Sources: Risebrough fired; Leipold conference call tidbits; Backstrom may need hip surgery, other Wild medical news
Posted on April 16th, 2009 – 11:52 AMBy Michael Russo
(UPDATED, AND I’LL THROW ON ANOTHER BLOG LATE TONIGHT)
According to two outside NHL sources, Wild GM Doug Risebrough has been fired by owner Craig Leipold. It is unconfirmed inside the organization.
Leipold was said to have agonized over the decision but decided, in the final analysis, that a change in direction was called for.
Here’s the memo from the team:
Minnesota Wild Owner, Craig Leipold, announced today that the organization will not renew the contract of President and General Manager, Doug Risebrough, beyond the 2008-2009 season.
“The entire Minnesota Wild organization is forever indebted to Doug for his substantial efforts in establishing this franchise’s solid foundation and winning tradition,” said Leipold. “The positive impact of Doug’s service will be felt for many years to come. We wish Doug the very best.”
The search for a new General Manager will begin immediately. The first order of business for the incoming General Manager will be to select the Team’s next Head Coach.
Until a replacement is found, Assistant General Manager Tom Lynn, will be acting-General Manager.
I will be on early this evening to blog more, but right now, I’m working the story.
I’ve talked to several people today, including a number of people interested in the job. I’ll throw stuff on later, and obviously in tomorrow’s coverage.
Here’s Jacques Lemaire, whom I reached in Montreal. He’s coming back to Minnesota tomorrow.
Lemaire
“I got a call from [assistant coach Mario Tremblay] and he told me this and I said, ‘Are you kidding me?’ It was shocking, it was shocking. I never expected it. I never thought he’d be fired after I left,” former Wild coach Jacques Lemaire said. “We tried to get this team better. What Craig thought was something different.
“Us, I thought we did some decent things there. We don’t know anymore what to think there. It just shows you the owner has a different perspective than a lot of people could go.”
Lemaire was unable to get in contact with Risebrough.
Lemaire, by the way, does not want the job.
From the Leipold conference call:
– He made his decision a month ago.
– He told Risebrough Tuesday, and he took it professionally.
– The new GM will only be GM, and not GM and President
– On whether Lemaire would have been fired if he didn’t quit, Leipold said he hasn’t thought about that because he always assumed Lemaire was leaving.
– He has a little of former GM’s and bright stars he’s interested in. Candidates have solicited him already today via call and email.
There will be lots of speculation that Leipold will want to hire his former GM in Nashville David Poile, who’s on a year-to-year contract. I know from a source the two spoke yesterday. However, the Tennessean reported last July that in the sales papers, Leipold is prohibited from ever hiring Poile for a job with another NHL franchise.
In other news:
Like Marian Gaborik before, it appears goalie Niklas Backstrom’s groin pain was stemming from a hip problem.
Hesitant to speak because he had yet to talk with Wild acting GM Tom Lynn, Backstrom said Thursday he may need surgery.
“I saw a doctor today, and the team doctors, and we have to decide now in a couple days if I need surgery,” Backstrom said. “I need to get other opinions, and also from back home in Finland. It’s tough for me because everything’s in English, so I need someone to translate to me so I know exactly what’s going on.”
Backstrom said he hoped to talk to Gaborik so he can see his hip specialist, Vail’s Marc Philippon. He said the recovery from an operation “is speculated, but in my mind, I’ll be ready by the start of the season.”
Left wing Andrew Brunette had successful reconstructive surgery on his right knee Thursday and he will begin rehab immediately.
Left wing Derek Boogaard will have surgery on his right shoulder Tuesday and will be ready in time for the start of next season.
418 Responses to "Sources: Risebrough fired; Leipold conference call tidbits; Backstrom may need hip surgery, other Wild medical news"
WOW! All of the haters on here are getting their way!
Bold stroke by CL….Two very important hires to make, and he better get them both right.
Thanks Russo
Please be true! Please be true! 
Thank God!
Egad! Firing him, however, won’t do much good if they replace him w/ Tom Lynn or Tommy Thompson.
Is this a desperate move to keep Gaby -the biggest scorer to be available this summer??
:D
JL to be retained as GM?!
Nice work Russo….Nothing yet on TSN, NHL.com, that other paper across the river, ESPN.com.
I like the idea of JL becoming GM
Is it April 1st? No, it’s not!
Hopefully we will improve in this area (no Garth Snow ilk please).
Is TL gone too, or did he throw DR under the bus to save his skin.
Here’s the press release:
For Immediate Release…
MINNESOTA WILD WILL NOT RENEW CONTRACT OF PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER DOUG RISEBROUGH
SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Minnesota Wild Owner, Craig Leipold, announced today that the organization will not renew the contract of President and General Manager, Doug Risebrough, beyond the 2008-2009 season.
“The entire Minnesota Wild organization is forever indebted to Doug for his substantial efforts in establishing this franchise’s solid foundation and winning tradition,” said Leipold. “The positive impact of Doug’s service will be felt for many years to come. We wish Doug the very best.”
The search for a new General Manager will begin immediately. The first order of business for the incoming General Manager will be to select the Team’s next Head Coach.
Until a replacement is found, Assistant General Manager Tom Lynn, will be acting-General Manager.
*gasp!*
YEEEEAAAAAAYYYYYY!
*clapclapclapclap*
(Iceman, I answered your Pouliot question in the last thread)
Christmas came early
omfg are you kidding me?!
that just made my day! please be true!!!
Huh. At this rate, we’ll have a whole new franchise for the next season.
Did I mention:
YEEEEEAAAAAAAY!!!!!!
Wow!
Unbelievable!
This is great. Look, it’s not that I like to flame on JL and DR for fun, and I do recognize that they did a lot of good things starting up this franchise. But the product is and has been stagnant and this is the way the NHL works. For the first time next year, I’ll at least have hope that it could get better in the future.
Too bad Tom Lynn is still there, though.
Man, not being able to sign Gaborik, not being able to do anything at the trade deadline, waiting too long to sign players which resulted in higher salaries — right move.
I wondered if the other partners had to step in and force CL’s hands. Because I agree with Russo that CL wouldn’t have fired DR on his own.
“change in direction….” I 100% agree. Excited about the changes coming
Madden retires and Dougie Ballgame fired in the same day…It’s great to be alive!
It’s Party Time!! :p
I’d rather have Lynn, though, well, I can’t say, but I don’t see him moving up.
NHL Live finally picked it up.
Happiness is a discarded Smug!!!!!
Awesome news! The Wild will finally give hockey fans something to be excited about next year. Doug Risebrough’s many failures have finally caught up with him. Way too conservative with every move he made. Not signing Rolston, Brunette, waiting so long on Backstrom when he could have had him for 10 million less….etc. The sad part is this all happened a year too late or they could have likely signed Gaby to an extension. This was the only way the Wild were going to maintain their sellout streak next year. Good job CL!
DR,
Sorry ’bout you damn luck!
Do you like fishsticks?
Woohoo! And that’s an interesting idea: JL as the new GM…. I like it.
I can’t type this fast enough! Hurray! What a blessing! Watching JL step down and DR stay was just crazy, and any owner who would have ignored it doesn’t have his eyes open. Looks like Leipold has some guts after all!
Let’s play hockey!
Too bad Tom Lynn is still there, though.
Yeah but its not like he got the top job though. The NEW GM (I just like typing that) will decide.
It’s Party Time!!
3 for 1s in the Russoville pub?
I’m walking on sunshine … woooooooh!!
HOLY!!!
Talk about a lunch break bomb.
I wonder if his not foreseeing JL quit helped DR along?
New GM come in = Tommy Thompson and Tom Lynn gone. Whoever comes in will clean house.
Oh and there is a God and he loves us!!!
No, I think we need to get rid of Lynn too or let him just manage the Aeros.
We should clean house as much as possible. Best time to do it.
This post is accompanied with the musical stylings of a little Irish band called U2 singing Beautiful Day.
Pewterschmidt says:
April 13th, 2009 at 10:52 am
“2 months before new coach. yikes”
Just enough time for DR to clean out his office, CL to conduct a search and the shiny new GM with Coach in tow are announced to the Wild faithful.
Dare to dream.
Pewterschmidt says:
April 16th, 2009 at 8:34 am
“Leipold strikes me as someone that has had everything handed to him and is a passive clueless owner”
I hope your wrong but this is a real possibility. We’ll have our answer when the 2009-2010 season starts. If DR is still the GM we have a passive clueless owner….with a fun new toy that his wife bought for him.
If DR is gone then there is hope for a brighter day.
Leipold did pay up for Forsberg to get him to come to Nascar country to play hockey, so there’s hope that CL isn’t afraid to make a splash.
Congrats CL. You have passed the first “passive clueless owner” test with flying colors.
Time to go party on Thunder Island!
Mr. Leipold, did you ever know that you’re my hero?
Boy, the Wild just doesn’t want Russo to start his vacation.
It’s like Christmas and Easter combined together!
Why does the sky seem a more brilliant blue today?
YESS!!
The Hockey Gods are smiling on the Stat of Hockey today!!!!!!
As much as I saw that coming, I didn’t see that coming.
Do you believe in miracles?!?!
Wango Zee Tango!!
Is it possible to get someone with the Red Wings pedigree?
OH HAPPY DAY!
Thank you Santa!
Not surprised, most new owners give the previous administrations a year before cleaning house.
No vacations for Russo this offseason.
Mr. Leipold is the wind beneath myyy wiinggggss. Fllyyyyyyy…fllyyyyyyy…..
Too bad Burke was hired in Toronto. Bet he would love to come back to Minnesota and actually put together a real team here for a change. Remember what his Ducks did to us in 07.
Wow, I guess the Stanley Cup Playoffs are an exciting time!
You guys get your wish! Interesting development. I would say that DR did not see this coming.
Last thread MissC, you said you wished you could see the boys playing baseball. I see FSN is rebroadcasting yesterdays game and usually does in its entirety.
If you have any way of receiving it?
Rooster with breaking news, no playoffs for us and he’s still busting his a**…
The good guys (i.e., the fans) win this one!
Didn’t evryone kind of feel that Smug and JL were a ‘package’ deal…when one goes, the other was not far behind?
(Insert Blur ‘Song 2′ here) !!
Oh, yes, I get FSNO! Thank you Ice! Were they on the “Twins Live” show that comes on after?
WRT - yep, with JL quitting, it was time for a fresh start all around.
GOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!
A change was really needed. I hope the new administration can find a way to keep Gabby and get a couple of centers.
Ice…I think it is time for me to be more positive about the Wild.
Wow.
Effin wow.
I have lost the will to complain.
I just hope Ramsey and Tremblay land on their feet. I’d hate to see them run over by the bus of change.
KJ - really? I mean, TooL’s still there (for now)
I don’t have anyone to high five here. Should I just go down to a random store and high five someone? WHAT DO I DO?
Where is KJ? Has he come down from the rafters yet? ;~}
WRT -
“Dave’s not here”
Well this is interesting news. I bet this opens the door for Pat Quinn to be the GM/Coach.
How about Ramsey taking over for Lucia?
Yes they are MissC, Blyleven and Coomer with Marney have a skills clinic. It is part of that but before Gardenhires remarks!
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
Hey Yoke!
*HIGH FIVE*!!!
So what’s up - anything new going on today in Russoville?
Thanks Ice. I’ll flip over after I’m done listening to Boreanaz on NHL Live. Nom nom.
First I get a new bike when I was 6, and now this. The machine has yet to be invented that can measure my utter joy over this announcement. Ballgame had proved over and over again that he had no plan and finally, thank Gretzky, our new owner realized that as well.
ms.conduct, I feel better now, thank you.
When I wake up in the morning, love
And the sunlight hurts my eyes
And something without warning, love
Bears heavy on my mind
Then I look at you
And the world’s all right with me
Just one look at you
And I know it’s gonna be
A lovely day…
lovely day, lovely day, lovely day …
lovely day, lovely day, lovely day …
lovely day, lovely day, lovely day …
lovely day, lovely day, lovely day lovely day, lovely day, lovely day …
LMAO Hockeydad
Good news. Bring in Lindy Ruff and somebody to warm the manager’s chair and Let’s Play Hockey!!!
hokey smokes Bullwinkle…
.. have the radio on (non sports station) and 5 minutes ago, this particular news item was announced. Wow. I agree with Mr. BG - MT & MR.
Michael - at least the powers that be didn’t wait until you were in Ireland having a great holiday to announce this. Russoville awaits further information. Thank you for the amazing work. Kudos.
Well now Russo will be out of job, since there’s nothing left for anyone on here to bitch and moan and whine and complain about.
I wonder what happens to his membership at Interlachen Country Club
my jaw dropped!
I am more exctatic than I thought I would be…..
I saw the news and just raised my arms up and cheered…
1: Lindy Ruff
2: Lavi
3: Quinn
now for gms we have
Quinn
JL
any other good candidates out there?
Thank God.
Let’s get a guy who wants, and knows how, to win a Stanley Cup instead of just trying to make the playoffs (3 out of 9 years). Can we get Burke from Toronto?
Okay you hatin’ pucksters, now it’s your time to see if the grass is greener or the ice is clearer…whatever
that just made my fricken year!!!!!!
im going to get drunk after work and celebrate!!!! YEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSS
finally leipold is the man.
Anyone have the number for the season ticket line? It appears that after a year hiatus, it is time to get season tickets once again.
Whooooo hooo! I need some celebratory drinks!!
Deuce: he can always pull out the gophers card!
oh and just wait til the first loss!
“oh so and so cant coach!”
“worst gm ever!!!”
“who are these losers that sit around and comment here all day!”
I’m sure these comments will show up on that day!
Holey Moley! What’s next? Koivu wearing the C full time?
I’ve never seen this much joy in russoville all at once before.. COOL COOL :)
Check my email and I have a letter from CL tell me DR is gone.
Checks calendar, checks phone, checks computer and they all say April 16th.
Dampland says:
April 16th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
I’m walking on sunshine … woooooooh!!
I didn’t know sunshine was into that kind of thing.
Russo for GM???
KJ, roasting up a goat tonight over a bonfire in Rice Park this evening with free beer until daybreak?
Be interesting to be a fly on the wall the past couple weeks.
Now and in retrospect, one would wonder if JL will retain some role in the organization, or he smelled discontent from CL that also went into his decision to depart?
Or, it could even be that he was asked if he wanted GM responsibilities?
Usually other changes in the internal structure will be after a GM is hired and at his discretion.
The dumped the Dumpper !! The dumped the Dumpper !!
RISEDUMP FIRED !!
Woo Hoo !!
WOW! This just made my summer! CANNOT wait to see what happens! What a glorious day, the sun is shining, it’s 65degrees out, and the DR has left the state of hockey!
FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now is the time to also get rid of Mr. Untouchable James Sheppard the kids is a stiff can’t play a lick.
Deuce @ 12:47, I do not share your optimism. It is the nature of the beast.
NiNY, where are you on a day like this?
Hire JL as GM and put Smug and Shep on the bus!
Ok..where’s G* to throw a damper on everything? 
Holy crap!
Big changes in store for the Wild this summer. We may be in for a bumpy ride next year, but it should be exciting.
Tom Lynn is a DR crony. He needs to go as well.
They should bring in Hextall.
Well I certainly didn’t see this coming as I thought he might give DR a year but respect CL both for making the decision and for keeping quiet during the year. Who knows why DR was let go but you think that maybe CL looked and thought, “gee, we missed the playoffs by a point, my guy DR didn’t do anything at the trade deadline to improve us and maybe if he had we would have been in and I am about to lose my best player to free agency with nothing in return”. Time to find a new guy.
Thank you Easter Bunny! BOK! BOK!
I just hope we get someone good at gm….
for now there is nothing but a positive vibe around here!
what a great day to have an off day….
CL made a splash, of sorts, by enticing Floppa to sign in NASCAR land a few years ago. Now that he has scraped the Ballgame off the bottom of the Wild’s collective shoe, any chance he tries to make another splash and offer Gabby a larger-than-expected contract?
Words cannot express my overwhelming joy at this announcement.
whoa, I need to go change my shorts now!
The “Hire JL as GM” talk is silly. It’s not his bag, and the club needs an experienced guy in the job.
Koivu wearing the C full time came up yesterday on the live chat. It was something Russo hadn’t thought about but thought could happen with a new coach that doesn’t rotate the C.
I think I would be OK with Vancouver winning the cup this year. That is how delusional I am with happiness right now.
Craig, the fans love you for this.
Can we talk about sheppard now?
noooooooo!
don’t sign gabby……he’s great and all…..but I don’t want another season of gabby sitting out 40 games from injury…..it happens way too often from him.
Can we go for the trifecta and someone fire Dumb and Dumber too?
YAHOOOOOOOOO
DR is responsible for far too many contract blunders and loss of major talent without a return. He had to be held responsible if the Fan’s were going to respect the franchise and the owner.
CL….you are a GREAT owner and worthy of the State of Hockey’s gratitude!
http://www.twincities.com/ci_12155616 after u watch the 1st clip, theres more options. watched Nystrom beaten on DR after. Kinda funny, thought id share.
woodcock, I think the reason is more fundamental - not so much related to one season or one player move/non-move. I have posted this before a few times, but IMO, this team has prematurely reached a plateau - basically, the Wild has not gotten much better (or worse) for the last 3 seasons. It’s been essentially a first round playoff team (which it would have been this year too, but for the injuries). To make matters worse, there doesn’t seem to be much reason to think that’s going to change anytime soon. That’s my big concern - we can sit here and complain about this move and that one all day long. But fundamentally, I just don’t like this team’s growth or growth potential.
It’s like we peaked at being a one-and-done team. And I don’t recall that being a part of the plan.
PAT QUINN !!!!!
GM and head coach.
get it done !!!
Mike: With all due respect to getting somebody with experience, Ballgame had loads of it running the Flickers into the ground. A don’t give a rat’s Bertuzzi about experience; give me somebody who simply can get the job done. If that means somebody in his first go-round as a GM, then so be it. If that means bringing somebody in who has been a GM for 20 years already, so be it. Ballgame never had a plan for the organization and it showed. And he had plenty of GM “experience”.
Niveous says:
April 16th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Can we go for the trifecta and someone fire Dumb and Dumber too?
The problem I think with getting rid of them is that CL’s exposure to their performance is probably minimal.
Sheppard - I’m not quite willing to give up on him yet - unless someone offers a trade of a legitimate, established, still not too old 2nd line center. I’ll give him a year under a new coach/gm/system first. Maybe some time in Houston. I have a feeling if some of the pressure on him is relieved, he might prove better than he has shown (immature remarks aside).
“It’s like we peaked at being a one-and-done team. And I don’t recall that being a part of the plan.”
Not only that Risebrough would brag about how we’re “Just as good as the other average teams” Who shoots to be average?
Let’s see how long this honeymoon lasts. I agree it was time for DR to go–he made a number of blunders in the last year or two. But, let’s not forget that he and JL made this franchise respectable and actually pretty successful on the ice coming out of the chute. But his mistakes in the last year or so rightly doomed him.
could not be happier reading this! finally!! i sure hope it is true!
I don’t buy the experience argument either concerning the GM and would agree that the position isn’t JL’s area by far. But it’s still nice to entertain the idea and a time to celebrate.
HD, I agree that we had seemingly plateaued but I also think that missing by a point, doing nothing at trade deadline and losing Gaby could have been the straw that broke the back.
It is about time! Now trade Sheppard for something worthwhile…like a bag of pucks!
“Goody says:
April 16th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
The problem I think with getting rid of them is that CL’s exposure to their performance is probably minimal.”
Oh I know, but just imagine the utter joy in the State of Hockey were it to happen.
Someone was wondering where NiNY was? Maybe he’s being offered the GM job and is under orders not to talk.
Here’s what Russo said the other night about Risebrough’s status: I don’t see him clean house, but clearly, at some point you need to start questioning the job the front office has done. That’s only natural. But I think Leipold, who has only owned the team for a year, looks at a team that barely missed the playoffs and had their star player out 65 games. So I don’t think Risebrough and Co. has anything to worry about for the short-term.
Judges: Ehhhhhhhh
Wow. just. wow.
see…this is what I get for trying to work.
Amazing, crazy stuff in Wild land. I am a happy guy right now.
Of course, the next press release could say:
Wild hires Doug MacLean as new GM and Tom Renney as head coach, and we’re back to square one.
But, I won’t throw that wet towel on the party right yet.
BAR’S OPEN PEOPLE!
It would be nice if the new sheriff is hired from outside the organization and comes in and blows this whole thing up. This team as it stands still isn’t good enough and we don’t have a ton of money to spend this offseason especially if we sign Gabby at somewhere in the heighborhood of 6 mil a year. They almost need to come in trade Backstrom and Johnnson for draft picks. That would free up between 10-12 more mil next year giving us about 20 or so to spend. Then go after Gabby, Cammelari maybe even Bouwmeester. Get on the phone with those draft picks and our first round pick and see how far up in the draft we can jump.
ALRIGHT!!!!!!! ‘BOUT TIME!!!!!!!!
I think CL’s glowing and flowing farewell that STH’s got in an e-mail was a bit over-the-top though, and a huge bit of a stretch as well.
DR can be credited for not much more than sending this franchise in the direction of a near free-fall in the coming seasons. A more fitting farewell should have been….
“Don’t let the doorhandle hit you in the ass on the way out, Smug. See ya.”
Happy Days are here in Wild Nation today!! I know for one that I will be stopping at TRHCP tonight after work to raise a glass and give DR a proper Bronx cheer on his way out of town.
Yippee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You guys are going to hire Jacques Martin after Florida fires him, then the whole “misery” process will start over again.
I won’t throw that wet towel on the party right yet.
I got it for you.
Justifiable sacking?
Did Craig Leipold do the right thing in firing team general manager Doug Risebrough?
Total Votes = 128
Yes
76.56 %
No
14.84 %
I’m not sure
8.593 %
Early poll #s I found.
They almost need to come in trade Backstrom and Johnnson for draft picks.
uh… Backs has a no trade clause. Not happening.
Its been time
What are the chances Doug and Jacques end up in the same organization again, go somewhere as a team? Who else is on the GM hot seat right now?
Backs has a ño trade clause. He isn’t going any where for a while.
PAT QUINN !! PAT QUINN !! PAT QUINN !!!
now the figure skating midget can be dealt too !!! thank the hockey gods !!!!
sheesh…niny……..don’t scare me like that!
Here’s a question for the lawyers:
DR gave Bouchard a 2 year verbal agreement to not trade him. Does that only apply if DR is the GM? Can we trade bouchard?
DR/JL to florida……change a culture of losing into a somewhat winning culture….baby steps my friends….baby steps.
Totally agree. Get rid of “Rag Doll” Bouchard as well.
OK, if JL and Ballgame go as a pair; how ’bout the two of them to the Nux straight up for the Sedin sisters?
The figure-skating midget? Is he the guy whose helmet looks like he just stepped off a spaceship from Mars?
verbal agreements don’t count anyway. the figure skating midget could’ve been dealt any time.
jonsey a verbal no trade is not solid (if I remember the laywer lingo being tossed around here earlier this year)
I am fairly certain butch is fair game…..although if we get an attacking up tempo game going, and get a good finisher on the other side of him, he really don’t want to trade him.
fire the broadcasters too !!!
Ice…I think it is time for me to be more positive about the Wild.
+1
we not he…
wow….if d & D get fired, then this will be the best day ever!
I leave the hose for a few hours to go to a job interview, and come home to this! It’s crazy!
I agree with someone eariler about Mario and Rammer. Hopefully they don’t get shafted in this ordeal. Add Bob Mason to that list too. I think he should be kept around.
I doubt that they will trade any of the core players, including PMB. The GM will need to do an assessment in the coming year with a new coach before deciding that. By that time, the two years verbal NTC will be done.
Instant poll: Was firing Doug Risebrough a good move?
# of votes % of votes
Yes 1286
90.0 %
No 142
9.9 %
Total Votes 1428
Mario and Rammer are likely gone no matter what. The new coach will clean house on the staff.
[…] Unconfirmed reports out of Minnesota that GM Doug Risebrough has been fired by team owner Craig Leipold. […]
142 “No” votes? I didn’t think Ballgame had that many relatives that read the PP online.
jonsey a verbal no trade is not solid (if I remember the laywer lingo being tossed around here earlier this year)
Yeah, thanks (for all who answered).
A new GM might choose to honor that agreement, though, and we wouldn’t necessarily want to trade him. It’s just nice to have options once again. Realistically, everyone is fair game again but Backs.
Doug MacLean just said he wants to be interviewed for both jobs.
Huge jump in respect for CL. DR didn’t have the ability or the vision to sign people when he should. He was an absolute disaster.
i shall have a hurricane or 3 to toast the news
HGD– where did you see that?
I’m listening to his show on the Fan 590 out of TO
So I come home from the downpour outside, grab a beer, log on, and get a present!
I agree with Reg Dunlap and Niveous. First John Madden, now DR, D&D would bring a sweet end to a soggy day in CO. Also agreed with those who think Tremblay and Rammer should stay.
Haven’t been posting much recently as I was a little disappointed in the season and was seeking out new ways to injure myself (i.e. snowboarding tricks) and watching rockies games.
It will be one interesting summer.
One thing is for certain. Anyone who fires an employee better have someone else in mind who they believe can do the job better….BEFORE they fire said employee. Now before all of you start wailing that ANYONE could do a better job than Doug, might I remind you of the names ‘Snow’ or ‘Lawton’. My one hope is that CL has thought this through and already has a line on a successor to Riser. If not, none of us will be celebrating for very long.
yeah, G* with the great planning to be in the Crescent City for the news!
Two curious but maybe unrelated remarks by Lemaire, either at the press conference or before. 1) “I am still under contract by the Wild … in a way”. When asked if he would stay in the Wild organziation he said something like 2) “it is not likely he would remain, or couldn’t remain”.
See my earlier comment Deuce?
I need one bourbon, one scotch and one beer to celebrate this one! It’s about effin time!
Lemmi: how does one injure oneself at a Rockie’s game, other than OD’ing on RockieDogs, that is?
hgd just makes most of his stuff up…..but of course he will be interested……I just hope that CL sees through that and ignores him….
state of hockey will get plenty of suitors for the gm/coaching spot….we just have to find the cream of the crop as they say.
I hope we are smart enough not to hire MacLean.
btw…I spoke to the Austins about this and we were all pulling for FL to make the playoffs, one sad offseason for them. To go from 5th to 9th had to suck. Now with J-Bo gone…hindsight is 20-20.
Hard to imagine Tremblay and Ramsey staying put. It’s not like in football where a coordinator is singled out for the job he is or isn’t doing. You simply don’t hear about assistant coaches in hockey being praised all that often for the work they do. New coach would most likely want to surround hinmself with “his guys”. Mason, on the other hand, has shown a deft ability to work with goalies. Whether you think it is the system, the players or the coaches, the Wild has been able to kick out well above average goaltending year after year.
Why should Doug MacLean’s interest in this job excite me one bit? His B-J experience wasn’t exactly brilliant.
Hockey Guru Dan, wheres that instant poll from?
So HGD isn’t credible?
woodcock says:
April 16th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
I hope we are smart enough not to hire MacLean
I’m with ya on that.
NiNY: was to imply that snowboarding tricks were the injury producing action (dislocated my shoulder pulling a 540 last weekend) and the Rox games were just something new and exciting to pass the time with.
NiNY: “Lemmi: how does one injure oneself at a Rockie’s game, other than OD’ing on RockieDogs, that is?”
By looking at Todd Helton’s face???
BadDog says:
April 16th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Hockey Guru Dan, wheres that instant poll from?
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wild/?elr=KArksi8cyaiUBP7hUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUQ7c4E7ME5U
front page. headline is Risebrough fired as GM…the poll is right below it.
I really don’t want Bob Mason to go.
ahhhh…gotcha, Lems…Actually, I used to know a paramedic in Denver who part timed as one of those bicycle medics at the Rockies games. Said it was a sweet gig.
“So HGD isn’t credible?”
almost peed my pants….
Argon: HI-YO!!!
Progress report MissC, I just walked by the tv, FSN bottom of the 9th coming up.
Argonbeast0034 says:
April 16th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
“So HGD isn’t credible?”
almost peed my pants….
the correct answer is..YES I am. Nothing I have ever posted here dealing with the Wild has been wrong.
Glad my leading question worked!
Hope your socks didn’t get wet, Argon!
HGD at least you are right about not wanting mclean…..that guy would suck, and does indeed suck….
Im with fitz-its time to get drunk!!!!
i never felt so good in my life that a person was fired!! It feels so damn good though that finally the biggest moron next to bettman is fired!!!!!!!!
I think it is safe to say we won’t hire the illiterate guy to run our organization. I hope.
i suppose if i left the blog, i wouldv seen it. but thanks HGD.
richard b says:
April 16th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Mario and Rammer are likely gone no matter what. The new coach will clean house on the staff.
Yeah, that would be sad. I’ve always liked the jobs Mario and Rammer have done over the years. My guess is they will land wherever JL ends up…which you have to think is going to be Montreal.
Can you say “Welcome back Wes Walz!”.
in fresh socks now….
New GM; New Coach; New System
Sign Gaborik! Sign Hossa! Put Bouchard at center!
Hossa-Bouchard-Gaborik would be a good first line.
Russo’s Evil Twin says:
April 16th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Can you say “Welcome back Wes Walz!”.
that would be even worse then MacLean. at least Doug has experience as the GM/Head Coach.
I want Pat Quinn here !!!
wes would be awesome as a assistant…..
any chance walz’s # gets retired…..kind of a soft spot for the guy……
honestly I think he deserves it.
BladesofSteel says:
April 16th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
New GM; New Coach; New System
Sign Gaborik! Sign Hossa! Put Bouchard at center!
Hossa-Bouchard-Gaborik would be a good first line.
don’t have the money unless Johnsson and either Zidlicky or PMB are dealt.
gabby plays 6 good games and now is the franchises savior again…..anyone remember the last 2 years?
Mario is likely to follow JL. Rammer is not. He wants to stay here. His kids are all in school here. His family loves it here. He doesn’t need the money. He’ll sit out(of the NHL) a few years before he jumps on the first coaching job that comes along.
HGD: You have to get off the “we need an experienced guy” kick. Ballgame had plenty of it and look where that got the organization. Give me a guy with no experience but a well-thought out plan over a guy that’s been in the business for 15+ years and doesn’t know which way is up.
Can’t help but be craving for more information right now - about what, I’m not so sure. But it’s like we’ve this huge bomb dropped …. and radio silence.
HGD: Tough to have PMB center Gabby and Hossa if you deal PMB ?
Deep Breath says:
April 16th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
HGD: You have to get off the “we need an experienced guy” kick. Ballgame had plenty of it and look where that got the organization.
go take a look at Doug’s track record as a GM…he was terrible in Edmonton, he was terrible in Calgary, and he was terrible in Minnesota. Experience is one thing, but being terrible at your job is another, and Doug has been a terrible GM every step of the way.
technicly speaking we have the money hgd……but we wouldn’t have any left over for any good players…..I still say get Bowmeester…Koivu….trade zids/johnnson for picks….even if it is a couple of 3rd rounders.
trade harding for a solid forward (maybe throw in shep so we can get a great forward)
oh well……it is far to joyous of a day to speculate too much…..
DR is fired!!!! Whoooooo! Go Wild!!!!!
Argon: I’d take 6 more seasons like Gaby had last year, if the price was right.
I did speculate on this earlier in the year. It’s not uncommon for a new boss to get through a short period of time, assessing his staff, then making changes where he feels they are needed. This was the end of CL’s 1st year as an owner, and if he was going to make a move, this was the time.
While it might be great that we don’t have to put up with DR’s decision-making any more, you never know what you’re going to have now. We knew what we were going to get with Riser, and with whomever ends up with the job - we just don’t know.
There’s a lot of possibilities, both good and bad. For now, we know what we won’t have. But until we know what we do have, I’ll temper my enthusiasm.
Ice: I’d thought about JL taking the job, but I can’t see him moving to the front office. He loves coaching. About the only thing I can see him doing other than coaching is scouting.
Deep Breath says:
April 16th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
HGD: Tough to have PMB center Gabby and Hossa if you deal PMB ?
I understand that, but the Wild can’t afford Hossa and Gaborik unless some payroll is dumped.
HGD: Exactly my point. Do you want a terrible GM with loads of experience or a “newbie” whom actually has an idea of what he is doing?
HGD, you are an idiot. You completely missed the point of DB’s post.
state of hockey will get plenty of suitors for the gm/coaching spot
This is where coaches want to coach and general managers want to manage, generally
Well how about that? Tough business, and while I’ve been pretty critical of the guy, I don’t really take any pleasure in seeing him fail. Unfortunately, he did, and I think a change was right at this time.
As Hockeydad put it, the team seemed to have peaked as a one-and-done team. Where was the next step going to come from? Bringing in guys like Bruno and Nolan only kind of hide the problem that they don’t really have anything to “build from within” with. The Wild couldn’t score to save their lives this season. If Gaborik is gone, they don’t have anyone even remotely ready to fill that role in the pipeline.
And FWIW, I suspect the Gaborik situation is what did DR in. He certainly had his share of misfires, but I think those contributed greatly to the standoff between the two. I think that what has been bugging Gaborik more than anything in this whole thing is Risebrough’s inability to improve the team. He was aggressive on draft day in 2006, and Gaborik was happy. Since then, Risebrough has really done nothing to improve the team, and it has sort of fallen apart. I think if he had managed to bring in more talent, Gaborik re-signs no questions asked last summer. That’s just my opinion, though.
Anyway, it’ll be nice to at least have some hope going forward. I had completely lost faith in DR to get anything done at this point. It can be a bit deflating to watch a promising team stagnate over the course of three years.
Doug did a good job with the foundation….he was just kept on for far too long….he should have been fired 2 years ago……
I’m sure doug gets a job rebuilding a team again…..but if they are smart they would only do it for 5 years at the most….
DR needs to take some time off to heal his health…
Argonbeast0034 says:
April 16th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
technicly speaking we have the money hgd……but we wouldn’t have any left over for any good players…..I still say get Bowmeester…Koivu….trade zids/johnnson for picks….even if it is a couple of 3rd rounders.
Not true at all. Wild already have 43 million locked into next season. With the cap likely to drop about 2 million, that leaves the Wild with 11 million to spend and 16 guys on the payroll. Gaborik will take 7+M….that leaves under 4 for Hossa. No chance of that, plus a handful more players need to be signed as well.
[I]About the only thing I can see him doing other than coaching is scouting.[I]
Lord knows the Wild doesn’t need help in that area **rolls eyes**
Any thoughts on James Sheppard drinking a beer on tv during the Twins game lastnight and then chewing gum during the post-game show. I see he turns 21 next sat., not a good tv moment for him.
Deep Breath says:
April 16th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
HGD: Exactly my point. Do you want a terrible GM with loads of experience or a “newbie” whom actually has an idea of what he is doing?
Pat Quinn is infinitely better then Risefraud.
That’s assuming Pat Quinn is lined up to warm Ballgame’s chair.
at the right price was the correct phrase…..like gabby a lot….but you can’t pay a guy 7 mil a year if he is never healthy and hasn’t once produced in the postseason…..
the 03 run he was invisible….the last two years he was invisible….a 7 mil player shows up in the postseason….even if he doesn’t score you know he is there…. Gabby hasn’t shown that…..if he settles for 6 mil, yeah I’d take that….but I know he won’t
toivo: I will be interested to see if anything comes out of this that CL did this now to try to buy himself and whomever the new GM is as much time as possible to mend fences with Gaby’s camp.
I wonder if Leipold will consult with Lou Nanne at all. Seems like a lot of teams do. Lou brought up Quinn as a guy he’d like to see here the other day on Danny B’s show on KFAN.
touchee hgd……I guess I forgot about the cap drop……
Argon: Gaby had 17 points in 18 playoff games in the ‘03 run. You can dislike him if you wish, but please have correct facts if you would.
Well, Poile’s apparently been under year-to-year contracts in Nashville since CL sold the team. CL knows him and obviously likes him.
Just sayin’
Quinn is my third choice coachwise….
not sure what he can do gm wise…..what is his background in that area?
<iDeep Breath says:
April 16th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Argon: Gaby had 17 points in 18 playoff games in the ‘03 run. You can dislike him if you wish, but please have correct facts if you would.
Langenbrunner lead the playoffs in scoring that year. Had 1 more point then Marian in 7 more games.
Scoring 17 points in 18 games is hardly “invisible”.
One last thing; While this announcment was surprising, it wasn’t a complete shock. Things had been happening behind the scenes(off the ice) that gave the owner cause to look at where his team was heading. For example, when Riser told Lemaire he should do the in game bench interview on the Versus Wild/Stars broadcast. JL doesn’t do those. Never has. Why tell your coach this now, after staying out of it for this long? When asked about it, JL could have given a standard lame PC answer, but instead told the beat writers “his boss” made him do it. Interesting. Players ‘tuning out’ the coach? Discord among the coach and GM? Pressure on Riser from the owner? Time for a little spring cleaning.
he did? crap I am misfiring left and right here…..*changes socks again*
I guess I don’t remember much from that year…..I do remember walz, and bruno form that year…..
Does anyone know if Doug was fired as President as well or just GM?
Can’t keep up today.
Just for info for those that may not know, two of JL’s cup rings come from being an assistant GM with Montreal in ‘86 and ‘93. Take from that knowledge what you will.
Argon: No biggie. But, think real hard and you may recal whom scored the tying powerplay goal late in the 3rd period of game #7 in Colorado and whom broke up the pass at center ice that led to Dick Park’s OT winner in game #6 against the Avs.
I guess I don’t remember much from that year…..
Too many beers will have that effect.
10 of the 11 came from Montreal did they not.
Point noted,Goody.
when he is on, there are few players as good as gabby…..I guess I have a grudge against him for the lacksidasial games…..
since he came back, he has been amazing…..I am just worried we will pay the guy, and he reverts to the injured gabby again, and gets us completly stuck.
“announced today that the organization will not renew the contract of President and General Manager, Doug Risebrough, beyond the 2008-2009 season”
I’d read that as fired from both Pres. and GM.
Marney looks way cuter in her baseball job.
LNP next?
Thanks Buck…the headline just said GM, and Fan 590 hasn’t said anything about the President gig.
since he came back, he has been amazing…..
Untill he gets knocked down… I swear, if my grandmother gets up quicker than Gaby does, and shes 80. Gaby just lays there and looks around to see if the ref’s arm is up or not… then if it’s not, he slowyly props himself up using his stick like it’s a cane. The boy has no sense of urgency.
Stan Bowman please.
Axe that “if” up there…
same thing with being in high school…atx….wish beers were my excuse…..but I have a spastic memory….
I can rattle off entire starting offenses for super tecmo (nes)…but ask me what I ate for lunch 4 days ago….
think we’ll have a GM and head coach by the draft?
gm…..yes…..coach……..maybe…..
I can rattle off entire starting offenses for super tecmo (nes)…but ask me what I ate for lunch 4 days ago….
I hear that! And what an awesome game! Super Tecmo Bowl is amazing!
Does Chris Snow get his old job back?
My boys!!! Hey Clutter!
Shep’s such a puss.
What are the odds the goalie would be the best hitter? And have such red shoes. Wow. Nice Hards.
Gillies is so “aw shucks” cute.
Awesome, thank you for letting me know about this, Ice.
lol….I swear we have a tecmo bowl conversation on here once a year!!!
Dammit. Moderated.
I was saying:
My boys!!! Hey Clutter!
Shep’s such a weenie.
What are the odds the goalie would be the best hitter? And have such red shoes. Wow. Nice Hards.
Gillies is so “aw shucks” cute.
Awesome, thank you for letting me know about this, Ice.
if not 4 times a year…..
I know alot of people have been frustrated with the lack of talent in the system, and DR has made some mistakes, but I do thank him for getting us started on the right foot. This team has been very successful for an expansion team, now it’s time to get out from under than umbrella and just be a very successful team.
As a side note, during the radio broadcast of the game against the Wings the last week of the year Tom Reid mentioned that the Wings have been a top 4 seed the last 17 years. That is unreal.
“The positive impact of Doug’s service will be felt for many years to come. We wish Doug the very best.”
You could also put another impact we’ll be feeling for years to come…
Now, all that’s left, is the Nucks and Flamers to get bounced from the playoffs.
MacLean was also fired as president and GM. “Doug” might be a bad name to have in the hockey business. Two Dougs in two years.
Been fun. Meanwhile, back at the spreadsheet …
Eff it. Can’t get past moderation here sometimes.
Anyway, Thanks Ice, for the heads up. That was great. I miss the boys already.
One more last thing; If you’re Gabby, you will wait 10 more weeks to test the UFA market. Prior to todays announcment, Gabby’s chances of re-signing with the Wild were nearly identical to my chances of being the next in line to date Elisha Cuthbert(roughly .0000003%. Hey, I’m decent looking. Certainly better than Dion). Gabby and Doug did not get along. Especially after Doug banned Gabbys best friend Tobin Wright from the arena level of the X. With Riser gone, the chance of Gabby re-signing with the Wild just jumped up to equal that of the likelyhood of myself and Lindsay Lohan hooking up after a night of binge drinking (somewhere between 7-9%).
Greg: I can appreciate your thoughts on Ballgame, but JL brought this organization to a certain level of credibility despite Ballgame, not because of him. You can give kudos up the whazoo to Ballgame for bringing in JL, but to do on the ice what this organization was able to do in its first 8 seasons is simply a testament to the ability of JL, despite the clear shortcomings of the team’s GM.
Argon-I hear you on the Gaby take, the other side of that sword is what I fear, that he sat out most of this year getting paid by the Wild to get healthy so that he can lite it up for years to come…possibly with some other team.
Greg, Doug had little to do with the Wild success, it was Lemaire. However, Doug can be held accountable for the Wild failing, the lack of talent on the team, the lack of prospects in the system, and the fact that in the upcoming draft the Wild have no 2nd or 3rd round pick to better this very mediocre roster. Unless the new GM works some kind of magic, at the very best, the Wild fan base shouldn’t expect to see the playoffs until the 2011-12 season at the earliest.
ding dong baby. I don’t know the specifics of the Nashville situation (still operating on a shoestring is my guess) but could it be that David Poile and Barry Trotz are heading here.
I couldn’t agree more DB!!
at least we have koivu!!!!
IMO, part of Gaborik’s success since returning from injury is due to him not being up to 100% speed. I’ve always thought that sometimes he tries to do things with too much speed. An asset in certain situations no doubt, but in others he’d skate away from his line mates and therefore his ‘help’.
on Danny B’s show on KFAN
Danny B also ripped CL forever because he was told CL was “too busy” to come on the show. I guess he really was busy and it looks like 90% of us are glad he was
HGD - I agree that JL was the main driver for the success, but we’ll have to agree to disagree on the amount that DR contributed. I thought he did an above avg job during his time here, though that’s not gonna win a SC.
dr fired….mastodon blasting through my speakers…..images of ruff dancing through my head (coaching style, not the person)…..a day to sit back and relax…..nothing but goodness…..oh…..I have pear juice in the fridge, and russoville is jumping…….all is well!
Great Day For the Wild and their fans.
I hope the new GM and Coach are as successful in taking the next steps ahead as Doug and Jacques were in getting the new franchise this far.
Some of what has been lifted from the other beat writer from across the Mississippi:
“”Asked if he’d be interested in the general manager job, Lemaire said, “No, no, no, no. I wouldn’t look at it. We had a good thing there, that’s it.”
Lemaire said he doesn’t question Leipold’s decision to fire Risebrough, but added he doesn’t see the reason for it.
“Not myself,” he said, “but I was involved in it. When you’re involved in it, you see what you’re trying to do. We were going through tough times, but everybody does, and you keep working.
“We were at a point where I had to leave so that somebody else could take over to push these guys further … and then you hear this. Myself, I’d like to know the reason why.” “”
I don’t agree Greg, what did he ever do. He never landed a big fish, the drafting was awful. The only risky pick that panned out was Burns. He failed to take care of the vets and no team has let more players walk away without getting anything in return then the Wild, and that falls on the shoulders of Doug.
the don is compiling……
HGD: “Does anyone know if Doug was fired as President as well or just GM?”
Dumbest. Question. Ever.
Goalieguy says:
April 16th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
HGD: “Does anyone know if Doug was fired as President as well or just GM?”
Dumbest. Question. Ever.
nothing dumb about it, but if it makes you feel better, go ahead an say that.
The story title is Doug Fired as GM…I’m listening to the Fan 590, and all they’ve said is GM…it’s not inconceivable that he would give up the GM title and stay on as the President.
GG: Now you know there is no such thing as a stupid question; just stupid people. I’m not sayin’…..just saying’.
Thought it could only happen in a dream….Team Zander is gone.
Stoop kid’s going to leave his . . . nevermind this is bigger news than that!
wow. I wuz wondering what the heck I would do without hockey chatter this first week after the regular season. Today - I am amazed at the volume and quality of the posts.
NiNY - are you tired from pouring drinks?
As long as leipold dont hire any french pu$$i@s- we should be fine. It is time to clean house by eliminating 7 players-skoula,johnnson,bouchard,shep.belanger,gillies and veilieux-wouldnt that be icing on the cake? Keep on wishing!
i think niny’s arm is laying in a bucket of ice right now…..but it’s ok……he has another arm to use!
Did Russo see this coming down the pike? Did this show up in the Live Chat yesterday? If yes, what was asked and the answer. Thanks.
Russo - thanks for giving up a day off to take care of business and feed the masses in Russoville.
M03: nah, I get stronger as the game wears on.
So, betting is now open as to how many minutes:seconds the local news gives to this story.
I’m taking 0:15.5
m o3……this is minnesota…..we never stop talking about hockey….
quoted from Shooter’s bit:
“We’re looking for someone who can create excitement, who has pizazz, who can turn the fans on,” Wild assistant general manager Tom Thompson said earlier today. “Marian Gaborik turns the fans on, Brent Burns turns the fans on, Cal Clutterbuck turns the fans on. We want that more than we want a player at a particular position.”
How about just winning more or getting better players to win more games? Winning is entertaining hockey. I like personalities but I’d take winning hockey over losing hockey with personalities. Wouldn’t you?
Bob Pulford for GM and Dennis Savard for head coach.
LEIPOLD!! great job! Now get some tough a$$ players for us that protects the goalie and is willing to fight.
NiNY & Argon: champagne fountain perhaps? Darn tsunami here in the Russoville pub from all the free flowing beverages.
sunshine: ugh…did he really say that? I thought the whole point was that Minnesotans were so hockey savvy that we didn’t need special effects or bombast to appreciate the game. Not saying I don’t like Burns or Clutterbuck….I agree with you about just winning.
OH…
MY…
GAWWWD!!! AWESOME!!!
As I swat away the cobwebs and ascend from the basement, I have to ask myself: Is my first post in I-don’t-know-how-long on the same day as The End of the Risedump Era???
I can’t find the words…
=)
It will lead the 5 pm shows.
Tommy Thompson was talking about the type of player they want to draft at #12.
Russo on his chat yesterday didn’t think DR would be fired. I don’t think any of us or the press were aware of DR’s impending renewal of his contract. We knew about JL and the players’ contract status but not DR.
itsover says:
April 16th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
As long as leipold dont hire any french pu$$i@s- we should be fine. It is time to clean house by eliminating 7 players-skoula,johnnson,bouchard,shep.belanger,gillies and veilieux-wouldnt that be icing on the cake? Keep on wishing!
Let’s see, that leaves two holes to fill for minute munching D, two centers (of which we’ve been short on for 2 seasons) and a prospect who at 18 has talent and given time to develop properly could be quite good. Yep, sounds like a good idea to me. I’ll reserve comment on PMB and SRV.
HGD, you should actually read the press release. Or maybe the fourth paragraph at the top here:
“Minnesota Wild Owner, Craig Leipold, announced today that the organization will not renew the contract of President and General Manager, Doug Risebrough, beyond the 2008-2009 season.”
Note, President and GM are mentioned here.
sunshine - thanks for the info!
Argon - Gaborik was pretty good in the series against Colorado last season. He didn’t produce, but it wasn’t for a lack of effort. He was close a lot in those games and I believe he was playing with a torn labrum.
Also, his injury concerns have been mostly confined to the groins. Both groins have now been addressed in the form of hip surgery. What if he goes on to play full seasons over the next five years? I would hate to miss out on that because the Wild and Gaby were haggling over a million bucks one way or the other. Especially if that million was set aside to sign a couple Craig Wellers.
Sunshine: at this level (Professional) it’s all about winning. I don’t care where the players are from; whether or not they are nice to their moms; whether or not they like the fans; whether or not they like their teammates; whether or not they do good deeds in the community; whether or not they read to the blind; whether or not they heal the sick; whether or not they clothe the nude. Just want to see the team win. Effin’ period.
From others remarks, it looks like the Wild can either afford Gaby, or maybe more than one lesser but solid players.
My two cents on Rammer and Mario are that a new GM and coach just might want to keep some links from the old regime. It is not like the team was not successful under JL.
Somewhat late to the party as usual! Actually, I was on time, but I read all the comments, and now it’s 3pm. Yikes.
Happy day for sure. Dare I say I’ve even been answering the phone at work with [gasp!] a smile in my voice? Looking forward to the next two month’s of developments.
The four young Canadians on Twins Live last night were pretty funny. Cal and especially Harding had great swings. Colton was pretty awkward looking and holy carp Shep was embarrassing. When he was walking away from the plate he was looking down at his hands saying, “It hurts!” Tee hee!
But nothing was more awkward than Gardy on skates. Shades of Bambi.
If the new GM / Head Coach fire Bob Mason, I’m gonna be pissed. He’s the best goalie coach in the league.
sunshine - I took that comment much differently. I don’t think he means the Wild needs more personality (does Gaby have one?)- rather, they’re looking for players that create excitement or energy. As opposed to just “solid” players with little excitement or energy to their game (e.g., Schultz, Shep(?), etc). I dunno, I don’t think there’s a need to overreact to that comment.
Fire the new GM!
Just wanted to be the first one on here to say it.
Trade Zidlicky+Harding for draft picks. Free’s up cap room.
Re-sign Gaborik and bring in Hossa.
Gaborik-Bouchard-Hossa
Brunette-Koivu-Nolan
Miettinen-Sheppard-Clutterbuck
Gillies-Belanger-Pouliot (or whoever)
Russo- why was Lemaire in Montreal? hmmmm
Unfortunately Deep, we better hope whatever guys the team hires have both good character and good ability. The media here won’t permit the character flaws.
Think of how quickly Cicerelli was sent packing or how long JR Rider was around. Also, the Love Boat, Moss, and others with noticable character flaws were not retained..
Doesn’t JL still have a home in Montreal?
La Velle-Go back to the Twins. We don’t want Blackhawk rejects.
Those players were all run out of town because their success, or lack there of, was over. Look at the Vikings teams of the late 80s. That group had more arrests and run-ins with the Law than they knew what to do with. But when the team is doing well, as they were late 80s, things tend to be “foregiven”. It’s amazing how things are brushed over when the product on the field is successful.
wow….lol……fire the new gm!!!
that cracked me up…..sadly enough….there is already a line behind you…..
“Loyal_Wild_Fan says:
April 16th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Trade Zidlicky+Harding for draft picks. Free’s up cap room.
Re-sign Gaborik and bring in Hossa. ”
That is just not going to happen. There is no conceivable way that Gaborik and Hossa are going to be on the Wild at the same time. The cap space simply isn’t there. They have about 14m in cap space for next year and have to fill the ranks as well. Gaby and Hossa on the Wild is just a pipe dream.
Woot! Woot! Bring the noise!
Ice, new coach picks his guys–those may or may not be Mario or Rammer. But I wouldn’t bet on their return next year.
Ice: Most character flaws can be smoothed out on the ice and in certain locations. See Avery.
DB you are in rare form today man!
when is food on the way?
Dougie Stale’s grade pre-lockout.
B+
- Hired Lemaire
- Drafted Gabby, Koivu, Burns, Schultz,PMB, Pat o’Sullivan
- Found Roloson on garbage heap + traded for Manny
- signed Bruno
- traded for Willie Mitchell
Dougie Stale’s grade post-lockout.
D
- gave up 2 much for Demitra
- Gabby contract fiasco
- Thelen, bbb benny, Sheppard, Gillies
- so long Voloshenko and Kalus
- could not attract free agents
Give him credit for finding Backstrom.
Early TSN rumor: Nashville’s Poile to Wild
Character “flaws” go away real quick with success. Imagine if Simon would have come in last year at the deadline, scored a couple of goals in OT and helped the Wild get to the Western Finals. Folks would have been clamoring for him to be resigned to a 3-yr, $11 million deal. No success and character flaws lead you right out of “Minnesota Nice”; win on the field and all is foregiven.
Does anyone think that CL will be in a “rush” to bring in some of “his boys” from NASCAR Land? Wondering if anyone in the Nashville organization will end up here.
Some early speculation about Poile being a candidate for this job, obviously because of the CL connection. The Preds blogger on HockeyBuzz said he thinks Poile works on a year-to-year basis.
Sorry, BFWRIP: I typed that question about possible Nashville connections ending up here before I saw your 3:28 post.
Some suggestions to new GM:
1. Sign Peter Laviolette as your Coach
2. Trade Harding, Shep, Johnsson & your #1 to the Islanders for the number one overall and pick Tavares
3. With the $6.9 million you save from trading those three players and the cap space you have left go sign Hossa & Gaborik to one of those “Detroilet” type deals to give them all the cash they want with a low cap number so we can fill in the holes.
4. Go sign Saku on the “I want to play with my brother” discount at around $4 million a year.
5. Add water
Potential lines could be:
Gabby-Mikko-Bruno (which worked great near the end)
PMB-Saku-Hossa
Cal-Tavares-Nolan (Cal & Tavares were teammates)
Gilies-Belanger-Mittens
All of this is possible if you have the kahuna’s to make it happen!! Desperate times require desperate measures. Bring us home the cup CL!!! Bring us home the cup!!
oops - formerly BFW beat me to it.
I think Poile has done a good job in Nashville. I wouldn’t mind him coming to the Wild.
It’s all good in the ‘hood, DB.
a la Billy Corgan: Todaaay is the greaaaatest…day iever known
Schmidty - more creativity in one post than Dougie Stale showed in 10 years. You get the gig.
Anybody catch the Video link on the PP? The headline reads: Risebrough– “fans know it’s not about winning?”
I have not watched it, but is Ballgame implying that the fans do not want to win? I sure as sh!t hope it’s simply more of the “This is where players want to play and fans want to cheer” bullsh!t. Can’t get that guy out the door fast enough.
Well…. Schmidty, you still have to do the impossible and that is sign Gaborik. That might be hard to do.
Can we really say that DR’s inability to re-sign Gaborik doomed him from the beginning?
BFWRIP: Love that song.
Michael Russo - amazing, amazing work. I think Angeina Jolie would dump whatzhizname for you. Heck what does that other guy do besides preen? YOU are feeding the hungry masses.
Are you getting enough caffiene today so you don’t slow down?
Shooter doesn’t know a blue line from a clothes line. If Ballgame would have dealt Gaby over the summer for a decent, yet unspectacular package, I doubt CL would have keyed Ballgame’s car. The fact that the most prized asset, in the prime of his career, is a little more than 10 weeks away from walking away FOR NOTHING, was the turd that filled the toilet for CL.
hey all, just surprised the collective residents of Russoville haven’t crashed the blog site.
Possibly Sunshine… but like Detroilet has proven, the cap doesn’t mean anything. Offer Gaborik $80 million a year for however many years to keep that cap number low so you can sign his pal Hossa and add more scoring talent around him in the new “open game” that Laviolette would bring.
Jaromir blogger - I’d happly put my hat in the ring. CL, i’m over in section 214… look me up!
Kfan nuggets from the media cc with Leipold:
- Decision made a month ago, playoffs or not was not a factor
- CL avoided questions on the “why” and heaped praise on DR
- Wants Gaby back, but its up to the new GM
- DR v. Gaby not a factor in axing DR
Love Guru Dan, we get it. Pat Quinn.
Please go away for today and let us all enjoy the DR firing.
We’ll direct our collective anger/disgust at you tomorrow.
Here’s hopin’ CL continues to make big splashes in the pool and is able to convince Gaby that “This is where players want to play” for somewhere in the neighborhood of $6 million per season.
I doubt CL would have keyed Ballgame’s car.
…the turd that filled the toilet.
Priceless!!
And btw, that video looks dated, circa The Expansion Years, where admittedly the fans may have bought into that for a short while.
—-
Offer Gaborik $80 million a year for however many years to keep that cap number low
I agree with this idea here, Schmidty, even though the semantics would make even an MIT “cap-ologist” pop a bolt.
=)
Why has everyone (or at least McKenzie on TSN)concluded that Poile has done such a great job in Nashville. I’m not saying he has done a bad job but let’s remember they did not make playoffs this year and they have never made it past the first round.
DB - I think if they can resign Gaby it might finally break the stigma and players will want to play here. Need that first marquee signing.
Also, they need to build a new practice rink. If I was a player and I spent a bulk of my time at a practice rink each NHL season, I sure as hell wouldn’t be excited about Parade.
If Ballgame would have dealt Gaby over the summer for a decent, yet unspectacular package, I doubt CL would have keyed Ballgame’s car. The fact that the most prized asset, in the prime of his career, is a little more than 10 weeks away from walking away FOR NOTHING, was the turd that filled the toilet for CL.
I disagree with that to this extent - even with Gaby, this team has plateaued. Even if I knew Gaby would be here next year, I still have serious concerns about the direction of this team. It certainly didn’t help DR’s situation that Gaby’s about to walk, but at least for me, it’s a more basic concern about the state and direction of the team.
Sure, most of us thought a change at the top was needed. Sure, we thought Doug’s moves or lack of moves the past two years is mystifying. But let’s remember, he did build a hard working team, one we were proud of. And when the week began he thought his job was safe because the owner said it was. So this had to sting a lot. A stable franchise is now encountering some instability. Let’s remember that as the new GM builds his team, and as we endure a few lean years.
The % chance of Gabby re-signing with the Wild have now increased to 46.3%
Schmidty says:
April 16th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Some suggestions to new GM:
1. Sign Peter Laviolette as your Coach
2. Trade Harding, Shep, Johnsson & your #1 to the Islanders for the number one overall and pick Tavares
3. With the $6.9 million you save from trading those three players and the cap space you have left go sign Hossa & Gaborik to one of those “Detroilet” type deals to give them all the cash they want with a low cap number so we can fill in the holes.
4. Go sign Saku on the “I want to play with my brother” discount at around $4 million a year.
5. Add water
Potential lines could be:
Gabby-Mikko-Bruno (which worked great near the end)
PMB-Saku-Hossa
Cal-Tavares-Nolan (Cal & Tavares were teammates)
Gilies-Belanger-Mittens
All of this is possible if you have the kahuna’s to make it happen!! Desperate times require desperate measures. Bring us home the cup CL!!! Bring us home the cup!!
——–
Who plays defense then? The only Defensemen under contract would be Kim Johnsson, Nick Schultz and a bdly injured Burns. I don’t think we’d have any money left after Gaborik, Koivu and Hossa. Would be awesome, but Tavares’ first contract wouldn’t be small. Look at Stamkos’ first contract: 3,725,000 cap hit per year. No way it works.
More from the conference call from Russo above
“He has a little [sic] of former GM’s and bright stars he’s interested in. Candidates have solicited him already today via call and email.”
Not sure about players, but front office free agents seem to be attracted to St. Paul.
Ya, that’s right Russo, I pulled out a [sic] on your own quote.
Sounds like he is already getting resumes
The Globe and Mail’s Steve McAllister says this is a “familiar story” with Riser:
Oh…and by the way, I’m sure the Islanders will jump all over the opportunity to acquire Harding!!!
Garth Snow says “Hey why not? I mean it’s not like we already have a goalie under contract for the next 11 years…let’s get ANOTHER goalie!!!!”
Super idea!
Steps for new GM:
1. Harding + 4th to Detroit for Hossa’s UFA rights Conklin’s UFA rights + prospect.
2. Sign Hossa and Gaborik
3. Send Sheppard and Gillies to the AHL next year.
4. Trade Zidlicky for picks/prospects to a team needing a PP quarterback. (Habs?) Trade Boogaard to a team needing a fighter for next to nothing.
5. Re-sign Skoula, Bergeron, Foster, Fritsche, Olvecky, Scott, Stoner.
6. Waive Weller, bring in Kalus, who is a better fighter and more talented.
7. Move Bouchard to center top line.
Hossa-Bouchard-Gaborik
Brunette-Koivu-Miettinen
Clutterbuck-Belanger-Nolan
Fritsche-Olvecky-Kalus
Burns-Schultz
Johnsson-Foster
Skoula-Bergeron
Backstrom
Conklin
LWF - Look at what Detroilet is doing… they have extended contracts to make room. The players you sign for D are all $2 million or Less.
Skoula - 2 mil
MAB - 1.75
Foster - 1.75
Scott - 600k
It’s doable.
And Edgewild, maybe you should take a look at WHO that goalie is. Depietro is having health issue to the point were they don’t know if he will be able to be their goalie of the future. So at this time, they’d LOVE another young goalie at a cheap price… and a potential number one on several teams.
why would the Isle want Harding? they got Slick Rick under contract for another decade.
be better off dealing for #2. Hedman would be a much better addition to this franchise.
You do not want Poille:
I lived in DC when he was GM there and he never made moves to make that team better. It wasnt until Poille left that the Caps were able to make the next leap. He is actually very similar to Riseborough. Good at building a foundation, but unwilling to take many risks. Poille is not horrible, but I think he would remind fans too much of what just left.
That does not mean team should hire a Mike Milbury type idiot risk taker just to contrast DR, but I think Poille is more suited for building foundations that bringing in championship caliber talent.
Gutsy move! I thought DR along with JL was agreat fit to build the Wild. Things got personal with marion and his agent, which along with a few other moves may have been the down fall. Still a great organization of people with the wild, marketing and operations. Big changes in hockey organization comming. CL has someone in mind if he has been thinking about this for a month. This will be CL’s team now. He will find the right person. Thanks DR and JL, MT and Rammer! Over all a great job bringing NHL back to MN!
Mister Know it all must speak to this move
I have mixed reactions about this move.
I think DR and JL both have both busted ass in this organization to build it to where it is
It says two things to me. Either Leopold is improperly dismissiong the GM, or he is using good judgement. We wont know the answer to that question for some time
The fact that it has been 8 years and JL has not coached a team to win the Stanley Cup is not something I believed would happen, so maybe it could be said DR has messed up over the last 2 years. I predicted they would get it done in year 7 or 8
The building of the foundation of the Wild was a ton of work, and this likely took its toll on DR. If the owner was not supporting DR, that alone could cause a GM to crumble. That is why I say we will see how Leopold does with the next GM
Somebody that is going to be fired typically knows it so it would be a lie if DR says he had no idea
Thanks for making Russoville part of the Doug Smugsborough story Mr. McAllister
La Velle says:
April 16th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Bob Pulford for GM and Dennis Savard for head coach.
that would be an excellent option for head coach, but I want Pat Quinn here as GM.
Man, if the Isles added Harding, and Depietro is good for 11 years….Whats that like a 20 year contract for Harding? 30?
“3. With the $6.9 million you save from trading those three players and the cap space you have left go sign Hossa & Gaborik ”
Please stop the Hossa madness. He didn’t leave the Penguins for Detroit because he wants to be on the ground floor of a re-building program.
Hossa will not come to a team like MN. He went to detroit on a 1 yr contract to have a chance at the cup. MN will be a marginal playoff team, and more likely just miss again next year. If your looking for European talent, I would set your sights on Havlat not Hossa.
Gaborik will not be back regardless of the new management. He wants to be in a bigger spotlight and with a more talented team. If Rolston and Dmitra were still here, maybe, but I think the guy just wants out and its not about the money. He wants to be the hot chick on the FA market. Look for him to end up out east.
“turd that filled the toilet”
That’s my second favorite line from DB.
1st favorite is “wet fart of a turd”
just sayin’.
Islanders general manager Garth Snow declined comment Monday on what he termed “speculation” about whether goaltender Rick DiPietro has undergone a recent surgical procedure, and did not explain why the goalie has been seen on crutches at a physical therapy facility used by the team.
They’ll need a goalie… SOON.
And Pewterschmidt - I can deal with all the nay-sayers who don’t think we can ever land someone (Hossa) like that but if you added the other players I listed it wouldn’t be the “ground floor” rebuilding program.
Besides, Detroilet won’t have enough room under it’s cap to resign him so he will have a new home in 2009-2010 regardless if he wins the cup.*
*unless he wants to play for 3 million a year.
As a follow up, you see a lot of the guys who play for the Twins make it clear they want to stay with the Twins, even at a discount because they are loyal to the team, love the area etc. Gaborik is not one of those guys.
He does not make his home here in the off season, he has a bad taste with the organization, and he wants to be treated like a star but having other stars on the team so he is not under as much of a microscope. He is not a bad guy, but he wants a little bigger treatment that Minnesota nice can give him. Unlike Garnett, who I think but for McHale’s ineptitude would have love to stay in Minnesota, I have never got the sense from Gaborik that he wanted to spend his career with the Wild.
Hossa is going to learn a hard lesson this year:
You can’t pick who’s going to win the Cup.
Detroit will lose in the playoffs this year, and Hossa will want to leave. That simple.
I agree with J.Lichty on Gaby–only hope for us is that enough GM’s are concerned about his previous injuries so that offers aren’t competitive. I do not think Gaby is sufficiently in love with MN for him to want to stay here unless other offers aren’t good enough. Some GM will pay up for him and take a chance.
J. Lichty says:
April 16th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Hossa will not come to a team like MN. He went to detroit on a 1 yr contract to have a chance at the cup. MN will be a marginal playoff team, and more likely just miss again next year. If your looking for European talent, I would set your sights on Havlat not Hossa.
Gaborik will not be back regardless of the new management. He wants to be in a bigger spotlight and with a more talented team. If Rolston and Dmitra were still here, maybe, but I think the guy just wants out and its not about the money. He wants to be the hot chick on the FA market. Look for him to end up out east.
Gaborik’s going to the Kings or Nucks and Havlat is always hurt, no thanks.
Schmidty says:
April 16th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Dood… I want some of what you are smoking! Crazy idea… don’t think it would happen, but it’s a crazy idea!
yeah….no way we sign hossa or gabby….
koivu/camerelli is the best we can do…..gianta maybe, but he is a butch clone….passer before shooter….
If cole can be had on the cheap…..I like him….but not at more than 4 mil.
Throw the bank at bowmeester….he is the best player on the F/A market and younger than gabby…..
If we have a more aggressive team next year….then we need better defensiveman than zids and bergeron…
skoula proved himself to be decent….at a reasonable price….you know there are plenty of bruisers out there to round out the d
then just sign koivu….trade johnny, Harding, and zids for a solid forward (preferably young and cheap and getting better) who can finish.
butch will be better with a finisher….
Do you know what Gaborik wants? It’s very simple.
-Gaborik is not looking for the biggest paycheck.
-Gaborik is not looking for a “more open” system.
-Gaborik is not looking for to join a stanley cup contender like Hossa.
What Gaborik wants is TO GET THE LEVEL OF RESPECT FROM THE ENTIRE HOCKEY WORLD THAT HE THINKS HE DESERVES.
That’s it. That’s what Gaborik wants. And he will go to the team that can showcase his “stardom” the best. Gaborik wants what Ovechkin has. He always has.
Right now, he’s been playing for a middle-of-the-road team getting so-so respect as a player.
Now, that team can still be the Wild, but we will have to make some changes to show Gaborik that we are serious about getting him international recognition.
Dear Mr. Leipold,
While I have never run a NHL team before, I will be out of a job come July 1st unless the State gets it’s head out of it’s a$$, so if you get desperate give me a jingle. I mean, I can’t do any worse than DR did right?
Hugs and Kisses,
Bandgeek
From Russo above:
There will be lots of speculation that Leipold will want to hire his former GM in Nashville David Poile, who’s on a year-to-year contract. I know from a source the two spoke yesterday. However, the Tennessean reported last July that in the sales papers, Leipold is prohibited from ever hiring Poile for a job with another NHL franchise.
So there you go. No Poile.
What a difference a week makes! This franchise could be completely different come Oct. 1.
BG @4:59: crud. I saw the headlines in the updated strib and immediately thought of you. Offering you a ***hug***.
Per Russo ^^^
“There will be lots of speculation that Leipold will want to hire his former GM in Nashville David Poile, who’s on a year-to-year contract. I know from a source the two spoke yesterday. However, the Tennessean reported last July that in the sales papers, Leipold is prohibited from ever hiring Poile for a job with another NHL franchise.”
I had no idea that was part of the agreement when Leipold sold the Preds. I thinks Poile is a pretty solid GM.
If this is “the place to be” we should have no trouble getting potential GM’s lined up at the door!
It’s not who you fire, it’s who you hire. Next stop…Ilya!
Lucky, now that you (and the Don) mention it, I do remember hearing about that restriction on hiring Poile. Two reactions - first, that doesn’t mean a deal couldn’t be worked out between the two clubs to hire Polie away; and two, (and now I’m talkin’ lawyer here) I would think such a covenant would have a fuse on it - i.e., the restriction would only last for a certain time period following the sale.
But I am not that excited about Poile even if we could do a deal which I am sure could be worked out. Why do we think he is so good? Nashville hasn’t been any more successful than the Wild and I would argue–possibly less successful.
update at top of blog - special segment of Russo Radio @ 6:05 pm.
Thank you in advance to Matt and Michael for the extra effort!
M 03, perhaps the site did crash a little, I got error messages awhile ago.
Terminating DR was probably not just one issue. It is more of an accumulation of sins that led to his firing.
When someone is in a high profile position for ten years his mistakes tend to catch up.
Ultimately, there is a loss of confidence. That is why Lemaire left on his own, it was a loss of confidence by the team that he apparently realized it and that he would be a lame duck to continue.
In Risebrough’s situation it is a lack of confidence by the fans in general and the owner feels sees the same issues.
Jaromir B @ 3:26 gave DR grades for pre/post lockout. They are probably fair.
JL seemed satisfied with the guys DR provided so I might say a conditional C-/D+ for post lockout.
But, that grade could go up or down based upon what would have happened with Gaby. If DR was still here to see that through, depending upon whether Gaby signed, or quality FA’s were acquired as replacements, I would give him anywhere from an F to a C on post lockout period.
While I don’t have my heart set on Poile I wouldn’t be upset if he became out GM. He’s great at drafting, isn’t terrified of making trades and actually has landed free agents.
It will be interesting if they decide to go with a brand new GM, I wonder who’s out there?
no preds gm here…..
as long as it is someone good I dont care.
Good luck bandgeek….I thought I would be in your situation too….I got lucky, but looks like you may not be….
I wish you luck in all of your future endevors….may you find something you love out of this ordeal.
AustinTXwildfan - I’m not smokin anything… but I am also not willing to write of certain players because of where the team plays or the media market they are in. Had Hossa (or any player.. fill in the blank) said they didn’t want to come(or be here) because of the weather, the media coverage, etc… then I would understand. But to simply say “no” for the basic reason that they play in Minnesota OR we don’t have cap room are nothing but excuses that don’t hold water with me.
If this place truly is a great place to play, and we have seen how the Dead Wings have got around the cap to sign studs.. then go get them.
After the GM & Coach are decided, go make the trade to get the number #1 pick for Tavaers (whatever you think it might take), go sign Mikko’s Bro. Show Gabby that he should reconsider… and then go to him and tell him to talk with Hossa to make this happen. That the cash will be there and the talent is here.
If he walks… nothing we can do. But at least we’d have Tavares & Saku.
I’m just saying, we have a clean slate.. don’t be afraid to ask for something until Gabby/Hossa/Islanders so “no”.
(correction)
I’m just saying, we have a clean slate.. don’t be afraid to ask for something until Gabby/Hossa/Islanders SAY “no”.
Does Mikko, and Saku have any other brothers we can sign?
maybe we can sign scott and rob nydermyer while we are at it (scott would only be 1 year at the most….but still….)
then we can start accumulating stalls!
Remember when you are bashing on what little Nashville has accomplished that many years they were operating with a stressed budget. The franchise was only profitable one year in its entire history. Poile and Trotz have done an amazing job with limited resources. It’s the lack of corporate support down there. They have great fans but it’s the suits they need to lure in to the arena.
then paraise’s, Bouchards, and sedins!
See below for possibly the dumbest thing ever written in Russo’s Rants. I can’t even get a grip on the levels of stupidity put into this post.
BladesofSteel says:
April 16th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Steps for new GM:
1. Harding + 4th to Detroit for Hossa’s UFA rights Conklin’s UFA rights + prospect.
2. Sign Hossa and Gaborik
3. Send Sheppard and Gillies to the AHL next year.
4. Trade Zidlicky for picks/prospects to a team needing a PP quarterback. (Habs?) Trade Boogaard to a team needing a fighter for next to nothing.
5. Re-sign Skoula, Bergeron, Foster, Fritsche, Olvecky, Scott, Stoner.
6. Waive Weller, bring in Kalus, who is a better fighter and more talented.
7. Move Bouchard to center top line.
Hossa-Bouchard-Gaborik
Brunette-Koivu-Miettinen
Clutterbuck-Belanger-Nolan
Fritsche-Olvecky-Kalus
Burns-Schultz
Johnsson-Foster
Skoula-Bergeron
Backstrom
Conklin
that is true lucky…….
oh can we lure colton’s uncle out of retirement to coach!
yeah harding is WAY to valuable to give up for negotiating rights alone.
can’t forget about Fritsche’s brother!
Band: you have mail, hope it is useful mail for you.
While on the subject of hiring brothers, why not look into what the Bash Brothers are up to these days?
I doubt seriously that they would P.O. the rest of the NHL (which is heavily subsidizing the Predators) by hiring David Poile as GM.
No, I don’t want anyone who was with the Blackhawks prior to Rocky Wirtz taking over the hockey club.
Anyone from Detroit available? (At least you won’t normally take a chance getting shot at or taken at knifepoint walking into the Joe from the parking garage.)
If Buffalo decides to clean house: Darcy Regier? And bring Lindy Ruff with you?
How about someone really off the radar screen? If Vancouver can do it, why not the Wild? How about Salcer? He could have Tobin Wright bring Gaby back (yeah, right.) 
At least the Wild have been released from the yoke of ‘the Plan’.
At last…
P.S.: Woo-Hoo!
After watching St. Louis last night, it sure looks like they could use a PP QB. Unless they are counting on EJ to be that player for them next year, but they have some pretty good prospects, and would be a good trade partner if they were interested in MZ.
As for DR, see ya
Besides, isn’t Kalus in Europe somewhere & never coming back?
Does this mean Bouchard’s verbal no-trade clause is remitted?
Actually they just said that to save face….
actually do you remember the simpsons episode with all of the mlb stars recruited to play for the company team……remember where ozzie smith went…..yeah….that is where kalus went.
[…] was the only general manager in team history, just as Lemaire was the only coach in team history. Michael Russo of the Star Tribune writes that Leipold agonized over this decision, and rightfully so: We’re witnessing the rebirth of a […]
WILDfan: that’s a great list of steps for the new GM — nice job!
Nice list, but no reason to get rid of Boogieman.
WILDfan says:
April 16th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
See below for possibly the dumbest thing ever written in Russo’s Rants. I can’t even get a grip on the levels of stupidity put into this post.
BladesofSteel says:
April 16th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Steps for new GM:
1. Harding + 4th to Detroit for Hossa’s UFA rights Conklin’s UFA rights + prospect.
2. Sign Hossa and Gaborik
3. Send Sheppard and Gillies to the AHL next year.
4. Trade Zidlicky for picks/prospects to a team needing a PP quarterback. (Habs?) Trade Boogaard to a team needing a fighter for next to nothing.
5. Re-sign Skoula, Bergeron, Foster, Fritsche, Olvecky, Scott, Stoner.
6. Waive Weller, bring in Kalus, who is a better fighter and more talented.
7. Move Bouchard to center top line.
Hossa-Bouchard-Gaborik
Brunette-Koivu-Miettinen
Clutterbuck-Belanger-Nolan
Fritsche-Olvecky-Kalus
Burns-Schultz
Johnsson-Foster
Skoula-Bergeron
Backstrom
Conklin
—
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
kg: kalus - you are correct - this was presented in the live chat yesterday.
Michael - awesome work. Gosh have you been this amped up in a long time - well besides at a poker table?
moderating. me. really.
How do all you p@cker heads afford season tickets? I can hardly wait until next year. I might have to just go hang around the X and strong arm some tickets! I consider Rammer a friend of mine, you think he would throw a few tickets to a buddy? Nahdah!
Well you boys got your wish!!! had to happen though, start fresh from the top. Not sure what this means for gabby but maybe we have a chance now. Hossa and Gabby???? too good to be true but I was alos thinking Harding to Detroit for a scorer, god knows they have enough and they need a young goalie.
Lucky, as to the Preds, where have they been on caps?
Lucky, maybe you are right–they did have cap room this year and last year. So maybe Poile being able to spend close to the cap would be ok.
kg: kalus - you are correct - this was presented in the live chat yesterday.
Michael - awesome work and updates on Backs, Bruno and Boogie. Gosh have you been this amped up in a long time?
(hopefully moderation free words)
The Preds have been way below the cap; thought I remember in the low 40’s.
Maybe CL wants to give a buddy a chance with a full cap.
–Hugs and Kisses,
Bandgeek–
I tried that in an interview once. Didn’t turn out well
CL had to have seen something wrong with the organization’s culture. It is the President’s job to instill a vision of success and in the times when that is lacking, positive attitudes. There have been too many hints of discord lately and if you are CL, you hold Smug responsible for that. He has also had a year to get to know the guy and decide if they are simpatico. Chemistry mismatches happen all the time in ownership swaps.
I’m kind of surprised with JL’s surprise, because the abrupt manner in which he quit didn’t reflect well on Smug.
Plus, CL could not have been ignorant of the unhappiness from fans and negativity around the league and with national media.
It’s too bad Smug’s ego wouldn’t let him see the handwriting on the wall and recognize it was time to move on of his own accord. He deserves credit for many good things, but outstayed his welcome and had made his own bed.
Kudos to CL for taking bold steps.
What is with you M 03? Do you have a dark side that keeps you moderated?
Interesting from Russo’s comments above that CL is quoted “I never thought about “it” (firing Lemaire), I always assumed he would be stepping down”.
And Smug was surprised that JL stepped down.
Sense any perspective and/or perception skills differences between the two?
Iceman: the phrase poker table must trigger the moderation gurus. Hmmm.
The extra session of Russo Radio was amazing. ~10 - 15 minutes of Michael, Matt and Jim Souhan. I hope the radio station posts the spot soon, so the masses can listen directly.
hah, figured it out. moderating. me.
food folks
Finally! Thank-you M r. Leipold! This dork ran this team into the ground and thought he had a job for life. Thanks for showing him the door. He would have NEVER resigned. Too much arrogance. Happy trails Risedork. Maybe you can run another team into the ground-already done it 3 times.. Now, get som eone in here who can actually draft the right players, not be afraid to make trades when necessary, and not let quality players walk away for nothing!
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
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Finally a much needed shakeup in the front office has occurred with the Wild! Needed for quite some time, especially after the departures of solid players in Rolston and Demitra. Although getting older, those players I think would have formed a solid cohesive unit with the young players (Burns, Bouchard, Zidlicky) along with the aquisitions of Nolan and Brunette. I understand the salary cap issues but we’ve let too many good players leave without getting anything! Players like Pellerin and Odonnell were let go for nothing! Making the Demitra deal was good at the time but in hindsight we lost out on a solid up and coming player in O’Sullivan. For a state as committed to hockey as Minnesota we deserve better decisions, especially when ticket prices are raised to see an even more mediocre team than last year. With sold out games nearly nightly there’s no reason why more high-profile aquisitions haven’t been made especially when the trade deadline comes and goes with a pick-up of Chris Simon. Really? I’m as die-hard of a fan as you’ll find, but I will admit watching NHL games on T.V. where teams are flying up and down the ice with numerous scoring chances makes for an exciting game instead of the boring to watch trap that Lemaire employed! Lemaire I feel was a good coach who could only rely on that style of play because it was the only style that would allow him to compete in an offensive NHL. Lemaire left the notion open to stay in hockey but to leave Minnesota. We’ll soon know if that is a positive or negative, but could we have had deeper runs in the playoffs with better decisions in the front office? Yes, injuries play a part but the Wild need more than one playmaker. They need a supporting cast of players that the fans of Minnesota deserve.
