All the Brendan Morrison rumors
Posted on July 5th, 2008 – 9:43 AMBy Michael Russo
Saturday, 12:50 pm update, Bouchard will be filing for arbitration, Veilleux already filed — as expected. See bottom of blog post for context.
Hey, hey, thought I’d jump on here real quick. Hope you had a terrific Fourth of July. I had a great one. Pretty mentally refreshing to be on a boat in the middle of a lake rather than sitting in front of my laptop with my cell burning up my brain.
As I’ve been reporting since July 1, the Wild has an offer in on the Vancouver Canucks unrestricted free agent. The two sides have talked a lot.
Morrison is expected to make a decision early next week, and I can tell you, the Wild has no clue which way he’s leaning. The offer is there. It’s up to him. I’ve been talking to my Vancouver colleagues for five days now about this, and the Vancouver Province has reported that Morrison will not be returning to the Canucks.
Originally, there was supposed to be seven teams involved. Scratch off Vancouver according to the Province, likely scratch off Columbus, which spent its bucks on Kristian Huselius. That leaves five, and it has been reported Toronto is no longer going after him. Down to four if this is all accurate.
If the Wild signs Morrison, the Wild will be picking up one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet, a “great guy in the room,” as the hockey cliche goes.
Prior to his last two injuries — one major one in a torn ACL at the end of the season and wrist surgery in December — the former Hobey Baker winner played 82 games six seasons in a row.
Obviously he’s coming off reconstructive knee surgery, so who knows how that affects his skating. But prior, he had great wheels, great special teams guy, solid playmaker, good in the circle (which would pay dividends in Minny, as Russo’s Rants loyalists especially know because I harp on this deficiency ad nauseum during the season).
I can say, Morrison’s doctors have gotten in touch with all the teams involved saying his rehab is going well and he’ll be ready by training camp. It’s not clear if the doctors for the team’s interested in Morrison have gotten a chance to check out his knee personally.
Like I said, offer’s on the table. There’s no more negotiating from the Wild, at least. Decision is Morrison’s.
But like I’ve said, too, there is an alarming lack of depth as the roster currently sits — especially at center.
The centermen right now are Koivu, Sheppard (going to be great, still very young), Eric Belanger (dried up like a prune after the month of October) and Benoit Pouliot (very young, unpolished).
If Koivu goes down, it could be the John Tavares watch in Minny. OK, a little overdramatic, but you know what I mean.
I’m off today, but when I find out about whether Pierre-Marc Bouchard and/or Stephane Veilleux elect arbitration, I’ll throw it up here.
Just so you know, if they decide on arb, it means nothing. Don’t panic.
It’s just a formality to protect their rights. Negotiating can go up until the arbitration date, which would be set for later this month.
I just told a reader via email, of the 20 or 25 guys who elected arbitration in my 13 years covering the NHL, I’ve never covered one that actually went.
Even Bouchard, if the two sides can’t get a long-term deal done, it wouldn’t shock me if the Wild simply at the end of the day gave him a one-year deal at his likely arbitration price just to avoid the acrimony and costs that come from arbitration hearings.
If Bouchard gets a one-year deal, the Wild will have a major decision on its hands — continue to look to trade him or let him play and start negotiating again after Jan. 1. Remember, Bouchard is an unrestricted free agent next summer if he signs for only one year.
I can’t imagine the Wild would be willing to lose a talent like Bouchard without getting value in return. That’s a big asset to just throw away.
Bye for now, and enjoy your weekend.
127 Responses to "All the Brendan Morrison rumors"
thx, mike. glad your 4th was safe and fun.
bfw…If you’re looking for me, I’ll be in New York or L.A. or Vegas…on the high road.
Interesting response from KLowe:
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242532&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl
Nice of Michael to step in and quell the masses with truth…
Morrison is a durable player whom the Wild should go after IF someone else out-does their current bid. He can play, folks.
DR might — MIGHT — still be able to make chicken salad of all this, if (BIG if) Morrison agrees to play for the Wild.
If Morrison doesn’t sign, however, the Wild still need a first-line center. No more wingers or wanna-be wingers!
(Sorry, Pavol.)
wow. lowe went OFF! those dudes should meet in the octagon.
I think if Morrison signs with the Wild, then Sheppard will be given more time to develop (I’m hoping he will blow right past EB).
If Morrison does not sign, it will give Sheppard even more responsibility, no?
Will Sheppard play mostly 2nd or 3rd line duties?
I wonder all of this because it is a tough, tough position the Wild are in regarding the C position. They have to get big minutes from a 2nd year 20 yr old. Apparently other teams believe he can since he was always on the Wild’s trading partner’s wish list.
agree. big mins for shep. a morrisson pu would make sense, and give me another player 2 check off my pre 7-1-08 list.
They have to get big minutes from a 2nd year 20 yr old.
In addition to depth for injuries, the beauty of adding Morrison is it gives JL the flexability to play the players playing the best and to get the matchups JL covets. Although Shep had trouble finishing late last year, he played the minutes and I like his chance to add significant goals this year. However, it would be nice if his contributions came naturaly rather than from being heavily counted on. Same for Benny.
we need matt kassian. lol. :))
At any rate, it is nice have something positive in the mix for a few days - thanks Russo!
a thought on pmb (possible) arbitration: since the qo is for 1yr, and the arbitratn decision would be 1yr, and other teams (fla) were deterred by his rfa status, doesnt our offer HAVE to be multiyear? otherwise, we lose trade leverage if we decide to move him. thoughts?
What’s up with Demitra? Haven’t seen anything on him lately…
The qualifying offer is just a formality to retain his rights. DR has said several times that they are going to give PMB a multi-year contract. If they can’t reach an agreement, PMB will take his one year and the Wild can still trade him.
Foster probably had no negotiating leverage so he took the QO. SRV and PMB have negotiating leverage so they don’t have to take the QO.
My (as usual, negative) take on PMB?
He will want to go to arbitration and get a one year contract. He knows that a multi-year deal here (without a no-trade clause that DR is loathe to give up) would make him the 1st trade option the Wild would use.
Why be dealt for 3 or 4 or however many years to a place you don’t want to play for when you can ride out another season for 3 mil and then CHOOSE where to go in ‘09.
And if that scenario plays out…it’s another strike against our beloved DR.
And if that scenario plays out…it’s another strike against our beloved DR
No question about that. However, it he can get a Schultz like deal done with PMB, the Wild Core will look pretty solid from on on ice and cap perspective. After seeing what went down in UFA this year, PMB’s value has increased in my mind.
Why would PMB sign a long-term deal now? How about because he wants to take certain money and not risk getting hurt this season and thereby risk a lucrative long-term deal.
Yes HD…you are correct. That would be his motivating factor.
However, I suspect that our beloved DR will not agree with Pierre-Mark about his value (as noted above having been inflated from this FA class) and will therefore make PMB chase the $$$ next year.
He need look no further than Rolston to see there are lots of dollars to be had.
Even if he gets a one year deal, DR will trade him at the trading deadline if they can’t work out an agreement.
He won’t leave for nothing. I am sorry. The only concern would be what will we get for him.
A good number of people have the same concerns that DR have about PMB. He disappears when we are playing more physical team. He was waiting to see if PMB elevates his game in the playoffs and against physical teams.
The criticism against DR about PMB is unwarranted. And like I stated in a previous post, PMB will be traded if there is a one year deal. Its a guarantee.
The criticism against DR about PMB is unwarranted.
Really? I wasn’t criticizing, I was hypothicizing.
What I said is that they will not come to an agreement because there won’t be enough $$$ or a no-trade contract. PMB has always been the source of trade speculation and if he really wants to be here, he will want management to prove they want him here.
My theory is based on DR resolving the questions that sunshine mentioned and then DR being motivated to offer a multi-year deal.
I am also theorizing that PMB will reject said contact because he believes his market value is greater than what he is being offered.
I think he’ll be OK with a one year deal and kiss the or-gan-EYE-zation good bye. Either thru trade or as a UFA.
There is a pattern here, no?
One caveat?
I have been wrong before… 
And I said that if there is a one-year deal, DR will trade him before he can kill the organization good-bye.
kill- should be kiss
sunshine…
Kiss the or-gan-EYE-zation goodby to me means he is outtahere. Even if he is traded, he knows he’ll be going someplace that ‘wants’ him.
And to be clear, I have not been overly supportive of PMB. But I suspect (like Rolston before him) he will cash in with his decision.
We shouldn’t be so certain that we would get value in return for PMB. Letting players play the final year of their contracts hasn’t exactly enhanced the organization. Would have thought Dougie Ballgame would have had talk or six with Rolston during the season to get him extended before the deadline last year. You would hope that if PMB gets his 1-yr-deal this year, Dougie Ballgame is constant conversation with him during the season on an extension prior to the deadline. If not, he HAS to go at the deadline because the Wild would most likely lose out again in a bidding war.
PMB has stated that he’d like to spend his whole career here. Add that and my love for the little bald dude, that should be enough, right? Right? Wait, the love of two fans from Austin isn’t enough? Hm…
PMB has stated that he’d like to spend his whole career here
And Hossa said he’d like to stay in Pittsburgh.
(The Penguins are actually interested in signing Bertuzzi. My head’s going to explode.)
Very true KiPA. Very true.
KiPA…I (and I assume everyone on this blog) hopes that Bertuzzi does not sign with the Pens.
Except for Demi Moore, he’s be a perfect fit in Toronto.
Personally, I think he’s heading to Russia. He could double dip as an enforcer off the ice too…
db, iirc, if its a 1yr deal, then wild cant resume negotiating w/pmb until jan 1st, per the CBA.
KiPA…I (and I assume everyone on this blog) hopes that Bertuzzi does not sign with the Pens.
Let’s overlook the off-ice distractions for just a minute. Can he even still play? 14 goals last year for the defending champs. Two goals since Feb. 8. None in the playoffs.
I say no and it’d be a waste of money.
KiPA…exactly my point.
Someone either yesterday or the day before had a great line about him:
Let him be a shadow of his former self on someone else’s team… 
bertuzzi hasn’t been effective since he got off the juice. at least that is what i think.
not sure how it is DR’s fault if PMB opts for one year deal.
I’m not so sure next summer’s FA class can expect the dollars some got this summer. Part of the reason for the big dollars this summer was the very low supply causing teams to increase offers to outbid. With more supply next summer, if you miss on player A, you won’t be SOL but have chance at players B thru T.
I said all last season the kid should get a 4 to 4.5 a year offer and was nearly flamed off the board. I can see him getting that kind of offer now, rejecting it and people here saying DR lowballed him.
I think PMB would take 4-4.5 He knows he’s seen as one-dimensional by some. Unless he bulks up this summer (in a good way). Then I’d see him looking higher.
Yeah Green*…keeping the roster stocked with talent has nothing to do with the GM.
It will be DRs fault if PMB walks without any compensation. Or if he deals him on June 29th, 2009 for a 4th round pick.
I still don’t know if I would pay 4-4.5 for 4 years for PMB. I think he is maddeningly brilliant and invisible all in the same game.
Good Old Wally is ready to chime in after some crappie fishing and some firweorks with the family. It would seem like the Wild likely will be signing one more player. Morrison or Demitra- This shows the lack of faith it has with young Mister Pouliot.
I think given what the Wild have done this offseason thus far I would try to stick with Demitra. That is speculation with me assuming he is ok as a personality with the team.
I could not ask for anything else than what DR has done with this team and his decision making process. Good Old Wally is satisfied that the ship is being steered correctly
It will be DRs fault if PMB walks without any compensation. Or if he deals him on June 29th, 2009 for a 4th round pick.
Or if the fan base has to deal with the negativity of a constant PMB trade watch, especially if a Gabby trade watch is in full force. Doug Smugborough believes the Wild is a top ten NHL destination, guys riding out contracts doesn’t square with that.
I still don’t know if I would pay 4-4.5 for 4 years for PMB.
I think you have to give him something like SK’s deal - SK is a more complete player but PMB is younger.
6GS: Don’t know if we fans can stand two of the most popular Wild players leave at the trade deadline. That might be the end of DR if he allows that to happen.
GoW: No, I don’t want Demitra back on this team. His attitude became consistently worse as the stretch drive went on. Enjoy Vancouver, Demo. Play like you did for the Wild last March for the “Nucks next year, and you will be back cover fodder every day in the Vancouver tabloids.
G*: Absolutely not Dougie Ballgame’s fault if/when PMB goes to arb. But, if Dougie let’s that situation run all the way to the end of next season, without getting something done prior to arb or at the deadline or after Jan. 1, 2009 and PB is allowed to hit the FA market next summer, then it will be just another quote in the Strib from Dougie that resembles something like this: “Looking back at the situation, I made a mistake not taking care of the Bouchard contract situation during the season. Letting him play out the final year of his contract was a mistake.” echo, echo, echo….
WATX - i’m not sure if you’re Austin’s other half…. but as another overly optimistic guy on PMB - lock him up and give him the no trade clause.
DR said he wanted to sign him long term if he couldn’t trade him….
Deep…exactly.
Report out of Toronto:
ANTTI MIETTINEN (26): An intelligent player at both ends of the ice, this Finnish-born right-winger scored a number of key goals for Dallas last season. He has some Tomas Kaberle in his blood and he, therefore, passes up high-percentage shooting opportunities. Otherwise, his total of 15 markers in 2007-08 would have been closer to 22 or 23. At 6-feet, 190 pounds, Miettinen is not a small player, but he rarely uses his size to advantage. He does, however, possess a fair amount of skill, and teams will probably not have to break the bank to sign him.
Sounds like we landed PMB’s Finnish cousin. Also note that “teams will probably not have to break the bank to sign him” is right up our alley.
Two possible lines of thought with only one recognized in the discussion thus far:
1. (already focused on quite a bit) Signing Bouchard to a long-term deal is a necessary precursor to trading him.
2. Signing Bouchard to a long-term deal means the Wild has decided he’s better than other available options and intends to keep him past this year.
Given the lack of offensive depth on this team and the lack of high-impact offensive (forward) additions, trading off Bouchard will not add a bigger talent unless there are greater drawbacks than Bouchard’s to that greater talent — unless, possibly, that greater talent comes at a hugely higher price. . . . And if that’s the case, at least we’d have the cap room to make such a deal.
But I still come back to this: taking away more offense would only seem to decrease the odds of even making the playoffs. So why trade him?
So DR should offer PMB whatever he demands, no matter what? I think GreenStar was suggesting DR should not be faulted if PMB gets himself a one-year deal by making unreasonable demands for a multi-year. Unless we find out just what PMB ends up asking for, we can’t just make the prior assumption that it will be a botched job on the part of the GM.
Maybe I just missed this, since I don’t visit here all the time.
This is the second board where I’ve seen the suggestion that Demitra is a bad locker room influence. What is this based on?
Hmm.. I am browsing the Russo Rant after a long jog… I suspect your right about Demitras attitude Wildroadtripper. I like the team as they are, but I am in agreement with Russo that another center would be nice. Not sure about the rumblings on PMB I am reading. I suspect the Wild might let him ride without a contract and negotiate with him during the season. Obly DR knows if that would pay-off or not
If you want to see the type of hockey JL and DR want the Wild to play check out the link … Great Transition- speed-defense.
Ok Guys… Lets take a step back and look at the team. Goaltending is good no problem there if Backstrom stops laying down everytime he is shot at. Defense is STELLAR now. Take a a look at some numbers. Don’t forget we got Burgeron now too. If he plays a full season he could put up Burns like numbers. Also Zidlicky is capable of the same feat. Then you always have Schultz, Foster, and the other guys. I wouldn’t miss Skoula for a second if he left though. Offense is GOOD. We just need a quality centerman TERRIBLY. Morrison would be a huge add! We need to make that work and DR needs to aknowledge that. They need to now focus on extending Gabby. PMB is a replacable player for the most part. I would like to keep Veillux though. I am a little nervous about out grit though. We lost Voros and Fedoruk… so all we have is Boogey and thats all he is good for, no points at all… All in all, we are in great shape. We should be honored to have our coaching staff and management. We just need a good center and we have it made.
adam…
I suspect Green* was taking a shot at me ‘cuz I accused DR of lowballing Rolston during negotiations. After seeing what Rolston signend for, I agreed that DR shouldn’t have paid that much. Green* must have missed that.
Yep…we should all be honored to have this management. There’s no reason (other than dumb luck) that the Wild have signed ZERO top tier free agents in their history.
good pt, kj. bruno fell into their lap, he never wanted to leave in the first place. what is deterring top ufa’s from signing here? Honestly, what? Doesn’t appear to be solely $$$. They serving the players chx strips n pizza after the game or what? (Wait. That sounds kinda good!)
Boy, people sure are convinced that the defense has gotten better by leaps and bounds huh? I think many are going to be in for a rude awakening come October when they find out the overall defensive zone play is no better, and very possibly worse than last season’s. Hill and Carney were old stiffs who couldnt move a puck up the ice to save their lives, but they did play pretty decent in their own end a good chunk of the time. I think people are overestimating the ability of MAB and Zids (I call him Zids, cos got a great vibe with him) in front of and behind their own net. I think we’re gonna have more than a few disappointed people around here. Don’t know how expectations got raised so high, or where it’s coming from, but when people say things like “Defense is STELLAR now” it makes me nervous. The defense is FAR from stellar folks, that’s why they drafted the way they did…
this d is definitely better then last year…did you watch any games? hill was terrible, nummy can’t defend to save his life, skoula got way too many minutes, and JL jerked carney around so much he never got going…
the reason no one wants to come here is because they don’t have faith in DR and JL to win it all…as much respect as ppl have for Jacques, almost no one wants to play for him…
MNslappy, you have a point- The defense was great last year (one of the lowest in terms of goals allowed per game)- so it’d be hard to improve on that.
The thing that frustrates me the most about the Wild right now is they are completely missing the boat- They address the defense when it’s the offense that needs to be addressed.
The Wild don’t score alot of goals. Period. Not only does that create problems when trying to win games (see Colorado playoff series) it makes for a boring style of play.
That’s why we’re failing to attract top flight talent. This is a great hockey state, the fans are great, the arena is great, the ice is great, the atmosphere is great. But most top flight players don’t want to play this boring style of play and see their point production sink like a ship in Lake Superior on a stormy December night.
Until the Wild changes it’s “system” this fact remains. Does this mean JL retiring might not be a bad thing? Unfortuately good coaches don’t grow on trees and when JL finally hang it up, this team will take a dip until we find a good replacement.
The good news is the Detroit Red Wings pretty much rule the NHL- so might as well lay in the weeds for a season or two and wait for them to dismantle.
The Wild is usually on the lower half of goals allowed.
However, its not the system that scores goals but players. I see all the Detroit forwards playing the type of defense that JL wishes all his forwards would play and yet they still score goals and lots of it. Detroit has already proven without a doubt that defensive forwards can and do score goals. They had the third most goals scored.
Stop trying to blow sunshine up our asses.
sunshine, you have a good point. Detroit has the best two-way players in the league. I wish the Wild had some better defensive forwards too… but I really like the fact that we are have offensive defensmen that can also play defense well.
And MNSlappy… I know where you are coming from. maybe stellar is a strong word. But we are going from just a great defensive defense. To a great offensive defense as well as on the defensive side. I really do not think there is anything wrong with the blue line at all. I agree at draft time there was… but now with all the aqusitions. I do not know. Time will tell. We just need to come up with a center. FAST!
By the way guys.. The Cup was in PLYMOUTH this afternoon…Yes, Lord Stanley’s cup made an appearance in Plymouth MN…
Penguins give Matt Cooke to a two year deal - glad he is staying East!
stop making stuff up wild for wings
smuggla…
Hmmm…you mean players enjoy scoring goals? They actually have fun playing the game when they put the old biscuit in the basket?
Nah…yer just talkin crazy talk…
lol kj
Needless to say I am not nearly as optimistic as I was last year at about this time when we shared a beer at reid’s.
I’m afraid that if the Stanley Cup really was in Plymouth today, that’s as close as it’ll get to the X for the forseeable future…
I understand that not everyone feels this way, but I’d rather see more 6-5, 5-3 games than 2-1 and 3-2 games. I’m afraid that if the Wild tried opening it up and scoring more, they wouldn’t be able to hang and end the season with more losses.
Was there a Minnesotan on the Wings? Since each player gets a day or whatever with the Cup, it usually finds its way here every other year or so. Plus, if you listen to Doug Smugborough, you would think the Cup has been on the ice at the X at least twice now
kj- What do you think would happen to this team if JL retired?
Ok, and there’s a lot of comments that I can’t read right now (a combination of Miracle and beer did me in), but what is Russoville’s opinion of PMB’s top value to the team (I apologize if this has already been discussed today)? What is the max he can seek in a contract before he is not worth it?
watx- check to see who has comparable #’s. probably $3-4m per.
Babcock has said ‘offense first’..have him on tape, as taped many Wild and Det games during the season.
Det has best ‘puck control’ and they ‘také the puck away’…move the puck faster than any team, and their success backs it up.
Any team going in with the idea of playing 0-0, 1-0, 2-1 games is asking a lot of their goaltender and defense.
We all have seen enough games where a fluke bounce/deflection decided who won-who lost…tough way to win over an entire season.
Build from Within @ 7:pm.
The answer about FA’s not signing here is different for each one.
Hossa might have figured it was the quickest way to a Cup … maybe he plans to hit it big in Las Vegas next year, either in the NHL or Russia.
If you were Naslund or SK, and had good friends on the Canucks/Oilers, or possibly had some deep set feelings from playing the against the Wild just perhaps you would not want to see them as an opponent all that many times.
So, I do not look at the lack of signing here as a lack of competence or conspiracy against the Wild.
Like Morneau or Mauer at the plate, they do not get a hit but once in three times or so and even fewer home runs.
So, per John Shipley today, PMB has filed for arbitration. Maybe SRV too?
I thought Shipley had reported that SRV filed for arbitration last week.
Bouwmeester, Vermette, among 15 going to arbitration - http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242593 - PMB and SRV too.
I am with Good Old Wally, the ship is being steered adequately. Not to say perfectly, because everyone can be second guessed.
I would give him no more than 4 mil a year. Maybe 3 or 4 years. I don’t know he bugs me sometimes. He is always looking for that perfect pass which is great but he never shoots!!! If he starts using the finese he has passing the puck to shoot the frickin thing. I would give him up to 5 mil a year, maybe more.
ice- srv already has per russo’s afternoon update. still lookin for that one ‘home run’ signing……….
oh, and bfw — price also has to do with when you sign, and age. Comparable #s don’t necessarily describe what he’d pull in.
Maybe so WildATX, I did not catch it.
Shipley’s squib was mostly directed to PMB and indicated today was the last day a player could file.
But, that they could continue to negotiate.
I’m guessing (hoping?) that this is just an indication that he hopes to negotiate further, but doesn’t want to give up anything he doesn’t have to.
Here’s to hoping my boy does what’s best for the team (and him!)…
watx- agreed. but comparables give you the best starting point. thats what is used in arbitration.
ok, so completely off topic (let me know if I’m out of line, but this board seems to be knowledgeable about a lot of things)… we’re buying a new car soon. Does anyone have anything bad to say about the Subaru STI hatchback?
We’ll never know why the top tier UFAs never sign here. All we can do is speculate.
But, it is very telling to me when a player turns you down for the CBJs. Especially if the $$$ was comparable. Which is what we’re hearing.
The. Ohio. State. Coeds.
Is all I can come up with and be positive about management.
For PMB?
Somewhere between SK and Miettinen is the number I would pay him per year for 3 years. Long enough to make him comfy, not so long that he is untradeable.
But, as I mentioned before…I doubt that PMB will sign a multi-year deal for ANY number unless he gets a no-trade proviso.
Now, please don’t underestimate the draw of the ohio state coeds. St. Paul doesn’t have a comparable university, eh?
And, to be honest, I actually hope that PMB doesn’t sign a long term deal here without a no trade clause. That would ensure him nothing that he desires but alternatively lead to an easier trade. This is exactly the main fear I’ve had since DR said he intended to sign PMB to a long term deal.
Poor Butchy… I’d really feel like I was in the spin cycle if I were him. I don’t have a strong opinion either way, though with our success so far at picking up replacement skill/talent, I’d like to keep him. Bird in the hand, etc.
I’d just buy a Toyota, WATX. But Subaru is the state vehicle of Vermont, so do what you will with that relatively worthless nugget.
WATX, the only thing I know about Subaru’s is that the Mr might have been conceived in one… To much info?????
Tomorrow is our anniversary so where should I make the Mr take me to dinner? And should we go see Wall-E or Get Smart? Later people!!
oceanaire seafood room
best in town
I don’t think the wild have really gone after top tier FA’s before the year yawnson was signed. I don’t recall there being a ton of room for FA last season but I could be wrong.
If players do not want to play here, why did burns and schultz extend at what is now clearly below market rate? they have agents so it can’t be because they are idiots.
as for PMB there was this
My (as usual, negative) take on PMB?
He will want to go to arbitration and get a one year contract. He knows that a multi-year deal here (without a no-trade clause that DR is loathe to give up) would make him the 1st trade option the Wild would use.
Why be dealt for 3 or 4 or however many years to a place you don’t want to play for when you can ride out another season for 3 mil and then CHOOSE where to go in ‘09.
then this
And if that scenario plays out…it’s another strike against our beloved DR.
and then this
Really? I wasn’t criticizing, I was hypothicizing.
What I said is that they will not come to an agreement because there won’t be enough $$$ or a no-trade contract. PMB has always been the source of trade speculation and if he really wants to be here, he will want management to prove they want him here.
My theory is based on DR resolving the questions that sunshine mentioned and then DR being motivated to offer a multi-year deal.
I am also theorizing that PMB will reject said contact because he believes his market value is greater than what he is being offered.
I think he’ll be OK with a one year deal and kiss the or-gan-EYE-zation good bye. Either thru trade or as a UFA.
There is a pattern here, no?
so what did i miss?
Ok back to Hockey… How do you guys read this? I have heard nothing but ‘the wild are done’ or ‘the center spot is all pouliots’. From what I read from Mike, Morrison could still sign. Do you read it the same way? Do you think DR is willing to spend the extra cap space?????
DR hasn’t withdrawn his offer so he has cap space available in case Morrison does agree to sign with the Wild.
From all accounts, the Wild has not offered contracts to SRV and PMB other than the QO. Maybe one of the reasons why is because they are awaiting Morrison’s decision. It could alter the structure and amounts of the contracts for SRV and PMB.
IMO, I don’t really see Morrison signing with the Wild. The reasoning is a mixture of why Huselius and Naslund didn’t sign with the Wild — more money and longer term from another team and not being in the NW division.
I don’t know though. I see what you are saying sunshine but I would rather play in the same division I think. I mean im sure the organization still like ya and also the fans. Not like everyone lost respect for you. Now they can beat up on their old team.
But I guess that is a good point about PMB and SRV. But we need Morrison to sign. Do we really want a 20 and 21 year olds with little experience to be in such a crucial role? The only one I am confident in is Koivu. Belanger can go either way. I don’t know. I am glad we got Meittinen but we should have taken a center instead. Just my 2 cents…
If we get Morrison, I will be more than happy. He will instantly upgrade our offense at least on paper.
True… I think we might be surpirsed by this team. We will have to wait and see. They might be able to do something.
Adam said: This is the second board where I’ve seen the suggestion that Demitra is a bad locker room influence. What is this based on?
Adam and others: Personal experience, watching him take game after game off down the stretch last season. He put his game squarely in ‘Park’ after he was forced to play center following Wes Walz’ departure. There have also been reports of Demitra-related bad things happening on several of the Wild road trips, especially those in March of last season.
Showing displeasure about your personal situation after you are forced to another position is one thing. Carrying on about it for three months’ time is something else.
Buh-Bye, Demo.
KJ, I do not intrepret the FA’s signing elsewhere as just another shade of black, and to be laid at the feet of DR.
WRT: Could you explain about the Demitra-related things?
Not that it really matters but Demitra and Rolston earned the same exact points from March 2 to April 6th, 14 points: Demitra (2-12-14), Rolston (7-7-14).
I wouldn’t call that putting it in park unless Rolston was also in park.
Hi, Vancouver reader here.
For what it’s worth, Global TV, the Vancouver-Canwest TV station reported this evening that Brendan Morrison and Mike Gillis have resumed talks.
Morrison wants to re-sign in Vancouver.
It is reported at about the 5:00 minute mark of the clip under the heading Sports->Latest Sportscast: http://www.canada.com/globaltv/bc/video/index.html
Have not read enough to really comment, but BG, if the mr. was concieved there then that’s all the info we need (we think he’s awesome)!
Can we afford to give PMB 5 years at 23-25 mill?
There have also been reports of Demitra-related bad things happening on several of the Wild road trips, especially those in March of last season.
i don’t doubt this but don’t recall any reports.
wouldn’t mind hearing more.
I find it humorous that people think a player should be ok with being forced to play out of his position because the GM royally screwed up. We knew the center position was an issue well before Walz quit, yet DR didn’t bring in a #1 center. You can just imagine how much Demo didn’t like this. They, the team leadership, have most likely wanted a #1 center, but got nothing. Then Demo is forced to take the role. Wouldn’t it be great to be in that position and then be criticized by JL for not doing it exactly how he wanted. DR f’d this up and Demo took the bullet. He is a professional hockey play who plays a specific position. Playing out due to injury is one thing, but playing out of your position because the GM completely f’d up is a joke. Even better is when DR waived Moore and kept Foy over BP. I side with Demo on this BS and respect him for helping out as much as he did.
If players do not want to play here, why did burns and schultz extend at what is now clearly below market rate?
Overdue comment - thank you. Add Mikko to the list and even Bruno and AM as neither was overpaid. However, if DR does not add a C, I am not sure those contracts are going to do fans much good this year. If Benny and Shep can get it done I will be the fist to eat buffalo crow wings. However, DR can’t be that confident that will happen since he has an offer out to Morrison.
to My14K says:
If you are a member of a team you need to contribute what the team needs. If you are not willing to do that then you are not much of a teammate.
If Demetra is being asked to stretch the ice out, especially after Walz left abruptly, then you just do it.
That is just a dose of the real world. Anyone who is not willing to contribute what they can to a team’s success gets to be dead weight.
I can’t believe on the Front page of the paper I see how filthy rich Wild ownership is and then when I get to the sports section I keep hearing about offers that are in the mix with other teams for top talent but definately not exceeding. Giving Hossa a better offer finding a big People Moving (instead of Puck moving defensmen to go with Kimberly Johnsson and keeping Rolston along with adding Bruno would have made us a contender to Detroit in the west. I don’t understand where this team is going with their three center shuffle, No set lines ect. ect.
sunshine and green*: I cannot elaborate further but it is known about Demitra that as the season went on in March he really became a Grade ‘A’ headcase.
For the number of chances he had, if you don’t think that scoring only two goals in March is putting it in ‘Park’, think again, friend…
We need a center, DR. We need a CENTER.
GGGGGGS- No doubt, the deals for Burnzy, et. al. were home runs for DR, and he gets very little credit for them. My question (7pm) is regarding top ufa’s. Rolston would have to top that list (originally). Neither Burzy nor Mikko were UFA’s when they re-signed, iirc. G*’s point about them just not pursuing them in the early years is valid. I would add that budget restriction was a hinderence during that period, although it (internal cap #) has never been publicly confirmed.
damn. sorry, italics.
band - happy anniversary…i think you should DEFINITELY see Get Smart. Hilarious!
Note to BULLDOG: this isn’t MLB; there is a salary cap. It doesn’t matter if they are billionaires one or twenty times over. In RE Hossa, it was clear that it was not the competitiveness of the Wild’s offer; he took less, in term and $$$, to play with Detroit.
Iceman, so you quote below would indicate that DR’s management of the center position has made him “dead weight?”
“That is just a dose of the real world. Anyone who is not willing to contribute what they can to a team’s success gets to be dead weight.”
More negative Demo coverage.
“Pavol Demitra: After a miserable season in Minnesota, the veteran forward is said to be dancing with Vancouver, where his former agent, Mike Gillis, serves as general manager. That may be his only NHL option. With his skills in decline, and rumors of his being something less than a calming presence in the dressing room, Demitra’s days in the league may be over.” - Allen Muir at CNNSI.com
I might be wrong, but I thought Demo was a center on other teams, thus asking him to play center was not asking him to play out of position. He just didn’t like the responsibilities that JL gives to the center.
Why WiATX, I do believe you’re right!
Demitra = lockerroom trouble.
Move on.
Green*…I should have just said this:
You’re right…DR will lowball him.
If players do not want to play here, why did burns and schultz extend at what is now clearly below market rate?
You’ll have to ask their agents. Perhaps they are ‘comfortable’ here. Because it is the only place they have played. Perhaps because Schultz just started a family. Perhaps because Burns is interning at the MN Zoo. There are all kinds of variables at play.
However, to an outsider - SK, Hossa, et al, the poor attempts at ‘helping’ the team at trade deadline time as well as not seeing any of your peers accept a deal combined with the talk from Gaborik about playing elsewhere adds up to no top tier UFSa coming here.
The difference between Ken Holland, Brian Burke, Brian Lawton (sheesh, he JUST started) and DR?
The first three don’t tell the media “We tried.”.
cannot elaborate further but it is known about Demitra that as the season went on in March he really became a Grade ‘A’ headcase.
this would go with my CI that says the mafia and the frogs divided the room.
while we have 4 centers that can play, i’d feel better if we picked up another one.
Fox Sports NHL Headline:
Pens get new fighter Cooke to replace Ruutu
Apparently Fox uses baseball writers on the hockey desk during the off season. No bigger turtle in the NHL since Claude Lemieux.
However, to an outsider - SK, Hossa, et al, the poor attempts at ‘helping’ the team at trade deadline time as well as not seeing any of your peers accept a deal combined with the talk from Gaborik about playing elsewhere adds up to no top tier UFSa coming here.
#10 did everything but beg hossa to sign here. SK is a top tier FA? ouch.
The difference between Ken Holland, Brian Burke, Brian Lawton (sheesh, he JUST started) and DR?
The first three don’t tell the media “We tried.”.
DR is to frank and honest with the press and the fans. the others just wouldn’t say anything.
besides resigning Perry, what else did anaheim do? burke couldn’t say we tried because it appears they didn’t.
Green*…I should have just said this:
You’re right…DR will lowball him
if i read what you wrote wrong, my bad.
any one know who the fine young gal is doing the news on the number 4 right now?
Your new girlfriend G*?
she don’t know it yet, but i think so.
What else did anaheim do? It assmebled a group that was good enough to win a CUP.
my new GF just reported that the cup indeed was at lord fletchers last night. incase that wasn’t settled last night. mark hartigan, SCSU alum, had it.
It assmebled a group that was good enough to win a CUP.
true, a couple years ago. didn’t work so well last year and they have made no moves for 08-09.
Can’t win the Cup every year, but don’t you think some folks here in Russoville would cut Dougie Ballgame a huge length of slack if he had assembled a squad that looks as though it was primed to battle for the Cup. The current big league squad may have the littlest amount of depth in the league and the farm system doesn’t really shine any rays of light on the situation.
DR is wise enouph and fair enouph to keep watching Demitras situation. Demitra can learn from his past errors one would think. He has not exactly been bounced around the league prior to joining the Wild.
Dont think for a second that if Demitra comes to his senses DR wont pull the trigger on a 1 year deal
One more thought Wally is that one might speculate that his friendship with Gabby and Hossa could cause some of his ill feelings he has about his present status compared to theres. No doubt he is older and has and always will make less money then them
When he comes to grips with what he is and his age ?? One might speculate that this is what he is irked about and needs to come to grips with
He makes the Wild a better team because Gabby is on our roster
- GoW must have a Demitra jersey
- Feature on Wild minority owner Philip Falcone - http://www.startribune.com/business/22949299.html?location_refer=Entertainment
DR on WCCO now, they got him to take some time from a fly fishing adventure.
Classic Doug Smugborough interview with Sid and a bad connection from the fishing adventure spared DR from questions from the unwashed masses.
food
