Parrish’s Wild career over after two seasons (updated)
Posted on July 29th, 2008 – 12:11 PMBy Michael Russo
According to an NHL source, the Wild has placed Bloomington-born, Plymouth resident Mark Parrish on waivers.
If he clears the 24-hour waivers, it is likely he will be bought out of the remaining three years of his contract and will become a free agent.
Parrish spent much of his two seasons with his hometown Wild in Jacques Lemaire’s doghouse.
OK, I’m back. That was from my Blackberry.
As I reported June 11, it was hard to see where Parrish fit in on this team. In that story, I mentioned that sources were telling me Doug Risebrough was offering him in a trade everywhere. I also mentioned buying out Parrish as a possibility. But I suggested the Wild would be smarter to put him on waivers in camp and then call him up on re-entry waivers so they save half the cap.
But the Wild made this decision now, I believe, because there was (CORREX) July 29 buyout deadline (third day after clubs final’s arbitration settlement or hearing, i.e. Bouchard Saturday just after midnight) and because Risebrough wanted to give Parrish an opportunity now to latch onto another team and get his life situated.
There are about six or seven teams actually over the cap right now. Teams could become further handicapped by the season, so it would be harder to lose Parrish in training camp, too. So this is at least a guarantee.
As I mentioned in my depth chart, the Wild had to feel it was too close to the cap for comfort.
If Parrish is claimed, that team will incur his salary and cap hit. If he clears and the Wild indeed buys him out like I know it plans, it’ll have to pay 2/3 of his contract or $5,566,667.
Because of a cap formula that allows you to spread cap pain through double the contract, the Wild will be charged with a cap hit for six years but get a break that way. So it’ll be charged $727,778 for Years 1-2, $927,778 for Years 4-6.
For whatever reason, it just didn’t work out in Minnesota for Parrish. He was injured a lot, and Jacques Lemaire just never took to him. He scored 35 goals in Minny.
Update: If he’s bought out, the Wild’s cap hit goes down to $52,649,277. If he’s claimed, take another $727,778 off that.
This also opens the door for Colton Gillies perhaps to make the squad?
215 Responses to "Parrish’s Wild career over after two seasons (updated)"
WOW…this is huge!!
Is it possible they could re-sign him at a more friendly number once he clears waivers?
I didn’t think they had it in them because its close to a million hit for 6 years.
Any possibility this is related to a money moving necessary to sign Gaborik?
Or do they just want to go with the youth movement….Gillies, etc…?
Can he be bought out since the 48 hour after arbitration is over and we are not over the cap either (the Glen Murray situation)? Plus, the buyout period is over.
“Hey Cliff, it’s Doug. Could you work half of $2.65M on your cap this year? Yeah? Okay, I’ll get back to you in 24 hours.”
Wow… I’m so rarely right…
Gillies almost surely in now.
I never really understood what the deal was with Parrish? He had some personal issues last year that set him back or something? He never referenced it…but I’ve heard it was an issue.
I say its youth movement rather than Gaborik. It does create a spot open for Gillies and a call-up spot for Aeros because of Foster being on IR.
if they buy him out they can’t resign for a year, IIRC.
Too early for re-entry waivers to kick in or they could recall him and have another team pick him up for half the cash.
I guess I’m not totally surprised.
does this mean the market for Parrish is d-r-y. i have to think the wild would have traded him for a 7th round pick before buying him out.
Can he be bought out since the 48 hour after arbitration is over and we are not over the cap either (the Glen Murray situation)? Plus, the buyout period is over.
my copy of the CBA is on my home PC. very good question.
seriously….he must have ZERO value….why not trade him for a bag of pucks!?!?
I applaud the move though…whatever his deal was…he was a shell of his former self…and that’s not the kind of guy you want in your locker room.
Good move by Riser.
How long was his contract? I thought it was still multiple years remaining…how does that affect our cap in future years?
By “good move” I mean that as good a player as he was, he’s either lost a step or he’s a square peg a round hole under JL’s system.
Now we can focus on keeping Gillies AND have room for call-ups.
Not a real surprise - if you play around looking at the roster, trying to figure out lines, roles, etc., you would come to a quick conclusion that it was just difficult to find a place for him on this team. I always thought that they signed him to replace Bruno in many ways, and he just wasn’t that player (not to mention they no longer need to replace Bruno).
Can’t help but also feel badly for him, however. Sure seems like a good guy.
Parrish had 3 years left, including this upcoming season.
Good move but I am kind of worried about carrying an extra $900K for 6 years. That is a long time. I really hope someone does pick him up.
Wow - after two years his cap hit ($2.7 million) is not brutal but his deal does have 3 years left. Does this open up space foe another C? Yelle, Smolinski and Brylin are names that come to mind (1 year deals assumed). My initial reaction is that if another C is not added, why not bring Parrish to camp?
Boooo… Now what am I supposed to do with my Parish jersey?
Parrish’s lackluster performance notwithstanding…there is definitely something more to this story.
To take a cap hit like this tells me that either there are some real personality conflict issues or something going on…this is a major story.
Russo?
I guess there were no takers unless Sheppard was part of the deal 
Seriously, I do hope that he is picked up, for the Wild’s sake and future cap space and flexibility.
Good move but I am kind of worried about carrying an extra $900K for 6 years.
why is it 6 years? wouldn’t it be for the remaining years on his deal?
Good move, I agree this likely means Gilles makes the team.
Hi- I’ve been “lurking” here for years and finally decided to step up and post.
It seems like more than just a drop off in performance effected the sentiment towards Parrish. Did I miss something (locker room cred, health problems, personal probs, etc.) that should effect my attitude towards him?
6GS: considering the Don’s warning about the cap ceiling being closer than it appears in our mirror, I wonder if they won’t just let the kids try to grab that spot and leave some cap space open for injuries/trades?
That’s too bad. The Wild have tried a few times now to have a home grown player on their roster and it just doesn’t seem to work out. I hope they keep trying to recruit talent from MN.
So let’s say he does clear… any chance we might see some sort of trade then (is a trade even possible)? I would hate to have to throw money at him when he’s not even here!
It seems like more than just a drop off in performance effected the sentiment towards Parrish. Did I miss something (locker room cred, health problems, personal probs, etc.) that should effect my attitude towards him?
I think it’s little more than him being a square peg in the 17-sided hole that is Lemaire. He just doesn’t fit in the Wild system. That and after the birth of his daughter, he really seemed to lose a step.
Is Doug Risebrough on crack? What exactly is he doing this offseason?
So let’s say he does clear… any chance we might see some sort of trade then (is a trade even possible)?
if you didn’t trade for him before waivers, why trade for him after? especially since you could claim him for nothing?
we will buy him out, if possible, and some team will sign him for 2 years 1.75 per.
Bad Move DR……….
Bad DR! BAD!
Bad PR.
Bad for the team.
Bad for the fans.
Hey Leopold, time to wake up here and reign in DR……he’s gone and gotten himself all tangled up in his leash again.
We aren’t building for the future. We aren’t building for the present.
Our drafts over the last few years have been mediocre at best. We trade away our draft picks for players in areas we don’t need. *Cough* *Simon*
Our prospects look like junk, our depth chart is horrible, what.the.hell.
If this keeps up, there is going to be a mutiny at 317 Washington Ave………
Need a distraction while we wait for more info?
Go vote (for the Wild): http://icethetics.blogspot.com/2008/07/poll-penguins-vs-wild.html
What exactly is he doing this offseason
with this move, cutting the dead weight.
My understanding of buyouts from so many this season is since Parrish is over 26 years-old, its 2/3s of his remaining salary spread over twice the length of the contract.
Glen Murray’s buyout cap hit is $1.38 million over two years (he had 1 year at $4.85 million)
thanks sunshine.
Bad for the team.
Bad for the fans.
Please elaborate why this is bad for the team and the fans.
G*… thanks I never thought of it that way. I guess this is a good move then
DR must have received some sense that teams would pick up Parrish — they won’t trade for him — if he was waived.
This is the only reason why DR would make this move.
Not sure how this is bad for the team, Dilbert - he was looking to be relegated to captaining the popcorn crew this season. As a local kid, we might have an emotional attachment to him, but if he had hailed from Saskatoon, this move would have been even more of a no-brainer.
MOre from Russo.
The Parrish signing was a classic example of a DR/JL disconnect. He was too slow for the top line and checking line and wasn’t enough of a playmaker to help Rolston on the 2nd line. Maybe the buyout gives him some financial security for possible concussion effects.
JL has had much more input on how the team is being formed this season or else he would have walked.
Glad PMB is in the mix long term, it would look funny if all 3 forwards were crashing the net at the same time, like a few posters on here would like. I would still like to see him with Gabby/Koivu in the 3rd period when down by a goal or 2. He also needs to work on the peel away move at the blue line toward the boards, last year Vancouver just had someone trail 10 feet behind him at the blue line and he would turn right into the player and lose the puck.
I don’t know what the particulars are with regard to a buy-out (I assume it’s at something less than the contract value and there’s some cap benefits), but the other reason to make this move is to give Parrish a chance to play some place else. If no team claims him and the Wild buy him out, he’s a UFA, right?
The guy must really be a problem in the locker room or something…the Wild took a HUGE hit that will be felt for 6 year to come….ouch.
But if it helps create a long term culture of accountability…so be it.
Have a bad year….GONE…(Demo, Parrish, etc…)
This could be one of the best thought out things DR has done this offseason… good move
Sorry, my numbers were wrong.
Yo, just added more to the top. Sorry there was so little substance in the original post, but I was out and about when I got word.
edge - I don’t know what leads you to think he’s a problem in the room. Compared to the cap hit the Wild would take by keeping (but rarely playing) him, the one it will take by buying him out isn’t so bad.
I’m a little shocked we waived him already. I really expected them to give it 1 more chance this season and if it didn’t work then try and trade him or buy him out. This is hardly bad for the fans or the team. Just bad for Mark.
Most people were a little surprised how long Parrish’s contracts was when he signed on. I hope someone claims him so we don’t eat the remaining years…
Russo-
You’re the best.
Thanks for off-sesaon info.
I wonder about a team like Detroit. Isn’t Parrish sort of a Holmstrom wannabe? I know he’s not Swedish, but if he clears and then gets bought out I wonder if the Wings could find something for him to do?
He’s 31…so he’s just about old enough to start playing for them…
the Wild took a HUGE hit that will be felt for 6 year to come
it’s less than a million per for 6 years. if the cap goes up just a little each year, we won’t even feel it.
I don’t think it has anything to do with parrish being a problem in the room. He just doesn’t fit and really didn’t have a job. I think that was clear. It is somewhat of a class move to waive him now and give parrish some time to hook up with another team instead of keeping him around until right before the season starts which is entirely in the wild’s right.
As much as I like Parrish and grew up watching the guy, I always thought that we way over paid him. Now it looks like they have seen that error as well. I hope he keeps playing I love seeing MN players in the box scores also for the wild’s cap sake. Good luck Grumpy too bad it didn’t work out better.
I was excited for him to come here but he came a couple years too late. we really could have used the 25 goal, goalie hound he was in the past; instead he came as an injury prone, <20 goal scorer that lost a step. Its sad this has come to this but at least both parties will be (relatively) happy and we can use that money and roster spot to hopefully develop some good talent (ie gilles, etc).
Look at his career stats.
How does he go from THAT to what he gave us???
The system has no place for someone who plants in front of the net and scores goals!?!?!?
I just think everyone is being way to kind to the local boy….He just didn’t put out for us and that sucks. Let’s not give him a free pass. He showed no loyalty to the fans by playing poorly even if he is “one of us”.
God, if we overpaid Parrish, then Nolan is absolutely ROBBING us.
Sad to see him go. I know he underperformed, but we need guys like him that can score ugly goals, tip pucks in, rebounds, etc.
Bummer for Mark Parrish, but with $$5,566,667 potentially in the bank…
I’m not sure how this will affect the team. I was hoping he’d bounce back this upcoming but???
If another team wants to claim him, they’re going to have to take into account the massive confidence hit he’s just taken on top of a bad season last year…
How does he go from THAT to what he gave us???
Jaques Lemaire. That’s how.
You either fit in JL’s system or you don’t. He doesn’t.
God, if we overpaid Parrish, then Nolan is absolutely ROBBING us
I thought we got a deal when he was signed. that was until he didn’t really produce.
I believe at one point parrish said that he always thought he was working hard but figured out what working hard really was when he came here and that was and adjustment. perhaps he never really adjusted.
also, i’d think it can be hard to play in your hometown area. lots of distractions. i’d think a change of scenery would be good for him. maybe atlanta.
i’d bet he’d go to detroit for a SRV type salary. why not?
Parrish was awful last year.
No great loss… but just goes to show that DR doesn’t have “it”. I think it’s now safe to say his “big offseason” is almost a complete disaster.
Demitra - BUST! (and we lose Paddy’O)
Parrish - BUST!
Johnsson - Nice player… but $5M?… ahhh, no.
Open Post to (the real) Mikko: switch back to #21!
Herbie - Bruno and Nolen will pick up the slack in the ugly goal department - and then some.
Best move DR has make all summer.
The Parrish signing was a bad move to begin with IMO. In theory the Wild needed a guy that could stand in front of the net on the PP but no one bothered to closely analyze all the other parts of his game and how he fit in with the rest of the squad.
He can’t skate, forecheck, check, playmake/pass, skate with the puck, play defense, penalty kill with proficiency, etc.
He is a player with many weaknesses and few strengths.
I have nothing against Parrish, but that’s the way I see it. Even if he managed to pluck in a few more PP goals one can’t hide the fact that he’s average to poor in every other situation during a game.
Moreover, when you take the current team into consideration, a player like Parrish fits in even less. With guys like Bruno and Butch that are mostly PP specialists and don’t PK, along with other players that don’t have a lot of proven PK prowess, the team can only have so many forwards that fit that limiting mold. Plus, Owen Nolan and Bruno are capable goal mouth players. Miettinen also has some experience there.
There is no way Parrish would have seen enough ice time from JL to increase his stock for a trade later in the year and with younger and better players, not only skill wise but fit wise, in camp this had to be done.
Certainly whatever player takes his spot has to earn it but I hope it’s Colton Gillies. I big, speedy, physical player can can put guys through the boards is one thing this team does not have that it could use. Plus, he’ll only get better playing for JL.
The cap hit is unfortunate but that’s the price for a bad long term signing.
Still, this is a huge positive.
JL has had much more input on how the team is being formed this season or else he would have walked.
It’s possible that this or next is JL’s last year, and DR wants him to have his hand on as many younger players as possible before he’s gone. (Not in a Herbert from family Guy way.)
Wow, tough blow this off season for Bloomington Jefferson alumni, Parrish done and potentialy bought out and Ben Clymer bought out by the Capitals. I know they are buddies still and huge golf nerds, maybe we see them become pro golfers or maybe we see them go represent MN over in the new Russian league. Either way, I think both still have some puck left in them on a 3rd or 4th line and I hope they end up somewhere.
I’ve always liked Parrish…
Parrish seemed like a nice guy, and it was fun to have a “local” on the team, but he was of virtually no value to the Wild last season. And as some have already pointed out, it didn’t appear that he had a chance of much ice time this season either.
It appears to be a good move by the Wild.
Maybe we can get Antoine Vermette from OTT now!
Are we assuming that no one will pick up Parrish? I mean does anyone really want to absorb his ridiculous contract? It would be easier on everyone to leave him… have us buy him out… and pick him up for less in free agency. That my guess.
I am wondering if no one comes calling for Parrish if he’ll just hang it up and focus on his family. He’s got money in the bank to last him a long time. Maybe look for a highschool coaching job? Not to discount his ability to play in the NHL still, but he might be happier behind the bench. We can churn out some awesome minnesota high school talent with mad tipping skills in front of the net.
Lots of mention made by Russo & many others of players not fitting into JL’s system. I want to see the Wild win a Cup. How long do we stay with JL?
JL’s contract ends in June 2010. He’s also like 62 or 63 years-old. I don’t think he wants to coach that much longer.
While I liked Grumpy, I’m not surprised to see him go. I was hoping he would be able to finish out his contract here but I guess that’s not to be. He always seemed like such a positive guy and that will be missed in the locker room. But yes he has underproduced, and some of that may be because he didn’t fit in JL’s system, and you put the injuries he’s had on top of that and …. well…. I guess that gets you put on waivers.
Good-bye Grumpy, you will be missed (at least by some of us).
There’s a good reason no team would trade a bag of pucks for him. (And that no team will claim him on waivers)
Everyone knows that he doesn’t fit into the Wild’s plans, and now everyone knows that the Wild will buy out his contract.
Why would you give something up for him, and pay his entire salary when you know that in a few days, you can negotiate with him and get the same guy for less money?
Parrish will be sorely missed. There is no one better in front of the net. Wild could not use him because the initial shot never got by the defenseman.
Time to send DR down the road and take JL with him.
We need Louie or Gainey back.
Is that a typo in Russo’s latest update above? Does the $52M represent our total salary cap?
I’m estatic that this plows the road for Gillies but at the same time I’m sad to see Parrish’s career take this turn.
You have to believe someone will claim Parrish off waivers, almost guaranteed he gets claimed on re-entry waivers if it gets to that point.
We need Louie back??? As in Lou Nanne?
I love listening to the guy and love all he’s done for MN sports (including at the UofM), but what the H-E-double hockey sticks did he do as a GM that would make you want him to run this team?
There is no one better in front of the net.
me thinks someone was watching with powder blue colored glasses.
We need Louie or Gainey back
right. Time to turn the page.
what the H-E-double hockey sticks did he do as a GM that would make you want him to run this team?
he drafted lawton #1. should end all discussion.
There’s a good reason no team would trade a bag of pucks for him. (And that no team will claim him on waivers)
See MAB - I believe Russo reported that it was well known he was going to be waived but equally known that he would be claimed so DR made the move - we shall see on Parrish.
We need Louie or Gainey back.
I must have missed those Stanley Cup parades.
I’m estatic that this plows the road for Gillies
+1 primarily based on what you have reported AiH and the fact that it makes no sense to keep a top prospect in a league where management does not think the player can get better.
Columbia blue-colored glasses with Silver trim, in fact.
Done with the Wild! This is a horrible move. The only reason Parrish lost confidence is because his coach publicly said he’d lost confidence. But genius JL still has confidence in Skoula?
Genius DR still has confidence in Mighty Mouse when he always disappears in the playoffs? Yet, he gets a 5 year deal with a 2 yr no trade committment? DR has lost his way and needs to be shipped out immediately. BYE-BYE. I’m done with the Wild until DR is gone, just like I’m done with the T-Pups until Mchale is gone.
Bob- JL and Risedork have already been here too long. It is more that his “system” doesn’t work/utilize the strengths/skills of his players, rather than the now tired notion that his players aren’t performing up to his standards…Maybe the coach/”system” is the problem as I have said many times before IMO, and not that the players won’t fit into the “system”. His system and coaching strategy has remained basically the same since he won the Cup in ‘95 and it hasn’t/won’t work in todays NHL. So, get used to 1st round exits-it will be the more of the same again this year in the playoffs.
How long do we stay with JL?
As long as he wants.
Despite his weaknesses, JL is one of, if not the best, at teaching young players the game. Look at how far Sheppard came last year alone. He’s also one of the best coaches at adapting a gameplan mid-game or mid-series.
he drafted lawton #1. should end all discussion.
Exactly. We were so blessed that Louie was able to see how much better of a player Lawton was compared to Stevie Y.
see ya, king.
His system and coaching strategy has remained basically the same since he won the Cup in ‘95
I take it you spend more time reading Souhan than watching hockey?
MAB - I thought it was because another team was going to grab him and DR made his move. MAB’s last year was an option year by the club. If the Club, didn’t pick up the option, he becomes a UFA.
it IS kind of funny to watch people pull the plug in reaction to every story that doesn’t lead with “The Wild, who won their first ever Stanley Cup last night…”
It is more that his “system” doesn’t work/utilize the strengths/skills of his players, rather than the now tired notion that his players aren’t performing up to his standards
i think that is what rolston was saying on his way to jersey. didn’t he have career best years here?
I think this is also what the like of burns and schultz were telling DR when they signed there less than market value extensions. Mikko too. then there is someone like todd fedoruk. a player left on the scrap heap that was brought in and turned into a 1.5 mil per year player.
brunette had career best year before teaming up with sakic and heyduke. and he still came back here the first chance he got. Hated not using his strengths under JL so much he couldn’t wait to come back.
sunshine - thanks for the correction on MAB.
See ya BrownStar. I’ll be cheering for Parrishs’ new team. Hope he haunts your Wild for the next 5 years. Have fun losing.
I’ll be cheering for Parrishs’ new team. Hope he haunts your Wild for the next 5 years. Have fun losing.
that’s funny.
To me Jaq=Denny=Glenn Mason. They get the program on the cusp of something great but can’t figure the rest out.
Take the chains off and lets get some scoring to match the good defensive play.
Yeah, cuz Parrish was gonna make us a winner…
Bye bye King. Giving up your tickets, too. I am sure someone here would be happy to take them off your hands. I hope Parrish does hook up somewhere. I like the guy but he simply didn’t perform. Time to move on.
Well said GreenStar.
Kiing. Good riddance.
I thought you were done with the Wild…why’re you still here!?
NiNY - how is Parrish a Holstrom wannabe? I don’t really see the comparison.
BrownStar - do I get no credit for that?
I’ll be cheering for Parrishs’ new team. Hope he haunts your Wild for the next 5 years. Have fun losing.
If that fails you will always have your memories of Mark’s NCCA tournament runs with SCSU
… .and once you answer that question, tell me why you think Parry’s a HolMstrom wannabe…
VOR- Really? Is that why we are (except for ‘03)one and done every playoff run?
If that fails you will always have your memories of Mark’s NCCA tournament runs with SCSU
and his worn out tape of Mark’s state tournament victory.
Is that why we are (except for ‘03)one and done every playoff run?
if i didn’t know better i’d think the wild made the playoffs for a dozen years running reading this.
knight, except for 07 and 08, the Wild has advanced to the conference finals in all of its playoff appearances.
G*- We agree to disagree. Say what you want about players wanting to come here, presumably because JL is so great. But we still have gone nowhere in the post-season..
“How long do we stay with JL?
As long as he wants.
Despite his weaknesses, JL is one of, if not the best, at teaching young players the game.”
Too bad he can’t manage the game as well as some…e.g. Mike Bobcock.
and most years, the wild have a perfect winning pct after one game.
Say what you want about players wanting to come here
where is the list of players disenchanted with the wild because of JL and him not using players strengths? I’m curious.
Let’s step back one second here. It is a good move on the Wild’s part but we also lose 16 goals and Gillies and Clutterbuck/whomever will be hard press to make up those goals.
Everybody on the team must step up and score more goals this year. They can no longer depend heavily on Rolston or Gaborik.
We’re gonna have to get the goalies scoring….
Saw this one coming. Looking over the old depth chart, Parrish stuck out like a sore thumb. Don’t know why he didn’t work out, but I’m glad we’re moving on.
Everybody on the team must step up and score more goals this year. They can no longer depend heavily on Rolston or Gaborik.
Especially Rolston. . .
maybe the refs could deflect a few in for us
Last season, goal scoring was heavily on Gaborik and Rolston since everyone else had a down year. Koivu was injured.
This year there is no Rolston and Gaborik can’t do it alone.
Had Schultz been healthy, there’s a good chance the Wild would have beaten the Avs this year. Last year, they simply got in the way of the Ducks on their run.
In other words, anyone who lays the blame for those two series defeats at the feet of Lemaire is on glue.
Seriously, every time the Wild do anything, there are some people who decry “this is the worst move possible! Dump Risedump! Fire LeTrap” You chicken littles need to pull your heads out of your asses and relax. Get laid, get drunk, smoke some dope, whatever it takes for you to realize the world is not ending because the Wild adjusted it’s lineup.
There are very few teams that would keep their coach over Lemaire yet people think he should be fired. And who is better that would replace Lemaire?
Half the reason this team is competitive at all is because of JL. His teams almost always overachieve.
Besides, how did a sad day for Parrish turn into “fire Lemaire” conversation.
6GS - are you trash talking SCSU?!? Because I will drop the gloves for my old school.
Watch PMB have a breakout goal scoring year
Get laid, get drunk, smoke some dope, whatever it takes for you to realize the world is not ending because the Wild adjusted it’s lineup.
Ahh…I’ll throw a party in the mountains with all 3 of those things….welll…actually bring your own booze…..and your own dope for that matter….while we’re at it, your own women/men too. I’ll take care of my end.
hockeydad: I think they’re similar in that they’re both “score from the front of the net” guys. Lots of bruises on the calves, type of guys. Neither one is a great skater, but Holmstrom has made a career out of being hard to move in front, willing to take the odd puck in the chops, and being deft with the twig on rebounds/tips.
Sort of Dino Ciccarelli with lighter-colored (and straighter) hair.
but, VoR, what should those of us who DON’T suffer from glaucoma do?? 
Here here! Well said VoR! Honorable mention to AiH as well.
Even with the loss we’ve sustained (Rolston), this team is shaking up pretty nicely. A lot of things will have to go right for this team to repeat as division champs and go farther into the postseason, but I believe we have a fighting chance with the guys we have manning the controls.
I have to say I am surprised at the people that are so up in arms about Parrish being gone. In my mind, it is similar to Fridge leaving. I’ll miss him, but he didn’t bring anything irreplacible to the game.
DR made a calculated decision, and didn’t want to spend that kind of money on the Popcorn operator when he can bring in a young guy to get the experience (operating the popcorn machine).
looking at the roster right now, and assuming Parrish is replaced by a Gillies, I reiterate that my expectation for the coming season is that they make the playoffs again, and that to show improvement they have to win a round.
I don’t really care about repeating as division champs, or at least it’s not as important to me as advancing.
I think that’s entirely possible.
Now what am I supposed to do with my Parish jersey?
Not sure why you’re asking about a retired Boston Celtic basketball player’s jersey?!
Not sure why you’re asking about a retired Boston Celtic basketball player’s jersey?!
FTW
Cheeeeeeeef!
I don’t know why but getting rid of Parrish makes me a bit more optimistic about this team even though, we just lost 16 goals.
Maybe the good reports from ms. conduct and AiH about Gillies help add to the excitement of him being on the team.
I don’t know…. or it could be that I have had time to digest all the moves and its not all bad.
FTW
Cheeeeeeeef!
Psst. It’s Chief. Not Chef. Close though.
I guess we will find out in 74 days when the season starts what this line-up means for the Wild.
Besides Gillies getting a spot, I think this means that Miettinen is expected to fill that top-six slot, or (Please, God no!) Nolan. I don’t think either of them are top-six quality players.
Your top six now are (in no particular order):
PMB, Koivu, Gaborik, Brunette, Sheppard, Nolan/Miettinen
How do you get excited about that? It looks pretty weak.
wow, this team wasn’t going to make the playoffs this year anyway, that makes it even worse.
SCREW YOU RISEBROUGH !!
Seamus said:
Saw this one coming. Looking over the old depth chart, Parrish stuck out like a sore thumb. Don’t know why he didn’t work out, but I’m glad we’re moving on.
When I put up that lineup with the PMB - Koivu - Gaborik line yesterday I thought the same thing. Where to put Parrish? Kind of seemed like the odd man out.
I am a little late to the discussion, but I don’t really have much to add outside of Voice of Reason and Josh’s erudite postings.
Josh especially — I totally agree. Parrish did one thing pretty well, but offered nothing else. And the biggest reason he didn’t “fit in” was because he had cement boot skates.
While Nolan is not a burner, he can do all that Parrish provided (surely he can chip in 15 goals next year), but he can also hit, mix it up if necessary, provide a little veteran spark/leadership, etc. To echo what many have said here, you may be pissed at DR for other moves made or not made, but this move was the right thing to do.
Good move? Doesn’t this mean that Risebrough completely miscalculated on Parrish (or they completely misused him)? If you add that to the total overpayment of Johnsson, the debacle that is the Demitra deal, the idiocy of allowing Brunette to leave what exactly did he do right the year coming out of the lockout, keeping in mind that he signed Rolston the summer before the lockout. It also means that they are paying Parrish a salary for not playing with the team, explain to me how that is a good move? Whoever brought up Nolan is exactly right; just repaste these exact comments in a year or two when Nolan is either injured or incompetant or doesnt fit with the system and they can’t get rid of him via a trade either.
Nolan is a more skilled version of Fridge, who played on the top line for JL for a good part of the year.
ms.conduct or AiH: in your expert opinion, Clutterbuck or Kalus as a call up for Foster’s spot? Assuming that Gillies has Parrish’s spot.
Who is running this franchise?? Is the new owner on board with Dougie Riseborough and his stupid moves?
Time to call in Louie to run the Show………
at this point the U of M gophers can kick the WIlds as$……
WHy waive a guy when you have to pay his as$?
THe Bill Mahoney / JAcque Lamaire gay aS$ dump and chase is over!! get a new coach!!
D Fresh
it irritates me that a buffoon like risebrough still has his job. he’s done nothing but be a bad gm where ever he has gone. he needed to be fired during the lockout and continues to show he is incompetent to run a nhl team.
risebrough is to the nhl what mchale is to the nba, a joke !!
Doesn’t this mean that Risebrough completely miscalculated on Parrish (or they completely misused him)?
What, Parrish shouldn’t bear any of the responsibility for his disappointing two seasons?
Anybody know if Chris Snow (or anyone else for that matter) has ever done a “money ball” type analysis of the opportunity cost involved in long term contracts.
I know the upside of cost certainty in an inflationary market but have never heard a quantitative interpretation of the inflexibility cost of typing up future dollars in case the player is injured or doesn’t produce.
If anyone does - please post it here and on the Wolves blog since McHale has (and is having -> Gomes) the same problem.
What’s the attraction with these longer term contracts that are given to role players with limited upside?
just repaste these exact comments in a year or two when Nolan is either injured or incompetant or doesnt fit with the system and they can’t get rid of him via a trade either.
don’t we only have nolan for 2 years? hard to compare that to parrish’s 5 year deal.
Correct, Nolan is 5.5M/2yrs
yes claire, benefit of hindsight.
As I said earlier, I thought we got a good deal when we signed parrish. Turns out, couldn’t get parrish to work. there was no indication this would happen at signing, in fact, parrish was captain a month or two in his first year here.
My Darling Crack Squirrel… It’s so hard to say. In an interview this summer, he says he’s matured, but I’m gonna have to see it with my own eyes before I believe it. He’s more naturally gifted than Clutterbuck by a long shot, but JL will march out on that ice and kill him with his bare hands if he is as undisciplined as he was in Houston last year.
Clutterbuck… if we’re basing it on last year, he’s ahead of MDCS. He’s smarter, wily, more discplined. But he’s small (though it’s never been an issue), his agitating game may need to be tested out a bit with that extra ref on the ice (find the boundaries at the NHL level), so he’s a bit of a risk, too, but I’d take the risk on Cal before I take it on MDCS.
Though I tend to think the end-of-season happenings might have been a wake-up call for MDCS. First being “let go” to play in the world championships with the Czechs, and then getting cut seemingly almost immediately from that team. Maybe he’s really seeing that he can’t just play nuts out hockey. He needs to use his brain to maximize his talent.
And for all our Woohooing about Gillies, the boy needs to be packing on the pounds in a BIG way this summer if he’s gonna play for the Wild. Hopefully he’s been on the Brent Burns Beef Me Up, Baby Weight Gaining Plan.
make that “tying” up future dollars (nice “typing”!)
MDCS = Kalus?
sunshine - I’m not familiar with a guy by the name of Petr Kalus. Oh wait, it is coming back to me now, he is the guy that the Aeros sent to finish the season with his Czech national team instead of the AHL playoffs. I’m also remembering something about him failing to make his Czech team. Kalus had a brutal season. But I don’t think he is a bust yet. Although I’m a little slower to give up on guys than most on this board i.e. my chronic support of Pouliot.
The 1st call up completely depends on need and who has earned the call up. Remember last season when Clutterbuck was the first call up and Russoville yelled, “WHO?!?” I remember that day well because I told the better half Clutterbuck was called up and Russoville didn’t understand why. She replied, “why not, he has been the best guy on the Aeros so far.”
But if you want a prediction I bet Nolan Schaefer is the first call up.
At center maybe Adrian Foster is the first guy called on based on decent size and an incredible skill set. I’m going to guess Ryan Hamilton is the first winger to be called up based on how strong he finished the season. But no one knows until we see them in preseason and early on in the regular season.
This just made my day-finally there starting to cut the crap out of the team. Now its time to put skoula on waivers for god sake. Parrish is at best a college player. They paid way to much for him to start with. What was the wild thinking with that amount of money for a horse sh– player.
Crack Squirrel is a great way to describe Kalus. Anyone catch the animated movie Over the Hedge? Kalus is like the squirrel (played by Steve Carrel) in that movie after he downs the energy drink.
While I’m talking movies, did anyone catch the documentary Pond Hockey when it was screened in Minneapolis in April? I’m dying to see it but the pre-order won’t arrive until November.
Yes. He was just Crack Squirrel but I got harassed for being too negative about him. So now he’s My Darling Crack Squirrel. And I actually do feel more fond of him with that name.
I give him a hard time but he’s not a bad hockey player at all. He just needs to settle the eff down and be a little more strategic if he wants to be a punisher along the boards. His scoring and puck handling are useless if he’s always injured or in the sin bin.
Thanks. I am hoping that Hamilton or other scorers get called up first.
Aaron, I agree on Hamilton (though how much of that success was in tandem with Ward? though he talks like he really “gets” the game more now, so that’s good), plus we have these three new “scorer” guys.
The bottom line is going to come down to what sort of player the Wild want/need when they call someone up. You’re filling a very different hole if you call up Clutterbuck vs. calling up a Hamilton or Kolanos.
I’m still looking for evidence that A. Foster will be back…
I agree about A. Foster, I’m just guessing (hoping) he starts out well and becomes the player everyone thought he could be back in 2001 or so.
Any word on Payer or Kelly being back? Off the top of my head I don’t really know there is a go to veteran guy on the Aeros roster right now?
King, if a player has an ego so frail that he loses confidence based on a coach saying: “he lost confideence”, that player never would not have gotten to the NHL in the first place.
That Parrish is your favorite is your own business, but if you look at the move logically, it won’t hurt the team a bit.
GreenStar is right on players liking JL’s system and he only scratched the surface. Curtis Lescy????n was the first to trumpet JL’s ability as a coach.
By the way, Bob Gainey has another job.
I liked the job Nanne did overall, but it was not perfect and it is not realistic for him to come back into the league.
Parrish disappeared towards the end of last season, I thought it was attributable to him welcoming in a new baby, but it seems otherwise. Maybe his body just isn’t up to the day-to-day pounding anymore..
Slightly OT here: The October calendar features Koivu, Parrish, and Gaborik. Do you think there will be a new calendar pretty soon?
While I like the move, I was hoping that they let him play one more year and buy him out at the end of the 09 season. Then we will be on the hook for only 4 years rather than 6 years.
Nope, Kelly has gone to CBJ/Syracuse and Payer has gone to some team in Germany. I’m wondering if Lundbohm isn’t one of those vet signings. Schaefer also seems to have that sort of calm veteran air about him, which I think is particularly nice to have between the pipes.
Sunshine, when that calendar came out, I thought, “Hmm. I’m not sure I’d be so quick to put Parry on there.”
The October calendar features Koivu, Parrish, and Gaborik.
Heh heh. That still doesn’t top the Pittsburgh Pirates taking their team picture last Thursday or Friday despite talk ALL season of trading up to five players. About three hours after the team picture, they traded two guys (baseball’s trade deadline is Thursday).
Nanne was fun to watch wheelin and dealin…too bad his teams weren’t nearly as much so.
I am amazed that The Call of The Wild has not gone out for more Minnesota players!… 
This was a salary dump, no doubt about it. MP wasn’t going to do much and as I posted on the salary cap numbers topic, it didn’t appear there was much opportunity for young guys to make the squad. That has been rectified.
I wonder about the ‘JL has more input on the roster’ angle. The weeding out of players that caused him to melt down last year has been completed.
this is the year! Plan that Cup parade now!!!
Oops, that last line should have had /sarcasm…
Don’t worry, kj, it was dripping with it.
thanks ms C.
I was afraid I was going to be lectured by VoR or Mike.
Then you just make fun of them for their broken sarcasm detectors, because anytime anyone says to plan the parade route, you know they’re either an obnoxious Habs fan, a stoned Nucks fan, or being sarcastic.
Is it hockey season yet?
I’m not saying that Parrish didn’t have a down year, but I think it had more to do with how he was used, and multiple injuries, than his talent level. Belanger seemed to struggle more but never caught as much heat either. Too bad Parrish wasn’t a center, he’d probably get more benefit of doubt, and more breaks.
so since we are getting rid of parrish (which i dont really care about) are we going to pick someone else up? it doenst sound like we have the money for that (or at least that is what it sounds like). honeslty i dont think parrish’s style of play fit the wild. as far as i can tell we dont play well infront of the net. we grind in the corners more instead of taking tons of blistering shots from the point. its just not our game to need someone like him who tips shots in. if you look at how many goals we scored this past year you will see that not a lot of them where tip in goals. we grind thats our game. parrish didnt fit in that role.
Regarding Parrish: if it is somebody’s job to stand in front of Rolstons or Fosters slap shots for a living without goalie pads, perhaps the fun in it eventually wears a little thin.
Wow there goes another 15-20 goal scorer. With Demitra, Rolston, and now Parrish gone, that’s about 70 goals taken away. And even better, Brunette and Nolan can make up their combined 35 goals last year to replace that, which means, 40 fewer goals! Just the way Lemaire wants it!
Just because Lemaire didn’t like Parrish doesn’t mean the Wild had to get rid of him. DR and Lemaire are the ones that need to go. DR has not drafted well the last few years, and made a big mistake by trading O’sullivan. And Lemaire can’t coach the Wild past the first round and will never take the Wild to the cup finals. It’s time to dump DR and Lemaire and start rebuilding.
Wow, I am a little suprised by the waive of Parrish… I am also suprised to see that DR has actually found his balls. He has made some interesting moves this off season. At least we can’t say DR just sat around with his hands in his pockets. Now I just hope this all doesn’t blow up in his face. I am excited to see how the team performs this coming season. Maybe we will see Colton this year after all… I am excited to see what some of our young bucks can do.
Now, time to read the comments…
NiNY - I think you hit this point perfectly… but no one else seemed to catch on.
I hate to break this to everyone, but the Wild aren’t winning the Stanley Cup next year. With the lack of significant additions from FA we can only expect to go so far, so let’s take a year, not mortgage the future, but see what the kids are made of. Go from there. I hope we make the playoffs, and think we can be in the hunt to do so. After that, it’s all for fun, baby.
Good luck to MP - hopefully he gets it to work out better elsewhere.
And, Russo - you’re the bomb.com - thanks for all the updates!
Oh, and I just finished my cup of kool aid as I read the comments before I wrote that post, FYI.
I can’t believe what a bunch of cry babies Wild fans are. You guys are bitching about waiving Mark FREAKING Parrish? I guess this proves we will complain about any moves the management makes. Hey Risebrough what’s your favorite color? Oh it’s blue? Well our favorite color is red! You suck lets get a new GM who likes the same color.
LMFAO at the thought of bringing back Nanne to run this team in to the ground. (PSSSSST) He was at the helm when your beloved North Star packed up and moved to the hockey hotbed of Texas.
Actually, that is not true Lucky. I believe Lou had resigned.
Myself and Mrs. Deep Breath are SCSU alums so it is disappointing to us and a little surprising that the team would eat the Cap hit. Would be surprised if another team picks him up due to his Cap number, but for his sake and his family’s, we hope he is picked up and can find a niche for a few more years in the League. Good luck Mark, the Mrs. and I are disappointed as any that it didn’t work out for you here.
Lucky, it appears as most of the regulars are fine with the move… it’s all the lurkers/trolls that are bitching**.
**AustinTXwildfan did not read all the posts in the thread before making this comment.
No offense DB, but I find this: “but for his sake and his family’s, we hope he is picked up” very amusing. There is no reason in the world anyone should be saying “I hope for his families sake”. Hope for their sake that he makes millions of more dollars on top of the 5million he would get if he is bought out? Hell, that is like winning the freaking lottery. He could have 15 kids and they would never go hungry and they would all get college educations. There is no reason to feel sorry for Mark Parrish or his family… except for the fact that it does hurt your self-esteem when you are rejected. Being rejected sucks.
Yeah, it seems like the majority of the “sad” sentiment is just because they like MP, the guy. Not necessarily from a pure hockey perspective. And then there are the Riser haters who will crap on every move he makes.
I wish some team was dumb enough to puck him off waivers but I don’t see it happening with that contract of his.
The good news is that I saved money by switching my insurance to GEICO.
Okay, not really, but I did finally beat Lou on Medium in Guitar Hero III.
Iceman is correct. Lou Nanne resigned before Norm Greed ‘Mayflowered’ the Stars down I-35 to Big ‘D’…
Re: Parrish… Mark, enjoy your millions and your little girl. If you continue your hockey career, all the better, I wish you well.
This is a salary move for the Wild. Plain and simple. For the production that Parrish provided the club, he was getting paid too much. Throw in his propensity for injury (not entirely his fault, things happen) and his semi-permanent residency in, ‘Le Chateau Bow-Wow’, and you have a waiver wire recipe that’s tough to beat.
And you can’t blame DR for wanting to clear the decks of Parrish’s salary; he needs that space to sign someone later in the season when another of the Chosen Few go down with the team’s ‘November injury of the year’.
“Actually, that is not true Lucky. I believe Lou had resigned.”
My bad guys. I was positive he was still running the show but that all happened when I was very young. My apologies for shooting my mouth off. Some of the comments here today have just made my brain numb…
Austin: I am referring to the fact that the disarray ihis life could fall into if he is picked up by a team; has to move his family; maybe doesn’t work out again; gets waived; maybe gets picked up again and becomes a journeyman in the League. For stability’s sake, I’d rather see him get picked up and make a decent go of it in the same City for a few years to give his family some semblance of normalcy.
Fair enough DB. It’s just the wording of it sounded funky. I moved around a lot when I was a kid, so I see where you are coming from with that. He has about 5 years to settle down before the kid gets into school, so that’s a start.
Trash Louie Nanne all you want.
He won as many Cups as NStars GM as DR has as GM.
Louie at the helm was kinda like driving past an accident…but, like I said…he sure did make it interesting.
Sure he drafted Lawton 1st. But he also drafted Bobby Smith, Neal Broten, Craig Hartsburg, Don Beaupre. Plus he traded for the legendary Mark Tinordi…
Here are quotes from DR from the Sporting News
“We were uncomfortably close to the cap, and I was looking for solutions,” Risebrough said. “You have to look for significant solutions sometimes.”
If he isn’t claimed on waivers, the next logical step would be for Minnesota to buy out the remaining three years of his deal.
“Yeah, I’d say that. But it’s not about that today. He’s on waivers,” Risebrough said. “I’ve tried to keep abreast with what teams’ needs are and what teams are looking for. This is an ultimate way of simplifying it.”
From the Pio:
Wild general manager Doug Risebrough said the team’s decision had more to do with Parrish’s salary cap hit, which would be $2.65 million this season, than his goal production.
“We were looking for a little relief away from the cap,” Risebrough said of the NHL salary cap of $56.7 million. “If he clears waivers, he’s still property of the Minnesota Wild. The next step would be a potential buyout.”
Now trade Gaborik and we may have a team.
I’ll miss Parrish, and I wish him all the best.
I’ve been a Minnesota hockey fan since Lou Nanne played for the Stars and what I wanted to know was this: how long do JR (and DR too for that matter) get to produce even a trip to the finals? (The CUP finals, not the division.)
Can you guess I want the Cup? Where’s Parise when I need him? J.P., not Zach…but Zach would be good…
What are your thoughts about what JL thinks about the team he has been dealt?
Do you think he had any input on any of the events that have taken place since the season ended?
I think JL has input on what types of players are needed to succeed during the regular and post season but I don’t think he has as much say as everyone makes it out to be.
DR and others will then find the players that fit that mold. I don’t think JL is naming players by any stretch of the imagination.
For sure, DR should listen to JL especially during the season about the team needs.
Did you stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night too, Ms Conduct?
No, Iceman. I’m always this smart.
MN Wild…..the party is over. We banked on Parrish contributing and we lost; big time. We have a nice guy in Bouchard but he is a little fella who will never be more than a journeyman. The ship is about to take water next year and a shake up is inevitable. Some of you think we are like the Cubs, in that we will always sell out the Ex. That is about to change, certainly within the next couple years. The NHL and its ignoramous leader, Bettman, tricks the fans with a point for a tie. Then everyone is in the playoff hunt late. Let’s wise up and demand a good product so we don’t blow money for a guy like Parrish…that dude is going to bank close to 5 mill’? Ridiculous!!!
OK, first off, moving Parrish is not really a surprise. Cap space, lack of production, Nolan being signed with basically the same skill set (bouncing pucks off of him), he was going somewhere.
I hope he finds a home somewhere else, as he is truly a great guy, but as for hockey skills, they just don’t match up with what the Wild must have in mind for the future.
I would really like to know how much Nico really knows about hockey, or if he / she is just a baseball fan stopping by to put in an opinion. Nothing you have said has been justified in any way.
The team is fine. Goals will be scored. Will they make the playoffs? Who knows. They still play in the most competitive conference and in the most competitve division. The difference of a point or two will again make the difference.
I don’t hink any of the moves they have made this offseason are season ruining. I also don’t see a Stanley Cup in the near future. It will be another grueling season. Remember, the game is played on the ice, not on paper. Give them a chance. If they are 22 and 60 next season, then complain.
We have a nice guy in Bouchard but he is a little fella who will never be more than a journeyman.
When did journeymen start getting 5 year deals?
And to all of the people who have posted something along the line of “I’m done with the Wild” comments…
We will truly miss you. We will meet again some day in the future when the Wild are deep in the playoffs and it’s cool to be a Wild fan again.
Although I am a bit sad to see Parrish go, it was not really a surprising move. As many people have said today, he didn’t really have a role on these team anymore.
I know that the majority of people who are convinced that this is the move that will cause the Wild to be last in the division at the end of the season are the people who want all Minnesotan players or just plain hate DR. But still, get a grip and have a beer people.
This post could get long, and I am sorry in advance…
OK. I’m going to walk out on the ledge here. If any of the regulars on here can help me out, I would appreciate it. Greenstar, Ms. Conduct, NiNY, kj, sunshine, Austin, KinPA… I would really like your take on this…
What is the problem with the moves that have been made or not made? Here is how I see it:
Rolston - The Wild were at the right dollar figure, not years. Rolston is my favorite player from the Wild ever, but 4 years at this point in his career is too much risk.
Demo - Way over priced for his contirbution, and the team had no desire to resign someone who complains publicly about the team and its management. No team would or should. My personal opinion is he is a whiny overpaid sissy who cries when he doesn’t get his way, but that could just be me.
Hossa- This guy is on a different level of thinking. Offered long term deals by nearly every team in the NHL, including the Wings, and he signs a one year deal. It is obvious he wanted the “sure bet” so the wild had no chance.
Fride / Voros - Again, great people, over priced for what they contribute. Hate to see them go, but their skills on the ice can be replaced.
Waiving Steph - worked out in the end, so ends justify the means?
Brunette signing - this is a solid siging to me. Will he score 30? No. But he can score 20, and he will challenge for the assist title on the team. He is a play maker, and I can’t wait to see him on a line with Gabby.
Nolan signing - Probably over paid him, but he will play his role perfectly. He adds leadership the team desperately needed. He will not be the team leader in anything, but he is a physical winger and will add grit as well.
Zidlicky - I don’t know a lot about him, but he obviously has a solid shot if he can bust a goalie mask. The blue line for the Wild has consistantly been a weak point in the offense, so I like the risk taking.
MAB- See above, with the added nervousness that he is listed as the “Next Skoula” in some circles.
All of the other non-signings I really feel were not DR or the Wild being cheap, but the players or their agents wanting more than they are worth, or not wanting the situation in MN.
I don’t see a non-signing that really irritates me, and I don’t see a signing that really irritates me. I think the Wild are more than one piece away from the Cup, so not making that one big splash people seemed to be looking for doesn’t seem so bad.
Again, I don’t see the catastrophe here, and I don’t see the glass of kool-aide to drink either. It is somewhere in the middle… no?
Again, I don’t see the catastrophe here, and I don’t see the glass of kool-aide to drink either. It is somewhere in the middle… no?
I agree that the Wild is in the middle but in the middle and young is not a bad place to be. Pass the Tang I guess
please let me go, I am - and was never - any good. I have been fooling you all for many years now. Why would anyone believe that tipping a puck in front of the net was a legitimate scoring chance from a guy who is 5 feet 10 and 200 LBS. Hey - is there a camera or a microphone around? I shouldn’t be wasting my words on type when I can look pretty for the camera.
Buddha - I realize that I am not a regular and thus this comment is unsolicited, but I agree with your last two posts. Most of the people here fail to realize that NHL is not their Playstation and that players and other GMs have their own ideas and opinions. They yell at DR for not signing Hossa when he (and a number of other teams) offered more in $$$ and in term. For example, Hossa just wanted something that no team other than the Wings could offer — they weren’t the damn Red Wings. In end, there really weren’t that many moves THIS offseason to be made and I don’t think you can argue about those made. Most of the other comments have been a case of hindsight is 20/20.
ChicagoWild and all-
I will appreciate all comments, not just from the regulars! Sorry to make it seem otherwise.
[…] to Mike Russo, the Wild have waived former Avalanche draft pick Mark Parrish. If Parrish clears waivers (he has 3 years remaining at $2.65 million per), the Wild are expected […]
“Again, I don’t see the catastrophe here, and I don’t see the glass of kool-aide to drink either. It is somewhere in the middle… no?”
I think that is a very fair assesment. We could be very pleasently suprised by this team I think. I am hoping things click well with these guys and they put a nice season together. I think DR has done well this off season, and there is no way anyone can accuse him of just sitting on his hands. It should be an interesting year.
I think you are right in saying that the Wild made good final decisions on not re-signing some of our UFAs. The trades were fair. I think the only player who we had a real chance to get but couldn’t is Morrison.
Otherwise its not all catastrophic but there are still some concerns. However, I think with Parrish gone, the team’s future is a little brighter– or at least we won’t be scratching our heads as to where he will play. Having Gillies play is a much better use of that slot, imo. Don’t get me wrong, its going to be battle again. What’s new, right?
Additional elaboration on my Morrison point:
I really wanted Morrison — that was the only player that I regret we didn’t land. Huselius or Naslund, it was meh.
Buddha,
Well said (actually, I think all your comments tonight were well stated).
So often folks lose sight of “the big picture” and all hell breaks loose. As to be expected with groundbreaking news.
Wait until the day gabby is signed/not signed, it’ll either be for too much, too long, or that we didn’t trade him.
Holler.
Buddha, I also agree with a lot of your assessments. Though I don’t think MAB is the “next” Skoula - I think he’s already there. But he provides some offense.
Rolston - if he received two comparable offers, but one was longer and/or worth more, and it took him back to where he started, and it took him to a team that desperately needs a scorer and has the league’s best goalie (thus may be in better shape to compete than the Wild), it’s hard to get angry that he left.
Hossa - if he turned down the Pens, it’s hard to get angry turning down the Wild. DR tried. You can’t make a player sign a contract (unless you’re a Russian team).
Fedoruk/Voros are the role players who are going to get cycled in the new NHL. Veilleux was a shady move I thought to put him on waivers when other teams would have to prepare for an arbitration hearing if they claimed him. Think he fits the same mold though.
Nolan will show some toughness and grit and chip in some goals. Zidlicky will be fine.
Don’t plan the parade, but don’t jump off the ledge either. There’s just some people that aren’t happy unless they’re complaining.
Alright. I think that there has been enough comments to say “whew… I thought I was the only one.”
Thanks all for the reality check. I’m going to bed.
Middle of the road is boring…
I’ll complain when I want but mostly you have to realize that it’s fun. We follow hockey because it is fun. Most of my posts are fun.
Was I disappointed at the deadline? Yep.
Was I disappointed that the Wild were one and done? Yep.
Not signing Rolston, Demitra, Voros and Fridge under the circumstances was the right thing to do.
I am intrigued by Miettinen’s upside.
I really want to see what Sheppard can do with a regular shift.
I think seeing Burns is worth the price of admission.
I didn’t give up my season tickets.
I’ll prolly go on a road trip.
But, do not equate my analysis of all things Wild with bitching. To me bitching is what Mike does. There is a little (don’t expect much from me) thought that goes into each of my posts.
There are always many viewpoints to the truth.
More Food.
Be careful kj, or we might start accusing you of wearing Miettinen colored glasses.
I’ve said it several times here, but to me the Wild is not any one player or coach or management suit.
Considering that opinion, I think Buddha’s analysis is pretty much spot on.
There are going to be guys we wish we signed every season, trades we see and think “hey, we have a 4th round pick and a potential 30 goal scorer we could have sent to them for that guy”, FAs we would have given the same contract to.
That perennial clean slate on which to judge management is one of the things that has to keep Cubbies fans going (almost typed Red Sox fans…oops, dammit).
I couldn’t care less if moves made or not made make you be less of a fan. I know you couldn’t care less if moves made or not made make me be more of a fan.
I wasn’t good enough to play this game at the professional level - not even close. I am lucky that I get forums like this to pretend that my passion for the game gives me a license to express opinions about same as though I carry any authority at all.
Everything else is temporary.
It’s one thing to screw up a draft pick on a young turk. It’s a whole ‘nother to sign a player who has years of NHL experience to a 5 year deal and then bag him after 2 years. Cripes ‘eh. Didn’t you scout him to see if he was going to fit? Parrish had a tough year last year because of injury and illness. Heck, it probably took him until June to clear out the cobwebs after his concussion. The Wild either believe he is damaged goods or they just plain screwed up in signing him. Neither side can control the first, but the second would be akin to not signing Brunette in degree of mistakes made.
[…] Parrish’s Wild career over after two seasons […]
Ok… its typical. Lemaire does not adapt his coaching to the skill set of his players he has. Rather, the players need to adapt to HIS system. Period. DR went on and on about how Mark needed to change his game. Well, you dont bring in a guy like Parrish with a distinct style and expect him to change his game after x number of years in the league. Maybe that’s why none of the marquee players want to work with JL. Hockey as in all sports, you bring out the best in the guys you have. No wonder his asthma flared up. All the stress of coming here and his expectations completely shattered but a stubborn coach. Good luck Mark. You deserved better.
