Day Two
Posted on July 2nd, 2008 – 1:04 PMBy Michael Russo
Things are quiet with the Wild at the moment. I’ll keep checking and talking to folks, but it’s hard to get agents on the phone during the day because they’re negotiating with teams.
They’re still in it with Huselius. Problem is a market was sort of set with Niklas Hagman at $3 million a year in Toronto. Huselius and Hagman’s careers started together, and statistically, there’s no comparison. Huselius has performed much better and more consistently, so if the Wild wants him, one would assume it’ll have to be at more than $3 mill.
Huselius and other UFA forwards are clearly being patient right now as they try to drive up the price.
And like I said, there are other guys out there, and quite frankly, something might not necessarily happen today with the Wild. I’m told nothing big is brewing right at the moment. There are things that are “pending” but are on hold due to the stuff I’m alluding to above with Huselius and others.
Patience by the agents.
I wish I could publish Marek Zidlicky’s phone number. I just want you to hear the stuff I’m hearing on the other end of the line. I don’t think we’ll be getting him today either. I think he lives on a farm in REMOTE Czech Republic or something.
Marian Hossa snubs bigtime long-term offers to sign with Detroit at one-year, $7.4 million, according to TSN. I told everybody I talked to yesterday no way he’d go to Edmonton, but wow. Interesting decision, and there’s got to be a reason other than just the fact he gets to go to Detroit.
Sean Avery to Dallas. No French Canadians there, just Finns. 
11:15 a.m. update: I just talked to Kristian Huselius, who’s back home in Sweden. Amazingly, he’s got the same cell phone from when I covered him pre-lockout.
Huselius told me he hopes to make a decision later today on his destination. He’s gotten a lot of interest and confirmed he’s considering Minnesota, but said, “I’m considering every team I’ve heard from. Until I decide, I can’t really do much or say too much. Minnesota is in the mix, but like I said, so are others. I haven’t made a decision at all yet.”
We’ll see what happens. Huselius is just one guy I know of. The Wild is clearly talking to other players, too, and if Huselius takes too long, the Wild could move on to other players. That’s the deal in free agency. When you have to wait around for players to make decisions and talk to others, sometimes you have to move on.
There are about a dozen or so pretty quality players still out there.
Here’s a Craig Weller YouTube clip. Check out the hits on Rick Nash and Dan Fritsche. As you can see, he’s a big, tough, you know what. I remember watching this game live, and in fact, I think this might be the same game Nash scored that sick winner by splitting the two Phoenix D. As you can hear, Danny Gare understandably doesn’t like the punch after the fact.
Here’s two Marek Zidlicky clips. Here’s one deke
163 Responses to "Day Two"
Weller is going to be better than Voros, I have absolutely no doubt of it.
I’m excited that he’s coming.
The only real move the Wild have made (or haven’t made) was with Fedoruk.
Rolston, they gave it a shot. Demitra is replaced completely by Bruno (and I like Brunette better).
Now we’ll see where they go from here.
From the quote, it sounds as if Huselius is being extremely cautious and mentions other teams twice. Doesn’t sound like he really is considering Minnesota.
Maybe he is and is just hedging his bets.
Any thoughts?
Does Hossa think the wings can repeat??
Not sure of the source, but Orpik has reportedly informed the Penguins of his intentions, but no official announcement anywhere.
mentions other teams twice. Doesn’t sound like he really is considering Minnesota./i>
Common negotiating tactic. (See: Hossa.)
Hossa and the rest of the hockey-watching world….
If we don’t get Huselius, I’m not sure i’ll be upset. Just wonder what else to do, but start anew via trade of Gabby, PMB or ?
Anyone else people want besides Huselius? Anyone else think it strange we could’ve had him off waivers 3 years ago…now we’re interested? not to mention we could’ve traded Dupuis for him as well….
Hmmm, and the Wild wants me to pay for my tix. Maybe I’ll pay when they do something!
Hossa leaving those monster offers on the table for one year with the wings smells like a Kevin Mchale/Joe Smith moment.
Other guys with potantial:
Naslund
Morrison (injury?)
What do people think about Weight or Reasoner at center?
I remember watching that game too (from the Weller clip) and it didn’t seem nearly as dirty as the Columbus broadcasters made it sound … of course, I was watching the Phoenix feed. Nash didn’t have his head up, the second guy just got dumped, but maybe the punch was uncalled for. Ironically, I don’t remember Weller really being much of an enforcer this year, but rather a tough, hard-working support player. Good move for Wild (as was Phoenix picking up Fedoruk and Sauer).
It’s over. Why try. Wings will win again. This blows!!!!
What are Orpik’s intentions? FA?
Weight in JL’s system? It will be Rolston 2.0 likely — no points and - rating.
Your guess is as good as mine, sunshine. I got that bit from faceoffcircle and the Post-Gazette (which broke the Hossa deal) appears to have crashed.
Somewhere not Pittsburgh is my guess. Somewhere at least 4 years for 16 million.
Hossa to Detroit:
Lets Go Blackhawks!
clap, clap, clapclapclap
Lets Go Blackhawks!
clap, clap, clapclapclap
Lets Go Blackhawks!
clap, clap, clapclapclap
Did Brylin sign yet?
We could get Brylin and Fedorov and really up our Russian quotient down the middle.
…and maybe entice Volo to come back to North America (hell, why stop there, we’re coming for YOU Max Sushinsky!!)
KiPA…words do not describe how wretched Marian Hossa is for his move. That is despicable.
kj: sarcasm or no? If it is, expect a counter from me regarding your team. 
Mark it down. The Wings will NOT repeat this year.
I have foreseen it.
What does Russoville think about B. Morrison centering #10?
NiNY…I think the Hossa signing changes my opinion on how the ‘Hawks will do this year. But I am still hopeful… Although, Detroit could be next year’s Ducks…
Jason Williams is still available.
Mister Kristian is as well.
If I am DR, I make him an offer pronto.
Hit Detroit where it hurts. Make a BIG offer to Filppula. They wouldn’t have the $$$ to match anymore this year. And if they did, they’d be hamstrung…
Walleye Jim: NO!
Weight in JL’s system? It will be Rolston 2.0 likely — no points and - rating.
Rolston had no points in JL’s system? Are there some career stats for Rolston that I am missing??
Weight as a center as someone mentioned. Rolston for the 10 games that he centered earned zero points.
KiPA…no that isn’t sarcasm. I cannot believe Hossa signed with Detroit. That is the kind of move that makes me hope that he NEVER, EVER TOUCHES THE CUP.
Good news KiPA - FAn 590 reporting that Malkin has been extended for 5 years
Hit Detroit where it hurts. Make a BIG offer to Filppula.
Gotta believe Mr. Gillis is crunching those numbers right now, kj.
In that case, kj, yay. Glad someone outside of Pittsburgh shares that sentiment, since we’re being blasted for it.
Hockeydad: yeah, the Pens released a statement on that a few minutes ago. So that’s something.
Still need a winger from outside the organization.
lol KJ, you’re really upset about this, eh?
I don’t see it so badly. The guy wants to do the UFA dance again next year.
Filppula… nhlnumbers says Detroit’s cap is at 52.673 with 20 players signed.
Gotta believe Mr. Gillis is crunching those numbers right now, kj.
Of course we will find out Filppula re-signs with Detroit for 2 mil per even though Gillis offered him 20 mil over 4 years… 
Hit Detroit where it hurts. Make a BIG offer to Filppula. They wouldn’t have the $$$ to match anymore this year. And if they did, they’d be hamstrung…
Spend big money and lose a bunch of draft picks on a guy whose long-term goal-scoring potential is somewhat questionable? I hope you’re not suggesting the Wild do this.
Detroit probably has someone waiting to take Filppula’s place as soon as he leaves. Additionally, why would he sign an offer sheet when he can do a one year deal and get another ring with Hossa on board?
according to nhlscap (which is now linking into hockeybuzz), the Wings now have a hair over $2.5M in cap space with 22 players signed. I have to assume that is inclusive of Hossa’s $7.5M.
That means you could sign Filpulla to an offer sheet of up to $2.615M, put Detroit over the cap on matching it, or give up only a 2nd round pick if they don’t.
sorry…Hossa’s $7.4M
Flipula will want more than $2.6M, however.
Detroit probably has someone waiting to take Filppula’s place
Yeah, seriously.
yeah, no thanks on weight. he is ancient. and has lots of miles on him with all the playoffs.
I hope you’re not suggesting the Wild do this.
Wallshot…I thought he was impressive in the playoffs - particularly in the finals.
11 points in 22 games. +7.
I am probably over-estimating his value, but he is only 24. I believe the upcoming season will be a breakout for him.
to be honest, I’d prefer it if contracts were only allowed to be 1 year in length. Call it the Alexei Yashin rule.
And, there is the ’stick it to Detroit’ factor…
i believe you can be 10% over the cap until a certain date. not sure about the date
I’d prefer it if contracts were only allowed to be 1 year in length
Only in a perfect world. And this world is far from perfect.
I suppose they wouldn’t even bother trying to match an offer.
The way they draft, they’d rather have the picks.
That means you could sign Filpulla to an offer sheet of up to $2.615M, put Detroit over the cap on matching it, or give up only a 2nd round pick if they don’t.
That wouldn’t be a bad deal for the signing team actually, but as others stated I expect it would take more to lure him away.
Only in a perfect world. And this world is far from perfect.
amen, brother.
I suppose they wouldn’t even bother trying to match an offer.
The way they draft, they’d rather have the picks.
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry at this.
Hossa only signed a one year deal so he can follow Gabby where ever he ends up next year.
I suppose they wouldn’t even bother trying to match an offer.
The way they draft, they’d rather have the picks.
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry at this.
Cry.
Why would Hossa follow Gaborik? It’s Demitra he’s friends with. Marcel is Gabby’s husband.
You are correct Jeff. You can go over the cap by 10% until two weeks before the start of the season at which point you need to be below the cap.
wait… Russo… If nothing big is brewing at the moment, and the only “big” thing is Huselius, what the ef are we going to do about our lack of center, still?
I think of myself as a kool-aid drinker, but if we don’t get any C help from DR I might have to join Mike.
which would allow detroit to match and trade someone not as important to their team
Schmidty - loved the commitment to Hossa, we are all sorry (except KiPA) that it didn’t break the way you hoped!
i believe you can be 10% over the cap until a certain date. not sure about the date
Per the NHL CBA, teams are allowed to temporarily exceed the Upper Limit by 10%, from July 1st through the last day of training camp, Section (50.5)(c)(ii)(B)
Wallshot…I thought he was impressive in the playoffs - particularly in the finals.
11 points in 22 games. +7.
I am probably over-estimating his value, but he is only 24. I believe the upcoming season will be a breakout for him.
You could be right, kj. He certainly seems to have good speed and hands, but outside of that I don’t have much personal knowledge of him. I only look at his numbers to date and the scouting reports that I can find on him. They certainly could be wrong.
Although as a center getting second-line TOI in Detroit’s system and only mustering 36 points, I can’t imagine he’d do better with the Wild’s system/roster.
Gillis was Demo’s agent, right?
Gillis: “Hey Kenny (Holland), Mike Gillis here. Nice signing with Hossa. Great work. Say, by the way, I thought you might be interested to know that, back when I was still Demitra’s agent he told me in no uncertain terms that he’d consider signing for like $1M for a chance to play with his best buddy, Marian Hossa.”
Holland: “Is that a fact?”
Gillis: “Absolutely. I’m a little surprised you haven’t heard from him yet. Anyhoo…uh…hey what size sweater does Filpulla wear?”
Holland: “Um..I don’t know…48? Why?”
Gillis: “Never mind…hey, check your fax machine right…about…now…”
Holland: “Umm, okay…what the…what? What the pfff…? What?”
Gillis: “Hey Kenny, gotta run bud, take care!”
we are all sorry (except KiPA)
Wouldn’t have had a problem if he went to Minny (as long as it was a much bigger contract). In fact, I would’ve much preferred that to the reality.
That deke move by Zidlicky that Russo posted is pretty slick. Great move.
I took the “nothing big brewing” comment to mean that no deal was imminent at the moment, but that the Wild had some offers outstanding (thus, the “pending” comment). I did not take that to mean that the Wild was done in FA. Sounds to me like, given the short supply, the players/agents are quite comfortable taking their time, waiting as the market continues increasing.
i believe you can be 10% over the cap until a certain date. not sure about the date
Per the NHL CBA, teams are allowed to temporarily exceed the Upper Limit by 10%, from July 1st through the last day of training camp, Section (50.5)(c)(ii)(B)
Your 1:48pm “beat me to the punch,” Schmitty, but you are correct.
I don’t understand why the sportswriters in the state of hockey are so easy on DR / Bill Smith? With the wolves we have a Owner/GM that at least has TRIED to make big deals - granted they’ve failed pretty badly at their efforts, but hey, at least they’ve tried - the Wild/Twins owners and GM’s are tirelessly trying to NOT make big splashes so as to either save/steal money - or to save their jobs … cuz everyone knows that guy that never makes a bad deal flies under the radar and gets to keep his job. But heck, I would get fired here at my job if I never stuck my neck out and tried something new to get my job done “better”/”smarter”/more efficiently!
I’m liking what I’m seeing on youtube of Zids - is it too early for a nickname? Sweet deke move - backhand to the skate to the forehand! Kid’s got better hands than Johnsson me thinks. Could he be the offensive D that Johnsson was originally touted to be or will he ‘wither’ under JL?
I’m also liking what I’m seeing/hearing on Weller. Not afraid to drop ‘em, has some scoring touch. Hitting? That hit on Nash still looks clean to me. Someone posted that clip a few weeks(?) ago and mentioned they’d like him in IRR (Iron Range Red). Whoever that was, step forward and claim your prize!
I just want you to hear the stuff I’m hearing on the other end of the line. I don’t think we’ll be getting him today either. I think he lives on a farm in REMOTE Czech Republic or something.
How do you say “moo” in Czech?
mooaug
What i’m trying to say is this…why are our softhearted GM’s always off the hook for being so penny pinching tight? The Wild do not suffer f/a small market…they have a lock on a fan base - tons of money coming in from a favorable lease agreement - and the benefit of being in the top tier of ticket sales/price/revenue. I just wonder why they’re never criticized to the same extent that the Ostrich is across the river? I’m not a Wolves GM apologist, I’m just not one for apathy to a franchise that has the most loyal fan base in the state.
Wild management trying to “save” their money. Rich. So original. Never mind that the team will again spend up to the cap.
So is Russo hinting at that if we don’t get the players we want in UFA, the pending stuff is likely to be a trade?
Did we ever find out what Voros got from the Rangers?
NiNY…ok, since we know Hossa isn’t coming this year, I can reveal my source.
I was chatting with a gal from Slovakia that knew the mafia. She thought he was going to end up on the same team as Gaborik and Demitra. Sure, it could have been ‘Ed’ in Oklahoma City, but he/she sounded credible…
sunshine: that’s how I read it.
I hope so sunshine.
dayold, did the Wild spend enough money last year? They were just below the cap. I expect that to be the case this year, too. People need to make a distinction between simply spending money - which I would say the Wild do - and how the team spends its cap. dayold, are you complaining about the former or the latter?
NiNY…ok, since we know Hossa isn’t coming this year, I can reveal my source.
I was chatting with a gal from Slovakia that knew the mafia. She thought he was going to end up on the same team as Gaborik and Demitra. Sure, it could have been ‘Ed’ in Oklahoma City, but he/she sounded credible…
huh…my wife doesn’t let me call those numbers anymore…
So is Russo hinting at that if we don’t get the players we want in UFA, the pending stuff is likely to be a trade?
Nice read, sunshine. I s’pose PMB can still be had. He was just on the block a couple weeks ago….
they have been near the cap every year.
DR hs tried to make deals i beleive, it takes 2 teams to make a trade, the problem who are the wild going to trade without everybody bashing him on
Interesting comment from an agent regarding Hossa’s decision to sign a one-year deal with the Red Wings: “That’s a huge slap to the face of Pittsburgh and Sid (Crosby).”
I am worried that we might not have enough money if we have to overpay Huselius and the likes to come to the Wild. We need to forwards: a winger and a center who can double as a winger.
People are worried about them being cheap?! Pfft.
And for those not in the CtC club, if you are wondering where DR & the gang are it… they are curled up in a corner whimpering. Just like how they said they would be “depressed for the rest of the draft” if they didn’t get Cuma (their excuse for blowing a 3rd rounder to move up one spot)
So after Huselius signs elsewhere… what are the Wild’s next options? I’m not seeing much short of DR apologizing to the fans for the 3rd time in 3 years.
sunshine - which comes first? the center or the winger?
dayold, There’s this thing called the salary cap. Each team is limited by the league as to how much they can spend on player salaries. Some teams bump right at that cap - can’t spend a dollar more. Some teams leave a little wiggle room so if they need to make a trade or whatever they can. Some teams go cheap (as you are accusing the Wild of doing) and spend far less than they could.
Take a look at http://www.nhlnumbers.com. Click on ‘team comparison’ at the top. Click on last season (07/08 upper left). Now, you can easily see that last year out of 30 teams the Wild had the 8th highest cap hit.
Now, I’m not making any claims as to how wisely they may be spending the money, but they are spending the money.
dayoldbread: I liked you better as big k
Our buddy Jaarko Ruutu signed by the Sens, $3.9M/3 yrs.
Um, come on. Zids? They guy has “LICK” in his name. He’s gotta be Licky!
Haven’t heard, Bob. Dying to know though. I even dreamt about it. It was a one year, one way, $1 Million deal in my dream. And probably only in his dreams, too. Though he told my friend that the Rangers were his team growing up. Though I don’t believe that, given he’s a Vancouver kid. If it’s true, this has to be huge for him.
Also, dayold, where are you getting that DR is let off the hook. I only read Russo, so I can’t say anything from any of the other local scribes, but I hardly would call his reporting on DR soft. I think Russo has been very, very accurate and fair.
Please give the CtC crap a rest.
At this point, I will take either because I am very nervous about the team.
I feel like I am back watching the 3rd period of Game 6 between the Wild and Avs and praying, praying, and hoping that the Wild, specifically Gaborik or someone, would score a goal to tie it up. And it didn’t happen and I was left standing there in mild shock as the clocked ticked down and the Wild couldn’t penetrate the offensive zone.
Anyone remember that recent article regarding teams either “going for it” or re-tooling with high-draft picks, and if so, can you re-post?
Since we’re obviously not going for the latter (Tavares, anyone?), are you satisfied with the moves to date?
DR and the Wild was under the cap last year (07-08)…by around 2M according to the nhlscap.com - http://www.nhlscap.com/teamnumbers.htm - I don’t beleive they’ve ever spent “up to the cap” since it became part of the CBA. In fact, in 2006-07 they were somewhere around 12M under the cap nearing the trade deadline (usa today - 2/27/07 article) and if I recall they didn’t make any sort of noteworthy move then either…
Gee, everyone’s bailing the ‘burgh.
Why isn’t obvious to everyone what the BIG DEAL is? DR is on the phone with Gretzky trying to pry away Marcel Hossa to placate Gabby. Lose a BFF, bring in another. That’s what DR told him before he got on the plane to head home.
you have to trade something to get something, the wild have very little to offer
anyone else see Big D really feeling like little, tiny D to Mr. Avery round about, oh say, mid-January?
dayold, true, they have never spent right to the cap. But, holding 3 mil in reserve is a far cry from holding 16 mil in reserve as Nashville did.
Sunshine - I feel similarly - its a bit unnerving to not have this center situation locked down. Bruno - great move. Licky - seems decent enough to be a #4 D. Weller, haven’t watched the videos, but I like it as a 4th line bruiser.
BUT - we still need goals and center defence. How about Williams. looked decent enough.
And I’m going to start schmidty’s hossa approach for fedorov. C’mon DR! He’s old, plays D, can still put up a bit of points and would teach Gabby a thing or two about moving from speedy hotshot scorer to team player!!!!
Fedorov!
Not getting after Russo at all - getting after the entire media crew in general - sorry, Russo does a great job…love this blog. However, you listen to KFAN watch ‘CCO sports and pick up pretty much any article out of the cities and you have almost all the media types getting after Mc’Fail - ‘cept Sid of course, but that’s cuz he’s a long-time personal friend of course…but i digress…however, you rarely see the same articles geared at DR - they’re there…but he’s, for whatever reason, grossly let off the hook comparatively speaking. Maybe it’s apathy, maybe it’s the fact that hockey is the 4th major sport nationally speaking, or maybe it’s cuz the team is east of the river…but something’s odd about a team that averages 15,000 fans per year garning so much criticism over their GM, and a team that packs in 18,200+ every night and has a sell out streak the Wolves only dream about getting a blurb here and there - especially at times like this…Mc’Fail never admits his mistakes - DR does…the odd thing is for someone to point out how many times he’s screwed up - Chris Simon, Bruno, all the UFA’s, and now Rolston in specific - you’d think he’d be held accountable and eventually replaced - just hoping it comes sooner than later that’s all!
NiNY, at least Avery will have plenty of Mexicans to offend down there ala the French Canadians.
BNAG: I bet he and Cuban are Vegas buddies by Christmas.
anyone else see Big D really feeling like little, tiny D to Mr. Avery round about, oh say, mid-January?
LOL. What the hell are you talking about, Nick?
dayold, where do you get this $12M under figure? The same site you referred to showed in 06-07 that the Wild’s cap number was within 900K.
NiNY - Yes. ‘Mr A in Big D’ sounds like an excellent tv movie title covering the escapades he will no doubt engage in.
I look forward to seeing Mr Boogaard playing against Mr Avery more than once a year. Did Mr Avery even play in the game against the Wild this past season?
Oh nevermind, Nick. For some reason I was thinking he went somewhere other than Dallas.
My head hurts.
Wall: I’m saying Avery enjoys the spotlight, so to speak. He went from Motown, to Tinseltown, to Manhattan, to….Dallas?
BNAG: I bet he and Cuban are Vegas buddies by Christmas
Now, THAT would be a party…
I don’t really think DR and co. is penny pinching. They are almost at the cap right now. However, I do think they have made bad choices.
I don’t really see them building from within as they put it, because we don’t have many draft picks left. We had 2 this year and already have 2 or 3 gone from next year. Yes drafting is somewhat of a crapshoot in the later rounds, but it does increase your odds of getting someone productive. I understand that Gabby, Koivo, Burns, and Shepard are our core, but you still need to have some young talent to draw from. I don’t think it is horrible to overpay for free agent for a couple of years and keep prospects/drafts. Even though this may keep some youth in the AHL, It may help the youth be ready for the NHL when they get here. When our great new pickup wants a big contract in 2 years, who do we have to take his or Yawny’s place on our development team?
no worries Wall…hey, if that’s the worst you do today…
dayold, you might want to check Souhan’s column today. As I recall, the media appluaded the Simon trade and the other (in)activity last deadline. And, you’re right, none of the other local media types criticize the Wild for not spending enough money.
The Cowboys better get a restraining order to keep Avery away from Jessica Simpson…
NiNY: Isn’t Dallas the NYC of the South… or was that Miami?
just refreshed the tsn free agent tracker and was greeted by a banner ad for some contest where you can WIN A TRIP TO THE MSL ALL-STAR GAME!
Let me guess: second place is a colo-rectal exam? Third place: tickets for two to the Herpes Hall of Fame’s new Tommy Lee exhibit?
I was thinking Russoville should pitch in a few coins and get Russo a framed 8×10 of Rob Niedermeyer for the hospital room.
Rolling over and seeing a friendly face should speed the recovery.
KiPA:
You lost J. Ruutu to the Sens, too. What’s happening to the Pens?
Dallas is a big city version of Oklahoma and that is not a good thing.
Goody: true…it sure is…but MN is a much larger hockey market than Nashville - so NASH isn’t really an apples to apples comparison IMO. How about Philly (roughly the same type of hockey market - i wonder what their sellout streak is at?) spending $600+K over the cap?
johng - I have no problems debating those issues. There’s certainly an argument to be made that a team is better off making big splashes with the high end FAs, filling in with more lower end guys. I think DR deserves criticism for the club’s apparent lack of assets with which to trade, especially for a younger team.
The arguments criticizing him just need to be refined. This old song about not spending money and comparing the Wild with the Twins in that respect is just tired because it belies the facts. Folks need to refine the arguments.
With Ruutu, supposedly he wanted three years and the Pens offered just two.
I’m starting to question Shero though. Maybe it’s Therrien (you know, he only helped a team make one of the five best turnarounds in nhl history, then took that team to within two wins of the Cup).
3:30 in the afternoon isn’t too early to drink, is it? God I’m depressed.
Let me guess: second place is a colo-rectal exam? Third place: tickets for two to the Herpes Hall of Fame’s new Tommy Lee exhibit?
Harsh, Nick, harsh. 
Let’s be honest here though, the game can’t be any less exciting than watching the NHL draft is - can it?
are you satisfied with the moves to date?
Yes, with the contingency of what else happens. Clearly, they are not done yet as what they are sitting on is not a very good roster.
In defense of not spending up to the cap last year - that made the Wild more flexible at the trade deadline. Although they didn’t land Jokinen, apparently they came close and I’m sure that $2MM in cap space was a big reason why.
You have to have cap room to bring in a big time player without dishing out numerous players to stay under the cap.
3:30 in the afternoon isn’t too early to drink, is it? God I’m depressed.
It’s Five O’clock Somewhere…
lol… NiNY
So, no one answered the question. If Huselius is gone…. then what??
You still need a Winger & a Center. I know several folks are high on him, but i’d go offer:
Demo - 3yr, $3.5 million a year deal
Naslund - 3yr, $4 million a year deal
Yes, that would cut into DR’s $2 mil “cushion” but that would mean someone like Clutter-F wouldn’t make the team and he’d still have about a $1 million for “saftey”. Several folks have said the market on both those players will be down this year based on performance (and perception)… but since they are also BFF, it could work out good.
Consider the lines:
Gabby-Naslund-Demo
PMB-Koivu-Bruno
Pouliot-Sheppard-Parrish
SRV-Belanger- (Gillies/Boogy/etc.)
Thoughts?
NiNY: Isn’t Dallas the NYC of the South… or was that Miami?
have you ever seen CSI: Dallas?
That’s right, kj - “What would Jimmy Buffett do?”
AiH…that is good in theory. However, when you are a non-factor at deadline time it is money in the pocket.
Hmmm…maybe DR has some bonus money tied directly to how far he stays under the cap????
Dayold - You’ll understand if you gain a little prespective. While most of us here would like the Wild to be even more successful, that fact is that by any rational standard they’ve done very well. For an expansion franchise to make the playoffs in three of their first seven seasons is very good. Not as much as we’d like, but still very good.
The Wolves, on the other hand, are mismanaged to the point of being a league-wide laughingstock. Do you realize that they came into existence 10 YEARS before the Wild, and yet the Wild won a playoff series before they did? Taylor was a smart businessman who made a lot of money, but thought:
1) Because he played high school basketball he knew how to run an NBA team;
2) He was so rich the rules didn’t apply to him. When he was a married state senator, he knocked up his secretary and thought nothing of it, because the rules didn’t apply to him. Then he screwed over his own team with the Joe Smith deal, again, because he thought the rules didn’t apply to him.
While the Wild has issues, the Wolves are one huge cosmic screw-up. There’s no comparison.
I don’t really see them building from within as they put it
Did you say build from within? lol.
Just to set the record straight, the handle is tounge-in-cheek, since a questionable draft history and other various (missed) signing snafus has yielded us a “core” of just four players (which includes a #3 overall) in eight drafts (conceding it’s too early on the last couple.)
So, in the spirit of GGGGGGS, and to better represent our shared affinity for sarcasm, I’m updating to
“build from within*”
Ta daaah!
I would take Naslund or Demo back, at this point. Naslund’s not a C, though.
Sorry gang, my point wasn’t entirely money related - it’s the scrutiny he gets for the terrible decisions he makes in general. Tell me, other than drafting Gabby, what has he brought here other than 1 lucky season back in ‘03? Yes, i read Souhans article today…I just wish there was more of it year round - or at least during the season as they do with the other franchise across the river. Again, it’s probably due to the fact that the NBA is more popular than the NHL - and the strib, the dominant fish wrap in town, is more geared towards Mpls sports teams than that of the PP - but either way you cut it DR and company typically fly under the radar - again, comparatively speaking (from the media standpoint – the fans recognize it, but we keep buying the tickets!)
…that’s an asterisk, btw. lol.
Schmidty…
I am still a Jason Williams proponent. Younger and with more upside than either of your suggestions.
And, there is Filppula.
Now that Hossa has landed, will Pav follow him or the dough???
I was thinking Russoville should pitch in a few coins and get Russo a framed 8×10 of Rob Niedermeyer for the hospital room.
Rolling over and seeing a friendly face should speed the recovery.
Simply will not do. A cardboard life-size cutout of each of the Nieds boys, one on each side of the bed. It’s the least we can do for the Don.
Schmidty - not too bad. Think Demo could be had at a cheaper price than Mister Kristian?
does it matter that minnesota is a hockey hot bed. half the united states probably can’t find it on the map, much less a european or canadian player
Then he screwed over his own team with the Joe Smith deal, again, because he thought the rules didn’t apply to him.
So Goalieguy…you’re saying we should refer to him as Neo???
does it matter that minnesota is a hockey hot bed.
DR thinks it does, apparently.
hang on, KiPA, I’ll join you for that drink now.
Demo would have to be the center in that scenario, Schmidty. It’s a pretty underwhelming lineup, but it might be the best we could hope for if Huselius is out of the picture.
Nagy anyone? He’s available and a Slovak, right?
more food.
My bad HockeyDad, I had them switched on accident. That line should have read:
Gabby-Demo-Naslund
I think the Wild could get Demo for cheaper.. but they need to get a move on. They keep waiting and getting into bidding wars with “the next guy” once the player they are on is gone.
Once Huselius is gone, all those team after him will move onto Demo or Naslund or Williams or….
Go make an offer to both Demo & Naslund and tell them both about the attempts to sign the other. Since they were so interested in possibly playing in Couver, maybe we could get them here.
dayold, I think I am just going to disagree on the media coverage. I think the honeymoon ended in large part after the ‘07 season. Since then, I think there’s been a fair amount of criticism of this team, especially last year during their February skid. I think the club got generally blasted for the Avs defeat last spring (deservedly so).
Short of getting Nagy for $1 million TOPS… i’ll pass.
Nagy = Glass Joe
Playing less than 60 games in any of the past 5 years. 
kj - Williams would be a nice addition but I think he is next in line to get “stupid money” thrown his way after Huselius is gone and the Wild will get out-bid.
H-dad: understood…not to argue, just my frustrations on my view vs. yours, that’s all. Sadly, too many other markets would have asked JL to step down, and would have replaced DR by now - I just think we’re too “nice” around here to these guys. This would not occur in DET, NY, PHI, BOS, and other major market hockey locations - the honeymoon may be over as you say - and I am the first one to say I hope you’re right!
so really though - any takers on fedorov for center?
Anyone want to join me in this battle?
I hear ya, dayold, but I think the difference with the Wild and those other teams you mention is that this one was an expansion team. DR and JL deserved an extended honeymoon. And, fwiw, I just have a hard time blaming JL too much because I think he gets as much out of players as any coach can. I am beginning to be much more critical of DR for not providing the tools.
Feverov played in Columbus…..I see no reason he wouldn’t play here
Sorry J-love… i’m selling S-Fed
Correction on Naslund… you may be able to sign him to just a 2 year deal based on these comments from him. Not to mention he might be willing to take less if he’s playing with one of his BFF’s Demo. Here is some recent comments from him.
“Naslund previously told Swedish Allehanda Media he wants to play one more year in the NHL, according to The Province newspaper in Vancouver.
Money is not most important to me, I prioritize the social part, what type of hockey the team plays and which type of players they have. To play for another club in the same division would feel weird. But we will have to wait and see what happens. As I said before, most important is the social part and that they play a type of hockey that fits me,” Naslund said, according to The Province.
Ah, he’ll be fine in Dallas. They love big, obnoxious personalities as long as they’re filthy rich and dress well. He’s like the modern JR Ewing… He irresistible to some and worthy of shooting to others.
And really, I can’t think of a better fit. They’re an unconventional NHL city with a pretty edgy, agitating style from the Captain all the way to the Goalie. He and Morrow have already made a love connection:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zkyb6-15agY
Good chit.
i am guessing that federov still wants mad money even though he is old. I think he left detroit to go to Anaheim for loads of money.
uhhh i meant fedorov
bummer reid. Maybe we can pick him up when he realizes no one wants to give him mad money.
Atlanta Thrashers sign UFA defenceman Ron Hainsey to a five-year, $22.5 million contract. I guess someone has to play there. and a person may as well get paid a large pile of money for it.
Nick - LOL
Over 11 hundred posts. You guys are awesome!!!!
well, i don’t think he played in columbus by choice. I don’t think he is a middle america kind of guy.
because JL gets a lot out of his players, this team is in the situation it is in. a first round playoff team (mediocre team) good enough to compete but not good enough to contend. we have no prospects to improve this team by trade. because our prospects are already on this team.
Dayold, A couple more things than draftign Gaborik. Last season he recognized that Shep wouldn’t develop where he was and kept him up with with big club. He also signed two young quality defensmen to reasonable multi-year contracts. There are other bright spots though I agree they are also quite a few head scratchers.
“sunshine says:
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Weight in JL’s system? It will be Rolston 2.0 likely — no points and - rating.”
Rolston 2.0?! What are u an idiot?
Rolstons last 3 years crush Weight.
Weight hasn’t had a 20 goal season since 2000.
The Wiz have enough Assist guys on their club, we need someone that can tally. Stick a fork in Weight.
Stick a fork in Riseborough too, he’s terrible. Too many geniuses trying to run the ship at the X, and they’re getting nowhere
Russo’s been quiet for a while…. I wonder if something is brewing.
Is there any news on PMB? I thought RFA’s have to be offered by late june, and shouldnt we know by now if he has signed either a 1 year, multi year agreement with the wild, or anyone has tried to take him via offer sheet?
<3 PMB
Michael Russo with a hot juicy “wild” rumour on Naslund/Huselius and some fallout on Foppa, Hossa:
I am told by sources the Wild has made a contract offer to LW Markus Naslund, and like LW Kristian Huselius, the team is just waiting.
I also was told by a source outside the organization that the Wild did make a “huge contract offer” to Marian Hossa and “I hear they were waiting on him all day yesterday.”
I have not gotten this confirmed from inside the organization, and typically, this is not something they would confirm after the fact (i.e. Peter Forsberg, even though they did think they were getting Forsberg at the trade deadline in February).
Sorry that came from faceoffcircle.net
Ok hold up a sec, especially you folks talking about Weight vs Rolston. These are two totally different types of players here, and there is no comparison between them.
If you’re worried that Rolston’s 30 goals are gone, and we need to replace each of them with a pickup, you’re way off base. Scoring will come from others, that’s a fact. We’re not just losing 30 goals off the top. Get real.
Next, Weight is a supremo playmaker, way better than Demo IMHO. You wanna see Gaborik bust out with 70 next year? Stick Weight at C with him. Douggie is quite the setup artist, and he can really work the puck along the boards.
Weight > Naslund > Demo is how I read it.
Demo’s gonna want his 4m a year. If Huselius thinks he should get 4.5+, I say call up Pav and get that guy back NOW for another year.
If we could get Naslund for 4M, I’d do that too, but no more.
Weight, I’d take at 5mil. This is a guy that can get it done.
Weight’s with the Isles. Something tells me he’s not getting 5.
Hey Russo! I posted that same clip of Weller like 2 months ago! At the same time… in the same post… I said that the Wild should sign him! I’m a happy guy!
Oops… I meant 2 weeks ago…
