Gillies news; Lawton supplement
Posted on August 1st, 2008 – 7:58 AMBy Michael Russo
Heard from TSN/NBC analyst Pierre McGuire yesterday. Pierre was at Canada’s world junior development camp in Ottawa, and he reports Colton Gillies, who won gold with the Canadian world junior team last year, “looked great. Looked bigger, and faster than last season. He has huge upside.”
Still, Gillies has a shot at making the Wild next season, and if he does, it’s unlikely the Wild would release him for world juniors. But we’ll see.
Also, here’s a look at Brian Lawton’s busy summer as part of today’s article, which you can find here.
Let’s just go in chronological order after Barry Melrose’s June 24 hire as coach:
* June 25: buy out Marc Denis;
* June 28: Trade for the rights to Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts;
* June 30: Acquire Janne Niskala, sign Malone to a seven-year, $31.5 million
contract, Roberts to a one-year deal that could reach over $2 million with
bonuses and Vinny Prospal to a four-year, $14 million deal, and trade for Brian
Rolston’s rights;
* July 1: sign Radim Vrbata to a three-year, $9 million deal, Adam Hall to a
three-year, $1.8 million deal and Olaf Kolzig to a one-year, $1.5 million deal;
* July 4: persuade a sour Dan Boyle, who signed a six-year, $40 million
extension in February, to waive his no-trade clause so he could be dealt to San
Jose for Matt Carle, Ty Wishart and a first- and fourth-round pick;
* July 8: sign Mark Recchi to a one-year, $1.25 million deal;
* July 11: accept GM Jay Feaster’s, uh, resignation;
* July 13: sign Vincent Lecavalier to an innovative 11-year, $85 million
extension;
* July 14: sign Mike Smith to a two-year, $4.4 million extension.
* July 22: name Mike Butters GM in Norfolk, Darren Rumble coach
* July 23: announce prospect camp in Victoria, B.C.
* July 29: sign No. 1 overall pick Steven Stamkos to an entry-level deal.
238 Responses to "Gillies news; Lawton supplement"
so, wait, we’re Bolts fans now, too? (Just kidding Russo.) 
I’m getting excited about seeing what Gillies does in camp.
The Mullet has been busy.
Good to hear that Gillies is getting bigger and better. I’m getting excited about him, and this news makes me feel better about the Parrish situation.
Geez. Don’t scare me like that. I see “Gillies news” and I assume he’s hurt or something. Anyway, that’s awesome to hear some nice props for him outside of the organization. I’m giddy for training camp to see if he’s gonna stick.
Easy Pierre McGuire, I’m the Colton Gillies pimp around here.
From previous:
Remember the Goonies? I just imagine each of you as one of the characters.
VoR, LMAO!
Who’s “Chunk,” then?
great..colton gillies. why is the wild going with the youth movement? this team should have used the money they make from sold out games everyday and kept rolston and signed another big name scorer. But they can’t because nobody wants to play for lemaires offensive poor system where a players career ends here.
so, wait, we’re Bolts fans now, too?
Yup.
[ala White Goodman]: “Just kidding.
…But not really, heh heh heh!”
Who’s “Chunk,” then?
GreenStar. I have no idea why.
Zigtron is the Asian kid who played Short Round in Temple of Doom.
mike is Sloth.
But they can’t because nobody wants to play for lemaires offensive poor system where a players career ends here.
Yes, good thing there’s no salary cap to constrain spend — Hey wait a second!
Andi! You GOONIE!!!!
voice of reason, what are you a reporter? Taking a sentence out of context? Your reasoning makes no sense. As a manager of a team, company etc. etc. you have a cap, it was DR’s job to put a team together to run into the playoffs…He signs Owen Nolan and brunette(great if it was 2004) instead of Rolston. Plus a couple of also rans to clog up the salary cap then notices he is too close to the salary cap and cuts parrish..Great idea !…Hey wait a second…Not so much…have fun watching a boring offensive team that struggles to score.
GreenStar. I have no idea why.
VoR, ISTG I was thinking the same thing, and, like you, have no idea why. lol. 
Zigtron is the Asian kid who played Short Round in Temple of Doom.
“Dat’ what I said: Booty traps!!!”
—-
where a players career ends here
Oh boy, here we go again. Who’s turn is it to trot out the “career-best” numbers to dispell this one? I’m bored with it, frankly.
great..colton gillies. why is the wild going with the youth movement? this team should have used the money they make from sold out games everyday and kept rolston and signed another big name scorer. But they can’t because nobody wants to play for lemaires offensive poor system where a players career ends here.
This is such a silly post on so many levels. Last I checked, the 3 best seasons of Rolston’s long career were his last 3. Oh, and keep believing the Wild has a low payroll. Don’t let facts get in your way.
Ha - I guess it was my turn on Roli’s numbers, bfw. 
rhino from faribault = zigtron = Mike.
None of them make any real sense.
Hey you guyyyyys!
I’m also excited to see Gillies at camp. Hopefully we give the kids a little freedom this year.
rhino in faribo, ??? head in the sand?
I don’t care who the Bolt’s have… we will still whoop them on the 18th!! haha
Your reasoning makes no sense.
I think that will have to be a point of contention. But let’s address some players and their issues:
Rolston told DR he wanted to play 2 more years, so DR was offering him 2 year deals. Turns out Rolston wanted a 4 year deal, and his agent was being a dick to DR by not making counteroffers.
DR tried signing Hossa and Huselius, but they chose to go to Detroit and Columbus, for a chance at a cup and to play with a BFF, respectively. What was he supposed to do in the face of that logic? Promise to be their friend if they came here?
I honestly believe that Parrish was dead weight on this team. His performance was decreasing and he has no upside other than to stand in front of the net and getting beaten to a pulp. Nolan can do the same thing, but has assets that Parrish doesn’t.
Brunette may or may not pan out in the end, and I don’t recall anyone saying Bruno = Rolston. But he can score, and with teams tying up the Gaborik line, the Brunette line may get more space to work and score goals. So I’m comfortable with the move.
If Gillies is as good as they say he is, he won’t get anything more from Juniors, so why let him languish there? JL is one of, if not the best, at integrating young players with veterans and teaching the game. If he’s almost done being a coach, I for one want Gillies to spend as much time under JL’s tutelage as possible.
Lastly, the league right now is in a youth movement. Gone are the days of giving guys with walkers gigantic deals (Rangers notwithstanding). Nearly every team is tying up their best young players to long deals (see: Burns, Koivu, Schultz, PMB) to buy years of UFA time.
Oh boy, here we go again. Who’s turn is it to trot out the “career-best” numbers to dispell this one? I’m bored with it, frankly.
I saved the canned response somewhere…probably on different PC.
it goes something like:
right, no one wants to play here which is why burns and schultz signed long term for less than market. oh and koivu and now PMB. that’s why brunette wanted to come back.
It’s too bad blogs don’t have sticky posts that everyone must read before posting…
Ha - I guess it was my turn on Roli’s numbers, bfw*.
Indeed. Btw, how difficult has it been getting to the X with a youth player? Do miss a lot of games? Just curious…
—-
Who’s “Chunk,” then?
GreenStar. I have no idea why.
Zigtron is the Asian kid who played Short Round in Temple of Doom.
mike is Sloth
Andi! You GOONIE!!!!
[G* and Mike are chained up together]
G*: Hey, mister? Are you hungry? I got a Baby Ruth.
Mike: Ruth! Ruth! Baby! Ruth!
G*: Here you go.
[G* tosses the candy bar to Mike and it hits him in the head. Both scream]
G*: I’m sorry, mister! I’m sorry!
[Mike rips his chains out of the wall and goes to pick up the candy bar. Then, he realizes he’s free]
G*: Gee, mister. You’re even hungrier than I am.
I saved the canned response somewhere…probably on different PC.
it goes something like:
right, no one wants to play here which is why burns and schultz signed long term for less than market. oh and koivu and now PMB. that’s why brunette wanted to come back.
It’s too bad blogs don’t have sticky posts that everyone must read before posting…
Pure gold.
That asian kid was a genuis!
Think Vancouver is wondering if they picked the wrong agent? Lawton was one of their finalists for the GM job.
I think we may have an inflated sense of value where Inglewood Jack is concerned, but I do not care.
On this team, he (IMHO) is the only ‘untouchable’ because he is signed long term and his upside is tremendous.
He dominated in the World Championships and was named top defenseman. He (barring injury) will win a Norris Trophy.
Ask Detroit where they would be without Nicklas Lidstrom.
Actually VOR Rolston would have signed for less and a shorter term had the WIld negotiated during the season, it was the waiting that shut down negotiations. Wild could have had him for three years and far less than $4 mill a year if they’d committed then. Waiting cost them.
I heard the same thing Claire, but I think that the youth was DR’s priority. Remember that he managed to sign 3 young players to long deals in the middle of the season. Given that that’s the trend through the league, I think it was a smart move.
However, Rolston told DR he wanted to play two more years. Given that fact, DR would have been on glue to sign him to 3 years considering he’s over 35.
The Rolston debate is old news. He’s gone no matter where the fault lies.
I am intrigued (not excited, not AS pessimistic) by Miettinen, MAB and Zids.
It could really improve the transition game - which is the hallmark of JL coached teams.
…Sometimes, it feels like the movie “Groundhog Day” around here…
*sigh*
…Sometimes, it feels like the movie “Groundhog Day” around here…
*sigh*
You mean my personal definition of hell?
I despise Andie McDowell. Now, if it would have been Kim Basinger or Meg Ryan, I would have been all over it.
…Sometimes, it feels like the movie “Groundhog Day” around here…
*sigh*
I despise Andie McDowell. Now, if it would have been Kim Basinger or Meg Ryan, I would have been all over it.
That’s a start, kj. I’ll throw out: Anne Hathaway (Get Smart), Megan Fox (Transformers), or Jessica Alba.
*phew!* Is it hot in here?
rhi·noc·er·os: noun
Any of several large, thick-skinned, perissodactyl mammals of the family Rhinocerotidae, of Africa and India, having one or two upright horns on the snout: all rhinoceroses are endangered.
The rhinoceros family is characterised by large size . . . relatively small brains for mammals this size (400–600g); Rhinoceroses have acute hearing and sense of smell, but poor eyesight.
It’s Groundhog Day because until the season starts we will have these endless debates that have no resolution. The debates are the same–no one wants to play here, we signed the wrong guys, we are cheap, get rid of Skoula, yada yada yada. Can’t wait for camp to start so we finally get to see what will happen.
One last point on Rolston - he hasn’t always been a playoff performer. DR was waiting to see how he did in this playoff before signing him.
I think we have now covered the whole Rolston saga in less than 20 posts. Wow, we are doing so much better.
Wish that were true, sunshine, but didn’t DR more or less acknowledge that if he had it to do over again, he would have addressed Rolston much earlier? I agree with Claire that DR has some fault with Rolston by deciding not to address him during the season. Once the summer progressed, he was way too close to and tempted by UFA. That, I think, is a fair criticism of DR vis-a-vis Rolston.
I enjoyed a nice chuckle with your 11:21, NiNY.
…Sometimes, it feels like the movie “Groundhog Day” around here…
*sigh*
Do they typically let spectators sit in during the camp??
Hockeydad: agreed, as well, on the Rolston situation.
Agreed as well that we should wait till the season to see if DR’s moves end up panning out. I for one think they will, but I’m just one lonely Joe . . .
Uh-oh, they have to get back to construction on the HUGGY wing if we keep going back down this road.
kj, congrats on the new job.
How many more movie references can we squeeze in here? Speaking of Andie MacDowell, as vapid as she is, she was tolerable in Hudson Hawk, mainly because of the scene where she babbled like an idiot; something tells me that wasn’t acting. Say what you will, but that’s a great heist movie.
Thanks El G. I am hoping it will turn into the wealth my parents cheated me out of by not being rich…
Although, given my advanced age…I’ll settle for getting me to retirement!
Thanks El G. I am hoping it will turn into the wealth my parents cheated me out of by not being rich…
Although, given my advanced age…I’ll settle for getting me to retirement!
Just think: Only 25 years to go, then you’re in the Parry Money! Woo hoo!!
Oh, and Congrats (again?)
kj: developing the wealth your PARENTS cheated you out of??
Is that why you haven’t called me for two days now?
Not an excuse but with folks using it for Parrish also — Skoula sucked more so in December because he welcomed his first child, a boy, into the world.
Although, given my advanced age…
Speaking of this, I’ve chosen not to think of my age in how long I’ve been on this earth, but rather how long til my kid(s) try putting me in a nursing home so they can tear the house apart looking for buried treasure (there isn’t any, I already looked).
I figure I’ve got another 30 years til I spend my days watching Price is Right and Matlock.
Geeze, you guys already took the fun characters. I guess I’m the nerdy chick who looses her glasses.
Just a quick drop by on luch from my part time job, glad to hear Gillis is looking good. Roli is old news, and apparently a person in Faribault has no clue about how salarie caps and such work. Slow day… bored… no more crying children on tour please.
WRT…I haven’t called you ‘cuz it has been a zoo around here.
Will you be around tonight?
Not an excuse but with folks using it for Parrish also — Skoula sucked more so in December because he welcomed his first child, a boy, into the world.
Alright, which one of you was on Skoula Multiplication Prevention Duty that night?
I figure I’ve got another 30 years til I spend my days watching Price is Right and Matlock
Sadly, I already have them on the TiVo schedule…
Meg Ryan
COMC
Anne Hathaway
COMC again
Sadly, I already have them on the TiVo schedule…
Sadly indeed.
Can you say, “Intervention” boys and girls?
Green*…
I mentioned the women I did because of their desirability when Groundhog Day was filmed (1993)…
Plus…I am nearly twice yer age so pffffthhhhhffft.
kj, why bother with Tivo if your standards are that low?
Amanda Peet. There’s a gal I’d switch teams for.
Skoula bred? Huh.
That’s a start, kj. I’ll throw out: Anne Hathaway (Get Smart), Megan Fox (Transformers), or Jessica Alba.
*phew!* Is it hot in here?
Sick! You pedo! Megan Fox would have been 7 when that movie game out in 1993, and I believe the other girls around 11 or 12.
That’s gross, bfw*.
*came out
Plus…I am nearly twice yer age so pffffthhhhhffft
I didn’t know you were in your 70s
COMC was in the literal sense as in a good thing.
they ain’t no margaret brennen, or marney gellner but they are tasty.
Meg Ryan
COMC
Anne Hathaway
COMC again
You’re supposed to put MILK on your Cheerios. Milk.
Gillies
BIGGER?? FASTER?? HUGE UPSIDE???
Anyone still want Esposito?
I50G–Right, see my 12:23pm.
zigtron says:
August 1st, 2008 at 11:43 am
Do they typically let spectators sit in during the camp??
Nope.
You lost me there, bfw*. I don’t see any post at that time. I was only teasing you anyway.
I50G–No prob. I’m showing a “Your comment is awaiting moderation” note, so I don’t know what’s goin’ on. I’ll try to re-post below:
I mentioned the women I did because of their desirability when Groundhog Day was filmed (1993)…
Well, so much for Megan Fox, then.
But here are some cheerios that I’d gladly choke on…
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=megan%20fox&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi
Yahtzee!!
Joe:
rhi·noc·er·os: noun
Any of several large, thick-skinned, perissodactyl mammals of the family Rhinocerotidae, of Africa and India, having one or two upright horns on the snout: all rhinoceroses are endangered.
The rhinoceros family is characterised by large size . . . relatively small brains for mammals this size (400–600g); Rhinoceroses have acute hearing and sense of smell, but poor eyesight.
NICE!
Hmm, NHL numbers has a C, Corey Locke listed on MN’s roster. Did I miss this signing or is he that forgettable?
Nice, bfw*! Like I said, I was just teasing.
Either one of those girls can choke on MY Cheerios anytime!
HEYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
I’ve got a hunch that, since i live a block away from the Ralph, if I challenge JL and DR to a match of beer pong during the camp, it will be on like kong. It doesn’t matter what defensive scheme they run, there’s no stoppin the ‘tron.
Goody, he is an AHL player who was swapped for Shawn Belle, I believe.
Goody, he’s offense for Houston. I’d guess he’s behind Kolanos for a call up if the Wild are down a center.
Just out of curiosity…
Per NHL numbers:
Current cap hit 50.377
Subtract
Nolan -2.750
Bruno -2.500
Miettinen -2.000
Weller -.600
Zidlickey -3.500
MAB -1.653
Parrish -.728
=36.646
Add
Parrish +2.85
Rolston +5.25
Demitra +4.00
=48.746
So, had we retained Parrish, Rolston and Demitra (the last two being paid what they signed for as FA’s) we would have right now 7.954 (56.7-48.746) available to fill out the rest of the roster. We’d have 4 spots to fill. Two on defence and two on offence.
Regarding DR signing Rolston much earlier. If we all had clear crystal balls, life would be much easier.
Waiting to see is not a bad policy either.
Maybe it cost the Wild Rolston, but maybe, before the life of his contract is done, the Devils may wish they had not heard his name.
Goody: Your point being…?
kj: Your life is a zoo under normal circumstances. So what else is new? I’ll be around all the rest of the day. You have the number…
sunshine and VoR: I was not scheduled for SMPD that night. At least we now know that there will be another Skoula that we can all heartily BOO in 21-24 years…
Haing a broken air conditioner in TX is probably the worst thing ever. I think my eyeballs are sweating.
ATX…that and ‘winter kill’ are why I live up here.
WRT…yes, the little ones keep us on our toes. Oh wait…you meant the ‘maintenance’ of Mrs. kj didn’t ya???
I’ll call after work today.
Ok, I got distracted and went somewhere other than my original target…
Current hit 50.377
subtract hit if we hadn’t signed who we did and kept Rolston, Parrish and Demitra
-48.746
=1.631
I think we can assume DR wants to be around $50M and save some space for moves at some point later. As such, we’d have those 4 holes to fill and 1.631 to do it.
To answer WRT, I’m not really sure what my point is. As I said, just curiosity getting the better of me. I guess I was curious if we could have retained Rolston, Parrish and Demitra, signed PMB to a raise and still have fit under the cap. It looks like we could have but would have needed to spend to the cap to fill out the roster. Also, there wouldn’t be much room for Gaborik’s raise next year.
Believe it or not, WRT isn’t at home
Please leave a message at the beep.
I must be out, or i’d pick up the phone
where could i be?
believe it or not, I’m not home!!!
With you on that, I love MN summers, but MN winters too.
Hello…and thank you for calling MoviePhone!
Green*: Uh, I am at home today after working 10 days straight, I now have 4 off…and I intend to use them to my greatest advantage…which reminds me…
Time for a nap…! (yeah, right…)
Goody: Point well made, and taken. Wild would be in deep trouble with $1.631M in available cap space with 4 extra holes to fill.
kj: YOU said it, I didn’t!
Nice one, Georgie.
it’s gold jerry, gold
If we all had clear crystal balls….
I’d never ride a motorcycle?
If we all had clear crystal balls….
Wear a nutcup 24/7?
Goody:
You can do the Gabby, Koivu, Belanger, PMB, Rolston, Nolan, Brunette, Weller, SRV, Boogaard, Sheppard, Pouliot, Burns, Johnsson, Schultz, Skoula, MAB, Foster, Reitz, Zidlicky, Backstrom, and Harding for $54.55 million
Room for 1 call up or Gillies = $55.55 million.
No Parrish. The above is a much stronger team than last year and what we have currently, but no cap flexibility.
If we all had clear crystal balls….
Have Lloyd’s of London on speed dial?
these pretzels are makin’ me thirsty
If we all had clear crystal balls…
I wouldn’t want Margaret Hamilton gazing into them.
I wouldn’t want Margaret Hamilton gazing into them
Margaret Hamilton, no
margaret Brennen, oh yes.
Austin,
That sucks donkey. I wouldn’t want to be without air here (especially with this weekends humid forcast) let alone in Texas. Makes ya wish for hockey season all the more doesn’t it? Well 71 days to go. Before the Mr and I got air we spent a lot of time at the MOA just walking laps around all the levels. Once we got air we stopped doing that however. I’m babbling now aren’t I? They shouldn’t have given me a laptop with internet and left me alone in the gift shop for the afternoon… bored now. Maybe I’ll go see if the book shelves need dusting again.
If we all had clear crystal balls……
I’d make sure to only clean with a mild detergent and use a lint free cloth for drying?
all to the tune of Greatest American Hero, right Green*?
The best part of that scene was watching George mouth the words.
Apparently our comments with links are requiring moderation - anyone else having this issue?
Apparently our comments with links are requiring moderation - anyone else having this issue?
Nope…
Ouch, Austin… I feel for you. 
Cold bath?
“Ouch, Austin… I feel for you. Cold bath?”
Cold Schlitz?
Maybe it is just images or perhaps the site location that is triggering the moderation message. Too bad, they were kind of funny pictures.
Cold Schlitz?
I prefer my schlitz warm…
“I prefer my schlitz warm…”
only a badass like Jarome would have the balls to drink Schlitz warm
Cold Homebrew. Nothing more refreshing than a cold one that I brewed myself. I call it “Highland Honey Hefeweizen”
Sunshine,
That doesn’t leave much room for giving Gaborik a raise next year. We’d have to cut loose someone.
Iginla50,
Did you put in more than one link? I think that may be what triggers it. Keeps the spammers out.
Holy crap! Boogaard makes .850 this year but jumps to 1.25 next year. Hopefully he’s over his back injury and has been flipping pucks into a bucket all summer. Though, I’m not sure any amount of puck flipping would help.
Thanks people but I got the AC fixed! It was a pretty easy fix thank jeebus. Now I just need to find a way to shake this hangover that keeps sticking around…
WRT said ‘4 extra holes to fill.’ Must be single.
I haven’t been paying attention, what are the BJ’s doing in the off season.
RAC
I think I covered all the racy stuff. Have a good weekend all.
I just need to find a way to shake this hangover that keeps sticking around
1. Excederin!
2. Vitamin B Complex
3. Bananas
4. Eggs
and most important,
5. Water (as much as you can physically handle.)
Numbers 1,2 and 5 are mandatory. If you can eat, scramble up a plate of eggs.
It’s all gold.
PS–If that don’t work, just start drinkin’ again! hahaha.
It’s all gold jerry, gold!!!
If that don’t work, just start drinkin’ again! hahaha
was going to say warm schlitz still applies
BFW.
I always added a mouth full of honey prior lights out. You would think the sugar would keep you up, but all the captain and coke seemed to balance that out.
The honey was ‘meant to counter dehydration.’ The honey combined with water and the excedrin was a winning combination for my days at SCSU.
“PS–If that don’t work, just start drinkin’ again! hahaha.”
I’ve heard bloody mary’s do wonders for the average hangover!
The honey combined with water and the excedrin was a winning combination for my days at SCSU.
Someone who would know.
Goody: Other than DR not signing Rolston to a contract earlier in the year, what DR did this off-season was decent up to this point.
However, everything hinges on Gaborik. I wonder if an offer has been given to Gaborik at this time.
Can’t wait to see what how the boys do.
Also, taking Ibuprofen or Aspirin coupled with tums right before bed with a glass of water has worked well as a preventative measure.
Haing a broken air conditioner in TX is probably the worst thing ever. I think my eyeballs are sweating.
I was going to insert a Nelson laugh from the Simpsons, but you say you fixed it, so screw you!
Back to hockey: Burns is a stud. I don’t think you’re overvaluing him too much.
Re: Parrish: Pens talked to Parrish apparently but offered only a one-year deal. He wants three.
Word from the same site says Sundin’s re-signing in Toronto.
sunshine, I don’t disagree. It would have been nice if he had figured out the ‘trade the right to negotiate’ thing earlier and used that to get a 4th round pick for Demitra too - maybe he tried?
Hopefully an offer has been extended to Gaborik. They got all the other business taken care of that they said had to come first. Of course, maybe they’re locked out of the office due to the RNC remodel and the phone is ringing and ringing and ringing as Gaborik’s agent tries to get ahold of DR?
Speaking of drinking…
Anyone ever tried Żubrówka? (The infamous Bison Grass Vodka?)
Somehow, I dont think Gabby’s agent will be calling the Wild. He will be fielding calls from DR, as Gabby will get paid no matter how you slice it. Maybe a lesson will be learned with the Rolston situation.
Ash, at some point Gaborik’s agent has to call DR.
DR calls and gives an offer to the agent.
The agent calls Gaborik.
Then what? DR’s got to call back day after day and pester the agent for a yes, no or counter?
I didn’t mean that the agent was going to call and say “So, wanna work out a deal?”
bfw-try a double bull…a red bull and zubrowka. Not my cup of tea, but didn’t taste bad.
I just think signing Gaborik should be an easy deal. Everyone and their brother seems to throw out the 8-8.5 number, so it is no surprise. The real question is does he want to stay here. If he doesn’t well then the easy deal will become a real pain in the rump no matter who calls first or how many time.
DR and Co. likely don’t work out of the Xcel. They have offices in the old Minnesota Club. That is where they run the catering, River Centre, and other MSE businesses.
Just to add onto that thought. Then we can all blame DR for his incompetence in dealing with our beloved primadona/head case. “Why hasn’t he signed Gaborik?” (I say that with the utmost love for our superstar.)
Sunshine. Is that the old Athletic Club at the top of Ramsey Hill?
If Parrish is asking for a 3 year deal, that might asking too much. I can see a team doing 1 or 2 year but not 3.
Ash:
I am not sure I think its something like 317 Rice Park.
bfw*-try a double bull…a red bull and zubrowka. Not my cup of tea, but didn’t taste bad.
Sounds good.
I thought it was banned in 1978 from U.S. import, but reformulated with “US export” versions? Where’d you try it? Was it the original?
Bored:
“The real question is does he want to stay here.”
That is the million dollar question. Problem is most people would probably understand if you’re forced to deal your franchise player because he wants to move on BUT with the mess Risebrough has made lately the fans are sharpening the pitch forks and soaking the torches…
317 Rice Park is right next door to the X. It’s right near the Herbie statue (on the other side of Herbie is the Ordway). I’m really surprised they haven’t just sawed off Herbie and put a statue of McCain there yet, since they’re destroying everything else around there!
I was at a friends home and he was bragging about zubrowka vodka and how it was an aphrodisiac. (Isn’t all vodka?) bfw, I couldn’t tell you if it was original, a US version, or ripple. I was handed the drink by my gal, I tasted it, smiled and asked her if it was working. End of story.
The world sure has shrunk since 1978. Al Gore invented the internet you know!
I am certain you have seen this already.
http://www.bisonbrandvodka.net/
You seem to know a lot more about it than I do.
El Gato,
Hubert H. Humphrey just roled in his grave at the thought of McCain being immortalized so close to our states capitol. I heard they were going to keep the protestors in/around Irvine Park. Boy are they going to be pissed when they find out no one will hear them from there.
I was at a friends home and he was bragging about zubrowka vodka and how it was an aphrodisiac. (Isn’t all vodka?) bfw*, I couldn’t tell you if it was original, a US version, or ripple. I was handed the drink by my gal, I tasted it, smiled and asked her if it was working. End of story.
Sorry to hear that was the end of the story. Wah, wah waaaah!
The world sure has shrunk since 1978. Al Gore invented the internet you know!
I am certain you have seen this already.
http://www.bisonbrandvodka.net/
You seem to know a lot more about it than I do.
But seriously, someone mentioned absinthe a while ago, which was banned from the U.S. in the early 1900’s.
Then I got wind of Bison Grass, and wondered if too was indeed banned. Sounds like you can pick up a bottle of the U.S. version, though.
Indeed, that site is quite cool.
Absinthe is now legal in the US.
TMYK
I swear to god that if those hippie protesters bug me during the RNC, you’ll all hear about it on the news. The site my part time job is at is in Irvine Park, and while we are closed to the public during the RNC I’m sure those hippie wack jobs will be out and about early.
What follows is todays history lesson:
Also the Athletic Club is actually called the University Club and is still there at the top of Ramsey Hill. And a note on 317 Rice Park, back in the day an upper class gentlemen’s club with smoking rooms and spaces for the elite to meet and mingle was at that location (prior to the current building) it had a tunnel that went under the street and on the opposite side of the street was the most notorious house of ill repute in town, Nina Cliffords place. There were signs in the basement walls that the tunnel was kept when the current building was built. The whole area down Eagle street and around the base of the bluff that the Science Museum is build on was an area known as Under the Hill, it was St. Paul’s red light district from about the time of the end of the Civil War until the turn of the century. Here ends todays history lesson.
Bandgeek:
When they are dragging you away, don’t forget to give a shutout to those of us in Russoville, okay.
No problem sunshine, as they drag me away from going Boogey on some hippie’s butt, I’ll remember to scream at the camera’s…. “Viva la Russoville! Viva la Wild!”
The hippies, I wouldn’t woory about, Bandgeek.
The Neo-cons and the ‘Dittoheads’, however, I really WOULD worry about.
Thanks for the history lesson!
Oh they scare me too, WRT. But hippies are the worst. They whine about saving the planet, and then drive around in their crappy cars getting horrible gas milage. They also smell like cabbage and have small hands, nomads you know… oh wait, those last two are about carnies.
As for the history lesson, I have a million of them. Would you like to hear about why the Daughter’s of the American Revolution had to cement the cannon balls in place at the Sibley House? Or how about how hookers got their name? I am a font of useless knowledge.
Or how about how hookers got their name?
That’s actually mildly intriguing.
Er, from a purely scientific and historical point of view, of course.
…
Honest.
I was kinda wondering, too, Kevin…
Here is not a bad proposal for Gaborik on Hfboards
To Minnesota:
Jonathan Cheechoo
Devin Setoguchi
San Jose’s 1st pick in 2009
To San Jose:
Marian Gaborik
And we’re gonna get those 85 points back from where?
someone besides cheechoo and then it could be something. cheechoo isn’t that good IMO
His decrease in games played and points over the last 3 seasons is a bit alarming. I don’t follow the sharks at all, so maybe he’s had something going on that I’m not aware of, but I don’t see how this trade keeps us competitive.
Agreed… if you make that deal at the deadline if Gaborik hasn’t signed, it might be good. But as Ms. C pointed out, Cheechoo’s been plummeting production wise and that’s with Thornton on the team. His stock is really low right now. Setoguchi made a splash initially as a rookie by scoring a bunch but then tailed off significantly. Might have potential, but I wouldn’t make that trade before the season.
I am bored so I wanted to post this.
Heh heh. Funny.
I smell caption contest!
God, I hate Brad May. *growl*
Hey what if the Wild offered Gaborik $8 million or a little less instead of the Russo speculated $8.5 million that other papers are taking as fact?
Its been widely reported and I am sure in Slovakia too. Would Gaborik and his agent take it as that the Wild are interested in re-signing him or will it just be a starting point for negotiation?
ATX: That was funny. I don’t know what’s worse being beat up by Boogaard or having that picture floating out there?
Bandgeek, I know about the Hookers name, guys got lonely during the civil war too.
The hippies are specialists about how everyone else ought to live.
I can’t imagine if they’ve publicized the number that they’d dick around with something less. Surely they’ve hit their quota for insulting players’ diginity this off-season, eh?
But,see the Wild never gave Russo a number. The $8.5 million is Russo’s guess and he stated it so.
It creates all these expectations. Though, as a fan, I want them to offer him $8.5 million because that’s what I feel is needed to get him to re-sign - moneywise at least - but he is really not an $8.5 million player, yet.
Since you all enjoyed that last one, HERE is another funny one I just found.
Oh, I thought Lynn/Riser had stated that he was planning to offer in that range. I remember being surprised at the specificity, but maybe I was misinterpreting Russo.
If you guys haven’t rented Bon Cop, Bad Cop, it’s a decent movie in its own right but worth renting purely for the Bettman portrayal. Very funny.
I mean, Walters aka Shooter, keeps writing that Gaborik might ask for the league maximum, $11 million. However, there are no actual reports that states that Gaborik will or is even thinking about asking for it.
Then,like the game telephone, it eventually becomes Gaborik is going to ask for $11 million.
I have no movie recommendations. I haven’t seen any good ones lately. Hoping to catch Dark Knight.
DR should laugh in his face if Gabby wants the maximum or anything close to it.
Schlitz
Austin, no, it’s more depressing than amusing.
so, wait, how did hookers get their name??
Abot that proposed HFboards.com trade with San Jose:
San Jose is getting old, quickly. Hope the fans at the Shark Tank have enjoyed their run, ‘cuz if the new management in SJ can’t remake the club in the next 2-3 years, you’re looking at the new LA Kings pretty soon.
Come to think of it: all 3 California teams have a trace of suck-ability about them this season. Anaheim and SJ are getting a bit long in the tooth, not that they can’t still compete; and the Kings, well, they’re still in semi-permanent ‘rebuild’ mode. Add the aging Dallas franchise (how long will Modano hang on? BTW: We still hate you, Mike) and the improved (for now) Phoenix roster and you have a Pacific division ripe for the pickin’ this winter…
During the Civil War their was a General Hooker. He encouraged “camp followers” because it kept up the troops morale. Those “ladies” became known as Hookers Brigade, and was later shortened to hookers. Any questions?
Looking forward to some Dallas/Phoenix games. I think Dallas is going to be potent this year but you’re right, there are 4 key guys who are probably a year or two from retirement on that team. Kinda now or never, I’d say, but I’ll be watching.
very interesting, thanks Band! Gen. Hooker’s first name wasn’t “John” by any chance, was it?
ATX…that Bettman photo is priceless.
WRT…we need to talk about this Modano hatred.
Bandgeek…I would HATE to play you in Trivial Pursuit.
sunshine…that trade scenario is laughable. Though I am not exactly a big Gaborik fan, I can summarize that trade in 3 words:
Never.
Ever.
Trade.
All-Stars.
LOL kj. I hope you’re not an accountant or a rocket scientist.
Unless KJ, the money or term is way beyond reason.
Never let all-stars walk for free. If Gaborik and his agent refuse to discuss contract extensions then start shopping him and pray for a bidding war.
Hopefully we can sign him but if not Risebrough will be fired.
According to the California State Military Museum, Hooker’s first name was Joseph, a.k.a. ‘Fighting Joe’.
http://www.militarymuseum.org/Hooker.html
kj: Yes, we need to talk, but not about my hatred for Modano. That is an absolute.
Lucky: No, I don’t think DR will let Gaborik walk for free. He’ll get something for him if Gaborik doesn’t re-sign with the Wild; how much he’ll get, however, remains to be seen…
Bandgeek, Hooker was not much of a Commanding General for the Union, like most of the others in the Army of the Potomac prior to Grant and Sherman.
Most of my info on Hooker comes from a specialty tour we do at the Ramsey House, “Victorian Secrets.” It’s all about the seedy side of Victorian life. So we talk about hooker and STD’s and mental illness, all the fun stuff.
KJ, you think I’d be bad to play T. P. against, just wait till you’ve had a conversation with the Mr. He has insomnia once in a while and spend hours reading about hockey, history, architecture, politics, anything really. The only time I can win trivia games against him is when it’s stuff about old movies, or literature.
Here’s a little article about Chris Culligan, a former teammate and current roommate of James Sheppard. Something to help pass the time.
http://www.capebretoneagles.com/news/view/104
Martin Skoula will make up for parish/rolston/demitra goals by scoring 60 goals on the way to a 120 point season.
Sitting at hoe drinking wine and watching Entourage… I love this show. Is anyone else out there an Entourage fan?
that would be HOME not HOE… and yes… I am a little tipsy. It’s Saturday night and our friend from PA left today so it’s back to normalcy.. and by normalcy I mean, back to drinking at home watching TV on DVD.
our friend from PA
Pfft. I never visited you. Don’t even think of implying you have other friends, let alone ones from PA.
Bandgeek, if you like to read, a book I enjoyed was “the Last Full Measure” written by ? Moe.
Among other things, you get a glimpse into the blunders of string of incompetent generals employed by the Union.
It is about the contributions of the First Minnesota Regiment’s sacrzfices and contributions (which were considerable) to the Union Armies, especially at Gettysburg, during the Civil War.
If you look for the book, there are two Civil War books of that same title, the other is a novel I think and the subject matter is completely different.
Kevin, you are more than welcome to visit us at any time. In fact, we’re planning on going to the Wild games in Dallas. You could plan your trips around that if you’d like. Or SXSW, if you like music.
It is about the contributions of the First Minnesota Regiment’s sacrzfices and contributions (which were considerable)
Sheesh, even in wars you people insist on using Minnesota natives and overvaluing them.
(Kidding.)
Mrs. A, you planning a trip to see the Wild in Pittsburgh?
What she said…
Could be something I’ll think about, Mrs. A’s. Coming up on busy times at work though so wouldn’t be easy to get away.
kevin, is there a Wild game on the weekend? If not, we probably won’t make it. We are thinkig of heading out to the Avs game with lemmiwinks this season.
Nah, they play here on a Tuesday.
That’s a damn shame. As ugly as the Igloo is, it was fun to go to games there.
We could go on a Wednesday. But I’d need the full support of Russoville while billing 8.5 hours each day on the Saturday and Sunday before …
KiPA, better read it first, before you decide the contribution is overvalued Kevin.
Hey, KiPA:
Eklund, who I read to get laughs on rainy days, is saying that the Pens have the best package for Gaborik.
No names were mention but Eklund talked to folks “close to the Gaborik situation.” Geez, who are those folks, especially when there is no Gaborik situation as of yet. Wait another 2 weeks then we will have a Gaborik situation as we know that a contract extension might not be coming.
Jumping the gun before it even starts.
KiPA, better read it first, before you decide the contribution is overvalued Kevin.
Iceman: Did you miss this part of my post?
(Kidding.)
I’d never seriously question any contribution of anyone to any war effort. I merely made a joking reference (or attempted to, obviously it missed the mark) to people saying the Wild should get MN-based players and twisted your post to show that MN “bias” wasn’t restricted to just hockey. My apologies.
sunshine: Yeah, I saw that, and it’s ridiculous. A) who’d we give up, and B) how’d we afford him? We’re close to the cap as is and it’ll be worse next year when Geno’s new deal kicks in.
KiPA:
Direct from Pittsburgh’s own blogs….
“No truth the to the Gaborik Rumor; Shanahan continues to express an interest in Pittsburgh
There’s a rumor on Hockeybuzz.com that indicates the Penguins putting together a package to acquire Wild forward Marian Gaborik. To put it nicely, there’s absolutely no truth to that rumor. A source also tells me, the Wild are closer to signing Gaborik then trading him.”
http://www.theinsideronpittsburghsports.com/
Now, I am not sure if the last sentence has any truth to that either.
I believe that source much more than Eklund. It seems at least semi-reliable with a lot of things Pittsburgh. But yes, I don’t know how much truth there is to the last Gaborik comment.
Although, it makes me slightly more cautiously optimistic.
I hope they mean they’re closer to signing him THAN trading him… not signing him then trading him.
good catch, ms. conduct, very good catch.
Heh heh. Probably, Ms. C. While I’ve found the guy’s info semi-reliable, his proofreading and typing skills aren’t always the best.
Yes, I had seen it KiPA, I just like to needle too.
Oh, my bad, Iceman. I thought you were a bit serious.
AiH,
hope you’re on high ground.
We may not be hearing from some of our Texas folks for a while, especially those near Houston. Looks like ‘Edouard’ will be moving into Houston about Tuesday morning rush hour. Should be near Austin by lunchtime Tuesday…
…and you all complain about blizzards…
It would be nice to hear a Gabby update. Have we even submitted an offer?
It would be nice to know that we have submitted an offer at least.
WRT: I love blizzards, especially the new Thin Mint ones…. wait… you don’t mean that kind do you? I like the winter kind as well. Gives me an excuse to be lazy. Hope all our Texas peeps stay dry and in one piece. I’ve always told the Mr I would not live in areas where you can get hurricanes or earthquakes.
Bandgeek … Like an old Guindin cartoon I once saw: a man reading a book in front of a nice warm fire and saying, what I like about Minnesota’s business climate is the snow days.
Bandgeek: Yeah, I love the Thin Mint ones too. Unfortunately, when the other kind come usually I’m either trying to get to work or a Wild game. Neither one is easy when lots of Seasonal Non-Operational Water is lying around my driveway and clogging the streets, making life an icy hell.
We don’t get enough Snow Days off to make it worth living in Minnesota during the winter. However, I hate humidity and Minnesota’s a little more tolerable because it doesn’t last as long as other states.
So, Minnesota is okay for me. I suffer through the 2 weeks of extreme cold in January to not suffer through 2 months of excruciating humidity.
I would much rather deal with snow than the god awful heat down here… add the occasional crazy lightning storm, and the possibility of tropical storms/hurricanes and the south loses every time… At least Austin is far enough inland so the hurricane/tropical storm weather is fairly weakened before it reaches us.
This hurricane is total news to me. This is what I get for never following any news other than hockey. It took Minnesotans to tell me to look out for it. Guess I better check into that.
Oh, it looks like it’s just a TS or Cat 1 or 2. No biggie for where I am in central Houston. My plants will be happy. My dog will be scared. I’ll be fine. 
WATX, I used to think I’d prefer to live up north until we flipped our car a few times on some ice in Canada. I guess it’s a matter of what you’re used to. At least the heat will not send me flipping into a ditch, so I prefer it.
Butter my ass and call me a biscuit! Hockey was so much effing fun tonight! Woohoo!
Anyone heard anywhere on where Parrish going to sign with? Seen Predators interested but no other teams. Russo speculated on Dallas but do they have interest?
On HFboards, someone said that a radio station was interviewing B. Murray and he said that he would give Parrish’s agent a call. The Sens might not be a bad place for him, not sure if he will crack the top 6 there either.
Preds, he could crack the top 6.
The secret to enjoying our winter weather by insisting to be out in it, so the cold does not defeat you.
Dallas has been about 108° for a week or more.
By a long shot, I will take MN.
(Giving credit where credit is due, I think that cartoon was mis credited by me: maybe a Peter Kohlstat creation.)
I will say this: People in Hawaii have no appreciation for 90 degree days in the middle of February. One of the reasons I can ride my bike to work in 90 degree weather (and enjoy it) in August is because I know it will be freezing in a few months.
Likewise in winter, I can bear the cold because I know soon it will be warm again.
weakness
People in Hawaii have no appreciation for 90 degree days in the middle of February.
It’s almost never 90 degrees in Hawaii. Most people I met there seemed to have an appreciation for every day.
It’s almost never 90 degrees in Hawaii. Most people I met there seemed to have an appreciation for every day.
Depends where you go.
VoR - The years are gonna fly by if you are always anticipating the next season.
-by ‘bike’ do you mean motorcycle?
by ‘bike’ do you mean motorcycle?
No, I mean bicycle. 5 miles one way, takes me about 20 minutes to get to work.
in the cold, you can add layers to keep warm.
in the heat, you can be nekkid and still hot.
while i like nekkid, i find it easier to deal with the cold than heat.
Depends where you go.
Not really, it is a rarity anywhere in the islands. Damn, now I’m wishing I was there again.
Yeah, you better have a shower at the office if you’re biking even 5 miles here. I still contend that a summer home in WI/MN and a winter home in Texas would be the perfect life, and that’s the goal I’m pushing DH to set for us as we head toward retirement.
“in the cold, you can add layers to keep warm.
in the heat, you can be nekkid and still hot.
while i like nekkid, i find it easier to deal with the cold than heat.”
My sentiments exactly. The heat sucks period.
Anyone want to guess at where Parrish ends up?
I’ll take the safe guess and say Nashville. Seems like a great fit to me.
all you’ve got to do is get outside and play some pick up puck and even sub zero temps will feel great after 15 minutes of skating
OK, I’ve been out of the office the past week so I don’t know if this has been noted yet, so if it has my apologies.
Last night I’m paging through my latest USA Hockey magazine and they’ve got a little feature on hockey blogs with a sidebar of a top ten best blogs. So of course I’m thinking RR should be on the list. But no! Then I’m re-checking to make sure I didn’t miss it, and I realize Hitting the Post is right there at #7!
Somebody needs to fess up!
Oh, and we’re talking about the weather now? Nice!
Who needs to ‘fess up? Toivo, I dunno…
Yes, we’re talking about the weather now, also, because we are concerned ’bout our pardners in Texas who are about to get clobbered by a hurricane…
Wow! Congrats to the HtP guys!
Hey WRT, I read your post with tips for traveling with your team… have you been to Dallas? I’m wondering how much shit I’m gonna get in my Wild sweater up there. If only there was a way to say, “Yes, but Dallas is my #2 team!”
“I’m wondering how much shit I’m gonna get in my Wild sweater up there. ”
I don’t think you will get much crap… I have heard that a ot of the games in Dallas are attended by fans of the opposing team, so it should’t be much of an issue. Plus, the wife and I will be there in our Wild sweaters as well, so we got your back
Cool. Thanks ATX. That’s kinda what I figured. Hopefully the “MS CONDUCT” on the back will give ‘em a laugh and they’ll forget to throw stuff at me.
I’m pretty excited about the games we’re planning to go to up there. I wish the Aeros schedule would hurry up and come out so I can figure out our Minnesota trip.
I expected a lot in montreal but got little. and then it was in french which i don’t speak so it didn’t matter much anyway.
the cats behind me kept saying “sheet” which i took as french for sh!t.
Tabernac, calisse!
Hurricane in Texas, eh? I guess that’s what happens when I go offline for a week. For the record, I’ll take Hawaii, though California ain’t bad.
And yes, confess! Or I’ll bust out the comfy chair.
toivo: I hadn’t seen that, and I had perused that issue (not that carefully, apparently!)
Huh. That’s pretty cool.
Ms. C: A number of AAC & Stars employees are expatriates from Minnesota. They actually LIKE you there.
The Stars’ fans will give you somewhat of a hard time, but not TOO bad. Watch out, however, for ‘Crazy Amy’, the former Minnesota resident who will be there with her Wild foam fangs in hand! She moved to Big ‘D’ for love in 2007. You will know her by the IRR Wild jersey and the ‘crispy’ look on her face…
ATx: You and Ms. C should order tickets together for those games at the AAC and bring the spouses!
Green*: I can’t wait to go back to Montreal again, probably next season (hopefully they won’t schedule the game over a Canadian federal or Quebec provincial holiday, like they have the last two times the Wild were up there). If you ever go, go really early and walk the concourse, reading the history along the walls. Team photos, plaques honoring great ex-Habs, the works.
Shows you what 100 years in business will do for you!
A light snack, courtesy of the vacationing Mr. Russo…
I’ve heard about Crazy Amy… Will do my best to avoid.
Actually, I like Amy, she sat near the seats we get sometimes. I wondered why she disappeared.
She always added spirit to the games and so I miss seeing her.
And your No. 1 reason the North Stars are in Dallas - Brian Lawton.
[…] Originally published by Russo’s Rants […]
