Gaborik speaks about contract, hip for first time since playoffs
Posted on September 3rd, 2008 – 10:19 PMBy Michael Russo
I wandered down to the Rec Center in St. Louis Park this morning for more of the Octagon camp, which runs through next week. Several NHLers — Keith Ballard, Ryan Malone and many others — have been skating for some time with Wild players Brent Burns, Derek Boogaard, Stephane Veilleux and Josh Harding.
But I found a couple more Wild players added to the fray.
James Sheppard. Andrew Brunette. Eric Belanger. And, guess who, but none other than Marian Gaborik!
Gaby lives, and speaks. Here’s the story in Wednesday’s editions. It was the first time Gaborik put out his voice regarding his ongoing contract extension talks with the Wild.
If you’re a Gaborik fan, the good news is there’s definitely been back and forth negotiations, which means Gaborik’s at least open to talking. But the bad news is Gaborik was noncommittal when it came to actually saying he’s going to sign long-term here.
Of course, he has to be to retain his leverage. This is after all a negotiation. But Gaborik also made clear to me that he knows his options. He knows that next summer there’s going to be “20 teams” that come after him if he becomes a free agent.
So negotiations are definitely “complicated,” according to assistant GM Tom Lynn. It’s not as simple as picking a salary out of the hat and number of years. When you’re talking about this type of term, you have to estimate how high the salary cap will get six, seven, eight years down the line, you have to try to determine what the market value for a top-10 player will be six, seven, eight years down the line. Remember, you can’t tear up a contract and renegotiate in the new NHL. And there are no performance bonuses in the new NHL.
So the Wild and Gaborik’s agent, Ron Salcer, are in the discovery stages. Whether this ends with Gaborik signing an extension is still to be determined. But right now, they are undoubtedly talking, but this could very well go into training camp, which will undoubtedly create some kind of subplot to camp. The one thing that was clear to me is Gaborik is going to get tired talking contract publicly.
As for Gaborik’s surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip, Gaborik says he’s feeling very good and is just trying to “tune it up.” Gaborik hadn’t talked about the injury previously with the media, but Gaborik said it was a lingering problem throughout last season. And remember, he scored 42 goals and 83 points in 77 games.
He said it never got so bad where he felt he had to pull himself from the lineup in the second half, although “sometimes it was bothering me more than others.” He said it hurt at times during the playoffs, but he did not use it as an excuse for not scoring a goal against Colorado.
One other thing: I’m pretty sure I reported this after the Wild’s Game 6 loss, but right before Gaborik addressed the media, GM Doug Risebrough pulled Gaborik into a back room of the visitors’ locker room at the Pepsi Center. This summer, I learned from Risebrough that he told Gaborik to keep his head up and “whatever you do, don’t apologize for not scoring. You have nothing to apologize for because you worked your” you know what off.
I asked Gaborik about this, and he confirmed that was the nature of the conversation.
“Of course, I was disappointed after we lost. I had some bad bounces, but everybody left everything out there. Everybody put their heart and soul into it.”
By the way, four months after reconstructive knee surgery, Branko Radivojevic is already playing for his new Russian team, and scored a goal and an assist in his first game, according to Gaborik.
That’s it for now. More and more players will be arriving soon. I’m pretty sure Niklas Backstrom and Pierre-Marc Bouchard, among others, will be out at the Rec Center next week.
111 Responses to "Gaborik speaks about contract, hip for first time since playoffs"
Appreciate the update. Now do what you can to facilitate the signing of a long-term extension by Gabby to play with the Wild.
well well…
big changes a comin
It is going to get interesting.
Interesting convo with Riser and Gabby after game 6. Warms me to ol’ Dougie a bit.
I’m even warmed to Gabby a bit. Kinda glad he’s being tight-lipped. The Rolston thing was ugly.
Any Aeros at the Octagon thing, Russo? Figured Cal and Brusty and probably Pouls would be there, maybe some of the other kids?
Yeah, I felt warm and fuzzy about DR, too. I think DR, especially with his draftees, he does feel protective of them. The Wild has always protected their draftees by bringing them in slowly and making sure that they are put in places to succeed.
Russo:
What’s with Gaby instead of Gabby?
Well, sunshine - there’s only one ‘b’ in Groinorik. I mean, Gaborik.
Still. I hope they sign him, but my confidence is lacking.
Well, Russo has been using Gabby for awhile and so has other media so seeing Gaby does begs the question… Why the change?
Speaking of Mongolian grills…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKvzo-sm-cs&feature=related
It’s not looking good reading between Gabby’s lines.
[…] (more…) […]
Actually, I get the slighlty opposite feeling. I am cautiously optimistic and not to the point where I think he will re-sign but its move closer to a little more than 50% likely he will stay. Then again, I am an optimist.
And, I think that its smart for Gaborik to impose a gag rule on him and the Wild. Look at the Rolston situation. I agree with ms. conduct, it was ugly.
Though, I hope he doesn’t totally leave himself out of the process and is on top of the negotiations.
Agree with you Sunshine… the fact that he’s saying he’s willing to stay is encouraging in the tiniest way. But even if they still can’t work it out, I at least want to feel like he didn’t already have one foot and a couple of toes out the door, which is where it was in my head. I’m now determined to follow Gabby’s lead and forget about the whole thing and think about hockey. 
Damn stats didn’t work out like I thought they would. Honest to god, it feels like the Aeros got at least 40 of their 45 wins by one point. But no. Only 23 were by 1 point. I think because most of those 23 were late in the season, that’s all I’m remembering. The defense got better and the offense got worse? I dunno.
Sleepy. Should go to bed.
if Gaby signs with the Wild, he gets a ton of moolah. If he doesn’t, and ends up some where else, he might get a skosh more than a ton of moolah. There’s no reason for him to be anything but positive.
I can’t remember who it was, but I started writing Gaby with the one B sometime last year after someone said they got a look at his gloves and it’s spelled that way on them. I figure, if it’s good enough for Gaborik, it’s good enough for me.
NiNY…I really, really think this is going to hinge on exactly what MG wants to do.
He knows he is going to get paid by the truckload.
He also knows he is in complete control. If he gets traded, he knows he will decide where he plays next season.
The fact that he doesn’t exactly bleed IRR (to me) is an indication of where his mind is at.
He has a gazillion reasons to have his most productive season ever. And, knowing the Wild are backed into a corner, his trade value has diminished - especially when a team trading for him knows he will walk at the end of the season.
The management of the player contracts falls squarely on the shoulders of one Douggie Ballgame. Recent history shows us how successful he has been in negotiations.
Oh…unless your initials are SRV.
DR pwned SRV.
I appreciate the news on Gabby/Gaby, but something tells me that the Wild and its fan base are going to get bent over the table on this one.
something tells me that the Wild and its fan base are going to get bent over the table on this one.
I’m shocked to read that from DB.
Talking is always good. Remember with Rolston, his camp would never make counters. Hard to negotiate when only one side it talking.
#10 still has trade value. there are plenty of teams willing to use him for a season and would enjoy exclusive negotiating rights.
The fact that he doesn’t exactly bleed IRR (to me) is an indication of where his mind is at.
Fair enough, but how many players actually bleed their current teams’ colors, though, kj?
Schultz, Koivu and Burns signing for reasonable money is awesome, and makes me feel like they’re more on board with the team concept. But none of them has the ability to put in 40 goals. Burns is arguably the closest (relative to other defensemen) and when his deal is up in four years - and he’s staring UFA right in the face - I’d be amazed if he doesn’t at least contemplate trying to grab the brass ring, which is exactly what Marian’s doing now.
Why do players sign RFA offer sheets? Because the PA would give them hell if they didn’t? No way. If Backes bled Blues blue (please note the alliteration) wouldn’t he have just said “no thanks” to the Nux?
Riser has shown conclusively that he will not overpay for a player since the one time he did so (Johnsson) which didn’t turn out so well for him in the public eye. If he had started talking to Rolston sooner, would Rolston definitely have signed? And if he hadn’t, would Lamoriello NOT have made a ridiculous offer to him - literally made him an offer he couldn’t refuse?
For every Rolston there would appear to be a Koivu/Schultz/Burns negotiation on DR’s record of late.
That was me NiNY. The very soon to be Mr. had a Gaby wallpaper on the computer that very clearly showed GABY printed on his gloves.
I really hope Gaby stays here but I do agree that he has Moss Syndrome on the I play when I want to play and work when I want to work at what I want to work at. I don’t think we should sell the farm to keep him either.
Seems pretty obvious that Gabby is a goner after this season. He is all about the money, and certainly not about the team.
I sure hope that the Wild are able to get some decent compensation when trading him, because all the teams know that Gabby has the Wild bent over a barrel.
Going to be an ugly year I fear, but hopefully the youngsters will get a ton of playing experience.
kgopher…nice.
When’s the big day again???
the 13th
sweeet.
If I asked your mom, fiance, or mother-in-law-to-be if you’re Bridezilla or Cinderella, what would they say?
I’d guess Gaby, seeing first hand, how teams were backing up the Brink’s truck to Marion Hossa’s front door, and then Hossa getting to hand pick where he went, also plays into this.
IMO, If Gaby doesn’t re-up before the season, he is as good as gone.
good point, Eddie.
Cinderella. I have been trying really hard not to be Bridezilla. It is one day that isn’t all that important in the end and is over too fast. The marriage more important then how you get there and we aren’t planning that fancy of a day in the first place. Besides, I hate being center of attention.
Looking forward to hockey season starting although with what I have to do for work from middle of October until the shortly before Christmas I may not get to see too many Wild games 
I don’t think Gaby has a no trade clause, does he? If he doesn’t sign and DR decides to trade him I don’t think he has any control over where he goes.
Any chance the Gaby negotiations hinge on whether JL is here beyond his current one-year deal?
DP, true about having no control over where he goes, but you also have to consider what teams have available cap space and of the teams that don’t, which bloated contract would you be willing to take on in order to get something. I have said repeatedly that I would rather see Gaby walk and have freed up cap space than get a 2nd or 3rd round pick and some marginal player with a $5M cap hit for the next 2-3 years.
The whole center thing is obviously something that came up with Gabby, that must be a sticking point for him to want to stay here. The Wild find him a decent center, he may have more incentive to stick around. Wonder how he would have like skating with O’Sullivan huh?
Maple Leafs just found their center in the rough signing Andre Deveaux from Wolves, rough being the operative word with him, but he can score.
The problem with Gaby’s trade value is that a team that would want him would have to consider him a “rental” simply because he is an UFA. If that’s the case the trading team would most likely be one that is “one the cusp” of winning the Cup; has the money under tha Cap to get him in and has the picks/prospects/players that would make it “fair value” in any trade for the Wild. The list of teams out there that fit all of that criteria is relatively short. Just don’t think Ballgame should have let Gabby/Gaby get this close to UFA-land. Nobody wants Gabby/Gaby to sign an extension more than I, but something tells me we (fan basse/organization) are going to get our faces pushed into the couch cushions on this one
1) Moss syndrome - yes, except I only remember Gaby being in the news for what he does one the ice (field) and not the trouble he gets into off the ice (field). That makes him much, much better than Moss IMO.
2) Brinks truck - Gaby will indeed get a Brinks truck from here or somewhere else. But, what more could he want? He’s got his F1 simulator, his new car, a NICE house in Slovakia (from what I’ve heard), he’s s Slovakian ‘rock star’… and I’m guessing still plenty of dough in the bank.
3) I can see Gaby being hesitant to sign here if he feels the team may not get better or go downhill. He may be unwilling to be ’stuck’ here with a 10yr contract but at the same time he wants the security of a long term deal.
Anyone know if the CBA allows contract wording about players requesting a trade? I’m just curious if they could word in there somehow that if the player requests it, the GM must at least try for a trade rather than flat out refusing.
Seems pretty obvious that Gabby is a goner after this season. He is all about the money, and certainly not about the team.
Gabby is all about scoring goals and since $ follows goals, he doesn’t need to worry about that. I hope the Yelle feelers are an indication that the Wild will add a vetern checking center (Smolinski?) soon because only then will Gabby have a reasonable assurance that he will play with Mikko this year.
Claire,
Good observation. Maybe Gaby’s demanding a center be signed before he signs. A little childish, but…
DB,
Don’t forget that Gaborik wasn’t in his last year and couldn’t be negotiated with until July 1 (I think that’s correct). That’s not that far in the past. It’s not like Rolston where he waited what 10 months before starting negotiations?
hmm. how about we track everybody’s stance on gabby signing or not. at the end of your post. 1 gabby stays, 2 gabby leaves.
1.5
When will it sink in, MG does not want to be here.
Send him before he is injured again this year and his value sinks.
Which Slovenian do you think has the most “heart” in the league?
Reading between the lines, what I got out of that is that it is going to take Ovechkin money + $1, and probably front loaded, to get it done.
For those keeping track at home, that’s $9.538 M/year.
Now, as Russo has told us several times before, the Wild opened the bidding at roughly $8.5M. Add to that, as we know from the Rolston negotiations, DR tosses $100,000 increments around like they are manhole covers, and you’ve got the makings of an impass. . . .and then a trade.
Ok… I need to get this off my chest first: KHHHHHHAAAAANNNN!!!
Now that we have that over with…
I think (hope?) DR had some talks with JL this offseason. I am thinking (hoping) that he told the old man to leave the top line alone. Put Gaby out there with Bruno and Mikko and let them score some goals. I’m sorry to put it so bluntly, but Gaby’s job is not defense. Putting Bruno and Mikko out there with him adds the defensive back up, and it also puts the two best set up guys on the team out there with him.
You could argue for Butch to be out there on the top line too. Maybe allow JL to switch him and Bruno around depending on the situation.
Mikko to Gaby for the pretty goal, with Bruno right there to clean up the garbage if it comes out. I like it.
As for him signing, I think there are so many different variables involved. I wish DR would have started sooner, and I think it is going to get to crunch time and blow up in his face.
If it does end up in a trade situation, I think they can ask for as much as the Thrashers did for Hossa. Top prospect, draft picks, and another player. At least. Of course, the bad part is, if his groin becomes an issue, his stock hits rock bottom.
I’ll shut up now. I could probably write 15 pages on this. Maybe I will… hmmm… think the baby will stop crying for that long?
NiNY-
From your blog… Kuba hardly qualifies as a defenseman. Just because Topps lists it as your position on your hockey card, doesn’t make it true.
I think I hated Kuba even more than I hate Skoula. Freakin dream team there.
Goody: Ballgame could have been having talks at the start of LAST year with Salcer. Could have kept it quiet. Should have known this was going to be a long process and one that should have been started prior to the end of August, since it’s obvious nobody on either side wants this to drag into the start of the season. Just have a feeling that we (fan base/organization) are going to get our ankles pinned behind our ears on this one.
mike: AFAIK, there’s only one Slovenian in the league, and he plays in Los Angeles.
Geo: if you’re right about Gaby needing AO + $1 to sign here, then that means he has no intention of signing long-term with the Wild. If he thinks he’s better than AO he’s out of his mind.
missed this earlier:
Any chance the Gaby negotiations hinge on whether JL is here beyond his current one-year deal?
Great question. Wouldn’t surprise me. Although, if Constantine is the heir apparent, would it really matter to Gaby?
Ballgame could have been having talks at the start of LAST year with Salcer. Could have kept it quiet.
who is to say he wasn’t? not like we will ever know as that would be a violation.
The wild appear to have taken action on this as early as allowable save for a month. Sure they could have glen taylor’d it and passed slacer a duffle bag full of hundreds last christmas but if it would take that to retain #10 services, it ain’t worth it.
DR is a by the books kind of guy. He is going to wait until after July 1 to talk to Gabby’s agent.
Gabby might want Ovechkin money but DR is not going to pay him that much. Why? Because Gabby is not as good. He might get Crosby/Malkin money at $8.7 million the $1. I think DR would rather do a quick rebuild than hamstring himself to a long-term contract such as Ovechkin’s for Gabby.
Ballgame could have started the negotiation process 16 months ago. Nothing prevents that. To let something go until a month before the season starts that is going to be this complicated seems a little foolish. Especially when you’re talking about the only game-in-game out goal scoring threat the team has.
If I were DR, I would eliminate money as an issue. Gaborik is your franchise guy. Either you want him or you don’t.
Offer him 9.7 per for 10 years. Don’t jerk around your franchise player and try to nickel and dime him.
If he turns it down, trade him. Simple.
Are you potentially mortgaging the future?
Yep…but you’ll know in a hurry whether he truly wants to be here.
And, is an extra 15 mil over 10 years really that tough to swallow for the Cash Cow???
Ballgame could have started the negotiation process 16 months ago. Nothing prevents that.
Gabby prevents it if he wants to - based on Gabby’s bitter comments at the All Star Game, my guess is that he would not have been interested but who knows. Also - and far be it for me to defend Doug Smugsborough - the Wild needed to see how the groin played out last year too.
*Maple Leafs just found their center in the rough signing Andre Deveaux from Wolves, rough being the operative word with him, but he can score.*
Not really, IMO. He’s a career AHL punching bag. Glad he’s out of the West now so I don’t have to see his ugly mug as much.
Not that I have an opinion on the matter.
DB, I’m waiting to see how many more euphemisms for taking it in the azz you have.
Meh. Gabby. I’m over it. Stay, go, whatever. We’re not making the playoffs either way.
Boom. Outta here.
SGS: Gabby has said he doesn’t worry about the negotiating, that he leaves that up to Salcer. So Gabby talking with Ballgame is a non-issue, at least in terms of it happening 18 months ago. Ballgame should have started conversations with Salcer Jan. 07, not Aug. ‘08. Just have a feeling that we (fan base/organization) are going to be kissing our knees on this one.
Offer him 9.7 per for 10 years. Don’t jerk around your franchise player and try to nickel and dime him.
If he turns it down, trade him. Simple.
Agree and I am not sure if the Wild would be mortgaging too much of the future as the CBA trend thus far is clear - contracts look better as the years go by (see: Johnsson, Kim).
DB - fair point on schmozzing with the agent and sadly I don’t disagree with your pessimism on this issue.
DB: You are completely wrong in DR could talk to Gabby’s agent on January 07. Even with Lecavalier, TB started talking to his agent in late June and he has the same contract status as Gaborik — UFA in the summer of 09. So they jumped the gun by 2-3 weeks not by 18 months. They didn’t need to since he bleeds Lighting colors.
Also, as the Cap continues to grow, giving a lot of money up today, may seem like a bargain in 4-6 years. I don’t think 9 mill a year for 7 years would be outrageous. Look at Inglewood Jack’s contract. By the time he is due for an extension, he may be the biggest blueline bargain in the League.
Ballgame could have spoken with Salcer 18 months ago in regards to an extension. He still had a year and a half left on his deal at the time.
Schmoozing is one thing but he could have pissed off Salcer too by having contract conversations. It could also say to him that the Wild has no respect for Gabby’s rights under the CBA to start 18 MONTHS earlier than allowed.
Show me where under the CBA that allows DR to speak to Salcer about contract extensions 18 months before allowed.
Maybe DB means talking about talking about a contract. DR: “You know Salcer, when the time’s right, we’re going to have to sit down and talk about extending Gaborik”, “Man, can’t believe we’re not allowed to talk about extending Gaborik yet” etc.
Letting it be known we’re seriously interested and keeping it in the front of the mind.
And, is an extra 15 mil over 10 years really that tough to swallow for the Cash Cow???
depends on what the cap looks like. could be good, could be bad. I don’t see where the cap will continue to rise like it has. the league will level off because it just isn’t that popular in the states which i bet 70% of the country was completely baffled when the VP was talking about being a hockey mom last night.
I still think the number is something that they could work around.
Just have a feeling that we (fan base/organization) are going to be kissing our knees on this one.
have you ever had a different feeling?
have you ever had a different feeling?
and I don’t mean this a a rip, just an observation that i can’t remember DB having a different feeling when it comes to the squad.
Anyone know what time they practice at SLP and if public are welcome to watch. That’d be sick to see them out their dangling around and deking for fun and just see their mad stick-handling and tricky skills in fun non-game situations.
Buddha made me realize an intersting point. Who is Butch going to be dishing all those nifty saucer passes to this year? It has to be Gaby and Koivu? That’s an excellent scoring line, imho.
And, does any agree with me that this is the year that #8 earns a letter on his sweater?
And, does any agree with me that this is the year that #8 earns a letter on his sweater?
I do - is it October yet?!
Lapper-
this year is definately a year for Burnsy. I think he sees the C, maybe even the permanent A. Bruno will be in the mix, Mikko, Schultz… Gaby will get his turn as well. Could get involved in politics if the contract isn’t done though.
This is the year we get to see the young guys step up. Rolston and Demo are gone. Mikko, Butch, Burns, Gaby, Shultz. They are the leaders now. Have to be. Bruno is there for support, but the guys who came up through the system are going to have to take over.
Yep, Gaby, Mikko, Schultz, PMB, and Burns are the new guard. Bruno, Nolan, and Johnsson are there to guide the forwards and defense but in the end, it up to those 5 to set the tone for this season.
Undoubtedly earning the C.
Burns was named Top Defenseman at the Worlds!
Why wasn’t this given press in MN?!
Peter - I’m pretty sure it was discussed on these boards but really the Worlds never get any attention.
I agree with the ones on here that suggest Gaby should be offered more then a boat load of money. Do the initial negotiations and then offer him enough more where he has to decide how much he likes it here. Does he really have the desire to make this the place for his career. If he is not sure by then I say trade him.
In my opinon you don’t win Lord Stanley’s cup with players that simply play for the most money. You need players that are wiling to sacrific themseves for not only money but also, teammates, owners, fans and even the city or area they play in.
I’m only semi-paying attention to this thread, but can I get something straight here? Some folks seem to want to pay Gaborik more than last year’s scoring champion and MVP, resulting in either potentially overpaying him for a long time or forcing him to basically insult the team, town(s) and state by turning down the deal?
Am I getting that right?
KiPA: yes.
(puts bag over head, starts breathing deeply)
I think you win lord stanley’s cup with players that score the most goals and beat up the most players
Well, you cut right to the heart of that one, KiPA…
Only some do. I think the highest DR will go is $9 million but he would like to settle for about $8.5 million maybe even $8.7 million but no more. I truly believe that if Gaborik asks for Ovechkin money and refuses everything else, DR would rather trade Gaborik and do a quick rebuild instead.
We are talking about a guy who loves to have cap space flexibility annually and down the road. Also, he has to look towards Koivu and Sheppard’s next contracts which are less than 2 years away. Koivu seems to bleed IRR more, at least outwardly, than Gaborik does.
Though, I think for Gaborik, he will always have a sentimental place for the Wild, which doesn’t mean much in the whole scheme of things if he doesn’t re-sign.
Okay, just checking.
Carry on.
So, fellas, is there a Russoville Fantasy Hockey League?
I hopped on one on the Wild board but it’s auto-draft and I was kinda stoked about drafting, so I’m thinking I’ll do two and make it a grand experiment to see which does better.
That thought was occurring to me, Ms. C.
Hey, I’d like to join a Fantasy Hockey League. I am not good at setting these up but if someone does it, count me in.
Do I need to get the candy bars and lattes out? I’d do it myself but I’ve never done this before so I’d probably suck like Bettman.
I was going to start one on Yahoo but registration for 08-09 hadn’t started yet.
Uh oh. Stu Hackel is calling out Russo’s grammar. It’s on.
It started today, Kev.
sunshine: in order to do a quick “rebuild”, doesn’t a team actually have to do something in the playoffs first? You win with players. Period. Would be nice to see a Minnesota sports team actually pay a top player what he is worth on the open market in order to keep him here. You can’t make him sign an extension, but you can certainly persuade him to do so with an incredible offer. The team appeared ready to throw big dollars at Hossa and I feel that Gabby/Gaby is a much-more talented offensive player than Hossa. Remember fans, Gabby/Gaby is not on this roster to back check.
And isn’t it Marian instead of Marion?
Yeah, Marian
Then I’ll get around to it sometime this eve maybe, Ms. C.
Right on. Yay fake hockey!!!
Actually, I believe the correct spelling is Mariána. True story.
I’d be in for the fantasy hockey as well.
Mitch is in the house!
KiPA-
ESPN has fantasy hockey too. I have one spot left open… if someone wants it. It is an auto draft league, just to keep it simple…
Also, if you set one up Kevin, I would be in for another team. Always into watch loads of hockey…
Okay, the league ID is 7758. The password, specially selected for everyone here, is:
nothingbutcrosby
Might be interested in that Buddha. You join my league, I join yours kinda thing?
Oh… also, on the Gaby thing. Yes, there are people on this blog who believe he is worth 9 million a year. While it may be a good deal by the end of the contract, I am concerned with what it does to the rest of the league, and inflating salaries.
If DR goes out and signs gaby for at or more than Ovechkin, Crosby, Malkin, Lecalvier (sp?)… it sets up a really bad situation when other players of Gaby’s ability and scoring come up for contract.
Don’t get me wrong, I would love to see him signed. I would love to see him finish his career here, and #10 hanging in the rafters at the X. Nothing would make me happier. However, the bigger picture is important too.
It really scares me to thnk what gaby making 9 mil a year would do to salaries.
As for making the only other option that he must be a traitor to the city, community, etc. You are seeing that right as well. That is your MN fan base. The fans want their favorite to be the highest paid player in the league, and if they don’t want to sign for that deal, they must be a jackass. Always been that way, always will. I hate it, but it’s the way fans react.
Works for me Kevin. If you are interested, sen me an email to buddhafisch@gmail.com I’ll have the system send you the invite.
That on Yahoo Kevin?
Woops. Yes it is, Buddha.
Nevermind. Got it.
I’m in. Thanks KiPA
OK, I’m in. All signed up. You’re all in for it now… my fantasy hockey expertise is legendary… yeah. Or not. Last place in three leagues last year. Dead last.
The Pio has an article on Gabby. Nothing new except that Shipley has quote from Salcer:
“We are in discussions trying to work toward achieving our mutual goal, and if that can happen, that will be great,” Salcer said. “But that’s what this negotiation’s going to be all about.”
Gabby is sounding more irritated by the questions surrounding his contract than in Russo’s article.
Btw, some settings may be applicable to change. I haven’t decided yet. Just threw it together quickly so it’d be there. It’s set up for 12 teams. If demand is high, maybe I’ll change that too.
As for your legendary expertise.. ha. If it helps, I drafted a team last year that went 11-2 in week one.. then promptly plummeted to the bottom of the standings. I don’t know what went wrong (but in part I blame Backstrom). I recovered through to win the loser’s bracket….
Yeah, I was in an NHL.com league last year. Had no idea it was an autodraft, or what that meant. I had three goalies. Two of which were back-ups, the other was hurt. None of my so called friends would trade with me. Jerks. Ah well. I did ruin one guys chance at winning it all, so that made me feel better.
Really? Hmm. And that’s how the ESPN league does it? Are there player settings we can have so it goes off that?
Player settings? For the auto draft I am assuming? Yes. You rank your players, and the draft picks for you.
Lots of categories in my league. PIM, GAA, Blocked shots… all kinds of fun stuff. Fun digital trophies like the Martin Skoula award…
NHL League I joined was about half way through the year. None of the rankings had been changed since the beginning of the year, and I left them at default.
My league doesn’t draft until Oct 1, I was hoping by then the Sundin thing and all of the FA would be settled in and injuries could come in… training camps etc.
Our draft is Sunday, Sept. 28 at 10 pm EDT, at least for now.
I am in.
Buddha: the Martin Skoula award? For what? The drafter who goes from first to worst the fastest?
All about Gaby: It really IS all about him on this club, isn’t it? Everyone else on this team is peanuts…Koivu, Schultz, IJ, SRV, PMB, Backstrom, etc., they all play second fiddle to No. 10.
JMO: DR doesn’t blow this. If anyone screws these negotiations up, it will be Ron Salcer, Gaborik’s agent. Why? Salcer, like Gaborik, wants as much as he can get. Up front. Now. Before the current CBA runs out, and new rules limiting salaries are set in place. Granted, both sides are fairly happy with what is in place now, but as the US economy continues to falter and lesser franchises continue to be economically squeezed, look out, folks…Fewer franchises = fewer opportunities = less of a financial pie to go around…
FOOD and about Burns too,
I am in. Buddha, you will have competition for dead last because I lost big last year in my nhl.com league. That was auto draft. I have never done a live draft (if I forget or can’t make, does it draft for me?) This is only the 2nd fantasy hockey league I have joined.
It’ll draft for you based on Yahoo’s rankings or your own if you set yours up. Glad to have you aboard.
