Wednesday update
Posted on October 15th, 2008 – 3:52 PMBy Michael Russo
Good afternoon from hot, humid South Florida, where things are busy.
Landed at 10:30 a.m. and have been at the BankAtlantic Center ever since covering Panthers and Wild practice.
First, for news, Marek Zidlicky has been placed on injured reserve retroactive to Sept. 26 to make room for Cal Clutterbuck, who was recalled after injuries to Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Owen Nolan.
Bouchard is back in Minnesota with the back injury; Nolan didn’t practice today with a right leg injury. I again saw him with his right thigh heavily wrapped with ice today.
Jacques Lemaire said he wouldn’t play tomorrow against Florida.
Lemaire gave Marian Gaborik, Eric Belanger, Mikko Koivu, Antti Mietinen and Andrew Brunette the practice off today. So the five played soccer hacky sack for an hour by the locker room, and by the sound of their howling, they had a grand old time.
So far all’s silent on the Gaborik front. I know you’re anxious for some news, but it’s a situation right now rather than an event as one person described it to me. Don’t start going nuts about every Internet rumor. Stuff is going to be thrown about until Gaborik is either traded or he signs an extension.
I’ve written the teams that make sense in the paper and on here. Montreal, LA and Pittsburgh are the team I’d be looking at right now.
As I’ve reported on here and on TV, there’s no doubt Doug Risebrough is talking with other teams. He’s avoiding the beat writers like the plague right now, and things are extremely tense inside the organization.
Although, watching Gaborik play last night and talking to him and watching him the last few days, he doesn’t seem particularly distracted or worried.
Lemaire wasn’t in the most talkative mood today. He said Boogaard’s 29-second shift yesterday was due to shortening the bench after the Nolan injury. He is “surprised and disappointed” with the play of Benoit Pouliot, who clearly just doesn’t get it in Lemaire’s opinion. It was almost impossible to get a usuable quote from Lemaire on this, but he is not happy with the kid and clearly can’t get a read on him.
He took an offensive-zone penalty and rides guys up the ice with his long reach. At some point Pouliot’s going to take a very costly penalty, but Lemaire said that’s the least concern he has with Pouliot. But he wouldn’t specifically talk about what he’s seeing there.
Lemaire also said Brent Burns will continue to get 29 minutes a game unless Martin Skoula, whom Lemaire referred to as his “buddy,” doesn’t improve and Nick Schultz doesn’t start playing 20 good minutes.
I’m doing a story on Burns’ hefty ice time today. I talked to Hall of Famer Denis Potvin for the story, and Florida’s Jay Bouwmeester, who plays more minutes than any player in the NHL.
Also, just a preview for the week: I talked to Barry Melrose yesterday, so I’ll do a story on the new Lightning coach for Saturday.
I also talked with Wild defenseman Tomas Mojzis this afternoon. Mojzis played in Russia last season and said there’s unbelievable medical negligence there, so the reaction to the Cherepanov incident that he’s read so much about the last couple days since the Rangers prospect collapsed and died during a game doesn’t surprise him in the least. That will be all in my Sunday column.
OK, I really have to get to work. It’s already almost 5 p.m. here.
226 Responses to "Wednesday update"
Russo, can you say why you think Pittsburgh?
The sad passing of Cherepanov reminds me so much of the passing of Zholtok. All we heard when that happened was if it was here in the states he would most likely still be alive today and that the medical staff there had no idea what to do.
And you blew off your financial advisor…?
Must be something really happening…
It’ll be very interesting to see what Mojzis has to say about Russia’s league. It’s such a sad thing to hear about, poor guy was only 19. Russo, while your out there in Florida and if you get the chance, please tell Walz that we miss him (or at least I do).
Kind of thought Schultz was in the doghouse during the preseason but thought he beat it. Guess, I was wrong.
Lemaire is very testy these couple of days.
Lemaire also said Brent Burns will continue to get 29 minutes a game unless Martin Skoula, whom Lemaire referred to as his “buddy,” doesn’t improve and Nick Schultz doesn’t start playing 20 good minutes.
Should the two uses of “doesn’t” be stricken?
I LOVE THE MULLET!! Looking forward to that article Russo. How’s our Walzy doing in Tampa???
Ah, that was worth the wait and wading through Gaby nonsense all day. Thanks Russo.
Pouliot. I don’t really have to say anything there. Y’all know what I’m thinking.
Russo, would you characterize the Gaby situation as “coming to a head”? That’s the impression I’m getting above. That and some wishful thinking, probably.
Hmm… what are the chances Pouliot goes with Gaborik when it’s time?
He is “surprised and disappointed” with the play of Benoit Pouliot, who clearly just doesn’t get it in Lemaire’s opinion.
Remember when some lamented for weeks that Benny didn’t make it out of last year’s camp? To be fair, I think he should get some time at wing which is why I was a little surprised Kolanos didn’t get the call. However, would he have to clear waivers to go back down?
kevin in pa, send me an email so i can reply to you directly.
and ms conduct, I really don’t know. I think Waddell’s quote makes a lot of sense. This is a deadline league, and usually teams have to wait, but my reporter’s intuition, which is usually dead-on, says something is going on.
Just by watching Doug’s body language the last couple days, and also the fact that I’ve talked to a couple league executives who have told me Doug is making the rounds.
slap shot. I just got off the phone with Walz: “Little different down here, like going outside everyday in flip-flips. I can used to that.”
Goody; IMO, there’s a chance that Pouliot goes with Gaborik if the offer is there. The organization is not as high on Pouliot as they are on Sheppard. depends on whether the other team has cap space for both Gaby and Benny…
…and JL actually said that Skoula can play better? Hmmm…there’s hope yet…
DR better make a good trade or his job is on the line.
Doesn’t everyone think its a little early to jump off the Benny wagon?
The kid came up last year and contributed, and he has been playing on the 4th line with Boogie, and a 19 yr old, who is out there skating with his head cut off. Let the kid play wing with Gaby and see what happens. The kid has tremondous talent.
And why isn’t anyone talking about the fact that JL has Gaby playing with SV and Shep? Can’t imagine thats really going to motivate Gaby to stick around. Imagine the chances he would get playing with Koivu and Antti or Bruno. Really don’t think JL is doing DR any favors here.
…and JL actually said that Skoula can play better? Hmmm…there’s hope yet…
JL would have to be blind not to see Skoula’s horrible play last night.
A poor pinch that lead to a 2-on-1
Tripping over the Red Line for a 2-on-1
Obvious poor positioning for at least 2 goals
Gaborik and Skoula for Bowmeister…they’re all ready packed and there’s no travel cost! hehehe
Maybe they can package one great (Gaby), one potential (Benny) and one bad (Skoula) for a couple servicable NHLer’s and a couple years worth of 1st round picks.
If Pitts is a possiblity would Staal be coming this way?
I have a question for anyone in the know, what constitutes “winning a draw?” Must the center simply pull the puck backwards to “win” that draw or is it determined to be a “win” only for the center if his team gains immediate possession? Thanks for clarifying.
Any chance that instead of ‘Mittens’ we could go with something a little more Minnesoootan like “Choppers” heavy on the accent. Just a thought. The idea of mittens being thrown about the X kind of made me throw up in my mouth a little. Thanks for the update Russo.
Gunslinger: JL has been that blind before when it comes to Marty S., and we’ve all seen it. Marty was on the ice for only one Atlanta goal (Kovalchuk’s, and yes, he was indeed horribly out of position) but his continuation of poor play needs to be stopped. Now.
It amazes me that if Gaborik were to be dealt, Pittsburgh (according to Russo’s article) is regarded as a team in the running for Gabby. The rich get richer! Not unlike Detroit signing Hossa in the off season. If Pittsburgh and Detroit can find a way to absolutely stack their teams with amazing talent, why can’t the Wild? Why couldn’t the Wild have found a way to sign Hossa in the off season and retain Gaborik to boot? Pittsburgh signed Malkin and Sydney, plus made a huge offer to Hossa last summer in an attempt to lock him up long term as well. Are the Wild taking a page out of the Twins “rule book on signing players?”
Could it be that DR is feeling tense because he is losing his scorers left and right with Bouchard out, Nolan out, Zidlicky out, and now Gaborik being traded?
Where does that leave the team? Playing more minor leaguers and causing JL more testiness and dissatisfaction?
You know, I’ve wondered that, too, Puck.
Thanks Russo.
MLB, I struggle with that, having watched for two years, seeing what he can and can’t do. It’s frustrating as hell. But he’s had the same problems he’s having now since he was in juniors. The lack of consistency, the excessive stick penalties, the lack of confidence. It’s like you’re just waiting for him to have an “ah-ha” moment and put the pieces together, but it keeps not happening.
WRT,IH, and Sunshine those are all valid point concerning the direction and the future of our team. But I am dealing with the very serious matter of having a guy on our team nicknamed ‘mittens.’ I don’t think you three are dealing with the gravity of this situation. Gabby, smabby!
Could it be that DR is feeling tense because he is losing his scorers left and right with Bouchard out, Nolan out, Zidlicky out, and now Gaborik being traded?
Maybe he started reading DB’s posts 
You got to leave Hossa out of the discussion. He took a huge discount to win the Cup NOW.
Who was it that said Pittsburgh might be willing to trade Satan, Fedtenko, and a draft pick for Gaborik? These two guys are on 1 year deal — same as Gaborik and similar cap hit. The Pens and the Wild can let these guys go at the end of the season. The Pens then have room to re-sign J. Staal.
Ok - I am 100% behind Bucci over at ESPN. He is the only knowledgeable hockey person there, but has anyone seen his “Mailbag” today?
Marian Gaborik makes about a million a month. His salary is $7.5 million and his cap hit is $6.3M. He is an unrestricted free agent (UFA) July 1. He turns 27 in February. What about Gaborik for the Sedin twins? The Sedins are also UFAs this summer. Their dependable, unflappable style seems like a nice fit in Minnesota. The Canucks have tons of cap space and are in desperate need of an exciting offensive star. Gaborik is the closest thing to Pavel Bure that Canucks fans will see. This trade could be made tomorrow. Maybe the Wild will try to do something else if they have the Sedin twins on their radar for the summer; maybe Minny would try to get the twins for no compensation and try to use Gaborik for a high first-round pick and a prospect.
Wouldn’t you, the Pens, take Gaborik over Satan and Fedtenko?
Does Benny have a bandwagon? He is in the last year of his entry level deal. So the team needs him to show what he can do. Can’t imagine there would be much of a trade market for him right now.
If he did SGS, he may be tense just because he hasn’t seen a RIAC or ankle grabbing reference recently.
Oops, shouldn’t have brought it up.
Honestly Puck I think it’s the first team to get control, but a very good question.
We can’t afford the Sedins when you have Sheppard and Koivu’s contract coming up in the next 2-3 years. The Sedins would want $6-$7 million each for at least 4-6 years.
I hate to admit it but the Gaby-for-BrainEaters deal has always made a lot of sense to me. I really don’t wanna have to look at their Children of the Corn mugs all the time but at this point, I’m desperate for closure.
2 games done, and look at all the Gaby talk, rumors and stress. We are all going to be basket cases if they wait too long to dish Gaby. We’ll never talk about the on ice action
ms.c - I think that is some sort of Minnesota blasphemy.
Oh, that’s true, Sunshine. Hmm. Well, good. Didn’t want them anyway. 
Benny gets bandwagons when he plays hard and smart and disciplined, which happens about 10% of the time. Do I need to pull out the “bad boyfriend” analogy again?
I don’t like the Sedin trade idea, plus would you want to trade him to our biggest rival?
Trade him for Scott Gomez
I said I was desperate, gunslinger… on my top 5 list of things I hate in life, it’s big decisions being in limbo. I’d take Brad MFing May on this team if it would settle this “situation.”
Have to beleive that the Pens would jump at Gaby for Satan and Fedtenko. The 1st rounder may be a question mark. They have good youth on the roster now, but can they sustain things by continuing to give away 1st round picks for rental players every year.
Ms C that’s a downright lie May is a pile and I wouldn’t give up a bag of pucks and a sweaty practice jersey for him.
DJ, we can just go back and look at the Avs footage and learn to shut him down, right?
I wonder if Staal is in the mix as a possibility? He’s an RFA at the end of this season, so the Wild would likely need to add something. The Pens are loaded at center so they have Staal playing a wing instead. Might be getting nervous about the season in Pittsburgh already.
How can my feeling/opinion be a lie, Ride? You’re welcome to disagree. I’m just antsy. Back off. I bite.
I think the big question is, at this time are teams willing to gamble their future in hopes of resigning Gaby at the end of the season?
Now - I dont think so, I would expect any trade that goes down now will be a “sign and trade”
At the deadline: different story - GMs get stupid around the deadline and offer the farm for players that “might” help.
Jordan Staal and others for Marian Gaborik and Martin “Matt Johnson skates better than me” Skoula
I hate to admit it but the Gaby-for-BrainEaters deal has always made a lot of sense to me.
+1 and this may shock some of you but I could also see DR getting a lot more in such a deal. If VAN keeps playing like they did in WAS, DR would have a great chance.
Boomer — not a 1st rounder, maybe a 2nd rounder because it would be understood that these three roster players would be FA at the end of the season.
It does provide the Wild with some scoring depth.
I understand, I am as well. I just want to enjoy hockey without hearing all of this speculation.
Who was it that said Pittsburgh might be willing to trade Satan, Fedtenko, and a draft pick for Gaborik?
Well I jokingly said Satan, Fedotenko and Sydor for Gaborik. I’d be willing to do that.
I don’t want to give up a first round pick though. I could part with a second, but sooner or later, we’re going to need to keep a first rounder that isn’t a slam dunk (Crosby, Malkin, etc.)
I’d like to have Gaborik on the team but I do not see it happening.
The rumor I have heard that I personally like best is him going to Buffalo. It gets him to the East where he wants to be and Buffalo somewhat makes amends for their noted departures. Plus they have the cap room to give him the $900 million deal he is looking for. Go Wild!
Gaby for Sedins - as long as it doesn’t mean long-term might actually work. All three also are UFAs at the end of this season.
…..how come Kevin in PA is the only one that gets the scoop……:(
Thanks Don for the update on Walzy. I’m glad things worked out for him. Too bad is wasn’t in MN. I hope those boys in Tampa appreciate what they’ve got in him…..
I think the big question is, at this time are teams willing to gamble their future in hopes of resigning Gaby at the end of the season?
If you will give $10 million per, you should be able to retain him.
Kevin - did you hear back from Russo?
Could the NHL allow Satan to put 666 on his back, think of the merchandise sales!
Could the NHL allow Satan to put 666 on his back, think of the merchandise sales!
If not - you have to at least consider 66 if you leave Pittsburgh right?
Hey, if the Wild can have a mascot and Satan comes to the Wild, you know Leipold would be all over the 666 marketing angle.
I had to head into work so about to shoot off the email now.
But if he tells me the Pens will trade Satan, Fedotenko and a “veteran defenseman” I’m crying foul, because I broke that days ago.
Do I get any points for Satan, Fedotenko and a 2nd/3rd pick for Gaborik? I will credit you for starting it and me for refining it.
Since you’re willing to settle for a third-rounder, then definitely. Team effort all around.
… and by the way, that is the first time I have seen Russo comment on his own blog. Has he done that before?
I just don’t think the Pens could re-sign him if they offer him the same contract as Hossa’s. Gaby will want a little more money.
This gives Gaby a chance at the Cup and maybe more chemistry with either Crosby or Malkin because both are great passers/playmakers. That’s really what Gaborik needs is someone to get him the puck.
The Wild don’t take on more future salary and can have pots of money to spend in FA.
What an update from Russo! So much interesting stuff. DR burning up the cell phone minutes…love the intrigue!
FWIW: if you are a Sirius subscriber, tune into the replay of HNIC Radio tonight around 8:55 PM ET. They take calls on the show and I got on and asked Kelly Hrudey which of Backstrom or Harding he sees as the long term #1 as they both play for contracts this season. (I even got a little dig on Skoula in there.)
No chance they’d re-sign him. I wonder how things would have even worked if they HAD signed Hossa.
ugh not the “Swedish Twins”. I can’t get that commercial out of my head.
Like a said in the last thread. #10 probably feels a change would do him good. Maybe it’s not laziness, it’s boredom.
Yes Gunslinger,the Don has shot us some “food” directly before.
Me too Ride. It wasn’t speculation though. It was an expression of how absolutely dire my frustration is. Like, “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.” Okay, I’m not really eating a horse but goddamn am I hungry. No I don’t really want Brad MFing May on my team but goddamn I’m really sick of this “situation.” Let’s hug it out, Ride…
Nice Satan take, Sunshine.
He does it occasionally Gunslinger. But not often.
I just got googled from Sunrise, FL…
Oh, and I meant to say I chuckled at Walz’s flip-flop revelation. That’s always my big pitch for Houston. Year round flip-flops, baby!
TheGun: Yes. The Don mingles with his people from time to time.
From Russo, above:
“As I’ve reported on here and on TV, there’s no doubt Doug Risebrough is talking with other teams. He’s avoiding the beat writers like the plague right now, and things are extremely tense inside the organization.”
There would be nothing like being a fly on the wall right now (except in Florida, something bigger would eat you) around Ballgame as he wheels and deals regarding Gaborik…is DR’s cell phone in meltdown mode yet?
The Don mingles with his people from time to time.
Lmao.
That’s where the nickname Stencils came from for the new guy.
(From where? From me! Boo-yah!)
puliot has no bandwagon. if he does it has always been occupied by one person, himself.
on JL being testy…I think it comes from last season. I believe he wants to retain complete control. didn’t he give into some players demands last season on morning skates and other aspects of the operation of the team? The team this year cannot afford to take a minute off if it wants to succeed. I think JL is setting the tone early that it’s his way this year.
I think you’re right, G*, and I really don’t have a problem with that attitude from him either. He’s our coach, FBOFW. It’s his ship to run, until it isn’t.
The team this year cannot afford to take a minute off if it wants to succeed.
Gentlemen, you don’t have enough talent to win on talent alone?
KiPA: ‘zakly.
KiPA your plaid pants are showing…..
Can we please talk about something other than Gaby, it’s getting almost as bad as all the stupid political ads.
A personal problem, Bandgeek, my apologies….
It’s all right, let um’ show. All hockey fans should have a pair.
Continuing KiPA’s theme, JLs testy comments regarding the youngsters’ play last night could just as well have been:
That look like hockey to you? To me it looks like two monkeys trying to hump a football.
Is Crunchy in goal for Buffalo?
Who’s Crunchy?
Miller. For some reason this circle of chick hockey bloggers I read all call him Crunchy. Never have seen a good explanation of it, but I dig it. Like Dorkfish for Pouliot.
Yeah, he’s in. And try and find out the source of that nickname…Dorkfish is at least funny. Crunchy? Well it’s unique I guess.
Hmm. Well, there’s this:
http://willfulcaboose.wordpress.com/faq/
Ah, here we go:
Crunchy: Nickname for Ryan Miller, G Buffalo Sabres. Originated when Schnookie decided he looks like the kind of guy who makes his own yogurt-covered raisins. We fully put forth that Ryan Miller, in reality, doesn’t really seem that crunchy, but the nickname stuck. Adding to his crunchy mythology are the assertions by Pookie that he plays the electric oboe and rides a recumbant bicycle.
Ah, here we go:
Crunchy: Nickname for Ryan Miller, G Buffalo Sabres. Originated when Schnookie decided he looks like the kind of guy who makes his own yogurt-covered raisins. We fully put forth that Ryan Miller, in reality, doesn’t really seem that crunchy, but the nickname stuck. Adding to his crunchy mythology are the assertions by Pookie that he plays the electric oboe and rides a recumbant bicycle.
…
Um.
So…
Satan, Fedotenko and a 3rd work for you guys for Gaborik?
Ah come now. Don’t dot dot dot me!
Is that what Russo said to to, KiPA?
Its not my ideal trade scenario. I would rather see a long-term prospect or a high draft pick but if we are not going to wait for the trade deadline, that might be an option.
I only mentioned Satan because either you or analysts were saying that he wasn’t working out with Crosby.
to you not to to.
He’s not, but it’s been only four games. Was a little better last night. And no, it’s not what Russo said; I only brought it up as a subject change from Crunchy Miller.
And Ms. C: I’ll dot dot dot you all I want.
I am debating if I should watch the debate or hockey.
…
Really, sunshine? Man. No question. But my mind is made up the prez thing, so it’s neither here nor there to me.
KiPA - are you at liberty to discuss the content of the Don’s message?
See how fun it is?
He’s been too busy to get back to me (the nerve!) but I would assume since he wanted to email that anything he tells me will be off the record.
No. Felt empty to me.
BTW… know what’s worse than Lapanta’s commentary on a Wild game on FSN?
Lapanta calling a high school football game on FSN.
It’s always empty-feeling the first time.
…Or something.
but I would assume since he wanted to email that anything he tells me will be off the record.
Just post it as “Mister Know It All”
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
6GS: that’s some funny poop.
Good call.
Or…I’ll post as Eklund instead.
Alrighty, Stars-Preds, if this weather will go away and leave my dish alone. Grr.
Man, Voros is still a psyco on the ice.
Mister Know it all should not boast. But I do need to defend my position as Mister Know it all. I said that the only way that Clutterbuck would be on the roster this year was if Nolan got hurt… I wont boast anymore
I have some advice for Mister Lemaire now. Pouliot is a troubling guy but Mike Modano went through a stage like that, I would ask Bob Gainey what he did to help Mike Modano out. Lemaire as an older coach may not be capable of guiding the complex player out so you hope you could draw on your assistant coaches to try a different angle out
Yep. I think that plays better in NYC somehow…
We could talk about AV’s tat (or his pecs) again. That was fun last night.
Why do I like to watch Ghost Hunters? It freaks me out but I watch it anyway.
KiPA, your trade is plausible, but i wouldn’t be in favor of it. For the same reasons you are lol
Wait, why am I not in favor of that trade?
Just dumped Benny off my Russoville team. I had too many LWs still anyway. Kotalik is up. Meh.
G*: Going back to last thread, Ballgame wasting money has everything to do with it. I would rather he give Gaby an extra 500k per season than to see him waste it on a player like Simon at the deadline. Giving Gaby the 500k is not wasting Cap space. Giving a player like Simon 500k is a joke.
Jonesy is blogging for the Preds and he had this funny little story:
But to make the team right out of Training Camp was a thrill. Coach Trotz was the one to break the news to me. I was working out last Thursday. He said he wanted to talk to me and we started walking down the hallway toward his office; I was a little worried as we were walking.
His office was in use, so he took me into the equipment storage room. I remember thinking at the time, “please don’t send me down to Milwaukee from an equipment storage room.”
———
Heh. I know I would have liked that kid.
MsC I knew you were not speculating. I was just giving you a hard time, I’m overly sarcastic.
I’ve been reading this blog for awhile now and you all have great opinions. Appreciate the insight from some true fans. Keep up the good work.
Just curious Russo if you knew Hedican and Parrish were at the National Hockey Center today in St. Cloud practicing with the Huskies in the hopes to keep in shape for an NHL contract?
the two scenarios are mutually exclusive.
to add, simon didn’t get 500k it was pro-rated.
if he didn’t give simon the money, it wasn’t going to #10. in fact it was going back to the naegles. wasted and wasted.
if you seriously think that DR wouldn’t go up 500k a year for #10 so he can waste that money each year at the deadline on simon type players because he did that last year, then you clearly have some sort of personal issue with DR.
Ride, I’m overly dumb about picking up on sarcasm.
overheard on the flight to atlanta…
gaby to DR: Doug, I’ll sign today if you up your offer another 500k per year.
DR: Really?
gaby: as real as my F1 simulator.
DR: I don’t know marion…
gaby: what do you mean? I’m your franchise player, the fans love me, except in section 220. You need me.
DR: I know I need you but i need that 500k.
gaby: Ya, to pay me.
DR: If I give it to you, then I won’t be able to trade for a hack at the deadline like I did for Simon last year.
gaby: Forgot about that. You ain’t going to do that again.
DR: It was fun. I became the center of attention. I think I will do something like that every year.
gaby: You won’t be able to keep me though.
DR: Yeah, sorry kid. I already did the Simon thing so I have to keep doing it. Pattern has been established. How about if i send you to pittsburgh?
Heck of a group hug in this PHO/CHI game.
Gotta love center ice!
Fedoruk still cant fight!
Fridge protecting Turris. ‘At’s my Fridgy. I miss him.
Ms.C, that was a big hug wasnt it?
Hey, Jeff, he wasn’t given a chance.
i liked him too, still dont mean he can fight though.
Damn refs.
Well, he has to be careful with that shattered melon of his. I still wouldn’t want to be the one to piss him off.
Look how Fridgy he is… Aww.
Oh sweet. I think I have Sharp on my FF team.
I miss Fridge. He had a funny smile, and could really bust a move. I wish I could watch Hockey. Nope no hockey for me, just South Park.
Writting about Jay B. because he has a lot of ice time or because he will be on our team Thursday? SI is saying Florida could be in the mix.
Damn. Habs win.
Yes! Habs win! That helps my team…
J-Bow is in the same boat as Gaborik. Panthers might be force to trade him if they can’t re-sign him. Why do we need that headache?
Moreover, we need a scorer or a couple of scorers.
The reason Draft picks and prospects, oh and a solid D man.
Is Pricer your goalie, Wall?
Plus he might actually WANT to play here.
If Gaborik leaves, give me Booth and Horton before J-Bouw.
I like J-Bouw, its just that the hole we need filled first is in the scoring department.
People will score given the opportunity, but the last few cup winners have all had great D men. I guess its just the coach in me that believes in D first.
Wow, Brunnstrom is paying off for Dallas. NHL debut and the kid has a hat trick. Holy cow.
Wow!!!!
I don’t know why everyone keeps bringing up J-Bow for Gaby. It makes no sense! We already have Schultz, Foster, Johnsson, Zidlicky, Burns, and to a certain extent MAB. We do NOT need another Dman. Now if you want to trade Skooby for J-Bow, then BY ALL MEANS!
Funny, it’s like Nashville has an Aeros line with both Ward and Jones. They have good chemistry.
Only 2 other rookies have scored a hat trick in their debut.
Useless stat: Nolan and Gaborik are the only 2 players to register 6 hat tricks before their 21st birthday.
Sunshine who were the other rookies that scored hattys? Anyone notable?
Trade offer on a Pens board: “Ok here’s the deal….Staal, Fedetanko,Scuderi, 2nd and 4th rounder for Phill Kessel and P.J Axelsson”
/facepalm
Also, Bouwmeester’s probably a bit better than most of your D (or a lot of teams’ D). That’s why his name’s brought up. But that won’t help your forward scoring.
The Dallas announcers provided the info and their names escapes me.
I agree that the Bow-man is good. But really, we don’t need him. We need scoring…. although, come to think of it, we have scored plenty in our first two games… maybe we won’t need the scoring… maybe Mittens nets 35 this year… mmmmm, Kool-Aid.
Ms. C - That’s why I picked that kid up….see what happens when he plays!? Now if only he wasn’t riding my bench! haha
G*: You are missing my point. I would be willing to take away Ballgame’s ability for the next 8 years to throw away 500k at the deadline on a retread like Simon in order for that future money to go to a potential Gaby extension. 3 years from now, if Gaby were to sign, I would be pleased if at the 2011 trade deadline Ballgame would state. “You know, we really wanted to bring in (fill in with name of 35-yr-old washed up player here) but we didn’t have an extra 1/2 million under the cap because we signed Gaby during the 2008-09 season.” Ballgame has shown a steady ability to throw away salary cap, whether it was present (Simon) or future (Parrish). Therefore, take that ability away and spend it now on one of the top goal scorers in the western conference.
I think Burns and J-Bouw might be equal to each other but I am bias towards Burns. Seeing them play together at the World Championships, it was obvious that Burns was the superior defensemen. Of course, it was only 6 games.
No, you don’t “need” him but it’s not like he wouldn’t be an upgrade. I do agree with you though; you need forwards in exchange for Gaborik.
Of course Burns is better, he’s in a defense-only system.
Kidding. He very well could be better.
Bowmeester has already hinted he wants Cambell money. No point in over paying him when we have Burns locked up 4 years. I’d trade Gaby for Horton and the Cats first rounder(most likely a top 10 pick). I would never trade Gaby for the Sedin sisters. If you think this team is too soft then why would we add two of the softest top line players in the west? Just bring in a roster player, a TOP prospect and a 1st rounder.
If Ballgame is unable to up the 8 million per year offer and has to trade Gaby, he has to get offense in return, whether it is in current NHLers or prospects. It’s exciting that the Wild has scored 8 goals in 2 games but I think many of us will agree we don’t get to play the dregs of the East 50 or 60 times per season. Plus, we’re already dealing with injuries to the forward lines.
Lucky: you’re forgetting. Getting tougher to compete with the Ducks was Ballgame’s philosophy 2 years ago. Now we are a quick, puck-moving team so the Sedin sisters would most likely fit in.
Fun hockey game for anyone interested. I scored 8 goals my first attempt… http://www.funny-games.biz/power-play.html
You do have a point re: the different systems.
But the World Championships was a real eye-opener because they were playing the same system and on the same team so it was easier to evaluate them. You also got to see Mike Green and how he stacks up against Burns and J-Bouw. Green is the most offensive of the three but not as great defensively. Burns is the better all around defensemen and J-Bouw came in second in all around defensemen.
Ahhh, come on Edmonton. Friggin’ ducks.
Is it wrong to root for the Ducks just so that we continue to build a lead now?
Well I was just being a smart ass about the systems.
Re: Green. I wonder if he gave Bruce Boudreau a cut of his new contract. If they hadn’t fired Hanlon, we would have never heard of Mike Green. Boudreau really cut him loose and let him do his thing, and he just exploded offensively.
Maybe I’ve got rose colored glasses on but I’ve never been a big Sedin bros. fan. I will admitt when I’m jealous of another teams top player like NBC, Ovie, Iginla, etc… but I’ve never said to someone damn the Sedins would look great on our team. I’d pass on a trade that involved the sisters.
If people thought the Gaborik disappeared in 1 playoff series, the Sedins haven’t been the best playoff performers either.
Erik Cole was the one who broke his ankle playing soccer during a pregame warmup which the Wild then banned the guys from playing all of last year. At the Hockey Unplugged session with Koivu and Branko, they both said that they didn’t like that rule.
So, I guess now the rule has been lifted since the guys are playing hacky sack.
ATX: Here are the other 2 rookies who scored hattricks in their NHL debut per NHL on the Fly
1. Alex Smart - Montreal - 1943
2. Real Cloutier - Quebec - 1979
“If people thought the Gaborik disappeared in 1 playoff series, the Sedins haven’t been the best playoff performers either.”
I’m pretty sure they have AWFUL playoff numbers. I don’t know exactly what they are so I don’t want to shoot my mouth off but Nuck fans have bitched about them being non-factors come playoff time.
I think we know we can’t trade star for star here. All we can do is hope Risebrough listens to all options and takes the best package. I pray that doesn’t include us taking some insane contract back or us giving up our 1st rounder in what supposed to be another deep draft.
That’s a good point about the playoffs and the BrainEaters.
And yeah, it’s wrong, Sunshine. The Ducks are an abomination. But then in an ideal world, they’d never win a game.
Green*…you were on the flight to Atlanta???
maybe he was reading DB’s posts
RIAC will do that to a man.
Late check in…
KiPA.. Was referring to your willingness to DO the Satan/Fedetenko/Sydor trade is the same reason I wouldn’t: who wants those guys???
DB… Look man, it’s clear your personal distaste for DR. Some of your scenarios are kinda irrational; the 2011 convo about couldn’t land ____ because he gave the needed 500k to Gaborik. Frankly, I can see why you and many others don’t like the outcome of the DR trades, and you’re afraid that the Gaborik situation will end up in a similar manner - and you’re gonna feel personally screwed after investing your time, money, and heart into a team.
However, regardless your personal views of DR, he is the GM, and for the foreseeable future, will remain the GM. We as fans will compliment and criticize, but most of all - we will live by any move he makes. It is his show, and we’re the audience.
For the rest.. I’ll raise my glass in hopes we have a trade tomorrow. And a good trade at that.
Thought it was today, MuN. I’ve been waiting up late in case maybe it’s gonna happen today Pacific time…
Hey, I’ll trade those three guys for Gaborik at the drop of a hat.
Now if I’m the one receiving those three…then no. But I’d be the one giving them, so…
Sorry doll, I guess it wasn’t today - or at least it wasn’t announced today.
Never know, they might have the deal in place, and will schedule the news conference for 11am.
We can only hope!
By the way, KiPA.. I’m not sure I’d want Feds on the receiving end of any trade
I’m gonna say no to that deal. Or maybe I’ll just say “…”
Say, guys, should I play Kipper or Smith on Saturday? Obviously, I’m betting AGAINST the Wild by picking Smitty, but Kipper’s not been looking real good and will be up against EDM on the road. Hmm.
(This isn’t for the Russoville league so it won’t help you to mislead me. )
Doll??
Okay, give me a good answer on my goalie dilemma and I’ll let that go.
Actually I’d take Fedotenko over Sydor.
If you’re deciding between those two, you can either start just one or you have three going. Who’s your other one?
I only have one active goalie in this particular league. So I have to pick one or the other.
Edmonton just downed the Ducks, who so far suck this year. Smith’s a good goalie. But no defense in front of him and maybe TB’s due to break out offensively. If saves is a category, he should get you a lot, even if he plays the Wild.
You could also use the reverse psychology strategy. You could play Smith, then once the game’s over, you’d celebrate either a Minnesota win or a Smith fantasy win.
I’d sit Kipper until he gets over his annual early-season swoon and go with Smith.
Keep in mind though you need to make sure Smith actually starts that one.
lol MsC, another of my quips! Play Smith. Kipper has always had issues getting started in the season. He usually takes 8-10 games to warm up.
Yeah, good point on whether he’s actually starting. Made a note to myself. Working the Aeros game that night so I need to keep my wits about me and not get excited and forget to check on that.
I was thinking that reverse psychology angle, too. Either way I “win” but then I’ll feel guilty for being happy if Smitty gets the win. Hopefully the Aeros will so roundly crush San Antonio that I won’t give a crap about any of the NHL stuff anyway (other than how Cluts does).
Okay. It’s unanimous among the late night crew… Smitty it is.
then I’ll feel guilty
As I said to my friend the other night riding home from the Penguins woeful display in the home opener, when RL turns to $hit, look to fantasy. I’d gotten both Devils goals and Marc Savard had just netted twice against you guys. So don’t feel guilty.
Deep, KiPA. Deep. I’m on board.
Hey, that’s the kind of person I am.
[…] as excited about the Avalanche as they were in the old days. -Minnesota defenseman Marek Zidlicky was put on injured reserve. -Having dealt with Marian Hossa last season, Thrashers general manager Don Waddell knows what the […]
Quiet morning is Russoville.
Too much Gaby speculation yesterday. Everyone’s kinda tuckered out.
Waiting for food from Sunrise…
Kevin and the new record holder for most posts (MsC) were up late. They’ll be back on here to dominate the blog soon.
So talking about somebody else other than Gaby, does everyone think we will see Backs in tonight after a 2-0 start?
LJD: were you unable to get a post in edgewise last night? In general?
I say Backs is still in. I don’t think we’ll see Harding start until we have back to back games.
I always say to ride the hot goalie, Gun. And I totally mean that in a hockey way. But at what point do you put Hards in so he can do this “proving himself” that he needs to do this season?
However, both Hards and Smitty have played for the Aeros, so I think it would be a good story to play them both in Tampa.
Hmph, LJD.
Mr. Happy asked yesterday at 4:33
If Pittsburgh and Detroit can find a way to absolutely stack their teams with amazing talent, why can’t the Wild?
Pittsburgh got ‘lucky’ because they sucked for a while and got some phenomenal high picks (Crosby, Malkin, Staal)
Detroit has an amazing knack for drafting sleepers in late rounds and turning them into incredible players.
Why couldn’t the Wild have found a way to sign Hossa in the off season and retain Gaborik to boot?
Because Hossa wants a cup and he thought Detroit was where he’d win it - not MN.
I think we will see Backs the rest of this road trip and see Harding next week at home. Then they can figure out who they want in net for that last big week in Oct vs Chicago, Dallas, and Montreal.
BTW - If anyone hasn’t read KiPA’s blog on “Gabonomics”… I highly recommend it. but it does remind me of why I hated economics and accounting in college…
Well thanks, Gunslinger, but that was Nick’s post and his blog. I just post there occasionally.
Math FTL in my book.
Well then NiNY: +1
Sorry - I didn’t read the author credits at the bottom
It was a great post though. You could see DR basically doing similar math, right? Well, or someone who works for DR.
Meanwhile, I’ve been reading Dryden’s The Game and just got to the part where he talks about Riser. Extremely kind things to say about him. It was interesting to see him spoken of so glowingly. Don’t get much of that around here but he strikes me as a good human.
Oh, I’m sorry, LJD, did you have something to say?
Thoughts on teams and the draft… I’m only talking about the first round in the following:
The draft is set up such that the middle of the road teams will be stuck at middle of the road. The crap teams will get high picks which might propel them to the top (a-la Pittsburgh). They’ll then get low picks until they once again become crap or middle of the road.
The top teams will get the lowest picks but as they are already a top team with the talent they have, if they can keep it they’ll stay at the top for a while and the picks won’t matter much (a-la Detriot). Eventually they’ll lose their players and have nobody in the system. They’ll then be a crap team and get high picks.
The middle of the road teams are always forced to pick middle of the road players. Those players will very rarely make a middle of the road team a top team. Obviously if they would make the team a crap team, they won’t play and the team will stick with the same middle of the road players. They’ll keep picking middle of the road, they’ll keep signing FA’s who are middle of the road players because they feel no need to keep their current middle of the road players. It is very hard for them to get better and rare for them to get worse.
I’d much prefer a random draft order. Maybe with the exception of the worst team or two getting the first pick(s) and the best team or two getting the last pick(s). Every other team is assigned a pick order at random.
Sure, every now and then you’ll get a team who finished 3rd selecting 3rd and a team that finished 27th picking 27th, but IMO it is more fair to those teams that finish around 15th. They would sometimes get to pick 3rd and sometimes they’d be bumped to picking 27th, but IMO, that is better than always picking 15th.
Addtionally, doing so will overall benefit the league. Teams will no longer have an incentive to suck to increase their chance of ‘winning the Tavares sweepstakes’. Unless they manage to finish dead last, their pick order will not be influenced. Since draft order will be mostly random, a team’s play will not be influenced by the upcoming draft.
Wow, that was long - sorry. Maybe I’m missing some key information. Maybe I’m thinking all wrong…
TheGun: thanks…glad you enjoyed it.
KiPA: You’re all class, bro.
ms.c: thanks, too. And The Game is as good as advertised. And he really did have some terrific things to say about Riser.
LJD…this is MsConductville too ya know…
Oh, and NiNY is the class act.
The middle of the road teams are always forced to pick middle of the road players. Those players will very rarely make a middle of the road team a top team. Obviously if they would make the team a crap team, they won’t play and the team will stick with the same middle of the road players. They’ll keep picking middle of the road, they’ll keep signing FA’s who are middle of the road players because they feel no need to keep their current middle of the road players. It is very hard for them to get better and rare for them to get worse.
Anyone else reminded of that NHL Network commercial with the coach talking about giving 110 percent, 100% of the time?
Yeah, kj, not me.
No, Gunslinger, but excellent call.
Goody - sorry, didn’t mean to take away from your point. I would tend to agree with you, the only argument against it I would have is the fact that the parity in the league is continuing to even out, and the teams that would finish in the middle of the pack, arent always around that 15 mark. Plus is a team is perpeually stuck in the middle, it is their GMs job to go get a free agent or make a trade to make that team better.
Just my .02
Goody - another thing about a random order from picks 3-28 is that you can’t really “tank” at the end of the season to try to get that top 5 pick. Technically, the lottery is supposed to address this.
how about Brunnstrom with the hatty in his debut?! That’s pretty awesome.
It was, Nick. I ran right out and put him on my fantasy team. An overreaction, for sure, but at least I unloaded one of my TOR players. Blech.
And yeah, The Game is terrific. Unfortunately, I bought it on Mr. Conduct’s Kindle (because it was the only Kindleized hockey book) and he travels with it all the time. I think it’s gonna take me a year to read at this rate. Or maybe another hurricane/power outage.
This is so not Ms.Conductville. Russo pwns.
LJD-
Didn’t know there was a max number of posts per person, per day.
You would be lucky to show a quareter of the intelligent thought that the two of them do.
If all you can bring is complaints about how many posts someone is putting up, maybe you should go back to the AOL teen chatroom you were in.
I haven’t read any of the last posts so this is probably off the subject but has anyone heard of what Mark Parrish is doing now? Did he sign in Russia? I thought I heard Vancouver might be interested in him just before the season…..
ms.c: I’ll be happy to mail you my copy if you’re really jonesin’…
ps: how do you and the Mr like the Kindle? I read a lot (and am traveling a lot more now), but I haven’t talked to anyone that actually has used the thing.
DON’T PRINT THAT
Former Wild forward Mark Parrish is poised to sign with an NHL team as soon as an injury opens up a roster spot.
Nah, thanks for the offer though. I can tell it’s a book I’ll be sad to finish, so I might as well make it last.
The Kindle is interesting. He likes it more than me, simply for the newspapers and magazines you can get on it. Unfortunately, there’s no THN subscription for the Kindle. It is true that it’s like reading actual paper pages though. I even find myself wanting to flip the page and then remember I have to click the “Next Page” button.
For the price though, I’d rather just read books. It would be worth about $150 to me and it costs, what, like $400 or something? No way. If DH’s company hadn’t paid for it, we wouldn’t have it, that’s for sure.
DON’T PRINT THAT
According to an eBay marketplace research firm, 1,080 Wild items have been sold on the Internet service during the past 30 days with a total value of $65,828. The team that had the NHL’s top-selling merchandise on eBay was the Detroit Red Wings, with 3,942 items totaling $176,568
KiPA…I can neither confirm nor deny your class actedness since we haven’t had the occasion to meet.
However, since you keep trying to ram the Satan, Fedotenko and Sydor for Gaborik scam down our throats, the jury of one is still out…
I thought I heard he was debating playing over in Russia where Clymer went…..
I have yet to hear that from a little birdie.
Technically, the lottery is supposed to address this.
but it is still bent towards those that suck, yes? I’d go with the following. last place gets 4 ping pong balls. 29 thur 17 get 2 ping pong balls, 5 thur 16 get 1 ping pong ball and the top 4 will get nothing and like it.
or, to get radical, have a toilet bowl series for the non-playoff teams to seed the bottom of the pile.
From last night:
scsuhuskyfan says:
October 15th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Just curious Russo if you knew Hedican and Parrish were at the National Hockey Center today in St. Cloud practicing with the Huskies in the hopes to keep in shape for an NHL contract?
I don’t know who this scsuhuskyfan is, but I have no reason to doubt him.
If you doubt scsuhuskyfan he will throw batteries at you!
Here’s the SC Times bolg entry re: Parrish & Hedican:
What’s a “bolg”? Geez.
but it is still bent towards those that suck, yes? I’d go with the following. last place gets 4 ping pong balls. 29 thur 17 get 2 ping pong balls, 5 thur 16 get 1 ping pong ball and the top 4 will get nothing and like it.
or, to get radical, have a toilet bowl series for the non-playoff teams to seed the bottom of the pile.
yes it is.
I love the idea of having teams play for the highest draft picks. Do a mini-playoffs, (say, best of 3), keeps people interested, maybe puts some more money into owners’ hands for the extra gate/concession, etc…
I say have the bottom two teams in each conference play a Bo3 with the winners of the series then playing each other for the 1st overall pick. Then sort of move up the standings to sort out the rest of the top picks to, say, pick 12 or 14.
Gunslinger - No problem, I got a good laugh out of the commercial. I know I can be like that. Sometimes on purpose, sometimes not…
As for the GM point. It is very hard as evidenced by Hossa signing with Detroit, Rolston with NJ, etc. The cellar dwellers have money they can throw at FA’s, the top teams have the ‘you get to play with the best and have a chance at a cup’ to throw at the FA’s. The middle of the road teams have ‘We can’t pay you too much because our $$’s are spread around. We can tell you our building is a great place to play…’
Also, if a GM is supposed to improve the team, there are conceivably two ways to do that:
1)draft better players
2)sign better FA’s
I was attempting to point out that for a middle of the road team to improve by method number 1, they would most likely have to get worse in order to get a better draft position. Can the team get bad enough before the GM loses his job?
NiNY - instead of starting the season over in europe, send the bottom 4 in each conference over for 2 weeks to play best of 3’s for the top 4 draft slots. kills two birds with one stone.
Food. Yucky food.
Ms.C, not so much food as unintentionally eaten.
Like your mouth being open and a fly going in.
Or getting splashed from a mud puddle while talking.
Or, like looking up and having a bird poop in you open mouth.
