Gaborik’s in “discomfort;” Lemaire in “meeting”
Posted on December 19th, 2008 – 11:49 AMBy Michael Russo
Some potential news brewing here in Minnesota, and the first is, to quote the Seinfeld show, “not gonna be good for anybody.”
Marian Gaborik was the first one off the ice today. He ultimately admitted he feels “some discomfort” and added later after some further pressing by myself that ”If I would need to rest it, I’d definitely consider it. But I’m playing tonight and hopefully everything’s going to be good.”
Remember, the Wild plays tomorrow night in St. Louis. I asked Gaborik if he’s concerned about playing back-to-back, Gaborik said, “We’ll see how everything goes tonight.”
Here’s the thing though: Assistant coach Mario Tremblay, who subbed for Jacques Lemaire (more on that in a sec), said, “We’ll see Gabby’s situation tonight,” meaning there is a chance he doesn’t play.
Tremblay said all the players have been told to show up for the game and they’ll decide before the pregame meeting who’s playing. Eric Belanger is definitely out with an illness. Krys Kolanos, recalled, will play for him. Colton Gillies is in, Tremblay said, and if Gaborik can’t play, then Craig Weller will likely get the call.
Erik Reitz came off with the defensemen, but unless he’s playing forward, he’ll likely sit because Tremblay made clear Brent Burns is still a defenseman.
Regardless if Gaborik plays, this is terrible news for both Gaborik and the Wild for three reasons.
1) The team’s sliding fast as it sits 10th this morning.
2) Gaborik admitted he feels pressure to stay healthy and play at a high level so he can earn a big contract this summer.
3) The Wild needs Gaborik to stay healthy in order to trade him.
Clearly, Gaborik’s not healthy if he’s still feeling discomfort in his groins.
This situation’s not good.
On the other potential news, in the four seasons I’ve covered the team, we’ve never been told Lemaire is unavailable. Tremblay said he was in a “meeting,” and when midnight strikes tonight, a weeklong holiday roster freeze (meaning no trades) goes into effect.
Perhaps something’s cooking if, and I repeat, if that meeting was with GM Doug Risebrough, whom I’ve been told is unavailable to be interviewed by me until tonight because he’s got a busy day planned.
I can tell you that I was told yesterday by a league source that Risebrough was “frantically” working the phones trying to make an “impact move.”
We’ll see if anything comes of this. It’s not easy to make a trade in today’s NHL. Before last year’s deadline, there was only one legit trade made prior, and that was Anaheim’s Andy McDonald to St. Louis for Doug Weight.
And as we know, the Wild doesn’t pull the trigger on a lot of trades.
In other news, Kyle Okposo is indeed expected to play tonight against the Wild. Remember, last year at this time, Okposo left the Gophers to go to world junior and never returned because the Islanders signed him in the middle of the college season.
Good news if you’re a Gopher fan: Aaron Ness was expected to attend tonight’s game, but we’ve been told he’s no longer expected to show up as a “special guest” to the Islanders 
Always exciting for this Long Island boy to see the Islanders. As I told you yesterday, I was a big fan as a kid. I remember always watching them on the road on SportsChannel with the great Jiggs McDonald on the call.
Speaking of on the call, Howie Rose is now the Isles’ TV play-by-play man. Howie Rose of the famed “Matteau! Matteau! Matteau!” call.
I always get a kick out of talking to Howie. Not to make him feel old, but when my dad used to take my brother and I to Mets games as a kid, we’d always sprint to the car after so we could listen to Howie Rose’s postgame report.
219 Responses to "Gaborik’s in “discomfort;” Lemaire in “meeting”"
here i thought the “meeting” was to ask JL to retire for family reasons.
Everyone plays with “discomfort” throughout the year. That is why I love hockey players. They can get their faced slashed open and then get stiched up and not miss a shift. Gabby needs to suck it up and play on his wonky mangina.
I, as a very proud Wild fan, agree to offer my solid, albeit untested-as-of-yet-in-the-NHL groin for transplant into MG as soon as possible. That is, if he agrees to a deal that will keep him here long enough to heal before we get rid of him. Yikes, what a Clustterbuck.
Michael - amazing information & updates. You rock!
+1 G* (not that I want that, but it was what came to mind)
I wonder if Russo, a Long Island kid, is looking forward to seeing the Isles…
Does this really surprise anyone about Gaby? All the signs of not being healed were there.
sunshine says:
December 19th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Chris Simon gets more support than Avery. You hear practically all his former teammates say that he’s a great guy. I don’t think you hear that about Avery.
I gather that Simon’s a nice guy with a bit of a temper. Avery’s just an A-hole all the time. I think Bertuzzi is somewhere in between the two.
Doug can work the phones till they melt…but who’s going to pick up Gabby (if that’s what the calls are about) with the sword of damocles over him? Gabby might have screwed himself over royally here(to say nothing of the Wild), and I hate to say it but serves him right.
I don’t really want his “wonky mangina:)” in return though. That is even better than shredded wiener. Maybe Walter can find me one.
“You want a toe? I can get you a toe, believe me. There are ways, Dude. You don’t wanna know about it, believe me.
Hell, I can get you a toe by 3 o’clock this afternoon… with nail polish. These fcking amateurs…”
The sky is falling.
Anyone know who will be sent down from the Islanders. I went last year to see them play to watch Jackman and he got sent down that same day. With two Islanders coming off the IR, I hope it does not happen again.
Charley walters says:
Despite the losses, Risebrough said he’s in no hurry to make a trade to shake the team up.
I just looked up “Fragile” in the dictionary…There was Gaborik’s picture. Seriously, do NOT give him a big long term deal. Talented, yes, but so breakable.
The reason Gabby can’t play on his bad wheel - is that if he does not have speed - what does he have? seriously? He can’t finish breakaways and plays positionally well on the power play - but other than that he needs speed and that first step.
Lots of hype about something happening, but I doubt anything will. Wild win a too close game 3-2
Jordan, I’m going to ask you to keep your voice down, this is a family blog.
Gabby, I have a little trouble in my groin now and again as well. Tough to carry the load - lol.
Marian Gimporik needs to go.
I’m feeling discomfort, I think I’ll go home for the day.
there was only one legit trade made prior, and that was Anaheim’s Andy McDonald to St. Louis for Doug Weight.
And wasn’t that made so the Ducks could clear salary cap room for either Selanne, Neidermayer or both?
If he Gaborik can’t skate, he can’t play.
Against the Flames, Gaborik hardly used his speed. It was his shots that helped the Wild get two goals to earn 1 point.
Michael Russo says:
new blog post up
From the last thread. Wow, even Russo reads his blog.
Couple of days ago, he admitted that he still felt some discomfort so is this more serious discomfort or is it the same discomfort?
Funny KiPA, funny. 
“…but when my dad used to take my brother and I to Mets games…”
Funny, my dad never took “I” to Twins’ games. Oh, must have been “me”.
And you call yourself a journalist.
Russo:
I thank you for keeping us so well informed, but if there is possibly something in the “works” today as far as a trade…… Why did you have to post the possible injury? Couldn’t you have waited until everything was signed by midnight tonight?
Wow @ 12:42: Joke right?
If the “frantically working the phones” line is accurate… bye bye Backstrom.
Why did you have to post the possible injury?
this is assuming the possible trade includes #10. We have lot’s of other players
Think so, Nick? Who are we going to get? Backstrom and Shepperd for Kovalchuk?
Correct GreenStar, any trade involving Gaborik in his current condition (with or without discomfort) wouldn’t include any “impact” players anyway. Not unless there’s a clueless or desperate GM out there.
“here i thought the “meeting” was to ask JL to retire for family reasons.”
Jock and Doug should ‘pursue other interests’ and ’spend more time with their families’.
Gabby, maybe you shouldn’t f’ing double shift the first game back from your 1/3 season layoff. Yes hindsight is 20/20.
You dolt, keep your gimpy mangina healthy so we can get a 20 goal scoring power forward and a 2nd round pick (no longer going to get the prospect Centerman) when/if we unload you at the trade deadline.
KiPA, I’d have only given him credit if the post was simply “Food”
Green*, I agree we do have other potential trades on the team, I still think MG needs to be dealt ASAP, with his past and current problems his value is only going to go down….
I thought about that, BNAG, but I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt and say he’s new to the blog and doesn’t know the quirks. He’ll learn.
Jordan @ 12::43
No, it is a pretty simple concept; one which he should have probably mastered by 6th grade or at least before he got a degree in journalism.
with his past and current problems his value is only going to go down….
and you don’t think other GM’s don’t know about his past and current problems? that he will be magically healthy on another team.
i agree he should be dealt but I don’t assume if a deal is in the works it is automatically involving #10.
one reason is if it is with atlanta, why would they want a UFA after the Hossa debacle last year? unless they would trade for him now along with shepard or pouliot for kovalchuck, with the intention of dealing gabby at the deadline for more picks? kovalchuk is UFA next year i believe. speed up the rebuilding process.
True enough KiPA, true enough
they would trade for him now along with shepard or pouliot for kovalchuck, with the intention of dealing gabby at the deadline for more picks? kovalchuk is UFA next year i believe. speed up the rebuilding process.
I’m probably not saying anything you may not know, but I’m thinking they can get more for Kovalchuk than they could for Gaborik.
…thanks from the previous post on coach Harrington info, as well as the link to the Steve Moore article.
[ Marian Gaborik was the first one off the ice today. He ultimately admitted he feels “some discomfort” and added later after some further pressing by myself that ”If I would need to rest it, I’d definitely consider it. But I’m playing tonight and hopefully everything’s going to be good.” ]
Not new info. At 2:56 in this video, he admits feeling discomfort on Tuesday, December 16th.
Link to the video:
BDS - our tix are in the upper level, I think maybe 201 or 210?
/yawn
Nothing to see here, move along.
Actually, there’ll be nothing to talk about other than gossip and rumors until the 27th. I would pin some hope, that on or shortly after that date, the pieces start falling into place, as you see the next piece of the puzzle become a done deal:
Jay Bowmeester to Montreal.
I am MKiA’s sister and Dan’s brother, and I approve this message.
If Riesbourogh is working the phones, my bet is a we say bye bye to Johnsson on MAB. Never thought about the Backstrom possibility…. I still having a real hard time trying to understand why they haven’t offered him an extention yet….
On Gabby, hurt or not hurt. The situation suck cause while he is here, he could certainly contribute to the team and we need him too, however, in the end. Does any of Russoville really believe that we will be able to trade him, who would want this groin mess right now… or the Wild sign him? Gabby is gonna walk where the $ is and we can’t really do anything about it.
but I’m thinking they can get more for Kovalchuk than they could for Gaborik.
yes but the would move up the deadline deal for picks a year, maybe get a semi-prospect, ie shepard. they could let #10 freewheel for the rest of the year and pot 50 up to the deadline
I refuse to get excited about any trade rumors
Gaborik to the Twins for Gardenhire. Think about it, Gardy can skate better than Gabby right now (as seen the other night) and Gaborik has a better bat than the Twins will end up with at third base.
kidding kidding kidding
WiATX - We’ll be down in 122. Here’s to us hoping for a good game.
Well, we can be comfortable knowing that DR is hard at work ‘trying’… 
French Dip isn’t good enough?
I like “Switzerland” better. 
Secret meetings
An ailing superstar
A frantic GM
Free falling down the standings
Geez. This bodes well. I’m sure we’ll see a very focused team tonight.
I hope Shep & Benny are not involved in any trades. I’m not convinced these guys can’t be very good to great players in the future.
Wildfan91: Your post was emailed to me by another reader asking the same question.
I hope all of you understand my job is to deliver the news to the best of my knowledge to you, the fans. It’s not to help the Wild make trades. I don’t think it’d be very ethical of me to hide Gaborik’s comments to help the Wild keep it a secret.
And trust me, if the Wild does make a move today (which I still very much doubt), I don’t think it’s Gaborik.
Wow, I go away for a few minutes to write my mfing annual review (god, I hate this time of year) and Russoville explodes.
Even if something is up, and I don’t doubt that it is… I doubt anything actually happens. That would just be too dramatic.
The Gabby situation is looking more and more like KG, Johan and Torii where we get less and less in return for forking over our all star.
If Doug and Lemaire are serious about putting out a good product, lets get some skaters 3-4 years into their NHL career instead of putting money into vets on the decline. No clue who is out there, but how about Jay Buowmeester or Illya kovalchuk.
Keep up the good work Russo!
You do a great job Russo, I’m pretty sure almost all of Russoville can agree! Thank you again for giving us the honest, up front news, its very much appreciated along with all of the regulars in here! I for one enjoy reading everyones input!
The Don said, “I don’t think it’d be very ethical of me to hide Gaborik’s comments to help the Wild keep it a secret.”
Everyone does realize he’s a journalist for the StarTribune, right? That means he reports on the Wild, not for them. They have their own spin… er.. PR department for that.
Now for my assessment of the situation, presented to you by “Coffee from the Jampit Estates in Java, Indonesia.”
The Wild make no deal today, but might make some progress in ironing out one for after the 27th. They can’t move yet - except on one front which The Don alludes to - a trade that doesn’t involve Gaborik:
Johnsson and Sheppard or Pouliot to Ottawa for Spezza.
However, I doubt this move will happen until after J-Bo’s future is determined. If Ottawa does land him, which I doubt they will, the above speculation is off.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are those solely of the writer, and should not be misrepresented or misconstrued in any form whatsoever.
Hmmm, just thought of something on the Backstrom front. Maybe youse guys already know this and I’m a little slow…
Backstrom currently has a NTC until Feb does he not?
Maybe the reason DR’s not talking with him is that he knows/thinks Backstrom will request a new NTC.
Maybe DR’s not talking because he wants to keep the option of trading Backstrom open up to the deadline. For instance, what if some GM (a really crazy GM) wanted to trade another #1 goalie and a #1 center plus a #1 pick for Backstrom. DR sings him now with a NTC and his hands are tied. If he waits to see what might be offered, he’s only tied to trying to hurry up and get a deal done with Backstrom prior to July 1.
Tyler Cuma didn’t land a spot on the Canadien Junior National team & we have no picks on the U.S. squad. Bottom line on why we are where we are today is our very poor drafting.
Yep, Backstrom can’t be moved until 2/2/09 at the earliest.
I understand that the Bolts have waived Jussi Jokinen. DR hasn’t done a waiver wire pick up yet so this might be why he’s calling frantically. Jussi at $750K (half of his yearly $1.8 million) prorated might not be a bad idea.
Puck1 - Gilles would have made that team if Wild would have let him play.
I think it is almost a given that Backstrom will be a deadline trade. Especially if the Wild are out of the playoff hunt.
He’s the one asset that he could trade for a huge (i.e. Detroit) return.
Maybe the meeting with Lemaire is to tell him that Clutterbuck is being sent down to make room for Jussi. Lemaire has been high on Clutterbuck and DR doesn’t want to make Lemaire mad.
sunshine, I may be wrong, ahhh… nevermind, I reread your Jussi Jokinen post and I am wrong…
Isn’t Backstrom the only Wild player with a written NTC? Good reason for DR to think he might ask for another…
As much as we are struggling I’d rest Gabby, the Wild MUST use caution here. They can NOT afford another long layoff from Gabby or it’s OVER! Plus they are playing the Isles and even with 1/2 a teamwe should beat them at home. As far as a trade who could you trade??? besides Gabby that is of any value?? maybe Bergeron but he’d bring a minor leaguer back at best. I would have liked Sundin but his cap hit was more than we have available.
Goody, this is right-on: “Maybe DR’s not talking because he wants to keep the option of trading Backstrom open up to the deadline. For instance, what if some GM (a really crazy GM) wanted to trade another #1 goalie and a #1 center plus a #1 pick for Backstrom. DR sings him now with a NTC and his hands are tied. If he waits to see what might be offered, he’s only tied to trying to hurry up and get a deal done with Backstrom prior to July 1.”
Regardless of how important Backstrom has been, he’s still a huge value, and if DR thinks this is the time to rebuild the team, there’s enormous value in trading Backstrom at the deadline.
There’s also value in keeping him, although it’ll probably cost around 5M/yr for 3 more years. That’s a big chunk of change to commit to in an uncertain economy.
So, waiting until the last minute, and having an offer ready for after the NTC is up, is the most prudent thing to do. It doesn’t mean DR’s getting rid of him, or that he’s being inept in not locking him up now - but he’s being very wise at the moment.
You can bet he’s received lots of inquiries about #32, and will continue to do so.
Oh ya, your right, he does have the NTC, so it isn’t Backs on the table. Who then??
BDS
Any of our prospects on any of the european junior rosters?
*lifts an eyebrow at Sunshine*
I think the reason why DR gave Backs a written one was because of Manny still being on the roster. Backs knew that one of them will have to be moved and he didn’t want to re-sign then be moved immediately. It was a limited NTC. DR could have traded Backstrom over the summer.
What did you think of my Jussi scenario. We need another 16 goal scorer, right?
“Everyone plays with “discomfort” throughout the year. ”
Everyone except UM.
Something big brewing possibly huh? And I have to work tonight. So disappointed… Maybe I should hold my breath until I hear about it.
Thanks for the update Russo. Have fun watching you team play your team tonight.
Question to Russo, how was it talking to Tremblay? I have follow the Wild since day 1 and I think this is the most that has ever been quoted from him. I have seen a couple of interviews on TV and it always sounds like he is talking with a mouth full of rocks, and very hard to understand.
If anyone is to be moved for Jussi, it should be Weller, not Clutterbuck
Hey, if MuN can make some up questionable trade ideas, I can come up with a questionable waiver wire pick up.
Alright…it doesn’t have to be Clutterbuck. It could be Weller but then Lemaire wouldn’t care and no meeting required.
Ethics?
Just kidding. I know what the deal is. I did kind of like this one, though:
And trust me, if the Wild does make a move today (which I still very much doubt), I don’t think it’s Gaborik.
I agree. It’s gotten to “I’ll believe it when I see it.” with Risebrough and trades. And I’m not sure I want to see it either. After the last two seasons, I’m still worried that he’s trying to get in on the Sean Avery sweepstakes.
The following is merely speculation, and not an actual news item. I am using Russo’s byline for amusement purposes only (without permission).
Wild Make Controversial Trade for Troubled Winger
By MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune
Last updated December 19, 2008 - 11:08 p.m.
After tonight’s loss to a slumping New York Islanders team that nobody would mistake for the heroes of my Long Island youth, and star Marian Gaborik struggling yet again with his chronic lower body “discomfort”, GM Doug Risebrough and head coach Jacques Lemaire emerged from a late night “meeting” to anounce the trade for troubled winger Sean Avery.Said Risebrough, “He’s really not a bad guy, but the fans wouldn’t know that because you just see the Speedo and hear about his sloppy second starlet girlfriends that he scatters about the league. If people actually had the chance to talk to him, they would discover he’s really quite a gentleman, in the finest sense of the word.”
Included in the deal were Pierre-Marc Bouchard, a player the Wild allegedly had a verbal no-trade clause with, however Risebrough waved off any concerns about that. “It wasn’t easy to part with a player of his caliber, but we know that Pierre-Marc is very popular in Texas. We think that this was really the best for all parties involved.”
When reached for comment, Bouchard’s response to the news was simply, “Ta-berrrr-NAC!!!!”
Also included in the deal was the Wild’s 2010 first round draft pick.
Sunshine, I’d not mind Jussi - though couldn’t we just put IGoW on IR for now to make room? Then send C-buck or someone down when IGoW is ready?
Sorry Puck1 - not that read up on WJC. But I’ll check.
If IGoW is Nolan, he’s on IR right now to make room for Kolanos.
If anyone is to be moved for Jussi, it should be Weller, not Clutterbuck
I vote Veilleux.
Toivo FTW… Esp. the PMB will be very popular in Texas.
What does IGoW stand for?
Oh, and IGoW to IR would require a meeting with coach as it means coach would be without him for 2 weeks (isn’t that the minimum for IR?) even though he may be ready before then…
OR, maybe DR just called JL in to say “Look, I called up Kolanos again. You play him this time or next time you don’t get him. Got it?”
Veilleux has been brutal this year! I think that is one of this teams biggest weaknesses. Our fringe guys are terrible!
Richard, Irish God of War = Nolan, and…
Sunshine, crap, you’re right he is on IR isn’t he.
Who coined the name Veilluseless? I thought that was pretty funny when I heard it
Should the pink slip come, I’m going to start a fake hockey news website.
IR is only for 7 days and the Wild can retroactively put him on IR so that if he gets better, he can play against the Canes on Tuesday. He was injured prior to this past Tuesday.
Sunshine… Jussi would be a good pickup. He’s fast, and is awesome on shootouts. The kid really does have some scoring ability. More so than Prucha.
I’d make that deal. He could be a top-6 forward in the right system, with the right linemates (PMB).
I’d guess Mike (that Mike) or Dan (that Dan).
and is awesome on shootouts
a lot of good that will do us
More Finns!
There’s just something about the Finns and shootouts isn’t there.
Koivu
Mittens
Numellin
Jokinen, J
Backstrom
If Jussi Jokinen plays center then the Wild needs him (RFA after this year, $1.8 cap hit). These items are from yesterday or early today:
C Jeff Halpern not only played his first game since May’s reconstructive surgery on his right knee, he scored a goal, got 17:36 of ice time and, before the game, was given the A as an alternate captain. D Andrej Meszaros lost the A.
He’s not on the injury report, but C Jussi Jokinen said he has been bothered by lower-body soreness. He did not use that as an excuse for zero goals in 15 games, but it probably hasn’t helped.
http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/article942805.ece
Also, if JL is in a meeting prior to us getting Jokinen the Lesser, perhaps DR learned something from the Dominic Moore acquisition (i.e. see if JL has ever heard of the player you are about to get before you get him)
They waived him for not scoring in 15 games. Wow! That could be half our squad, then.
Well…DR did say that he will consult/talk to JL more.
Sure am glad Shirley sat for two months to make sure there would be no more re-curring injuries. My post a few days ago was that he would not make it more than 10 games w/out sitting, yet again. But after ONE game? C’mon Shirley-you can’t suck it up just a LITTLE? Pathetic. Again. I don’t know how or if it is possible, but he needs to go-yesterday. Somehow, some way. Please.
Hilarious toivo!
I’m all for giving Jokinen a shot.
So tired of the Gab saga. Just leave already. At this point I don’t even care if the Wild are compensated for it. Good thing I’m not in their management lol.
I wonder if Gaborik was playing hackeysack again? I can’t believe he missed 27 games because of a hackeysack injury. That’s almost as bad as injuring yourself for the entire year trying to get out of a golf cart!
We keep talking about it being ‘hackeysack’ but I think there’s a bit of confusion about that. I’ve heard it reported that it was more like volleyball using a tennis height net and a soccerball. I could see how one could easily pull a groin doing that.
Of course I’ve got no inside information. I’m just going on what I’ve heard…
I could go for a game of volleyhack right now
Jokinen provides 0 upgrade for the Wild! We don’t need another soft winger who has good hands but can’t score. He had 2 goals after the Tampa trade last year in 20 games and now is in the current scoring funk…NO thanks!
lol Green*!
My scouting report on Jokinen:
Put in 48 and 55 points respectively in his 1st 2 years, on only 13-14 minutes a game. This is 3rd line minutes on the Wild club, which was where he was mostly when he was with Dallas.
Traded to Tampa in the Richards deal, he put up 14 pts in 20 games rounding out last year.
He’s struggled with TB’s system this year, but so has everyone else on that roster. 10 pts in 31 games, but I’d consider his time in TB a lost cause, since he obviously didn’t gel in the system.
He’s quick, has a good shot, and a few great deke moves. He’s not strong defensively, but that might be the man-on system Dallas played. In the JL positional D system, he might do much better, and would gain quite a bit under the tutelage of Koivu.
I’d place his potential well ahead of Mittens, but he’s a 2nd or 3rd line winger - not a center.
Its about time Veilluseless starts to take some ribbing. He hasn’t done a flipping thing this year. I’d like to know what JL sees in this guy that I (and many other’s don’t). Granted he usually plays against the top line but still he is a -11. I repeat a -11!! He is a waste of space. His upside is severly limited but he continues to get heavy minutes. I just don’t get it. At the very most he should be on the bench as a specialty penalty killer, but he has proven he doesn’t deserve a regular shift.
THe other thing that bothers the crap out of me, is why do we keep thinking Benny is a centerman? He isn’t!! He has a mountain of potential, but on the WING, not up the middle. Or at least not up the middle in JL’s system. How long can we sit back and have JL scare the crap out of our young guns to the point where they are so worried about getting burned on D they are afraid to take a chance in the offensive zone. Ok my rant is over…
So is that game played with just feet? That would be an interesting game…
The Wild should assign someone to follow Gaborik around and make sure he doesn’t do anything that might make him pull his groin. I keep thinking that the Wild are better off without having to deal with his health issues but he’s so darn entertaining to watch. I was all giddy watching him play on Wednesday especially playing with Koivu.
Jusse Jokinen? Yes, please.
Again, the Gaborik discomfort story is four days old. Nobody picked up on it when he initially said he said it the day before the Flames games. He went on to play almost 20 minutes. What he said today was what he said on Tuesday.
just popped in here to see if there was anything going on…oh well…
Jokinen has a ton of face off wins, so he is obviously playing center in Tampa. Not that it is his natural position, but he obviously plays the position.
lol “Coach Larry” has spoken. Or was it Dan?
Jussi can’t be any worse at center than Pouliot.
It may be the same thing he said on Tuesday but it was a little unnerving watching the trainers rubbing him in between the 3rd period and OT. But then again he sounded ok after the game, talking about needing a couple games to get his skills back.
Larry, SRV cost us less than $1mil. you can rip him all you want but i’d say he is doing fine for less than a mil. and he is a UFA so may not be back or resigned on the cheap again. in salary cap world, you need to have cheap players.
GreenStar - Totally agree you need cheap players. But if your cheap players aren’t doing their job, they should be benched in place of younger players that actually have potential. There are plenty of guys in Houston that deserve his playing time and IMO couldn’t produce less and would be cheaper.
It was his first game back and he skated in practice for 45 minutes yesterday. I expected Gaborik to play 15 minutes at most against the Flames. He played almost 20 minutes. That might have been pushing it but he was needed or we wouldn’t have gotten the tying goal.
Yeah, he does need a couple of games to get his skills back. Did you see how many times he lost the puck? Twice on the last PP before the end of the second period.
Its a chronic thing that he and the Wild has to manage. Just as they have done after every long injury that he has had.
Volleyhack sounds interesting, but my preferred combo sport is hockey stick tennis.
On the trade front, Jussi is a guy that I have no interest in seeing on the Wild.
Wow @ 12:53:
Sorry… Can’t drop it. You write as if a minor grammatical error makes Russo a poor journalist. I’m not one to apologize for the bastardization of our language, but seriously… He’s writing informally in a friendly (or at least non-hostile) environment. Go see if you can convince Billy Safire to write about hockey.
There are plenty of guys in Houston that deserve his playing time and IMO couldn’t produce less and would be cheaper.
i’m not familiar with houston. got a list of names and why they deserve his playing time and how they would be cheaper, since i think SRV’s cap space doesn’t disappear, it will be hard to do that one.
Just my .02 but, with Sundin finally deciding, don’t you think the phone lines might have picked up for Gaby?
I am not saying a deal gets done tonight, but you have to believe some teams just became a little more desperate, or at the minimum, more teams may have started showing interest.
While if a move is done today, I am not expecting a Gaby deal, but I have to think some GMs are testing the waters already.
It’s clear the Wild have stopped working infront of the net. They haven’t drawn penalties from crashing the net and making a defenseman clutch, grab, hook/slash, or trip. The powerplay has gone cold because of it and I’m not even going to get in to 5 on 5 right now. It’s almost like we are waiting for an invite to go into the slot and make things happen.
If something happens to day…great…just be the right move. D’ers no doubt the Wild need a shot in the arm, let’s just hope the DR orders the right one.
Larry- not to defend G* but you can only have so many young guys on the team that doesn’t fully know the “system”. I’m not that happy with SRV’s game this season but until there are other options he is a low priced part of this team.
All for giving Jokinen a shot? If that isn’t Mittens with a different name on the back of the sweater, I don’t know who is.
We do not need another 10-15 goal scorer on the team. And we especially don’t need another guy that is going to have goal scoring expectations put on him, when he’s a defensive minded forward. Thats the problem we’re in right now. We’re counting on offense from too many defensive minded guys, and it just won’t happen. We’re expecting WAY too much from guys like Eric Belanger, Antti Miettinen and Stephane Veilleux. If the offense is sputtering with defensive minded guys not scoring, where’s the logic in throwing another one on the heap? Go on a hope and prayer he discovers what hands are and puts in 30 a year? Please, for the sake of the team, do not pick up another guy like this. Go after someone with true offensive talent, and known as a goal scorer. It makes no sense in picking up a shootout artist who hasn’t broke 15 goals since his rookie season.
I repeat, the Wild DO NOT need Jussi Jokinen. They needed the other Jokinen… the one with real offensive talent.
Benny and Shep’s development (or lack thereof) are a direct reflection of their coaching.
Otherwise, their lack of potential and ability are a direct reflection of management and scouting.
I feel both players have great potential and ability. If they don’t, why were they drafted so high by us.
As far as Gillies goes, what really is he doing here, is having him playing one game every couple of weeks really “developing” him?
Why is Veilluex catching so much heat for not scoring? Each player has a role and SRV’s role isn’t as a scorer.
If anyone is deserving of heat from the fans it is Pierre-Marc Bouchard. He has to find a way. I did noticed a few ‘boos’ the other night when he did his patented button hook route after entering the offensive zone.
James Sheppard also needs to be held accountable. I know the guy is downright sacred in Russoville but he is supposed to score points.
I suppose you could gripe and moan about Pouliot, but this is his rookie season, he should probably be cut as much slack as Sheppard was last season.
But complaining about Veilleux for not scoring? That seems a little ridiculous. You can’t just breeze down the points column and accurately assess a players value.
Dice - I understand what you’re saying about Gillies. But I think there is a lot to be said about a player getting comfortable with his teammates, coaches, the locker room and general day to day routine of the team. I also believe that Gillies playing time will increase as the year goes on.
Also, it appears this year is destined for some trades from the Wild front office. If Gaborik is moved it will likely be for a rebuilding type package. You’ll probably see a lot of Gillies at that point.
Or perhaps he simply isn’t going to cut it. But the short time I saw him play in Houston I strongly believe this guy will be a legitimate player.
I for one, would give Benny & Shep plenty of latitude. Not all young NHL’ers are Sid or Ovechkin. Most spend a few years “developing” in the minors, or in Mikko’s case, serving their country. These “kids” are just that. I remember Burnsie when he was a rookie, and Mikko the first year. They took some time to “get it” and now are a major part of the core we have heard so much about. Talk to me in a few years…there is no secret that all the calls last year at the deadline included Shep in the mix, and DR just said no. All those other GM’s can’t be idiots, so let’s just table the Shep needs to score more talk for now. He looks way more comfortable in the system we play, and is invaluable as a defensive forward who has size and skills like Bruno in using his back end to sheild away players from the puck. I thought we loved defensive forwards here? Remember a guy named Walz? JL used to joke about how Wes was his 50 goal scorer, because he would score 20, and prevent 30 GA? Well, I look at Shep, SV, and the other checking line players that way. If SV didn’t play with Shep, heck he might be a minus 30 by now…
Working the phones is great, trade Gabby as it’s hard to play the game when you bring your purse to the rink, let him and his yeast infection go some where else and be a baby.
Make sure Lemaire trades him for a couple of defensive forwards who can play the trap and bore the fans right out of the rink. Lemaire has ruined the sport of hockey with the trap and no boring offense, maybe trade Lemaire for Chilly and his kick %*$ offense.
Jussi Jokinen currently ranks #55 in total faceoffs in the NHL, five sports behind Modano with the same number of games played so he is playing center and since the Wild need a C badly I think this would be a good move for the team. He is not the “answer” but at age 25 and a low cap hit he can help this team with little risk.
I agree with a lot that has been written on this thread. First and foremost it is the system JL drumming in these guys. I am not saying the system is wrong but needs to be adjusted. Without Gabby, we had one legit scoring line. JL knows without legit scores on the team, he has to try to keep the game close. JL is forced to play this system because he hasn’t been given any legit scores. That is management duty. This is why we fail.
Russo & Fans,
I’d like to mention that tonite’s game vs. the Islanders is the Wild’s annual Toys for Tots drive. If you’re headed to the game or know someone that is, please remind them to bring a toy to drop off at any of the entrances at the Xcel. The Marines will be there collecting toys and accepting donations. The Twin Cities Toys for Tots drive has suffered tremendously this year due to the ecomony. It’s looking like for the first time ever, they will NOT be able to provide a Christmas for every child in Minnesota in need. Thanks!
Sorry about the grammer.
*if* something happens (i’d be shocked) it’s gotta be kimmy j to someone in the east, ottawa or the rangers maybe. who’d we want though? dawes maybe? fisher and brian lee!?
WHy can’t he just suck it up and play like jerod allen… and of course he is going to feel discomfort. its what happens when you work out after long periods of not doing much… its called being sore.
Gabby is a total Sally. The guy has all off season (usually a long one in the case of Wild) to strengthen muscles/work with trainer etc….and every season this happens (except last years fluke) Just cut ties with him NOW. Release him and save the time/energy of everyone. Move on dot org!
As a Lifelong Ranger fan, if they could land a youngster like Dubinsky, we would all be very happy. I heard he was close to being dealt to Columbus to free up cap space, so obviously they would part with him for the right price, and they DESPERATLEY need a puck moving D-man. Kimmy already played there, and was succesful.
SGS - Again an excellent assessment
For those of you who are on the “we need legitimate scorers” kick.. let me remind you that there isn’t the cap space to land a top name, and that a roster loaded with “legitimate scorers” does not mean victory (see Rangers past 12 years).
You must have role players who will go out and do their job, and SRV is a role player who’s done his job, which is to forecheck and press the other team’s scoring threats. His job isn’t to put up points, but to restrict other teams from scoring them.
Given the GAA of the team, he and his counterparts playing forward have done a decent job. The talent players have not come through on their end, and the defense has given up too many chances.
So to say another 10-15 goal scorer isn’t needed, is ignorance, especially when you get get that production for 750K, versus 30 goals for 4 mil.
Addendum regarding Jokinen…
The move by TB to place him on waivers is a clear example of the inexperience of the TB front office, and Len Barrie’s decision-making ability.
They just let a player of value go and get nothing in return.
trade Lemaire for Chilly
LMAO
And as far as this “meeting” between JL and DR this am…
That the coach and GM are meeting is good. it probably wemt something like this:
DR: Hey man, I’m getting a little concerned about this recent slide. Let’s take a look at what you need short term, and long term, and see how that all fits into my plans.
JL: Yeah, ok. What are your near-term plans for the team?
DR: Well, I gotta find a buyer for Gaborik, and I need to look at what our bottom line is going to be for next year before I get to Backstrom.
JL: Ahhhh, we will need to replace Gaborik’s scoring if he’s gone.
DR: Yeah. Working on that. Seems I can’t get immediate value back in a trade. Everyone wants to give picks or minor league players for him.
JL: Ahhhh, well.. We need a scorer, and a center.
DR: If I can move a defenseman for a scorer or center, are you OK on defense?
JL: It depends who we are left with. I would not want to lose Burns, Schultz, Skoula or Reitz right now.
DR: So one of the remaining 3 could go?
JL: Sure. But if we have an injury on the blueline before Foster gets back, we could be in trouble.
DR: Ok. I understand. So if I trade Schultz for a checking forward we’re good, right?
JL: Yeahh, I can work with that.
My problem with SRV isn’t the lack of scoring, it’s the lack of any offensive zone presence. He’s not even getting into corners, where at the very least he could finish a check or two. Nobody’s asking for 30, 20, or even 15 goals, we just want an impact.
That depressed me, MuN.
This team is better than how they are playing right now, but Risebrough needs to make an impact move right now. I doubt he will be able to, and it is apparent that it was a major mistake not to trade Gaborik last year, and it was a major mistake by Gaborik not to take the top offer by the Wild. Apparently we have a team of idiots. Decent players, but idiots. The Wild are quickly becoming the Timberwolves which means they will be irrelevant in 2 years time.
Gaborik needs to loosen the panties around his balls.
When did the roster freeze happen? Was that midnight local time last night or tonight?
The only thing I saw on NHL.com said, “Simply stated, it prevents any players on NHL active rosters or injured reserve from being traded, waived or loaned from midnight (local time) Dec. 19 until midnight (local time) on Dec. 27.”
I assume it means midnight tonight based on the fact Jokinen hit waivers today at noon. But that is a bit misleading because doesn’t the stroke of midnight indicate a new day?
i also keep hearing that spezza might get traded - spezza and lee for kimmy j and zids? tastey! i still don’t think anything will happen though
Nick says:
December 19th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Gaborik to the Twins for Gardenhire. Think about it, Gardy can skate better than Gabby right now (as seen the other night) and Gaborik has a better bat than the Twins will end up with at third base.
kidding kidding kidding
actually, there is a lot of truth to that.
Stephen S says:
December 19th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
This team is better than how they are playing right now, but Risebrough needs to make an impact move right now
now they aren’t.
pkne, Spezza for Johnsson and Pouliot or Shep is my guess, but only if Sens miss out on J-Bo.
Sorry, MsC!! It was supposed to be entertaining!
I realize this will not be a popular statement, but I think the Wild and Gaborik would be best served if he signed a 1 year deal to stay in Minnesota.
His stock has plummeted (and may still be retreating if his groin is not “up to speed” as of yet). Sign for a year, hopefully for both parties get healthy, trade next year.
I don’t think we are going to get great value for him in a trade no matter what, but his value cannot grow much lower than now.
I’d think that would be good for both, Puck. Problem is, what’s he really worth now?
If the Wild offered something reasonable, like a 4-4.5M/yr 1 year deal, Gaborik is going to reject it. If he accepts it, he lowers his value for next year just by taking that contract.
Not to mention, groin issues will be somewhat forgotten come July 1, and I’m sure he’s banking on a feeding frenzy with several major potential UFA’s in this year’s crop, and GM’s that “need” to do something.
Puck, I like that idea but it needs to happen before the deadline. Gaborik could wait until the summer, and sign a 1 year deal with an eastern team where he knows he can score more to increase his value.
Yes, I agree. Sign before the deadline is what I am implying.
People were tired of hearing about Sundin, this may become worse as the deadline grows closer.
What a mess!
If Gaby is out for another extended period due to shredded weiner, his stock will be lower. If he were to sign a 1-yr deal with the Wild for say, $5 million, that does not lower his value for next year. The only thing that lowers his value is being out with shredded weiner. He signs a 1-yr deal, then goes out in 2009-2010 and shows his scoring brilliance like he did a year ago, teams would most likely be lined up at the deadline to sign him. It all depends on his groins.
“what’s he really worth now?”
Very good point! I have no idea what that number would be. I’m just speculating that it behooves both for him to actually BE healthy before a trade is made. If the amount could be found, 1 year buys both a little time.
This whole situation would have been avoided if Risebrough would have traded Gabby over the off season like he should have! Especially, when the rumor was that the Canadians were willing to offer Higgins and other prospects and draft picks for him! Higgins only has 2 hat tricks this year already! Risebrough screwed up by trying to have the season play out in hopes of either talking Gabby into re-signing with the Wild or to beef up the trade offers for him. Now, unfortunately, another team would be foolish to even offer Dave Spehar in a trade due to Gabby’s health and his unavoidable free agency after this season, unless someone is willing to offer the greedy bastard enough money to make him the highest paid player in the league when he only plays 4 games every 3 months! I will give Gabby credit though, he has 4 points in the 4 games he’s played this year! the solution is: Fire Jacque, Let Gabby go, and build the team around Koivu, Burns, and Backstrom! Oh, and hire me as the GM! jk.
That’s okay, MuN. It was just too accurate.
Jokinen would be good fit he is natural center but he is soft.
Higgins has two hat tricks this year? Didn’t know that was possible for a guy with 5 goals on the year, this guy has talent!
Spehar’s available? This is the first I’ve heard of this rumor. Do it!
Gho$t has probably already agreed to terms with Vancouver for a deal next year that allows him and Hossa to join Demitra.
It is imperitive for DR to trade him and his groins to another team at the deadline - when the value will be at it’s peak.
Even if the Wild are in 1st place in te NW. Gotta get something in return…
Koivu’s countryman Adam says:
December 19th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
the solution is: Fire Jacque, Let Gabby go, and build the team around Koivu, Burns, and Backstrom! Oh, and hire me as the GM! jk.
1. Risebrough needs to be fired more then anyone, with Lemaire pulling up relatively close 2nd.
2. Backstrom won’t be with the Wild past June 30 most likely, so it’ll be tough to build around him.
MuN, i think kimmy j and shep or benny makes more sense for spezza, but i was thinking we’d have to trade two big contracts just to afford him? not sure what his salary is…
And looking at their contract lineup, Montreal’s looking at some huge turnover. 4 top paid forwards all UFAs, 4 D UFAs, only 20 million in cap space tied up for next year (compared to Wild’s 36 million). Even the next lowest Islander’s managed to lock another 8 million in for next year.
Craig Leapold and Glen Taylor should consider swapping coaches for their respective teams! Here is why is could work:
1) Mchale is from Hibbing, which is on the Iron Range and close to Evelyth where the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame is located.
2) Lemaire prioritizes defense, which doesn’t work in the New NHL especially when every team has at least 3 or more players who can score at will (other than the Wild), and the Twolves couldn’t stop the other team from scoring if they laid a board across the the top of the rim.
3)Mchale speaks English more clearly than Lemaire which might be the reason why the Wild have been looking terrible this lately due to lack of communication.
4)The Twolves players don’t listen to their coach anyway, so the fact that they wouldn’t be able to understand Lemaire wouldn’t be a factor or change anything.
5) Neither teams are going to make the playoffs so why not do something bizarre to try to attract fans? This would help pack the seats due to fans being curious to see Jacque change McCants for Foye on the fly, and Mchale double shifting Boogard because he’s the biggest player on the team and can box out in the paint!
So whose going? Might be JL himself
“Johnsson and Sheppard or Pouliot to Ottawa for Spezza”
Uhhh…Bryan Murray is not an idiot.
pkne, Spez’s number is 7/yr against the cap. Besides, during the season, the cap number is prorated per team in number of days on the roster. So, much easier to fit a bigger number in, the further into the season you are. As of today, Spezza’s cap hit would only be about 3.54M for the rest of the year.
Spezza’s cap hit is 7 million.
No, “Free Willig”, he’s not. But you’re not Bryan Murray.
Where the hell is everyone tonight? It’s like I’m doing the show myself. =\
Murray would never trade Spezza for that package.
There’s no way in hell Murray would trade Spezza for that package.
Holding our collective breath?
Or on the way to the game?
Or snowed into oblivion?
Me, I’m pondering what’s for dinner.
Not as a first choice, no. However, Florida doesn’t want Spezza, they want Vermette as a part of the J-Bo deal, and Murray’s already on record as saying Vermette’s not available, but he’s hinted at the possibility he might be available for the right person.
If he can’t get J-Bo, Murray needs to do something for a puck moving D, and Spez is already rumored to be on the block. Maybe he wouldn’t take Shep or Benny…but there’s something he will take.
Spezza’s hit if the trade happened now would be $4.5 million.
The Senators have a standing offer for Jay Bo which includes Vermette.
how exactly did you arrive at the 4.5 mil?
there’s 186 days in the calculation cycle. We’re what, 75 days in?
Kim Johnsson is a mildly effective puck mover with no shot. Neither Sheppard nor Pouliot are showing any signs of developing into even second line players. And you’re saying that’s good enough for one of the top 10 talents in the league who is under contract for the rest of his prime playing years?
Free Willig says:
December 19th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
The Senators have a standing offer for Jay Bo which includes Vermette
doubtful. Doug should offer Johnsson and figure skater Bouchard for Bouwmeester. Jay and Burns back defense would make the Wild defense formidable for a change.
111/186=.60X7 million = 4.2million….sorry, I was basing it on the number of games the Wild have remaining.
The offer is Vermette, Schubert and a first rounder (San Jose’s) for Jay Bo. You’re going to have to trust me on this.
Spezza’s exact cap hit as of right now would be $4,524,390.24
Sure. It is when the Sens want to get out of the long term deal Spez has, and change the scenery. To shop an 8m/yr guy, you need to get the value back. With a long term contract, you need long term money back. That’s hard at that level.
It depends on how long Murray and Hartsy want to keep him around, but they’ve got other needs to address within the organization, and with new talent coming up at a cheaper price, they can not - not afford to get out from under that contract.
Plus, there aren’t many puck moving defencemen available. Inventory is low, prices are high. Why do you think Florida hasn’t pulled the trigger on Bowmeester yet? Because 3 teams are gonna end up in a bidding war for the one top guy.
Free Willig says:
December 19th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
The offer is Vermette, Schubert and a first rounder (San Jose’s) for Jay Bo. You’re going to have to trust me on this.
I doubt that’s on the table, but I wouldn’t even trade Gaborik for that.
Yeah, Free. I got 4.17742. Close enough.
Actually, you don’t have to trust me. You don’t have to do anything, but that’s the case. I’m a Senators fan, a Senators blogger, friends with a couple media members in Ottawa, and a Senators player.
Michael up North says:
December 19th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Sure. It is when the Sens want to get out of the long term deal Spez has, and change the scenery. To shop an 8m/yr guy, you need to get the value back. With a long term contract, you need long term money back. That’s hard at that level.
What are you taking about? The reason they want to deal Spezza is for cap room, not to add another highly paid guy to the roster.
Don’t mind Dan, Free. He’s our “Cartman”. Lotta BS, little substance.
Free Willig says:
December 19th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Actually, you don’t have to trust me. You don’t have to do anything, but that’s the case. I’m a Senators fan, a Senators blogger, friends with a couple media members in Ottawa, and a Senators player.
good for you, doesn’t mean you’re right. again, i wouldn’t even deal Gaborik for that. Vermette can’t score, Schubert is a mediocre defenseman, and the Sharks pick in the trading world would be considered as 2nd round value. That’s terrible value for any trading partner if they are going to give up an elite player.
Michael up North says:
December 19th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Don’t mind Dan, Free. He’s our “Cartman”. Lotta BS, little substance.
but never wrong.
There is a better deal than the one Ottawa is offering already out there for Bouwmeester. The bidding war has already started. Martin claims he hasn’t given up trying to sign Bouwmeester. I never claimed it was a winning offer, but Martin has had man love for Vermette for years now.
But on the subject of Bowmeester, my guess is he’ll end up in Montreal. Florida doesn’t want any big numbers in return - they’ll want 1st round picks, and highly touted players with tons of potential.
The only knock on Vermette is he’s signed for one more year and then he’s a UFA. Considering his output this year though, not sure people aren’t wondering if he was a fluke. Personally I like him, I think he’s gonna be great, but Montreal has quite a bit more to offer Florida, and that’s why I think they’ll win that one in the end.
That will force Murray a bit, as you’re probably well aware of the growing discontent in the capital.
I didn’t say you should deal Gaborik for that. Doesn’t mean that Ottawa hasn’t offered it for Bouwmeester.
but Martin has had man love for Vermette for years now.
ROFL that was good!!
+1
post up your Sens blog addy too.
No blog update. Russo must be really working his sources…
I’m living the discontent, but there’s no sense making a deal just to make a deal. You have to get fair value. There is no one in Ottawa who thinks Johnsson and Sheppard would get this team to the playoffs; not when Spezza is subtracted from the equation. That leaves the team with three 3rd line centers and maybe a 2nd line center if Vermette pulls his head out.
Fish can’t step into that role?
The blurb about Johnsson was there was a blurb a few weeks back about an Ottawa scout at one of the MN games who had mentioned he was very impressed with Johnsson. Russo had the scoop on it. I think he’s mediocre too lol.
I understand the Gaborik situation. If he doesn’t want to be here then the Wild should obviously trade him when and if they can. What I dont understand is the fact that the Wild have not talked to Backstrom or his agent about an extension. If the plan is to also trade him if the team does not start playing better by the deadline, and start a rebuilding process? Why should Risebrough get to be the one in charge of it? We already know that he can’t build a team that can challenge for a championship.
We’ve been waiting for Fisher to be a 2nd line center for years and we’re paying him like one (and that’s part of the problem). Truth is, he’s a 3rd liner; he’s a great 3rd line center, but a 3rd liner none the less. 50 points is tops for him and that’s when he has 2nd line mates. Add to that, that he’s lucky to see 65 games (Gabby isn’t the only injury waiting to happen).
I wouldn’t be surprised if Ottawa was interested in Johnsson, but I would be shocked if Spezza was the carrot unless there were some rather nice assets coming back in addition. We’ve been desperate for a number one goalie; never had one (we don’t acknowledge about that Czech guy who let us down come playoff time), so if Murray is dangling The Spezz Dispenser, it better be for Backstrom and Johnsson.
Brian, Backstrom has a NTC that expires in Feb. DR might be forced to trade him because of his high value, and low expectations for the team. Then again, he might be able to keep him. I’m sure the economy and the Gaborik situation have to do with it. 1st week in Feb, there’ll be more news on it.
Sens game is starting; I’m out. Good talking.
Yup, good convo, FW. I’m watchin too lol
Sens already down a minute in….I’m in hell.
Nice antlers!
Yuck. I made a whole big dinner but I think the ground beef was bad. It tastes “off”… Guess it’s cereal tonight. *sigh* Hope this doesn’t foreshadow the games tonight.
Backstrom can waive an NTC. Hard to imagine 30 days would matter to him when he is languishing on a “headed for nowheresville” team.
Boogie v. Fritz tonight? Is he that scary Ms. C? He fought Big John a while ago right?
Backstrom is ‘Plan C’…
Rebuild and trade valuable assets at the end of a lost season.
I’m just not sure if the next iteration of the Wild will be physical or have puck movement.
Deep…any thoughts on this???
Gabby comes first…then backstrom…simple as that
thoughts…
KJ is dumb
[…] "discomfort" and was the first player to leave practice for Minnesota, which is making the whole "make an impact trade to save the season" thing difficult for the front office. We don’t want to say Gaborik’s breakable, but he was last […]
First off I am a big fan of Harding and all but if these idiots let Backstrom go, how will we win a game scoring one or 2 goals. He is one of the only reason this mediocre team is where it is.
[…] -Wild forward Eric Belanger did not play last night. Former Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins forward Krys Kolanos was recalled from Houston of the AHL to replace him. […]
