Wild updated depth chart; Foster re-signs; Offer sheet fallacies; Other tidbits
Posted on July 2nd, 2008 – 2:40 PMBy Michael Russo
Offer sheets: I keep getting emails about this, so I figured I would set it straight. I thought Tom Lynn’s blog made this clear, but the Wild IS NOT signing any players to offer sheets.
The latest Internet rumor emailed to me has the Wild interested in signing Colorado’s Marek Svatos to an offer sheet. It’s completely inaccurate. It could not even be done if the Wild really wanted to get Svatos.
To do this, you need to have the ability to give up unencumbered draft picks as compensation. In other words, if you’re going to owe a first, second and third-round pick, but don’t have your third, for example, it can’t then be your third in 2010. Remember, the Wild has no second- and third-round pick next year, so the only way the Wild could get Svatos is if it offered him a deal at $6.539 million or higher.
Here’s the compensation table: Over $863,156 to $1,307,812 Third-round choice
Over $1,307,812 to $2,615,625 Second-round choice
Over $2,615,625 to $3,923,437 First-round and third-round choice
Over $3,923,437 to $5,231,249 First-round, second-round and third-round choice
Over $5,231,249 to $6,539,062 Two first-round choices, one second- and one third-round choice
Over $6,539,062 Four first-round choices
So now, for the rest of the summer, any rumors out there you’ll see about the Wild signing somebody to an offer sheet, you’ll know it’s 100 percent false. As alluded below, the Wild re-signed D Kurtis Foster to a one-year, $1.025 million contract.
I can tell you two things:
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 will say this on Naslund — his agent is Don Baizley, and the Wild doesn’t have a better relationship with an agent.
The Wild also made a huge contract offer to Marian Hossa, it has been confirmed to me from outside the organization.
Wild Depth Chart
Here’s a look at the Wild’s depth chart for next season as it stands today. The Wild has 20 of a possible 23 players. They are possibly still in the market for a winger and center. In parentheses is the players’ 2008-09 salary, then their hit against the salary cap, which is the average per year salary of their entire contract:
Left wings
Andrew Brunette ($2.5 million, $2.33 million)
Mark Parrish ($2.85 million, $2.65 million)
Stephane Veilleux ($601,370, $601,370)*
Derek Boogaard ($850,000, $875,000)
Centers
Mikko Koivu ($3.3 million, $3.25 million)
James Sheppard ($765,000, $1.4 million)
Eric Belanger ($1.75 million, $1.75 million)
Right wings
Marian Gaborik ($7.5 million, $6.33 million)
Pierre-Marc Bouchard ($2.6 million, $2.6 million)*
Craig Weller ($600,000, $600,000)
Defensemen
Brent Burns ($3 million, $3.55 million)
Kim Johnsson ($5.25 million, $4.85 million)
Nick Schultz ($3.2 million, $3.6 million)
Marek Zidlicky (3.5 million, $3.35 million)
Martin Skoula ($1.9 million, $1.8 million)
Marc-Andre Bergeron ($1.653 million, $1.653 million)
Erik Reitz ($500,000, $500,000)
Kurtis Foster ($1.025 million, $1.025 million)*
Goaltenders
Niklas Backstrom ($3.1 million, $3.1 million)
Josh Harding ($750,000, $725,000)
Totals
$47,194,370 in salary; $46,542,703 against $56.7 million cap
Roster contenders
C/LW Benoit Pouliot
LW/RW Colton Gillies
RW Cal Clutterbuck
*This salary and cap hit is the price of the qualifying offer tendered to retain them. Those figures will increase for Bouchard and Veilleux, likely not Foster who plans to accept his qualifying offer.
251 Responses to "Wild updated depth chart; Foster re-signs; Offer sheet fallacies; Other tidbits"
Koivu, Shep and Belanger at C does not inspire visions of Stanley.
Here’s a wild hair: Would the Habs, looking to make a splash on their big anniversary year, trade us Koivu for PMB? Then, they could maybe get Butch to sign for less than Koivu’s $4.75M and use that extra cash to sign Sundin?
Nick that would give us a brother act to counter the sister act in Vancouver.
I guess my issue at center is that we don’t just need a center, we need a #1 center. Or at least a guy who would be a high #2 center in another system to be willing to be a #1 in JL’s system. Other than Sundin (maybe) there really isn’t that guy out on the market right now.
That’s an interesting proposal Nick, but don’t you think PMB has more value due to Koivu’s age and declining production?
Atlanta Thrashers sign UFA defenceman Ron Hainsey to a five-year, $22.5 million contract.
Antoher cure for Johnsson Contractitis!
NiNY: I have been saying/writing that since Walz quit. Dougie Ballgame has done a splendid job of shoring up the center position. Spose you have to cut him some slack though, he’s only had 9+months. $10 million under the cap? Uh, maybe time to charge the cell phone Dougie….
From the last thread re: signing the Fs that are left …. I’m getting the feeling from the Don that these players are more interested in just waiting this out. Not just a DR thing. Other than Hossa, it’s been a very quiet day, which seems to support that theory.
but don’t you think PMB has more value due to Koivu’s age and declining production?
Yes I do, on both counts.
I’d be counting on some sort of sibling rivalry-induced fountain of youth effect on Saku if he came here.
Deep…
Puhhhhleeez!!!
Don’t you know how HARD it is to be a GM these days?
How can he be expected to fill a glaring hole like that in less than a year? Give him a break. He tried to get O.J…that has to count for something, right?
/sarcasm
More like $8 million to get 2 quality players. If we can get Huselius at $4 million or less and a center like Peca, who I think is still out there for $2.5 million or less — the Wild will just be okay.
Pouliot but more likely Gillies will take that final spot.
Wall: I should add that I’d prefer it if we got some kind of pick back in that deal as well.
I will be stunned if Gillies gets the final spot over Pooh-Bah. If B-B-Benny can be upstaged this year by someone with the same number of NHL games as me, it is time to package Benny and PMB and get a decent, proven center on the roster.
sunshine: Peca made $1.3M (cap hit $1.9M) last season.
I will be stunned if Gillies gets the final spot over Pooh-Bah. If B-B-Benny can be upstaged this year by someone with the same number of NHL games as me, it is time to package Benny and PMB and get a decent, proven center on the roster.
+1
Brylin only made $1.52M (same cap hit) last year….just saying…
That would be sensible, Nick. Or possibly an existing prospect. 
I think the Wild would also have to secure Bouchard to a multi-year deal first as well.
I will be stunned if Gillies gets the final spot over Pooh-Bah. If B-B-Benny can be upstaged this year by someone with the same number of NHL games as me, it is time to package Benny and PMB and get a decent, proven center on the roster.
Ditto that. I was going to criticize the Don’s depth chart because Benny wasn’t a roster lock. He better be there opening night. Been long enough with him.
Do you think that it would be worthwhile to trade a lower prospect like Kalus and a 4th rounder or maybe just a 4th rounder for Robert Lang? I know he’s 37 years old and at $4 million cap hit, but he has one year left on his contract and Chicago needs to get rid of cap space.
Did I trip and fall into Bizarro Russoville, or are we opining for Demo…at center?
How’s that convo go?
DR: Hi, Pavol, I know we haven’t spoken in a couple months but, I’m hoping to sign somebo — er, YOU, to play center.
PD: (muffled)
DR: …with Marian, of course.
PD: (silence)
click.
Signing one of those for a one-year deal at $1.8 million would be great.
I think the Wild would also have to secure Bouchard to a multi-year deal first as well.
Good point. What was the rhetoric last year with Briere and Montreal? The taxes being an issue or something? In other words, would PMB (or anyone, for that matter) need a higher nominal number to sign in Montreal?
Am I just insane and nothing like this happened??
Just creating conversation…
Think that Dr. could sign someone like Yelle or Chris Kelly to take over 3rd line center role so Koivu can get all his minutes on 1st line with Gabby and Bruno?
I think that is more Wild-esque than getting Sundin or trading for someone.
I would love Vermette but they won’t take Bouchard since he’s owed same amount…and Benny…well no one wants Benny.
Ditto that. I was going to criticize the Don’s depth chart because Benny wasn’t a roster lock. He better be there opening night. Been long enough with him
Ditto the ditto.
I just think Pouliot will be traded that is why I said that Gillies will likely make the team. Now if Pouliot isn’t trade, of course, Pouliot over Gillies in a heart beat.
Does anyone else cringe when they look at what Johnnsson makes a year? I do! I say we work a trade for Johnnsson…. but I suppose no one will take on that contract…..
You really think anybody’s gonna fall for the old, “Well, we got this guy Kalus.” line again?
Not a criticism, but a sincere question. Seems like most teams probably already have their share of “project” players.
Kelly re-signed for 4/8.5m
Ottawa signed Kelly to a four-year deal.
Sorry guys–I guess I missed that one. I have an old UFA sheet here at work so nevermind. =)
Steve Kelly? Are you serious?
From previous thread:
Wild sour on Williams, due to questions around shoulder injuries.
Sorry guys–I guess I missed that one. I have an old UFA sheet here at work so nevermind. =)
NP.
The hand strikes, and gives a flower.
In looking at the depth chart, I really think that a guy like Mark Parrish is going to step up with the departure of Rolston. He was a little lost last year as he didn’t fit on the checking line, and he didn’t fit on the Gabby line. I see him getting some time with Butch (granted he’s still here) and the # 2 center and will have a much better year.
Also, I thought it was kind of interesting that Voros and Fedoruk were both on the Wild Road Tour. I kind of assumed that meant they would be brought back, but I guess I was wrong.
Lastly, I think Pouliot will be in the lineup and I am expecting him to contribute.
That would be Chris Kelly, sunshine.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=2062&hubname=nhl-senators
Where did the comment about Williams’ shoulder come from?
Good point. What was the rhetoric last year with Briere and Montreal? The taxes being an issue or something? In other words, would PMB (or anyone, for that matter) need a higher nominal number to sign in Montreal?
I have no idea about that. I was just referring to Bouchard’s contract status - to make him more appealing trade bait, but now that I think of it Koivu’s contract ends after this season too, right?
So maybe you don’t need to re-sign Butch first.
Steve Kelly? Are you serious?
Chris Kelly.
Mark Parrish is going to step up with the departure of Rolston.
That’s crossed my mind, as well. He couldn’t really have a worse season, could he?
Wait.
Don’t answer that.
—-
Plus, it’s been mentioned before that he had some life changes and such, so perhaps he can refocus, score some DAMN goals.
Not a very scary lineup. The young guys better pot a whole bunch of goals…yikes, like thats going to happen!
PMB to Canadiens for the elder Koivu with some other details yet to be determined - As much as I like PMB, I like that move. We get the center we so desperately need. A little brotherly competition to get those two to kick it up a notch. A plus for PMB is that he already speaks French!
Where did the comment about Williams’ shoulder come from
Russo.
Yeah, I finally saw that. Thanks.
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
PMB to Canadiens for the elder Koivu with some other details yet to be determined - As much as I like PMB, I like that move. We get the center we so desperately need. A little brotherly competition to get those two to kick it up a notch. A plus for PMB is that he already speaks French!
What’s the genesis of this one? Legit, or just speculation? Just wonderin.
Robert Lang would be a good stop gap at C - you are not allowed to put Belanger as your #2 C in mock lineups! - but since CHI traded Burrish, I am not sure how they replace Lang. However, I would guess they could use getting that contract off the books.
bfw*: 100% speculation…based on not even a threat of fact.
bfw*: 100% speculation…based on not even a threat of fact.
Love it.
we need cliff ronning….
DR and Co has to be working out deals with PMB, SRV, and Foster because player election for arbitration begins on Saturday, July 5th.
Russo: can you check to see if PMB’s agent has been contacted by the Wild regarding a new contract? No contract talks = waiting for a trade to happen.
we need cliff ronning….
ho-kay…BAR’S OPEN!!
Pretty weak “depth” chart… I mean why list Boogie as a winger? Does he even carry a stick on the ice? Sheppard??? Really? Skoula? Couldn’t we just cut him and have addition by subtraction? We are in trouble.
Does the NHL allow the trading of GM;s? Or do we have to release him outright?
No contract talks = waiting for a trade to happen.
So…..Gabby’s gone? 
If we had Cliff Ronning he would prob be our #2 center. Plus he has a sweet beard, something no one else on the Wild can grow. Come on, peach fuzz or a man beard? HUH?
I’ll have an EBoRD, puhleeze. Make it a double.
I’ll have a Blue Moon, Nick. And a couple of Stanley Cup rings to drown out the whining…
The depth chart is the Wild Roster. Some teams instead of calling it the roster, they call it the depth chart.
another thing on the depth chart: this wouldn’t be the worst year for Boogey to have a “breakout” season. If he could earn the right to dress every night, 5-10 points, continue drawing more penalties than he takes, etc…then I could easily see him and Weller > Fridge, Voros, Simon.
Move Skula to wing, Shep sucks, why the hell would you not include him in a trade for ollie? WTF Doug? YOUR STUPID, i need to drink a beer, anyone wanna join a class action lawsuit again the Wild and Doug for undue stress and alcoholism?
Where did the comment about Williams’ shoulder come from
Russo.
Wasn’t Russo talking about Jason SMITH, and not Jason Williams?
Foster who plans to accept his qualifying offer.
Probably a smart move for a guy laid up at home recouperating from a broken femur.
I’d break my femur myself if it meant I could sit at home and make $1.025 million this winter.
My wish is to keep PMB, and get his little (but bigger) brother Francois (Washington), and ride that chemistry train to the cup.
FYI - DR will be on with Hartman on KFAN shortly - at about 3:30 pm CDT. I’m not expecting much.
we need cliff ronning….
ho-kay…BAR’S OPEN!!
Nick, shouldn’t this kind of comment indicate the bar should CLOSE?
and ride that chemistry train to the cup.
The Memorial Cup?
LOL @ Wallshot
Wasn’t Russo talking about Jason SMITH, and not Jason Williams?
Correction. Smith. I’ll try to find the link, too. Thx.
ISH, ISH, ISH We’ll be lucky to get 40 pts next year. You better go out and get any piece of NW Division Champs stuff you can get. Now were talking to Useless (Huselieus) They guy Keenan had to take out of any game that checks were being thrown. Face it Folks we are going to get pounded next season. Our D is even weaker and now losing Fridge and Voros and replacing them with toothless lion Weller. We’re in deep doo. Yesterday alone Darcy Tucker, and Darcy Hordichuk arrived in the division. We’re badly mistaken if we think one tough guy can keep everyone from pounding Boo-Chard and Gabby and our weak D (except Burns & Schultz) into submission and if we bring in Useless for a big $$ contract to hide behind the bench. What a mistake.
My wish is for PMB to actually go to the net and score a goal once in a while… I say trade him and Sheppard for a bag ‘o pucks and a player to be named later
I would like to see some team throw an offer sheet at PMB; We could decline; accept the picks; then trade the picks, of course for a proven center because lately the Wild has proven that a leaving a draft pick in its care is akin to leaving a baby in a dumpster. Now that Jones is gone from the ‘04 class, can we officially state the ‘04 draft class as being arguably the worse in professional sports history?
“The Memorial Cup?”
I’ll take what I can get…
Thanks for that pointless comment BULLDOG.
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=16043
Fun read on Jeff Finger to Toronto.
We need Don Cherry to run the show
To each his own, but I like Shep (not that way) and think he can be another Mikko.
ha…fair enough ButchforPrez!
No problem, bfw - just trying to protect you from the Don’s wrath.
What would you think if DR signed Ben Clymer to contend for that other open wing spot for pennies on the dollar… he’s from the cities….. and Parrish and him are buddies…. I mean can we actually land one of these other big names out there even?
Btw, I mentioned that I thought we might be looking to trade Gabby yesterday even though DR came out and said he is going to “have a conversation” with him about a contract ext. Ahh, who knows.
just trying to protect you from the Don’s wrath.
good call…speaking of which, how are they treating you in the witness relocation program, 6GS?
THAT IS IT!!!! Great teamwork, after my Ronning comment you guys enlightened me!!
Dougie is a drunk that is why he makes the choices he does!! By letting my inner Dougie out I made the same rational decision Dougie makes! Such as bringin Ronning back. YaY
Today’s been downright boring
building from within: Jason Smith’s shoulders, not Williams’
Today’s been downright boring
Don’t you mean depressing?
bfw: I think you just got off with a warning.
Go play the lottery, bro.
**CORRECTION***
Jason Williams:
http://blogs2.startribune.com/blogs/wildblog/2008/07/01/day-one-wrap-up/
Jason Smith:
http://blogs2.startribune.com/blogs/wildblog/2008/06/30/free-agent-eve/
Best post of the day… nearly wet myself Nice work bfw!
Did I trip and fall into Bizarro Russoville, or are we opining for Demo…at center?
How’s that convo go?
DR: Hi, Pavol, I know we haven’t spoken in a couple months but, I’m hoping to sign somebo — er, YOU, to play center.
PD: (muffled)
DR: …with Marian, of course.
PD: (silence)
click.
C-Bus trades Zherdev, Fritsche to NYR for Tyutin, backman.
I’m still waiting for the Blue Shirts to sign 8 more players at $6 million/yr each.
Good call, DB.
No problem, bfw - just trying to protect you from the Don’s wrath.
Thx, man. I knew you had my back…and btw, who was the one that got b!t(h slapped recently for the misquote? That wasn’t you, was it? *gulp*
W.O.W…KiPA…Is Leclaire now the only big pick left from the MacLean era in C-Bus?!
If Dougie’s version of “Huge” is the same as his version of “Big”, I’m assuming the deal to Hossa was 5 yrs/$30 million and Hossa’s relatives could have their choice of what night’s they wanted to say “Let’s Play Hockey”.
re: Don’s comments on the offers they’re making…I mean, at least they’re trying. You gotta be in it to win it, right?
Today’s been downright boring
Don’t you mean depressing?
I think you mean intense!
Next one’s on me for whoever gets that reference.
No, bfw*. I never make mistakes.
I thought Naslund didn’t want to play for a NW team other than the ‘Couv? If he thought AV’s system was so boring, why is he going to like JL’s any better?
Next one’s on me for whoever gets that reference.
I get it… Sam Adams Please
Is Leclaire now the only big pick left from the MacLean era in C-Bus?!
Who cares. Screw Columbus.
okay, gang, group hug for KiPA.
Nash and Kesla.
DR tells Hartman he did speak to Demo’s agent today - just to keep in touch
Are there any RFA centers the Wild could throw an offer sheet at, especially if they miss on Huselius? Or do they not have enough picks/ammo to pay for it?
I wonder in how many languages Demo’s agent told Dougie Ballgame to go &*$# himself?
bfw: I think you just got off with a warning.
Go play the lottery, bro.
Thanks, NiNY.
Mike, my most sincere apologies for the mistype. One too many Dead Mexican Goat, or Exploding Bag of Racoon Dung, I guess. Too late to plead insanity?
Im my own defense, however:
3:13pm Misquote
3:22pm Correction via Wallshot
3:25pm Correction via build from within* (with links)
3:31pm 2-minutes minor for misinforming
I’ll do better next shift, er, time.
Quit whining, Kevin. At least they just re-signed Malkin! Could be worse, my friend.
Barkeep! A Sam Adams for my new friend, BfP!
This should crack a few grins.
Koivu is under contract untill 2011-2012 season when he will become a UFA.
Great Site to view all teams and players salary and cap amounts
Put it on my tab.
DR spoke personally with Hossa and had lengthy discussions with his agent. Gabby did speak with Hossa, which got DR the conversation with Hossa. In the end, DR says he decided to take less money with the DET deal, take a shot at the cup and try for the big $$ next.
It could be Boogie’s breakout season. What do you think, Bandgeek? Who knows? Maybe Gaborik will play all 80 games, too. I think it would be great if Mikko really stepped up this season and show management he the stud we should be building this team around.
I’m not whining, I’m insulting Columbus (and really, what’s wrong with that?)
Point taken though.
Food for thought. Stats for the last two combined seasons:
Kristian Huselius (age 29)
GP = 162
G = 59
A = 84
PTS = 143
+/- = +31
Markus Naslund (age 34)
GP = 164
G = 49
A = 66
PTS = 115
+/- = -4
DR says he decided to take less money with the DET deal
so we offered at least $7,400,001 per.
That’s not chump change.
Okay, I’m going to a real bar now.
Keep the faith gang!
sunshine: right you are (Maclean picks)…thanks.
Jason Williams is healthy and in need of a contract…specifically with the Wild.
I am suprised that Demo has not signed with Detroit for the league minimum.
Unless, of course…Detroit doesn’t want him… 
Consistent with the Don’s update above, DR suggested that the Wild made Hossa a significantly larger $ offer than Detroit. If he’s to be believed, Gabby was responsible to a large degree in getting the Wild in the mix with Hossa.
3:25pm Correction via build from within* (with links)
3:31pm 2-minutes minor for misinforming
…for the love of Pete.
3:25pm Correction via buld from within*
3:31pm 2-minutes (from Mike)
3:34pm Final correction, bold, with links.
—-
Best post of the day… nearly wet myself Nice work bfw!
Phew! Thanks! Thank gawd I typed SOMETHING right today.
if only we had someone who could wheel. we need a wheeler.
Isn’t too soon to be hoping for a “Boogey breakout season”? We’re not that desperate yet are we?
Are we?
(no offense Bandgeek)
sunshine, i will have bouchard news in the paper tomorrow.
Wheeler went to Boston.
Bada bing! Thanks, I’ll be here all week.
And the week after that.
And the one after that, too, etc. etc.
if only we had someone who could wheel. we need a wheeler.
Enough with the ‘Minnesota’ player crap.
Jason Williams
Can he play C for JL?
Russo…
Any chance the Wild make a BIG offer to Filppula since Detroit is against the cap???
Hey Don, have you heard ANY rumors about where Orpik will end up?
(Note: this isn’t even Penguins related really. he was one of the bigger names but there’s been absolutely no talk about him.)
toivo - somehow I feel Tiger Woods should have been in on that Youtube video.
Jagr is still out there
OK, well there was plenty of BS from DR in the interview, but certainly some items that are interesting. The fact that they were in the Hossa mix, for one. Second, DR talked about how Hossa and gabby have coffee all the time (Demo’s probably jealous that Gabby is seeing so much of his BFF) and that it was Gabby who arranged, or perhaps persuaded, Hossa to speak with DR directly. If that’s true, then Gabby doesn’t sound like a player ready to bolt at his first chance.
Well he does now that his BFF said niche niche…
Russo:
Thanks. Looking forward to reading the story. I just hope its good news.
Re: Don Baizley — Michael, are you saying that in a GOOD way, or a BAD way? Please advise…
If the Wild sign both Naslund and Huselius — and it’s always a HUGE ‘IF’ until the ink is dried on the dotted line with this bunch, IMO — the Wild are certain to have Western Canadain trips which will be in high demand. No more ‘low-level’ two-tier games for the Wild when they play in Calgary, Edmonton or Vancouver.
I still don’t count on the ‘brain trust’ to do the right thing. Someone, somewhere, will come in with a better offer for both of these players, and then DR & Co. will be left holding the bag…like they did with Hossa.
I smell a setup
maybe they can trade some of that left over cap space to some other team for some actual prospects. since we have like zero.
It sounds at least good on the Gaborik extension front for him to want Hossa to talk to DR. After his adamant statement that Hossa would not want to come to the Wild.
Second, DR talked about how Hossa and gabby have coffee all the time (Demo’s probably jealous that Gabby is seeing so much of his BFF) and that it was Gabby who arranged, or perhaps persuaded, Hossa to speak with DR directly. If that’s true, then Gabby doesn’t sound like a player ready to bolt at his first chance.
I believe that to be fairly significant, and if one is of the opinion that we need to re-sign him, that is largely good news.
ss6: ouch! Taking those hockey comments he made a bit hard, aren’t you?
Too bad the Hossa thing didn’t happen. That would have…
a. made Schmidty’s day
b. ruined Mike’s (too many Mikes lately btw–y’all need to get that sorted out)
c. been a suitable replacement for Rolston. I would have been happy with it at least.
Russo-
KUDOS to you and your energy. Thanks for keeping the information flowing.
Baizely — in a good way. I think Koivu has him as an agent so does Forsberg.
Orpik re-signs with the Pens
yeah, his deal with the pens is more than reasonable.
Keep in mind the wild still have Veilleux and Bouchard as RFA. If the spend the cap before signing these two guys, and offer sheet could come from another team and both these guys could be gone if the wild don’t have enough cap space to match the offer sheet.
I supported the Vorros and Fridge departure, but I don’t think they can loose Butch just yet.
See, KiPA - aren’t you glad you didn’t jump off that bridge?
Kevin? Anyone seen Kevin?
whats the deal with bouchard
Valid point, how much is left?
Sorry, how much cap room is left?
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
HD: I’m glad Orpik’s back, but I’m still concerned about our startling lack of depth at wing.
sunshine: yup, I like the hope on the gabby front…although I’ll sleep easier when it’s inked and there’s no chance of gabby and hossa hitting FA together.
Keep in mind the wild still have Veilleux and Bouchard as RFA. If the spend the cap before signing these two guys, and offer sheet could come from another team and both these guys could be gone if the wild don’t have enough cap space to match the offer sheet.
I supported the Vorros and Fridge departure, but I don’t think they can loose Butch just yet.
1. Can go over the Upper Limit by 10% till end of camp.
2. Player has to sign offer sheet, so it would have to be a very good offer, in which case we get the picks.
Colorado Avalanche re-sign RFA forward Wojtek Wolski (2-years, undisclosed).
**CORRECTION***
Jason Williams:
http://blogs2.startribune.com/blogs/wildblog/2008/07/01/day-one-wrap-up/
Jason Smith:
http://blogs2.startribune.com/blogs/wildblog/2008/06/30/free-agent-eve/
BOOGEY!!!!!!!! Give him the “C” and watch him fly!!! At least in my warped mind.
Hockeydad, Kevin is probably in the middle of his commute it is that time where he is. I just hope there are no bridges he has to cross.
Can I go back to my nap now?
Nah, not commuting anywhere today, Band.
I have never seen anyone praise themselves or say “I told you so” as much as Russo does.
We get it Russo you are a Hockey God; Everyone loves you; We all wish we were you!
Sorry, how much cap room is left?
An estimate is listed at the end of the blog post above
Cap $ Spent =46,542,703 against the cap of 57.6 Mil
There’s been more talk than I can remember about a guy being a LW vs RW. Does it really matter? I just thought of forwards and either wings or centers.
It’s not like when I was an 8 year old and the coach always put the left shooters on LW and vice versa.
Never mind, there’s Kevin. He was just hiding.
I think the neighbor kid setting off bottle rockets for the last 4 hours has scrambled my brain.
and = as in line 2
Keep up the good work, Russo
Matter of fact, writing for the Wild, or hockey in general sounds pretty damn awesome to me…
It sounds at least good on the Gaborik extension front for him to want Hossa to talk to DR. After his adamant statement that Hossa would not want to come to the Wild.
As I recall, when Gaborik was quoted saying Hossa would never come here, it was also noted he said it with a grin. I could be wrong about that, but that doesn’t sound all that adamant.
At the Hockey Unplugged session, him and Demitra were pretty sure that Hossa would not come to MN.
If this waiting to hear back crap keeps dragging out, DR better have his cell phone with him while he’s lighting off snakes and smoke bombs….
Food for thought …. let’s assume for the moment that Hossa was close to coming here, but that he wanted one immediate and best shot at the Cup so decided on Detroit and put off a long-term deal until next summer.
Now, if the Wild can extend Gabby, does it have reason to believe that it should remain as cap-flexible as possible for next season with the idea that it might be able to land Hossa then (with Gabby re-upped)??
Ok sunshine, that makes sense then. I guess I never saw any of those. I was only aware of the one quote Russo had on it.
sign gaborik to an extension + hossa 1 year deal in detroit = JL last year here (then hossa will sign here)
BNAG - on the contrary, DR’s a Canadian, so I’m guessing he doesn’t partake in the Independence Day festivities. No reason he shouldn’t be in the office on Friday.
sign gaborik to an extension + hossa 1 year deal in detroit = JL last year here (then hossa will sign here)
It could happen.
Move JL into a upper management/player development role (or whatever the he!! he wants).
New coach. New system.
Could happen.
(Pass the Kool Aid.)
HD, I was just thinking the same thing. I certainly makes one wonder, doesn’t it?
HD - True, but he lives here and had to work on Canada Day yesterday, so, when in Rome…
build from within* says:
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:21 pm
**CORRECTION***
Jason Williams:
http://blogs2.startribune.com/blogs/wildblog/2008/07/01/day-one-wrap-up/
Jason Smith:
http://blogs2.startribune.com/blogs/wildblog/2008/06/30/free-agent-eve/
Maybe I’m one of the few remaining, but I do not look forward to the day when we’re looking for a new coach.
HD - True, but he lives here and had to work on Canada Day yesterday, so, when in Rome…
Yeah, I was teasin’
Not to be negative here…with Gabby and Hossa having expiring contracts after next year, you’d think that over their “coffee” there was discussion of playing together after next season. Just some food for thought.
HD - I know, just wanted to throw in the Canada Day reference. Much like using Boxing Day in December…
Not to be negative here…with Gabby and Hossa having expiring contracts after next year, you’d think that over their “coffee” there was discussion of playing together after next season. Just some food for thought.
Will Tampa have 17.5 mil in cap space next year???
JL is a good coach, but the current game has passed him by. i think it showed last year in the playoffs. i think his voice can become stale to a team not to mention you never know what the line combos are. i feel this team needs a new direction
Ok.. so I have been frustrated with DR and have voiced it here. But let me now take the time for DR at least “trying” to get Hossa. To make an offer that was legit. Thank you for trying.
Now, to the matter at hand… we are still short some players. I like the fact that we have offers in on those two guys and even though DR said that Demo will probably go elsewhere, it would be nice if DR could add one of the two listed above by Russo and then try to get Demo in here as well.
It’s not a franchise changing FA period but I would then consider this team better than last year and trying to make strides forward. If they only get one of those two guys then I think the Wild are about the same with different chess pieces.
Could be FtE, but then why did it seem Gabby wanted Hossa to sign with the Wild for what, presumably, would have been a long-term deal? That would suggest that Gabby was, in some way, planning to be here, too, no?
Will Tampa have 17.5 mil in cap space next year???
After they trade everyone because they have no room, yes…
Maybe I’m one of the few remaining, but I do not look forward to the day when we’re looking for a new coach.
Problem solved! I’m available.
this is depressing, I am going to drink a lot of beer tonight : (
my second favorite slovak signs with one of my most hated teams and, on top of that, we will have to go through this waiting on him again next season because of his mercenary ways.
on top of that, we haven’t even tried for a center (again)
i feel hossa won’t play for JL
I wonder if JL has told DR that this would be is last year, which gives time for DR to start looking for a new coach.
I would rather JL give time for DR to do a good search for the next long-term coach.
What’s the evidence that this game has passed JL by? Seems to me that the style of play league-wide has become closer to JL’s style, not further away.
As for the Avs, and this isn’t an excuse, but I don’t believe we lose that series if Schultz and Foster were healthy. Hell, if all of our forwards could have taken shots at something other than Jose’s gut, we would have won even without Schultz and Foster.
Seems to me that the style of play league-wide has become closer to JL’s style
Right, so now he’s got to scramble for a way to beat his own game. 
timotheuzi:
I don’t think there are many here that will disagree with your comment that we need a quality center, but are there any available? I don’t see any in the FA pool that make me jump up and sream “get HIM”
Thoughts
Kevin - that’s funny, because as I was re-reading my post I thought of the same smart=a$$ response.
Maybe JL goes all ‘85 Oilers on the league.
I’m nothing if not a smart ass.
toivu - as much as I think it’s a sin to call golf a “sport” my comment was just that, a comment.
Do we have a problem signing certain players because of the style of hockey the Wild play? Could that be why we get this close but……
kj, read offer sheet note above.
I’m nothing if not a smart ass.
Better than a dumb ass.
Better than a dumb ass.
Absolutely. (And sometimes I’m a whiny smart ass, I admit it.)
i think its more him being able to communicate with current players
i think its more him being able to communicate with current players
Which current players? There’s also players that talk about how much the guy taught them about playing this game.
Okay, I’m going to my spinning class. I want a big name forward by the time I get back.
Weight might be gone - FOC has a source that says back to Long Island.
Orpik resigns in Pitt…
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS HAVE RE-SIGNED DEFENSEMAN BROOKS ORPIK TO A SIX-YEAR, $22.5 MILLION CONTRACT
he is an old school coach teaching a defensive game which there is nothing wrong with, but a lot of the league and younger players are going a different direction (not to mention the league execs. want this league more offensive) it limits the free agents we can sign
ss6: Heh, I thought you wanted him to get chained up in a circle around a cobra because he said nobody watches hockey. That’s the only TW-related thing I could think of relevant to this blog. And of course Tiger made everyone mad when he said that.
Told ya the Wild were trying to make a deal for Hossa according to the ESPN Insider.
The only way that I think the game may have passes JL by is that he’s getting old and probably doesn’t have the same energy and motivation to work like a dog as much as he used to.
Most of the teams around the league play a defensive-oriented system.
Yep you did, Mike. See what happens when you have so little credibility? No one believes ya.
The only way that I think the game may have passes JL by is that he’s getting old and probably doesn’t have the same energy and motivation to work like a dog as much as he used to.
Most of the teams around the league play a defensive-oriented system.
THAT, I could agree with. But’s that not so much the game passing him by as it is age catching up to him.
Timotheuzi,
I don’t know if I’d call Hossa a mercenary. This is the first time he’s been able to choose his team. Drafted by Ottawa, traded to Atlanta, then Pittsburgh, now he signs with Detroilet. It’s nice to see it’s not always about the money. That’ll be next year.
Russo or anyone - what do we think the chances are that the Wild would take both Huselius and Naslund? If it’s yes, what’s left for a C or do they just give the job to Benny and pray?
i did’t want to say his age caught up to him, that can get you a lawsuit in today’s workplace
I say we pray.
Can the Wild go over the cap a little if players are on the IR?
it’s not always about the money
I’m saying this objectively: this move by him almost seems more mercenary than just chasing the cash.
No, not mercenary. Opportunistic.
What happens if Detroit doesn’t win the Cup? What does Hossa do then? Sign a one-year deal with next year’s champion? Re-up with Detroit if they’re runners-up? Give up the chase and go with the money?
If they repeat, good for him, and he’ll cash in from there. He’s not a Penguin anymore. He made his decision and it’s time for us to move on and find someone who wants to be in Pittsburgh.
Naslund!!!! Isn’t that the douche who broke Mikko’s leg?
TFP is reporting on its blog that the Wild have made an offer to Marcus Naslund.
Close enough.
Yeah, there’s something awkward about Hossa’s decision. If he had taken less money in a long-term deal to be with a team he thought gave him the best chance to win the Cup, then that’s cool. Or, if he was like Sundin, at the end of his career, then OK, too. But it’s a little weird to take a 1-year deal in your prime.
Don’t know if that makes him a mercenary, but it’s somewhat unprecedented in sports, isn’t it?
TFP is just taking Russo’s info and putting it on their page.
Ohlund broke Koivu’s leg.
Never mind, that douche was Ohlund. Why can’t I shake this feeling Naslund is a douche, or am I getting him mixed with someone else? I don’t know, maybe I just need more sleep.
I think you think Naslund is a douche, Bandgeek because he played between the sisters.
Yeah, there’s something awkward about Hossa’s decision. If he had taken less money in a long-term deal to be with a team he thought gave him the best chance to win the Cup, then that’s cool. Or, if he was like Sundin, at the end of his career, then OK, too. But it’s a little weird to take a 1-year deal in your prime.
Don’t know if that makes him a mercenary, but it’s somewhat unprecedented in sports, isn’t it?
After giving it more thought (right after I posted), I decided it is more mercenary this way. He’s saying, “Okay, I want a Cup this year. Once that’s done, I can play out the rest of my career post age-30 earning a really fat paycheck, which will be even fatter because I’d own a ring.”
As you said, if he was at the end of his career, fine. But he’s 29. He’s loaning himself out to a team that didn’t need him in the first place to win.
This is the first example I think of a fair-weather player, isn’t it?
That’s my outlook on it anyway. And again, I don’t have the lasting feelings of rage that I did earlier.
Naslund and Bieska are the only canucks I would want on the wild (sedins scare me but they are good)…. luongo is ok but I think once they shrink his pads he won’t be as good.
Ding Ding Ding!!! I think you hit the nail on the head SS6.
Russo - this may be a silly question but it sounds like the Wild have offers out to both Huselius and Naslund. Are they targeting both or just one?
I’m kind of wondering what happens if they are only targeting one and both accept? Or is there some sort of understanding in these situations where players come back and confirm that the offer is still on the table?
Kyle - I asked this question above and sent Russo an email to which he replied. He thinks just one of these guys and then a center. If one accepts, the team simply withdraws the offer to the other.
I know I am jumping the gun here but if Gaborik is signed to a lifetime contract, would that make him the de facto “franchise player”?
Am I the only one that is bothered by this “fair weather player”, get used to players being replaced every year thing? Doesn’t a team have to have time to meld and get used to playing together or am I just being nostalgic?
(hope I spelled that right)
Thanks Hockeydad. I started to skim through to see if that was asked but got kind of lazy.
I would expect that is the way they would approach it, I guess I can just see the possibility where both guys accept before they can formally withdraw one of the offers. But it’s probably not too big of a deal if that happens. The player that’s late just moves on.
Am I the only one that is bothered by this “fair weather player”, get used to players being replaced every year thing?
NFL fans know what this is like. It comes with salary caps.
ss6: No, you spelled it corectly. Unfortunately, nostalgia to this generation of NHL execs means what they had for dinner last night…
Unless you are the ‘chosen one’, ‘franchise player’, etc., expect to see your favorite 3rd/4th liner/pairing combo in the FA mixer every 2-3 years or so. Like the movie title said,
“It’s all about the Benjamins”.
I got to hear Rolston break it all down on XM Radio this afternoon. God I hate it when an athlete says one thing in the first sentence and then completely contradicts it in the next one. He said in effect:
It wasn’t about the money, Minnesota offered me pretty much what I wanted. But with it being so close to the free agency period, I wanted to see what the other teams had to offer. (i.e. money, you f’n mercinary.)
I can’t figure out who to blame more, DR for screwing up AGAIN, or Rolston and his Agent for misrepresenting his intentions for the last 2 months.
And then, I spelled ‘correctly’ incorrectly. Just been one of those days…
DR said on his KFAN appearance today that he thought Rolston’s decision came down to the term, not so much the $/year. NJ gave him 4 years, but the Wild’s and Devils’ per year dollars were comparable.
DR on Hartman hinted that it might have been the length of the contract. The Wild offered him a 3 year deal it sounds like and he chose the 4 year deal instead.
I mean it could be DR CYAing but if Rolston is saying something similar… I guess the there is some truth to what DR was saying.
to continue, DR only offered Rolston 3 years.
WRT if it weren’t for spell check people would think I have a learning disability.
Wild’n'NH: If DR offered him basically what he wanted and he left anyway I’d say blame Rolston and his agent. And what kind of agent doesn’t do counteroffers? Not very smart if you ask me.
WRT - That was a great Ice Cube movie.
Big fan.
Oooooo…. dinners ready. The Mr made bar-b-que chicken. Nummy.
jimlove: Love the title…never saw the movie…
bandgeek: My problem isn’t spelling, it’s this (expletive) keyboard that I have to pound on hard to get to work when letters are in multiple. I need a whole new computer, but hate to give this one up (in part ‘cuz it’s Windows non-Vista)…
Just my opinion: The Canuckleheads will have a field day if the Wild sign ‘Nazzy’ to a deal. Calgary will probably not miss Huselius as much if the Wild sign him, however…
Really, the first mistake was DR waiting to sign Rolston at the end of the season. However, he had legitimate concerns because Rolston did poorly in last year’s SCP.
In 9 playoff appearances, he really had 3 great playoff runs and one decent showing. Like with PMB, DR wanted Rolston to show him that he can do well in the post-season. Russo wrote a story about it, too, concerning Rolston.
Its like driving down into the red zone and not being able to get a touchdown or a field goal.
And yes, Gaborik had a poor showing in the post-season, too.
Rusoo…thanks again for clearing up MY miconception! Although, they could offer Filppula 6 mil per year…
I forgot all about the need for draft picks and the offer sheet. That limits the players in the RFA market. Which then begs the question:
Who would be a candidate for plucking PMB away from the Wild???
WRT…get the special clown keyboard like I have…
Funny you said that KJ, I’ve been researching other team’s draft picks and cap rooms the last couple hours trying to figure out potentials…but i don’t think it’ll happen since he can be had via trade.
Penguins need a winger.
Bouchard’s more a playmaker though, right? That wouldn’t fit too well.
So Gabby might be happy here after all? All of his talk about playing on the east coast could just be his tactic for getting Risebrough to throw big bucks at him. We’ll see what happens with him but I hope he stays. If he has no interest though we must trade him before the season starts…
Kings have ton of cap space and even more picks to give PMB an offer sheet.
Russo,
I know your article tomorrow is concerning PMB but it concerns me how many draft picks and prospects have been traded over the last several years (O’Sullivan, Jones, the second 2006 1st plus our 2nd and 3rd next year).
I may be off but with the completely inflated FA market the last several years I now believe the way to build will be from within and through the draft in the future.
Trading PMB and/or Pouliot for older vets scares me.
“Trading PMB and/or Pouliot for older vets scares me.”
DITTO.
Well crap. I go out. I sweat my ass off. I come back. No big name forward on my roster. WTF? What have you people been doing?
Hmph. Slackers.
Hmph. Slackers.
Sorry. 
Other free agents or trade acquisitions (Demitra, Dominic Moore, Adam Hall, Chris Simon, Petr Kalus, Fedoruk, Sean Hill, Robitaille, Chouinard etc) have not panned out nearly as well as our own talent (Koivu, Gabby, PMB, Schultz, Burns, Sheppard) Of course Rolston and Brunette are notable exceptions.
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?
Oh, gosh I can’t be mad if you’re gonna pull sad faces at me. Sheesh.
Speaking of which, are they ever going to announce the Mojzis deal? I know, it’s a drop of water in an ocean of activity but we’ve done nothing but LOSE guys in Houston so far. Throw me a frickin’ bone here. Or is he out on Licky’s farm and can’t be reached?
Oh, gosh I can’t be mad if you’re gonna pull sad faces at me. Sheesh.
Speaking of which, are they ever going to announce the Mojzis deal?
I think they did already?
Food btw.
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.
How come there is no talk about Antti Miettinen? He is a great young player still looking for a home.
