM Liles, Backes.
Boy, whoever made that ‘college players suck’ comment doesn’t really know hockey!
Hey guys, im going, but i think it is safe to say the T wolves are looking like they have a brighter future!
We should sign Dino C just to beat the crap out of some peeps in practice and show boogie how to skate so his stick isnt up his a$$
sunshine, do you remember when DR had to go to FL after the playoffs and convince JL not to quit? Technically you are probably right as it was not a re-signing, but that’s what I was referring to.
Cutterbuck and Gilies will fill in the agitator role that voros had played.
how do the wild not go after Tucker for that price (2.2, 2.3 next two years)??
Yes, Toews is from Winnipeg, but he played in the WCHA.
Buddha, thank you.
I was confused about that, amongst other things.
I don’t see him antagonizing him
Assuming that reads as “I don’t see Tucker antagonizing Boogey,” don’t worry. Tucker will pick on Gaborik and Bouchard, and Koivu, and Sheppard, and (who else do you have? well, them too).
how do the wild not go after Tucker for that price (2.2, 2.3 next two years)??
Two words…Chris Simon
Dang…I wanted the Wild to make a play for Tucker.
DR and Co were already in FL for meetings. What JL did was save DR from spending time looking for a new coach. JL would have been there already for the meetings and because he lives there in his off-season.
no i am only one person last time i checked. Im russo’s brother from another mother (maybe…)
Wild suck, Gabby is gone, wow, a great hockey state like ours and we put up with this crap…
I’ve never really understood the love for Tucker (in Toronto, for example). He’s an agerage player who never elevated his team to a championship (as the best of those types of players do).
In some ways, getting JL back is as big as re-signing Rolston…. maybe even bigger.
NiNY: He(Zidlicky)’s still better than Skoula. (Of course, so is a used puck bag.)
Whomever signs Hossa is really going to be a big cap-room hole for a long time to come, IMO…
love the bruno signing cant believe we didnt get fedoruk back. and all i gotta say for all the money we minnesotans put in this team they better not be the twins and be pussies in F A LEARN FROM ZYGGGGGGGGGGIIIIIIIII!!!!!
FYI, I still love you guys, lets win one for The Jaques
In some ways, getting JL back is as big as re-signing Rolston…. maybe even bigger.
yeah, but in other ways it might mean the end of Gaborik in green and red.
He(Zidlicky)’s still better than Skoula. (Of course, so is a used puck bag.)
an outstanding point.
Gillies isn’t much of an agitator from what I’ve seen. I think he just has a mean streak. Clutterbuck will do a much better job than Voros, except he’s smaller and can’t be as wreckless.
Good to see Ottawa decided to show up to FA and sign Auld…
Of all the teams with goalie troubles, you think they would have been on top of that
In some ways, getting JL back is as big as re-signing Rolston…. maybe even bigger.
Always look on the bright side of life.
Always look on the light side of life.
If life seems jolly rotten,
There’s something you’ve forgotten,
And that’s to laugh and smile and dance and sing.
When you’re feeling in the dumps,
Don’t be silly chumps.
Just purse your lips and whistle. That’s the thing.
NiNY, apparently Zidlicky might drop the gloves with Tucker… he apparently fights sometimes and has a mean streak.
Clutterbuck will do a much better job than Voros, except he’s smaller and can’t be as wreckless.
First, as those who were here last fall recall, I’m a Clutterbuck fan.
Second, ms.c (and AiH too, for that matter): can Cal fight? Because, as willing as Voros was, he was piss poor at it.
Tucker to Colorado… Get ready to boo.
Crackin me up, Russo!
I love how the Vikings and Zygi are heroes this off-season, suddenly some sort of model franchise (what with all those playoff appearances and all), but were idiots last year.
toews also played at shattuck-st. mary’s, as did his brother last year
Maybe…. JL and Gaborik are both really good at what they do. They make other people around them better.
I am going to stay optimistic about Gabby. I think he will re-sign for the right dollar amount.
kj, Chris Simon? That makes no sense to me
I’ve heard rumors about Rolston (10 offers), Sundin (Vancouver $20MM) but not much about Hossa or Demitra.
Anyone heard anything?
NiNY, apparently Zidlicky might drop the gloves with Tucker… he apparently fights sometimes and has a mean streak.
Can you not see the look of abject horror on Skoula’s face if that happened? He’d have to call the consulate and get Zidlicky’s passport revoked and everything…god what a mess…
Chris Chelios,heatly, Tony Granato Mike Richter, Cujo,Steve Reinprecht, and a ton of suters. and they just played at wisconsin
Aaron: Boston’s supposedly offered Hossa 12 years, $100 million.
http://downloads.wild.nhl.com/podcasts/PONDCAST_869_BRUNO.MP3
listen to Bruno
kb…agitator backlash?
lol @ Nick.
Aaron: Boston’s supposedly offered Hossa 12 years, $100 million
Dude. How do you walk away from that?
Coyotes have signed defenseman Kurt Sauer to a four-year contract.
Wild missed this one for a consistent player.
kj, I thought thats what you meant and that just literally makes no sense. But whatever.
It’s tough, bfw.
Who said “college players suck” anayway? Per ususal, this topic is driven by dorks that think all MN players (or Americans) are as good or better than Canadians and way better than Europeans. The next person to show where the Wild passed on an American college player that was taken a few picks latter will be the first. I will grant you they could do a better job in the late rounds, see Joe Pavelski.
Where is KinPA? Apparently the Penguins offered a contract to Jagr signaling they lost out on Huselius?
the vikings have been sitting on cap space for a few years as well.
It’s tough, bfw.
I know. Plus, it’s a legit deal (as I pointed out twice earlier, with confirmation from the Don), which essentially sets Marion up for life, AND puts Boston up a notch (or two).
KiPA, who in their right mind would take 12 yrs in Boston??? Look what 20 tries did for Bourque.
Yeah, I saw that, Aaron. Depending on the figures, I’d be fine with it. I don’t know if Jagr wants to return or not. I’d be surprised.
If there’s one thing that mildly surprises me about today it’s that, generally speaking, all the bottom tier players are signing. I would have thought the primo guys would go first.
Hey Reid, don’t forget Pavelski, Bourque, and Turris!
A few more non-Badgers; Carle, Mottau, Sauer, Orprik , Carney, Bochenski, Alberts.
Really, theres only 150 or so of them. That’s ONLY 25% or so.
Thanks for the link sunshine! Sounds like he is glad to be back!
KiPA: do they still sell JagrButter or whatever the hell his peanut butter was called, in Pittsburgh?
Oh, I agree, MuN. I wouldn’t want to go to Boston either. But if someone threw $100 million at me I might get over it.
Wallshot… perfect… absolutely perfect.
I got Rick Rolled!
Actually I think they lynch anyone found with any, Nick.
But if someone threw $100 million at me I might get over it.
FTW.
You could throw 200 mil at me and I’d never go to Boston. Been there recently? Not just talking about the status of the team - the city’s a freakin mess!
Uh oh, Hossa to the Oilers? Good thing it is an (e4).
Let’s say that pondcast brought a huge smile to my face.
Glad you enjoyed it.
If there’s one thing that mildly surprises me about today it’s that, generally speaking, all the bottom tier players are signing. I would have thought the primo guys would go first.
I think a lot of the big name guys wait hoping that the price will rise over time. Also if other players go for high prices it also would set the bar higher for their price as well. Theoretically.
the vikings have been sitting on cap space for a few years as well.
True. And as a STH, my prices also continued to rise. And it’s also true that they declined to spend money they had last season when the FA was very weak at their positions of need - and got blasted for it. This year they spent and everyone loves them again. Sound familiar?
I do not think americans or even minnesotans are better. the only thing I was saying were the people who blew off college players as being worthless in regards to Ryan Jones being traded. that is bs. there are tons of solid players that came through the NCAA ranks. I love european players and canadian players as much as the next guy.
For 100 million, I’d go to freakin’ Gary, Indiana…
dcpander your right, the Wild should buy out Burns, Schultz, Gabby, Shep and the rest of the foreigners and only sign Americans. Bring the Mircle on Ice to the SCP!
4:35pm ET - Talk around Toronto (home base here) is that Leafs are close to shipping Bryan McCabe out of town. Maybe this means he’s willing to waive his no-movement clause?
Hmmmmmm….. He says “NO!” daily, and Fletch doesn’t move Kubina when he has a window of opportunity, despite Kubina being a bigger cap hit. They must really hate McCabe now!
So.. Where to? SJ is my guess.. They’re gonna lose the Campbell sweepstakes.
Yeah, that’s true Wallshot. And I suppose in a weak year there’s less risk that if a guy waits too long he misses opportunities when courting teams find other options.
The good part of Gary, Indiana, right, if there is a good part?
This from the NYtimes free agent tracking blog - wild relevant material at bottom:
4:38: On XM, Andy Strickland from ESPN radio, who is based in St. Louis says “The Blues have to be absolutely shocked,” at the offer to Backes. They like the player and were negotiating but weren’t planning to spend this much money (three years at $2.5 million), he says. He expects them to match, but they’re not going to be happy about it and they may have to trade a player to pay for it. Srickland also thinks Brian Rolston has gotten about 10 offers and the Wild are “almost on their knees to have him back
the city’s a freakin mess!
Actually I read a column by a guy from Boston who’s been living in LA for several years who went back to Boston for the NBA finals and basically described the city as going through a renaissance of sorts.
Just a note for the Gophers fans here, apparently Stu Bickel has signed with the Ducks, according to GPL.
For a 100 million dollars, I’d go to…….
whoa cool name guy, no one said anything like that. someone said that NCAA was worthless, we are rebutting that. but yeah, go crazy off the deep end. that is a great way to have a discussion.
Six Goalie, listen to Reid. That’s all we’re trying to point out. American hockey isn’t bad.
Good line though on going straight to Sid! Don’t worry, we’re not that bad.
I know its only day one, but has anyone else noticed that Columbus has made no moves? They are sitting on a mint, and nothing…
It’s no real surprise, I mean they suck, but you would think they would do something…
NiNY on Zidlicky vs. Tucker:
Can you not see the look of abject horror on Skoula’s face if that happened? He’d have to call the consulate and get Zidlicky’s passport revoked and everything…god what a mess…
They’d have two parades in Prague…one for Zidlicky where confetti and champagne was flowing, and one for Skoula on the backend of a mule, getting rotten tomatoes thrown at him…
Nurse Julie - morphine drip here, stat!
Good Old Wally thinks that DR made some good moves.
3rd or 4th for Rolston- good
Brunette instead of Rolston- Good, and you save 2 million !
JL and DR destermined that Varos and Fedoruk were not meant for there team-
Good, you need to know what fits your mission
Zidlicky, I likey- What a defense !
You lose two bangers in Varos and Fedoruk- I think that it was learned last year that Boogy cant do it himself
I have said they wont mess with the Wild ever if they bring in George Larouqe with Boogy
Strickland is a retard. He’s almost as bad as Garrioch at the Ottawa Sun. ESPN has no one left that knows anything about hockey other than Bucci now. He’s the last.
there are like 12 colleges in Boston. Good culture, a hockey scene that is pretty much exactly where the Blackhawks were the day before old man Wirtz died, and some wicked good lawbstah.
I could easily figure out a way to hack out an existence in Beantown on $100M clams.
i can’t believe that dr actually makes some moves that make sense and will make our team better and ppl are still complaining. STFU! MZ is that top 4 defender we were dieing for all last season, bruno is a leader a playmaker and a clutch performer. if we get a number one or two center and JL changes his ways just a little bit, this team is a contender…and no one was more down on the wild than me last season!
Maybe CBJ will give Hossa $125 million for 12 years?
I’m really surprised and disappointed that the Wild didn’t re-sign Todd Fedoruk. He played to a level I didn’t expect from him. Don Russo…Was it entirely the money, or did he not enjoy playing here, for JL, etc.??? Help me out man!
Saw this on the NYTimes blog quoting ESPN’s Strickland: Wild are “almost on their knees to have him back.” Him=Rolston
Yes, Clutterbuck can fight, but he picks his spots and won’t put himself in a situation where he’s clearly outmatched/outsized. He’s not an enforcer, and in fact, due to his agitating antics, absolutely needs an enforcer to take on the bigger guys he pisses off. But he’s a decent fighter. I’ve never been embarrassed by him dropping the gloves. He’s smart about it.
…Natchez, Mississippi!
Maybe CBJ will give Hossa $125 million for 12 years?
When you’re making that much, does $5 million make much difference?
(Especially when you compare going to a team that at least made the playoffs with a team that’s still chasing its first playoff berth.)
Boston’s roads are a mess but I love their transportation system. As long as you don’t drive, you should be fine in Boston.
KiPA, they’ve been building in Boston and trying to ‘resurrect’ that town by repairing it’s roads and transit, but by and large the construction and renovation efforts have fallen behind needs as it’s taken so long.
A good comparison locally.. 35E between 494 and 94 in St. Paul. Took 30 years to finish the freeway, and in the end the 40-MPH speed limit and 2 lanes doesn’t do the trick.
pkane, if you haven’t yet figured out that people will complain no matter what you haven’t been paying attention.
I’ll defer to you, MuN. I’ve never been to Boston, but that column I read was just a couple weeks ago, so that’s what I was basing things off of.
I hope on our knees doesn’t mean more than $5 million a year.
Come on Russo give is some dirt. I thought you and Rolston where phone buddies.
KIPA, you and a million or 2 others read the sports guy’s columns.
Russo,
It would be great if you posted a new blog each time you have new info. Those of us with RSS readers don’t get updates when you got new stuff otherwise.
But that’s small potatoes. Great stuff.
Reid: Yup, that’s the one. I love the guy’s work, but I really do get tired of reading about Boston all the time (I don’t really mind his Celtics stuff; I could care less about the NBA.)
I do not like the sound of Clutterbuck at all. I hate agitators. If you agitate, regardless of size, be prepared for a punchin’. I guess as long as he doesn’t try to chest a guy to death he would be better than Voros…
Wow…I am really suprised. I expected to see Demitra sign with the Nucks at 12:01.
Green*…I guess I don’t have these greedy former-agents-turned-GMs figured out.
will there be room for players to move up from Houston?
and the Wild are “almost on their knees to have him back
Do what ya gotta do.
yep, well, he is the “boston sports guy” but when he writes about something other than the celtics/nba it is pretty funny. I enjoy baseball enough to handle the Red sox stuff. he is a pretty funny guy. and the podcasts are great when he gets good guests, like corolla.
<i.but has anyone else noticed that Columbus has made no moves?
they are lowballing hossa and campbell. trying to sell the intangibles of a newer arena and plethora of college girls.
There are no good parts of Gary, IN. Whole place is a complete sh!thole.
Green*…
ROTFLMAO!!!
keep the faith gang.
I’ve got Rock-a-dile Red and Grey Goose shots for $2 for happy hour.
Any idea on who else the Wild are targeting? We should still have over $10M left on the books..
“Wow…I am really suprised. I expected to see Demitra sign with the Nucks at 12:01.”
I agree. I thought he would have been signed, sealed, and delivered by now for sure. I wonder if there is any chance he is contiplating a comeback…. rolston and Demo back? plus Licky and Bruno?? Sounds okay to me! Not likely to happen though…
Very true, reid, so I deal with it. I agree some of the podcasts are really good. I usually read whatever he writes, it just gets tiring after a while if it’s consistently all Boston.
Also, someone asked earlier and I don’t know if it was answered, but the Khabibulin has one more year on his deal w/ Chicago for $6.5M, I believe. So for this year, the Blackhawks have about $12M worth of goalie. I would think they’d buy out Khabibulin? Especially, if as rumored, they are making a run at Campbell?
yep, with how well they boston teams have done lately, its been sickening.
kj: The ‘Nucks have enough on their plate with a 2 yr, $20m offer to Mats Sundin and the Backes offer sheet towards St. Louis, they’ve managed to P.O. a good part of Canada in one fell swoop. Demitra will ahve to wait until they can get their finances sorted out, IMO.
Which makes this Boston offer for Hossa even more sick, reid.
“keep the faith gang.
I’ve got Rock-a-dile Red and Grey Goose shots for $2 for happy hour.”
I will take two plz!! k thx bai!
just WCHA players in the NHL.
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=puUzT1X4h9sQYAzuOPvdaMQ
the numbers aren’t right, but thats a fair number of guys.
Are the teams taking a dinner break before getting back to the wheeling and dealing?
“Wild is definitely not done, I’m hearing. Whether that results in something, who knows? But I’ve been informed it’s “far from over.” Don’t let that freak you out, but it means they’re working.” - Russo
Any guesses on what’s in the works? We’re dying here! Come on, Russo, spill.
I never thought Demo was really going to Vancouver. I think he could be holding out to see what Rolston gets, and who’s around here when the dust settles. I could see if he feels DR made a substantial effort to improve the team and fix the positional holes, he’d come back and play another season with his pal Marian.
I agree with misconduct on the Fridge thing. Sniff …
The Northwest is getting tougher by the minute with Vancouver and Edmonton clearly lookng to make a splash. Colorado and the Wild have signed a couple guys but nothing great (I like AB but people on here are giving him more props than he deserves; and Tucker is just a world class jerk who brings toughness). Calgary is noticeably quiet after re-siging some guys last week.
Especially if they get a center for him and Gaborik, he might want to return.
Hey Russo any chance of Morrison ending up with the Wild or Naslund? How about Brooks Orpik back on D? Is anyone hearing any rumors about who the Wild are targeting next, I couldnt find much on TSN. Thanks.
A top-2 forward in the works? Who would it be???
Wow… I have been away far too long.
I dreaming here obviously, but I’m betting Demitra would consider staying AND playing center if…
…the Wild got Hossa
The new and improved Slovak Shower Line
Come on everyone. I think we all know TB is going to sign Campbell, Hossa, Streit, Rolston, Jagr, Rozival, Orpik, Redden, and Sister Christian to round out their All-Star Roster for 2008-2009.
Kent: The Wild is done with Defensemen. They have 8 as soon as Foster is signed.
CBJ was going to go heavily after Morrison.
Michael up North says:
July 1st, 2008 at 4:18 pm
A top-2 forward in the works? Who would it be???
Where is that coming from?
Have there been any rumors surrounding Orpik? I assume he’s out of Pittsburgh (otherwise I’m sure they wouldn’t have re-signed Eaton).
WRT - LMAO - on the mule parade in Prauge. Very good stuff, sir.
M-up-North: where are you seeing the top 2 forward?
TG, I’d relish that line. It’d be one fun line to watch. Check the highlights of those guys from the ‘06 Olympics. They tore it up in Torino.
Too bad it’ll never happen.
However I will speculate a bit.. a top center who’d actually come here? Chris Gratton.
top center … Chris Gratton.
Isn’t that an oxymoron?
I don’t like losing Fedoryk and Voros…both played very well down the stretch and we’lll miss their toughness.
Sunshine, in reply to your wondering about whether DR goes out and gets a center. Sheps not ready for the 2nd line yet. They’d need a top-2 if it were to happen.
One thing is for ssure, we better find a center who can win faceoffs. Koivu can;t take every draw
I hope the Wild aren’t done, but lets not panic. We can go back and check but I am pretty sure around this time last year we were all commenting how the rest of teh division was getting better and the wild weren’t doing anything and that didn’t turn out so bad.
Above:Just an update: Wild is working right now. We’re getting Risebrough at 5, and then he’s going back to work.
I know the Wild has talked with Michael Ryder’s reps and Kristian Huselius’ reps today, and there’s clearly other issues. Wild has made another offer to Rolston. He also has offers, I believe, from New Jersey, Pittsburgh, the Rangers and Detroit.
Okay… you were just speculating. I thought you had seen it being reported that the Wild were going after a top 2 forward meaning trades
getting Dr at 5? Where do I get to hear that?
Huselius would be a quality signing. I’ve been saying that for weeks though.
If nothing other than to peeve the ‘nucks, the Wild should take a stab at Morrison and/or Naslund. They will likely be a bit cheaper due to age and injuries yet they bring what the Wild are now supposedly looking for; veteran leadership. Which brings me to my question, what is the DR’s image of the Wild’s identity?
No wonder he turned down Tampa Bay’s offer. I thought they brought him a brinks truck.
Voros was overrated and did nothing down the stretch. He ran around like a mad man, take crappy penalties, and get his face used as a punching bag. I would have liked Fridge back, though.
I think DR liked the image of Sylvain Blouin er, ah, Martin Skoula. Whoops, maybe that is JL
Yeah, just speculation. Although this is the guy I’d really want:
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=1912&hubname=nhl-bruins
3 years at 13.something million? match it. no brainer.
According to Russo, the Wild offered a similar amount to the Bolts.
I forgot to add before Rolston was traded.
Maybe DR is still looking at Orpik, and he is going to send Skoula to the Russian league….
Please?
Here’s the guy I like:
Glen
Rolston got an offer from Detroit? Does he chase the Cup and go home to Michigan?
Skoula to maybe the Major Juniors
Apparently I forgot how to conjugate verbs…wow, that post sucked.
If Rolston gets a decent offer from Detroit he will go. Who wouldn’t unless its 2M per year
4.5mil/yr for 3yrs is pretty damn good for Rolston. Or does he think since Malone got 4.5mil/yr for 7yrs that he’s worth $5.5/yr?
Campbell to the Hawks? Yikes. Glad I’m in the East.
KiPA - Yeap and for Huge money but no numbers yet.
Campbell really worth 8.5 a year?
Wow…
Campbell deal might not be done….
Campbell to Hawks maybe. Speculation I believe.
Who’s reporting the Hawks and Campbell?
$8.5M?!?!?!
8 years for $56.3 per RDS
I still wouldn’t worry about the Hawks myself.
So Campbell’s making just about what Crosby is.
8 yr/56 for Campbell
How long until the Wild take some stabs at some UFAs? For that matter, how long until we sign our UFAs and that other guy…Gabby?
I’m one step behind always.
I can’t see Detroit being a serious player for Rolston, barring a trade. They have the room this year, but are pretty cap committed going into the following season when they will have to re-sign: Zetterberg, Franzen, Samuelsson. They also still haven’t resigned Filppula yet, so that will be against them also.
How much can they really offer Rolston?
uh, sunshine, can you translate that link?
Hossa and/or Orpik would be nice. I would be absolutely content if the Wild picked up Huselius, but again, it does not address our lack of depth at centre (you like what I did there?)
After Koivu, all thats left if Shep and Belanger. I think Shep is the #3 at this point, but I agree he is not a #2 yet. Holik? Jagr? Or maybe the Wild make a blockbuster and get Jokinen from the Coyotes
… again… dreaming
sunshine: Tampa Bay may have indeed offered a Brink’s truck for Rolston…
…too bad the truck was a toy instead of the real thing.
He’s still out there. folks. Go get ‘em, DR…
tsn now posting Campbell and the Hawks.
I still wouldn’t worry about the Hawks myself.
Toews, Kane, Havlat (if healthy), Lang, Sharp, Byfuglien, Seabrook, Keith, Campbell, Huet? Yeah, nothing to worry about there.
TSN is also reporting the campbell deal.
Wow that puts them about 8 mil over the cap. They need to dump someone. They got stuck wtih Khabibulin now since LA got Gauthier, after they picked up on Huet.
Campbell to Chitown $56 mill over 8. Wow.
I wouldn’t Kevin.
Agree with KiPA - the Hawks were going to be better this year just with maturation.
http://faceoffcircle.net/2008/06/30/foc-ufa-live-blog-2008/
Is reporting Tampa is shopping Mike Smith now.
What. The. F—.
5:40PM Chicago signs UFA defenceman Brian Campbell to an 8 year deal worth $56.8-million
Wow, if TB is shopping Smith, maybe they’re gonna try to clear up some space and grab another someone big??
Sorry…slow on the re-fresh. Old news
They got Kolzig and Ramo, Smith is expendable now.
Any word on Matt Foy’s status? Anyone shopping or is he gone?
$7.1 million per season is a steal . . . in year 7 or 8 of that contract.
I’d much rather have Smith over Kolzig. Maybe even Ramo.
KiPA: You DO have to play the Blackhawks this next year…
Maybe Tampa bay wants to bring back Khabibulin?
Well, there better be a lot more to come if the Wild want to contend for a cup this season. Certainly isn’t much help down in Houston.
Also…Smith is only making 950K
Smith for Khabibulin.
The West is starting to look scary with the some of the moves of the Oilers, Chicago, and Phoenix.
Thanks Patti. We’ll cry on each other shoulders. At least I have a reason to watch the Yotes now when they’re playing the late game on Center Ice.
ATX, sorry, but that’s the deal with Clutterbuck from my perspective. It’s not like he’s extreme like that all the time. 90% of the time he’s just finishing his checks (like a freight train) and playing his guts out. The agitation is part of his game but it’s his constant intensity that makes him so endearing.
Russo’s page is getting slower and slower..he must be using up the band width!
Though Rolston is from MI, I don’t know why anyone that has a family would want to relocate to detoliet..the city really is turning into a sewer
What’s DR going to tell us at 5? Canned answers. GMs rarely say anything useful in the media. Just saying…
5:57 PM - New Jersey, the Rangers, the Wild and Detroit are hot on Rolston, a deal could be announced soon
Right you are sunshine - the Oilers, Blackhawks and Coyotes were all playing good hockey at the end of the year AND were fighting for the final couple playoff spots.
Based on what we’ve seen so far at the draft and today I have to believe at least two of those teams will make the playoffs. Possibly at the expense of the Avs and Preds.
KiPA: You DO have to play the Blackhawks this next year…
But not often, and only in the finals (if we get that far again, which is unlikely).
That is a huge signing by Chicago.. they look pretty scary now.
I guess we lose out on the Rolston deal then if DR is speaking to Russo.
Speaking of Detoilet, is DR not selling the intangibles of the Twin Cities? The best rink, the best fans, and amazing weather for a month.
Not good for the Wild, unless we are offering a lot more than Detroit. My guess is he chooses home and a better chance at the cup. Here’s hoping that MN’s youth hockey can help make a difference.
http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=367372
Re: Boston and Hossa
Sorry KiPA… was AFK.
On the Hossa deal from Boston… I have read they aren’t as serious as they originally thought. But if he goes for that then kudos to Boston for getting a great hockey player (not that I don’t have to tell you that)
On the latest news from Russo. Rolston coming back I am fine with, but if that is the final move it’s debatable we got “better”.
As far as Huselius or Ryder… I am mixed. I don’t consider Ryder the “impact player” DR was talking about. Huselius is pretty solid but my guess is we’ll get out-bid for him.
I’m just not high on Ryder.
I know Russo you were on Hartman, but I need you to sell that Hossa deal better with DR at 5pm (right now)
So no Hossa in Beantown, then?
I’m with Schmidty in that I’m more enamored of Huselius than Ryder.
But I’m most enamored of whomever is willing to sign here.
I appreciate the update KiPA…. means Hossa still on the board!
We got the cash Hossa, come on over!!!
Columbus signs UFA defenceman Mike Commodore to a 5 yea deal worth $18.75 million
I’ll take either of the following:
- Hossa, Holik
or
- Rolston, Huselius, Holik
Make it happen DR!! Off to get make some dinner. Anyone for a Shish Kabob? Got Steak & Chick!
Commodore to Columbus for a modest salary in comparison to Campbell. 5yr at $18.75 is about what Campbell was worth but that is what Commodore got.
for4rest, Detoilet’s weather is the same and they get more snow
wow…that’s a great price for Commo.
Nanne on Chad I know nothing about hockey Hartman’s should said Zidlicky is a smaller version of Brett Burns
Sorry if this is a repeat
Cap hit update: Rough numbers here
$35 million orginally for 14 players
$6 assumed raises for PMB, Foster, SRV
$2.33 Bruno
$3 for Gillies and Pouliot
$3.33 for Zidlicky
Total = $49.66 million for 21 players with about $5-$6 million left for 2 players.
I think this is right.
Yep, Hossa’s still on the market, though reports seem to indicate Edmonton’s the favorite now.
Commodore for now-UFA Hainsey? That deal doesn’t work well for the BJ’s…Hainsey is younger and more mobile than Commodore, although Commodore is taller and more experienced…
Seems like we had a run on forwards, then a run on Goalies, now a run on D-men
Detroit’s weather is not like Minny. About 10 degrees warmer in the winter. They get lake effect snow, but since its 10 degrees warmer (on average)snow is usually gross. Not many clear days in wintertime in MI. Pretty gloomy.
Rolston to NJ for 4/24 deal.
Good point WRT, my guess is that Hainsey wanted out as $ is not an object for CBJ.
Just read on TSN… Rolston about to sign with the Devils… 4 yrs 20 mil
Wow, good for Rolston. Bad for NJ. Would anyone pay 5 mil a season for a 39 year old? Insane!
Rolston to Devils….wow…what a chump
I’d take Hainsey, too.
We go and get someone big now….no?
Its over. Rolston to Jersey 4 for $24 mil
Not sure I would pull the trigger on Rolston for 4 yrs $20 or $24 million.
man…Rolston…just…wow. So, everyone else was at $4.99M, and Detroit was at like $1.5M?!? Please.
6GS: I think you’re right about Hainsey…he just wanted out, no matter where he went, as long as it wasn’t Columbus. I know we really don’t need him, but wouldn’t it be nice to sign him and then dump Skoula?
Best of luck Rolston. DR should have signed him in 2007 but at least he did not pay that price now.
I hear DRW offering Rolston a Stanley Cup, whereas DR is offering Stanley’s Cup
Dice that’d be $6 mil/year for a 39yr. old
Well, its where he started and where he will end up. $6 million is too much.
Sign Hossa, and let someone take a run at PMB, let him go and take the compensation.
Good for jersey. Its exactly like the Tori Hunter situation. If someone is willing to almost double your offer…good for them, and hopefully he does well, but the wild weren’t gonna get anywhere near that price, and they shouldn’t have. Let go get someone else now
phil: I don’t like anything about Detroit but I do believe that our winters are colder, particularly December and January where our average highs are the toilet’s average lows. I was tyring to be sarcastic with the weather part but I am serious about the arena and fans.
Helluva deal for Rolston. Glad we didn’t match it. That’s too much for too long.
See ya Huggy. Nice while it lasted. On to bigger and better.
That said… 6 mil per… makes Hossa worth more, makes Gabby take a look at 8 to 9 a year.
GMs have shot themselves in the collective foot today. After the dust settles, the salaries are going to be way too much, and next year, when there are players worth the money, they are going to ask for even more.
by the time Crosby needs to resign he’s going to be asking 25 a year.
We couldn’t afford it. From my rough numbers, that $6 million would have brought us about a million short of the cap and needing one more player.
Do the wild have the cap space to sign Hossa? Would they have money left over to go find a center or would they have to trade PMB?
The Wild does not have cap space to sign Hossa unless its at $5.5 million.
Rolston is only 4 yrs/20 mil = 5mil/yr. I don’t see any report of 24mil.
or more acurately….what this might mean…
GMs have shot themselves in the collective foot today. After the dust settles, the salaries are going to be way too much, and next year, when there are players worth the money, they are going to ask for even more.
….is that there will be more players available than money/offers and smart GM’s will be able to cherry-pick players for a bargain…
Maybe DR is just smarter than all of us!?!?
First, it’s $5 per, not $6M. Second, that’s still a lot - surprised it was Jersey that made the best offer.
where is rolston being reported?
New Jersey has a brand-new arena and every reason to sign Rolston to light the place up. $5-6M per for four years is too much for most teams to swallow, the Wild included. They can do better.
Let’s hope DR can work his magic…
After the dust settles, the salaries are going to be way too much, and next year, when there are players worth the money, they are going to ask for even more.
There will be higher supply of A or B type players and maybe less demand. doesn’t mean bigger contracts. there was little supply this FA period and high demand. Players could name their price.
Could sign a big name guy but we’d probably lose PMB in the process. There’s not room for them all.
Now, on to Demitra, or is DR looking elsewhere now?
for4, I wasn’t attacking if that’s what you’re thinking…just pointing out detoilet only has one month of “good” weather too…as someone else pointed out, it’s a little warmer, but a lot more snow…cold I can handle, too much snow is a pain…it’s all a moot point now anyway since BR is off to the Devils it seems
If it’s true what Rolston is getting from Jersey then it was smart on his agent’s part to go FA and smart by DR to get a pick.
Here comes Huselius?
By the way, for those interested in this runaway pricing in the new CBA, what this is going to do is put 80% of some teams salaries into 20% of their bench. Not a good recipe for success.
at the risk of further emboldening DR to continue down his current path of overall paralysis, I have to say I am glad we didn’t pay $5M for Rolston.
It’s now official - Rolston signed in NJ
The question with Rolston: quality of life? New Jersey? Those two don’t go together.
what this is going to do is put 80% of some teams salaries into 20% of their bench. Not a good recipe for success.
unless what you want is parity, in which case this is a great plan.
The Finger, Commodore, and Campbell deals surprised me (Commodore because of the length and price). Kimmy J looks like value now compared to some of those (there I said it). Thanks DR for not breaking the bank.
Demitra? Really people? He is a big time underachiever who doesn’t act like he wants to be in MN at all. Let him go. Most, myself not included, were happy to see Rolston go because of the cap situation. I would rather have Rolston who would show up and play his butt off everyday (not to mention his cannon) than Demitra who appears to hate Jacque’s system. If you think Rolston wasn’t worth the money there is no way in heck Demo is.
I saw 4yrs/$24M for Rolston, but now I am seeing $20M. $20M makes more sense. TSN has not posted it yet, though.
Rolston signed in NJ
that deal was too good to turn down, IMHO even if in NJ
well we learned one thing: Lawton cares even less about non-first-round picks than even DR does.
4 years at 20 million from TSN for Roli… too much IMO. Have fun in NJ Huggy. I wish you luck.
Now how about sister Christian??
People were talking about Gary, IN earlier…well, have you guys ever been to Newark?
MuN-
6 mil was a bad report, bad info. Sorry. 5 mil is about right for him, but 4 years is still too long.
Reported here: TSN
In the frenzy, one might argue $5MM for two years for Rolston, maybe 4MM for three, but 4 years for $20MM…..this is nuts.
If Rolston gets hurt NJ is hurting from it for awhile.
So if Rolston gets rear-ended on the NJ turnpike on his way to his 1st practice and can never play hockey again, are the Devils out $20M?
newark, though a dump, is in a hard core gentrification push, the newest building in the NHL of which is only the beginning…that said…it’s still Jersey.
Flames and sharks in the running for Redden. Ouch.
Rolston to NJ for 20 Mill how many years
Kimmy J looks like value now compared to some of those (there I said it).
Admitting it is the first step towards recovering from Johnsson Contractitis
el gato: why? You thinkin’ road trip?!
Sorry, I had posted the 4/24 figure. FOC Free Agent Freenzy blog had it wrong and just now corrected it to the 4/20 figure.
It has to be Huselius.
new jersey’s power play defenseman better like chasing after the puck, being that it will be un their own zone.
as often as he completely misses the net
If Rolston gets hurt NJ is hurting from it for awhile.
(Not that I wish him ill will.)
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=11353
trying a link
Admitting it is the first step towards recovering from Johnsson Contractitis
c’mon kimmy, you know we all think you are a great d-man now.
Nah, he was OK in my book. I just know a certain religious congrgation in Woodbury is taking it in the shorts after losing both Roli and Walz from their donor list.
Nate Raduns signed with Philly, GO SCSU!!!
so did Metropolit
ahh…I see, El G. The Lord works in mysterious ways, eh?
I’m on the Huselius wagon now.
Flyers signed Metropolit.
http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/layouthtmls/swzl_statetaxrate_NJ.html
well roli won’t really be giving up anything in extra taxes in NJ
Let he without sin shoot the first slapshot wide?
I’m with you Nick!
el Gato-
Rolston gets hurt the day after signing the contract, the Devils owe him $20 million, and they have no way out of it. No buyout allowed either. Something the owners wanted, and got, in the lock out.
Didn’t take St. Louis long to match that offer sheet, did it?
Gotta run. It’s been fun! Go DR! Get somethig else good!
hordichuk to the nucks
Rolston at 4 yrs/20M == too rich for the Wild.
Buh-Bye, Huggy Bear.
I’m glad DR, aka captain obvious, keeps informing Russo that he isn’t done. Some pretty big holes to fill.
Where and who is clueless on the Wild not having enough money???
We had SIXTEEN million before the day started and that included the raise of PMB to $4 million.
We have added Bruno (cap hit of $2.33 million)
We have added Zidliky (cap hit of $3.5 million)
Taking the shoes off for those who can’t do math….
$16,000,000
- 2,330,000
- 3,500,000
$10,170,000 million available to sign A player
DR wanted 2 “impact” forwards and a D-man. We have 1 forward, 1 D-man.
We have LOTS of money for HOSSA or others.
Btw- how is the CtC club doing now that Malone is gone, Rolston’s gone, etc. etc.???
So…… that cal
Did DR talk at 5?? I had to step away for a while, if so…about what?
I just heard D.R. Signed
Tonya Harding….3 year 6.2 mil. It’s a done deal!
Edmonton is getting players to call up Hossa
Hope he has a good phone plan.
NiNY: LOL at the Rolston comment. Hopefully NJ Transit should get a warning about pucks flying into Penn Station, next door to ‘the Rock’.
And i’m not saying Bruno is “impact”… just that he’s a forward to help fill the holes.
so we don’t have room for hossa if we decide to trade pmb? can anyone explain where we are at cap wise, is it possible that gaborik will get him drunk or something and convince him to sign a piece of paper ?
Rozival re-ups with NYR
Teams should start drafting from the same club every year that way only buddies will be on the same team. That would stop all that player calling.
KRISTIAN HUSELIUS, I am convinced he’s wearing the Wild sweater next year. Things have just lined up that way. It makes sense if the numbers match up right, but the Rolston contract may screw alot of things up. Just like the Hossa contract will push this league closer and closer to another lockout. Don’t get me wrong, Rolston was a fine player for the Wild, but 5 mil per for a 35 year old is great for him and bad for the league. HUSELIUS @ I believe 29 years old, can get a long term with the Wild and it won’t destroy the chances of signing #10.
One hole that Bruno will fill is some of the Heart and Leadership that we need on this team, that has been missing since Walz retired.
from TSN.ca
6:24PM New Jersey signs UFA forward Brian Rolston to a four year deal worth $20-million
Toronto Maple Leafs sign UFA forward Niklas Hagman to a four-year contract.
huselius would be great, but this team desperately needs a faceoff winning, playmaking center…if we’re gonna splash the cash, that’s hands down our biggest hole to fill…
$12 million for Hagman
what will screw the league up is if they keep raising the cap every year. every time the cap goes up the prior years top signings become obsolete screwing up a system
Right on Scottie…
If DR is to believed, he’s working on something “big”.
selanne perhaps?
Wild are looking at Jagr according to one website I found.
Devils bring back Holik. Is it 1995 again?
Jagr wouldn’t make it in the Northwest conference. He’s a big puss.
Selanne won’t leave LA because of his child’s health. Jagr is a real possibility.
DR could still be trying to trade PMB, Pouliot, and ?
I don’t think Jagr would go from New York to Minnesota (that’s no knock on Minnesota; it’s a statement to Jagr’s character).
Devils bring back Holik.
Nooooooooooooooooooooooo
Isnt Fedorov a FA available? He may fill the Centerman hole and not cost to muchOr Forsberg? HAHA
By the way, approaching 900 posts…
Word is Holik’s deal is $2.5/yr, but no word on length.
Kevin, no offense taken, as long as we’re not cast unfavorably to Detoilet
The Minne apple is not the Big Apple, so if that’s your cup of tea, that’s OK.
True, Jagr is Big Macs and Cadillacs. The old stay in the east to not play def or hit.
D@^n it. Holik gone too. S*!t.
I saw that website earlier today also that talked about Jagr coming to MN.. That would awesome. Imagine Jagr and Gaborik on the same line. WE win the CUP
A Pittsburgh reporter is saying that Hossa’s not expected to make a decision today.
I hate Forsberg…kj’s vision not withstanding..
Rolston Gone
Holik Gone
Malone Gone
Tick Tock Tick Tock….
We have room for Hossa… and as of this morning the following teams that were “in” the Hossa hunt are now out:
Boston is out (per the artcile)
Devils are out after Rolston & Holik
Columbus is out after their moves
Blackhawks are out after Campbell/Huet
That leaves the following:
- Canucks (and based on the Sundin offer, possibly out)
Oilers - nobody wants to play there
Rangers - Always interesting
and the WILD….
Hmmm… What did DR have to say Russo?
Forsberg is too risky with his age and health. I think trading PMB, unless it’s for something great, is a bad idea. That kid will have at least 80 points next year and will be in the NHL for quite some time averaging 65+ points a year. Oh yes, it will happen and hopefully it happens with the Wild. You can’t put a price on the spin-o-rama.
huselius would be great, but this team desperately needs a faceoff winning, playmaking center…if we’re gonna splash the cash, that’s hands down our biggest hole to fill…
I agree with this, but… who is out there that can fill that spot?
On the Rolston signing, $20 mil is definitely the best deal anyone is going to throw at him, but still… Jersey??
I suppose for that kind of cash, I could stand living there for a while.
Our big FA splash is gonna Bruno, don’t get me wrong i like this, but please this is like the twins here, go out and get someone this is MN, the state of hockey!
I gotta say, I loved watching Rolston play, we got huge value out of him, and he is my 4 year olds very favorite player, but I’m glad we didn’t give him 4 yrs @$20MM.
I congratulate him on getting it and wish him the best. I always thought he was a great guy to watch.
Schmidty:
[We had SIXTEEN million before the day started and that included the raise of PMB to $4 million.
We have added Bruno (cap hit of $2.33 million)
We have added Zidliky (cap hit of $3.5 million)
Taking the shoes off for those who can’t do math….
$16,000,000
- 2,330,000
- 3,500,000
$10,170,000 million available to sign A player}
You are forgetting Pouliot and Gillies that is $3 million and $2 million for trade deadline deals.
That leaves you with at least $5 million left.
Buddha says:
July 1st, 2008 at 5:59 pm
D@^n it. Holik gone too. S*!t.
Number A - Why is this a bad thing?
Number B - Is this confirmed anywhere? I haven’t seen it.
$5 million to sign TWO players.
Yep, and now I have someone to like besides Fatso on the Devils. I’m okay with that. I’m giddy he didn’t go to Tampa. Heh.
NHL Network Ticker: Hoilik 1 year for $2.5 - DR better do better at C than this low risk deal.
http://faceoffcircle.net/2008/06/30/foc-ufa-live-blog-2008/
That’s where I saw the Holik deal.
I’m sorry to debate you Sunshine, but then WHY would DR say we have $16 million in his blog? I would agree we don’t know if the $2 million (cushion) is taken out… but I understood that as all players included (with PMB raise) we have $16 million to play with.
Sundin is the best center left. Fedorov? Any others?
0% chance Hossa signs anywhere tonight.
I’m with you WildFargo, the “something” DR had up his sleeve was AB, which we all knew about before today thanks to Russo. AB is good but he can’t be Rolston, Fedoruk, Voros, by himself.
Best guess on actual remaining cap space is about 6 million
Signed (cap hit in millions)
Koivu 3.25
Belanger 1.75
Sheppard 1.4 (Russo’s number)
Brunette 2.33
Parrish 2.65
Boogaard 0.88
Gaborik 6.33
Burns 3.55
Shultz 3.6
Johansson 4.85
Zdlicky 3.34
Skoula 1.8
Bergeron 1.6
Reitz 0.5
Backstrom 3.1
Harding 0.75
Total 41.19
RFAs (guess to sign)
Bouchard 3.75
Velleux 0.75
Foster 1
Total 5.5
2-3 Aeros to fill out roster
Pouliot 0.85
Gillies 0.85
Clutterbuck 0.45
Total 2.2
Cap Cushion 2
Remaining Cap ~6
Any why TWO?
DR said he wants 2 forwards & 1 Defense man. We have 1 of each…. so according to DR (not that I agree with him), he is ONE player away from feeling complete.
Just want to point out to those capping on Jersey, it’s across the river from NYC. What’s so bad about that? New arena too, fwiw.
We’re screwed…
i was looking at centers still out there and i think we have to sign huselius and deal pmb for one…pmb is soft, can’t play d, and is due for a huge raise, now is the time to move him…
cap guy,
make the following adjustments:
Pouliot: 1.7
Gillies: 1.04
Clutterbuck: .725
I wouldn’t mind seeing PMB leave. He can draw guys, but he’s too small.
Avery negotiating with the Stars… DUDE…
Also, you’re forgetting the obvious player still in the Hossa hunt: Pittsburg.
The Wild need to turn in their man card…
Dealing PMB is crazy talk. He is currently (according to Wild.com) our second leading scorer. Looks like his size doesn’t matter. He’s a winger anyway so he doesn’t need to be huge. If you like big players then be upset we got rid of Voros and Todd. Our plan of playing huge guys clearly didn’t work last year in the playoffs. Detroit’s team certainly isn’t the biggest in the league but they do have a great core of skilled players, players similar to PMB.
TSN still has nothing on Holik
PMB could go in my eyes.
I think that Hossa is a pipe dream for us and although it would be nice for a year(maybe)a Forsberg, Federov, Naslund, or any other person on the verge of retiring would not be in the Wild’s best interest unless you get them for a song. Either way, with a one year deal, we’d be in the same place next year.
Any thoughts on Morrison??
TSN has posted the Holik signing.
Risebrough said. In fact, it appears unlikely Minnesota will sign any of the 10 unrestricted free agents who played for the Northwest Division champions last season. That’s about $12.6 million in salaries shed. Of the other eight players, defenseman Keith Carney leaves the largest hole. “
Schimdity:
Look at the math
From your $10 million, I subtracted cap hits for Pouliot, Gillies, and trade deadline cushion. You didn’t do any of that.
If you did, you would get about $5-$6 million.
The New Jersey Devils have brought back two stars of yesterday, signing free agent forward Brian Rolston to a four-year, $20.25 million contract and centre Bobby Holik to a one-year, $2.5 million contract.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242195
I don’t see why DR didn’t meet or beat this but he better have a better solution at C.
I think the Wild should get Yan Stastny. He would be a get addition to the Wild Locker room. Most people have not heard of him, but I have been following him. He is a stud of player.
Please Wild sign Yan Stastny and make my night.
do you need trade deadline cushion for the likes of Chris simon or other no names from deadlines past?
PMB is due for a raise and he has earned it. Give it to him. Look at his age, his stats, and his progression. Not to mention that he is a fan favorite (though I’m apparently wrong in this) for his sweet style of play.
Pouliot and Gillies have not made the team but they are expected to.
DR has not included them as part of the cap. You have to account for them even though they have officially made the team. DR has already said that he will give a couple of spots to rookies.
for4rest you just take things a bit too personally. Neither of us has any real say in what happens.
So if you Sign Hossa to $8 million a year…
Gillies doesn’t make the team & you eat up $1 million of your cushion. He’s WORTH it…
At this point, unless DR can get Hossa here or Huselius and some other “B” Center (which I don’t see out there) the Wild hasn’t yet reached last years club. Adding Huselius would put us at about even… maybe a slight advantage but not much.
As I have said on this board, and have told others “Marky”… until Hossa is off the board I will continue to beg him to come here via this blog!
even if we did trade pmb, which would be a mistake, we would have to find a team to take him (being a ufa next year). florida already said no and if we did find a team we wouldn’t get a second line center for him, being his fa status
do you need trade deadline cushion for the likes of Chris simon or other no names from deadlines past?
Yes, and a very large cushion that will absorb the impact of your body thrown off of a building by angry Wild fans.
FYI Schmidty, the signing bonuses DO count against the cap this year - there is no cushion.
that doesn’t make sense. If they don’t sign someone who is a dynamic offensive player, do they really need to think they will be in the hunt come the trade deadline?
Pittsburgh Penguins are in hot pursuit of veteran Jaromir Jagr.
For those bent on hating my Hossa plea….
Huselius & Naslund and we will have made an improvement over last years line-up. Just not sure you’ll get either.
MuN - the Cushion refers to DR’s $2 million self imposed limit to give himself flexibility throughout the year… never said anything about bonus’.
Jagr to the penguins no way! Wild all the way. Jagr and Yan Stastny now thats some big pick ups!
they need to get someone. otherwise it will be Houston north. and when JL only lets kids play 5 minutes a game, the couple veterans will be rather tired.
Schmidty:
You are on another planet. You seem to forget the basic rule of hockey needing 23 PLAYERS.
At $45 million you only have 19 players. Hossa at $8 million and Huselius at $2 million = $55 million for 21 players.
YOU ARE STILL SHORT 2 PLAYERS.
watch him sign Bert. that would be awkward.
Schmidty - I am not baging on your Hossa idea, but he has made it blatently clear that he does not want to play here. I am assuming he will stay in the East.
I like the Hueselius & Naslund combo, but neither are centers and Naslund is about to retire.
Nobody comments on my Morrison question…top 30 UFA and a center and there has been nothing said about him???
I nominate Bruno for the C. (For October, anyways).
Schmitty I think that is very possible for Huselius and or Naslund Nice of you to give up on your Hossa dream!
KL no offense taken, I am merely pointing out that PMB is vital to our team and with all these crazy FA and UFA deals being thrown around it is best to lock up someone with so much skill (unless we can get solid value from a trade). Obviously it’s not up to us, I’m sure I would have put the team under in the first year, but there seems to be a lot of people saying, “spend up to the cap DR,” yet the players out there aren’t worth the money. Instead, we could stick with a proven young talent but we want to get rid of him because of how much he will cost. Doesn’t make sense to me. Not to mention that I just plain like the kid.
I think Morrison’s health is a question mark, even though doctors gave him the all clear.
Schmidity: Those are your numbers I am working with here. Not including Pouliot or Gillies.
I think the Wild fans need to send a message to the clowns running the front office by not selling out the center next year.
Schmidty.. Thought you were referring to the bonus cushion in the CBA. Understood now
As for Morrison, NO!!! More injury-prone than Gaborik.
Naslund? Are you kidding? He’s gonna want 6.5/yr. I’d rather spend the extra 2 mil and get Hossa - he’s twice the player.
KH is a smallish forward. He’ll be as useful as PMB in the corners.
“…unless we can get solid value from a trade,” agreed. Don’t get me wrong either. PMB is one of my favs.
whats up with the wild message board today…..boards.wild.com
i can’t get on is anyone else having trouble today?
I don’t people are hating on your Hossa plea. People are just not seeing it when it comes down to the details. I’m pretty sure everyone would be very excited should something work out to bring him to MN.
This may have already been discussed, but does anyone else thing Fedorov would make sense as a center here, he skates well and plays D. Any thoughts??
just a thought eliminate JL and his stygma, play a little more offensive style game, and maybe we could sign more than an average+ player
toivo hit the nail on the head.
TSN on NHL Network: Redden to NYR
I think if Bouchard gets another 1 year deal we can start calling him trade bait instead of Butch.
thats all they need is for stevens to come and blind side the best guys on the other team while they are engaged with another defense man. then they are all back in business.
Injuery-prone? Morrison was an iron man prior to this season. 82 games played for the previous six seasons.
Anaheim Ducks sign Gophers defenseman
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Stu Bickel, a 21-year-old defenseman who became a fixture on the University of Minnesota roster as a freshman last season, signed a three-year free-agent pro contract with the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks today and will be leaving the Gophers.
Rangers get Redden. Thank you New York!
Wallshot- Holik going to NJ is bad, because it was a good signing for the Wild. Solid, veteran center at a lost cost. Not much left out there.
Cap Guy - go to http://www.hockeybuzz.com/cap-central/team.php?team=MIN
Still plenty of cap room, even with a PMB signing, and giving Gabby a new deal.
Matt-
federov would be a good deal for the Wild. i don’t know what kind of deal he wants, but he would be a good addition. Would also let Mikko move up, and stay on the top line with Gabby. I don’t think he will come cheap though.
http://faceoffcircle.net/2008/06/30/foc-ufa-live-blog-2008/ do read the Wild stuff here.
I guess I just disagree, Buddha. I didn’t really want to see Holik on the team. I’d rather see someone a little younger.
Good questions on that blog just now eh?
Younger is good, but younger is spendy. Need a stop gap until Shep is ready to step up.
Interesting because it’s so relevant to our concerns.
KL- Good thing someone sent them in then huh? Wink wink…
#1 - you don’t need 23 players Sunshine.. that’s just what DR’s been carrying around. 20 is a full roster, you can carry UP TO 23 if you chose.
#2 - I haven’t given up on the Wild dream. And as I said WON’T until he’s signed… re-read my post Wild2274.
#3 - Naslund will be one of those sad folks who will be taking a MAJOR haircut. So i’m not worried about him.
HOSSA! HOSSA! HOSSA! HOSSA! :)
Apparently the Wild signed Craig Weller to a two year deal one way. According to something in Phoenix.
Not many younger, proven players will be available, the way the current CBA is set up.
You goof! I should have seen that. Thanks btw, buddha.
I am standing by my Morrison idea. 82 games played and an average of 22 goals and 39 Assts over 6 yrs. Not a bad option if you are looking at the stats. I think, considering the doubt in his ability we could get him for around 2 - 2.5.
Russo Thoughts??
I needed an outside opinion… a little objective thought
David Koci has signed a one year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning, terms to be announced
I think our D is stacked compared to last year…that’s not sayin’ much with Hill and Carney on the roster last year. However, we should not have a repeat of the Avs series where our top 4 had to play the whole game.
We are still one F away though. Hossa would be unbelievable but I like the idea of letting the kids play too. Every year when the Twins sign their parade of C-list free agents it backfires. I don’t want the Wild to follow suit.
I am standing by Yan Stastny idea. You know he has to be good since he is Paul’s bro.
I guess some GM’s know what “Market Value” is and some don’t. Get ready, Minnesota, for another long, disappointing season.
Craig Weller? Didn’t he just come out of the minors last year and hasn’t he been there for something like the past 7 years? I hope that story isn’t true unless he was willing to play for us for the leftover Rolston jerseys at the hockeylodge.
Why didn’t we just re-sign Foy instead of Weller?
You guys all make fun of Yan Stastny, but seriously.. he is one of the missing pieces that The Wild need to acquire.
Schultz
Johnsson
Burns
Zidlicky
Skoula
MAB
Reitz
(Foster)
Vs.
Schultz
Johnsson
Burns
Skoula
Foster
Carney
Hill
On paper, I’d agree with Marty S that it’s an improvement.
985
Craig Weller? A cheaper Fridge? Wonder if there’s anything really there.
$6.5M per for Redden…that’s a Rags contract if I ever saw one. Though, if they lose Jagr it’s not as bad.
Yay, get to beat up on Redden for another six years.
ILuvtheWild: Do you have a Wild jersey with the last name Statny already on it? I don’t think anyone is necessarily making fun of him but it’s hard to judge a guy who has only played 53 games in the NHL, and he only has 8 points. What’s the attraction, sell me.
we have a lot of guarenteed contracts for next year, i don’t see a lot more happening being we are going to have to overpay to keep gaborik here. the cap can’t keep rising like it has been. gaborik going to want at least 9 mil. to stay
The source was 910 AM in Phoenix on the Weller deal, they apparently had the Coyotes GM on there awhile ago, they offered him a two way deal and the Wild offered him a one way deal so he signed.
you don’t need 23 players Sunshine.. that’s just what DR’s been carrying around. 20 is a full roster, you can carry UP TO 23 if you chose.
while true, I’m not sure it is wise to handcuff your self financially to not be able to carry more than 20, which is what you dress.
Weller 2 year 600k per season on tsn
i’ve never been a fan of holik but mostly because he was vastly overpaid. 2.5 is more his range for sure.
TSN says Weller deal is official. We paid him $600,000/yr for 2 years.
Though, if they lose Jagr it’s not as bad.
I think that’s a given now after the Redden and Rozsival contracts.
ESPN - Huge Hossa deal going down…
If that’s true Jason…. beware of big Mike & the Dumpster calls to start coming out.
58 games, 3 goals, 11 assists, 80 PIM
Don’t we already have a goon? Do we really need another tying up valuable cap dollars? I say NO.
1001 posts
Even if it is $300,000 a year for 2 years.
Mike
where on ESPN?
Insider
I forget who said it but I agree that Weller is a cheaper version of the Fridge. Funny that the yotes sign the fridge and then we take weller from them. It’s like DR is clipping coupons this year.
What does it say MIKE?
it’s 600k a season.
i see russo waited to hit the century mark before starting a new entry. nice work.
I dunno? Is this the grit I was asking for last year? The Fridge-Voros-Radio replacement. If he’s any good at 600k a year…?
Three way team sign and trade deal, possibly PMB on the move along with Hossa…
Mike - you pay for Insider? Wow.
Pull the trigger WILD!!!!!
Is this the grit I was asking for last year?
grit is so passe
its all about slick d-men and finesse
Mike @7:12 - holy crap!
I get it free - Family…
You actually don’t have to handcuff yourself Green*
I was counting 22 players with Gilies not making the club and Hossa in as the 22nd position. It would take away just over $1 million of DR’s “cushion”… but it could work. And that’s IF we keep everyone and don’t make any more trades.
Btw- With the Rangers signing Redden, they may not have much more of an appetite for Hossa.
That leaves the Wild, Oilers and possible the Canucks. All WESTERN Teams.
How can Hossa be traded he is a FA now??? Nice try mike
That’s right, Green* - grit is so 2007.
G-Star…LOL!
Give it up already Schmitty!! He isnt coming here!!
schmidty, i’m all for a hossa signing, don’t get me wrong. i never got to see gretzky play live…:-)
Laughable going to espn for any hockey related knowledge (aside from bucci). I think they had Toews the younger in the 1st round mock draft…
GTA IV is calling me.
hope to come back in a couple hours and see we signed HOSSA and not marcel.
Watching game 2 against the Avs. Already miss Fridge and Rolston.
Weller. What good is a one way depth signing? (Okay, being selfish now that I’ve lost a winger in Houston.)
never got to see gretzky play live…:-)
Really, Green*? How young are you?
Where on Insider Mike? I’m looking all over it but not seeing it on the Hossa front.
Keep lookin’ Schmidty - it’s there…
I hate ESPN for hockey news. Hate it. I like the rumor mill though. Lots of fun. ESPN… grrrr…. college football, NFL, NBA, NBA, NBA, NFL, College football, NASCAR, NFL, NBA…
Come On Schmitty if you are a Hockey Fan you would realize you cant trade Hossa cause he is a FA
Wild2274 - if you don’t like what I have to say… just read on…
New York Islanders sign defenceman Mark Streit to a five-year contract worth $20.5 million
$4M per for Streit. Enjoy Nassau Crapiseum, buddy!
And the college hockey fans will be glad to know Weller played 6 games for UMD in ‘00-01.
6 goal
I C someone else reads TSN
“hope to come back in a couple hours and see we signed HOSSA and not marcel.”
Well Marcel is Gabby’s best friend and he would be cheap… I bet that is the big deal Risebrough is working on!!!
Kidding. Kidding. Please don’t throw things at me.
New York Islanders sign defenceman Mark Streit to a five-year contract worth $20.5 million
Lies. The Islanders (Islandres?) don’t know how to improve themselves.
This Hossa talk…don’t forget Edmonton. They still have room and are willing to spend $9 mill/yr according to a story I read earlier (sorry don’t know where, I’ll look).
I just remembered that the Coyotes got McGratton…they’re paying attention over there…this means Fridge isn’t the nuclear option in the desert, and Carcillo is the agitator…Fridge gets to be a power forward and hopefully work all three of those seasons he signed for. Nice work by Gretzky and Co.
don’t we all read tsn?
If we want it accurate and up to date.
Is the presumption that Weller is some sort of power forward-type?
I would emphasize power more than forward. My take anyway, which is based wholly on youtube videos.
Can we get this thread to 1,100 comments?
We’re on a pace of about .48 posts/minute on this one….
The Hossa story from Edmonton…”They WILL overpay.”
so, kind of a tough guy, for4rest
I like Weller already. Putting down three guys.
Dad: My thoughts are that if he were a goal scorer he wouldn’t have been in the minor leagues for the last 6 or 7 years. Makes sense to me that by “depth” DR means strength not finesse.
all this talk about poor NHL markets in the US draining the economics of the league…why is it okay for Edmonton to throw around offer sheets and over pay players (because they have to) and elevate the pay grids? Because they’re in Canada?
It’s kind of ridiculous that they get a pass on that kind of behavior but Tampa, for example, doesn’t.
Weller is a cheaper Fridge without the hardware in his face.
Damn!
check that - about 23 posts per minute on this thread.
No good at math, so went to law school
Rumor - Hossa to MN $7.5 yr… PMB to Kings for draft choices…
should say “2 posts” not “23 posts”
No good at typing, that’s why I have a secretary
Wild2274 - I never said they could trade FA’s….. man, don’t be such and idiot, and read the posts.
A light-heavyweight. Fought guys like Doug Murray last season (no small task there).
6′4″ 220.
7 dollars and fifty cents per year is waaaaay toooooo loooooowwww.
TSN: NHL Teams gave out $300 million in contracts.
No one has said anything about Pavel. Is the Wild talking to him, ignoring him or did they already say goodbye? So far so good, but do they want him back to play with Gabby? I don’t see him going to the Canucks, esp. if they ink Sundin, they are just about out of cash with that move. Or does he head for Europe? I am in agreement with most, I wanted Hossa at the deadline last year, and they jacked that up. They have the chance for redemption right now, so quit dickin around and get his agent on the phone!!
Mike, where did you find PMB to Kings rumor?
There’s nothing really light about 220 though when you think about it. How about 60% goon, 40% hockey player? Gets 10 minutes a game instead of <5. Scores once in a while.
ESPN Insider
FIRE RISEDUMP NOW !!
DUMP THE DUMPPER!!
Hossa for 7.5 million, I don’t think so. He doesn’t want to come here in the first place.
Who’s the source Mike?
I bet Demo’s sort of waiting in the weeds right now, watching the Hossa thing unfurl.
No stomping nor stick swinging incidents in his past that I’m aware of.
toivo - tsn lists Weller as 6-3, 195, but I like your measurements better.
Ooh, just the kind of tough guy I could actually support. Looks like he can actually skate well enough to hit someone (sorry Boogey) and has spent long enough on the outside to be okay with a bit role and a little extra time in the pressbox.
I’ll believe the Hossa thing when I see it. Interesting, though.
Hockeydad: but, with the conversion rate isn’t that 195 really more like 201?
I don’t want Hossa anywhere in the other NW Division teams.
NHL.com is where I got my listing.
I think he was captain of his AHL team also, which is nice. Also won a Memorial Cup.
Pens jump in at $8.3m per yer (5 years) we’re screwed again…
DR sucks…..
Looks like Weller was 6-4 220lbs when he signed with the yotes last year. Either way, he’s a big forward.
http://coyotes.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=334765
OMG!!!
I get back from happy hour and see we signed freakin Craig Weller!!!
He was awesome in Robocop!!!
Come on, The real Mike. You love Weller and you know it. It’s one of those dumpster dives that gives meaning to your existence here, no?
Mike: thank you for keeping us informed but it’s more like being teased in the champagne room if you know what I mean.
Who the hell is craig weller? This is like the big move at the trade deadline when we finally landed Chris Simon
Hossa denies rumor he won’t come to MN…
Something’s going down…
Schmity resorting to name calling, Mike said Hossa and PMB were involved in 3 team trade talks and you got all excited asking where he was seeing that, All I said is Hossa cant be traded cause he is a Free Agent…..DUHHHH Sorry for being so dumb Schmitty!!
Risebrough indicates the Wild is not done.
Wild has signed right wing Craig Weller as a depth move.
Risebrough says: “Got ‘em!!
We got Weller !! We’re done !!”
Mike, I’ll have some of what you’re having…..if you know what I mean.
OK, gotta commute home. Maybe I’ll have wifi on the bus to keep my withdrawl at bay.
So Bruno takes over for Demo, Weller for Voros, MAB and Zid for Carney and Hill, still waiting for the big day DR (don’t try to spin this as one) we need our Rolston 2.0 and a center.
Mike: thank you for keeping us informed but it’s more like being teased in the champagne room if you know what I mean.
POTD.
I told you guys weeks ago that Hossa saying he wouldn’t come to the Wild was a ’smoke screen’.
into: when you put it like that, so far I’d venture to say DR 4 for 4. It’s those last two that are the biggest, though.
Friendly one dollar wager to any takers for this bet: Hossa goes to Pittsburgh or Edmonton and not MN (as much as I would LOVE to see him here, I would even break my self-imposed rule of not buying jerseys with players names on the back).
Weller….a true dumpster dive if there ever was one.
FIRE RISEDUMP NOW !!
DUMP THE DUMPPER !!
oh, oh maybe this is the big trade going down… PMB to the LA Kings for Kopitar…
kj: I forsee an “I forsee…” from you in the near future…come on, don’t make us beg for it…
I can’t see Hossa coming here to be honest. Pit offered him a fair contract to be on a team that made it to the cup finals. Why come here? I think we have a solid team but does anyone think we are Pit or Det solid? Not yet.
Mike, provide us the link to where this is at about Hossa… without it, there is no credibility. And I have ESPN Insider… I went to the link posted and it has the same info it had about 5 hours ago.
And Wild2274… just grow up, that’s all I am asking.
Mike, i have a hard time believing Kings would trade Kopitar for PMB. The Wild would do that trade in a heartbeat and I am a big PMB fan btw.
PMB for Kopitar!? If only espn wasn’t the source I would feel joy.
for4rest, why would anybody just give you a dollar? You might as well ask people just to give you a dollar really. Same thing.
Nothing in that for the Kings…other than maybe they still feel bad for the O’Sully/Demo trade.
Maybe Mike misunderstood, it’s PMB for O’Sullivan. Need something to show for that Demitra deal.
Schmidty - I have access to the reporters wire blog on the insider through a family member working there… All the good stuff…
The real Mike…
I had a flashback…think about it…
“We got him!”
“WE GOT HIM!”
NiNY…I cannot betray my source on this. It is my understanding that Hossa will play wing with Gaborik and….Demitra.
Why do you think he hasn’t signed with Vancouver yet?
Straight up — if DR could pull that off, he would be a genius.
I’m sure the Dumpper is delirious over the Weller deal. He’s probably at McDonald’s right now relishing a Happy Meal.
we will never get hossa, the wild like to get washed up players and make them play in a system. They like players who have failed in the past because it makes it easier to sell the system to them, thats why DR is always scrapping up old junk from the bottom of the dumpster.
Hey people scrap ours too — if you consider Voros and Fedoruk. No offense to these players’ fans.
NiNY…I cannot betray my source on this. It is my understanding that Hossa will play wing with Gaborik and….Demitra.
Why do you think he hasn’t signed with Vancouver yet?
soooo….all the saber rattling the last couple weeks??? Diversion?
i agree, and they do it because our system made them look better than they are
Streit for 20+ mil.
I honestly would not do that deal.
How about Chicago. GREAT UFA day!
GF just walked by wearing a cheerleader uniform… I will be back in 3-4 minutes… LOL
Russo… can you help confirm any of this PMB & Hossa stuff for us? (not that I don’t believe you Mike.. just doing my due-diligence)
And thanks for the updates!
Chicago kicked some butt today, for sure, kj. They could *repeat could* give Detroit a run for their money in the division this season.
So no more Finnish Mafia or Slovakian Mafia.
Are we going to sign Peter and Anton Stastny too?
NiNY…bingo.
If it comes to fruition, I will reveal my source.
If it doesn’t happen…well…I guess I am no better than Eklund and an (e4)…
Nice as it would be clock wise, it’s finally to our competitive advantage to be in a different division than chicago.
real Mike: So you agree that Hossa isn’t coming?
NiNY…I liked the ‘Hawks before the moves!!!
I was kinda hoping they would sign a C so we could steal Lang from them.
If it comes to fruition, I will reveal my source.
Look, if your source is Jesus, then why wait?
….this just in….DR seen diving into the dumpster at McDonald’s…….
I really have to hand it to Rocky & The Gang, for turning that ship around on a DIME. Great time to be a hockey fan in Chi-Town. I’d be all over season tix if I were one.
New post coming in a few minutes from Russo….
russo,
dont tease us about lemaire going back to NJD with rolston and holik.
he’s not coming….no Rolston….no Hossa…no Huselius…no Hossa/Gabby/Demitra combo platter….c’mon, we got Weller!!
WE GOT HIM!!
I’m gonna go get a Happy Meal….
Schmidty: he said that a bit ago…the delay, and kj’s conversations with the Almighty are sort of making me nervous (that something is actually going down)….
Can we trade them JL for Parise? I’ll take that one.
Don Russo posted he was going to post something new nearly an hour ago… I hate to fuel speculation, but maybe he got caught up in something good… His deadline should be in about 2 hours… still time to get in that last deal…
http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=530882
Theres some INfo on the Weller guy we signed todaY
or maybe……and don’t print this….he’s having dinner!?!?!?!?
we could only hope JL would return to new jersey too
Dinner? Nah. No time for food here…
Look, if your source is Jesus, then why wait?
He just left Chicago…and he’s bound for the X…
I would share it (better than the stupid monkey) but I would get laffed off the blog…LOL
The only thing going down is Risedump’s happy meal…and I think mine is coming back up…urrp!
or maybe the Don gets a bonus if the comments git 1250…
I do have to say that I was a member of ESPN insider during the Johan Santana mess and they were feeding a bunch of BS throughout, little turned out to be true. That’s just what they have to do since people pay for it, gotta give ‘em something for their money.
Yanic Perrault?
Aged for4…er…Agreed.
I was thinkin of our signings again…
Did anyone see what Voros’ deal was worth?
Yanic Perreault is garbage.
Are we all just waiting for some nugget from Mike?? What is the dish, c’mon out with it!!
I would post ‘Wild sign Hossa’ but no one would get excited about Marcel…
Somethings burnin…
for the love of humanity… Fresh thread!!! It took me a full minute just to scroll this far on my phone.
Doesn’t look like the terms to the voros deal have been pulled into the light of day yet, ranger fans aren’t too enthused or inquisitive.
Please do not let it be Marcel Hossa. That would be an awful move.
Geez…Patrick Lalime is STILL in the league???
I’ll take marcel at the right terms if it gets us a new thread
oblivion…you shoulda went on there and told them all about Aaron ‘Chester’ Voros…
Enthused? The blogs and message boards the fans are feeling like they got robbed. They can give him back, and pay his salary if they want…
What’d I miss?
Into: well if its a two deal for $600K then, I am okay.
toivo-
Not a dang thing.
toivo: angst.
I’m prepared to be depressed, just give me the news that Marian Hossa didn’t sign with us.
I feel like Monty Hall, it’s 10 minutes to the hour and I just told the audience full of Hondourans that the first one to explain what icing is gets to be in the ‘Big Deal’….
I feel like Monty Hall, it’s 10 minutes to the hour and I just told the audience full of Hondourans that the first one to explain what icing is gets to be in the ‘Big Deal’…
New tie for POTD.
Icing…I could go for some cake right now
for4rest, here is the news: Marian Hossa will not sign with the Mild. It’s as good as gold. But you knew that already.
Wow.. both Mikes have some Stamina
I’ll take updates for either at this point.
Feeding time!
new post !
Aw shucks NiNY…it wasn’t me…it was the Newcastle… 
but ESPN insider said he would
That other Mike is a fraud.
DUMP THE DUMPPER!!
See? It’s really me!
So, just out of curiosity, who do you guys think got the best deal so far? I’m gonna have to say Campbell unless that Sundin rumor is true…..
FINALLY NEW POST by Russo.
we need to trade Gaborik for Wheeler right now.
“Wild are far from over”
And what exactly did that mean? Oh the suspense… oh. It was Craig Watson .. I mean Craig Webber … I mean Craig Weller. Who? Another great off-season for a non-Viking Minnesota pro team.
We gave up a solid young/goal scoring/ leader/prospect(Ryan Jones) AND a second round draft pick for a 31 year old Defenseman. Is Kevin McHale the Wild GM?
Looking at the FA lists at C.
Here are some interesting names… Michael Peca, Chris Gratton, Brendan Morrison.
I wonder if Fedorov would be content sticking around in Washington.
Sundin would be a pipe dream.
Garza for Young. Roy for Foye. Chris Simon. T Jack. McHale. Pohlad. Risebrough. Kick ass offense. Yup, this is about as depressing as it gets for a pro sports city.
Ziggy and AD you are our only hope.
HUSELIUS I told you hours ago, and I still think I’m correct.
DR has to have one more trick up his sleeve, we still have what? 10 Mil right, it will be another dissapointing season if this is it. Still happy about Bruno though
correction OMG, a 31 defenseman who doesn’t answer his phone. Anther stupid move.
[…] Free-agent frenzy I do have to say about this frenzy, as exciting as this time is for you and me, it is quite absurd. I was talking to a team exec the other day… […]
[…] Bruno’s back; Wild trades for Zidlicky I do have to say about this frenzy, as exciting as this time is for you and me, it is quite absurd. I was talking to a team exec the other day… […]
