Huselius chooses Blue Jackets over Wild; Wild tried hard to snag Hossa; Russo’s Rant on spending to the limit
Posted on July 2nd, 2008 – 7:47 PMBy Michael Russo
Here is the Marian Hossa story . As you can see, the Wild tried hard to grab the superstar, even using Marian Gaborik to get it done. In the end, Hossa’s agent confirmed to me his client turned down a long-term deal with the Wild averaging more than $8 million a season to sign for one year in Detroit. Edmonton and Boston were also offering Hossa packages reported to be in the $9 million range, and there were a number of others.
Columbus Blue Jackets have signed Kristian Huselius at four years, $19 million.
Wild has contract offers out to a number of players. Huselius must have been what the Wild was waiting for because the front office headed home Wednesday night minutes after Huselius made his decision.
I got a couple emails yesterday from readers, and I’ve seen comments in the blog the last couple days, demanding that the Wild spend to the upper cap limit of $56.7 million or the team will face fan backlash.
Look, spending to the cap ceiling doesn’t look like it’s going to happen this year, but it’s not because the Wild’s not trying.
It did everything it could to land Hossa, it tried for Olli Jokinen — and incidentally, these are just two things I know about and were able to report to you. As hard as I work to be as clued in as I can, there’s no possible way I can know every single thing the Wild is trying or has tried to do. So I’m sure there are things I don’t know about, and thus, you don’t.
But now that the Wild couldn’t get Hossa and Jokinen, it’s doubtful it’ll spend to the cap this season — and trust me, you don’t want them to. Think about this logically, reasonably just for one second.
It makes absolutely no sense to spend money just to spend money and conceivably hamstring the organization for years to come on lesser quality players and poor contracts. There are still some quality guys the team’s going after, and if it strikes out, I’m sure it’ll attempt some trades, but the list of names below are not stars by any means.
Do you really want the Wild to offer the cast below outlandish contracts to come here?
That would pay negative dividends for a long time, trust me. I’m not advocating the Wild not spend money. I know I don’t pay any hard-earned cash like you all do to support this team. But trust me, you don’t want them to spend to the cap just because it looks better to its fan base.
That’s not fiscally responsible, and you’ll see those negative repercussions if they do. The only way I see them even approaching the cap now is if it made a trade for a big-money player.
Now, I do agree, this team still has plenty of offensive holes and it better try to fill them, or this could be, let’s just say, an interesting season.
I talked to Doug Risebrough Tuesday afternoon and the Wild has been on all the top forwards. I know they do have offers into Markus Naslund, Brendan Morrison. They have not inquired about Marty Straka, I’m told by his agent.
I’m sure there are many others they’re talking with.
Maybe the Wild can just sign the entire Naslund, Morrison, Bertuzzi line of yesteryear.
As I said yesterday, the Wild has a tremendous relationship with Naslund’s agent, but obviously it’s the players choice. And some reporters I talked to from Vancouver on Tuesday said Naslund didn’t want to make a decision on leaving there until he knew if countryman and pal Mats Sundin was coming. But now Sundin is indicating he won’t make a decision on Vancouver’s $20 million, two-year offer for some time, so maybe Naslund will accelerate his decision-making.
The Wild did talk to Pavol Demitra’s rep Tuesday.
Just looking at the free agency list, these are still some talents out there: Owen Nolan, Ladislav Nagy (Slovak 
), Brendan Shanahan, Miro Satan, Josef Vasicek, Jason Williams, Trevor Letowski.
Some other intriguing vets? Mike Peca, Marty Lapointe, Stephane Yelle, Marty Reasoner, Curtis Brown, Byron Ritchie, Bryan Smolinski, Kevyn Adams.
Toronto continues to get slaughtered for its Jeff Finger, $3.5 million a year contract signing. Here’s a funny, and accurate, line from Hockey News’ Mike Brophy:
I bet if you put Finger in a lineup a week ago and asked (Cliff) Fletcher to pick him out, he wouldn’t be able to do it.
713 Responses to "Huselius chooses Blue Jackets over Wild; Wild tried hard to snag Hossa; Russo’s Rant on spending to the limit"
What about Todd Bertuzzi?
“Huselius, Naslund, Morrison.”
I think I would be fairly happy with any of those guys. Hopefully we get one of em’. But I would be happiest with Morrison since he is a C and we need a C real effin’ bad.
Why do I always manage to ask a question right before a new thread is posted? Once again, from the last thread:
Just as a question for those down on PMB, DR was looking for PMB to show up in the playoffs to determine whether he was worth keeping.
Did he do enough in the playoffs and, if not, what would have been enough to satisfy?
And Missy — are you serious about Bertuzzi? Sarcasm is so hard to get over the internets.
Josef Stumpel? Antti Miettinen?
Sounds like they’re waiting for one to pop and the rest will go, you think?
Have they told them about tater tot hotdish? Dinner of champions right there. Come on boys. Dotted line. You’ll feel better when it’s done. Dressing like a Christmas Elf just indicates to the world that you’re GIFTED. Haha. See? It’ll be great. Do it!
Well we figured that Naslund and Bertuzi were a packaged deal.:) Honestly..I think that DR may consider him..after the Simon signing.
I am a HUGE Nazzy fan..but he needs someone to play with. Kinda like Gabby. He needs someone to play with. I would love Huselius on this team too.
Dressing like a Christmas Elf just indicates to the world that you’re GIFTED.
She’ll be here all night, folks, don’t forget to tip your waitress.
I’m a big fan of tuna hotdish, myself.
I would feel slightly better if he settled his lawsuit with Steve Moore. Saying you’re sorry for destroying a guy’s career only goes so far.
But I still think that he should continue to play the game as a shell of his former self for someone else.
I like the early aggresiveness by the Wild. You figure that Brunette will equal or better Demitra’s production, and if they sign a few of the aforementioned forwards they will equal or better Rolstons production. Throw in the new (allegedly) offensive defensemen, and we have a pretty good team shaping up.
WiTX: I don’t know if PMB did enough. He did score an OT winner with a big assist from Rolston. That line with Koivu was huge in the playoffs.
However in comparison to Gaborik, PMB on paper did better.
Hossa would be awesome.
I would like Peca as our center. He reminds me of Walz. A defensive 1st C
Jberch, I would much rather have Demitra, Keep in Mind Bruno Played with guys like Sakic, Forsberg, Stastny etc, Demitra was playing out of position and had Todd Fedoruk as a wing and still managed roughly the same amount of points (5 Less) then Bruno in 14 less games
Trying to put a different spin on the “Fair Weather Player”…
What kind of stones does Detroit have!?! You put in a 1 year offer for $7.4 mil on a guy who is getting offered a sh*t ton (I think I heard a rumor 12 year $100 mil)… and get the guy to SIGN!?! I understand you are the reigning champs… but you almost lost to Nashville in the first series.
I keep giving my daydreams on here so here is my latest:
GM Co-Op
DR: Hey Ken, I was wondering, since you won the Cup last year, you can pretty much get anybody you want right?
KH: Yup
DR: So you wanna throw a 1 year, say around 7 mil contract out at Hossa, we will throw out a 6 year 25 mil contract to PMB, then we can trade and you can have Pouliot and Skoula.
KH: …Skoula?
DR: Ok PMB, Pouliot, and a pick,
KH: Done.
Three words: Tuna, noodle, Naslund.
I’m a big fan of tuna hotdish, myself.
Eeww, and from someone in TX no less. I think I would take the bacon dipped in chocolate over any hotdish…
I do agree w/ whoever on the last thread was concerned about trading our young assets for older ones, with the skyrocketing FA prices
Two more: keep Bouchard.
The one thing about Demitra, even though he was clearly unhappy being at center and not getting the maximum points, was very servicable in that position. He also played all situations.
Bruno, I don’t think, plays on the PK. That will what is missing from Rolston and Demitra. Two very good PKers. That would mean that Gaborik, Koivu, Parrish, Belanger and SRV are going to spend more ice time killing penalties.
I’ll pass on Morrison…
I’ll take Naslund & either Demo or Huselius. Need two to make this team better than last year and Hossa was the only single player that could have done that.
Sunshine,
Lossing Voros should cut the time needed to kill time in half, at least.
LOL
God, I hope so, but would Weller take take his place?
You know, I think this new team will be filled with less 3d-4th line grinders. That is a good thing. Weller and SRV are the only plumbers at the moment. Boogaard is the enforcer.
Bacon dipped in chocolate sounds good too…
But I’m Minnesotan. I was raised on hotdish. It’s probably the best food ever.
Schmidty — if you take Naslund and Huselius, aren’t we still short a center?
I would have given up Foster for Radio, he was a dang good plummer, Foster doesn’t cover nearly the minutes Radio did.
Hehehe, i was just thinking
Naslund - Morrison - Bertuzzi
Brunette - Koivu - Gaborik
Hehehe…..
But given they were both injured, neither is going to be helpful for the first game of the season.
Radio had to go to Russia to get a contract. I’m hoping he’ll be back when he’s rehabbed (and his contract is up).
Wildly Optimistic, I will miss Radio. He was a super hard worker. Couldn’t finish though.
Me to TX
I had never even considered the Hossa thing a reality, so it’s quite a shock to me that they even went after him hard. Oh well, there isn’t a Hossa in FA for every team, so there are going to be a lot of teams that are dissappointed. I just wish he wouldn’t have gone to DTW.
I wonder why he took their 1 year offer over the Pens multi year offer. The Pens have a pretty good team coming back next year as well.
Sources tell TSN Kristian Huselius has signed a four year deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets worth $4.75 million per year.
CBJ wins one:
Blue Jackets sign Huselius to a four-year deal
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242320
4 year deal worth $4.75 million per year.
huselius just signed with the blue jackets
I wonder why he took their 1 year offer over the Pens multi year offer
Not gonna take the bait… not gonna respond…
Sources tell TSN Kristian Huselius has signed a four year deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets worth $4.75 million per year.
What?! Egad. Enjoy the suckiness in Columbus.
So any thoughts on Veilleux?
darn it.
Welp…..Dougie…whatcha got?
Overpaid for Huselius
I wouldn’t go over 4mil
He must want to start from the bottom!
Smolinski is the kind of veteran blood and guts guy I was calling for last year.
It looks like we are down to Morrison or pick from a pool of a bunch of guy on the verge of retirement….Kristian would have been nice.
Is there any particular reason (aside from money) that a player would CHOSE to play in Columbus? Anything? No?
So lets tear him apart now because he is out of the mix……..
In 2005, Huselius and fellow Swedish hockey players Henrik Tallinder and Andreas Lilja were investigated on suspicion of sexual exploitation. In March of 2005, all three players were suspended from the Swedish national team for one year, with Huselius and Tallinder being released by Swedish club Linköping and Lilja being suspended by Swedish club Mora for the rest of the season.[2]
Well, was gonna say that we would Pouli there ATX, but it looks like we don’t have to worry about that now with Huselius gone 
Is there any particular reason (aside from money) that a player would CHOSE to play in Columbus? Anything? No.
Fixed. You answered your own question.
Wild TX
–they prefer a challenge?
Darn it. I feel like all the hopes we put on these players signing with us are going to fall like dominoes.
That is why they traded Zherdev to the Rangers.
Wild need at wing is big but Huselius for 4 at $4.8 per is too much, especially with the C spot still open. Unless I am mistaken, Morrison has strong character, DR needs to overpay him.
WildinATX: They have a thing for OSU chicks?
But I still think that he should continue to play the game as a shell of his former self for someone else.
My favorite post of the day!
Jeez…see if I waste my creative talents on a fricken Swede again.
Hmmm…that takes us to…um…well…er…
Oh, that must be it NiNY! OSU chicks!
All three members of Vancouver’s ‘West Coast Express’ line from 3 seasons ago (Morrison, Naslund, Bertuzzi) are still out there…
DR? Hellooooooooooooo DR? Hello? Hello?
One quick question, wasn’t it Naslund that was supposidly showing Demo around VAN a month or so back? Was that just a BS story? Maybe they were talking about trading houses.
OSU chicks
The OSU chicks…
Wild Road Tripper,
Although it would be pretty cool to see that line with the Wild, it sorta feel apart and were seperated for a reason…
Bertuzzi never regained his form, Morrison and Naslund were losing their touch etc etc
Greg: Since Demo lived in a condo near Loring Park, I doubt it was trading spaces…in Vancouver what you pay for a condo in Minneapolis would get you a sleeping room in Gastown and that’s about it…
Overpaying is the name of the game…if you’re in it.
Can’t compete with Detroit for Hossa.
Can’t get OJ.
Can’t even sign frickin Sister Kristian.
NO WAY Naslund comes here.
Morrison is damaged goods.
Brunette is a ‘throw away’ UFA signing.
Is it time to throw DR under the bus yet?
http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2008/07/jackets_pursuing_huselius.shtml
According the above blog, CBJ no longer in the running for Morrison. So one less competitor to deal with.
oh my gawd…if we signed those three would the Hanson Bros. and free car giveaways really be that far behind?
CircularTheory: I agree, but we need something to get off the offensive schneid. I don’t think either Ladislav Nagy or Byron Ritchie is the answer. Do you?
You guys want DR to overpay then you bash him for overpaying.
Huselius Lilja etc were acquitted of rape. It was consensual. But what happened is that Sweden had a one strike you are out and they were not allowed to play in playoffs etc. I suppose they did not want guys who were consorting with fans..especially Huselius as he was known as a “family” man. (His wife stood by him) But this has hung over his head for the past few years and I think that is why we passed on him last time around. He is not a jerk or a bad guy. He made a bad decision. I understand this was an uber fan that wanted some sort of fantasy fling. That was creepy.
Didn’t we already have the Hanson Bros, so I guess the car giveways are near!
KJ even if you try to overpay a guy it is no promise he will come here!! From the sounds of it the Wild offered Hossa more money then Detroit and he still picked Detroit
Honestly kj, I have no idea how you ever find people that please you.
Has DR done a good job?
This is how I answer this question. In April he whined that Detroit has less of a payroll than we did. And gee..they OVERPOWERED everyone on no money and we…well..we went up and down all season. What does that tell you? Hm. Maybe they scout train and trade better in Detroit?
NiNY: Just think, if we had the three of them the Northstar Corridor commuter train has instant publicity! (Fat chance…)
No. I don’t think any of them will come here. And since Sister Kristian decided that Nationwide was on his side, we aren’t overpaying for another mid-level player.
Ladislav Nagy? Nyet!
Is it time to throw DR under the bus yet?
kj: you seem tense.
Call 900-SUK-PUCK and ask for Lexi. Tell her NickinNe….er….BobinBoston….sent you.
Hossa was NEVER going to come here. He told that to the Slovakian press. He could not abide by JL’s system. He wants to be creative and free.
He will EXCEL in Detroit
I want to know WHY they don’t want to come here!
Is it JL?
NiNY: Just think, if we had the three of them the Northstar Corridor commuter train has instant publicity! (Fat chance…)
No. I don’t think any of them will come here. And since Sister Kristian decided that Nationwide was on his side, we aren’t overpaying for another mid-level player.
this whole post is hilarious, IMO.
Missy, Mike Babcock is a defensive minded coach also
WiATX…My comment is related to something I posted last week before anything started:
I said they would ‘try’ to sign FAs and would come up empty. It is related to the mistaken assumption (by Wild management) that they are an elite franchise and they would have to lock the doors to keep players away.
Ok, a little hyperbole stirrs the pot, but really…how much have the Wild improved over last year?
How much is there left out there to HELP the Wild get better than they were last year?
ABSOLUTELY
Zetterberg is one of the great Defensive players in the league.
And Oh yea..he can score.
The issue is that JL is all about the D not about any offense. He is VERY one sided.
I am happy the Jackets got Huselius. (Maybe I am bias) I was excited that the Wild signed Foster though, I watched him when he was in the minors and have always been a fan.
This is indicative of 2 things - the inept behavior of a minor league GM - most high profile players do NOT want to play for coaches like JL anymore. Sure, the guy has forgotten more than most of has ever known of this sport - but that doesn’t typically correlate to today’s player. Hell, most of these young guys never even saw the guy play/coach in a Stanley cup game! This is exactly why I feel that the Wild is going to have to needlessly overpay for Gabby to stay - if they had a rockstar coach/GM like, say, Detroit does, then I’m sure these guys would love to stick around here considering the money they’re looking to spend/offer!
Agreed, but I’m suprised Naslund is even looking around if he was leading the city tours.
Please show us this Slovakian Newspaper that Hossa would never have come to MN.
I would be interested in seeing it. Thanks.
And while we are at it..that whole Detroit team can play D as well as score.
JL will live and die by his system. And players don’t believe in his system.
BTW when I mentioned Zetterberg..I was referring to the fact he is an example of one of why Detroit is so great. What was he drafted? Something like 270th or so?
But they created a dynamo.
I do not see that here…sorry…but I do not.
Right now the Wild have just over 28 mil committed in cap space for 09-10. The following year it drops to just over 15 mil.
My point being that sometimes, when there isn’t a better alternative, you must improve the team by overpaying.
Naslund sold his home in Vancouver already.
I understand Gabby was with Demo when he was escorted around here.
And btw Gabby said at the last Wild event that Hossa would not come here. My Slovakian source is outta town this weekend. I will send it on when they return.
* especially when you have the available dough and your new owner said he is all about winning.
kj — I am familiar with the post you’re referencing. I didn’t agree with it then and I don’t agree with it now.
If you offer more than other teams but the players want to go to the Cup winning team, DR can’t do much about that.
As for OJ, if we had traded Shep, gotten OJ for 2 years, and then OJ left, people would have been bitching like they do about O’Sullivan for Demo.
You make the best choice you can.
Well..let us start with where they are overpaying.
1) Parrish. Do you think he is worth THAT kind of money?
2) I LOVE Kim Johnsson but do you give an Offensive Dman that kind of money to play under JL?
I don’t think anybody is going to come here if they can help it. Not as long as JL is here.
Oh, and if Hossa wanted to play for DETROIT, not just for the opportunity to win a cup, he would have been looking for more than a one year contract.
I imagine they are looking for someone to play with Gabby. I see that they are stacking all of their chips on him.
I have to wonder..who will center him?
And I might be wrong, but wasn’t Detroit’s entire scouting staff focused on the later rounds because they didn’t have first round picks?
Missy,
I know i am, but aren’t tired of people who keep saying KJ is crap? He is overpaid, but he brings a very good puck moving game on the blueline.
Now every1 here wants us to overpay? As this season goes on, we’re going to hear more whining on how we overpaid…
Not to mention that Kimmy’s contract is pretty reasonable when looking at other contracts signed yesterday (see Finger, Jeff).
I know for a fact that Parrish played as he was coached!
“How much is there left out there to HELP the Wild get better than they were last year?”
With Hossa in Det, is there any reason to get better??
And overpay all you want — if you don’t have team chemistry, you won’t be any good. See NY Rangers, pre-lockout.
I don’t think anybody is going to come here if they can help it. Not as long as JL is here.
I’m starting to think we can add Michel Therrien to this list. Pens haven’t signed anybody out of the organization yet (Eric freaking Godard doesn’t count).
Parrish is definitely worth that kind of money when he is used the way he is meant to be used. Look at his early production and then compare it to his late season production when JL changed his “style” of play. Not nearly as effective. Put him in front of the net. JL doesn’t use the talents his players have, he tries to mold them to fit some weird little master plan he has. Just as you pointed out, Missy, Johnsson is an awesome offensive Dman, but how often do you see him in that role? Usually he is struggling to keep Skoula’s butt out of the fire.
isn’t it too early to say we’ve overpaid for anything…we’ve signed ONE f/a, technically, and I don’t think we overpaid for him, on paper.
kj — I am familiar with the post you’re referencing. I didn’t agree with it then and I don’t agree with it now.
If you offer more than other teams but the players want to go to the Cup winning team, DR can’t do much about that.
Riddle me this then…who made the decisions to put the roster into the precarious position it is in right now?
There is NO decent help left. Another year of one and out in the playoffs if we even make it this year. What a joke.
Peca and Parrish were a heck of a pair on the Islanders.
Anyone want to buy a pair of wild season tickets?
I am not going to jump ship and give up my tix yet, but as prices go up, the front office needs to show me they are looking to make a deep run in the playoffs…not just make money!!!
Mike, if I lived in MN I would take your TIX is a heartbeat.
That really hurt about Kristian Huselius, but we are not the kind of team that was going to break the bank for a player like him. Naslund seems to be the only goal scorer left out there (since Sundin and Jagr are out of the question for the Wild). The Wild have got to get him to be at least as good offensively as we were last year, which wasn’t very good.
It showed how far you get in the playoffs when you are offensively challenged. If the Wild don’t get him, they will be in big trouble. The Wild have a lot of forwards that are better at defense than offense, and better at passing than goal scoring. Detroit will probably hoist the cup once again, but it would be nice to put up some sort of fight.
Am I the only fan who thinks DR screwed up sending Ryan Jones AND a 2nd rounder. Jones was a big,physical goal scorer…Isn’t that exactly what the Wild is missing. Jones is a guy who could be on the only when Koivu was taking his break. That way we’d have two guys that could dominate the play. Gaborik?? Yes he’s got world class skills/speed be he looks like he’s a boy playing a mans game during playoff hockey. Zidlicky better be as good as his name is goofy.
When DR was waiting to see PMB’s performance in the playoffs before signing him long term, everyone supported that.
When it’s Rolston (and it’s July), everyone seems to think that’s a stupid idea.
Personally, I think he should have signed him last summer, and cheap. I believe Rolston was under 35 at that point, so that would have avoided that problem. Still, he probably wouldn’t have taken a contract under $4 million, which is a lot for an older guy who has only been consistent in MN and on a line with PMB. But he didn’t, and I don’t think Rolston would have resigned during this season (that’s a personal intuition thing).
Do you really think that Voros and Fedoruk are irreplaceable? And didn’t you (I’m not sure your stance on him) complain that Demo wasn’t worth what we paid for him last season?
If you’ve been to the future, I think I know several people who could use your help. Not every team can win the cup every year. Sort of how that goes.
I won’t give up my tix…not quite yet.
But, am I the only one that will be slightly miffed that next year will be just slightly less competitive than we may have been led to believe by the ‘plan’?
smurf
Is there a Russian Hockey channel?
And don’t you get to see something like 40-ish games a season with season tickets? Still a good deal in my book.
Sure Mike I will what section?
Jackets overpaid IMO. Next!
Not to mention that Kimmy’s contract is pretty reasonable when looking at other contracts signed yesterday
Yet another poster recovering from Johnsson Contractitis!
There is no way to win with a lot of MN fans. You overpay for a guy (Johnsson) and they cry about it… you be conservitive and they cry about it… you swing and miss with FA’s they cry about it. Pick a stance and stick with it folks.
Now KJ, I am with you on DR putting the team in this perdiciment. He could have done things to prevent it. But I give him props on his effort this off season. He has tried a lot of different options… they don’t seem to be panning out (exceotion of Bruno/Zidlicky), but damnit he is trying without lowballing and I respect that.
You are definitely not the only one kj. There have been several of you around for the last couple of days.
Dallas signed Avery, the pesky forward to a $15.5 million, four-year deal Wednesday, a commitment that also pushes the Stars close enough to the salary cap that they probably won’t chase more high-profile free agents.
I will be floored if they suck @ss and give some BS rebuilding the franchise banter from DR…Gabby cannot do it alone and I think that a strong team that is a contender is worth more than money to some players… i.e. Hossa.
SGS, did you think Finger’s contract was well deserved?
so i havent been here in awhile but this
“Three words: Tuna, noodle, Naslund.”
made me laugh very hard.
kudos, rayraydavies
I just wish the ONE TIME a Minnesota sports team would break the bank for a player. Give me Jagr. Let me wake up tomorrow morning, drive to work and turn on my computer and find that Minnesota mortgaged the XCel Center or sold Gaborik into Swedish slavery and Jagr is now on the Wild. Just tell me that and I’d be a good person for the rest of the freaking year. I swear.
Or am I misunderstanding the definition of Johnsson Contractitis?
BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH…. Nag nag nag, whine whine whine…..
Geeze people do you mind!! Your ruining my evening of watching Ghost Hunters. I don’t expect kool-ade level good feelings, but you’d think the team got rid of everyone and started over with mites playing all the key rolls the way some of you talk.
Parrish is not overpaid because he gets credit for being a Minnesotan, right?
He was overpaid this season. Let’s see what he does next season.
ATX…I have been consistent.
Consistent in wanting the team to improve. Consistent in my belief that DR has mis-calculated how important playing in a good hockey market is.
I always harp on trying to win a championship. Guess what? Players do too.
I thought that was you, Putz.
kj: I’m on the same train with regards to their overall performance in 08-09. I’m EXPECTING a playoff series win. Anything less (including winning the division but not advancing) will not be satisfying to me - based on the plan that DR laid out when he started this whole thing.
I’m not expecting them to win the conference or the Cup next year. But I’m giving them the season.
omg, we cried about that yesterday but have moved on now. I think Jonesy could have gone either way… the next Danny Irmen or the next, I dunno, Bruno? Not sure. But we KNOW what Licky can do. Sucks majorly for Houston though.
Oops…WiATX
wild2274 - Sorry, didn’t see your entry. Section #117. I think I will stay home this year.
” Minnesota mortgaged the XCel Center or sold Gaborik into Swedish slavery and Jagr is now on the Wild.”
Oh god.. I threw up all over my keyboard. Ugh. Thanks a lot Smurf.
smurfy: this may be dating myself, but I’d consider the Herschel Walker deal “breaking the bank”. Actually, I’d call that breaking the franchise, albeit arguably not permanently.
Band — I’m with you. To be honest, I’m kind of excited to see what the new acquisitions do. I might be alone here, but I like seeing new things.
It’s probably because I like to watch hockey. As long as it’s not terrible hockey, I’m pretty happy. And, with our core (Koivu, Burns, Shultz, and, god willing, PMB), I feel pretty certain that it’s not going to be 100% AHL level hockey in St. Paul this season.
Wait kj, the consistent thing was to me? I didn’t say the consistent thing, ATXWF did!
Sorry kjm, our names are too similar! Stupid Austin TX! Nah, I’m kidding, it’s actually pretty nice here. You should come visit, then we can gang up… I mean, talk to you reasonably about the Wild. 
Hang in there Mike you will get the Itch again
WiATX…not 100% AHL, not Cup material either.
I’m actually angry with myself. That I was pretty accurate with my sarcasm as to how all of this has played out.
ATXs…been there…great place.
Don’t know squat about hockey but… 
I just feel lucky that I get to see ANY hockey, even on TV (thank you, CI). I wish I were back in MN … with the hotdish…
Until I see who is on the team I am not going to jump off the cliff like so many here. If we get Naslund and Morrison (unlikely) we will be better than last year. Who knows until we see what happens. Who knows whether DR will pull off a trade. It’s a long summer and I think Leipold is encouraging DR to make some moves.
Austin is a great place. The 100+ degrees daily do take a toll though. Might explain the crankiness from the southern contingent …
Sorry about that imagery, Austin. At least Jagr would turn out to be USEFUL, as opposed to Walker. I think anyway. I think we do have a good team at the core, but I have a really unhappy feeling about this season, which I didn’t have at the end of the season. I was feeling pretty good, like we were moving straight up with just a couple of tweaks. But when you toss half the team, you can bet it will take more than a half a summer to get any chemistry going for the next season. I’m seriously bummed. I think I’m going to Dairy Queen now. Somebody page me if Jagr calls.
I wish I could go to ONE GAME without paying over $1000.00… you guys are lucky.
kj, I won’t argue with that! 
I love our banter here at
Armchair GM and Recliner Head Coach
Fair enough smurfy. Granted Jager would prduce some points… but I would be concerned about his effect in the dressing room.
In Huselius case, it wasn’t JL or the system. Hitchcock and JL pay practically the same system. It was money.
Enjoyed my trip to Austin, TX in April but could barely recognize the city. Had good barbecue and good Tex-Mex breakfast. Found my old apt–hard to believe it was still there. But, friends were getting ready for the summer heat which I remember all too well. So, WinATX–are you a UT Law grad?
Why is Hitchcock so successful and JL is just lost?
Don’t worry kj, we’re drinking white russians and watching america’s funniest home videos. The stubborness should subside (temporarily) soon.
Oh you poor Minnesotans stuck in Texas. Don’t fresh tortillas and authentic queso make up for hotdish? I’d die a slow tex-mexless death if I lived up north.
At least you Austin lot have an AHL team in your future. That arena they’re putting out there looks great. I can’t wait to go when they play the Aeros.
Okay, I have been drinking White Russians since about 7:30, so I am changing my name (just for the evening) to The Dude.
Phone’s ringin’ Dude.
Thank you Donny.
Hell no. I went to law school at Pitt. But Austin offered me a job, and a well paying one at that, so we made the sacrifice and moved to TX. But it’s Austin, so it’s not exactly Texas.
They are getting an AHL team in the next couple of years though, so at least that’s some hockey. Don’t expect us to turn into AiH though. I think it’s unlikely that we’ll attend AHL games for anything other than a temporary holdover for the NHL.
Remember the last to training camps, when there were NO (or one) roster spots open for any of the young guys? How we thought it would be nice to give one or two of ‘em a shot at the big dance?
Think of it this way, maybe we’ll get to see Gilles and Clutterbuck on the big team this season.
I think everyone that I work with went to UTLaw though. And almost all our summers. Man they love UT here.
woodcock did you go to UT or something?
In Huselius case, it wasn’t JL or the system. Hitchcock and JL pay practically the same system. It was money.
that’s waaay too much reason and rational thinking for Russoville this week, sunshine.
Ok people step back from the bridge a bit and take a breath. The difference in our division from last to first was 10 pts last year. Nucks were dead last with 88 pts and 10 overtime loses. They cut that in half they would have had an extra 5pts making them at least make the playoffs (not counting it taking 5 pts away from other teams). Here is a thought don’t let Gaborik shoot in the shootout he is like 1 for 15.
I went to law school at Pitt
Woo, shout out!
(I didn’t go to Pitt, so I mean the city.)
Isn’t Austin the bubble of sanity in Texas? The red-headed stepchild, if you will?
ms. conduct, if you come to Austin you gotta look us up. We will definitely be going to all the aeros games that come this way.
Totally off-topic, for the MN refugees in TX,
If you had to chose to live in either Houston or Dallas, which would you pick?
I have job offers in both, and cannot chose between them…
Johnsson Contractitis has two defintions:
1. The Johnsson Contract is the main thing keeping the Wild from reaching the Stanley Cup Finals so might as well give up for the next two years
2. The Johnsson Contract should create a new policy that calls for the Wild to never, ever, never again pay the preimium for a UFA ever.
WildinATX: do you make Austin drink in solitude, or are you tossing back the White Russians too?
No, Austin is the hot blonde of Texas.
It’s the blue dot, Mr. Bandgeek.
They do love UT. Not many of us UT’ers up here in MN Wildland. When I first got here my friends in TX wondered if I just did slip and fall cases.
Congrats to all those who DIDN’T get an Architecture degree from the U of M. Stupid building/housing slump.
NiNY:
I sometimes wonder why I bother with reason when its easier to be down and out.
Wf#9 … that’s a tough one. Do you like fake people or hot and humid weather more?
Wildfor#9 says:
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Totally off-topic, for the MN refugees in TX,
If you had to chose to live in either Houston or Dallas, which would you pick?
I have job offers in both, and cannot chose between them…
________
Houston, then you can watch the prospects play almost every weekend.
NiNY — I introduced him to the white russian. Like I would miss out on those …
Dallas without question. The Dude–yeah–Hook ‘em Horns.
Nick we are both putting them back (bad days at the office).
“No, Austin is the hot blonde of Texas.”
That is correct! Austin rocks.
I sometimes wonder why I bother with reason when its easier to be down and out.
that’s why I chose to be the bartender at the Russoville Pub. On the rare occasion I am forced to make that distinction, there’s a very good chance that my audience won’t remember it in the morning.
That is nice edubs but now Petteri is gone we have no proven shoot-out talent!
Woodcock — at least they knew that MN was a state. I used to waitress with a girl in Pittsburgh that though MN was a city…
Congrats to all those who DIDN’T get an Architecture degree from the U of M. Stupid building/housing slump
Why thanks you.
Sunshine-
Because it makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside?
Or because it drowns out the horrible, horrible voices?
“my friends in TX wondered if I just did slip and fall cases.”
lol! Very nice.
I get hot & humid in MN… is it worse?
Nick we are both putting them back (bad days at the office).
so, like, are you sitting side-by-side with laptops pounding away at the keyboards?
I sometimes wonder why I bother with reason when its easier to be down and out.
I’ll drink to that!!!
Depends on a LOT of things, Wild49. They’re very different cities in nearly every way, other than being in Texas. I know both well if you want to email me (msconduct10 at gmail) and I’ll fill you in, if you want. I’d live in either pretty easily but both have high points and low points. Just depends on your priorities.
I will definitely let you Austin folks know when I’ll be in town for an Aeros game. My company is in Austin so I’m fully committed to coming up for lots of training classes and crap like that once the season starts there next year. Boondoggle, baby!
Yes. Even my friends from Dallas call it hot and humid. But, it’s like the reverse Minneapolis. They have tunnels instead of skywalks.
I’m bored with free agency, and spending money. I want this franchise to show me they can find some diamonds in the rough to be successful. The last thing I want to see is the Wild emulate the Rangers.
We need some young talent hungry to win. Guys who are willing to bust their asses game in, and game out.
Phil, are you out there? Satch is playing The State 10/07. Tickets on sale 07/11.
Just dont put the same people in EVERY time. I like JL but lets remind ourselves…
#1 Koivu- Well lets see if he does one hand deke up to the glove hand side (seriously if the announcers and everyone at home knows its coming so does the goalie)
#2 Rolston- Will he take the big Slapper (50-50 shot at going in at least)
#3 Gabby- deke to the five whole an nooooo just misses
#4 PMB- Come on I will let you all play any predictions on the move?
I have to wonder about the Wild though..they let Branko go without a wink and they don’t seem to want to keep Demo.
Russo often wrote about some locker room issues and players that didn’t get on with JL. I have to wonder about this.
As for Huselius…he is going for the money. He has rid himself of Mike Keenan for now..and will be playing for a better coach.
I bet he was offered less by DR but decided we have about as much a chance to go for the cup as Columbus..but he will get more $$$$$$ there. So he went there. We can laugh about the Blue Jackets..but I bet they are laughing at us…
I think the player we really missed out on was the Avs new sign..Per Ledin. He is tough..and he makes things happen. And again..we could afford him but they are not very good at Scouting Europeans in Hockeyville.
Two laptops, one 52″ LCD flat screen tv with America’s Funniest Home Videos …
People in MN don’t know hot and humid. Try Houston, Atlanta, St. Louis. Then tell me it is hot and humid in MN. Sheesh.
ty ms conduct. I will email you tomorrow. And ty everyone else. The months after college are almost as scary as the start of free agency.
The last thing I want to see is the Wild emulate the Rangers.
Considering the Rags just inked Redden to $39M/6 yrs you should be fine, Kirk.
The Rags never learn, do they?
Don’t forget they signed Voros to a 3 yr/ $3 mil deal too. That’s a lot if he keeps playing the way he did Jan-April
I think the Mr wishes we had two lap tops. I usually (always) get the laptop and the Mr uses the older tower….
Would it be wrong to beat the children next door? I know the 4th is Friday but stop with the fireworks already. It’s driving me and the dogs batty.
*Do you like fake people or hot and humid weather more?*
Yep, that’s about as succinct as one could be about it.
And yes, Houston is incredibly hot and humid. Like, when I go to Dallas and people say, “Man it’s hot and humid today.” and I’m spinning around like f’ing Julie Andrews on a mountaintop singing joyful songs about how low the humidity is… well, yeah, it’s really hot and humid here. But the winters are very very mild (I have 5 citrus trees in my yard and make margaritas from my own limes and lemons). Dallas still gets the shit weather in the winter (not like MN of course, but more than I’d like being slick-road-phobic).
But Dallas has Marty Turco and Sean Avery. Dude. But it also costs a fortune to go to the games compared to the AHL club here.
“People in MN don’t know hot and humid.”
I agree. It’s way wose in a lot of other areas. Even southern IN gets worse I think.
I will miss his, uh enthusiasm, though. That, and the on-ice mosh-pits.
Say the word honey, I’ll get the gun!!!!
I think the only locker room issue was the players tuning out JL after learning that Simon was the only trade deadline acquisition. Heck, most wild fans were up in arms about that. Why wouldn’t the players be?
Other than that, I don’t remember any that were reported by Russo.
Care to enlighten some of us with other issues that were going?
Maybe we could get Satan?
and I’m spinning around like f’ing Julie Andrews on a mountaintop singing joyful songs about how low the humidity is
I found that really humorous. Thank you.
1) Didn’t read all the posts - but got the most important one
ATX switching aliases to the Dude. Best. Blog. Move. Ever.
2) BUMMMMMERRRRRR about Huselius.
3) Russo - what about Fedorov for our center needs or is he not available?
4) I can’t promise the future, but DR, if you overpay for a center I won’t be mad for a few months.
Ok, but I think it’s cheaper than going to a game in MN. Plus, I’ve been told that no one is a Stars fan, it’s all fans of the other team… that’s totally hearsay though.
Down boy, we can’t shoot um.. maybe just put the fear of god in their tiny little brains with a few well placed pucks to the head.
“Say the word honey, I’ll get the gun!!!!”
Mr. Bandgeek, you win awesome comment of the day award presented by ME.
The Dude abides.
*they signed Voros to a 3 yr/ $3 mil deal too*
Is that the deal?? I knew that was the terms of Fridge’s deal but hadn’t heard AV’s numbers. If that’s true then WOW… good for him. Dumb for Rangers.
I guess you can call grumblings by players about the constant line changes or the big meeting between JL, Rolston, PMB, Gaborik and Demitra about ice time in January as problems in the locker room.
I’m not going to lie, I LOVE the constant line changes. Keeps everyone on their toes. Plus, keeps the other team on their toes. That’s never a bad thing in my book.
Voros hit the jackpot with only 6 goals and winning almost 20% of fights.
Congrats.
Thanks Dude. Did you ever get a new rug to really pull the room together?
About Voros’ deal, that’s what the Pio Press said
Given the remaining players available, Your opinion please - have we missed those that would give a chance for the cup run? Or, are we now just doing our best to make up for what we lost?
You know what’s fun about fireworks in the neighborhood? Owning a terrier.
The last thing I want to see is the Wild emulate the Rangers.
Considering the Rags just inked Redden to $39M/6 yrs you should be fine, Kirk.
My new favorite post of the day.
Nailing the Rags AND DR in one fell swoop!
I think a cup run is out of the question this year, but not due to moves by any team other than Detroit.
I may change my mind in a couple of months, but it currently looks like DET has made it difficult to beat them.
Will Voros’ head fall off during fights on NHL ‘08???
“Thanks Dude. Did you ever get a new rug to really pull the room together?”
F**k sympathy! I don’t need your fu**in’ sympathy, man, I need my f**king johnson!
it currently looks like DET has made it difficult to beat them.
I blame everyone who didn’t join me in late May-early June for the fight against the Soviet Wings.
You’re all communists, and this is you’re doing!
What’s the over under of Voros ACTAULLY chesting someone to death out east?
Crackerjack, I think we’re still a few years from a real cup run, but I really would like to “fight for more than two weeks” The core is good (Burns, Schultz, Koivu, PMB, even SRV, Foster, etc to a point)
Ah … Kevin. I am quite fond of you.
I’ll join you next time!
babcock is not what i’d call a rockstar.
if DR didn’t make a reasonable offer to hossa or SK then sure, under the bus he goes.
Mr Band, you are now my favorite. I thought we were the only ones who considered PMB part of the core.
You can beat other people’s children as long as the parents don’t see you do it. Ms. Conduct approves.
See, MNs try to tell me it gets humid there but I’ve never believed them. But I’ve never set foot in the state (plan to rectify that this year… once that schedule comes out, I’m diving head first into hockey vacation planning mode).
Stars tickets still seem very expensive to me coming from the AHL. We pay about $25 a game to sit next to the opposing penalty box (2nd row). Of course, end zones are much cheaper. $20-15 or so? These are partial STH prices.
Ah … Kevin. I am quite fond of you.
I’ll join you next time!
That’s just the booze talking. Plus there might not be a next time.
“if DR didn’t make a reasonable offer to hossa or SK then sure, under the bus he goes.”
Agreed G*. I think DR has done a fine jod this FA period. Not really lowballing guys, and actually making some big $$ offers. Not bad IMO.
“That’s not war. That’s a bunch of idiots who can’t find reverse in a Soviet tank”
Kevin, I am not a pinko-commie. I agreed with you on the Wings, so don’t drag me into that argument. I feel the need to buy something now to prove how much of a true American I am. Except with the lose o’ job, I can’t afford too.
Technically I’m quite fond of you because you’re in/near Pitt and you actually like hockey (I’m assuming you’ve liked it for longer than 2 years).
That’s just the booze talking. Plus there might not be a next time.
POTD
He offered Hossa BIG money. I give DR credit for that.
I don’t blame Hossa. Detroit could and should repeat. They are one of the most fun teams to watch.
okay peoples….there appears to be a hole in the botom of my whisky glass, the dogs are giving me the “uh, buddy, we can’t let ourselves out” look, and the baby just started crying.
I think that’s all the fun I can handle for one day.
See you in the morning.
I’m assuming you’ve liked it for longer than 2 years
I go back to ‘88. Season tix since ‘02 (earlier if I’d had any income).
Band: you’re free then.
POTD?
According to Russo’s article, the Wild offered Hossa $8 million per year. Not sure how many years , though, but it was a long-term deal. Here is the story.
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wild/22833144.html?location_refer=Wild:highlightModules:1
adios Nick! Have fun mosh pitting!
Have a good time, NiNY. There’s a hole in my white russian glass too.
but it currently looks like DET has made it difficult to beat them.
yes but it is july and they will lose. no one will win them all.
babcock is not what i’d call a rockstar.
no, but he does sort of look like a roadie.
Okay, now off to bed.
Nighty night Nick.
POTD!! What does that mean!!
WATX it means Post Of The Day
I think that’s what it means anyway.
Ooohhh…. I get it now.
I’m so not up on this internets thing.
God damn you kj! You f**kin’ asshole! Everything’s a f**kin’ travesty with you, man! And what was all that shit about The Stankley Cup? What the F**K, has anything got to do with The Stanley Cup? What the f**k are you talking about?
So I am bored. Sue me.
Don’t look at me, I don’t know.
I mean, “yes dear”
Was Gaborik finding his replacement when he brokered a phone conversation with between Hossa and DR? He can go out East and Hossa can play with Lemaire?
Dude, just don’t mess with the Jesus
The Mr is a hippie!!!!
Nobody effs with the Jesus.
Tis interesting that last year #10 tells hossa he wouldn’t want to play here and now he was encouraging him to talk to DR and find out what we are all about. perhaps #10 “gets” it. i certainly hope so.
I’m not a Hippie!!!! I hate hippies. They make drum circles.
Why are we doing this online? We’re in the same F^&%^&% house!
The booze seems to be free flowing everywhere tonight.
if the geeks are going to dialogue with each other, how about making it like it was back in the old AOL chat rooms for us curious onlookers?
So, when are the Bandgeeks coming to Austin? Or, alternatively, is there going to be a Russoville gathering on August 24th?
Because your a hippie!! And you ate all the brownies.
Mr. Bandgeek, join the club!! I sit in the game room while the mrs is in the living room watching TV.. and then we text message each other to communicate. It’s pretty awesome.
Hippies, hippies… they want to save the world but all they do is smoke pot and play frisbee!
I was assuming that #10 was getting it. He certainly seemed to be getting it …
what is on aug 24th? if my new lawyer wife will be there, i guess that means i have to be there too
KiPA, you feeling left out?? I got some pretty large bottles of Findlanda and Kahula!
It’s a Slayer CD. Hippies can’t stand Death Metal
I hate hippie they talk about saving the planet, then drive around in big SUV’s that get terrible gas milage!!!
Plus I’ve never seen a hippie who likes hockey… peace lovin’ freaks.
Nah, I’m fine. Thanks though.
We’re going to be in MN, and that’s the only day we don’t have plans. Friday, Valleyfair; Saturday, surprise birthday party for others; Sunday, nothing; Monday, State Fair…
They drank coffee for two days straight? Should have spiked that chit and signed him under the influence.
I am soooooo hurt.
Stankley Cup???
“It’s a Slayer CD. Hippies can’t stand Death Metal”
Mr. Bandgeek, seriously… you are on a roll. Slayer melts Hippies faces.
August 30th…Full Circle…Arzona’s Bar in Shakopee…
kj, I have no idea what a stankly cup is… the modified Lebowski quote failed miserably.
Can you schedule a gig for the 22nd?
august 23rd, greenstar invades green bay.
i’m going to a wedding WiATX, will my date be available and does she want the beef tenderloin or chicken orleans?
Sure he’s on a roll, he’s a walking encyclopedia of South PArk Quotes is what he is.
“The government lying to you. I’ve got some stuff you should read”
“he’s a walking encyclopedia of South PArk Quotes is what he is.”
There is nothing wrong with that.
Anyway Kenny, Yellow MegaMan is only $8.95, so maybe your mom can put it on layaway and make payments for a year or two
Too bad drinking scotch isn’t a paying job or Kenny’s dad would be a millionare!
Well I looked in my moms closet and saw what I was getting for Christmas, an ultravibe pleasure 2000
Ants in the PAnts !!! Ants in the Pants!!!!
Don’t forget Matt & Trey’s movies… And Kevin Smith’s, and…..
God Help Me
If some sissy chick tried to kick my ass I would say hey, missy, go knit me a sweater before I slap you in the face!
Ok That’s it, Talking Poo is where I draw the line
Green Bay, eh?
I’ll have to ask. And should she fly into MSP or Green Bay? And can I sneak in as an alternate? I love wedding cake.
“For crimes against the gov’t of Iraq, you are to be shot into the center of the sun”
Band, don’t worry. All ATX (and I) do is quote Eddie Izzard and Mitch Hedberg. And movies. We see a crapload of movies.
Mmmmmm…… wedding cake was the leading contributer to the 20 pounds I gained in my freshman year of college. (worked in a bakery)
Lebowski went way over my head!
“Why don’t you stop dressing me up as a mailman, annnd making me dance for you, while you go and smoke crack, in the bedroom, and have sex with some other guy, on my dad’s bed?”
Mr Bandgeek, if you like video games I am pretty sure we could be good friends.
Great clip from “An Evening With Kevin Smith”: http://youtube.com/watch?v=vgYhLIThTvk It’s long, but worth a watch.
MSP. why would you turn down a drive across wisconsin in august in a truck with no AC?
can I sneak in as an alternate?
you will have to clear that with the other cat from austin that posts here.
Mitch Hedberg… R.I.P…. the world lost a great talent when he died.
Git yer bitch-ass out in the kitchen and make me some PIE!
Mitch Hedberg
i went to high school with his sister. she looked like him but wasn’t as funny
I like ‘em, but I suck big-time at most things above centipede.
Kevin Smith is a comic god. Even Jersey Girl is good once you get to the parts after J Hoe dies.
Jeez…even I got through Zelda before I crapped out.
sorry kj, I thought you were ‘in the know’. No offense to you at all. I was just trying to be funny. Wait, this is a hockey blog?? Who knew!
Say everybody, have you seen my balls?
They’re big and salty and brown.
If you ever need a quick pick-me-up
Just stick my balls in your mouth.
Oooh, suck on my chocolate, salty balls.
Put ‘em in your mouth and suck ‘em and suck ‘em…
That’s my man, a wiz at centipede and pong.
I was pretty good at Duck Hunt. As an 8 year old.
speaking of Kevin Smith and dead comedians, RIP George Carlin.
Green*, as long as I bring him a piece of wedding cake I think we’re good.
“Hey Little boy, watch the language. There’s ladies present”
GTA IV might keep me home this weekend.
I also heard diablo III is official for 2009. i better not schedule any house projects for 09-10
Have I told you about the time he got creamed by our 5 year old niece at Wii baseball. She wasn’t even paying attention, she was talking about Barbie’s with me while beating the crap out of him. Priceless.
I can play Zelda, but only if I have either my husband or my 15 year old cousin in the room to tell me how to get un-lost.
“I also heard diablo III is official for 2009. ”
Indeed it is. Officially announced last week.
Green*, as long as I bring him a piece of wedding cake I think we’re good.
smart man.
Well we all have priorities.
Stephen Corbert’s take on the “Seven Words”: use substitutes.
“Poop, leak, intercourse, cho cho, oral enthusist, father, and lets say beach balls”
I’m waiting for Duke Nukem Forever!!!
I may have to join G* in not planning anything for 09-10.
I do love Wedding Cake.
So, Gaborik. Extensions… hockey? Anyone?
Mr Bandgeek, you will be waiting forever… oh wait, you alread have been.
So for 30mins, we;ve been talking about….not even sure what we are talking about….
talking about my chocolate salty balls
Grease up the cookiesheet, cos I hate when my balls stick
Then Preheat the oven to tree-fitty, and give that spoon a lick
I’m not allowed to talk about hockey anymore at family gatherings, they think I have an unhealthy obsession with the sport.
Yeah, but I heard that the soundtrack is going to be Guns & Roses’ Chinese Democracy.
OK, enough randomness. What are the odds the Gillies is on the team next year?
Boyle trade rumors heating up apparently.
Was there something else we should be talking about? Has anyone been signed?
I would think most of the officey type people for the Wild have gone nighty night like NiNY. Wonder if he left the bar unlocked…….
I think the Gillies situation is more like the Sheppard situation than Pouliot’s.
“they think I have an unhealthy obsession with the sport.”
I think we all do. It’s unhealty. Hence the break we are taking currently to get drunk and talk about nothing at all.
“When you buy a box of Ritz crackers, on the back of the box, they have all these suggestions as to what to put on top of the Ritz. “Try it with turkey and cheese. Try it with peanut butter.” But I like crackers man, that’s why I bought it, ’cause I like crackers! I don’t see a suggestion to put a Ritz on top of a Ritz. I didn’t buy them because they’re little edible plates! You’ve got no faith in the product itself.”
Could we get Shanny to “Yoda” Shep and Benny? Would we want to?
ok enough fun for me. since i don’t have my sugar mama yet i actually have to work tomorrow.
so
Screw you guys, I’m goin’ home!
I’m at work atm and nothing to do, so something interesting better happening. I’m falling asleep on my desk…which is bad
Well, there’s only one thing the Wild can do.
Get hairdos like this:
http://cache.deadspin.com/assets/resources/2008/04/jagr-mullet.jpg
It will confer +100000 scoring and awesomeness upon the team.
“They took the bar!!” They took the whole F@#$@#$ BAR!!!”
Has anyone been signed?
i got signed once, not pretty, trust me.
“Could we get Shanny to “Yoda” Shep and Benny? Would we want to?”
I think we would. Shanny is/was a great player. I am sure he has a lot to teach. Depends on the price too though.
That’s right, I have to be at work at 8 am. POOP
Dude, I’m not drinkin anything, I’m like this naturally. Good night G*, don’t let the nargles get you.
Nighty Night G*!
Very funny you say that, NHLPA. I asked a friend of mine his feelings if Jagr returned to Pittsburgh and he said, “only if he brings back the mullet.”
Is there anyone else that we could get to Yoda the youngin’s?
“Get hairdos like this:
http://cache.deadspin.com/assets/resources/2008/04/jagr-mullet.jpg
It will confer +100000 scoring and awesomeness upon the team.”
Dude! That would make them al skate faster! Hockey hair makes you skate faster! It’s a proven fact!
That was nice to see the Wild going after Hossa with a serious contract offer. That’s enough with the Wild are cheap B.S. and thank God we did not pay for Huselius. The most he should have got was $3M. Who’s next on the list now?
nice HP pull bandgeek.
Butchy needs a mullet!!!
Oh, and I should be at work by 7:30. It’ll probably be there by 8:30 at the latest.
Might be 6:30, who knows?
Just tuning in here … suckie suck about SK. That was the guy I thought we had the best chance with. I think Naslund really wants to stay in VAN, so I think there’s only a slight chance of that happening.
This is tough, cause we’re still a top 2 line winger and a half-way decent center short of a respectable line-up, IMO. Might as well trade PMB cause it doesn’t look like he’ll have any line mates to play with anyway.
Lucky, I am with you on that. Sister Kristian would ave been nice, but not 4+ Million nice.
I don’t think Butch can grow hair anymore. But I still love him.
I’d say Satan, but he NEEDS to get signed by New Jersey.
And if the BJ’s don’t put #64 of Mike C, there’s no hope for peace and love to guide the planets.
Just as I thought, we got the pink bunny suit again for Christmas.
I suppose Rolston’s contract at $5m per didn’t help in setting the market for SK. Don’t the 2 have similar stats the last few seasons?
ATX, whats the point of all those infomercials if they cant grow back your natural hair and make you more better looking than before???
“put #64 of Mike C,”
Amen to that! I would LOVE that.
Well if the helmet is going to ruin all your efforts, what’s the point of spending the money?
Bullmoose, it wasn’t for lack of trying… the Red Ryder BB Gun doubled in price the day before X-Mas.
Lol. KiPa, your friend is probably right. Opposing goalies and defensemen were probably too distracted by it.
Hockey hair makes one skate faster? Someone ought to tell Gaborik that. He would then be called the red blur.
I don’t have to be anywhere till 10:30, but Wookie (my dog) will drag me out of bed because he’s gotta pee at 6:30. As to the HP pull, try me, I got a million of them.
I’d say Satan, but he NEEDS to get signed by New Jersey.
Nothing personal, Mr. Band, but that’s really a joke that needs to die.
The Dude says:
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:52 pm
“Get hairdos like this:
http://cache.deadspin.com/assets/resources/2008/04/jagr-mullet.jpg
It will confer +100000 scoring and awesomeness upon the team.”
Dude! That would make them al skate faster! Hockey hair makes you skate faster! It’s a proven fact!
!!!!!!
You know, Russo alluded to this the other day, but the NHL’s fa system is a little weird. At least in the NFL, the players typically visit the courting teams in person. Here, it’s all done by phone - much more impersonal. It’s the same for everyone, of course, but it’s gotta be hard to recruit that way. Hand out all this money to players, but don’t get to sit across a table and look em in the eye.
Greenstar, who is SK?
sorry KiPA, I’m getting sleepy
Hey band, I was just thinking of restarting the series (at book 4).
No worries. I think I hear it more than the rest of you because he’s been in the east so long.
“the red blur.”
I like it. I think Gabby had a Mini-Mullet early on didn’t he??
Hey CircularTheory!! I love exclamation points!!!
I could believe that, KiPA.
But Commadore 64 would be geeky goodness
SK = (Sister) Kristian Huselius
Man, Gabby is one ugly dude, sorry to say
But Commadore 64 would be geeky goodness
Shawn Heins wore 57 when he was in pittsburgh (Heinze 57 ketchup).
I hate the Epilogue on book 7, it’s so contrived. And Ginny’s a stupid cow. I like the earlier books in the series. Ok need to call it a night people. Nighty night all, may you dream of hockey and crumple horned snorkacks.
Yeah, it’s too bad for Gabby that money doesn’t compensate for looks when it comes to the ladies….
Also Commodore had to have one of the beast beard/haircut combos in all of hockey: http://www.theweeklymeat.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/03/26/mike_commodore.jpg
“Shawn Heins wore 57 when he was in pittsburgh ”
that is awesome.
The Dude, that’s an awesome find. I bet the mullet acted like a rear spoiler for Gaborik.
It goes to show that some players have a good sense of humor about themselves
Goodnight bandgeeks! (I assume since one is sleeping the other is too)
But she wrote that epilogue many, many years ago. It’s how she hoped it would end if she got to take it to the end. Can’t blame her for that.
The Satan thing is not a joke. In the Church of the NHL it’s one of the signs of the hockey apocalypse.
“Also Commodore had to have one of the beast beard/haircut combos in all of hockey: http://www.theweeklymeat.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/03/26/mike_commodore.jpg”
Ogie Oglethorpe
I might be alone on this one, but for any Parrotheads out there, doesn’t that pic of Commodore look like Mac McAnally?
“The Dude, that’s an awesome find. I bet the mullet acted like a rear spoiler for Gaborik.”
Yeah, it gives him more stability.
The Mrs says that just because she wrote it years ago doesn’t make it work with the flow of the story, and Ginny’s still a Cow.
I have no idea why?
KiPA and Hockeydad, you are both correct. He looks a lot like both of those guys.
Ok, so all this hockey mullet entertaining bit is distracting ATX from the important things … like making me a new white russian.
Separated at birth from Commodore?
OK, night y’all
Ok, so all this hockey mullet entertaining bit is distracting ATX from the important things … like making me a new white russian.
Ohh I sense someone’s sleeping on the couch tonight!
I’m sorry, how does it not work with the story? I called all that at the end of book 3.
only if he doesn’t make my white russian …
Okay..
So I see the convo has switched from south park and video games to harry potter.
May I make another pitch for Fedorov and a 2 year deal?
Carrer stats:
1146 pts in 1196 games.
Overall +257.
Defensively sound. Still plays around 70 games/year. Would be worth 2-3 mil for 2 years at this point in the game.
This man would thrive on our team.
Please make it happen.
You can make the pitch, but DR said at the deadline that he wasn’t interested in Federov. At the time I assumed it was because he was a rental player that couldn’t push us over the edge to the cup, but i may be something else.
KiPA, I never sleep on the couch.. I am too stubborn to move from the bed. I just lay there till she moves to the couch
jimlove, I am with you on the Federov front. Sure, he isn’t what he used to be, but he is still solid and experienced. I wold be A-OK with a Federov signing.
Dang, I’m still here.
WiATX - I think she wanted Harry to end up w/ Hermine. That would seem a bit cliché tho.
*ducks*
maybe price WATX…. i’ll just keep hoping and plugging it until it goes away.
Like picking at a scab.
Dude, I feel ya there. (couch, what couch)
Federov is fine w/ me. I want a grizzed vet to Yoda the younglings
Maybe it was price, but now Federov is an UFA right? So you might be able to get him at a discount.
I think I saw a rumored report that Federov was “insulted” by a 1 yr, $2M offer from someone (can’t remember who). whether it was the length, money or both I don’t know.
Pens about to lock up Fleury, looking at Naslund for No. 1 RW.
And sure, Austin.
You know, if we could get another center (I’d ask for 2, but we can’t land even one at this point), Benny could play wing and then we’d have to pray he pulled it together this season. If he did, they might be alright. They’re just glaringly short a medium strong scoring wing to play with Butch. SK would have or Naslund would fill that role. Too bad I have such little confidence in Parrish.
That’s what I’m hoping dude…
but you know the russians. nothing ever changes. f’n nazis.
they were nazis walter?
Are you kidding me? they were threatening castration!?
LOL - “The Dude” - you should keep that moniker!
Band — Harry and Hermione? Really?
Hockey — Federov is old, and I’ve read that he’s not a good leader unless he believes in things (bad in CBJ, good in WSH). He might believe in the Wild (team work and all), but it’s a gamble.
We do need a good scorer for PMB. Or, alternatively, is it possible that without a solid scorer, PMB will be forced to shoot at the net more, thus making most people happier with him?
KiPA, from googling, I guess it was the Caps who offered Fedorov that. There was no mention of humiliation though.
I am considering it wallshot! I will probably revert to ATXWF though… I fear change.
I would love to see PMB add about 10 goals to his point totals this year. That would do a lot to shut up the PMB detractors.
watx, i was just figuring out the same thing. Bruno’s not much of a goal scorer either. Maybe pmb and gabby play together with mikko?
then we just need a scorer for bruno?
Actually, a White Russian sounds SO good right now! Yum.
I remember asking one time why pmb and gabby never play together, and the answer was that there is a black hole of defense if that were to happen…
But just imagine with me… I think those two could compliment one another pretty well….
I mean “Caucasian.”
What made him shoot more two seasons ago and less last season? He shot 50x less last season than the 06-07 season.
Was it that with instability in the center position, PMB took it upon himself to act like a center and create plays more? In 06-07, Rolston-White-PMB were together all the time.
“I mean “Caucasian.”
Damn straight.
Jimlove, here is a lieup for you. Gabby/Shep(to be defensive)/PMB, and defensive pairing of Schultz and Zidlicky.
I think both Butch and Gabby play RW. That might be why they don’t play together.
touche watx. who would have thought the answer was so simple, eh?
Last week when they did a thing on the Top 10 picks of 2000, they showed a clip of Gaborik and PMB on a line together against the Senators. I am not sure if it was a PP or on ES but Gaborik stole the puck at the offensive blue line and kicked it to PMB who went to the net but was blocked by the goalie. Gaborik then found the rebound and knocked it in. He scored a hat trick that night.
“Russian media reporting that Sergei Fedorov is humiliated and offended at the 1 year/$2 million offer he received from the Devils;”
From http://faceoffcircle.net/2008/06/30/foc-ufa-live-blog-2008/
Does it really matter if they are LW or RW? They always use the same old Overload formation and cycle in the corner anyway.
That’s a beauty sunshine.
I remember hearing (via the internets radio) this post season that PMB went to the net and shot. I was surprised by the move, but I must say I felt like he showed up this post season.
He wasn’t going to win the series on his own, but i thought he did enough to be taken seriously by the management. Especially since the management doesn’t seem to take Gabby’s lack of showing up in the post season seriously …
Sorry. Gabby is a very explosive, fast, player. I get that. But if we’re calling players one dimensional, we may as well start with #10.
That might be the white russians talking though …
Speaking of beauties: http://youtube.com/watch?v=V4KTebUT6Mw&feature=related
well i’m saying lets get mr. fedorov for 2 years at 2 million a year! that oughta make him smile more. At least someone lowballed him so we can make an offer look more enticing.
See, this is all in DR’s plan.
Hey Lamoriello (spelling?) - i’ll easily give up that third round pick if you lowball fedorov in free agency and set him up for me to sign him and correct my unspoken mistake of not trading away a (what did he get traded for, a third round pick? would have been worth it) third round pick for him at the deadline.
Lamoriello - okay, but you can’t ever tell the media bout this.
DR is obviously smarter than we give him credit for.
I think Gaborik’s 2003 playoff has paid itself forward. Against the Ducks, he was 3-1-4: most goals and tied for points with Demitra. Rolston was 1-1-2 and so was PMB.
Dougie doesn’t look too smart: http://onestophockeycards.com/Error_75-76_OPC_-_Risebrough_B.jpg
lol
KiPA, that’s weird because the Devils’ offer is exactly the same as the one the Caps supposedly drew up.
In other news, Doug Weight gone to the Islanders on a $1.75 million one-year contract.
one word dude…
DAMN!
I’ll be right back… I’m just going to go find a cash machine….
have a good night everyone.
Get crunk on the kool aid - we’ll need it tomorrow.
Well, it was Russian media, so take it with a grain or two of salt.
I was surprised to see that 2 of Gaborik’s goals against the Rangers were with him planted at the net. Why didn’t he and the rest of the Wild do more of that through out the year?
sunshine, he has batted a few out of the air in front of the net a few times as well. Gabby isn’t a force in front of the net, but when he goes there he can make things happen.
Was it Weight’s deal or another over 37/38 year-old’s deal that paid them a base salary of $1.5 - $1.75 million but if he meets all his incentives, it could go up to as high as $4 million? I thought it was Weight’s deal. I know it wasn’t Roberts because his will only pay him $3 million if he plays all 82 games.
2 of his 5 goals of the Rangers during his 5 goal game were out of the air in the front of the net.
Later JimLove!
I think.
Yeah, I think he batted a goal last year against the Blues, too. He should go to the net more often. I guess we say that about every player.
WiATX: you are right.
” I guess we say that about every player.”
Except for Parrish… he goes there a lot. We just yell at him for not putting it in the biscut in the basket more often.
Sorry sunshine, upon a rereading I think that’s what you said originally. I think he’s done it in at other points, but I don’t have the same memory for other things.
Gaborik can play LW but he is better at RW, right? I thought for a little while, he was playing LW. Am I wrong?
sunshine I think that Gabby has played both.
If Gaborik can play both, PMB and Gaborik together with Koivu. They should try it against Columbus or LA just to test it out.
On another thought, who is worried about our PK units?
I think we’re officially good on the PK, but with Voros gone it’s half as necessary.
Meaning Voros takes dumb penalites? I agree.
Otherwise, the PK will be Koivu and schultz… who else?
Probably SRV. Then, Gaborik, if Lemaire thinks he isn’t working hard enough.
1st: Koivu - SRV, Schultz-Burns
2nd: Belanger-Parrish/Gaborik, Johnsson-Skoula
Forwards: Koivu, SRV, Belanger, Parrish, Gaborik
Defense: Schultz, Burns, Johnsson, Skoula
07-08
Forwards: Koivu, SRV, Belanger, Branko, Rolston, Parrish, Demitra, Gaborik
Same for defense with Carney.
Mac McAnally?
OK, obviously a busy night here and most everyone seems to have gotten over SK pretty quickly (didn’t he hear the song? wtf???), but this one caught my eye. A couple of things here.
First, not having any idea of what a *Parrothead* is, just by looking at the name, my first thought was this guy might be a porn star. Not something that I’d expect HD to ask, but still. I suppose that reflects more upon me and my mind than anything else, but there you have it.
So it turns out that Parrothead is like a Jimmy Buffet Deadhead. I kinda got that after clicking the link. Learn something new every as they say.
Separated at birth with Commodore? Not seeing it.
Man… I want Branko back… although I am looking forward to seeing Craig Weller destroy the Blue Jackets and then clothesline Jordin Tootoo when they play the Preds! I’m being serious! I’m genuinely excited we picked this guy up!
Branko was an excellent PK guy… I don’t care what anyone says about him… he was worth having around… what happened to Risebrough saying “…I know when guys play hurt…” in his big speech about worthiness… bring Branko back in 2 years!!!
paulr, I am with you on the Weller kick! I am excited to see what the can do!
toivo, did you see the pic of Commodore’s hair? It’s pretty similar! I didn’t know what a parrothead was either…
branco was a badass in the sense that he worked his tail off. His only downfall was this: He always found himself in the right place at te right time, but he just could not finish.
I think the Wild will be the first in line to offer Radio a contract in two years if he can still play. They needed to know he’d recover and to what level before they can offer money.
I thought that Mac guy looked more like Michael McDonald, Dude.
Really? Branko? Come on.
toivo, Radio worked pretty hard. Good checking line guy IMO.
Hmmm. I was going with red fluffy hair and a thick red beard.
I don’t think we will see a Bouchard/Gabby combo. 1. I don’t think Lemaire trusts them on the ice together because of defensive liability and 2. the opposing teams shut down line would take care of them with ease. Bouchard always passes and our center would be forced to hang back as a third defencemen so it would be ‘08 playoffs all over again. Just double team Gaborik and you’ve shut down our fist line.
As far as Branko I don’t want to sound like a dink but he is highly replaceable and only started showing up in the last 2 months of his TWO YEAR contract. Isn’t Olvecky them exact same player? I guess the Aeros fans would know.
I’ll have to disagree with you on Branko being a *good* checking line guy. Yeah, he worked hard, but that only gets you so far. I’m with Lucky. In two years, half of everyone will have forgotten that he was even on the Wild.
I looked at some more Mac photos. I can maybe see it if Commodore quits playing hockey, or getting any excercise at all for that matter, and becomes an alcoholic. Seriously, that Mac guy is a wreck! HD, get your liver checked!
Good point Lucky… but once Branco figured it out he was damn solid. I am not saying he is irreplaceable, but I will miss him.
If Russo is correct and the Mild offered Hossa a ton, then things are far worse with the Mild than anyone had previously thought.
Apparently even BIG MONEY isn’t enough to get top flight free agents here. Want to win? - Well for sure don’t go to Minny.
So here’s how it stands: The Mild can’t really develop players very well, the ones they do, want to leave (Gaborik), they can’t sign their top own free agents (Rolston), they can’t sign other free agents for huge cash and long term deals (Hossa, Naslund, Huselius (Huselius picks Columbus of all places over the Mild)); I’d bet right now Zidlicky and Bergeron are pissed that they got dealt here, and Bruno’s probably regretting the decision already.
So I’m thinking there are two options now to the new owner:
1.) Dump the Dumpper and Lemaire now in order to put a new face on the franchise and wash away the percieved negativity from the players standpoint.
OR
2.) Time to shut the effing thing down.
I have been following the Bolts and the Dan Boyle rumors. Tampa Bay is just set on setting the NHL on fire with some of its moves.
Anyways, I found this paragraph interesting in light of their “bold” moves”
[The issue is how to get payroll, as owner Oren Koules has said, to the league midpoint, about $48-million. That almost certainly involves trades; not necessarily for bodies, but to replenish draft choices used the past weeks to help transform the roster]
They want to get payroll down to $48 million? After signing Malone to a massive contract? Shouldn’t they have thought this out beforehand?
Mike are you a jealous Twins fan?
Branko’s first year with the Wild he worked pretty hard… I mean, he must’ve done something right being he played every game. And if you think about it, there are very few players in the NHL who aren’t replaceable. The guy had a great work ethic, despite not being seen all the time, is what I’m saying, and he deserved a shot, not to be ignored and forced to look elsewhere over an easily-recovered-from injury.
I have been following the Bolts and the Dan Boyle rumors. Tampa Bay is just set on setting the NHL on fire with some of its moves.
Anyways, I found this paragraph interesting in light of their “bold” moves”
[The issue is how to get payroll, as owner Oren Koules has said, to the league midpoint, about $48-million. That almost certainly involves trades; not necessarily for bodies, but to replenish draft choices used the past weeks to help transform the roster]
They want to get payroll down to $48 million? After signing Malone to a massive contract? Shouldn’t they have thought this out beforehand?
Said it before, I’ll say it again: Morons.
Get set for another lockout in a couple years. Owners don’t know what the f— they’re doing.
Mike, did you just sut down WoW and notice that it’s past your bedtime? Give it a rest.
Mike — the Pens, I’m not sure if you noticed or not but they went to the finals against Detroit, also offered Hossa more money but he didn’t pick them. He didn’t go for money this year, he went for the insta-cup. Which no team other than Detroit could offer.
Including the Pens (sorry KiPA), CHI, PHX, or TBL.
I lay this entire mess at the feet of Risedump. Year after year of being a cheap ass-clown has finally caught up with club in the worst way. The Mild have been branded with a bad reputation and players avoid coming here like the plague regardless of what the money is like.
FIRE RISEDUMP NOW !!
DUMP THE DUMPPER !!
Actually the Pens didn’t offer more money, just more years. Edmonton threw $81M over 9 years at him.
or EDM. $9 million.
Wow, the entire mess …
Do you blame your dog for your dishes not washing themselves as well?
Sorry, long day.
Other than Hossa, are we going after any Eastern players?
If the PK is top 5 - and it was, yet again - all who played on it are probably above average - Radio and Rolston will have to be replaced - could Morrison and/or Naslund help?
It should read Eastern Conference players.
I’m not just talking Hossa…nobody wants to come here..Bruno’s was a sentimental choice on his part, and I wonder how much consideration he got elsewhere.
When you’ve got guys who rather go to Columbus then the operation is in dire straits. Kiss Gabby goodbye.
Pathetic.
“Do you blame your dog for your dishes not washing themselves as well?”
WTF? Makes no sense at all.
Morrison is over with.
Naslund still has talent but you can bet he’d never come here.
He’d rather make crazy money in CBJ than make less in MN. Which makes sense from a business perspective, given the fact that if you break a bone or tear an ACL then it might signal the end of your career.
It’s all about what you value. Hossa picked the Cup. Huselius picked the money. We offer the Cup eventually or the money now, but you have to pick what you want.
Some people don’t like to make decisions in life. I get that. Hockey players (and other people) (sometimes) don’t get that luxury.
OK, I’ve figured it out. Huselius clearly was not into Night Ranger. I mean who is, really?
You blew it, kj.
So since no Kristian, we gotta get Satan. I’ve got a new song!
-Daddy?
-Yes, son?
-What does regret mean?
-Well son, a funny thing about regret is that it’s better to regret something that you have done, than to regret something you haven’t done. By the way, if you see your mom this weekend, will you be sure and tell her:
SATAN!
SATAN!
SATAN!
Mike, seriously… give it a effen’ rest. If you are so unhappy go root for the Wings since they are locked into a cup.
toivo! Butthole Surfers FTW!
See, I know what Austin is about.
I’m now convinced that players just don’t want to come here. I think there’s a stigma about coming to the Mild that players and their agents are repulsed by.
Indeed toivo!
Mike… seriously… doesn’t your Night Elf Rouge need to get to Lv. 70?
You may be right, Mike, but you take it too far I think. It’s like you’ve got a complex or something.
Well, here’s some interesting Penguins stuff if anyone’s bored:
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/chippediceblog/
I don’t think I’m taking it to far at all; I know I ‘m right. That’s whatis happening. I guess you can’t see it. Players just don’t want to be here. It’s not even a consideration for them.
Me having, or in this case, not having a complex has nothing to do with it.
Color Gabby gone.
If I’m CL I have to get rid of DR & JL A.S.A.P. and put a new face on the franchise before it completely tanks.
I think Mike is a product of thins: http://youtube.com/watch?v=upyewL0oaWA&feature=related
Damn! Thins = This.
Well, I know I’m right too. PMB is all that the Wild need. Well, not really, but still. Scoring can only happen if there is somebody to set it up.
Defense is important, because if the other team has Hossa, Datsyk, and Zetterberg, then somebody has to stop them.
If you have only scorers who don’t know how to set up a shot, and forwards who only know how to deal with an opportunity once it’s been presented, then having high scoring wingers isn’t going to get you far.
Gabby wouldn’t be automatically gone, otherwise he wouldn’t have hooked his countryman up with the GM of the team to try to get him here for a multi year deal.
And I’m sorry, but if CL had decided to get rid of DR, that would have happened right away, not after free agency started. CL is not an idiot, he knows what he’s getting into.
What would Brendan Morrison do
If he were with the Wild,
He’d play many shifts
And fill the center hole,
That’s what Brendan Morrison’d do.
When Brendan Morrison was at Michigan,
Skating for Big Blue,
He won the National Championship and the Hobey,
And made Gopher fans drool.
When Brendan Morrison was with the Nuks,
He had an ironman streak,
He also scored a bunch of points,
But that was at his peak.
So what would Brendan Morrison do
If he were with the Wild,
I’m sure he’d kick an ass or two,
That’s what Brendan Morrison’d do.
Good lyrics SGS, but I’m not sure lyrics have worked out so well for us in the past. See SK.
But good effort! Keep it up!
Fleury and the Penguins reportedly about to seal a 6-year, $33M deal. They also expect a decision from Naslund tomorrow.
And supposedly going after Ruutu’s replacement in Matt Cooke… meh.
Better start a hedge fund that makes you an income in the billions there, Mike. Hockey teams aren’t cheap.
Besides, we’re not getting Morrison. We’re getting SATAN! SATAN! SATAN!
Pens are going after Matt Cooke? That’s karma for calling us commies.
And seriously, I’m on the West Coast. What’s y’all’s excuse? Besides White Russians?
“supposedly going after Ruutu’s replacement in Matt Cooke”
And on that note.. I am going to bed. Adios.
Mike,
Funny thing is, I don’t think anyone besides you sees it.
or
3)ignore the crazies
When does the annual “the market got away from us” quote come out from DR?
When are the Wild lemmings going to realize how many past mistakes DR makes that cause problems down the road (like doing an extension on Rolston’s contract last season - we wouldn’t have been in this position)?
When is DR actually going to win a contest for a quality center/winger who can play here for a while, and is not a geezer? Oh, I forgot. That’s Wellwood!
Posted on July 2nd, 2008 – 7:47 PM
By Michael Russo
But now that the Wild couldn’t get Hossa and Jokinen, it’s doubtful it’ll spend to the cap this season — and trust me, you don’t want them to. “Think about this logically, reasonably just for one second.”
Why would we do that? It’s alot more fun to throw out knee-jerk idiotic banter isn’t it?
Saladin and Mike make valid points although they could make them a little more ‘Minnesota nice’…
With regard to Russo’s spending to the cap no matter what lecture: I NEVER have wanted them to spend for spending sake. I have maintained that they needed to spend BIG to get the BIG names. 8 mil a year is good coin. But, it didn’t get it done. As far as SK goes, I think 4.75 mil is a bit much, but if you really want him, it is what he is worth.
Like our old buddy Yoda said:
No…try not.
Do or do not.
There is no try.
The harsh reality is the team is STILL in dire need of a C (yes Deep, I know - 9 months and counting) and scoring. Go ahead and pat DR on the back for his valiant effort but remember, it is through his lack of foresight that the team is in the position is faces right now.
Time to reload? It would appear so.
Refund the ticket increase? HA!
Weel, at least now that some moron has leaked the dollar figure for the Hossa offer, we know that Gabby’s contract offer will be at least 5yrs/$42.5 million.
As far as not wanting the Wild to spend to the cap ceiling, how about shoring up the center position. It’s been more than 9 months since Walz quit and Dougie Ballgame has yet to rectify the situation, either via a trade or free agency. I’ve grown weary hearing about “how the Wild are trying”. How about “the Wild are doing”? Losers make excuses; winners make due.
actually kj i remember you saying that the cap space they didn’t spend was wasted money and that there was no reason not to spend it.
i’d go back and find it but there are about 1500 posts to go thru…
I’m also in the group that thinks Demo would be valuable coming back as long as Dougie Ballgame can bring in a center so Demo can play wing. I do believe, however, that Demo’s agent has told Dougie to go *&#! himself seven ways from Sunday, but if they could convince Demo to come back for same/similar dollars as a year ago and assure him that he would be on the opposite wing as Gabby, I think it would be productive. Doesn’t happen, however, as long as we have 1 1/2 centers on the rosters.
Yes Green* I have said that over and over. But, did I say that to spend it, they should offer Jagr 9 mil for a season? No.
I wanted to acquire TOP talent. To do that requires more than money as we have seen.
The top talent is gone. Nothing can be done about it except to move on.
Jason Williams is still available. But, I suspect his price has risen since he’s about as good a C as is left.
First, not having any idea of what a *Parrothead* is, just by looking at the name, my first thought was this guy might be a porn star. Not something that I’d expect HD to ask, but still. I suppose that reflects more upon me and my mind than anything else, but there you have it.
So it turns out that Parrothead is like a Jimmy Buffet Deadhead. I kinda got that after clicking the link. Learn something new every as they say.
toivo, you didn’t know what a Parrothead is? I guess if you’re young enough, that’s probably understandable. At (not quite) 37, I’m on the young end of Parrotheads. At least you had heard of Jimmy Buffett.
Actually, I was comparing that crazy hair/beard pic of Commodore to Mac; not that Commodore’s normal look is anything like Mac.
Not spending to the limit would be acceptable on occasion if this franchise didn’t constantly tell the fans that “next years” crop of free agents will be better and that’s when they will step up and make big signings. The fans are getting tired of waiting for “next year”. New Management, same boring game….Zzzzz….
So the faithful Wild fans take it in the kester one more year for management’s bogus excuse why they couldn’t get it done. Time to clean house of the clowns.
I have said that over and over. But, did I say that to spend it, they should offer Jagr 9 mil for a season? No.
you didn’t qualify it at all. you just said it was wasted money.
good to know you wouldn’t give jagerbomb 9mil year simply because we have cap space this year.
kj says:
July 3rd, 2008 at 7:28 am
“With regard to Russo’s spending to the cap no matter what lecture: I NEVER have wanted them to spend for spending sake. I have maintained that they needed to spend BIG to get the BIG names. 8 mil a year is good coin. But, it didn’t get it done. As far as SK goes, I think 4.75 mil is a bit much, but if you really want him, it is what he is worth.”
You are the ultimate flip-flop job aren’t you? I believe you are the same kj who pissed and moaned about them not spending to the cap last year when they were 2-4 million shy, no?
Russo, good article and THANK YOU for talking some sense. If it were up to KJ and some of the others on here, we’d have a bunch of knuckleheads for 4 year contracts just so we spent the money to make the STH happy. That is ludicris. It is what it is. They tried hard and that’s all they can do. I’ve seen it before on this blog, you can’t kidnap these people and force them to sign.
Make a trade if you can but don’t spend just to spend. Who really cares if KJ wants Just. One. Player.
i’d give sundin our remaining cap space for a one year deal. i don’t think he’s worth $10mil or even 7mil but as mentioned here unspent cap space is wasted and can’t be saved for next season. a one year deal doesn’t have repercussions on next years finances.
Like I said earlier my two season tickets in section #117 are for sale. No one is going to stop Detroit for the next five years and we will continue to be one and out in the playoffs. Tired of looking at the stupid grins on management’s mugs as they cash their huge checks and enjoy another off season of golf at our expense.
and he can always be trade bait at the deadline if the experts here are right.
Russo, I don’t understand how the Wild can get away with RAISING season ticket prices and LOWERING payroll. That is where the fan backlash is going to come from.
Mike, if I bought your tickets, does that mean they’re my seats going forward or do you have the option to take them back next year? Just curious as to how that works.
Feel free to email me, steverentell@yahoo.com.
I’m interested, big time.
Pucker, because some fans are morons and believe the lies coming from the clowns in the front office. Maybe next year… Next year my A$$.
Thanks Hockey Dad.
Dick if I unload them, it’s for good.
RAISING season ticket prices and LOWERING payroll
i don’t think they tried to lower payroll for one.
I think my increase was about 3%, like i said earlier, my math ain’t that good. that is less than or darn near the inflation rate.
Ticket prices are a function of supply and demand. supply is capped. demand is obviously still strong.
as for how it relates to player slaries…player salaries are not the only expense a team has. it is a big one but not the only one. how much of an increase do you think it will cost to travel this season?
dick, from my understanding STH are not transferrable. they will be made available to the next cat on the waiting list.
Green, not enough to stop the owner from flying around the world in his personal fuel guzzling jet.
Dick if I unload them, it’s for good.
two post ago it’s my tickets are for sale, when a potential buyer steps up its if i unload them.
big talker you are
Pucker: I’me gonna throw out a huge ditto on your 7:55 post. A little disappointing to see my season ticket prices go up AGAIN and yet it seems clear, at least at this point and on paper, that the team will not only spend it’s Cap dollars but will also be worse on the ice than it was a year ago. That seems to be where some of the STH frustration is coming from. I don’t think many, if any, of us in Russoville would be happy if the brass paid X million a year for player Y just so the team would be at the ceiling. But, and I hate to beloabor the point, for the brass to not go out and solidify the center position after Walz quit is flat out assinine. Please don’t hand me the line about how the Wild “is trying”. How about a little more “doing”. Just doesn’t seem like Dougie Ballgame has a plan. After all, when the Wild got run over by the Ducks in ‘07, we heard at length at how the Wild had to get “grittier”, so they went out and got Fridge, Voros, Hill and Simon. Well, that “plan” lasted all of a season since we have all but four of those guys on the roster.
not enough to stop the owner from flying around the world in his personal fuel guzzling jet.
the owner isn’t relying on the wild making him money. he has a wife for that.
done feeding…
Green, true, but you can make a personal agreement on season tickets where the new owner gets them every year. I did that on another set of tickets for the past five years.
The real Mike says: ata 12:51am. Don’t develop talent???
What about Koivu, Burns, Schultz, PMB, Gabby, SRV, as a for instance?
Who says they want to leave? Three just signed for maybe less than market.
I don’t think many, if any, of us in Russoville would be happy if the brass paid X million a year for player Y just so the team would be at the ceiling.
you must not have been around here the last couple of days.
i won’t argue about a center. but there were a lot of people just begging for the wild to spend, spend, spend.
Day 3 of free agency: Will it be kinder to the Wild than day 2? Or will the FA rejection calls continue to blister the phones in DR’s office?
Unlike kj, I do not believe that the Wild can spend up to the cap just to spend. If they are not getting quality, why bother? Just because they can?
Yes, “Just. One. Player.” is nice, but if that ‘J. O. P.’ gets one better financial offer (e.g., Huselius) or an offer from a better team (e.g., Hossa) the Wild cannot compete with them. I do not believe it’s a management thing; up to a certain point, all managements in pro sports are the same. Frankly, I don’t know what to believe right now.
I just sit here and watch every other FA roll by the Wild…
Whats the price tag on Jason Williams, Brendan Shanahan and Owen Nolen?? I would think that we could get 2 of those 3 for a reasonable price. Williams should be a priority though.
Green, true, but you can make a personal agreement on season tickets where the new owner gets them every year. I did that on another set of tickets for the past five years.
This is true, but the original (selling) STH would be the name on the account.
I wonder what bonuses the clown management gets every year by not spending near the cap?
It’s amazing how little fans in “The State of Hockey” really understand about the game (or the stupid things they suggest, like shelling out $10 mil a year for someone like Jagr). Anyone who thinks Demitra was a good player for the Wild last year has no clue what they’re talking about.
I think it’s time to start wearing paper bags on our heads at the games.
Whoever said resigning Demitra as a Wing and getting a strong Center from someplace else is the best remaining option is on the right track.
Rip me all you want. But the sad fact is, they’re not improving.
Just. One. Player. = TOP Talent. The top FAs are gone. Now they need to see if they can fill in the roster holes with more 2nd and 3rd line talent - which they already have an abundance of.
They didn’t get it done, so now they have to evaluate trades if they want to acquire TOP talent.
Also, that unspent cap money isn’t wasted. Just ask CL about that.
Klaus…I am the same kj that ripped management for not improving the team at the deadline.
Season tickets can be transferred to anyone the current ticket holder wants to transfer them to.
I think it’s time to start wearing paper bags on our heads at the games.
I thought you weren’t going to the games anymore?
Oh, stop the sky-is-falling crap. The Wild have a solid, young nucleus that is only going to get better. In fact, most of their top players are 26 or younger. Russo is right - why get suckered into horrible, long-term contracts with guys who don’t deserve it just to give the impression to a clueless fan base that the team is trying? Pointless. It’s how teams get pressured into making ridiculous trades like the one for Marko Jaric, that can take years to correct. Brunette is an UPGRADE over Rolston if you axed me - they’ll both get their goals just in different ways - and they just added two defensemen who can skate and move the puck, skills that will in fact help the power play and offense in general. If the team comes together early and guys like Parrish and Backstrom step up (and Gaborik becomes more consistent), this is once again a playoff team and then who knows.
Jesus, people are jumping off the bandwagon here quickly. It’s pretty disgusting if you ask me.
Season tickets can be transferred to anyone the current ticket holder wants to transfer them to.
obviously i am not reading the same thing or they are not following their own rules.
As i recall, ST accounts may only be transferred to certain family members. That’s a pretty typical rule as ST for professional sports go.
Jesus, people are jumping off the bandwagon here quickly. It’s pretty disgusting if you ask me.
I’ll always be on the bandwagon. I love the NHL and will always be a Wild fan.
I’m just a little more critical regarding improving the team and some of the decisions made by management. And have I been known to exaggerate my comments regarding that issue…
On paper, the team doesn’t appear to be as strong as last year. Yes Green*, I know that is why they play the games. But, training camp is a couple of months away. There is time to do something. But they need to do it, not keep saying they tried to do it.
Who had the razor blades?
Ned19er, they are called “rubes” here in the upper midwest. They want the Wild to be the Rangers and the Twins to be the Yankees, who just throw money at the biggest names. These same idiots were probably the ones cursing and swearing off the Twins when they refused to give Gil Meche a $40 mill contract. They don’t know much about the sport their critiquing, however, because they don’t even acknowledge the obvious progression that our young players are making. PMB is coming into his own as a play maker, Koivu is becoming one of the best two-way players in the biz, even Sheppard has shown signs that he can be a force down low. On D, Burns and Schultz have already established themselves as high caliber players. And Gabby is Gabby. People in this town b*tch way too much.
It’s pretty disgusting if you ask me.
a. it happens here 4 or 5 times a year.
b. they will be back
Brunette is an UPGRADE over Rolston if you axed me
uh oh
Green*…I can only go by my own personal experience and how the tickets I have came to be in my name.
Perhaps it is a different case when the Wild know there are people sharing the tickets.
well, it took the better part of two days, but the vective and daggers I predicted have finally surfaced.
Of course spending to the limit could potentially be harmful. If you sign these players to three or four years contracts. But what is the harm in trying to sign veteran leadership like Shanny or Yelle to single year deals? They have been there and done it, great guys to have in a locker room that is going to be made up of ‘kids’ in the upcoming season. And give Risebrough a pat on the back for trying… Just because he’s trying doesn’t mean he’s doing a good job. He lowballed Hossa. This isn’t Detroit or Montreal, star players won’t take a million less per season just to play in fabulous Minnesota. Even if their best friend is the franchise player.
Do any of you even read Russo’s work?
I’d guess he’s just a little more clued into what’s going on than anyone on this here board, but……………
kj - yes, after season 2 I recall the Wild let you add your ST “partners” to the account - it was billed as kind of a one-time thing. STs may be transferred to those folks without issue.
So, GreenStar, do you have an issue with the statement that Brunette is an upgrade over Rolston, or is “uh oh” all you have to comment? Let me explain: both are older players, one is significantly cheaper, both will produce roughly the same statistics. One will produce his numbers by camping at the blueline and taking nothing but slapshots, the other will bump and grind along the boards and in front. One of those methods also sets an example for teammates who could learn a thing or two from that style (is Mr. Parrish paying attention?). Hope that clears it up. Love Rolston and wish we could have kept him, but to cry about it is silly.
Unlike kj, I do not believe that the Wild can spend up to the cap just to spend. If they are not getting quality, why bother? Just because they can?
WRT…I haven’t said spend just to spend. I have been consistent (yeah, I even went back and re-read my posts and will be glad to repost them) in saying spend to the cap for TOP TALENT.
That is no longer possible. I’ve tossed out other ideas (Jason Williams).
I’m just disappointed that my prediction has come to fruition.
i agree, on paper they certainly look weaker than last year.
reasons why i’m not dumping my tickets
There is 2 months before camp. things can still be done.
The defense, on paper looks to be much improved. no long will the wild need to rely on Hill, carney or nummi for minutes. Hopefully this means less minutes per game for the horses, yawnson, schultz and burns so they will be fresher towards the end of the season.
those returning should improve and contribute more than last year. i’m thinking koivu will be able increase production the most over last year. shepard should produce some as well.
brunette is the best the wild have behind the net and in the corners on offense. something that has been lacking and craved probably since he left. say what you want about him but he brings a talent with him that the wild just don’t have.
wild cards - will benny be who they though he was? will parrish figure out what the wild want from him? will beladonna be able to get on the score sheet all season or will he transition to a shut down center? will PMB be back, will he shoot more?
i know i am more optimistic than most here but i don’t think the team is as bad as people are saying. no game will be easy but then they never are.
I didn’t write that Demo had a good year last year but playing out of position will do that. Some folks don’t think it makes a difference if a player is out of position, but, ask a second baseman to play third; ask a small forward to play center; as a cornerback to play safety. It makes a difference. At this point, considering what is left out there, I do believe a good option for the Wild is to get Demo back; play him at wing opposite Gabby and get a center in here so the team is not relying on B-B-Benny going into the season.
Thanks HD…I knew there had to be a reason why our tickets started out in someone else’s name and ended up in mine. Apparently I can get something right.
The threats of: “I’m turning in my season tickets!!!” are hilarious.
Quit saying it and actually do it, the warming house will thank you.
On paper, the team doesn’t appear to be as strong as last year.
I agree with something kj said. Seriously, from an objective standpoint, this is difficult to disagree with, I think. Unless DR is able to snag Naslund and some of the other top FAs left, or barring a trade, we’re going to have to hope that the young guys improve enough from last year. And, of course, guys like Koivu, Burns, Shep and Benny (to name a few) should be better players than last year. Whether that makes up for what’s not improved around them, time will tell.
John Tavares here we come.
…one more thing; I would like 4 bags of whatever the person is smoking who stated that Bruno is an upgrade over Rolston.
So, GreenStar, do you have an issue with the statement that Brunette is an upgrade over Rolston
personally no. but 95% of posters here do. i tried to say that brunette’s numbers were closer to rolstons, not demitra’s and was beaten nine ways to sunday. and i never said he was better than rolston.
so the uh-oh was more like watch out.
Green*…8:47…well said.
will benny be who they though he was?
Shouldn’t that be Denny??? lol.
Good Lord I’m glad I went to bed when I did. Everyone got all morose and grumpy. Although 6GS nice South Park rework, I’m impressed. Take a chill pill people, the sky isn’t falling, the world is not coming to an end, astroids the size of Texas are not hurtling toward us so we have to send Ben Affleck and Bruce Willis up in a shuttle to blow it up…..
LOL, nice bfw
Anyone thirsty?
The main reason I don’t think Bruno is an upgrade on Huggy is that Bruno got his 19 goals last year playing in a system that I think we can all agree on is much, much, much more in tune with the “up and down the rink” style of hockey than what the Wild play. I’m hoping we’re not expecting to get 30+ goals from Bruno this year, unless somehow the Wild is playing 115 regular season games. Also remember something about Demo: he played out of poisition most of the year, lost some games to injury and still scored 15 goals in 14 fewer games than Bruno got his 19. Bruno is Demo only cheaper.
Green* - I agree that the new D group is a much more mobile group than this franchise has ever had, but I’m a little more concerned that our GA will also increase with them. Can they help generate for GF to make that up? We’ll see.
Anyone thirsty?
Best.
Blog.
Link.
Ever!
lowballed hossa? at 8 Million he is the top UFA this year but not the greatest player ever. Look at the numbers people last year hossa had 29G and 37A. Rolston had 31G and 28A and got 5 million (age difference). Yes Hossa brushed up to the 40 G mark a few times and hit 45 one time. Ovechkin got 124 Million for 13 years which is an average of about 9.5 Million. He scored 65 Goals! and is young. If we offered 8 we were out of our minds, except for the fact it helps resign Gabby. Edmonton and Boston offered 9? Every guy with similar point totals will want that next year. Hossa was 44th in the ENTIRE league in points.
Ah ha ha ha, ty bfw*. That picture really never gets old. Cracks me up every time.
DB, I don’t believe that the Avs are (or were) so much more of an up-and-down the ice team. Under Coach Q they played a very defensive style - I thought that was the main reason for their coaching change, that they wanted to go back to a more offensive system.
I’ll say this, though - Bruno was playing with Sakic and Hey-duke. That can’t hurt one’s production.
Austin: No thanks to Shanahan. Too old and very decrepit. No to Stephane Yelle, he couldn’t do it in Calgary, where he had a better 3rd/4th group to work with.
Jason Williams: No thanks. When will he leave for somewhere else again? He’s coming off a sports hernia. The Wild have had enough of that with Gaborik.
Trevor Letowski: 75 games played last season, 18 points. ‘Nuff said.
Miro Satan: For a team which had such lowlights as Chris Simon last season, to go from the Devil re-incarnate to Satan is not that much of a step up. Hasn’t had a plus season in the NHL since 2001-02 with Buffalo. Granted, he may be able to score but at what price defensively?
Still waiting for someone to make a move…
Rolston played 50 games for Colorado a few years ago and only scored 8 goals. He also never had back to back 30 goal seasons, yet when he came to Minnesota and the dreaded system, he put up three in a row, including a career high 34 goals in his first year. So why did the system help Rolston, but people think it will hurt Brunette? Bruno scores probably half his goals in front of the net - and you don’t need an “up and down system” to produce goals like that.
Bruno is Demo only. If this team is relying on Bruno to score 30+ we could be in for a lloonngg winter.
only cheaper….
Hockeydad: Sakic only played 44 games last year and Hejduk was terrible the second half of the season, 20 points from January on…sorry guess that doesn’t help your argument
I dunno, DB. I wouldn’t rule that out, assuming significant PPP.
The reason DR maid a mistake on Bruno was he thought he was to slow to compete in the new NHL. He was wrong because he bet the refs would call the hooking and holding for years to come. Thats why if you had the fastest guy in the league (erhmm) he would be pretty much unstoppable.
True, Bruno is not likely to score 30 goals. He may reaonably be expected to post 50-60+ pts., however.
If the league makes less money next year can the max cap go down?
Who’s to blame for these salaries?
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242347&lid=sublink01&lpos=headlines_nhl
Hockeydad: Sakic only played 44 games last year and Hejduk was terrible the second half of the season, 20 points from January on…sorry guess that doesn’t help your argument
Doesn’t it?
Deep Breath says:
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:04 am
“Bruno is Demo only. If this team is relying on Bruno to score 30+ we could be in for a lloonngg winter.”
It’s not, it’s the 50+ A’s he should get next year.
Lost a slapper, gained a threader.
Look, I don’t want folks to think that I don’t want Bruno here. I thought it was a really nice move. But, it would have been an even better move if Dougie Ballgame would have had the foresight to ink Huggy back in January. The Wild got bounced from the playoffs last yeat why? they couldn’t score goals. The defense was fine the goaltending was fine but they flat out couldn’t score goals. So, do we rectify that? No, we let two of our top forwards go in Huggy and Demo. Now, the team not only has to make up for the lost production in Huggy and Demo, but it needs to INCREASE scoring on the forward line because that was the main issue a year ago. So far, we have added Bruno. While we can all argue whether he replaces Huggy or Demo is fine, but I think we all know he doesn’t replace them BOTH. So not only has the team not replaced what it lost, it hasn’t improved on what it had, which wasn’t good enough to win 3 playoff games a year. That is where some of my frustration with Dougie Ballgame lies. The plan keeps changing. First we’re gonna let the kids develop and draft smart. While we have had success with some of the kids maturing, the draft has been a joke since ‘04, save Shepp. Then we had to get more grit. That lasted a year and now that plan is out the window. Now we have to get more mobile on the blueline. After 8 years of offensive impotence, you would think that the plan would include bringing in forwards to put the puck in the net. I don’t think we have to rehash the whole, not getting a center in here after Walz quit thing. Just seems like Dougie Ballgame can’t stick to what identity he is trying to build for the Wild or, he simply doesn’t really know what he’s trying to do.
Ned19er and Minnytown - I liked you better as dayoldbread or big k
I saw a few people takling hockey this morning amongst all of the sadness, so, 2 things.
1) Get crunk on the kool aid. If you don’t it’s going to be a long season. I recommend the IV.
2) Fedorov for center! then peca, then williams. hope naslund signs for the wing.
Overinflated salaries can’t last with a maz cap limit. Works really nice for those signing in the middle of the cycle though.
sorry “max” cap
Klaus, I appreciate the assists, but this league hands out assists like youth leagues had out trophies. A guy takes a slap shot from the point; it hits a teammate in the back and carroms to another teammate along side the crease who stuffs it home. Both the player who shot it from the point, as well as the player whom got hit in the back are going to get assists. It’s a joke. You have to temper the assists number a little bit.
All said scenarios result in a goal, no?
They certainly do, but I long been under the thought the league should dump a second assist and just give a primary assist. If there is a great 4-way passing play that results in a goal, only the goal scorer and the last two passes will get official credit, but the guy whom started the play gets nothing but a pat on the head when he comes back the bench. Way too many frivilous assists being handed out.
NHL hockey is entertainment. Because of the warming house, and the pervasive “I’m so glad NHL hockey is back in MN attitude,” management thinks they can get by with just an average product forever. Think of it like the movies, ones that have sequel after sequel after sequel. The first one is good because its new. The second one is rarely as good as the first, exception being Godfather II, the third one still generates some interest, but does less at the box office, and on and on. Its all about content. Well, you can have DeNiro, Pacino, Duvall in all the movies you want. But if the content sucks, no one is going to go, or at least in dwindling numbers. Personally, I believe the Wild’s content is not improving whatsover, and really hasn’t over the past several years. What they’ve added thus far, two smallish offensive minded defensemen, a goon, plus bringing back someone who they never should have gotten rid of in the first place but is now 3 years older, has not improve the content of the viewing experience.
2 Season Tickets for Sale. Section #117. I will take offers until 4:00PM July 4, 2008 at:
Good luck!
Hopefully, the Wild will not acquire stiff’s at inflated prices, just because they have not retained or gotten what they wanted.
it must be nice to use the stats that only prove your point and ignore the ones that don’t.
stats are the same for everyone.
if we didn’t count assists, the great one, the real great one, not hossa, would be not so great seeing all those assists are a joke.
Mike, why not just let the Wild distribute the tickets?
Saladin: in addition to The Godfather, I think we all can agree that the Friday the 13th series continues to get better and better with each passing Vorhees installment.
For those interested, the next installment is due out on Feb. 13, 2009, which is, of course, a Friday. Filming began a couple of months ago in Texas.
G*: Didn’t say all the assists are a joke, I stated that there are too many frivilous assists. Guys gets hit the back I don’t feel deserves an assist.
If the league makes less money next year can the max cap go down?
Yes, if by “makes less money,” you are referring to Revenue, not Profits.
The CBA has effectively tied expenses to revenue, so in the unlikely scenario that the League generates less revenue, the “Upper Limit” would go down.
Mike, would you care to add?
Just seems like Dougie Ballgame can’t stick to what identity he is trying to build for the Wild or, he simply doesn’t really know what he’s trying to do.
this has become the focal point of my frustration too.
Didn’t say all the assists are a joke
but you are using the assists category in general to backup your idea that while you like brunette, he is nowhere even close to being a replacement for rolston. that’s all i’m saying.
I think the NHLPA determines what they want to set the cap at based off last season’s revs and projected revs and then pay into an escrow account that is given to the teams if salary ends up being above a certain percent of actual revenue at the end of the year.
The best way to get a player is to trade for one and the only good player I can honestly see getting that is not restricted is Ilya Kovalchuk. Sign Gabby long term, send them PMB, draft picks (do we have any left?), a prospect, one D man, and a car wash. Sign him long term.
GS, I think what he’s saying is that you need GOALS more than you need assists. If you’re going to choose between two players (all other things being equal) and one of them has 30 goals and 10 assists and the other has 10 goals and 30 assists - you have to go for the guy that has 30 goals, in my opinion.
Greenstar, the problem is: everyone is entitled to his own opinion but they seem to want their own facts too.
Example: if they are angry towards DR, then he can do no right whatever he does … whether it is his necktie, socks, or the look on his face (ie: he suddenly becomes smug).
If he signs someone for high market value, it is too much (ie: Yohnny). If they are gone he lowballed them (Huggy).
No actual facts or logic are ever persuasive enough.
There are people that criticize everything … they do not like the broadcasters, DR, JL, Naegle, Pohlad, etc.
Get over it people, you need to let some glimmer of hope enter. There are many ways to build a competitive team. Lots of competitive teams get derailed on the way to the SC!
For those who think the Wild tanked against the Ave’s, remember we were missing Foster, Schultz, etc.
We will have our chance too.
can’t stick to what identity he is trying to build for the Wild or, he simply doesn’t really know what he’s trying to do
identity is an issue. i brought it up here before.
we had identity but got caught up in the flavor of the month. I actually think we are going back to our identity which i think is, tight defense, team over self, speed.
tight defense, team over self, speed…
And one and out in the playoffs…
i understand and agree wallshot. i don’t agree that we discredit brunette as a potential contributor because “it’s just assists”
How is a GOAL that goes in “off your back”, any different then the ASSIST given on the goal that goes in “off your back?”
Moot point, imho.
Who’s to blame for these salaries?
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242347&lid=sublink01&lpos=headlines_nhl
No wonder he’s been quiet. He was saving up for that.
i understand and agree wallshot. i don’t agree that we discredit brunette as a potential contributor because “it’s just assists”
I’m with you there.
This team is still hurting BAD for scoring though. It could be very hard to watch them this year.
Shoot - we missed out on the other Hossa, too. Marcel signed with Dynamo Riga.
The reason to be concerned about not spending to the cap is the suspicion that mgmt may be playing games to come in second place in bidding wars for players, then saying “oh well we tried” and pass the savings on to the pockets of the owners. How many fans are worried about hamstringing ourselves for future years?? How many are worried about us not being aggressive enought???
Shoot - we missed out on the other Hossa, too. Marcel signed with Dynamo Riga.
Is this evidence that Marian wants to go to Russia next year too? If Marcel played the PK in PHX, the Wild probably had a sopt for him.
sort of like all the nba teams cutting salary so that they can be a part of the lebron lottery in 2010 (knicks, nets). we might as well take our lumps this year. that way we could get a reasonable draft pick that might amount to a dynamic offensive player.
I didn’t hear too many people bitching about Rolston not being signed last summer- last summer. And during the year all I heard were people bitching about his play. Now he is gone and it is the same people bitching that DR didn’t sign him last summer. At least it is consistent… bitching non-stop.
I think we got temporarily distracted from our “plan” after watching the Ducks steamroll to the Cup in 07 leaving carnage in their wake. I think after the Avs series the Wild realized their mistake. That, and the fact that we were pretty thin at D.
To get Gs, you need people to get you the puck. The majority of As are not from the puck bouncing off a players back. You don’t usually see crappy players with a bunch of As. And the majority of the As aren’t “frivilous”.
then saying “oh well we tried” and pass the savings on to the pockets of the owners.
I really don’t think this owner needs the team to make him money on an annual basis. It sounds like a toy to him.
besides, if you have enough green to buy yourself a pro hockey team and are able to fly in for every home game, do you really think he needs the 5 or 10 mil saved? they don’t live like we do. 5 mil when you have a billion isn’t all that much. i guess similar to 5 dollars when you have 1000. again my math ain’t too good.
How many fans are worried about hamstringing ourselves for future years?? How many are worried about us not being aggressive enought???
I don’t want to be in a salary box. I am in the camp where i don’t want the team to sign hell bent for an election and then be horseshat for 4 years after trying to cycle off the bad salaries. it is kinda what the wolves are doing now.
i guess similar to 5 dollars when you have 1000. again my math ain’t too good.
Nah, your math is right on the numbers.
(*rimshot*)
Nah, your math is right on the numbers.
(*rimshot*)
*throws tomatoes and rotten eggs at bfw*
wow…Brophy…tell us how you really feel! Thing is, I don’t really disagree with anything he said.
Come get your free gun or razor blade! Step right up crybaby Wild fans and pick your demise! Hockey is obviously the most important thing in the world and when things don’t go your way you want to jump off a cliff… Well, I am here to make it easier on you by passing out free Guns and Razors. So please stop on by so you may never watch hockey again.
Dr. Kevorkian, I presume?
This team has some young guys pushing the dominant catagory. Russo is right in his comment today for my money. I also agree with Minnytown. Clearly we need a center. There are guys like Morrison that could change Gabby’s numbers. Bruno and Zidlicky had 105 pts or so. Rolston and demo had about 115 i think. We do not have to make up too much more. Morrison could pot those, and deliver the center we need to give Koivu some consistent linemates. Bruno will pot goals, but he will fill a huge problem that neither Rolston or Demo could address…nobody getting it done down low. FA is not over, and trades will occur. This team is not in its final roster…so lets see what they do?
BfW; I stated that a player whom gets credit for an assist because a shot goes off his back then to another teammate whom scores, is a joke. A goal is a goal but to give a player an assist whom clearly did nothing but get hit with a puck is frivilous.
What no ropes or revolvers?
brophy is a much better read than souhan. according to him you are an idiot if you are a loyal fan.
Dr. Kevorkian, I presume?
Nice.
“brophy is a much better read than souhan. according to him you are an idiot if you are a loyal fan.”
Brophy or Souhan thinks loyalty is idiocy?
Dickie: There are a ton of frivilous assists handed out in the NHL> PLayer takes the puck out from behind his net and gives a pass to a wing in his own zone. Wing skates around 4 players, takes it into the offensive zone, goes behind the net, sets up for a second or three and then sends a pass out in front to a teammate who takes the puck, manuvers around a defender and beats the goalie. Depsite nearly 15+ seconds of game time running off the clock, the player who had the puck in his own end and gave it to the forward is going to get an assist. Frivilous.
souhan. i could be wrong but that is what i took from his last slover.
BfW; I stated that a player whom gets credit for an assist because a shot goes off his back then to another teammate whom scores, is a joke. A goal is a goal but to give a player an assist whom clearly did nothing but get hit with a puck is frivilous.
Ahhhh. Gotcha.
—-
Nah, your math is right on the numbers.
(*rimshot*)
*throws tomatoes and rotten eggs at bfw*
Dang, someone ELSE stiffed you guys for less money, and EVEN HE didn’t get the rotton egg treatment! j/k.
Sheesh.
I’m just saying that I’m about as concerned about us spending too recklessly as the Ducks are worried about Kimmy seeking revenge on Brad May.
It’s the least the Wild can do for the most incomprehensibly loyal fans in sport.
Last line of slover he wrote when rolston wasn’t resigned which meant #10 is gone to, in his opinion.
Dang, someone ELSE stiffed you guys for less money, and EVEN HE didn’t get the rotton egg treatment! j/k.
Sheesh.
Look, stiffing us for less money is one thing. Making really bad jokes is a whole other monster.
“souhan. i could be wrong but that is what i took from his last slover.”
I’ve read a few of souhans’ articles. The guy should stay away from NHL. He knows nothing…maybe less. He wrote something last winter that hacked me off and I sent him an ugly e-mail. signed it too. No response…
Like I said GS, the guy has opinions, and they are worthless to me.
Jeff T: While Bruno and Zids may make up for the loss of Huggy and Demo ih terms of points, (which I don’t think they will), that still leaves you level with last year, which was good enough to win 2 playoff games and get bounced. This team not only had to stay at the level they had last year, but they needed/need to ADD scoring punch. Didn’t lose to the Avs because Schultz and Fozzie were on the shelf; team lost to the Avs because of lack of pucks in net. I agree that the season is still 3 months away, but key players are dropping off the FA list quickly. With what is left out there, it looks as though we will be bringing in a stop-gap player at best. Just frustrating is all.
Morning folks. Wow, all the Negative Nancy’s came out this morning didn’t they…
I wonder if there will be anymore big signings today by any team. Still some good guys out there.
Gaborik trying to sell Hossa on the Wild is a good sign. Maybe he gets a SC in his one year at Detroit and then signs on long term with a newly contracted Gabby.
When the Slovaks play together doesn’t Demo center?
Besides the $20M that Huggy got, isn’t his wife from there? The Devils may also have the lowest amount of overnight travel in the league which has got to be a huge deal to a guy with 3 kids.
Morning folks. Wow, all the Negative Nancy’s came out this morning didn’t they…
see what happens when you drink, Austin?!
I’ve read a few of souhans’ articles. The guy should stay away from NHL.
The alternatives are Reusse and Sid - ouch. Trade Reusse back to the PP for Powers.
“Didn’t lose to the Avs because Schultz and Fozzie were on the shelf;”
It definitely did’t HELP the situation. All the games were close (except for 1 stinker iirc)… so if those guys were in there they could have stopped that one extra from going in… it would have been a different ballgame. I am not saying that is how it would have panned out, but saying that having them in the line-up wouldn’t have helped is just a flat out lie.
DeepBreath…I agree with you 100%. Just trying to remain hopeful. We can’t remain the same you are right. We have to find two more forwards who can put in a combined 30-40 goals if we expect better results. I sure hope one is a center.
Who is Brophy?
“see what happens when you drink, Austin?!”
Indeed. I also wake up with a headache… I do love me some White Russians though.
So, maybe it was my kool-aid goggled eyes during last year’s playoffs, but didn’t the reason we couldn’t put pucks in the net have something to do with a theodore who incidentally played at a level similar to patrick roy on pcp?
I have pictures of stoned breakaways over and over again - especially to burns.
the dude abides austin.
if shepard and koivu can double their goal scoring output then that 30 to 40 turns into 20 to 30. if PMB resigns and then shoots more, maybe we are down to 10 to 20.
it appears that a lot of this need to replace rolston goals is done assuming all other player numbers will stay the same. i am thinking a few can step up and fill that void.
more players are necessary but the whole may not be as big as it appears, but still big.
Hockeydad: he’s one of the more tenured writers currently with The Hockey News.
The Devils may also have the lowest amount of overnight travel in the league which has got to be a huge deal to a guy with 3 kids.
Excellent point.
According to the Province, the Canucks have offered Morrison a one-year, $1.9 million deal.
Come on people now, we gotta get Morrison now. DR can pay big for one year now.
whole = hole
SotB: Yeah, in the Slovak league, Demitra did play center between Gaborik and Marian or Marcel - depending. However the style of play in the Euro leagues is vastly different from JL’s system, and doesn’t require the C to be the defensive stalwart on the line, so he wouldn’t have much of an issue playing C in Europe, but he sure as hell does here. Can’t blame him.
AtxW: Can’t score 12 goals in 6 playoff games and expect to win the series; unless you’re playing the Wild. Fozzie and Schultz on the ice would have been good, but the issue wasn’t the blueline, it was the forward line, something that has plagued this franchise for the better part of 8 years.
“the dude abides austin.”
Indeed he does.
it appears that a lot of this need to replace rolston goals is done assuming all other player numbers will stay the same. i am thinking a few can step up and fill that void.
Agreed. I’m looking for a rebound yr from Parry. Growth from Shep and Benny (pleeease!). Full season for Mikko.
Deep: I believe it was Pierre Page who was quoted as saying “Defense creates offense.”
Greenstar you are right in my opinion. Its a matter of getting improvement. That center position is killing us…and I do not wnat another dominic moore waste. We have to get a guy to add…without subtracting. Thats why I believe we need to land a center in the FA period
I can’t decide if Bruno wreaking havoc down low would benefit Gaby coming out of the corner or Parry setting up in front more.
DeebBreath, that is true… but remember that Theodore played out of his mind. We got shut down by him all too often. I am not saying that the series would have ended differently if Fozzie and Schultzie were in there… I am just saying that they definitely could have helped. Hell, Fozzie has been known to hit the net with a long slapper on occasion.
I’m looking for a rebound yr from Parry. Growth from Shep and Benny
to add, this isn’t reason not to go try and sign a Hossa but it is also reason to believe all is not completely lost because we didn’t sign hossa.
yes, things would be ass-less chaps rosier with hossa in fold. i can’t deny that.
Two Season Tickets for Sale. Section #117. I will take offers until 4:00 Friday at:
Good luck!!
yes, things would be ass-less chaps rosier with hossa in fold.
wait..is that a good thing or a bad thing?
Well, DR tried, that’s all a steer can do. It looks like he made good offers and I’m all for not overpaying, but jeez, it seems like he couldn’t attract a lap dance with a fist full of Benjamins.
The Wild are paying the price for their lousy run in the draft (A.J. Thelen, et. al.). Very few prospects with call-up potential or trade value, so the moves they can make are very limited.
So, the Jackets overpaid for Huselius, and I’m happy now. Really, I’m freaking elated DR isn’t blowing cash on players that don’t warrant it.
Now, the rumor is Naslund doesn’t care so much about the money and only wants to play one more year, but he wants to play with a good lineup, with a contender, and a system he likes. That pretty much takes him out of the running here. So, we’re left looking at Nagy (overpaid), Demitra (worth it as a LW, not a C), Vasicek (maaaaaybe), Williams (like him), Morrison (injury-prone), and Peca (would be great in JL system).
Any 2 of those would be a welcome addition, if DR doesn’t pull a “Fletch” and add an extra zero.
Ugh…morning all. Hungover and tried to get through the party that was going on in Russoville last night but I just skipped to the end after the South Park quotes. What’d I miss?
Too bad drinking scotch isn’t a paying job or Kenny’s dad would be a millionare! - Amazing Mr. Band. While we’re at it, I have not graduated from the U of M in architecture, but will be from CU sometime in the future. The market has to pick back up eventually, right?
Austins: We must be on the same page b/c I bought the fixins for White Russians after watching TBL last week!
Went to see Stone Temple Pilots at Red Rocks last night, one of the top 3 concerts I’ve ever seen! Thank god Scott Weiland stayed out of jail long enough to make it to CO. Plush, Interstate love song, big empty, sex type thing, down, sour girl, wicked garden, etc. I could go on! UNBELIEVABLE! and then they did “We will rock you” and I think I creamed my pants a little!
but jeez, it seems like he couldn’t attract a lap dance with a fist full of Benjamins.
no i dont think he could.
Ah, the Pierre Page years. Weren’t those some of the best times in Minnesota hockey history?
Morrison is a waste - Naslund is the only one of that Canucklehead line who has any hope of being an impact player at this point. I’m for bringing back Smilin Pav and instructing JL to never put him at center again. I loved the Demitra Koivu Parrish line two seasons ago when Zsa Zsa was having his groiniac attack.
Nick in New York says:
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:46 am
“I can’t decide if Bruno wreaking havoc down low would benefit Gaby coming out of the corner or Parry setting up in front more.”
I’d say yes and yes.
Parrish rebound? Biggest bust on a dollar per player basis in DR’s career as Wild GM. He hasn’t played a full season in the NHL since 2002-2003. He had no game winning, or game tying goals last year. I expect zero from him and wish DR would put him on waivers despite the salary hit.
I’m looking for a rebound yr from Parry. Growth from Shep and Benny
to add, this isn’t reason not to go try and sign a Hossa but it is also reason to believe all is not completely lost because we didn’t sign hossa.
Agreed, thx.
——
yes, things would be ass-less chaps rosier with hossa in fold. i can’t deny that.
Did you just use “Can’t deny,” “ass-less chaps,” and “fold” in the same sentence???
Ok, b^tching and hyperbole aside:
Who in the UFA class of ‘08 is still worth going after?
What assets will DR be willing to part with via a trade - that he hasn’t already (rightly so) rejected?
Right now, we are forced to hope for improvement from within. Can Burns, Koivu, Sheppard, PMB make the jump from promising star to All-Star?
The roster is what it is. FAs are gone. How does the Wild get to the 2nd round of the playoffs next year (supposing they qualify at all)?
it seems like he couldn’t attract a lap dance with a fist full of Benjamins.
Dynamite!
They get to the second round of the playoffs next year by flying commercial. They will likely have to go to scalpers to get tickets to watch the other teams.
Gotta love them ‘caucasians’ Lemmi!
The thing about PMB as trade bait is that it more or less directly contradicts the “be like Detroit” mantra - at least as opposed to the “be like Anaheim” mantra of a year ago.
Echoing comments from before: this is why continuing to switch horses is a dangerous game.
Plush, Interstate love song, big empty, sex type thing, down, sour girl, wicked garden, etc. I could go on! UNBELIEVABLE! and then they did “We will rock you” and I think I creamed my pants a little!
LMAO
How does the Wild get to the 2nd round of the playoffs next year (supposing they qualify at all)?
i don’t think it will take burns, koivu, shep, pmb being all-stars. it would help but not necessary.
it should be difficult for koivu to double output unless he gets lumberjacked again.
burns is on track to be an all-star. kid’s got skills.
thsy just need better years. PMB needs to shoot more. koivu needs to not break a leg. benny needs to prove he is ready for primetime. all this will go a long way. may not be enough but maybe it will.
How did they get to the THIRD round of the playoffs in 2003?
How did they get to the THIRD round of the playoffs in 2003?
Behind (pun intended) Andrew Brunette…
I am hoping Benny really goes out there with something to prove this year. I would love to see the kid put up some good numbers. We saw a flash of how good he can be even though he has a tiny head…
KJ who else is still available as a free agent in 08?
Fedorov! or Peca would both be great at C. Williams as a 3rd choice.
I didn’t look at the wings close enough, but hopefully Naslund comes over to play.
bfw: over/under on Weiland going to jail/ODing/dying before this year is finished?
I would like Peca up front, but he’s been injured too, and paid way more than he was ever worth.
Lemmi,
3 months.
I’ll take a nickel on the over.
did johnny pohl ever pay center? he’d be good i mean he played at the U of M…
@MUN: Done.
Anyone else?
I got a ‘C’ note on the under.
only thing pohl is good for is sitting on a pole
Hopefully, today the Wild can get contracts to SRV and PMB.
The Jaques should donate his sperm and make 23 seperate kids around the same age, 19 years from now we would have a sweet NHL team…
That was my inner Dougie for the day..
hey, anyone else see the ashley tisdale moment on this screene? OMG! She could play center on my line, Sign here, at least it would keep gabby around and she can probably skate as good as boogie
yeah, pohl played center in highschool. and was a big whiner. no thanks.
I have a prediciton… the wild will sign someone as capabale as Belanger and convince the average fan that they will be ok, maybe make the play offs, but stay competitive because of the Jaques, and sell out every game, trade deadline will come and pass, no moves, same old same old, we will hear Russo talk about fiscal responsibility, but yet, no bold moves will be made. at least make a choice with some ball Dougie, i wonder why no one signs here, the only legit free agent signee was Rolston and before he came here he was average-above average!
So in the end, same time next year folks
The thing with Mark, is that he was brought in to tip pucks and screen the goalie. If we can get shots ON NET, we just have Mark standing in front of the net. Last year he had a bad year. No doubt about it, but he also had a few injuries that added to it. I think if he can clear his head this summer and if we can get people to shoot ON NET, he will be able to better do his job.
STH’s getting restless on no action by DR. DR must be scouring the league to find a Minnesota to sign about now. We all know how well they have worked out!
Hmm bfw…they’re supposed to start recording a new album this fall, so I’d probably have to go with the under on that one before their tour is over.
I am picking up your sarcasm G*…
Sergei Brynlin — made only $1.5 last season.
RUSSO RUSSO RUSSO drop in and drop a line, like how much money we pumped into this franchise…
Sergei Brylin is 5 foot 2 inches tall for gosh sakes, let sign him and theo flurey and PMB on the same line for the smallest line in the ihstory of the world.
But still, better than what we have at C sept Koivu
SOTAAAAAAAAAAAAA what up sota
Green*…nice. Pohl would certainly be an upgrade…
I am still on the Jason Williams bandwagon.
Center options:
Williams
Morrison
Yelle
Kapanen
Vasicek
Wingers:
Nagy
Fedotenko
Miettinen
Demitra
My head hurts.
From Previous Thread (FPT):
Do you blame your dog for your dishes not washing themselves as well?
LMAO. I don’t care if this is just made up or not. Just damn funny.
From Walters column re: CL and the cap
[Wild general manager Doug Risebrough has no financial restrictions on how he builds the team, new owner Craig Leipold said Wednesday.
“His responsibility is to build the best team he can,” Leipold said.
For overall value, the Wild seemed to get the best of the free-agent deals in which Brian Rolston departed and Andrew Brunette returned this week. That’s because Brunette, 34, is costing the team just $7 million over three years while Rolston’s new price tag ended up being twice that annually and for one more year with the New Jersey Devils.
Rolston, 35, had 59 points (31 goals, 28 assists) last season; Brunette also had 59 points (19 goals, 40 assists) for Colorado. Both are team leaders.
Leipold said the Wild aren’t finished in the free-agent market.
“We are talking to other free agents right now,” he said. “If it works out, fine. If it doesn’t, the fact that we picked up Brunette and (Marek) Zidlicky are good additions.”
Leipold said it is “very possible” the Wild will be at the NHL’s new salary cap of $56.7 million when next season begins.
“If some of the offers we have out are accepted, we’ll be at the cap,” he said. “If not, we won’t be.” ]
Russo said:
“Toronto continues to get slaughtered for its Jeff Finger, $3.5 million a year contract signing. Here’s a funny, and accurate, line from Hockey News’ Mike Brophy:
I bet if you put Finger in a lineup a week ago and asked (Cliff) Fletcher to pick him out, he wouldn’t be able to do it.”
The boys on the NHL network said: “Today, the Toronto brass have given the Leaf fans the Finger”
kj
what about fedorov?
other than price tag, why not the russian superstar?
and maybe we can get him for a decent price for a couple of years to mentor our centers.
i feel like i’m taking crazy pills.
Re: Finger
I posted a link on a previous thread that was a rather scathing commentary on how Fletcher thought Finger was Kurt Sauer and that’s who he was throwing the money at.
why not, fedorov banged Anna K, who else could top that in the lockerroom?
Maple Leafs acquire Grabovski from the Canadiens - http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242375
He is a young C so maybe TOR is out of the Morrison market.
I like the Federov option but as I noted yesterday, it doesn’t appear DR does. Also, I am a bit surprised that WAS hasn’t made an effort to keep him or have I just not seen it?
nobody, I mean nobody it seems wants to play for lemaire and douggie???
all we could get was one free agent and that was bruno who again “is a lemaire guy” obviously our management is a pigeon holed…and this team has gone nowhere now for 5 years…IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE~~~!! DOUGIE AND LEMAIRE NEED TO GO
I’m not sure DR liked the Hossa idea either until Schmidty campaigned loudly on this board either
SG6 - only the devils made an offer and the russian mafia. i mean media suggested he was humiliated and offended by their offer.
they lowballed him for us so we can grab him! let’s go!
I have asked this question below, but has anyone seen an analysis comparing the drafting success of all NHL teams in recent years? There’s lots of complaining about DR’s drafting, 2004 being the most obvious class. But, when forecasting the future abilities of 18-year old zit-faced kids, no team is going to bat 1.000 - these things are all relative.
By the way, I’m not even suggesting I know what the results of any such analysis would be. It’s just that I honestly don’t know how to evaluate DR in this respect unless I know how his performance compares to his peers.
oh, and food
FOOD, Guys.
hockey dad - there was some conversation on the blog a while ago about this - the 2004 draft. I don’t remember the general summmary, but iirc it seemed that the 2004 draft was kind of a wash in general with a few exceptions for superstars?
I’m sure this comment will probably get blasted, so I apologize in advance for my ignorance.
jimlove…for me it is the dough.
Not enough upside for the $$$ he will want.
I’m not sure DR liked the Hossa idea either until Schmidty campaigned loudly on this board either
That was a great line!
Greenstar at 10:08 has it exactly right, last paragraph.
Saladin, DR has never shown any preference for Minnesota kids.
Puck shooting defensemen will certainly improve Parish goal scoring.
The Wild have been very good in their draft, only the Thelen draft did not bring a player.
MuN >>so he wouldn’t have much of an issue playing C in Europe, but he sure as hell does here. Can’t blame him.<>it seems like he couldn’t attract a lap dance with a fist full of Benjamins<<
Probably the same guy who couldn’t sell pu**y to a troop train
SotB: ROFL! That’s our boy!
SGS: Fedorov would be an excellent pickup and would do well on the ice for JL. He’s lost a step, but he’s a great defensive center and has great playmaking skills. Problem is he whines about ice time, has an ego bigger than Marian’s, and wants 4-6 Mil a year and thinks Washington will pay it so he can keep mentoring their young Russians. I say he’s worth 2.5 to 3M, no more.
Ever notice how some people stick up for Parrish. If only someone would put the puck on the net, if only he played on the right/perfect line, if only he planted himself in front of the net when the goalie was pulled, if only he wasn’t hurt in combination with the 3 previous items, if only the players passing to him were Minnesotans, on and on and on.
If only he was being paid the same as Weller is what I would say, not among the highest payrolls on the team.
