Risebrough hoping to meet with Gaborik in Slovakia
Posted on August 8th, 2008 – 9:52 PMBy Michael Russo
Coming to you from blistering Fla.
I’ll just throw the link up here, but Doug Risebrough is hoping to meet with Marian Gaborik next week. He’s heading to Slovakia/Czech Republic on Sunday for the Ivan Hlinka tourney, which runs the 12th through the 16th.
According to Risebrough, the Wild has been holding off making Gaborik an extension proposal until after the two can meet.
Monday addition, Tom Lynn, the Wild’s assistant GM and chief negotiator, traveled with Risebrough to Slovakia for the Gaborik meeting and Hlinka tournament.
226 Responses to "Risebrough hoping to meet with Gaborik in Slovakia"
I hope they can resign Gabby. I would love to see his first 6 goal game…
Make sure you don’t forget your ski jacket Russo. Heard its cold at this time of year 
Wow. I love actual facts vs. speculation.
Sunscreen, Russo!
Do it Risebrough! Sign him and keep Mikey quiet!
Doug needs to get this deal done with Gabby or his legacy in Minnesota is sealed!!
First Minnesota player drafted by the Wild was Jake Riddle, he was never signed. They also drafted Mike Erickson. They currently have Chris Hickey but who knows how he’ll do though. They brought Lundbohm back to Houston as a depth center to replace Foster (yep he’s gone, wrong on that one). So they aren’t devoid of Minnesotans. Not one of the Minnesota players they’ve signed has worked out though, other than Neilsen the first year and Hendrickson for a few years(remember they had Bonin, Crowley and Westrum too). I do believe they have problems with their Minnesota scouting. You have to wonder why other teams were able to get guys like Andrew Alberts or Tom Gilbert with later draft picks, or they were able to find guys like Steve Wagner or Tom Preissing as free agents, and the Wild weren’t. No one is saying the Wild has to have Minnesota players on the roster to be successful but they should be able to figure out who are the best players from amongst those right under their noses, at least more so than their competition, and they haven’t done that. You can’t tell me they wouldn’t have been better served having drafted Alex Goligoski instead of Roman Voloshenko in 2004 or how about drafting Gilbert instead of wasting one of their third round picks on Erickson in 02. Course they could have had Fillpula for that pick too. Hell Tim Conboy did well with the Canes last year and he was a 7th round pick in 2002! Just saying that other teams seem to find good late round picks that happen to be Minnesotan and the Wild have failed in ALL of their late round picks they haven’t traded away, including their Minnesota picks, there is something wrong with that picture
Just sing him there is no other choice in it .Gabby is what this team is centered around . The wild had a so/so fa sings just to keep the fans with the hope of the team.
Very well said Claire. The Wild have not put the energy and time into the inportance of having local talent in the organization. It has been a slap in the face thus far to the fans to have the Wild make horrible decisions on players that dont work out. It just shows there lack of focus on the matter. I have always said that this is not Nashville. 1 player working out is not too much to ask
Who really cares if the Minnesota draftees are ever signed by the Wild?
Stop focusing on Minnesotans and look at the big picture problem, which is that the Wild has problems finding gems in later rounds regardless of nationalities.
The question DR and Co. should be asking themselves when drafting or signing FA is: Will this player potentially help move the Wild forward and how?
Lastly, its not all the Wild’s fault for not signing them. These draftees have to be in charge of their own development. The Wild usually don’t start their development until their 20 years-old when they are under the Wild full-time.
While in college or juniors, they soak in what their coaches teach them and also have a willingness improve themselves on their skating, shooting, defensive positioning, and such. During rookie camp, the Wild can provide them with instructions but the other 51 weeks, they are on their own with their own coaches.
If they don’t make it to the NHL or even the AHL, its their own fault. Being drafted is just a start. They need to build upon that. If they don’t, they are left in the cold. So its not all the Wild, its the players themselves.
Something to consider, as I’ve seen people complain “where will our scoring come from?” if Gaborik is traded: you’re not going to get one player that is Gaborik’s equal in a trade. You’d probably have to aim for a 30-goal scorer, 1-2 other NHL-ready players or prospects, maybe a pick, and possibly send someone along with Gaborik. If he doesn’t sign and isn’t traded until the deadline, you can probably rule out the chance of getting a 30-goal guy and settle for a 20-25, maybe 25-30. Much less leverage by that point.
Look at the top 10 goal scorers from last year and tell me which team would part with any of those guys. 11-15 might present some options but if Gaborik plans on demanding a salary of $8.5M, and potential trade partners realize that, then I wouldn’t count on that either if they don’t think or can’t sign him to an extension (but it’s certainly possible they’d do it to make a playoff push, a la the Pens and Hossa, except the Pens didn’t give up much).
I reference that one rumor of Gaborik to Carolina for Williams and others. That seems like a decent starting point to me though you could probably do better than Frantisek Kaberle.
I’m not saying trading Gaborik is the way to go, but if Risebrough doesn’t re-sign him before the season begins, and negotiations end by that point, Risebrough better hope that information isn’t leaked or reported in the media. If he’s going to trade Gaborik, he should do so in the next few weeks when his value’s higher and teams still have wiggle room (cap-wise) before training camps begin.
KiPA:
You have a point but I don’t think it really matter if the information is leaked out. Teams are already going on the assumption that Gaborik wants out. Having it become fact doesn’t change the situation much.
Its like when Wall Street believes the Fed will lower rates and when the Fed actually does it, there is no significant jump because its already been factored.
I suppose that’s true, sunshine. I guess I was thinking that at this point, it’s still possible Gaborik will re-sign and other teams may think that as well. But if Gaborik ends up saying publicly that there’s no way an agreement will be reached, then Risebrough’s going to trade him for 40 cents to the dollar. You may be right though and his leverage is already low.
For the other teams, its better to plan on the assumption that Gaborik wants out and prepare a package for the Wild. Some might not want to publicize it but when it comes out that the Wild can’t re-sign Gaborik, they can take it out and talk to the Wild.
I hate to bring up the Favre trade but the Jets worked on that deal since the beginning of July. When the Packers reinstated Favre, the Jets swooped in and got him. Pittsburg and Phoenix did the same thing with the Hossa and Olli deals respectively.
Well, for what it’s worth, I never even heard a whisper that the Penguins were interested in Hossa until they actually got him. I don’t know if they had long discussions, but they may have had that package laid out as you said.
Just a couple things about the “local boys” from Minnesota for the advocates to consider:
First, yes the Wild scouts would have a lot of exposure to the Minnesota kids because they are right in their backyard, but this might not be a good thing. Detroit’s head European scout has said that he always tries to see a player two or three times himself, because if he has a good game the first time he sees him play, it might have been the game of his life. He also is very aware of the fact that he is much harder on the players he sees frequently because they are close by, since he starts to see all the flaws in their game with repeated viewings. This might be happening with the Minnesota organization as well - as they see the players all the time they notice the holes in their games and therefore do not value them as highly as the players they have only seen a few times.
Second, local players often don’t play well when playing in front of a home crowd, especially when they are young and facing the pressure of establishing themselves as professionals. Once they are veterans it is often easier for them to “come home” because they have an established reputation and everyone knows what to expect, instead of being blinded by the potential of a youngster. Montreal has the problem of putting so much pressure on locals, Edmonton has that problem - when Lupul was traded from the Ducks the expectations were enormous and he couldn’t meet them - when he was traded away to Philadelphia he played much better without the pressure of playing “at home.”
If the team takes Minnesota players they might not perform well until they are traded elsewhere because of the pressure - and if the team is not successful with locals, why bother taking more of them if they repeatedly don’t work? No team can afford to waste draft picks year after year.
Baroque, you have many valid points but I have to politely disagree with the local player thing. I think a lot of players have played exceptional here in front of the local crowd and away. Yet I think one of the reasons we have problems with some of our local players is that JL wants a player to play his way..and most young players are not going to buy into this style of hockey. This is quite different from the style of our local coaches.
At a larger level..and I say this not being a fan of his…but Parrish was not used the right way here in MN. And instead of using his special talents JL wanted him to play his own special way and that did not work out for him. But Parrish can still play in the NHL while a younger player may be done in the NHL. I am not convinced that if Vanek played here that he would be the player he is now.
I honestly don’t think Parrish’s lack of success here had anything to do with Jacques Lemaire.
Parrish’s main (only?) talent is in front of the net on the PP. He was given that opportunity time and time again and simply did not deliver up to the level he had on other teams.
Parrish has few other assets. He’s not a good skater, he doesn’t play physical, he can’t forecheck, he’s not strong defensively, he’s not a play maker, etc.
Parrish can stand in front of the net and wait for other guys to feed him the puck. That works best on the PP but can also work even strength depending on the players on his line. Frankly, JL could not find a good mix of players to utilize him. The Wild did not have that many play makers. Bouchard is the best one but Rolston fit well on his opposite wing. Demitra was a solid play maker but was often paired with Gaborik and they don’t cycle down low so having a slower Parrish that isn’t solid defensively and is not a good passer doesn’t make a ton of sense. Even a guy like Fedoruk made more sense because he can skate.
The reality is that when DR signed Parrish, Mark didn’t really fit in anywhere in the top 6 from the start. That was DR’s mistake. You can’t expect a guy that is used to playing in the top 6 on crappy teams (getting solid minutes with the teams quality players at even strength and on the PP) to put up the same #’s on a team in which he’s getting less ice time and playing outside of the top 6.
People don’t realize it but some players can put up better numbers on crappy teams because of the situations they are put in. A lot of it has to do with ice time, especially PP ice time. In general, performance can also depend highly on chemistry with certain players.
In terms of the Gaborik situation. I’m perfectly open to them trading him. He’s a solid player but he hasn’t really progressed in terms of finding more ways to score, although last year he did figure out how to take a slap shot.
I find it hilarious to think he might feel limited by JL’s system and his desire to have him backcheck and not stand at the opponents blue line waiting for that breakaway pass (even though Gaborik often times does this any way). This is the same Gaborik that is remarkably horrible at finishing breakaways yet he’s frequently trying to get one. The real reason he’s not a 50 goal scorer isn’t Lemaire’s system (or even his supporting cast)…it’s his injuries and his inability to score on breakaways.
I also don’t want Gaborik on the team if DR is going to feel obligated to do something stupid (i.e. trade a future star like Patrick O’Sullivan for Demitra) to keep him happy.
That said, I have little confidence they could ever get good value for Gaborik in return unless it’s a sign and trade, which I find highly unlikely.
Yet, Gaborik hasn’t proven he should be paid like the 3rd best player in the game either. That’s rather presumptuous.
trade gabby for some good players-he is way over rated. He skates fast, big deal! Every team shuts him down now- we can get a sweet deal with him.
Does anyone thing that Gaborik will tell DR:
“Doug, I bleed IRR. I cannot picture myself playing with any other team.”
I think it will be more like:
“Doug, do what you have to do because I am going to do what I always do. I am going to get my goals. The Wild are my first team. They drafted me. Read into this whatever you like.”
He is nowhere near being the 4th best player in the NHL. Trade him now while the value may be at the highest. Definitely before camp. There is a risk/reward factor associated with keeping him until the deadline. But, we all know DR is not a risk-taker. Unless it is with 3rd line talent.
How can anyone even think that the Wild need more MN players? They need to draft the best available player - no matter where he is from.
D’ya think that Leopold is going to give the scouting dept a mandate that says we need more MN born players? Sheesh.
I agree with Fitz. Gaborik is way overrated. Not much of a head for the game and no heart.
Well there is a strong chance that Gaborik might be traded since everyone already assumes that he wants out and will not re-sign an extension.
And also, you don’t trade your best player or a top 20 player unless you can’t pay him, he wants out, or is locker rom cancer, even if he has no heart or he is overrated.
The Question will be has Gaborik matured to the point that he values this opportunity to be THE guy for the Wild? With all that entails: Captaincy, defensive responsibilities,leadership by example, supporting the coach and his system, mentoring younger players…Is he going to become a great player, or continue to chase goals and money? Did I mention put his namr on the Cup? lots of questions with answers to come soon.
Good points all, Baroque. And, Josh too.
And, right on KJ, with your observation that Gabby is not in the upper upper echelon and MN players.
Your right, got to find the best players available. When you draft a MN born player you need to look deeper into who he is and how he will handle the pressure of playing at home.
We can lament not having a home grown team but most MN players will play better when they are part of a visiting team than if they were on our roster.
sunshine…
No one can assume anything…other than to go by previous comments from Gaborik himself.
I believe that trading him is only an option when it is clear that he does not want to be here. ‘Cuz if he doesn’t want to be here, he will not sign an extension. You typically do not get the same value back in return when it is a one-for-many trade.
Unless you are the Dallas Cowboys…
Get the answers now and either sign or trade before camp opens.
I hope we can get him to stay. We are looking at a huge loss if Gabby leaves. Yeah I’m sure we’re gonna get a roster player coming back in a trade but who will sell the Wild to the casual fan? I guess maybe Burns in a couple years. It won’t mean the end of the world if we lose Gabby but franchise players don’t grow on trees. We are looking at a 2 - 3 year set back if he’s traded. Not being a chicken little that’s just reality. NOBODY on this current roster can fill Gaborik’s skates immediately. There are some wild cards that COULD do the job in the future but again it’s going to be a rough 2 - 3 years before that happens.
I hope Wild fans stick together if Gaborik is traded to get Risebrough fired. Don’t give them a dime until he is given a boot to the ass.
The last time the Wild sent a representative to Slovakia with a contract offer if didn’t go so well (Hossa).
AiH: Yeah, but Norm Coleman on a Senate junket doesn’t count!
Seriously, if Gaborik doesn’t want to be here, he won’t be, no matter how much $$ you throw at him. If DR hears that (actuality or implied), he won’t hesitate to open the bidding for his services.
Does Gaborik want to stay here? For how long? Only Marian knows for sure…
Wasn’t sure on the “local boy” thing (not a Wild fan, actually - just like good hockey talk to take my mind off the heat), just thought it might be something to consider.
There has been an awful lot of speculation about Gaborik not liking playing a defensive system and wanting to play for the Eastern conference (where the perception is that the style is more open - certainly the Western conference seems to have all the best defensemen), but has he actually said anything to that effect? Or even the ubiquitous “sources close to the player”? Or has it all been media speculation? I haven’t followed the situation nearly as closely as some of you folks have, and wondered if there was anything to it or if it was just typical fan nervousness when someone isn’t signed quickly enough for the fans’ liking. 
MKIA, I believe I pointed out that ANY late round draft pick that worked out would be nice, not just a Minnesotan. It would, however, be nice if the Wild did have better scouting of amateurs in the Midwest region, which would include the WCHA, Minnesota High Schools and USHL. If they can’t find some good late round talent from among those choices they should be hung, drawn and quartered. Again, the fact that they are getting out-scouted in their own backyard is pretty embarassing.
As for Gabby, he may find like Holik, Jagr and Drury, the grass isn’t always greener. But if he doesn’t want to be here, then they better trade him sooner rather than later and they better get at least a first and a second round draft pick for him with whomever are the throwins.
Sunshine, your thought process is similar to that of the Minnesota Wild DR when considering Minnesota born talent. The thought process is logical and makes sense on the surface only.
In every other place in America I will buy that thought process the Wild have on Minnesota born players.
If the Wild were really looking at seeing what kind of player meets the type of character and personality to play in front of his home crowd and play hockey within the team’s mission, it would have found it by now if they were looking? No doubt. The Wild has failed in a key area of Public relations.
They are living a lie similar to many of the Russoville nation when it comes to effort in developing players from Minnesota to make it in the bigs locally.
No excuses exist, the Wilds later round draft picks have been horrible and they have bypassed a gazillion draft picks of local talent. If they were doing better in later rounds they may have an argument. No doubt the Wild have pissed off Minnesota NHL players by their lack of interest in them. Remember Jason Blake ? He had his best games against the Wild… he played like an animal
Minnesota Wild brass knows of the pressure that exists, they would not have made the impulsive moves they did on Parrish and Thelen if they did not. They made impulsive moves on them because they don’t pay attention to the local talent
Of course they pay attention to the local talents. DR, TT, and Glen Sonmor live here for most of the winter and probably get to a lot of these games.
The team has relationships with coaches and Lou Nanne and are aware of the powerhouse of Mary-Shattucks. Moreover, Russo himself has reported on the blog that DR was scouting Jake Gardiner. Friends of Aaron Ness have said that DR has met with his parents. The Pio/Strib have reported that the Wild liked Parise and Vanek but these guys were taken long before the Wild picked.
The Wild should do a better job of scouting regardless where they come from. That is the bottomline. I don’t care if the picks are not from Minnesota. I only care that they can turnout to become NHL-caliber players.
Remember Jason Blake ? He had his best games against the Wild… he played like an animal
In the past three season, here are Mr. Blake’s stats versus the Wild:
1 GP 0 points +/- -1
Thanks for trying, Mr. Know Nothing.
Oh yes and 0 goals and 1 assist in the four games prior to that with a +/- of -4.
Spectacular.
Maybe Mr Know it All meant an animal like a sloth?
Touché. 
Iginla- I am Mister Know it All ! Your strength is not research, you might want to go further back as the Wild have played 8 years here now
Sunshine- I think DR goes out of his way not to pick Minnesotans. A slight chip on his shoulders. I would not pick Sonmor and Nanne for the job of scouting local talent.
To better understand what I am saying. If you were going to start a business, I think that you would have in that business plan to scout local talent and try to find players whom fit the type of player who are mature enough to play in his home town and fit the make up of the team. I dont think I would rely on Sonmor for that, and I dont think the Wild have that in the business plan either
I like DR as a GM but I think he is stubborn and a bit of a rebel
Your strength is not research, you might want to go further back as the Wild have played 8 years here now
If Phil Housley dominated the pre-lockout Wild should we sign him too?
Goldy Gopher. The results are the results. It matters what players you have on your roster and where they are from. Try to make an argument and you will fail. If it does not matter gang, then why not have an all indian,black team or russian team ? Are you saying that as long as they win it dont matter.
If you own a local pro team in Minnesota you have to acknowledge your fans want to see players from Minnesota, so they can show the kids a local guy.
IF DR was seeking out a player mature enough, and met the teams character make up, he would have found it, and found it on a regular basis. DR needs to put it in his business plan that his team is located in Minnesota, and he needs to be reminded of that
Simple - Trade Gaborik for Jason Blake. Problem solved.
I am sure the Leafs would throw in the rights for Johnny Pohl!
Barouqe- surely you are kidding. The problem is not an east fix becasue DR did not ever pay attention to it from Day 1. The first thing DR needs to do is get a good scout locally, and second is that DR has to face where his team is located at. I dont think he honestly understands it.
He has to get a local guy who can judge Character and talent. If he had a local guy that could do that job he would have had inside information on the Thelen deal and he may have known a bit more about Parrish. Parrish was on the decline when the Wild got him however.
Barouqe, Zach Parise for Gaborick could work maybe
2003 Draft is when Zach Parise was taken. The Wild chose Brent Burns at 20 and Parise went at 17th. Brent Burns was a great pick and is going to be a star.
Mister Know it all does not think that Gaborick will feel as strong about continuing with the Wild. I think in his heart he will want to play in the Eastern Conference. The Wild could buy him but I doubt DR would see that as a wise move
wow, long winded on this subject eh?
All I will say is this: If you think having more MN born players on the Wild is the key to the franchises success, you are a moron. It’s not a slap in the face… it’s not important… it won’t cure the problems… stop being a homer.
Hopefully DR comes home with some good news on Gabby. I really would like to have him back.
MKIA…wow.
If it does not matter gang, then why not have an all indian,black team or russian team ? Are you saying that as long as they win it dont matter.
Um, yes. Last I checked, you do not get points in the standings based on where a player was born.
And, I prefer good players…no matter where they come from.
Is MKIA really Lemming Mike trying to stir the pot?
I honestly cannot believe how many people think having MN players should be a priority for the Wild. A slap in the face would be if the Wild actually loaded its team with Minnesotans because it thought the fans wanted to see local kids play. This is professional sports, folks. If this is a priority for you as a fan, I suggest sticking to college hockey.
If it does not matter gang, then why not have an all indian,black team or russian team ? Are you saying that as long as they win it dont matter.
Heehee. Morons are funny.
First: an All-Swedish team worked for the Red Wings, right?
Second: So you’d rather have the Wild lose constantly with all Minnesotans than win with non-Minnesotans? I think there’s a word for that. Something like xenophobia.
It ain’t 1980 anymore, you know. You’re going to need more than Minnesota collegians to win.
MKIA- Answer me this. Who are the Minnesotans you would put on the team? Put together a team of Minnesotans for me. I know there are a handful of good to great players in the NHL from MN. However, most of them are role-players. Replaceable cogs in the machine.
I wish there were more super stars from MN, but there just aren’t. It is far more important to the vast majority of the fans to win than it is to have even one MN born player on the squad.
Are you saying that as long as they win it dont matter.
That is exactly what we are saying. I would not mind one bit if the Wild put a bunch of Jamacians and Cubans on the ice and then won a Stanley Cup. It’s pro sports, not the I love MN Fan Club.
Alright MKIA:
There are 23 Minnesotans currently on NHL rosters. I included Parrish because he will land somewhere. 23 players makes you a team. Only problem is that 10 of them are d-men, and not one is a goalie.
I would call 7 or so of them good players, with maybe 4 being great, or having the potential to be great. Here I include Leopold, despite the fact that he can’t seem to get through a whole season.
Byfuglien, Leopold, Ballard, Parise, Meuller, and Blake seem to be the cream of the crop. Meuller and Parise being the only two that are truly top tier to me. Okposo has potential, but has a long way to go to prove himself.
Meuller is under contract for two more years at 1.7 per, Parise 3 years at 3.1 per. Resonable prices for both, but hard to get them to the Wild when they are under contract, come rather cheap, and are producing solid numbers. Their current teams are unlikely to part with them.
Yes, there are other players out there. Backes, Niskanen, Cullen, etc. None of the rest of the list truly strike me as anything special. Like my earlier post said, role players.
So. Take your pick MKIA. Who would you like so badly to play for the Wild that you are willing to give up one of the current players to make room, or current players and picks to get them over here?
I really am curious for an answer to this. I just do not see who all of these posts are looking for to come and save the Wild, and be the hometown hero.
if you can get Parise form the Devils for anything less than Gabby, more power to you. I just don’t see it happening, nor do I see it as worth it.
But hey. Maybe research is my weak spot too, hey MKIA?
One last thing, MKIA… there is no C is Gaborik.
First: an All-Swedish team worked for the Red Wings, right?
A mess of Russians worked pretty well, too. And they aren’t ALL Swedes! Just, like, about eight of them. Besides, the team is branching out to Finland with Filppula and (if he makes the team next year) Ville Leino.
If the players are good and play hard, and they represent the team and the community with pride, it doesn’t matter where they were born. It doesn’t matter nearly as much where a player was born as how much the fans connect with him - and fans can connect with someone from across the world. This season it took about 20 minutes for Kosuke Fukudome to become a favorite of the fans of the Chicago Cubs, and last I checked Japan wasn’t anywhere near the state of Illinois. But he plays solid defense, hits well, and gives effort every game to help the team win - and that’s what is important. Thinking someone is “better” purely because of geographic proximity is elitist, provincial - and just plain snobbery.
Thinking someone is “better” purely because of geographic proximity is elitist, provincial - and just plain snobbery.
a.k.a. MORONIC.
Gee, I stop by to see if I’ve missed anything lately…. wow have I missed a load of nothing…. Is it hockey season yet?
Mister Know it all is not explaining himself correctly or you guys are in denial.
I like the job that DR has done. I cant think of a gm doing a better job.
Mister Know it all is simply saying that the rest of the minnesota public besides Russoville wants to have a couple of local players to identify with. Mister Know it all is wondering if Russoville is on acid.
Just think of Minnesota being different then any other market in the US when it comes to hockey. I think PR will suffer with the recent status of the club
The mindset of the clubs managemnet is the reason why the club is failing to bring in local talent.
An all Minnesota team I dont want. Mister know it all is saying 2 minimum. Not guys like Thelen and Parrish. They need to do things diferently
MKIA — Its even crazy that you put QUOTAs on the minimum number of Minnesotans that should be on the team! If the worse PR thing to happen to the Wild is to not have a Minnesotan on the team, I think that is great.
I think you are explaining yourself fine its just that many of us don’t subscribe to the need to have a Minnesotan on the team. If there is one - okay, that’s nice, but the club should not go out and get one just to satisfy Minnesotans.
We need great hockey players to propel us forward regardless if they are from Minnesota, Slovakia, Finland, or Canada. They might not all speak the same language but they all play the same game and have the same goal — to win a Stanley Cup. That is what will make Minnesotans happier.
For me, I am happy just to know that we have Minnesotans in the NHL and they are succeeding with their respective teams.
Mister Know it all is simply saying that the rest of the minnesota public besides Russoville wants to have a couple of local players to identify with.
I’m wondering where you get this idea from. None of the hockey fans I know care if there are any minnesotans on the team. They want to see the best players on the ice every night, and to root for a competitive hockey team.
As for identifying w/ the players, I think most people can find, if they want to, things that help them relate to the players, w/o a MN connection.
MKIA, you also never responded to Buddha’s question from earlier.
So. Take your pick MKIA. Who would you like so badly to play for the Wild that you are willing to give up one of the current players to make room, or current players and picks to get them over here?
Crowing about MN players, without making reasonable suggestions about how to get them here, is a waste a time.
(Is it hockey season yet???)
Mister Know it all is simply saying that the rest of the minnesota public besides Russoville wants to have a couple of local players to identify with.
Where are your figures to back up this claim? Let’s say, and these are rough figures, that 10 of the 15 or 20 or so “regulars” do not care where the Wild’s players are from. So the other … what’s the population of hockey fans in Minnesota again? All of them want a MN player?
Besides, a front office that lets fans dictate its strategy isn’t a very good or smart one.
From the last thread: Goody you are fooling yourself if you think a WCHA team could keep up with an AHL All Star team.
You got that backwards. A WCHA all star team against an AHL team, not an AHL all star team. And, I never said they’d win, I meant they’d have a chance. Against an NHL team, no chance.
Now, for the current topic: Is anyone else suprised that DR hasn’t talked to Gaborik yet? I would have thought he would have gone straight from signing PMB’s contract to the airport and hopped a plane to Slovakia. Is he trying to not appear too eager to sign Gaborik? Going to meet with Gaborik isn’t even the point of the trip! He’s going to watch this tournament and “Oh, yeah, if there’s time I might give Gaborik a call to sit down and talk.”
I would have thought he would have gone straight from signing PMB’s contract to the airport and hopped a plane to Slovakia.
Have you seen the price of airfares recently???
Even the Wild have budget constraints…
Have you seen the price of airfares recently???
It’s still cheaper to fly to the Slovakian capitol of Bratislava than the Montana capitol of Helena!
Other airfares:
Munich is cheaper than Minot.
Warsaw is cheaper than Williston, N.D.
WRT, that must be the reason why the Wild doesn’t scout ‘local’ talent!
It matters what players you have on your roster and where they are from. Try to make an argument and you will fail. If it does not matter gang, then why not have an all indian,black team or russian team ?
I am SO confused, can someone locate black on a map for me??
There is so much wrong with that post, I don’t even know where to start.
Why do you even bother Mr. Know Nothing? Your posts are smothered in fail sauce.
Iggy, that’s a funny photo but perhaps it isn’t a ‘fail’. Perhaps Pat employs a few ‘working girls’ who make the bbq sauce in those bottles.
In breaking news, the Detroit Red Wings have announced that the contract signed with Marian Hossa has been voided by the NHL. When asked if he would make another run at the prized winger, and having some cash after buying out Mark Parrish, Doug Risebrough, said, “Nah, I think we are going to make a run at a good ol’ Minnesota boy, try and pump up the crowd a bit.”
I will agree to a very small degree that where players on the roster are from matters. But only to this end…
When Demo and Gabby played together, there was a stronger possibly for something amazing to happen due to a common homeland. Not simply because the are both Slovak, but instead, because they play a similar style, have played together in the past, etc.
Having multiple Finns, Swedes, etc is not in and of itself a winning situation. However, if they are from the same area, maybe had the same coaches, good things can happen.
Having multiple Minnesotans on the team, given the current roster of MN boys in the league, looks more like a losing team to me.
I’m still befuddled by this Minnesota player thing, but I think I’m gonna go the “consider the source” route.
So, what does it mean that Lynn’s going along with Riser? Good cop, bad cop? I almost feel sorry for Gabby… Lynn seems like a weasel, but maybe he just doesn’t photograph well.
I’ve lost count, how many more days till hockey season?
Never mind. I went and counted the days on the calendar. 61 days till regular season games start.
You can see all the Minnesota born and bred hockey players you want just dropping into any arena in the state at almost any hour of the day. When it comes to the Wild, I could care less if they were from Mississippi or Paraguay as long as they can play.
Regarding Tom Lynn:
http://wild.nhl.com/team/app?service=page&page=NHLPage&bcid=tea_Lynn
Looks kind of shady to me……
A native of Syracuse, New York, Lynn played hockey from time-to-time for Yale University from 1986-88 before transferring to LeMoyne College, where he graduated cum laude with a degree in Philosophy in 1991.
An Ivy league drop-out attorney with an undergrad degree in philosophy. One wonders the thought processes going on in his melon. Looks like he has a nice life going on though.
>>>Lynn played hockey from time-to-time for Yale University<<<
Got to thinking about this line and thought that was an odd way to put it. Kind of sounds like Demitra and the Wild.
Of course Lynn is a weasel. He’s an attorney…
I shouldn’t be so hard on the guy. Even if he’s a Weasel for the Wild, he’s been a benevolent ruler in Houston. He gave me my Brusty back for 2 more years, he signed Rogers, he got us THREE goal scorers. But the important thing is Brusty. Brusty Brusty Brusty!
Okay. I’ve had enough coffee.
“Of course Lynn is a weasel. He’s an attorney…”
You should watch out with that kind of talk… there are a few lawyers on this blog, my wife being one of them.
Don’t take it too seriously, ATX; it is not intended as such.
Sorry, I didn’t mean for that to sound so serious… It was supposed to be more of a lighthearted poking fun thing… my bad.
Ha ha, ok. I thought I offended you there for a moment.
I was starting to feel bad, but probably not as bad as this kid.
LMAO
nice willi plett reference, stoned.
It’s a little comical that folks seem to give a flying Bertuzzi what state the Wild players are from. Didn’t know Sid Hartman had so many aliases on this blog.
haha, I have seen that video before.. that is pretty funny stuff.
Well I hope those two can get the deal done this week. I wouldn’t worry about good cop bad cop. Gabby is holding all the cards and he knows it. If anything Risebrough brought Lynn to give Gaborik piggy back rides to the go cart races all week. Don’t forget to buy him cotton candy!
It is nice PR wise to have a local player, but it’s definitely not the end of the world not to have one. I think more Minnesota kids are being drafted in high rounds, which says a lot about hockey in this state recently. However there was a draught for a while. The skill level wasn’t that high.
I think it is difficult for the Wild to actually draft a high school kid though. They don’t have the depth to wait 4 to 5 years for results. These kids are normally projects and sort of a risk. Detroit and other such teams have a lot of depth so they can allow for a long development curve.
I think someone like Matt Niskanen is a good example of the talent we are putting out. I believe he went in the 1st round to the Stars played some college hockey and contributed almost instantly to the Stars. He will be a upper tier player in the NHL.
Wild might indeed have budget restraints KJ, if Liepold loaned the new ownership of Nashville $10 million, and the owner promptly filed bankruptcy than CR might be feeling bored out.
Weee! Run faster, Tommy! FASTER! Oh! Win me that stuffed pony! And then turn it into a REAL pony!
Yeah ms.c,
I imagine something like that.
So, now we find people professions to bitch about?
(then, not than in my last post.)
I like it, Lucky. We don’t want Riser getting the backache… Suppose Gabby rides him bareback or is there a special saddle that protects his delicate groin?
Oh profession bitching… I’d like to bitch about the AT&T guys who are working on the line outside my house and making my DSL work like a effing dial-up modem.
Suppose Gabby rides him bareback
Well, like I’ve always said, it ain’t a Russoville party ’till Ms.C opens up the Bareback Riding Speculation!
lol.
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaw!!
He he, bareback riding….. he he….
Happy Monday, y’all!
I can’t believe it’s 2 already. So very hungry. If I were Gabby, I’d make Tommy run out to Taco Bell.
Now the AT&T guys are gone and my internet still sucks. *sob*
I feel jittery… is it hockey with drawl? To much caffeine? Need a nap? Need a pony ride? I think I’ll go with the first one.
I’m feeling it too, BG. Big time. I’m in dire need of the “reality escape” that it provides…
Every time I feel that jittery bug, I watch the Division Championship game, especially the 3rd quarter. Man that was a great game.
I just feel that this week is a make it or break it week for the Wild and Gaborik. The team’s future might be decided in the next 5-7 days.
especially the 3rd quarter. Man that was a great game.
3rd quarter? Which sport are we talking about here?
Had an overload of football and Olympics this weekend.
Third PERIOD.
Uh oh. Someone has their football brain on…
Have to say that the swimming competitions and some of the water polo games have been riveting tv.
Synchro Diving was pretty interesting too.
I was watching the Womens’s water polo game US vs. China and its played similar to hockey with power plays but 4 periods. The US is one of the favorites along with Italy (won Gold in Athens) and Russia.
Anyways, during the game, the commentators were talking about the lack of defense by the US women because they allowed the Chinese women to score 10 goals, which the US has never done before. Also, I was thinking that Jacques could teach them to play some defense.
We ended up watching a bunch of handball at some point this weekend. Partly just trying to figure out what the hell sport it was. And then trying to figure out why the rules are so stupid and the goalies are so pointless. It was riveting but for the wrong reasons.
We ended up at BW3 last night after my hockey game when swimming was on and Hoff got silver and looked quite sad about it. And then the boys relay won over France. That was pretty awesome. The place just erupted.
Ha ha, you are BUSTED, sunshine!
ms.conduct: I watched a little bit of handball too. That was a weird game.
Busted I am. I succumbed to watching the some football this weekend.
I don’t understand why I can stand all the Peyton Manning commercials but hate the the promoting of STK. Maybe because Manning is corporate/market hype rather than league hype.
I feel jittery… is it hockey with drawl? To much caffeine? Need a nap? Need a pony ride? I think I’ll go with the first one.
With all that bareback talk, I coulda SWORN that you woulda picked the fourth one, BG! lol.
Judo’s the best event in the games, and there is NO tv coverage
Manning hasn’t been promoted as the next great one since he came out of the womb. To me, he kind of earned it, and even struggled a bit with all the “can’t win the big one” talk. Both are adorable though. I’d have a tough time picking between them. Ay dios mios, to have such problems!
Have we had our Rosie reference yet?
I would like all you guys who rip on the Wild drafting to give some evidence of other teams that have drafted better since 2000. Gabby, Mikko, Burns, PMB, Sheppard, Schultz, Harding, Sheppard is pretty freaking good if you ask me. Keep in mind these guys were 18 years old when we drafted them. Not to mention O’sullivan, Poulliot, Gillies, and Clutterbuck, all who look very promising. Who has done better than that? I would put them top 5 since 2000 at a minimum.
forgot to mention lubomir “suffering” sekeras (8th round), Boogaard (7th round), and Vellieux (3rd).
Um, Detroit?
um, i don’t think so. since 2000, their players of note are Kronwall, Kopecky (velliuex), Hudler, Flieschmann, Filppula, and Franzen. I take our draft classes ahead of these guys. Next…
check it out.
http://hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/teams/dr00005492.html
Carlos- I would not knock the Wild’s first 2 round drafting history. Sekeras? You want to claim Sekeras as a victory? Nah.
Vellieux is a descent 3rd rounder, but is, as discussed on this board, a role player. 3rd rounders should still be true contributors. Boogaard in the 7th, well, it’s not a great claim, but I’d call it a score. Remember Detroit pulls people like Holstrom, Datsyuk,and Zetterberg in the late rounds. As much as I like Boogey, I would rather have any of those three.
Other than Boogaard, Sekeras, and now Reitz, no player drafted after the 3rd round has made the big squad (No, I’m not going to count Foy. Benchwarmers don’t count.)
Other than Vellieux, (and those few listed above) no player past the 2nd round has ever made the team. Clutterbuck and Stoner maybe have a chance in the future.
The first two rounds have been generally good for the Wild. After that, horse you know what. The vast majority of draftees have either washed out, become trade bait, or will never find their way to the NHL.
Carlos- You have to look past the first two rounds to judge success. First two rounds should be no brainers. Also since 200, the Wild should have better picks, since Detroit has generally finished better in the standings, making their picks by worse by definition.
2000 that is.
getting a datsyuk or zetterberg in the 7th round is luck. they do not consistently pull players like this if you look at their history. not to mention they had a core group of hall of famers to mentor them, and our top players were Scott pellerin, Sean O’Donnell and Walzy.
Oh, and Sekeras was 3rd on the team in scoring in our first year. that was a good pickup.
Buddha - 18 year olds are not no brainers. they are a crap shoot. show me another team that has done better.
Buddha - Detroit has generally finished better in the standings? Of course they have - in 2000 they had Shannahan, Lidstrom, Fedorvo, Lapointe, Yzerman, Holmstrom, Verbeek, Laironov, and Chelios. Our top player wouldn’t have even cracked the lineup. And we started with literally 0 prospects.
Buddha - since 2000, detroit’s post 2nd round picks with more than 20 NHL have been Bykov and Meech
I would rather have Boogaard and Vellieux.
Also, Harding was a second round pick.
While I certainly think we’ve done well with drafting espcially in the first round I’m shocked at all the complaints about the Wild not pulling gems out of the later rounds. It doesn’t happen as often as you think. You should be happy we’ve only had 1 first round bust. How many did Chicago have before they started getting lottery picks? To say we are the best though? I respectfully disagree.
I said top 5 for sure, not necessarily the best. Who’s better since 2000? Show me some proof.
I wonder what it is about the Olympics that makes you care about things you’ve never thought about before. Take diving, I don’t give a rats patoot about diving, but when the Olympics are on I’m right there watching. I find it more true for summer than winter Olympics, I mean at least at the Winter Games they have Hockey.
I think it’s because these people do nothing but train for 4 years, and it comes down to a single moment. In all the other sports, they have the next game, or the next season, but alot of these people have one shot, maybe two in their lives. I love the celebrations - unbridled joy.
carloscondit,
Russo did an article right before the draft on how the Wild need to hit a home run since our drafting lately has been sketchy(I of course can’t find the article now) but he had done interviews with people who agreed we were tops in the league at first but as of late we haven’t been all that impressive. I agree we’ve done well with drafting but you have to admitt Houston is feeling the pain of our little hiccup of ‘04 & ‘05.
I agree with your reasoning Carlos. I have never considered Wild drafting a black hole.
Yes, there are examples of Detroit drafting better (but that is open to argument too), but a lot more teams have consistently drafted worse.
The 2004 draft, outside of Malkin and Ovechkin there are not that many good players coming out of the first round. Some of the other notable draftees are Franzen, Meszaros, and Streit. That’s really about it. There are some question mark players but the ones I mention are more well-known.
You could say that 2004 was a crapshoot draft.
2005 had more gems than 2004.
The Wild has some in Houston from those two draft years but will they make it to the big club in the next two years? That is unknown. However, since the Wild had fewer picks in 2007 and 2008 — the class of 2004 and 2005 might get a longer look.
The Wild also is working hard at signing non-drafted players to make up for the fewer picks. If they can find gems in this class, that would be a goldmine.
Lucky,
2004 is Poulliot and Voloschenko. Poulliot still has a chance and Voloschenko went nuts - hard to predict that. 2005 and later is hard to judge quite yet - since these kids are 18 when they are drafted it normally takes 4 years before they see the NHL, which makes sense because that would put them at the age of a college senior. Also, Gillies, Clutterbuck and Sheppard were 2005 and later, which is looking pretty good right now, since they are only a year or two away from being drafted.
Wow, it seems that MKIA beleves the Wild should work harder at getting Minnesotans that fit the personality of the team. I cant say that I disagree, but I dont have the data to agree or disagree with the know it all.
I know the Beaver is good at research, so I am going to ask him to see if he can look at the drafts to see just what is happening here.
Good Old Wally does not think the Wild will sign Gaborick. I think he will want to play in the Eastern Conference, and why not they dont have the tight checking and as much goon play as the western conference has.
Possible trades. A trade is tough unless the team that you are going to trade with knows that they can actually sign Gaborick to a contract. One possibility here is a trade with New Jersey, send Gaborick packing and you take Zach Parise and Paul Martin from New Jersey. Why New Jersey ? They play the same style as the Wild. I am sure it is a long shot, but I think the Wild signing Gaborick to play with JL again is a long shot
Oh don’t get me wrong I’ve always been a Pouliot supporter and I still have high hopes for him but 2004 was Thelen and Volschenko. 2005 was Pouliot and Kassian(goon). Pouliot is just now making it to the NHL and could put up decent numbers when he developes. Agreed that we need to give 2006 and forward time before we judge but I see ‘04 and ‘05 as big set backs since Pouliot is really the only player we got and he’s still a big quesiton mark.
LET IT BE KNOWN. I WILL BE THE NHL09 HOCKEY LEAGUE CUP CHAMPION
Anyone else concerned about Riser, Lynn and Gaborik all so close to Georgia and Russia right now?
Slovakia is actually quite a ways from the Georgia/Russia “conflict”. I mean invasion. Damn Commies!!!
Lucky–
The debacle known as the 2004 entry draft aside, I don’t think anyone can argue the fact the Wild has done GREAT with the majority of its 1st round picks and done well with its second round picks. The problem the organization has is the fact that the vast majority of picks past the second round have not turned into anything productive at the NHL level. You expect your first and second round picks to be the stars of your team; you expect the lower-round players to help form the basis for reliable players that your organization can grow into possibly serviceable NHLers. The Wild simply has not done that. Boogie, SRV and Sekeras are the only three players that have played substantial minutes in the League that were drafted after the second round.
Is Boogie getting 1.25MM or 825K in 09-10? Seeing different things between nhlscap.com and nhlnumbers.com. Anybody know? I tried finding an article about it but I couldn’t find any that disclose the terms.
Good Old Wally wants to share this article by Zgoda on Neal Broten that dates back to 1986. It is a classic article covering Broten becoming the first american to score 100 points
March 28, 1986
Section: SPORTS
Page: 01D
Broten’s feat not a matter of inches
Author: Jerry Zgoda; Staff Writer
Dateline: Toronto, Ontario
Article Text:
John Mariucci has this vision. He closes his eyes and sees a 6-foot-tall Neal Broten. He sees Broten skating up and down the ice - taller, stronger, a little faster.
“He’s so smart, but can you imagine what he’d be like if he were 3 or 4 inches taller?” asks Mariucci, the North Stars’ 69-year-old assistant general manager who also is known as the Godfather of Minnesota hockey. “He’d be like Gretzky with that reach. At 5-8, look what he does. At 6-0, who knows what he could do.”
General manager Lou Nanne says, “If he were taller and had longer arms, he’d probably get 180 points a year.”
At 5-8 and 165 pounds, Broten, 26, is doing just fine, thank you. The North Stars center from Roseau, Minn., became the first American-born player to reach 100 points with two assists in Wednesday’s victory at Toronto and he set the team record for most assists in a season with 73. Broten has four games remaining to add to the best season in his six-year NHL career.
“People ask you what you’d like to change and I guess one of my wishes is to be bigger and stronger,” Broten says. “The players have grown a lot just since I came into the league and a guy like me gets hacked and held and pushed a lot. But I’ve been like this all my life and I’ve learned how to play with it.”
He has learned well. Broten has done what such American players as Bob Carpenter, Joe Mullen, Dave Christian and Ed Olczyk have yet to achieve. Broten, owner of 1979 NCAA championship and 1980 Olympic gold medals, was the first winner of the Hobey Baker Award, college hockey’s equivalent of the Heisman Trophy, after playing his second and final season with the University of Minnesota in 1981. Now he leads Americans into another dimension in the NHL.
“You knew that sooner or later someone would score 100 points and it’s only fitting that Neal should be the first to do it,” says Nanne, who made Broten the 42nd player taken in the 1979 draft. “He is the most gifted American forward in the league today. When we drafted him we just figured he was a guy that’d have a chance to play here. If I had known how good he was going to be, we wouldn’t have waited that long.”
Broten rode into the NHL on a new wave of players from American high schools and colleges. He was drafted the same year as Roosevelt High’s Mike Ramsey and Warroad’s Christian. Two years later, Carpenter, from suburban Boston, became the first American to be taken in the first round. South St. Paul’s Phil Housley went in the first round the next year, and five Americans, led by top pick Brian Lawton, were selected in the first round in 1983. Now, the wave is expected to continue this year when as many as seven Americans could be among the first 15 players taken.
“Right now, Neal’s achievement is really special, but soon 100 points by an American is going to become almost common,” Lawton says. “There’s too many good players coming up for it not to happen.”
Says Broten: “The game is changing so much. Before, scouts weren’t looking at the colleges. Now people are getting smarter. It used to be that life was hockey, hockey and more hockey. The old-timers seemed to live and die by it - you’d drink, spend money, have fun and your career was over and then what? Now you have to know how to take care of yourself - how to invest your money and things like that.
“Players seem more serious about everything and college is the best route to go. A lot of teams like Calgary are starting to go after American college players because they’re a little older and more mature than an 18-year-old out of (Canadian) juniors.”
For now, Broten is the only one of those players to reach 100 points, but with one more day to think about it, his outlook hasn’t changed. He was unimpressed Wednesday night and he was unimpressed after practice Thursday, as the Stars prepared for Saturday’s game at Detroit.
“What’s the difference if you score 98, 100, 95 or 92 points?” Broten asks. “It will probably be something more important when I am 45 or 50, when I’m old and decrepit and I can start bragging to my grandchildren. I think it means more to my mom and dad. My dad called me last week (after Broten went three games without a point) and said, `Damn, I thought I’d better call you to wish you luck and get you going again.’ They think this is pretty great. It makes them proud.”
His parents, Newell and Carol Broten, were the ones who awoke before 6 on cold, Roseau winter mornings and made hot chocolate and toast for their sons before driving them to the indoor rink for practice. They would sit with the other parents and watch practice, then take their kids to school. After school and on weekends, the routine was repeated.
“You remember all those things they used to do for you when you were a little kid,” says Broten, who with his wife, Sally, has two daughters. “And you want to do everything you can so you can make all that effort worth it. That’s a motivation.”
He told his mother that someday he would make it to the NHL and then he would build a big house and swimming pool. He recently moved into a big new house in Eden Prairie, a move that left him living in his accountant’s house for two months earlier this season, but his yard isn’t big enough for that pool.
“She won’t care as long as I keep getting better,” Broten says.
He says he can be better. Although he is two points beyond his best previous season, Broten says he can score 125 or 130 points in a season.
“This isn’t a perfect season,” Broten says. “I thought my first year (when he scored 38 goals and 98 points) was a better year. You need to get the bounces - you have to play on the power play a lot, which I have this year, and you have to play with two top wingers all year, and I’ve been lucky to have Scotty (Bjugstad) and Dino (Ciccarelli) this year. Maybe next year we can keep it going and maybe I’ll get 130 points. I think that’s realistic, but I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about it.”
Says Mariucci: “With every point he scores, he becomes more and more of an inspiration for American kids, especially those kids who are 5-6, 5-7, 5-8. We talk about the Russians, Finns, Swedes and Americans, but face it. Nobody can touch the Canadiens for the number of good players. But it doesn’t hurt to shoot for them and Neal is leading the way.” North Stars notes/Steve Jensen, signed two weeks ago after playing this season in Austria, has been suspended for two weeks for refusing to report to the Springfield farm team. Jensen was called up for Monday’s game with Quebec, but did not play because Ciccarelli recovered from a stomach disorder in time for the game. Jensen refused to go back down to Springfield after the game. … Center Dennis Maruk suffered a groin injury Wednesday against Toronto and is doubtful for Saturday’s game. … Right wing Kent Nilsson may be able to play again Tuesday against Chicago at Met Center. Nilsson has been out for a week with a groin injury. Left wing Tom McCarthy’s return is still unknown. Doctors say he can play again, but McCarthy still is feeling pain from the thumb he broke three weeks ago.
Boogie has a cap hit of $875K and a salary hit of $850K and for 2010-11 season, his salary will be $1.025 million.
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/cap-central/team.php?team=MIN
click on Show Salary on the right side to see salary instead of cap hits.
1991 article
BROTEN’S WIFE SAYS MANAGEMENT UNDERESTIMATED HIS CONTRIBUTION
Author: BYLINE: Charley Walters, Staff Columnist
Article Text:
Neal Broten’s wife of 10 years, Sally, who like her husband is a Roseau grad, has a theory as to why the North Stars didn’t meet the former Gopher and Olympic hero’s contract demands and allowed him to depart for Berlin this week.
“My feeling is that the new owner (Norman Green), the new general manager (Bob Clarke) and perhaps the new coach (Bob Gainey) are, in a sense, ignorant of what Neal is to Minnesota,” Sally Broten said. “And they don’t identify a value to what he’s done here, not only in the last 10 years (with the North Stars), but the last 30 years with what he’s done at every level. I support him. I can go anywhere and do whatever, because in 10 years, he’ll be done with hockey and we’ll be living in Minnesota.” …
In Berlin, Broten has a choice of free use of an Opel sport car or sedan model. His apartment, which also is free, is in the center of Berlin. The Broten children, Brooke (8) and Lara (6), can attend the bilingual John F. Kennedy school, which has 700 Americans and 700 Germans. …
Former Vikings offensive coordinator Bob Schnelker, who is the highest-paid Gophers volunteer coach in history (the Vikings are paying him an estimated $125,000 this year), played in the Gophers’ fund-raiser golf tournament in Waconia this week. …
Gophers hockey coach Doug Woog on Herb Brooks’ return to pro coaching for the Utica, N.Y., Devils this season: “Herbie will be back in the National Hockey League within a year.” Woog has 350 youngsters attending his Kiwadinipi summer camp near the Boundary Waters. …
Gophers basketball coach Clem Haskins is considering having his young team - seven freshmen and four sophomores - open practice at 12:01 a.m. Oct. 15 at Williams Arena if fans express enough interest. Meanwhile, Haskins and wife, Yevette, are headed on a Caribbean cruise next week courtesy of a basketball shoe company. En route, they’ll spend a weekend in Miami at ex-Gopher Willie Burton’s place on the ocean. …
Cretin-Derham Hall’s Chris Walsh is among seven quarterbacks listed among the top 50 high school football players in the nation by Seattle scouting expert Don Heinrich, who also projects St. Thomas Academy grad Matt Brzica, a junior at Dartmouth, as the Ivy League’s all-conference quarterback this season. …
North Stars owner Green this week had bricklayers and carpenters who are building a roof on the outside patio of his Tonka Bay home wear black North Stars jerseys and hats. One worker replaced his Vikings jersey with a Stars jersey. …
The Monarchs professional women’s volleyball team that has operated in Minnesota the past five years (2 1/2 years as an independent) doesn’t plan to operate next season without a sanctioned league, and it’s unlikely there will be a league. As many as five former Monarchs could end up on the U.S. Olympic roster for next summer’s competition in Barcelona.
DON’T PRINT THAT: Insiders say discussions between the North Stars and Broten came to a quick halt Wednesday with a suggestion that the North Stars, rather than Broten, pay his agent’s $150,000 negotiating fee. General manager Clarke couldn’t believe that move. …
Total present value of the 11 $100,000-per-year payments the North Stars offered Broten after his four-year contract expired is $420,000. …
Sources say Lou Nanne is part of the KMSP-TV North Stars broadcasting package for next season. …
Regardless of whether ex-Gophers center Chris Thome of St. Paul earns a spot on the Vikings roster, he’ll get to keep his $35,000 signing bonus. …
North Oaks Country Club, which hopes to name a successor to retiring golf pro Ray Vennewitz by November, has a salary range of between $60,000 and $80,000 for the job. …
Was that Lou Holtz in downtown St. Paul this week? …
The New Orleans Saints have added quarterback Tim Peterson, who was with the Vikings in training camp last year, to their roster. …
Sources say the North Stars this week hired John Shannon of Calgary to produce their telecasts, meaning one of the best in the business, former Gophers outfielder Tom Mee Jr., won’t be producing for the Stars for the first time in nine years. …
Steve Winfield has his brother Dave of the Angels appearing at the grand opening of his Rice Street Indoor Sports facility Monday, with Dave returning to give a hitting clinic to youngsters on Wednesday. …
He’s still collecting a paycheck from the Timberwolves, but former personnel director Billy McKinney was playing against the Wolves in the NBA pro-am celebrity game at the Salvation Army this week. …
Marv Wolfenson, Harvey Ratner, Bob Stein and Tyrone Corbin of the Timberwolves are among those dedicating an outdoor basketball court in north Minneapolis next Monday to kick off a basketball league for members of rival gangs. …
Insiders say Pat O’Halloran, who tried to get St. Paul involved in the proposed Continental Hockey Association, now is trying to buy into the Cleveland franchise. Meanwhile, it will be announced that the competing North American Hockey League, which this summer drafted several North Stars prospects, has postponed its start for a year. …
Hank Williams Jr., during an appearance at the Timberwolves arena Thursday night, said he’ll be returning for a third consecutive intro spot on ABC-TV Monday Night Football this season. …
Former Gophers basketball assistant Milton Barnes, coaching in the recent Nike camp in Indianapolis, received the first technical foul issued to a coach in the history of the league, which attracts many of the top high school players in the nation. …
The Timberwolves, who locked in prices for three seasons, have the second-lowest average ticket in the NBA at $15. The league average last season was $21. The Wolves haven’t decided whether to raise ticket prices after the coming season.
OVERHEARD: Berlin coach Craig Sarner, a former Gopher: “If Neal goes back to the North Stars, it will not be for monetary reasons. I guarantee that. If he plays like he’s capable of playing, we’ve got sponsors and other people here who are interested in the club that, well, money is the least of his worries
Ohh, IC. Thank you, Sunshine. Someone mentioned Kassian and I was just pondering how attractive Boogie is going to look in comparison to Kassian assuming he plays well in Houston this season. But 300k cap hit isn’t that big a difference really. However, Kass does provide some enforcer insurance, so no more Simon-like deals would be necessary if Boogey’s on IR.
Thanks for the spin in the Wayback machine Mr. Peabody…
Marv Wolfenson, Harvey Ratner, Bob Stein and Tyrone Corbin of the Timberwolves are among those dedicating an outdoor basketball court in north Minneapolis next Monday to kick off a basketball league for members of rival gangs. …
If that ain’t throwing gasoline on a fire, I don’t know what is.
Does anybody else feel that Liepold reminds them of Jimmy James from NewsRadio?? Just a general observance…
Yes, he has a certain Stephen Root-ness to him. “I believe you have my stapler.”
per Wild.com
[Because Slovakia also happens to be the home of the leading scorer in Wild history, one who is famously entering his “contract year,” it only made sense that Risebrough and Lynn’s planets might collide with Marian Gaborik during the trip.
On Monday night, they did.
Risebrough and Lynn met with Gaborik for more than four hours, an extended dinner over which the parties presented their thoughts about the franchise and the player, choosing to save more numbers-related details for a later date.
“We talked only about the future of the team and Marian’s place in it, not about contract,” Lynn said Tuesday morning before heading to Breclav for the games. “It was a very positive, open discussion.”]
It bothers me that we get no real insight as to what Gaborik wants. Unless the comment about “choosing to save more numbers-related details for a later date” means that Gaborikk is amenable to looking at a contract but that doesn’t mean his is willing to sign an extension.
Ugggh. I just want to get a better sense, darn it.
Sunshine, it does not bother me at all if I do not have “insights as to what Gabby wants”. I am not the one who is negotiating the contract.
And, frankly, I think DR will do a better job if the fan base does not think they need to help and take sides.
I don’t know if its a silver lining ( I would like to think it is) but all this attention on Gaborik and the Wild does bring more people (Eastern Conference folks) to check out what the Wild is all about.
Ideally, its not as positive as I would like it to be but its still attention.
Part of me kinda likes that the Wild don’t get much national attention. Makes it easier to sneak up on teams (though, honestly, I think the players and coaches know who the badasses are, even if fans don’t).
Well, I would like this situation to be more settled. Its dragged out for almost 3 months already. The undercurrent running throughout the other UFA/FA/RFA signings was the Gaborik situation. Every move this off-season has led to this contract.
Yeah, I know that the Wild couldn’t talk to Gaborik until July 1st but its the elephant in the room even during the Rolston talks.
FYI - Brett Hull, Brian Leetch, Mike Richter and Cammi Granato elected to U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame - http://www.startribune.com/sports/wild/26869779.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUX
Here’s an acrticle from NHL.com on Minnesota’s prospects
http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?articleid=379396&page=NewsPage&service=page
Thanks Lucky… boy I have a LOT to say about that write-up… gonna have to take it to the blog. Too much for here.
But I will say that I’m LMAO that Scotty is on the list.
pretty exciting day
And whoever can find ANY kind of link regarding the contract that Adrian Foster has with either the Wild or the Aeros gets a candy bar. I’m not kidding.
Which kind of candy bar??
Isn’t he the guy that was released a week after being invited to minor-league camp at the start of last year?
Iggy, any kind you want, within reason.
DB, he went to Wild camp and was released, then went to Aeros camp and… was an Aero. No press release about him signing any kind of contract. I’ve looked hard for something. And the Aeros aren’t exactly shy about press releases. There’s one for every other guy on the team last year.
Do you have any of those ones with the golden tickets?
Hence the “within reason.”
Pfft! No deal, Howie.
Slacker.
ms. conduct:
Not that I was angling for a candy bar since I am on a self-impose candy bar ban, I checked lexis-nexis and nothing on A. foster’s contract.
This has become a mystery.
Thanks for checking. I would email the director of communications for the team but I know the club policy is not to talk about contracts. And my ticket rep who loved me more than my ticket package warranted has left the team. 
Claire knew it was a 2 year deal so it must have been reported somewhere. But if L-N doesn’t have it…
And if he’s a Wild prospect, why isn’t he listed “In the System” on the site? That’s why I always assumed he was just on a one year AHL contract with the Aeros.
Okay, this little video in the sidebar of this page needs to NOT automatically play.
It is a conspiracy. Someone call Oliver Stone.
Hey, this is important stuff.
I agree with a lot of that prospect list with the exception of John Scott. They should have featured Maxim Noreau, Clayton Stoner or Paul Albers instead.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m Scott’s biggest fan since I’m also a large guy at 6′8″ but he doesn’t have the quickness to play in the NHL.
I for one would like to hear more about Justin Falk. Considering the Wild were defense heavy in the last draft they probably don’t think too highly of the blue line prospects. But I would watch for Noreau this season.
re: Adrian Foster - I would like to know if that guy is coming back as well. He played a nice season and has a lot of potential. If he stays healthy I can see him playing a significant role up the middle of the ice for the Aeros.
Russo - nice article about Leipold.
After seeing his sizable donations to the Republican Party I wonder if he bought the Wild solely for a good seat at the RNC?
Aaron, don’t you think maybe that list was somewhat guided by TT himself though? I know they were high on Scotty last year at camp time. *shrug* I dunno. Maybe being married will make Scotty a better skater. *sigh*
Maybe being married will make Scotty a better skater. *sigh*
Depends. Is his wife chasing him?
You know they took his picture off the boards at the rink where I play and put Schaefer’s up. The least they could do is put Brusty up. But no. Nobody asks Ms.Conduct which Aero she wants to see when she’s fighting for the puck in the corners.
Yeah having Scott on that list left me scratching my head. I didn’t even think he was coming back to the Aeros but they gave him another year. I hope we get to see more Aeros games televised up in Minny this year!
Tom Lynn says fans should let FSN know if they want to see more Aeros games broadcast. I haven’t quite figured out how to accomplish that though.
The one or two games I caught on FSN — the quality was awful. Many times the screen froze. It was very annoying.
Ms. C and Sunshine: I think (not sure, but) they were taking the feed from B2B networks or wherever they were getting it. We were seeing a lot of Aeros’ commercials, also, so it looked to me like they were running it ‘raw’, or as is, where is, like a used car.
It was probably exactly the same footage they send to B2, just with the addition of Shaver doing on-camera stuff.
I wish the Aeros were like the Chicago Wolves and televised all their games, but there’s just not the demand for it.
Ms.C: Thanks for checking. I would email the director of communications for the team but I know the club policy is not to talk about contracts.
Surely that policy just applies to the terms of the contract. Surely they’d confirm if he is on the team or not….
Well, yeah, that’s true. I guess I had more details in mind, but even just that info would be better than nothing. Oh Patrick!…
Ms. C, TSN doesn’t have Adrian Foster listed with a team (where as Gillies for an example is listed with MIN) so I am guessing he wasn’t offered a contract.
I don’t see any reason why the Wild wouldn’t offer A. Foster another contract. Perhaps he is looking for a team with a better oppurtunity to play in the NHL. I don’t think he is ready to bail for Europe though.
Well, I sent Patrick an email. He’s usually pretty responsive so we’ll see what he says.
The thing is, I don’t know why that NHL.com article yesterday would have TT talking about him as a prospect if he wasn’t actually with the team in some capacity. I’m gonna get to the bottom of this. It’s my mission now. Next step is to send an email to the NHL.com writer and ask him how he knew AF was even a prospect.
Here is a nhl dom com article on the MN youngsters. AF has a little paragraph in there.
http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?articleid=379396&page=NewsPage&service=page
Go get em’ MsC. Just remember to share those results. With it all quiet on the Gabby front, any hockey news is appreciated. The last couple days, waking up with temps in the lower 60’s I can smell Hockey season on the horizon. Only 59 days till regular season games start. Is it weird that my first game this season I want to get there early, go down by the glass and just smell the ice? Ok even I find that weird. Oh well, off to the p.t.j.
This is funny, not funny haha but funny I have stuff set up to let me know when stories about hockey show up in the media. Thought some of you would get a kick out of it.
Wow… this wasn’t the answer I was expecting: “To be honest, we don’t know where he is or where he is going…”
Um. Ohhhkay.
But I guess if the Aeros don’t know what his deal is, I’m sure as hell never going to find out.
That was actually kinda cool Bandgeek. Makes sense too.
Ms.C, as far as being in the article, there is nothing that indicates TT made those remarks recently. Though, the past tense when saying “he played a full season” does indicate the remarks were made since the season ended.
Nice link BG. I started doing yoga in earnest when I started learning to skate and wanting to play goal. I’ve backed off a bit because I keep hurting my wrists, but I need to just modify and do it anyway.
I’d wager there are quite a few pro goalies who include yoga in their training regimen. I know DiPietro does. And Schaefer does. It’s good for teaching you to keep breathing and stay calm and steady even in stressful physical situations. I love it.
Yeah, Goody, I thought maybe the writer was pulling old quotes or something, but the tone and the fact that Cuma is in the list indicates to me that the interview was more recent than not.
Oh well. At least I don’t have to mail a candybar to anyone…
Yet.
Hey, the offer still stands… but it’s looking grim.
Hey hasnt everyone figured out yet that we will never have big name players on this team as long as JL and DR are here? Once players get a taste of national exposure they will want to leave. Signing Gabby is a long shot and even if we do we’ll have to sell the farm to keep him. Overpay.
I’ve talked to numerous current NHL players and most would never even consider coming here by choice while JL and DR are in charge. Why do you think we have to pay so much more for so so talent.
I personally dont think JL and DR are much different than any other coach and GM out there but they have a bad rep among the players so we’re kind of screwed until they move on.
It also doesnt help when the coach doesnt talk with the players but decides to vent to the press when he’s unhappy. He lost this team last year and is old enough that I dont think he really cared. He kind of has that it is what it is mentality. Ultimately it is on the players to perform and do what they are paid to do but at some point this team is going to have to make a change just to make a change. If the players arent buying the system and are just playing so they can get a bigger contract next year what’s the point.
I’ll get off now and let you all bitch about my comments but it is a reality that alot of current NHL players cant stand this club.
I love this team and as a true Minnesotan I appreciate good hockey which isnt always exciting. But when you are supposed to be a shut down team you have to shut down the other teams while still being able to score. As it stands we are the only ones being shut down.
Hey TILI, will you ask your NHL player friends if they know where Adrian Foster is and what his plans are for next season?
That’s so weird, all of the current NHL players I talk to all the time think Minnesota is the greatest and say even JL’s farts are like sunshine and rainbows.
I do agree with your final statement there, sir.
[ But when you are supposed to be a shut down team you have to shut down the other teams while still being able to score. As it stands we are the only ones being shut down ]
Maybe JL is moving away from being a defensive-minded team, hmm? Could this be it?
TILI = Mark Parrish?
Sorry TLII
You’re way off. It’s Dominic Moore.
Oops, I got that wrong, too, eh. TLII. Now get cracking on that Foster research… there’s candy in it for you!
TLII,
When you talk to all your NHL buddies do they mention the KHL? Just wondering if it’s a serious threat or not.
Nah, TILI = Mike’s (that Mike) older, more mature, better educated, respectful brother.
TILI, you do make some valid points.
Who do you consider to be “big name players”?
Dang it El G, you mislead me! It should be TILII should it not?
But it isn’t. It is in fact TLII. I’ll try to get that right from now on.
Seriously folks, how many NHL players must one talk to before the sampling of opinions actually becomes statistically relevant?
I can see a certain TYPE of player not wanting to play for JL and I can see where not having that type of player would be troublesome. But as usual, I suspect the truth is somewhere in the middle…
The middle is exactly where the Wild is in the pack. Didn’t someone post a survey of sampling of NHL players about which team they would want to play for and the Wild was in the middle of all the other teams.
Don’t forget we don’t have a championship or a long history so its going to be harder for us to get good players without paying big money for them. Edmonton gets most of their players via trades or huge contracts.
Sunshine,
I’ve seen that survey but for the life of me can’t find it. Players didn’t give their names and it was only a couple hundred surveyed but only 4% said they would HATE to play for Lemaire while another 4% said they would LOVE to play for Lemaire. Iron Mike Keenan was the most hated coach(surprised?)
I think the one complaint I have read about JL is that he doesn’t tell players what they are doing wrong or what they need to do better to get into the line-up. He might not be the best communicator.
We heard a lot more from Rolston about the number of practices that JL holds — too many from Rolston’s POV. When they did an article on Demitra, they said that the Blues coach or owner at that time gave them every Sunday off as long as there is not a game and the players would go watch the Rams play because the Blues owner had a box. Hill even said that the Wild holds more practices than any of the teams he previously played for.
How many practices does Detroit hold? Let’s do that.
Okay, time for some weirdness:
Two friends of mine, who are rather strange, decided the 2010 is going to be a repeat of 1980 (which is funny, since earlier I said once it’s not 1980), that there will be gas rationings and the US will need to defeat the Russians and Canadians to win gold.
So they decided to build a team of Americans. Problem is, neither knows much about hockey.
So who’s on your Team USA Olympic team?
KiPA:
It can’t be 1980 for the mere fact that most if not all the players for the US will be NHL players in 2010.
Well sure, sunshine, so that means we’re building our roster from predominantly NHL teams.
DiPietro is your #1 goalie, that’s fer sure.
Kane, Kessel, Mueller, O’Sully, Stafford, Dustin Brown at forward for sure.
I don’t really know about defense.
How DO they deal with the olympics in the midst of hockey season? I’ve not been an NHL fan during the olympics before…
Nick! Shouldn’t you be screaming at airline employees somewhere?
it’s pretty sweet, ms.c. They do a camp before the NHL training camps, and then they break the season for a few weeks during the actual Olympics. The hockey at that level is awesome.
here’s a roster of the 2008 world championship roster, for some indication of where we stand right now.
http://www.nhl-apparel.com/blog/2008/04/09/united-states-world-championships/
I’m leaving in about 20 minutes, ms.c. 7pm flight, one hour drive to Buffalo, leaving me a good 2 hours to dick around with the bags/security.
Ah, thanks Nick. Man, I really want to go to Vancouver. I wonder what such an expedition would cost a girl who wants to watch the elite hockey players of the world duke it out for a week. And is it even realistic to think you could get tickets? Eh, I’m probably better off staying home.
Have a safe flight. And good luck with the bags.
I would add Paul Martin, Erik Johnson, and Jack Johnson as possible defensemen to NiNY’s link.
I went through all the Americans last night currently on NHL rosters. Here are some other names:
Defense - Brooks Orpik, Joe Corvo, Dustin Byfuglien, Brian Rafalski, Mathieu Schneider
Forwards - Drury, Gomez, Parise, Gionta
Goalies - Ryan Miller, Tim Thomas
Ms. C, typically the Olympics happen during the all star break and the all star game is not ‘performed’.
Does Team USA 2010 go with older players again or give the youngsters a shot? Is Chelios still playing in 2010? Does he have another Olympics in him? IMO, having a team full of older players did not benefit them the last time around.
Don’t forget to count Parise as a forward. Certainly quite a lot of young talent to choose from.
Doh! Read the posts Goody, read the posts! KiPA already listed Parise…
The All Star game and break is canceled in Olympic years, replaced by Olympic break, and season is put on hiatus during that time. There has been some debate whether NHL will participate past 2010 due to travel issues but there is no way they were going to miss opportunities with Salt Lake and Vancouver.
food, folks - what’s taking so long?
