Tuesday’s practice update; Kalus returns to Europe; Bouchard practices
Posted on October 21st, 2008 – 2:05 PMBy Michael Russo
Tense-filled morning down at Parade as the media horde came out to ask a very agitated Doug Risebrough and Marian Gaborik, “What’s the latest?” regarding stalled negotiations and all the trade rumors.
Gaborik said he doesn’t know what’s the truth, and that the media is making up trade rumors.
Risebrough wouldn’t comment on much, saying he didn’t want to perpetuate all the speculation.
He also wouldn’t talk about Gaborik’s “lower body injury,” although he said on Sid Hartman’s WCCO show Sunday what I reported last week in the paper and the blog: Gaborik wasn’t injured in Atlanta. He was actually injured playing the soccer hackysack tennis game last Wednesday morning in South Florida.
Risebrough told Sid and WCCO, “they play this game to warm up, which is a soccer game … and I think it tightened up his legs.”
An angry Risebrough wouldn’t comment about that comment today to the two beat writers because of the team’s new injury policy. Of course, that didn’t stop Risebrough from talking about Gaborik’s injury on radio. He said he’d “pick and choose” whom he comments to about anything.
Onward:
– Petr Kalus, acquired from Boston on July 1, 2007, for Manny Fernandez, has left Houston and returned to Europe, where he hopes to continue his career. Assistant GM Tom Lynn said he doesn’t have a team yet. Remember, Roman Voloshenko quit the Wild last season, and by all accounts, his career has flamed out over there.
The Wild owns Kalus’ rights for the next two years, and it could technically keep qualifying him to retain his rights. But usually when you leave, you don’t come back.
– Right wing Pierre-Marc Bouchard (back) practiced today and looked good. Jacques Lemaire said if he feels good tomorrow and practices, he’s a good possibility for Thursday. Marek Zidlicky practiced today and looked good, so he should be a go.
– Gaborik (lower body) and Owen Nolan (lower body) didn’t practice but skated before practice, so they’re less likely to play Thursday.
– Derek Boogaard played defense today because Lemaire wanted to practice defenseman Tomas Mojzis at wing again. Lemaire said he wants Mojzis to play forward against Buffalo, and he doesn’t want to him to get confused by switching back and forth in practice.
– Krys Kolanos was sent back to Houston.
I’ll be on KFAN at 3:35 p.m. today.
251 Responses to "Tuesday’s practice update; Kalus returns to Europe; Bouchard practices"
He was actually injured playing the soccer hackysack tennis game
Woops.
Breaking news: Eklund has a ruptured appendix. No more fake rumors for a while.
Wow, injured while playing hackysack. let the uproar begin.
FIRE CHILI!! I MEAN Risebrough!!
Why is “DR” such a richard to you? What an a##!
Marian Gaborik is anti-Minnesotan, for that reason alone, he should be traded.
To follow up on my previous comment…perhaps you should post an article calling for the treade of Risebrough WITH the other baby…#10
Has anyone heard anything more about the supposed Niklas Backstrom (WAS) story?
Checked out the Yahoo site this morning and it does list his stats as MIN 08/09
To follow up on my previous comment…perhaps you should post an article calling for the treade of Risebrough WITH the other baby…#10
To follow up on my previous comment…perhaps you should post an article calling for the trade of Risebrough WITH the other baby…#10. I mean of all people..he talks to SID!?!?!? Are you f’n kidding me? That HACK!
Nice to read that Gaby doesn’t know what the truth is. Wish Gaby and Ballgame would simply go over to Sheik’s for the buffet and a couple of lap dances to get this thing straightened out. Ballgame’s already agitated by the questions and we’re exactly 4 games and 11 days into the season. Nice call on that Ballgame, that it wouldn’t become a distraction.
Kalus = Gone.
Voloshenko = Gone.
Is this an alarming trend related to our stifling style of defensive hockey that is taught and forced upon our young players in Houston?
Or is this a sign that fragile, foreign born players who are not accustomed to the hardened style of play in the U.S. do not mix well with our coaches?
Either way…why do we keep acquiring these wusses?
Draft Canadians!!!!!
Full credit to Lucky, he asked if it was true that Kalus “pulled a Volshenko” last night.
Most European players just want to skate and shoot. They don’t have the stomach for the dirty work. DR needs to realise that if he’s going to keep Lemaire, then he needs to draft differently. The Euro’s are the “sexy” players, but if you’re going to play a defensive game, then they are a waste of a pick.
Stencils or Russo… Has Clutterbuck been included in JL’s youngster-bashing? Was he involved in the extra skating talked about from yesterday’s practice where the kids had to do laps? Just trying to get a sense of where he is in this drama.
So now that Pete has flown East, does that fairly well close the book on yet another failed trade by Ballgame or do we have that “future 4th round pick” still in our back pocket?
the wild are ranked #1 on foxsports.com’s NHL power rankings!
Bachman:
Don’t you mean anti-American and should be traded to Montreal for pro-American Higgins?
DB:
Don’t you think getting rid of Fernandez salary was sufficient? If Kalus panned out,it would have been a bonus?
I think at the time Fernandez had “some” value. Ending up getting “nothing” for him is certainly not the ideal outcome…and part of a trend that seems to be developing from Douggie Ballgame.
Worse…why do we keep guys like Gillies around if we intend to badger and publicly berate him only 4 games into his career!?
Me wonders if the stress of the Gaborik situation is getting a little steamy ALREADY over at 317 Washington Street!?!?!?!?!?
C’mon guys, toughen up (DL and JL). It’s time to show a little more composure.
Is there any chance we could package Doug Risebrough and Marian Gaborik together in a trade with Montreal for Bob Gainey and some other mediocre prospects? In all honesty, Doug Risebrough is just one solitary rung higher on the ladder from Kevin McHale right now. And that is not saying much. I think DR is in way over his head and needs to step down or be relieved of his duties. He just can’t handle it. Since the end of last season, he has quite literally botched every attempt he’s made at making the team better.
Ending up getting “nothing” for him is certainly not the ideal outcome
If it makes one feel better, “nothing” is close to what Boston’s gotten out of Fernandez.
Also, not that it matters since he went to Detroit to win a Cup, but they didn’t have much room to make a serious play for Hossa unless they’d bought out Fernandez.
…and others.
Thanks again “The Don” for all the updates, sounds like “Ballgame” isn’t very happy with you, oh well. I’ve been watching these blogs every day and seeing what people think the trades rumors that are getting posted and they are interesting. I personally wish Gabby would sign and be done, but it won’t happen and at the end of the day, if a trade did happen, we’ll probably end up with Chris Simon (again), the other half Fedoruks face that Boogy punched out a few yrs back and a can of ramen soup. GABBY, if you read RUSSO’S RANTS, quit being a lil B and sign the damn dotted line and be the player in MN that every kid on skates wishes they can grow up to be. 8 mil a yr, are you kidding me? You can build a few more MG Arena’s with that, climb the ladder buddy, grow up!
Man, I would hate to be a GM in this town.
So, looks like my prediction of Moses staying on the wing was right.
My prediction of Clutterbuck to Houston and Kolanos in for Pouliot was, shall we say, ‘a little off’. But, I ascribe that to Butch being a possibility for Thursday - yay!
I really hate this ‘lower body injury’ crap. Nolan is out with one. Is it a bad bruise? A pulled muscle? A broken bone? Should we expect him back next week or to be out for a month yet???
I suppose if it was a broken bone and/or a month they’d put him on IR but…
Man, I would hate to be a GM in this town.
Unless you are very wealthy I think you would change your mind when you got a look at the paychecks
DEFINITiVE REASON THIS SITUATION IS ROTTEN.
Here it is, boiled down to it’s essence:
Gaborik thinks he’s one of the best few players in the league.
Since his contract is running out, nobody in their right mind will offer what his “value” truly is, since they can just wait for him to be a FA.
Risebrough missed his opportunity to attain maximum value last season by refusing to trade him (see Torii Hunter, Kevin Garnett, Johan Santana, etc…)
There are ALWAYS going to be at least one or two idiotic GM/Owners in the NHL to open up the coffers for a free agent - so in essence, Gaborik is “right” by not choosing to sign for the “reduced rate” that Riser is offering right now.
My recommendation for DR (and I’m sure he’s dying to here my suggestion) is to deal him after his first hot streak for one young near-sure thing and one first round pick (unfortunately that’s all he’s worth given his contract status.) (because you KNOW he’s going to be a little baby and refuse to sign with anyone but the team that he really wants to play for…)
I doubt he’d be skating before practice if it’s crazy serious like a broken bone. I’m taking the NFL injury route: If they not skating, they’re Out. If they are skating, but only before practice, they’re Questionable. And if they are skating in practice, they’re Probable.
Russo, what did you do to get in Dougie’s dog house? jeez man, get a lead, confirm your sources, publish a true story, and all of a sudden you’re on the sh!t list.
Touché, SGS.
Chris,
I’m not usually one to stick up for DR, but I think it’s a little early to say that “since the end of last season he has quite literally botched every attempt he’s made at making the team better” (as opposed to what, figuratively botching every attempt?). Brunette’s paid immediate dividends. Mittens looks pretty good so far. Zidlicky and Nolan haven’t really had a chance to make an impact yet. Oh, and we’re undefeated. I just think we should maybe try to get a little more perspective before we state categorically that the offseason moves were botched. Don’t you? Even if we’re 0-4, I still think it would be too early to say that.
Hey all. I’ve been away for quite awhile. But read every post. I hope you’ll invite me back in.
My take thus far. After 4 games, the Wild are quite surprising. That being said, my concerns are at coach and President-GM.
1. Lemaire. You wanted talent you could mould. Pouliot, Shep and the rest of the “kids” are your responsibility! Coach them. Don’t just shrug your shoulders and say they don’t get it. if they don’t get it, I feel that is an indictment on you coach.
2. DR. Whilst assembling the talent this summer my stomach turned, his pickups have done well thus far though. His handling of the Gabby situation seems to be pointless. I admire his trip in August to see him. But, I would’ve offered Gabby a deal. If he didn’t take it. I would’ve traded him before the regular season. Before any injury, or speculation started. Now we have this situation.
All that being said my concern about the Wild is bigger than just today. I went to the new owner picnic in August and wasn’t impressed. Mr Leipold was asked some hard questions and joked about wanting softball questions. His ownership seems iffy. When you buy a team and want to make zero changes, it make me wonder if we downgraded in ownership.
I have a friend who knows an NHL player living in the area. That player asked if he’d ever consider playing for the Wild replied, only if the coach and GM were different than today.
So with the Gabby developments, the problem with the kids and the number of players choosing other organizations over the Wild this summer (Huselius, Clumbus, really?) has me concerned.
sushine says:
Bachman:
“Don’t you mean anti-American and should be traded to Montreal for pro-American Higgins?”
Please don’t put words in my mouth(not enough room considering my foot is already in there), I would never say someone is anti-American.
Nice Going Risebrough.
People forget, but Manny Fernandez, at the time, was considered one of the better goaltenders in the league.
Risebrough’s big pickup in the Fernandez trade….Kalus.
Kalus returning to Europe.
Great vision Dougie….I can’t wait to see what we get for Gaborik.
How’s this for a trade: Gabby for Saku straight up! No draft picks. No prospects.
We get Koivu Sr. and lock up Koivu Jr for the rest of his career. Solves our faceoff issues.
Can we please leave politics off this blog? Please?
We get Koivu Sr. and lock up Koivu Jr for the rest of his career. Solves our faceoff issues.
Really? That’s all you want? A 40-goal scorer for a faceoff guy?
If that’s all you want, Pens’ll give you Mike Zigomanis. He’s been a good faceoff guy so far.
Chris Matthews started it.
As my mom used to say, “I don’t care who started it. I’m finishing it.” I’m asking nicely.
Why would anybody tell Sid anything? I can’t stand him and when he is on the radio i can’t follow him he just talks to hear himself and doesn’t make any sence. Lets just get this trade done, I hate drama.
KiPA Re: Saku
He’s got 50+ points in each of the past 5 seasons.
ROFL @ Bachmann.
Most teams don’t trade a long standing captain when they are trying to win this year. Plus, if Mikko and Saku want to play together, Saku is a UFA next year.
The Euro’s are the “sexy” players, but if you’re going to play a defensive game, then they are a waste of a pick.
Tell that to Ovie or Hossa.
KiPA Re: Saku
He’s got 50+ points in each of the past 5 seasons.
Sure, but you didn’t point that out before. Sounded like that wasn’t important.
I’m not sure why anyone thinks Mikko wants his brother in MN. I can vaguely remember comments where he talked about being known as “Saku’s little brother”. I would think a player would not want to be in their brother’s shadow, and Mikko is coming into his own now.
Not sure having the older Koivu around helps the younger Koivu. Mikko probably will develop faster being in control of his own team. Not by stepping back into his brother’s shadow.
I can’t believe there is so much argument about Fernandez. To me it simply appears as one GM traded a head case for another. For those of you thinking he was an elite goalie at the time you are really reaching. He had a couple screws loose and that was well documented and well known throughout the league. If I remember correctly he was a bit of a locker room issue as well.
For the record, I wouldn’t refer to Kalus as a typical wussy European player. He was actually pretty fearless on the ice, perhaps even reckless.
Lemaire does not have the luxury of having Rolston, Parrish, Demitra, Branko, and eventually Gaborik in the lineup to help minimize the lack of production/effort from the kids. He needs to teach good habits and the system to these kids now. When Gaborik is traded and depending on which players we get in return, its going to depend alot on these guys to defend the Division Championship or at least get into the playoffs.
That is why he is getting on these kids’ cases. Not counting Gaborik, only 3 guys have scored at least 20 goals in the last three years. Lemaire needs the kids to step up and fill some of Gaborik’s scoring absence.
It will not be long before “big” brother is in the shadow of “little” brother!
My guess would be that Kalus and Voloshenko came here because they wanted to play in the NHL. It didn’t appear that was going to happen anytime soon. They’d rather play in Europe than in the AHL so they went there. That’s all I’d read into this. Not that they are soft or head cases or whatnot. Just that they couldn’t make the NHL cut. Frankly, if they don’t want to play in the AHL, good riddance. I’m glad they left and freed up a spot for someone else. I’d rather them do that than stick around, give half effort and bring the whole team down.
And, as I noted before, perhaps JL’s comments about not knowing what to say is in fact a little mind game he’s playing. An attempt to motivate the kids.
“Hmmm, coach is speechless - that’s not good, I must be doing really badly. I’d better step up the effort a few notches…”
anyone have transcript for Russo on KFAN???
If you wait a little bit, they will put up on their on-demand feature under the Hartman show.
not able to listen here at work…no headphones or speakers
Nothing you haven’t read on the blog the past week regarding Ghost.
Other than Ballgame being testy today.
Imagine, a reporter reporting. I’d get angry too. Damn liberal media… 
(That last comment was specifically for you Dave…LOL)
Check here soon - http://www.kfan.com/cc-common/podcast/single_podcast.html?podcast=KFAN_Hartman.xml - the main take aways for me was:
- DR is pissed off
- Plekanec could also be the player(s) MTL trades although his cap hit is just slightly lower than Higgins.
Any specifics on why DR is all pissy? I imagine it’d be from all the rumors/reporters…
ENOUGH WITH THE GABY FOR SAKU TALK!!!!! We have a Koivu, we don’t need 2. Let’s let Mikko develop into his own player and not just be Saku’s brothers. If you want a center from the Habs let’s get Plekanec. And from last thread (which I didn’t read all the comments), Leave my Harding alone. I like him. How can you really tell what is made of when he hasn’t gotten that many games and when he does play it is after being sat for a long time or when Backs turns into a sieve so that situation is alread stacked against him. I like what I have seen from him thus far and don’t want to see him go any where.
So, any speculation on who the Don’s source was for the article? Could it have been the Mullet?
I wonder if DR is pissed off at himself for breaking his own injury info rules. Tell the guys to shut up about it because it might give opposing teams leverage and the GM goes and blabs about it.
I’ll say it again.
What is Montreal’s motivation to take Ghost off of Ballgame’s hands? ‘Cuz Gainey and DR are old pals? Isn’t Montreal’s offence pretty good?
If Ghost is going to be moved in the short term (i.e. before January 1) it’s going to be to a team that is floundering and in need of a jolt.
That would motivate a GM to make a move.
All the hype and Tampa has nothing going on. Philly cannot afford to get too much farther behind.
I cannot see Ghost going to the Waddlers.
A divisional foe is not going to get Ghost via trade.
The more I think about it, the less likely it appears that he will be moved before the deadline.
And then it will be for Deep’s proverbial bag ‘o pucks.
And an 8×10 RIAC.
well… here goes.
-DR is not my favorite person.
-Sometimes people move to a different country and long for the old one after a while. It happens with soccer a lot.
I’m not sure that we can criticize DR on that one..but please feel free to criticize him for almost everything else.
-The team is doing well, but it is early.
-There is a theory in coaching that when things are going well you need to push your players harder and when it is poor you ease up. Perhaps he is being critical of the kids at this time because it will pay dividends after in the 2nd half of the year.
-If Gabby goes, then he goes. The thing is that he can turn a game on its head in an instant. If he leaves I dont think we can get that back in a trade. He is not ovechkin but he is a special player…
-DR is not my favorite person.
I agree that the chances of Gaby being traded before the deadline being slim. And we should prepare now for massive disappointment and dooms-dayers flooding the blog calling for DR’s head.
But it is naive imho to suggest this can be or could have been avoided. Gaby doesn’t want to be here and hasn’t for sometime. Gaby is going for less than he is worth. The only way DR screws this up is if he gets absolutely nothing for Gaby. And I mean nothing.
He will get something. The scary thing is the somethings more Kaluses?
Thats the gamble of the current hockey economy.
I think Ballgame is culpable for inactivity.
He could have made the offer in early August. They could have had a month of not talking to each other and then he could have gotten started on the Ghost Trading before camp.
Now, the only way to ‘maximize’ Ghost’s value is to keep him healthy and deal him on March 3rd to the highest bidder.
Get your head out of the ground, RogueGopher!!!!!
If ‘Gaby is going for les than he is worth, then DR already screwed it up’…
wake up people
Can someone please give me the Cliff notes of Russo’s KFAN interview?
Show me five marquee moves in the last two years where a superstar was moved by a gm and got the value back.
Or two moves…
I don’t blame Gaborik one bit for not signing with the Wild. Risebrough has done next to nothing to take the Wild to the ‘next level’. He didn’t go out and get Olli Jokinen, Vinny Lecavalier, or Marian Hossa when they have all been on the market over the past few years. I’m sick of raising ticket prices and obtaining losers like Owen Nolan and the other past-their-prime hacks that we’ve picked up over the past few years. If I was Gaborik, I would leave for a team that actually has a plan to win. Fire Risebrough.
32Wild…
DR is pissed.
Ghost is clueless.
Russo is workin his sources and knows Ghost is being shopped.
Montreal moves don’t add up ‘cuz of cap.
Koivu is a stud.
Did I mention that DR was testy?
By the way, we didn’t get Jokinen because Risebrough wouldn’t trade Sheppard. Don’t want to give up could be talent for someone who actually is proven talent, now would we?
Fire Risebrough
I believe the proper Russoville terminology is:
Dumpp the Dumppper!!!
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
Thanks kj! I’ll listen to the above posted link when I get out of the Hoffice…
The problem with determining if DR got Gaborik’s “worth” is that different people see him having different value. Personally, I would like to see a solid player, preferably a center, and either a very good prospect or a 1st round draft pick.
Considering Gaborik wants to break the bank this summer, anything more would be a treat.
There’s a reason teams are going after Sheppard.
The elephant in the room is this: what happens when the Wild are battling for home ice and another division title at the deadline? What then? Does Doug move Gaby and piss of A LOT of fans who have been paying thousands of dollars to watch the team this year? Or does Doug keep Gaby, possibly go one and done in the playoffs, lose him for nothing, and piss off A LOT of fans? The longer they keep him, the more precarious position Doug is putting himself in. If he doesn’t move him SOON, he’s going to be caught in a lose-lose situation no matter what he does.
MNSlappy… I think he already is.
RG…bingo…and he has no one to blame but himself.
And Canada. Blame Canada.
Re; Fernandez and throw in Roloson too; both are nothing more then journeymen goaltenders. Both of their careers were elevated and benefited by JL’s “defensive” (any NHL club out there not playing a “defensive” system today?) system. When your own Uncle doesn’t mind seeing you go to another club (Manny) it must have been time for him to go. He outlived his usefulness to the club, and his contract became a drag to the club in the Cap era.
I travel all over the country and the 1st thing I do when I arrive somewhere is to turn on the local sport talk radio. Whether its MLB, NFL, NBA or the NHL, the majority of the comments I hear regarding the local team, its coaches, GM’s, players etc… are almost exactly what I read on here and hear on outlets like KFAN unless said local team has won a title in its league within the past couple of years. It is hard for me to criticize these folks unless I can know EVERY detail of why a deal was or wasn’t made. It is quite easy to be on the outside looking in and 2nd guess everything. I got to talk to a current NHL Head Coach at a recent froze four and he said DR is one of the more respected GM’s in the league when all factors are considered. Ditto for JL as a coach. I can only imagine the whole MG deal is wearing thin on them.
This blog would be much more interesting if the debate here was based on more fact and deep thought, not so much emotion. How would you like to be an Isle’s or Kings fan the past umpteen years? Seemed like everyone in Wildland was somewhat big on MG until last years playoff flop. I think it is time for the MG era to end, but I am surprised at how alleged “fans” on here have turned on him. There are no perfect GM’s or Coaches, and they DON’T have total control over what does or doesn’t happen on their respective club. How much power do you really think DR has over Gabby and Salcer right now other then that he doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract and when their demands are apparently quite unreasonable?
Who was the local NHL’er that wouldn’t play for DR or JL???? Mark Parrish
who let the trolls out?
Don’t you think getting rid of Fernandez salary was sufficient?
that wouldn’t fit with deep’s world view that ballgame is utterly and completely incompetent. He reminds us of that daily.
Speaking of deep breath, has the replacement for #10 at unplugged been named yet?
Someone earlier today asked why Gillies was included in JL’s kiddy dog house, my take on it is this: JL is very upset with Poolboy and Shepp’s lack of work ethic lately, Gillies is getting lumped in as a warning to not slide like the other two are. I also think we were all spoiled by Shepps really good start last year, that includes the coaching staff and team. I could be off the mark, but that’s just how I see it.
MNslappy: Ballgame put himself in this position by allowing this drama to leak into the regular season. His best bet now, if he is trying to maximize his return, is to hold Gaby until the deadline and wait for the playoff/cup desparate teams to come calling. Also, the Montreal rumors seem a little misguided. Why would the Habs want to give up young talent and possible a pick to get Gaby and then try to dump 80 million on him? They already have a Cup contender; have a TON of cap space available in the next few years and the UFA list for next summer, at least right now, looks very appealing. I just don’t by the argument that “Ballgame and Gainey are tight so this deal gets done”. Doesn’t really make sense unless Ballgame allows Gainey to bend him over the sofa and break it off in a trade.
Green star: Funny you should mention that appearance tonight. Sneaky Pete’s is NOT advertising Gaby at their place, only Brunette. Walked by this afternoon on my way to Lifetime (Target Center) and no Gaby, just Bruno.
How would you like to be an Isle’s or Kings fan the past umpteen years?
no talking logic on this blog. remember, it is all about cups. if you haven’t won one, you are a loser.
That’s my point wiener…
DR should have known it was going to come to this. Oh, I don’t know…maybe it was the difficulty he had signing Ghost to his last 2 extensions.
Sure DR is respected…practically LOVED by other front office types…two words: Doug Gilmore.
Also, regarding Fernandez. At the time he was dealt, he had 9+ million left on his deal over the final 2 years and some have called him a “head case”, “bad apple”, “Cancer”, whatever. So, either Ballgame gave 4+ million a year to a “head case”, “bad apple” or “cancer”, or, he got nothing in return for a player he thought enough of to give more than 4 million a year to. Either way you cook it, it still comes out rotten.
I agree that this whole situation would have been better if it had been taken care of in the off season. All I’m saying is that it is more surprising to me when those deals get done than when they don’t.
I don’t see the Gaby thing being resolved before the deadline because that’s the next time Gaby’s stock will be high. I do think it would be prudent to handle it before then but I don’t think DR will find a partner that suits him before March. Historically it just doesn’t happen with top ten-fifteen players in Oct-Feb.
Green*…was that sarcasm???
kj: no, no. You’re not allowed to bring in Ballgame’s history as a GM on this board. Even though he has a track record of mediocrity as a GM, that does not matter. We’re supposed to believe that NOW he has figured it out and all will be well.
Hey Russo:
What are the chances of Danny Irmen being called up for the next round of injuries?
My thoughts…
1 Not saying injuries is a good idea. The possibility of a player going after your injury increase if they know the EXACT injury. If your fantasy team sucks or your bookie wants to break your legs thats your fault. Point to DR
2. Part of DR’s job is dealing with the media. If he chooses NO comment as his comment that is DR’s choice. Point goes to DR. Russo’s job to ask, DR’s choice to answer. Sorry Russo
3. Gabby’s I don’t know what is going on is lame (trade wise yes, $ and years he knows). They made an offer he obviously wants to test the waters (which is fine, Gabys choice). They should have not played him in any games and sought a trade (DR’s fault). Gaby has painted himself into a corner with his words/choices. He needs to understand his reputation here is being tarnished if he goes its his choice, if he stays its his choice. Sure his agent helps in the contracts but he makes the decision. Point to the Fans, were not that stupid.
4. Russo ask Gaby the real questions. Does JL being coach effect your decision to resign? How much $ would it take, What length to sign tomorrow?
OK GreenStar… Cups are all that count!! I get it…
KJ… sure DR should have known based on recent history, but he has tried, IMO, to work this out, even being proactive beginning with the Euro trip this past summer. How would fans have reacted if he had sat on his hands? He is in a no-win situation with MG and RS.
Douggie Gilmore???? Ouch! yeah, that one sucked no matter how you cut it. Flame fans still have “hitmen” trying to get DR…
Frozen Weiner,
Thanks for excellence analysis to the realities of professional sports.
Especially now that Milbury is gone and Keenan is only a coach.
Gabby wants to stay…He’s just being snowed (again) by another sleezy agent.
Poor gabby. Please get Bobby Orr or someone with at least a little integrity to rep you….
Frozen Weiner,
Thanks for excellent analysis to the realities of professional sports.
The Euro trip was nice but then he waits over 2-3 weeks before making an offer? He should have followed up immediately with an offer.
His agent was out of the country but its not like he wouldn’t have taken DR’s calls for an offer.
edubs…we’d all like to know the answer to #4.
The reality of it is that Ghost would run away from that kind of questioning faster than you can say Rosie…
We’d all like the Ghost Trading to be over with. But, sadly, I think it is going to be around for a while.
Lets not forget that agents don’t make these situations any better or easier and are more often than not the ones sitting at the table negotiating these deals. They gotta get paid to ya know. I play hockey going pro was the dream, holding the cup the icing on the cake but the dream never happened. Looking at some of these situations I am not sure I would want to be in the position that some of these guys are in. They are in a business and no longer just playing the game they love for fun. They are carrying the weight of their teams and cities on their backs and are scrutinized for everything they do or say, scrutinized by fans and media who have no idea or concept of what realy happens on the ice and behind closed doors. I like Gabby and would like to see him stay he has given a lot to this team and to this city and should be treated better than he is not only by the fans but by the Wild. Lets also remember they own him and it’s not always his choice.
I tend to agree with you, kj, on that last point. Would be nice to be talking about a fantastic 4-rock start for the Wild. Sadly, it may take a 44-rock start to remove the Gaby chatter from this blog, so we may be saddled with it until the end of February.
Vooch: it becomes his choice on 7/1/2009
wiener…I know it’s a difficult situation, but it is Ballgame’s job.
I just think he could have had a handle on whether Ghost was going to re-sign earler on, that’s all.
Like someone else said, DR cannot make Ghost sign and Ghost cannot trade himself.
Sunshine… all respect due your commentary, I read stuff from you everyday, your passion on here is unparelled. (probably spelled that badly eh?) DR had to wait to make the intial offer, to do otherwise would have made him look desperate. When you are the pursuer, the first move has to be made with calm and cool behind it. Desperation will be the first thing to be ferreted out…
KJ… agreed. DR should have begun the process as soon as MG was rehabbing his hip situation.
There’s a difference between desperation and a sense of urgency.
Ballgame said he wanted this taken care of before training camp.
Based on his meager standards, he failed.
edubs…we’d all like to know the answer to #4.
KJ has anyone asked him? If so what did he say?
KJ… urgency would have been to begin negotiations about a month after the season concluded or perhaps, as I had suggested, shortly after MG had begun to rehab the hip problem. Desperation would have been making an offer right after “having lunch” with Gabby upon returning from the Euro trip.
FW99:
He told Gaborik before July 1st to expect an offer in 2 weeks. He then waited till the end of July to go to Slovakia to meet Gaborik. Then waits 2-3 weeks to offer a deal for Gaborik.
Tampa Bay kind of broke the rules by talking to Lecavalier’s agent prior to July 1st. They made signing Vinny a priority and gave him a good deal. If Gaborik was top priority, don’t jerk him around. The more you jerk him around, the more he and his agent tunes DR out.
If it is true that DR never made an offer close to $8.5 million regardless of term, then he has jerked Gaborik around.
DR made the same mistake with Rolston by waiting until the last minute and then loses. He thought he could sign Rolston at January prices instead of FA price near free agency. He offered only $4.33 million a year. He didn’t even go $4.5 million. That’s unforgettable. I don’t care that Rolston signed with the Devils because they offered him 4 years. DR didn’t back up his words of Rolston being a priority with priority money.
Lastly, if DR was a little more proactive, he would have known that Gaborik would not have signed and traded him before training camp. And we wouldn’t be in this situation.
Part of the problem with guys like Volo and Kalus leaving is that “Riser” has done such a poor job of drafting and obtaining depth that these defections hurt more than help - bad attitudes aside.
You gotta find a way to sign Gaborik, its just that simple, players like him are not easy to find or develop. The honeymoon is over its time to win and win big this year.
S-S… wasn’t aware of the opening volley by DR. And pls don’t get me wrong, I won’t defend DR regardless of anything, he has to be accountable too. Do you think MG is worth $8.5 per yr? As far as jerking around goes, I see that as a two way street, if DR is guilty, I think he is just giving back what he has gotten from Gabby and counsel over the years.
As far as Rolston goes. Yes, I agree DR could have handled that much better. I temper the money part of that by looking at how contract offers look prior to the new cap number being announced at the end of each season, and how the offers look afterward. It will be interesting to see how Lou L. will feel about Rolstons contract at the end of year 3, and especially at the end of year 4. IMO they overpaid and gave him a year too many. He will probably be a great deal for them for at least two of those four years.
The cupboard is so bare at Houston, what a joke that DR is still in charge after such poor drafts. Time to clean house in my opinion.
Wow, sounds like things are starting to get surly around the Gaborik situation. Shocked, shocked I am.
Actually, I’m amazed that he’s going on Hockey Unplugged tonight in the middle of all this. . .
Mister Know it all is going to speak about the recent Gaborik discussions in the media.
Nothing I have seen in the media makes any sense. Its quite obvious that DR is in the beginning stages of threatening the Gaborik camp . These rumors have some truth but they are not serious at the moment. By the Wild doing what they are doing it will force Gabby to make up his mind, because it is him that needs to tell Salcer what he wants to do at this stage of the negotiation.
This is a wake up call for Gabby to make up his mind.
Mister Know it all thinks that it is ironic that the two teams that will meet in this years Stanley Cup are working together in trade talks. Minnesota and Montreal
Signed: Mister Know it all
We should be thankful Rolston is gone. DR offered him more than what he was worth, and he still decided to leave. Oh well.
Our PP will be better with Rolston gone. Burns, Zidlicky, Bergeron, and Johnsson will know how to walk the line, when to shoot, and when to pass better than Rolston.
Nobody can actually make the rationale argument that a 37-40 year-old Rolston is worth 5 million/year. Think he’s going to keep getting 30 goals each year when he keeps taking off more and more weeks of the season with each passing season.
I must pay you a compliment Mister Know it all. I know that KJ and Buddha are huge fans of your blogs, but I have to admit you always have your finger right on the pulse.
I would really like to shake your hand some day. Are you heading to a Wild game at sometime where we can meet ? I would even go as far as offering you a ticket just to sit next to you so you can fill me with all of your perspectives on things
Let me know
Beaver- Thanks ! I cant go to the game with you becasue you are a stranger. If we meet and I enjoy your company we can perhaps talk about you taking me to a game sometime. But I do thank you Beaver. I do intend to go to the Columbus game on Saturday
MKiA…you had me up until the Montreal vs Wild gibberish. Just can’t stay away from that gas, can you?
Beaver…I have a finger for you…
frosty…I couldn’t agree more about Huggy Bear. NJD way overpaid for him. Kudos to DR for not paying that much.
Frosty the snowman. DR smoked the system by taking Brunette and releasing Rolston. DR made a great move. 2.6 milion for Brunette and 5 million for Rolston. I would not trade Brunette for Rolston even up
Funny Gabby is mad about this, he started it by turning down the 10 yr deal for $75Mil. He’s a 1 way player who will be successful in the East because they don’t play defense until the playoffs and that’s not Gabby’s expertise, his best yrs are behind him. Feels like Randy Moss, KG, Torri Hunter all over again. About every 10-12 yrs we cycle players in and out of the Twin Cities…thanks for the memories.
People need to stop bashing Risebrough. He reportedly offered Gaborik a 10 year deal worth $80 Mil. Risebrough is doing his job. He’s locked up a very nice core of young guys for a long time. Gaborik is being selfish, yes, but if he feels he can score 60 goals in Montreal or somewhere where they won’t hold him back, I dont ncessarilly blame him for being selfish.
Until they dump Lemaire, very few high quality players will sign as an UFA with this boring defensive philosphy.
Steve…DR is not responsible for Ghost wanting to be elsewhere or wanting more dough.
He is responsible for allowing the situation to carry over into the season - especially when his own stated goal was to avoid that.
However, now that it has gotten to this point, he needs to maximize Ghost’s trade value and get as much as he can for him.
Even if it’s a bag ‘o pucks.
And lars, you know that from talking to how many “high quality” players?
How many high-quality players make it to free agency every year?
Those that do will go to whatever team makes the best offer, and 29 teams are throwing out offers to fit specific plans.
kj fingering the beaver, dig it.
ballgame’s history is fair game. i wouldn’t mind hearing more than he got bent over in the gilmour trade though.
i believe DR thought they were making progress to an extension up until the middle of camp. I also think shopping #10 ends negotiations which is why it didn’t happen before the season started.
my opinion, and mine alone, is this is only a distraction here. I don’t see this being a huge distraction for the team. if it is lets keep it as they are 8 for 8 in points.
Dougie Ballgame?
That may go down in the annals of Russo’s Rants as the lamest, non-creative, off sport, cliched nickname ever. Couldn’t we do better than that? Sounds like something that would come out of a Preds, Blue Jackets, Coyotes, Hurricanes or WWF message board.
MKIA… Beware of the Beaver! Be very aware!Don’t go into a dark alley with the Beaver!!!
SGS,
On the Kalus story - I just happened to see Wild fans discussing it on the message board last night. I’m not that cool 
As for the Fernandez trade being crap I’ve said it many times… what did the Ducks get for Illya? This was a smart trade by Risebrough and I for one have always given him credit on this one. Now the Mitchell trade… I don’t like to think about that debacle.
Russo said today on Kfan that he hasn’t been asking the other players about their thoughts on Gaborik, as he does not want to distract them while they are playing so well.
For the blog, there is not much to talk about with so much time between games, so things get looked at WAY too long and in depth.
Once a nickname is used a few times here it sticks. Like Mittens.
KJ fingering the Beaver is lol. You can have a lot of fun with that animal. Animal name I mean…
How can Russo say that he hasn’t talked to the other players? He’s asked a few of them already such as Bruno, Backs, Sheppard, Voros, and Burns. Its in his articles. The guys aren’t giving him the info unsolicited. All of them has said that they don’t know what Gaborik is going to do and its a personal matter.
I think that was mainly during the preseason. From the sounds of it today, he really isn’t asking any more. And I’m not sure he is worried about distracting Voros though
Let #10 go, both off the team and here. Bottome line is that it’s not about playing in the East, it’s about the $$$$, as it is with plenty of pro athletes these days. Blame him? Even if he does head to the Eastern conference, he’ll find that goals/game wise, that the East hasn’t been too far ahead. He’ll also find that his “lower body injuries” will last just as long, and happen as frequently over there.Stats going back to 02-03 season show that the most the East has beaten the West by in avg goals/game was in the 06-07 season, by a whopping .18 more per game! Wow!Our beloved Wild, by the way, has finished no better than 7th in the conference in scoring, and that was in the same season. Imagine that.
If they didn’t know during the training camp/pre-season, they wouldn’t know it now. The two who would know something would be Skoula and Bruno since Gaborik said that these two are his closest friends on the team.
Who cares about all the hype? Something to talk about, sure, but it’s old. Ghost needs to go, and soon. He’s not committed to playing here, and his effort in the games so far has been lackluster at best.
It’s great that the Wild is off to its 4-rip start and that Don doesn’t want to “rock the boat” so to speak, with Gaby questions in the lockerroom when the team is playing so well, but, something tells me that this team is going to go through a bit of a slump, goal scoring will be an issue at some time and the Gaby banter will continue, until Don has to do his job and ask guys like Ingelwood Jack, Olden, Butch, etc, if the contract situation with Gaby is starting to affect the team on and off the ice. We’ll all enjoy this start while it lasts and hopefully the boys will be able to put a p!ss pounding on the Sabres come Thursday night, but sooner or later the slump will happen and the Gaby questions will be asked.
So when they do their annual November losses, its because of Gaby’s contract negotiations?
Got it.
They ripped out a 7-0 start last year with out the Gaby distraction so if they slump this year it would be no different IMHO. I am getting bored with all the Gaby speculation. Same old stuff, different day. Just ready to see how it plays out and watch the team as they are now play for better or worse.
Mister Know it all does not care about whether the Wild have gabby or his relacement. I think JL has a team that will take him to the Stanley cup against the Montreal Canaidiens
Mister Know it all does not care about whether the Wild have gabby or his relacement. I think JL has a team that will take him to the Stanley cup.
Anyone watching the Bruins/Sabres game? Wow, Miller has been pretty good.
Shhhh, ATX. Don’t spook him. He’s my only good goalie.
Though I am not watching. I’m watching the Aeros game from Sunday where the San Antonio announcer keeps calling Barry Brust “Schaefer”… sheesh.
Sounds like they have their own D&D down there ms.c.
Sorry if he loses! Oh, wait, no I am not! We are playing each other in hockey this week… choke!
Haha, Vanek with the little soccer type move with the feint there.
Ahhh, there you go Ms.C!
Well, just D. In the AHL, I think only Chicago has two guys. He’s otherwise, pretty good, though and not too homerific.
Oh he just realized his mistake saying Schaefer started the game. No he didn’t. But whatever. I’m in love with this AHL Live package!
Gabby for Thomas Vanek straight up!
Ohh well atleast we still get the 4th in 09 this upcoming draft no matter what happens with Kalus…
Aaaand now he admits it was announcer incompetence. At least he’s honest.
Wow, it’s getting rough in Calgary. Sloan destroyed Lankow on Calgary and the Flames did not take kindly to it.
FrozenWeiner99, go back to your cave.
Well, at least he is honest ms.C.
They have an AHL live package??
Wow, Borque got a 9 minute penalty!!! 5 for fighting, 2 for instigating, and 2 for something else… brutal.
I was just gonna jump on here and see if anybody else was watching this! 9 freaking minutes in the box. Jacques would have a massive heart attack and die right on the spot if someone pulled that.
KiPA, I love your week wrap ups for the fantasy hockey league!
And this 9 minute penalty in the Calgary game is probably the longest penalty I have ever seen. Crazy.
Yeah Lucky, I have never seen anyhting like that.
The announcer said they were putting up 9 minutes and I just laughed and thought he was mistaken. Then they show it on the screen! 9 minutes of freaking penalties. Might wanna think about how you stick up for your team buddy.
Gaby …poop. But most of you know thats how I feel about the Gaby sitch. As to the JL leaving is the only way we get “superstar” players, it won’t matter worth a rats patoot because right now chances are they’ll just put KC in the job and he’s even more defense minded than JL when you get right down to it. So in the long run it doesn’t matter if JL retires or is fired or wanders away on an ice flow as long as KC is the one who will get the job not much will change so… eh.
Good crap KiPA- you are at 181 pts in the ESPN league. 2nd place is 139…
How about paying Gaborik exactly what he wants, but then reducing it by the exact percentage of games he has missed over his career. That way he gets paid what he thinks he should, but the Wild get a discount for the injury risk.
If not, then C-ya.
9 minutes, I think you just let ‘em score.
Yeah, ATX, http://www.ahllive.com. Pick a team and get all their games online, plus the games are archived so you don’t have to watch them live, or you can go back and see things from home games that you might want to refer to (nice if you’re writing about the team).
Me thinks Souhan reads the blog Russoville.
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wild/32050669.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUBP7hUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU
Lilja gets an appendectomy on Tuesday and is projected to play Friday. Impressive.
Wild 4-0. Combined record of vanquished foes after 21 games: 6-8-7 19 points. What math does Fox use that give them the #1 power ranking? Some of the newly unemployed Wall Street gang must have made a career change into sports prognosticating. Methinks I will hold off on playoff plans for now.
Looks like Russoville needs a lesson on the proper usage of nominative vs. objective pronouns.
What are the odds of that! Two consecutive posts using the same intransitive verb. Honest, I hadn’t read Lucky’s post. Shakespeare would be proud.
Gabby Sux…deal him now. He is often nicked up and when it’s playoffs and it gets physical, he plays like a wimp. He’s a burner, but who cares. When it counts he can’t get to the net. Get the other Koivu bro’ from the Canadians. Ryan McDonaugh? I think not…
Me thinks y’all are dorks. 
FYI the extra two were for instagating with a shield
brad lane and slover were filling in for mat thomas tonight. had the Don call in to talk #10. nothing new. slover wasn’t too bad. he things #10 is great but not a franchise player. The only caller I heard thought it was DR and JL’s fault because they won’t let player play the way they want. He also thought 10mil per would be cheap in 4 years because the cap will keep increasing like it has. slover didn’t have much of a response. Mine would have been, this isn’t the NBA, these players need to be coached and as the Don says, the canadian dollar is weaking which will hurt the revenue of the league. so will the economy. the cap can’t keep going up and could come down.
i still don’t get the wild being cheap angle. to this point, slover did say you can say they are cheap because they won’t pay #10 but then this is a team that is up against the cap. seemed like he was starting to think his wild is cheap line was just slover.
he also think wild fans are i think he said crazy. mostly because all we care about is having a nice building to go to in a nice corner of a nice downtown that is safe. i guess in the land of band wagon fans, it is hard to understand loyal ones. i mean are people fans of the packers because they have a neat stadium to go to in a neat little town in NE wisconsin? slover.
FrozenWeiner99 = Mister Know It All, so do all the other posts on here from unknowns.
Lighten up Francis
so do all the other posts on here from unknowns.
including yours?
If the cap goes down, what happens if a player is over the max? Are they grandfathered in (unfortunately) or can you renegotiate?
AAAARRRRRRRRGGGGHHHHH! A Cheeseweasel reference on a hockey blog! Sorry Frances, I am NOT MKIA. I am from Parts Unknown though. I might be wrong due to my crappy and failing memory, but I believe if the Cap gets reduced, the contracts in effect at the time of that act would be reduced in a like percentage.
Don’t know the CBA, but my hunch would not be that contracts get reduced. Rather, my guess is that teams would have to make moves (i.e., unload salary) to get under the cap.
If the contracts themselves get reduced, then the players bent over harder than Deep breath could ever dream would happen to DR.
H-Dad… I believe that the contracts do get reduced by the same percentage that the Cap gets reduced because the cap number each year is a percentage based figure of the overall league revenues. I could be wrong, but I that is how I remember it.
No, I think HD is right. Teams would have to cut players or do something to be under the cap. The NHLPA gets a reduced amount.
You guys just might be correct, I don’t know, my cap-ology is deficient. When it was all explained to me post lockout, what I can recall was a dizzying verbal display of percentages. A very heavy leaning of percentage based theory.
Here is some number crunching for you; average points per game of players jettisoned over the off-season for whatever reasons = .40 points per game
(07-08 season)
average ppg of players brought in to replace them = .61 ppg
too early to make anything of this yet though.
Gaby made it to the Hockey Unplugged. He and Bruno were outing their teammates on what their Halloween costumes were. You can listen to it here.
http://downloads.wild.nhl.com/podcasts/PONDCAST_932_UNPLUGGED2.MP3
JD14 - there is also a Nicholas Backstrom that plays for Washington. Niklas Backstrom is still ours!
Unless I missed something on our Backstrom in Washington (if so, I apologize) - but I am guessing that is what you saw!!
Don’t think this helps with the capology questions as it doesn’t state what teams would have to do to be in compliance, but here is this info;
What will be the players’ share of League-wide revenues?
The players’ share will be 54% to the extent League revenues in any year are below $2.2 billion; 55% when League revenues are between $2.2 billion and $2.4 billion; 56% when League revenues are between $2.4 billion and $2.7 billion, and 57% when League revenues in any year exceed $2.7 billion.
Teams would have to trade or cut players to get under the cap. They can’t re-work contracts.
KiPA, I love your week wrap ups for the fantasy hockey league!
Thank you. I stole the idea from a guy at work who does it for the department’s football league. His is better though; more inside jokes plus he throws in two or three f-ed up pictures with funny captions. I can’t do pics and don’t even know everyone involved, so very few inside jokes. We’ll see how good it is in Week 18.
Good crap KiPA- you are at 181 pts in the ESPN league. 2nd place is 139…
It’s early.
Why do people keep trying to assign MKia to somebody else? Though I must confess I have Beaver=Wally before. But that was just a sneaking suspicion…
One thing you could never do is G*=DB. That would deserve clinical analysis.
MKIA= Good Old Wally=Beaver=Peggy Sue=Sally Sue=Bertha- and a couple more.
Sometimes its funny but its mostly annoying.
I wouldn’t consider Koivu a waste of a pick hes the best two way player team
Morning all. Great tip by Sunshine. Gaby, Bruno and Falness were terrific at Hockey Unplugged. Gaby was laughing so hard describing Mikko’s costume he could hardly talk. Enjoy.
sunshine: didn’t say that the annual November slump would be because of contract squabbles. I stated that once the slump starts, then the questions begin to the teamates about Gaby. Don even referenced that himself on KFAN yesterday, that he doesn’t want to ask because the team is playing well right now. Also, that was NOT Gaby last night at Sneaky Pete’s. It was his scout brother Brantislav. Have a good day people.
Don’t be so quick to believe rumours of Gaborik in a Canadiens uniform
PAT HICKEY, The Gazette
The one thing you can bet on is that Marian Gaborik won’t be celebrating Christmas in the Twin Cities.
Minnesota Wild general manager Doug Risebrough is actively shopping the soon-to-be-unrestricted free agent, but you can discount the rumours that Gaborik is headed this way for Christopher Higgins and Jaroslav Halak.
The Canadiens have less than $2 million in cap space available and would be hard-pressed to accommodate Gaborik’s $6.3-million salary. But there are other considerations - such as team chemistry and the advisability of giving away Halak, who is off to a strong start.
http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/sports/story.html?id=feca02b1-f5f8-48a1-9544-2e1132d5a233
It was his scout brother Brantislav
another deep breath guarantee comes true.
on the cap and revenues decline. i don’t know how it affects things going forward but don’t players pay into an escrow account now, so if revenues don’t meet projections that money is returned to the owners? if it does then the players get it back? I thought I read this was an area of contention for the players and the union at one time.
If the smugometer is a scale 1 to 10 where 10 is DR saying that Rolston should take less from the Wild on July 1 because the Wild has more to offer, I think Lynn’s comments on Kalus are a solid 7:
Asked if he was disappointed, assistant GM Tom Lynn, who doubles as the Aeros’ GM, said, “I haven’t thought about it. It’s probably not a high radar item.”
Is that a bad thing, SGS, do you think? If this guy doesn’t want to play for us, if he wants to take his marbles and go home, why should Lynn give him any thought? He has bigger fish to fry.
So what happens when revenues go down? If other luxury items are hit, so will pro sports be.
I see Jim Souhan crawled out of his hole to drop another useless Wild article on the STrib audience.
Anyone else find this line ironic coming from Souhan?
“. . .if you follow Minnesota sports. . .”
KiPA-
Its early… but damn. I think you should gloat at least a little…
Ms. C - How the heck does this loaning players in the AHL work? Blows my mind the way things work when you step back from the NHL.
Kalus was part of an important trade and now he is gone and Lynn’s attitude appears to be “whatever” rather than that aknowledging that Kalus not becoming an NHL player was unfortunate. That said, I agree with sunshine (I think) who yesterday said that the main part of the Manny trade was to get his contract off the roster. Still, it hurts the Wild that Kalus didn’t succeed.
An interesting thought just occured…
What if this situation was somewhat engineered by DR to bring media attention to the Wild, wind up the fans, get hockey in the headlines, etc?
What if he’s never really been that interested in signing Gaborik, but it presents as an excellent opportunity to have the Wild prominently featured in the sports pages. ‘There is no such thing as bad press’…
Ghost’s appearance last night proved one thing:
I don’t know what I am talking about.
I thought there is no way he would make a public appearance. I don’t know what to make of it either. Good PR on his part - and the Wild.
Did anyone realize that former Gopher Thomas Vanek is coming to town???
Did anyone realize that [b]Gopher Homer[/b] Jeff Dubay is on his way to jail???
So would Gaborik for Vanek make MKIA happy? He’s not a MN born player but he did play for da-U.
Yes, I realize this trade would never happen.
I doubt puff puff does any jail time and why should he? Sadly it’s a health issue and not a criminal issue, but our Fed and State gov’s think otherwise.
Did anyone realize the Gophers swept SCSU last weekend? I guess all we needed was to get Dubay off of FSN!
FYI:
Dubay was arrested last Wednesday night after his car was pulled over in Maplewood. Incorrect reports as to what charges he could face appeared on a news website, indicating a connection to methamphetamine. At least one television report also mentioned Dubay in connection with meth.
“On behalf of Mr. Dubay we’re relieved that the formal charges will be brought forward so all the misinformation that was swirling in the press can be clarified and dispelled,” said Mark D. Kelly, a St. Paul-based attorney. “I think there was a lot of distress when the allegations regarding methamphetamine and the misinformation on [the] website was posted that this was something that it wasn’t. People relied on that to their detriment and to Jeff’s detriment.”
…
The incorrect information linked Dubay to a crime that, according to Kelly, carries with it a presumptive prison sentence and involves six or more grams of something that could include methamphetamine.
…
Dubay could end up in a pretrial diversion program, meaning the matter would stand to be dismissed after 12 months without any criminal conviction on his record provided he complies with the conditions the court imposes.
http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/tv/31980739.html?elr=KArks:DCiUo3PD:3D_V_qD3L:c7cQKUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU
6GS - I will admit, I did enjoy seeing Dubay on FSN once - when he had to sport the SCSU tie after losing a bet to Mark Parrish!
Ya, I know, I’m living in the past. Got to do something to block out the realization of a Gopher sweep. A trip to Bemidji should help get the Huskies back on track!
SGS:
I thought the same thing about Lynn’s comments. Tactless. And this guy does Wild negotiating?? He seems to be one of those “in the background” guys who should stay out of the media. The more I hear from him, the less I am impressed. Better to keep your mouth shut and have people think you’re a fool than open it and confirm their suspicions.
It bothers me when people talk about not buying season tickets, or not going to the game because Gabby or someother star is not resigned. I have been a season ticket holder (w/ 3 others that live in the Cities) since day one. I drive from Fargo 10-15 times a season to watch the Wild play as a team! Not to see a specific player.
This is a complete and total over reaction, with no basis in fact… but I am feeling like the Wild should just stop drafting or trading for players from former Soviet bloc nations… just stick with Finland, Sweden…
Well…. we almost stopped hiring Americans when we couldn’t re-sign Rolston and bought out Parrish.
fargofan, we understand. Those who would give up their tickets if a certain player is traded - good riddance. There are others who will be happy to have their seats.
I was thinking the same thing, Buddha, but I didn’t have the stones to say it. Eastern European FWs just don’t seem to thrive in JL’s system.
We didn’t take Cherapanov with the 16th pick in the 2007 draft because we had two Russians leave the team (Sushinsky (?) and Voloshenko). He was a better player than Gillies.
Wasn’t there something about the lack of a transfer agreement, too, sunshine? Wasn’t that the reason he fell to 17?
‘There is no such thing as bad press’
Todd Bertuzzi. Ryan Hollweg. Philadelphia Flyers.
Ghost’s appearance last night proved one thing:
I don’t know what I am talking about.
Didn’t need Gaborik showing up somewhere to prove that.
KiPA, I understand, but some feel that being talked about is good for business whether it’s good or bad talk.
How many ‘extra’ people have tuned in to Wild games to see what this Gaborik guy is all about?
How many ‘extra’ people have found their way to the Wild’s website?
How many normal visitors to the Wild website have stepped up their frequency?
Especially now at the beginning of the season. How many casual fans hadn’t realized the season started until they heard all this jibber jabber about Gaborik from news sources which usually have very little hockey content?
I understand that, I’m saying there’s a difference between talking about “who’s this guy being traded” and “who’s this guy that should go to jail?”
Frankly I only see about 2 or 3 teams from the east where i would trade gabby to Mon,Ott,Buff maybe Tb,I agree DR messed up big time by not trading him in the off season,What does everyone think he’s worth?, With his injuries, his whining plus he’s a big time slacker i don’t think he’s worth 8 mill a year,play 82 games a year, be more than a one way player hit some god dam somebody once in a while be a man and play like Sid,Vanek,and the rest of the top players in the league then we talk big money.
Sadly KiPA I have a long history of not knowing what I am talking about.
I need a new name: Mister Knows Nothing…
didn’t rikard wallin bail to europe too? he was from switzerland i think.
Wow, you can cut the tension on here with a knife. Some of you people need to do what Frankie says and R-E-L-A-X.
I think that’s the smartest thing you’ve ever said, kj.
I like that Lynn says what he thinks. Yeah, he probably could have used more tact, but we don’t know how this thing went down. Wish to god I’d asked why Kalus was scratched Saturday night when I talked to Troy Ward. Might have had myself a little scoop.
don’t do it
Cherapanov was a projected top 5, and fell to the Rangers at 17. The conjecture at the time was because of the lack of a transfer agreement.
Thanks, ms.c. I’m just trying to figure out what people who’ve been criticizing Lynn think he should have done. Should he have held a press conference and admitted that trading for Kalus was a mistake? Should he have said that he was sorry that the organization somehow failed Petr Kalus? Come on. This guy was not going to work out. He didn’t fit. There was a reason he wasn’t in the club’s plans, and he didn’t want to be here. You move on. It’s no big loss.
G*, When you want to go to it…
KiPA…you’re mocking me, aren’t you?
Can I say something smart and still know nothing?
What a conundrum. A chicken-egg scenario.
Can I say something smart and still know nothing?
Just like Doug Risebrough can make a good trade and still be a bad GM.
Some radical thought here, may or may NOT be reality based.
Gabby is not injured. Club and Salcer have agreed to hold him out to avoid injury potential. They already understand they are not going to get a deal done.
DR had a fellow buddy GM or asst GM float the story about shopping Gabby to stir up trade talk to see who can come up with what. Trade possibilities, etc,,, let all of the geniuses in the press and at sites like these do some of his thinking for him, and then he can ferret out the rest.
Gabby is NOT going to the Habs. They don’t need him, and have no room for him. In addition, why would they want a guy who can get points, but chafes at playing ‘D’? If Gabby doesn’t like to play JL’s style, he REALLY won’t like playing Carbo’s style either. Next point….
I am smiling every time I see references to MG going to a more “wide open” team, or one whose focus isn’t so much on defense. Where would that be? Wayzata squirts? Every team in the show is defense first. Except maybe those that don’t want to win the Stanley Cup.
Finally, I am not MKIA. I have read this board for a long time, and only yesterday posted for the first time. I don’t know anyone else on here, and certainly enjoy the commentary. I grew up on West 7th, (lets go St. Paul Rangers!) went to a North Suburb HS and now live up by the border, henceforth “Frozen Weiner”. I exclusively follow the Golden G’s and Wild. When I am working or not, it’s all hockey, all of the time.
I enjoy Russo’s “stuff” but he shouldn’t believe that the players give him a lot of thought other then when he is right in front of them with a note pad and recorder, unless he is really pissing them off or something. These guys are late teens, early to late twenties, and have more on their minds then a guy who writes hockey stories and opinion.
FW99…just to clear the air…I am not MKiA either.
At least I don’t think I am…KiPA has me questioning myself…
Re: Lynn on Kalus
I don’t think the trade was a mistake because Kalus didn’t work out and I don’t think the organization failed Petr Kalus. However, I do think that when a high end prospect departs management should be disapointed it didn’t work out. The Wild are doing a good job with top picks (sans a certain MN native) but their track record beyond that isn’t exactly on par with DET. To dismiss losing a player like Kalus - the guy many poeople wanted on the NHL roster last year - smacks of arrogance to me.
Thanks, SGS. But….Kalus did not want to be here. We didn’t “lose” him. He quit. Doesn’t Lynn have a right to be PO’d about that?
KJ… you had me worried…
Doesn’t Lynn have a right to be PO’d about that?
For sure and maybe that’s what he was trying to say. His comment seemed to me like he was saying this isn’t even bad for the organization and while it might not be/probabably is not a big deal, it isn’t a positive.
I respect your opinion, SGS, but it might be a positive in that it might open a roster spot for someone who turns out to be even better than Kalus and who really does want to play for our organization. That would be good, wouldn’t it?
Honestly, I don’t know why I’m even arguing about this. I guess I’m just in one of those contrary moods. Maybe I should Wang Chung tonight.
obviously mr dubay didn’t listen to that lawyer cat they have on as he clearly waived his rights. i’m no lawyer, thankfully, but unless the heat had video of him tossing the rock, couldn’t even a public defender argue that it could have come from any of the thousands of cars that travel that area daily?
Doesn’t Lynn have a right to be PO’d about that?
hell no. that would lead one to believe that our front office isn’t as incompetent as we all think they are. he should feel shame…
Great stat from James Duthie – no goalie who has ever come in for another goalie prior to the shootout has ever made a save (it’s happened three times, resulting in 6 goals on 6 shots).
I guess Toronto switched goalies prior to their shootout last night and that prompted the above stat to be referenced (though I read it on hockeybuzz so take it with a grain of salt.) Maybe it’s a good thing Harding hasn’t come in for Backstrom for a shootout?
it might be a positive in that it might open a roster spot for someone who turns out to be even better than Kalus and who really does want to play for our organization. That would be good, wouldn’t it?
That would be more luck than pluck but yes it would be good and I would welcome it although I am surprised the “Houston cupboard is bare” posted didn’t jump on you
Maybe I should Wang Chung tonight.
Save if for the Buffalo game tomorrow night - 5-0!
posted = posters
I think the disappointment is that Kalus didn’t actually become the high end prospect they thought he might turn into. That he left isn’t the disappointment. If he’d been showing signs of improvement, it might be, but he wasn’t.
Good point ms.conduct - I assumed that Russo asked and Lynn responded to a question about disappointment that Kalus didn’t work out. Perhaps it was more about not being disappointed at this stage that he left.
obviously mr dubay didn’t listen to that lawyer cat they have on as he clearly waived his rights. i’m no lawyer, thankfully, but unless the heat had video of him tossing the rock, couldn’t even a public defender argue that it could have come from any of the thousands of cars that travel that area daily?
Let me see - the cop will testify that (1) he saw Dubay throw something like a yellow napkin out the window, and (2) when searching the area he found a yellow napkin, and next to that the rock and a pipe. Mere coincidence? Oh, and then after the arrest Dubay admits to throwing the pipe (which he admitted was his) and rock (which he deies was his) out the window.
What cracked (no pun intended) me up about his lawyer’s comments yesterday responding to all of the “inaccurate” news accounts was that they were somehow offended people thought he was caught with meth. As if crack is so much better?
On Parrish….
Mere coincidence?
seems like reasonable doubt if you ask me. all i’m saying is you don’t admit it and make the heat prove it.
meth is the buzz drug and associated with lowlifes with bad teeth.
what humored me is how he said this would ruin his life. i’d say he ruined it when he started on the crack. hopefully what he says is true and he cleaned up but once and addict always an addict. you are never the same and your life is forever altered.
I thought the ‘this will ruin my career’ quote was typical.
Dude…think about that before you do illegal drugs, drive with a suspended license, etc.
One thing I will never understand about celebrity (ok, a loose definition of the word for Dubay) is if they have so much to lose, why do they continually try to throw it all away?
Cannot say I am a huge Dubay guy however I do really like his unfiltered love of the Gophers and some times I can handle him and PA at the same time.
No matter, I wish him the best. Hopefully he can get beyond this and realize it isn’t going to ruin his life forever. It may cause an extreme amount of pain now but, things can get better if he is willing to try. Good Luck Dubay!!
I wonder if we could get a K-Foz update from Russo… Haven’t heard boo since he got back on the ice back before pre-season. This Parrish-to-AHL stuff has me thinking about maybe seeing Fozzie on Aeros ice sometime in the next couple of months.
the crack must have started with the loss to holy cross or okposo leaving for the isle.
Food
