OK, now Day 3 is over; Salcer not “particularly optimistic” in Gaborik talks
Posted on September 22nd, 2008 – 6:20 PMBy Michael Russo
Updated at 7:30 with Salcer callback, and it doesn’t sound good (see below).
6:15 p.m., and I’m still here in the press box. The UND women just got off the ice from a long practice, and the lights have just been turned off in the press box. I think they want us out.
Think Doug Risebrough’s getting tired of offering daily Marian Gaborik updates to the scribes following the winger’s endless contract extension negotiations that continue to drag on?
The Wild general manager opened Monday’s interrogation by joking, “Well, [Gaborik’s] still in town.”
The Wild met this afternoon again with Gaborik’s agent, Ron Salcer. Things just broke up around 7ish.
Risebrough said before the latest meeting things are “crystallizing.”
He also said, “It’s time to make a decision,” but he still doesn’t know what the results will be.
Risebrough said it all will come down to guaranteed money, and once that is agreed upon, everything can work itself out. In other words, you can massage the cap hit to be anything. It’s now, how much does Gaborik get in real dollars annually and over the life of the contract?
Look at Vincent Lecavalier in Tampa Bay. His cap hit is $7.7 million, yet after next season, he’ll make $10 million in each of the next seven years. So the Wild and Gaborik are trying to come up with the guaranteed dough and set amount of years.
The Wild has offered him a variety of offers, ranging from seven years that would take him to that magical age of 34 (before the 35-year-old rule), to eight, nine and even 10 years, I’ve been led to believe.
Gaborik, out with a strained quad, wouldn’t comment. I just talked to Salcer. The two sides may meet again tomorrow (Tuesday), although that’s not planned. He said discussions remain ongoing.
“I feel like we’ve made some small steps, but I can’t say there’s been anything that makes me feel particularly optimistic.”
In other news, the Wild was supposed to dramatically trim its roster tomorrow, but Director of Hockey Operations Chris Snow said the Wild has decided to keep a lot more players. The final number will be determined on tomorrow’s practice and scrimmage.
I did a really funny story on Stephane Veilleux for tomorrow. Veilleux took part in a blazin’ hot wings eating competition last night, and the results weren’t pretty. His lips were burned, his breath was bad and you can imagine the rest.
He’s also been getting razzed from his teammates about acting as his own agent this summer. He told his mates they should fire their agents and he’d represent them for half the commission, or 2 percent.
Although, he jokingly told Gaborik he’d charge him 1 percent. What’s 1 percent of $90 million? 
That’s it for now. I’m tired and seeing two screens on my laptop at this point. FYI, I’m way behind on returning emails. I’ll try to do them on the plane back tomorrow.
114 Responses to "OK, now Day 3 is over; Salcer not “particularly optimistic” in Gaborik talks"
Do you have pictures of SRV or of the event?
From the last string:
I have never really understood the rotating captaincy, I guess. The retiring of #1 was never a big deal to me either way.
I think the captain should be the guy the other guys look to whenever a question comes up. There are plenty of captains in the league who are quiet… Saku Koivu for example. Not like he is going on locker room rampages.
Sometimes, the play on the ice is leadership enough. Gaby is an absolute no.
I would say Mikko is top choice, Burns at 2, Schultz at 3.
So really, the Gaby thing is… unchanged.
Carrying over from last post:
Alright gang, I’m drafting #8. Should I go for a big time goalie? Or should I go for a big time scorer? I’m leaning scorer and just trying to pick up a solid goalie in the next round. 20 teams in the draft though so that’ll be pretty far back.
I dont want anyone to feel shy about asking questions to Mister Know it all. I will gladly answer any and all questions. I am like little guy who has that little tree house that all the children write notes to at Lake Harriet. Mister Know it all always answers questions.
Sunshine asked who will be the 7th dman today, and I told her it would be Eric Reitz, until Kurtis Foster returns.
I also said to Misses Sunshine that no real surprises will happen at camp. You will see Gillies- Pouliot and Reitz. The rest have of the names you hear like Clutterbuck will be here only if Injury happens
Signed Mister Know it all
Oh yes Buddha did finally apologize. Thank you Buddha !
ms. conduct:
You should go for a scorer than on the way back, pick a goalie. Alot of it depends on what the points are weighted for.
From last thread:
Lucky, not my business whether or not the captain’s job or not. If JL can use it as a motivating tool, why not?
Someday, like Ms C says, somebody earns the right to keep it and then maybe it does not rotate anymore. I think we have a permanent candidate on the team already (#9) but far be it for me to suggest how JL ought to do his job.
My guess is, the C means something to guys that get it so it serves a purpose.
My concern too, Sunshine. Is Gabby worth double our next best guy?
Not if he is on my payroll he isn’t. That is not to say I do not like him as a Wild player but he has not delivered that highest echelon production yet.
And, I do not want him to make so many $$$ against the cap that we cannot afford a strong supporting cast.
MKIA:
I was going to ignore your answer since you didn’t quite answer my question. But since you posted it twice, I assuming you want a response from me, So here it goes.
I didn’t ask who is going to be the 7th defensemen. I asked who is going to take Foster’s roster spot since he will start the year on IR and the Wild will need a healthy body to reach the 23 man roster. Now, they don’t have to replace him but the Wild will likely do so.
So my question is will a defensemen (Mojzis) or a forward (Clutterbuck, Olvecky, or someone else not named Gillies and Pouliot) will take Foster’s roster spot.
Why not Gillies and Pouliot? They are the 21st and 22nd healthy bodies on the team already.
Okay, went Joe Thorton. Go Sharks!
I haven’t checked but I think the Wild has the highest disparity between the highest paid and the 2nd highest paid. Most other teams are closer in ranges.
I take that back, the Sabres: Vanek - $7.1 million, Roy at $4 million for this year. Next year, it will be more in line when Miller’s contract kicks in at $6.2 million.
I think the Wild will be okay for the next 2 years — the Wild made sure of that when it released Parrish. Nolan’s cap hit will be transferred to Shep in . Its what happens when Koivu and Burns’ next contract extension comes up in year 3 and 4 of Gaby’s contract. Hopefully by then, the cap has risen enough to downgrade the impact of his cap hit and allow the team to fit in Burns and Koivu.
So despite the fact that the idiot is still double posting…
For everyone on the board, the delusioned one did not receive an apology.
Ms. C - It all depends on what the categories are, but here’s what I learned last year. There are lots of forwards that can score. There are not that many goalies who are good fantasy hockey-wise.
Grab an elite goalie… Brodeur, Kipper, etc. early. Your other goalie is not as important, but you need a solid starter, and there just aren’t enough of them to go around.
I would’ve said goalie if it’s a 20-team league…you might be lucky to end up with someone like Peter Budaj.
Oh well.
Haven’t missed much, have I? On “vacation” with no high speed internet.
From the last post…
I think Mitchell and Demitra ripping the rotating captaincy is just sour Canucks.
Methinks Mitchell had no problem with the extra letter on his sweater when he was here.
Mealsothinks that Mitchell jersey ain’t gonna see the light of day again… 
I got Kipper. Think that’s good? I’m feeling mixed. But I got Morrow with my second pick, which makes me VERY happy.
Er, I mean, Morrow with my THIRD pick. Cuz I can do math.
Good picks so far.
I’m happy. They, of course, are doomed.
Last thing on the captaincy, very few teams have elite captains like a Yzerman or a Sakic. People seem to think Naslund wasn’t that great of a captain. With the Wild, bad captains can be gone in 30 days while some teams might get stuck with them for much longer even a season or two.
Aaaaand I finally tanked a pick. Redden. Ugh.
kj: Me thinks that Demitra and Willie Mitchell are also suffering from a tremendous case of sour grapes.
The fact of the matter (for them) is that they chose to attach their stars to a whale which was just harpooned during the summer…Fin is finished (and so are the Canucks, IMHO).
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
JP Dumont
Ms c.: huh? I thought you had Ovechkin.
I tried but he didn’t fall to #8
Yeah, that was my confusion. You said you were drafting #8 so - thought you meant you were picking AO; not eighth overall.
In which case yeah, Kipper good.
Redden bad.
KiPA-
Do you have the info for our league? I seem to not be able to get in anymore…
The league you set up…
Hee hee… when I heard she was thinking #8… the first thing that came to mind was Burns.
Weird. No I can’t get it right now but later tonight I can. Email me or wait and I’ll post it here.
Didn’t Whitney get hurt or something?
Zidlicky…. Banking on the new guy.
Ryan Whitney is out 3-5 months, yes.
Phew. That’s the tough part, remembering who all is getting hurt/having surgeries out of training camp
I drafted O’Sully in rd 10 or 11…he better sign somewhere in the NHL soon.
Wow, he’s still not signed, huh? He will be though. Someone just picked Sundin. Not a gamble I’d be willing to take.
So DR thinks it’s ‘time to make a decision’?
It was that time a long time ago.
It looks like Ron Salcer’s ‘not particularly optimistic’ feeling is the ruling opinion of the day.
What will DR do? Step up? Or, step out?
Sundin went pretty late in mine; can’t remember exactly when though. Teens though.
Avery baby! Heh. Points and PIM. Here’s hoping no one kills him.
Bleh. The Gaby stuff makes my stomach hurt. Though I’m also kinda hungry which isn’t helping.
Not bad. I grabbed Avery too.
I like it. Gives me a reason to root for him without people thinking I’m an asshole for liking him.
KiPA-
Nevermind… I was trying to access the wrong page. I got ‘er figured out.
Can I ask why freakin Luongo is always to highly ranked? The analysts all talk about him like he’s some kind of God.
“I feel like we’ve made some small steps, but I can’t say there’s been anything that makes me feel particularly optimistic.”
Then sh!t or get off the f&^%#ing pot. Get this miserable soap opera over with already, I have grown f$%#ing tired of reading about it. If Gaby doesn’t want 55+ million from the Wild, ship him and let him get it from a different team next summer. Enough is e-f&#@ing-nough.
*so highly ranked that is…
Cool Buddha.
And agreed Ms.C. I can root for him now that he’s not a Ranger. Though he is still an asshole.
Because he’s really really good, Buddha. But he’s been on shit teams who hang him out to dry.
back when players stayed with teams for their careers maybe the C meant more. I just don’t see it being a big deal.
until #10 is signed or traded, i don’t expect slacer to ever say things are going well.
Whoa Deep Breath what would happen if Risebrough starting talking about the 2004 draft after talking about no progress with the Gaborik saga. I think you’d have a heart attack.
On the captain C again - I have nothing against you guys if you enjoy the rotation. I just feel like if we could find one go to guy then everyone would feel like they have someone who will be there no matter what. JMO
Deep…
I concur.
Green*…you’re right on…it isn’t Salcer’s job to say “Gaborik is staying in MN no matter what trivial dollar amout DR wants to quibble over.”
Problem is, he’s STILL on a shit team that’s going to hang him out to dry.
He’s an asshole, KiPA, but his draw is irresistable to me. It’s like he takes the unpredictability of hockey and ramps it up to some crazy level. Total guilty pleasure, that guy. Love that I have both him and Morrow. Rawr!
Agreed with all again Ms. C. Vancouver will be awful so I don’t think I’ll draft Luongo, and Avery brings value to his team and to fantasy. I was happy to get him and as late as I did.
I could’ve taken Morrow but I passed…I don’t remember who I took instead. But I was tempted.
Right Green*, that is how the agent game is played.
Lucky–
What’s p!ssing me off about the Gaby saga is this: If the two sides are that far apart, then why bother. Do the deal to a team that will cough up a reasonable package in return. If, the two sides are squabbling over a few million, then CL has to step in, sign the check, and move on. What we’re hearing from both sides is that there is talk but no movement. If the sides are close, it is Ballgame’s time to bend over the couch. The money spent now will seem like nothing by the end of the contract, not to mention the signal it could send to potential UFAs that may be interested in playing here. What do you suppose the consensus will be when, if Gaby is dealt, we find out that Salcer/Gaby were looking for, say, 63 million over 7 years and we find out Ballgame was offering 58 million over 7 years. Then it would be time to kick Ballgame right the he11 out of the state. I hope I’m reading WAAAAAAAYYYYY too much into Salcer’s comment from tonight, but I just don’t want to see Gaby have to go because Ballgame wants to try and save a few million dollars. To you, me and my neighbor Sam, a few million dollars is a lifetime then some. To the Wild organization, an organization that has been supported blindly for the past 8 years with ticket and merchandise sales, a few million dollars to keep the lone Star on the roster is not only nothing, it is neccessary.
Further, I do not believe Salcer would be cooling his heals in Grand Forks unless something was progressing in a positive direction.
Deep Breath, better consider just how much money $5 million is?
Just have CL write a check?
Besides, what about the “Cap” implications of that extra few million?
$5 million over the course of 7 years is nothing. What is it 800k? Nothing at all.
Plus, I’m not feeling optimistic because those were the words of Salcer. It’s not like the back-n-forth started a few days ago. This mess started back during the 3rd week of August. Gaby and Salcer have a number, apparently, that will be enough to make Gaby sign an extension here. If, what I’m saying, we find out that the difference between the two sides is a few million over the course of the contract, CL needs to step in to expidite the process and realize just how much this organziation has been supported by the fan base and how it is time for the organization to show that fan base that it is truly going to go the extra 37 yards to keep the lone Star on the roster.
DB - I pretty much agree on your take of the situation. I do however think part of Salcer’s lack of optimism has to do with Gaby’s injury which must help Ballgames bargining position.
Do we know if Salcer knew of Gaby’s condition before he scheduled his trip to GF? Bad enough to have to negotiate a long term contract for someone that cannot proactice. Let alone have to go to GF to do it. I guess his final payday will make it all worth it.
Yeah Risebrough really needs that $5 million. What did he do this offseason with $5 million? Oh yeah he signed Owen Nolan and freaking Mittens McGee. Go Rai$sedough! You really land those free agents like nobodys business.
Deep,
I am 100% serious when I say I would not be shocked if Rai$sedough is squabling over a couple Mil like it’s coming out of his kids college funds. The guy has always been like that even dating back to his days in Calgary.
Well Ms C? Who else ya get?
Ok Sunshine, Mister Know it all will review your concern over my answwer
Centers
(1) Benny
(2) Bellanger
(3) Koivou
(4) Sheppard
Wings
(5) Velliux
(6) Boogy
(7) Nolan
(8) Brunette
(9) Gaby
(10) Mittanen
(11)Bouchard
(12) Gillies
(13) Weller
(14) Bergeron
(15) Johnnson
(16)Zidlicky
(17)Skoula
(18) Schultz
(19) Burns
(20) Reitz
(21) Backstrom
(22) Harding
I get your point Sunshine, only 22. That leaves me only to speculate. The above list is a lock, and the team has already deternined that I am sure. Th only thing that would change that would be if Reitz is overweight or something goofy like that.
Soooo hmmm… They will keep the max 23
Clutterbuck- You have Owen Nolan- If Nolan gets hurt that is your replacement player
Morton Madsen, Olevecky : I have not seen Olevecky recently but I have seen Madsen on the tube… I liked Madsen
Danny Irmen: Minnesota connection and he has earned the chance at a shot -2 years in Houston
The great Minnesota born player with Hope !
Lundholm- I dont know who he is but its DR trying to give a local fan appreciation a kick in the pants. One of these days it will pan out with these Minnesotan longs shots for DR…. Russo could you show some love to Mister Know it all and tell me about the one Minnesota born player in camp before he gets shipped to Europe or Houston ??
Misses Sunshine the number 23 roster spot goes to Danny Irmen- DR wont add a 5th center as he will not want Benny to look over his shoulder
Signed Mister Know it all
Please tell me you really don’t believe Irmen deserves a shot because he is a Minnesota boy who has spent two years in Houston? The kid is a stiff and if he is on the big club’s roster, we have more issues than we should have a right to.
Irmen has played for the Gophers, but not a Minnesota boy. From North Dakota. Whether Dr wants to admit it or not I am sure that gives him a 10% edge for giving him a shot and the fact that he played in Houston means he has earned some stripes Deep Breath. His age also is something to consider as well, he is a little older, they may want to take a strong gander at him this year
They wont pick a center- They dont want Benny looking over his shoulder
Why have 8 Dman- You dont want Reitz looking over his shoulder either
no goal scoring wingers that stand out that I can see. Why not Irmen ? Good speed - goes to the net and he will get 10% more consideration because the Wild dont have one player with Minnesota ties
DR and the Wild staff stink when it comes to scouting Minnesota born players… JL will say ” Deres no Doubt”
It is funny MKIA the Wild dont even have a picture for him. He is a mystery player. Born in Roseau Minnesota. Lundbohm is his last name
Position: Center Shoots: Left
Height: 5′ 11″ Weight: 190
Born: Aug 24 ‘77 (Age 31)
Born in: Roseau, MN, United States
Why didn’t I guess that he would have said Irmen or Lundblom?
I think its over with Gaborik. In Russo’s article, DR said that he believes he convinced Gaborik to commit to the Wild. That is the kiss of death right there.
OK, MKia can you please explain a few things for me?
Does the 10% of more consideration apply equally to Minnesota born players and players with Minnesota ties? How exactly does this 10% improvement manifest itself, faster skating, better hockey judgement or what?
When exactly can a player claim Minnesota ties? Can a player after playing x years with the Wild claim this tie and if so when should we expect to this improvement in Skoula?
i don’t think it is 5mil. i’m feeling that #10 wants 100 and DR has offered 80.
$90 million is a good meeting place, don’t you think?
This is starting to look like a forum for fanbois.
Sorry, but that’s how I see it.
Seriously, Gaby, Schultz, and PMB could be considered Minnesotans since they spend over 8 months of the year in Minnesota for the last 8, 7, and 5 years respectively. Since Burns lives here year round, he is also a Minnesotan.
fanbois? Not familiar with that term… a little help?
KiPA- Does Boogey’s little brother have any chance to make the squad?
This is a stretch but Yzerman is thinking of leaving the Wings management. Maybe he wants to become a GM.
How about getting him for the Wild? OMG, that would be a real coup for the state, the franchise, and the fanbase.
The Wild might one of the top NHL organizations that other GMs might want to lead. I am sure that when JL leaves, we will get a good candidates.
First tidbit in this around the NHL article re: Yzerman
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/sports/story.html?id=a338ff3e-d004-4be2-b1bf-62e927905c0f
The 10% is meant to say if all things are equal and you have to make a choice on a player, you give it to Irmen for his Minnesota ties. Dont forget BDS this is the entertainment business and Public relations is needed
Michael up North why dont you chime in and tell us about Lunbohm Dawg ?
If any member of the Wild front office allows a player to reach the Big Club simply because he has Minnesota-ties, those members of the front office need to be fired immidiately, stripped naked, smeared with room-temperature yogurt and placed in the woods on top of an East-African, fire-ant hill. Talent, period. That should be the only criteria ever used to finalize the 23-man, big-club roster. Now, if the team is ravaged by injuries, and nobody can find Dave Spehar, then a call should go to Irmen. Until that day, however, having “paid his dues” in Houston and having a connection to the state of Minnesota should play as much into the equation as giving preferential treatment to a prospect because he has a poster of Rosie O’ in ass-less chaps hanging on his wall. Does anybody here really give a rat f*&% about the state of origin of the player that is scoring goals for the team? Christ All Mighty. Go see if Sid has a room for rent. That may be the weakest argument I’ve ever heard and this coming from a guy who has been married 14 years.
Oh, one more thing. With 94 percent of the season ticket holders renewing this year and 7,500 on the waiting list, I think putting the best players on the ice and trying to show the fan base the organization is sincere about trying to win a Cup, is more of a PR priority than making sure Johnny Local Boy gets his shot to prove he has no business in the NHL.
Deep - ROFLMAO! Well said, and 1994 was a very under rated yearby the way.
Updated at 7:30 with Salcer callback, and it doesn’t sound good (see below).
Did I miss something or am I just stupid because I don’t understand the “doesn’t sound good” part. For me, we now have complete confirmation that Gabby will sign an extension with the Wild - maybe I was way off but I had my doubts given Gaby’s want (justified in my opinion) of a solid C.
So I guess the “doesn’t sound good” must be because the $ is far apart but like DB, this doesn’t make sense. The market value here is the top group of players plus free agent inflation to get close to what Gaby would get next summer. If Gaby is way out beyond this point then the trade wheels should be turning but, if not, CL needs to step in and close this sale. Worrying about cap space years down the line is stupid and semi-irrelevant if the Wild keeps turing its top picks into NHL players (because young players are cheap in the cap system early on).
If I find out DR is doing the Doug Smugsborough we are special and we deserve a discount crap and this is what breaks negotiations down and leads to a bad trade (and it is going to be hard to makes this a good trade for any GM), I am going to form a cabal similar to the Barreiro/Reusse/Powers/Sansavere cabal that went after Denny Green (albeit unsuccessfully).
- MKIA: wouldn’t it be easier to just call Sid on Sunday with the MN player crap?
- Despite my take on the Gaby extension, what the Wild fan base is hungry for is a deep playoff run, not a marque goal scorer for the sake of highlights. Just seems easier with #10.
/rant
I don’t give jack to Irmen for his Minnesota ties. Either he’s good enough for the big club or he’s not. Whether he’s the man on the moon or Mr. Minnesota.
KiPA, I’ll refer you to my blog for my finalized team. I’m pretty happy with it. Just wish I’d picked better than Redden for my top d-man. I’ll just hope he thrives in New Yawk.
[…] Star Tribune: The Wild general manager opened Monday’s interrogation by joking, “Well, [Gaborik’s] still in […]
This almost brought tears to my eyes from the SRV story by Russo
[i]Asked if he’s worried this could be his final year with the Wild, Veilleux said, “My life has been here and my hockey career started here. It’s just an amazing feeling that all of us are growing together. Mikko, Gaby [Marian Gaborik], Burnzie, Butch, I’m not top-six like them, but I think I can be a top checker, sign long-term and be here with this core forever.[/i]
There are two Lundbohm players. Both played at UND.
Bryan and David, the one who is not with the Aero’s now played there two years ago. One played in Finland last year,the other in Denmark.
Oh man, Sunshine… Makes me even sicker how DR treated him this summer.
Buddha,
Which squad? The AHL one? Yep, good shot at that one. 
Nah, Aaron won’t be in the nhl at the start of the year; they brought in Godard to replace Laraque. Maybe down the road.
I’ll check it out Ms C.
The wild suck, o cups!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oilers 2008/2009 Stanley Cup Champions
Souray is back on his game watch out Minnesota MILD!!!
Whoops Jason stuck downstairs again to use Mom’s computer. The 2:52 am is the giveaway. Mom and Dad are asleep so Jason can play.
Snuck that is, not stuck. Never e-mail before the first cup of coffee, I guess.
I will put up with jason’s rants simply because the Grease was the best team assembled from 83-88. After the last CUP win in ‘90, the team has as many as the Wild. I think the Wild would have won a few Cups with Gretzky, Kurri, Messier, Coffey, Anderson, Lowe, Fuhr, etc, etc, etc.
One point about the mid 80s Grease, I was watching a taped game against Calgary. Edmonton was on a 5-on-3 and the 5 players they had on the ice were Gretzky, Kurri, Anderson, Messier and Coffey. Was a little surprised to have Gretz and Mess on the ice at the same time, but talk about unfair. Just thankful I was old enough to understand what I was watching at the time.
As for this year’s Grease, they won’t play near tough enough defense to make it through the West.
Givens:
DR will say things are progressing well.
Salcer will say things aren’t.
They will repeat these lines right up until they announce a signing or announce a trade.
Rotating C:
I’ve got no problem with it, but it would be nice to have a constant C. I’d say let the players vote on a C and then rotate the A’s by coaches choice.
Irmen:
The only way he’s getting on the big squad is if he makes heavenly good popcorn. Then, barring injuries to other players, that’s all he’ll be doing. Sorry, but that’s the truth.
Sellout streak:
It will continue with or without Gaborik. 1) Season tickets are already sold. It doesn’t matter if the seat is filled or empty. There are how many in line to buy them? 2) I think there are plenty of people who would go if they could find tickets. Warming house members and those who don’t have the money for season tickets.
Tickets will be gobbled up, at least for the next few years anyway. I’m a season ticket holder and we had to sell some games this year because of youth hcokey conflicts with my son. Put 10 games on craigslist and they were gone in 2 days. As for now, the sellout streak, however meaningless it may be, will go on. Just hope the ownership reciprocates by putting the best team it can on the ice.
One thing to keep in mind about the Warming House - the vast majority of the people on that list are waiting for tickets that will never be available - i.e. second deck.
I’m thinkin if you called the Wild and wanted to buy a pair in the lower bowl or maybe even club seats, you could do it today.
The ’streak’ could end with lousy hockey. Lousy hockey = less fan interest. Less fan interest = less business dollars. Less business dollars = empty high dollar seats. Empty high dollar seats = no more Smuggy.
I again very much disagree with the Russo nation about the status of the Minnesota pro team not connecting themselves with the communities local players when we have the STRONGEST interest in hockey of any other state in the United States. You start this year with no players born in Minnesota.
I promise the Russo Nation two thing is absolutely 100% true. Read Mister Know it alls lips very slowly before reacting. The Wild management has not made a effort and have failed miserably with local talent. If anything they have made the community look bad by the picks they have chosen thus far.
Maybe its easier to understand for the Russo Nation by looking at this differently. If they win the stanley cup without a Minnesota player some may not have as strong of a feeling about it . I am included in that thought process
Signed: Mister Know it all
How about getting him for the Wild? OMG, that would be a real coup for the state, the franchise, and the fanbase.
how exactly would this be a coup for the state?
The ’streak’ could end with lousy hockey.
this is exactly how it will end. I do think it will take a lot of lousy hockey as the marketing team at 417 washington ave has had to work all that hard to sell tickets.
I don’t get this “we’re special here so I don’t have to pay you as much” thing that people think happens. I don’t see DR trying to get people for cheap. #10’s last contract was for the max. yawnson was paid a grossly high number at the time of signing. Pav’s deal was for north of $5mil i think. Parrish was paid far more than his value we’ve found out. the team has been at or near the cap the last few years.
gone are the days where you just bid a dollar more than the next guy and get whoever you want. there will come a time when decisions need to be made on the core because all will not be able to be signed unless they take less than market to stay here. there are finite dollars at play.
It is physically painful to read comments about the Wild needing Minnesota-ties players on the roster. When did Sid figure out how to blog?
Deep…it is amazing, isn’t it?
I had no idea there was an interface available for a Royal typewriter to the interweb thingy.
I’m with you DB. I don;t think the comments about MN players being needed even deserve the debate anymore.
kj - LOL
I cannot believe I’m actually commenting on this but why don’t we worry about going deep in the Play-offs let alone winning Lord Stanley’s Cup before we worry where our players are from.
It was ridiculus when the Gophers had this discusssion and it is even more so for the Wild.
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
Nice interview with Nolan over on the Wilds web site.
Deep Breath- you fail to understand what I am saying. Your jumping to conclusions and pasting some other thoughts you have into what I am saying.
I am talking stricktly from the WIlds perspective of operating a business.
Let m try it this way- You think Joe Mauer sells tickets and creates interest for the very overachieving Twins ? Take a Deep Breath and open up your mind before answering
Do you think Neal Broten created interest to watch the local pro team
Oh and how about Butch Wynager- Love that kid ! Would we love that kid as much if he was not from Minnesota ?
What if Gabby lived in Minnesota and was from here-
I do find it irking to me that DR and Tommy Thompson are Canaidian and have made terrible decisions with regards to Minnesota players, making the community crazed hockey community look stupid. AFter saying that I think DR is my choice for a GM, but if I was the owner I would insist on him scouting and paying more attention to developing the right players that fit the profile.
Sid is right to some extent
KJ, remember empty seats also = No North Stars!
So, it makes no sense why anyone would desire a pox on our current management?
We do not want the Wild to draft a player merely because he is from here. When an especially talented and gritty Minnesota player is available, maybe we will get him and it will work out.
Drafting low in the rounds does not help us in that regard.
One problem for our local guys, it is tough for a journeyman type of player to play here in his home state. A lot of extra pressure based upon unreal fan expectations unless his talent level is exceptional and he is really “Man Mountain”.
It is true that Nanne always looked for these guys, and maybe by doing so he drew attention to them for the rest of the NHL. At one time, remember it was a rarity for any non-Canadian players to be in the NHL.
this gabby crap is getting so old, i think any true hockey fan knows deep down in their heart that it is time to trade him. the return will never be higher than it is right now. i think some desperate team (STL, ATL?) or one that thinks he’s the missing piece to the puzzle (TB, MON?) will give us two good forwards (obviously not a 30 - 40 goal scorer) and a couple of draft picks. then when the wild fail to make it past the 1st round again it will be time to fire DR and retire JL…
These MN player discussions should have a special color so I can ignore them. Ugh.
Nice article on Nolan Schaefer by the Pio today.
http://www.twincities.com/wild/ci_10533697
No love for my Brusty though. Pfft.
Ms. C- Perhaps a nice puke yellowish brown.
Just trade Gaborik already, he doesn’t want to be here and we won’t be that good anyway, let’s start rebuilding.
Maybe even just the color of the background, so it’s invisible.
Salcer’s scum. Getting a good deal for Gabby isn’t enough, he’s going to squeeze every last dollar he possibly can out of whoever signs him.Bottom line, the only way the Wild keep him is to overpay him by a lot, otherwise Salcer will go to FA and find a team who will. The only hope is if Gabby yanks on Salcer’s choke chain. I don’t blame the Wild at all on this one. Adios Gabby, just hope DR can make a good trade.
KJ - Not asking the Wild to make bad decisions on players to sacrifice th quality of the team.
We are all the fans that the NHL already have in their back pockets. They dont have thousands and thousands of other fans that would be intersted if more Minnesota talent was present. How about 1 in the entire organization ?? - I said KJ that the Wild should not bring back Parrish if you remember. Of course Mister Know it all was right
No excuse for not having 1 player from Minnesota in your entire organization—
Mister Owner will have to take note that this is not Nashville. He needs to advise his GM to take his Calgary hat off where he lives in the offseason and take note to where the hockey team is located and quit humiliating the hockey community with such horrible decisions
So on Wild.com, the scrimmage is suppose to be at 9:30 and we are not getting any updates from Russo. Does that mean he doesn’t know about the time change or something is happening on the Gaborik front or he overslept?
MKia - I’m sorry but I fail to see your point. Why would the Wild need to sell more tickets? They are already sold out! Neal Broten didn’t create interest in watching the North Stars becasue he was from here he created interest because he was GREAT.
As far as the Sid comment, even a squirel finds a nut once in a while.
I always get the last post in before Russo puts up FOOD
FOOD
Harold Delano “Butch-love that kid” Wynegar was from Pennsylvania.
Salcer IS going to squeeze every penny he can get from the Wild or whoever will pay it, thats how he gets paid.
Saw on a post somewhere here yesterday about players with… ugh, (the overuse of this word as applied to hockey guys is driving me nuts) “GRIT”
Here is your all Minnesota “Grit team”
(ties to N-Stars, Saints, Wild, Gophers etc….
Paul Holmgren
Jack Carlson
Neal Broten
Mike Antonovich
Dick Spannbauer
Dino Ciccarelli
Bobby Smith
Lou Nanne
Herb Brooks
Tommy Reid
John Marriucci
Frankie Brimsek
Gord Gallant
Cesare Maniago
Bill Goldsworthy
Mike Modano
JP Parise
Ted Harris
Bill Butters
Let the debate begin, but I could put 100 names on here and “Gabby” still wouldn’t make the “GRIT” list….
