Fletcher, Russo back in town; Richards still the frontrunner
Posted on June 3rd, 2009 – 3:39 PMBy Michael Russo
Yes, I’m back. Yippee do!
I figured I better blog because the smart aleck son of a friend of mine sent me a text message saying, “Think you’ll blog again this year?”
Like father, like son 
Back from Hawaii, and Ireland, and I’m ready to go back to each. Two awesome places.
The Brown Fox — Chuck Fletcher — is back in the office after landing this afternoon from Pittsburgh, where he attended Game 3 of the Finals and attended his first official GM’s Meeting — well, as a non-Interim, non-assistant GM — in history. Had to be cool.
What’s Fletcher been up to? Well, while I was in Ireland, he attended the Draft combine in Toronto last weekend, where he interviewed players and dined with the staff, including Tommy Thompson. On Thursday and Friday, he’ll conduct his first pro scouting meetings with Tom Lynn, Blair Mackasey, Jamie Hislop and Todd Woodcroft, among others.
They’ll be talking free agency, trades and likely whether the Wild should tender any offers to their own unrestricted free agents (i.e. Skoula, Veilleux, Bergeron or Foster). We know they’ll go after Gaborik, although it’ll be difficult at this late juncture.
(updated)
Fletcher has also been working on the coaching search. Same candidates as I’ve mentioned before. Todd Richards is still the frontrunner. I know for a fact Chuck went out to California to interview Richards, and that’s the place he wouldn’t tell me he was calling me back from (remember?).
But I still think he’d want to interview Detroit assistant coach Paul MacLean, who’s a bit busy right now.
If Richards gets the job, possible assistants include Claude Noel, Curt Fraser, Tony Granato and Mike Ramsey. Like I’ve said, I think Matt Shaw and Bob Mason have tremendous shots at being retained.
Lots of news going around the league. Jacques Martin is now the coach in Montreal, leaving Florida at a marvelous time with less than a month before the Draft and free agency.
All sorts of rumors out of Montreal that Mario Tremblay could eventually join Martin on that bench.
Florida will now conduct a full-on GM search, but owner Alan Cohen appears close to selling the team because I’m told that GM candidates are being referred to Alternate Gov. Bill Torrey and Tony Tavares, the former Anaheim Mighty Ducks head who just so happens to be leading the ownership group close to buying the Cats.
Some possible candidates in Fla.? Former Panthers coach Doug MacLean, former Panthers GM Rick Dudley, former Panthers captain Scott Mellanby, Hall of Famer and former Panthers analyst Denis Potvin, former Bruins assistant GM Jeff Gorton, TSN and NBC analyst Pierre McGuire and former Lightning GM Jay Feaster. Maybe former Wild GM Doug Risebrough would be interested, although he’s still on a two-week solo canoe trip, so he may not even know the job’s available
Lastly, aren’t you glad you’re a Wild fan? Imagine being in Colorado. Sorry, but at least Wild owner Craig Leipold conducts a far and wide GM search to get the best possible candidate and then announces him with a little fanfare.
The Avs do what they always do — hire internally.
Greg Sherman — the assistant GM — was hired today to replace Francois Giguere accompanied by the most underwhelming press release announcement ever. From Pierre Lacroix: “Greg Sherman deserves the opportunity to prove he can be an effective general manager in our business.”
I bet Avs fans everywhere are excited after that line.
It was also classy of Lacroix to finally fire Tony Granato after offering his job around the league for a month, including to former Avs star goalie Patrick Roy. Kudos to Denver Post writer Adrian Dater, who’s been all over that story for some time.
Speaking of Dater, he talked to Marc Crawford, who’d be interested in returning there as coach. Dater reports that Joe Sacco’s got an inside shot. Wonder if Jacques Lemaire would be interested, eh?
OK, I’m back on the clock folks. Blogs will be updated more regularly.
189 Responses to "Fletcher, Russo back in town; Richards still the frontrunner"
whether the Wild should tender any offers to their own unrestricted free agents (i.e. Skoula, Veilleux, Bergeron or Foster).
sure, eh, eh, eh.
Sweet relief.
Thank goodness you’re back. Getting to the bottum of the comments was almost as bad as the Gopher football blog, which I believe is over 1100 comments right now.
Anyways, glad you’re back, keep up the good work.
I agree. I was like a drug addict going through withdrawls. So very glad to be able to get my fix again.
Ok Stencils or Sid or whomever you are blogging…tell Russo to get back asap… 
So with all the news that is surrounding our favorite club, there’s really nothing newsworthy, eh?
I know I won’t sleep until Martin names his assistants or Florida finds a GM.
I am glad to see Fletcher has his priorities straight. Hire the best candidate, not the first one available.
I thought Skoula had one more year of tormenting WRT before he left.
Welcome back!
so…….baisicly the news is the same as last week…..
skoula is the only one deserving of a contract…..but only for minor amounts…..new coaching staff, skoobs could regress back to his old form…..
kj….ign….as in http://www.ign.com
second best game reiview site (metacritic has surpassed it in the eyes of many) out there, also has lots of previews, and other random tidbits.
baisicly the news is the same as last week
I think knowing that Fletcher wants to interview Paul MacLean counts as significant news. A field that was once led by Richards and Laviolette now looks like a 3 coach race. Now I am even happier than the NHL moved up the SC Final - I think Game 1 was originally scheduled for tomorrow night - that would have been a longer lay off than this blog
I’ll take Skoula over Bergeron every day of the week.
Damp,
From the last thread RE: Schroeder
I think we’re arguing about nothing. I PROMISE that if some how Jordan drops near us he’s not getting past Nashville. Poile would be licking his chops at the idea of getting Colin Wilson and Jordan Schroeder back together…
Welcome back, Russo!
Updated above a bit
ooooo…..solid update…
you are right on the detroit assistant….I sincerly doubt richards will be beat by anybody…..
plus bob mason hangs around….always good to keep one of the best goalie coachs around…
welcome back indeed…..we had to endure ms. c’s “crosby lips” facination….so any hockey news is good hockey news!
schroeder’s not getting out of the top 10…how did you hit the little white ball in Ireland Russo?
Russo, thought you may have gotten stuck in one of those pot belly bunkers and couldn’t get out! Nice of you to leave us hanging, forced me to reevaluate my sick mind about being a russoo rube! Never really left, nice to get updated on the latest snoose.
The homer in me would like to see Rammer retained.
Mike Ramsey, Matt Shaw and Bob Mason I would be cool with keeping.
I still say Tom Lynn will be fired and Fletch will bring in someone he is comfortable working with, someone he wants to be his right hand man.
Tommy Thompson and Guy Lapointe should have been fired as scouts years ago but Fletch will take care of that as well and bring in a good staff.
Then anyone else in hockey ops that Fletch doesn’t want around and get a new up and coming coach for Houston.
After the draft and free agency of course…
I would like to see Rammer & Mason stay because they both do a good job. Watched Miracle last night. Been looking for it for several months & couldn’t find it. The Mr. brought it home a week ago & I finally got around to watching it.
Welcome back, Don Russo. Here’s hoping they retain Rammer. I like the cut of his gib.
Michael - welcome back! I really expected a tease or two about the golf courses in Ireland, beer and pubs. Also, I always enjoy when media will tip the hat to colleagues hard work (Mr. Dater). Cool.
For amusement, did you peruse the comments of the previous post? Tangent followed by other tangents.
I’d say Mason has more than proven his worth for the Wild, plus keeping him around would keep Backstrom from loosing his cool while we change our style. As for Ramsey, I’d rather see him get looked at for head coach elsewhere but if not I’d keep him without question.
And for the free agents: Drop Vellieux and bring back Parrish. Bergeron started picking up Burn’s slack pretty well during his absence late last year. Now that Foster can walk/play again it kind of feels like the Wild don’t owe him anything anymore but if he goes I’d like to see him recognized by another team (maybe after some shooting practice). Skoula can stick around but the price better be right (i.e. bag-o-pucks with an incentive package that financially penalizes turnovers).
So, Russo survived a trip on an Airbus A330. Welcome back.
I really hope there is an end to the Skoula era in Minnesota. He really needs to go, 6′5″ and worthless. Not to say that Bergeron or Zidlicky are any better (they’re not) but kj’s right…another year of Skoula tormenting I don’t need.
kg: glad you & the Mr. were able to watch some hockey via the movie. “The Boys of Winter” [Wayne Coffey] fills in the historical and behind the scenes items for the mentioned team. A decent read even with the east coast bias. (Sorry Russo).
Gosh, great to have fresh food!
Russoville without the don’s Wild updates has been like watching Elvis use his nasal douche.
Ah WRT, Skoula played well this year. As Muir said on SI, he was one of the league’s bargains tis year.
Long time reader, first time poster. So excited that Russo is back, that I couldn’t hold myself back any longer. I think I was starting to lose my mind a little bit.
Lucky- Lynn is such a weasel that I wouldn’t bet on him getting the boot. He’ll find a way to stick around in some capacity. Unless we give him a glowing reference if, say, the Panthers inquire.
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
I’m going to take the GM position in Florida. There’s a franchise who can appreciate a man who knows how to sit on his hands and constantly insult his fan base.
Need hockey fix… hate Pens… hate Wings… can’t watch … need to see my Boogie…. need to see Cal… Summer Bash to far away…HELP!!!
At least I haven’t turned all stalker like my friend H. Your a stalker H. Get help 
Want to keep Mason, Rammer, and Shaw, all good guys that are good at their jobs.
Oh, and welcome home Russo.
Why would we want Parrish back and pay him two paychecks?
Please no more Parrish. That ship has passed — even Dallas didn’t play him much and they were hurting with injuries.
A big fat NO THANK YOU to Mark Parrish.
I don’t need to step in sh!t twice to know it stinks.
Parrish should be on the radio and take over Dubay as the hockey expert.
- Welcome vitogor
- Hard to see Parrish in the NHL next season. As sunshine said, he had all the chances in the world last season once he landed in Dallas.
Mister Know it all has a big concern about how Richards would get along with the veteran players of this team. From what I understand about him he has been coaching AHL players that have played on Saturday and Sunday. Game preparation and how a coach is able to coach changes with the veterans
Going from JL to Richards is a radical change of experience in coaching… I am strictly judging based on his experience he has, and whether he will be listened to by the veterans
Lets face it Richards will be no Mike Babcock or JL. Players will give those coaches credibility on day 1
Another negative for me about Richards.
We have a General Manager who is expected to be very dynamic. His negative is his age and he has never been a GM before. Now you have a coach who has never been a coach at the NHL Level
This combination might be a tad extreme. Two rookies ???? The thing they would have going for them is chemistry as they are close to the same age and you would have a built in respect. If Fletcher hires coach that is experienced that coach may not respect Fletcher.
Best case scenario is a mature experienced coach who likes Fletcher and what he is trying to do
Read Russos article. DR in Florida along with JL ? You got to be kidding me
Yes! Russo’s back!
Note to Russo: Always wear a shirt around mtu_huskies. He seems rather excited by your back.
I also think they should keep Mike Ramsey. He is a great coach with Mn roots. He would be excellent for the defensive aspect of the game. I have yet to see a better shot blocker than Rammer, he needs to pass that on to our guys. Great to have you back Russo! Now get to work.
They think they have attendance problems in Florida now, just wait until Douggie-Do-Nothing gets there. Although, it may be the perfect environment for Managing Expectations™
Could JL run practices from his boat?
I hope Smug is hired there soon. We can trade Skoula’s rights for a 2nd or 3rd round pick.
Skoula? Seriously? I’d take Foster over Skoula & Bergeron any day. However, there have to be better options via trade or free agency to enhance the D. I’d like to see them give Veillieux a shot in a more open style of play. I think he would re-sign for a reasonable amount.
Grandpa Sports has it that Richards is a lock for the Wild job while Jordan Leopold’s agent says the Wild will have interest on July 1 - http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/46864082.html?page=4&c=y
I’d like to see them give Veillieux a shot in a more open style of play. I think he would re-sign for a reasonable amount.
HE might, but would his agent allow it?
Goody says:
June 4th, 2009 at 7:21 am
Note to Russo: Always wear a shirt around mtu_huskies. He seems rather excited by your back.
POTD!
Welcome vitogor! There’s punch and ginger snaps over on the table, and Bandgeek will be giving a tour at 2pm CT today.
BTW: The Riser to Florida piece reminded me: is there a bigger gong show in the NHL right now than Colorado? I thought it was odd when the Jackson/Hull dynamo got the boot in Dallas but no one said anything about it (including Brett, where’s your mouth NOW, big guy?) but the Granato-Lacroix-Roy-Sherman Clown car that is the Avalanche right now is like standing in line at the grocery store trying not to get caught ogling the magazine covers.
Didn’t Veill… SRV (easier to spell!) sign up with an agent? Didn’t Russo (and his back ) report he said something to the effect of “I learned my lesson last summer.”
6GS: I refuse to read Sid. Did it sound like he’s saying we’d be interested in Leo as a FA like it’s some big scoop or surprise?
I would think (hope?) that bringing in a puck mover like him would signal that we’re not going to bring back one of our current puck movers (Queen MAB?) though.
Maybe Fletch has been secretly consulting Grandpa Sports and is Feeling Minnesota©.
We need more Minnesota Players on the Wild dontcha know.
Yaaaa…more Minnesotans.
Ohhhh yaaaaa.
Please, just one “o” when you’re trying to talk about losing. It’s NOT “loose.” Most common spelling error on blogs these days. Someone has to set the kids straight these days, or they’ll all end up as losers wearing loose clothes on the streets.
Jordan Leopold is overrated in my book. I also don’t buy the “we need Minnesota players” argument. Leopold had one decent season about 7 years ago if I remember right. People complain enough about Zid and MAB, I don’t think he is any better. He takes dumb penalties and is not what I consider to be a physical presence in front of the net, which others argue that we need. We have enough supposed puck moving D who will man the point during the PP. I don’t think we need another.
for4rest…it was sarcasm. I don’t buy the MN player crap either. I buy the best player available even if he is from Mars crap…
“Think you’ll blog again this year?”
i always i always
i always i always
i always i always loved that one
3rdGradeEnglishTeacher
http://failblog.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/fail-owned-spelling-fail3.jpg
IF we are going after Leopold, then just buck up the few extra dollars and sign Boumeester.
- Hard to see Parrish in the NHL next season. As sunshine said, he had all the chances in the world last season once he landed in Dallas.
I’ve been told from a certain person who used to wear #21 here that he is going to sign a contract for the veteran minimum next season
6GS, NiNY - thanks for the warm welcome.
So Nanne and Sather recommended Risebrough to the Panthers, what a surprise, eh? They should’ve just called Dougie’s wife instead, would’ve saved some money on those phone calls.
Leo’s a pretty big risk, no doubt. But it seems to be a risk of staying healthy more than producing if he does.
He broke in the NHL with Calgary in 02-03, got into 58 games his rookie season, and followed that up with seasons of 82 and 74 appearances, respectively.
His point totals in those seasons were 14, 33, 20. So, in his first three seasons he averaged 71 games and 22.33 points (0.31 points per game.)
Then he got traded (I believe, does someone remember if he was a FA when he went to CO?) to the Avs - and the wheels fell off his career, due to injury: seasons of 15 games and 43 games. His point totals in those seasons were 5 and 13, respectively. So, that’s an average of 29 games and 9 points per season (0.310 points per game.)
He rebounded last year, playing a combined 83 games between Colorado and Calgary, putting up 24 points (0.29 points per game.)
In other words, his production has stayed the same throughout his career. But, like Gaby, his issues the past few seasons have been that he just couldn’t stay in the lineup for two of the last three.
The question is, do we want/need a guy who has averaged 59 games played per season over his 6-season career? Isn’t that the argument against Fletch bending over and grabbing his ankles to re-sign Gaby?
I recommend Risbrough to Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Colorado.
Gives the Wild a better shot at winning the division if the other teams are ran by somebody aiming for finishing between 7 and 10.
Worst blog topic: the MN players argument
Every time some yutz says “we need to bring in more MN players/coaches/trainers etc.”
5 other yutz’s have to go on a rant about how dumb the argument is.
It’s getting more annoying reading the MN player counter argument than the initial (idiotic) case for MN talent.
let’s have a agreement that if someone makes the irrational argument for MN talent that no one responds and it dies quietly on the blog…..please.
Agreed Pewter
ohmigod, can you imagine the revolt in Cowtown if Riser became their GM…again?!
Mass suicide in the streets.
Hello Russoville!!! I have always wanted to post with you guys, just always afraid to use my work computer…but oh well to much going on not to jump in the conversations. Any thoughts on the possible free agent Center’s besides Saku? John Madden? Nik Antropov? Also, could anyone post Jordan Leopolds numbers from last season?
I’m good at giving tours….
Over there is the X. Across the River is Don Russo’s little used office. Here’s the bar, Nick runs it (and won’t let me take over when he’s out of town any more, I’m sorry bout the free rounds, I didn’t think they’d add up that fast). Russovilles Historical Society and Curiosity Cabinet is open when I have a good internet connection. Over here is the Russoville South neighborhood. Such great people as MsC, and Austin and his Mrs, and Aaron in Houston live in this section of town.
BTW, do we need to rename our Sports Medicine facitlity if (once) Gabby leaves? There won’t be enough Slovak groins left to make benefit for. Although the Wes Walz Testicular Fortitude Center can stay since he’s retired and coaching.
Word, Pewt.
Tell you what, Dark….I liked what I saw of Nik with the Rags. He’s freakin’ huge for one. I’d want to be more confident that his heart isn’t in Russia, but if it isn’t, I admit I’m more into him now than I was when he was under the pall that’s covering TO.
I like Johnny Madden, but he’s old…if we bring in Saku and keep Belanger (there, I just pressed a new hot button for the blog for you, Pewter, see, I’m a giver…) then I think we’re all full of old centers.
Dark:
Leo’s line from 08-09
Regular season:
83 GP
7 G
17 A
24 Pts
24 PIM
Playoffs:
6 GP
0 G
1 A
1 Pt
8 PIM
KJ: I know you were joking. I was commenting on SGS’s comment regarding Grandpa sports’ story.
Sucre Bleu!
Hopefully, under the new regime, Belanger becomes the 3rd line checker and penalty killer that is his rightful place in this world.
- I refuse to read Sid. Did it sound like he’s saying we’d be interested in Leo as a FA like it’s some big scoop or surprise?
Sid, or his people, talked to the agent. Here is the full bit:
Ben Hankinson, who represents Jordan Leopold, the former Gopher who finished the season with Calgary and is a free agent, believes the Wild will have interest in Leopold. “He is a good offensive defenseman and I believe he could help the Wild,” Hankinson said.
For me, this is not a MN player issue - Leo would seem to be a player that matches Fletcher’s vision and given his injury history might be a bargin if he plays most of the next few seasons.
- Then he got traded (I believe, does someone remember if he was a FA when he went to CO)
Avs traded Tanguay to CGY for Leo and two draft picks.
Nick: Thanks for the stats on Leopold. I didn’t even add his injury risk to the fold when I was psuedo analyzing him. I just don’t think he’s a quality 5 on 5 player. He’s good at the point on the PP, which is where I thought he got most of his points but I haven’t looked. Anyway, I like how offensive the Wild’s D already are. I wouldn’t mind a true defensive defenseman, if we’re going to make any moves. Obviously, bigger guys have it easier, but I think anyone can clear guys out from the net. I just didn’t see that in the Wild’ mentality on D, ever actually.
6GS: nice…thanks…was the “For me, this is not a MN player issue” para “Sid’s” or yours?
Good dig on the trade stuff for Tangs and Leo.
for4: that’s why I say if we were interested in him I would think/hope that would mean we wouldn’t be bringing another of our “puck movers” back. I mean, MAB was only additive on the PP last year, like you say Leo would be (and I don’t disagree with you.) I don’t think we need another PP specialist.
…parsing due to mod trigger…
6GS: nice…thanks…was the “For me, this is not a MN player issue” para “Sid’s” or yours?
…still parsing…
for4: that’s why I say if we were interested in him I would think/hope that would mean we wouldn’t be bringing another of our “puck movers” back. I mean, MAB was only really helpful on the PP last year, like you say Leo would be (and I don’t disagree with you.) I don’t think we need another PP specialist.
huh…is the fact that “MAB” and “PP” and “specialist” appears to be triggering moderation a sign from God?
…trying again…
for4: that’s why I say if we were interested in him I would think/hope that would mean we wouldn’t be bringing another of our “puck movers” back. I mean, MAB was only really helpful on the power play last year, like you say Leo would be (and I don’t disagree with you.) I don’t think we need another power play hired gun.
That was the me part - Sid’s not going to give Jordan Leopold more than one paragraph
apparently you can’t write “MAB” and the letter after “O” in the alphabet twice in a row, capitalized and spell out the word s-p-e-c-i-a-l-i-s-t in one post without committing a heinous sin.
A message from God?
So many things to talk about….
OK, since Pewter put the MN player topic to rest can we please do the same thing to the “we need more D that can clear players out infront of the net” issue as well. People, THIS CANNOT BE DONE ANY MORE!!!! It is interference!!
Now, if you want to talk about players that can tie up the other player and get the puck away better, we can talk, but for the love of God you cannot just take players out in front of the net anymore.
Sorry, I’m of my rant and will stop drinking so much coffee.
6GS: silly me, you’re right of course!
I’d like to see how Foster will develop this next year. I actually liked the way Skoula played last year. Yes, I know, WFT, I never thought I would write that ever but if he can be retained at a decent price I’m all for it. I’m not sure how well Leo would fit on this team but he is a quality person and have the ability to move the puck out of the zone and can play the PP well. It would be nice to get more of an defensive stopper instead of more offense.
Maybe it’s just me but I’d rather see Fletcher trade for a sweet up and coming player (Stamkos for example) then over pay for a free agent. There are so many holes in our roster I just don’t think it makes sense to over pay a free agent or several free agents.
Can we PLEASE get some more Dmen who can clear MN players out of our crease?
that’s 2 for goading, Encrimson’d…
So Nick, what’s the scouting report on Leo’s injuries? Were they ’self inflicted’ like Gaborik’s groin or were they nothing he could do anything about like Mikko’s leg? That can throw a completely different skew on the “he just couldn’t stay in the lineup for two of the last three [seasons].” comment/stat.
Encrimson’d - hehehehe….
Just don’t make me come over there.
I don’t think it is so much a desire to ‘clear players out’ so much as it is a desire to have players that are willing give a little shove or worse when a player is there after the whistle. How many times did Backstrom get run over last year and all the D-men did was turn for the bench? I’m not thinking they necessarily need to drop the gloves and go after the guy, but a little or push and/or conversation to send a message. During play is completely different and interference as noted.
Goody: from wiki
After one more season with the Flames, Leopold was traded to the Colorado Avalanche at the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.[3] Leopold’s first season with the Avalanche, in 2006–07, was all but wiped out due to injury. Having missed the first 25 games of the season recovering from hernia surgery[4], he then suffered a groin injury on December 11, 2006, ruling him out for another 17 games.[5] Just a month later Leopold was injured again, fracturing his wrist on February 17, 2007, effectively missing the rest of the season, and playing in just 15 games.[6] At season’s end Leopold was re-signed by the Avalanche to a two-year contract on May 22, 2007.[7]
In the 2007–08 season, Leopold was again struck down with another injury-plagued season. Throughout the course of the season Jordan missed 35 games with a hip ailment, lacerated leg and pneumonia.[8] Jordan also suffered a concussion when he was hit high by Steve Ott on March 9, 2008.[9] Ott was subsequently suspended for three games.
Leopold recovered to full health in time for the 2008–09 season. He played in every game with the Avalanche until the NHL trade deadline, when he was traded back to the Flames for Lawrence Nycholat, prospect Ryan Wilson and a second-round pick.[10]
I’m falling off the bandwagon on Leo (to the extent I was ever on it.)
If we were talking Paul Martin that might be one thing…
Speaking of Paul Martin, I think the fate of Scott Clemmensen will be a very interesting story this summer.
Colorado? Chicago (assuming they can/want to move a Khabi/Huet)?
oops..Weekes is also a UFA this summer…I bet Lou pushes hard to get Clemmensen back in Jersey as the heir apparent to the home wrecker.
-Pewterschmidt says: Sucre Bleu!
Blue sugar!
The only way it makes sense to look at Leopold is if we let Bergeron and Foster walk and then move Zidliky. And only then because he’d probably be a reasonably priced 2nd-tier FA.
I need a drink.
Oh, and Sparky, Blue Sugar sounds like a Greatful dead cover band.
Yehaw!!1 Russo’s back!!! I was having withdrawl sypmtoms!!
So Nick, it sounds like it’s a combination.
On the one hand we have:
hernia
groin
hip
concussion
And on the other:
fractured wrist
lacerated leg
pneumonia
concussion
I put concussion on both because it is kinda one of those things that it seems certain players are prone to but others might get one from a particular incident and never get another (lets hope Burns falls into this last category).
Band: Blue Sugar sounds like a Greatful dead cover band.
I sorta like that….of course, they’d have to open every show with U.S. Blues –> Sugar Mags, right??
Goody: agreed…a little of both. The kid may just be cursed.
I say we don’t need him.
Of course, I guess the argument could be made that Leo could have gotten the injuries on the second list because as a player he puts himself into situations where injury is more likely (vulnerable situations). So if that is the case, they’d really be counted toward the ‘injury prone’ reputation.
I agree. I think a healthy D man that doesn’t put up quite as many pts would be more valuable.
BTW, I see we have another back fan.
Maybe this was commented on earlier as this was from something a few weeks ago, but I found it pretty interesting. Might squelch any notion that DR and JL being gone will make Gaborik more likely to stay. Sounds like his problems may have been bigger with someone else…
CBC.CA: During Saturday’s “Satellite Hotstove” segment, Al Strachan and Pierre Lebrun reported on the following:
- Strachan also said the retention of Tom Lynn as the assistant GM of the Minnesota Wild ensures Marian Gaborik won’t be back as Gaborik “hates” Lynn.
Now I think that Russo clarified that Lynn was not for sure being retained, so maybe that changes things to.
Of course wasn’t an argument against Nolan his injury history? Worked out pretty well though didn’t he? Even though he did miss some time due to injuries.
I have to laugh a bit at all the love that “Dougie” Risebrough gets from the elder voices around the League. On NHL XM they make him sound like he’s the best thing since sliced bread, and it would seem that guys like Lou Nanne and Glen Sather think he’s “the bomb” as well. Wow, if there ever is a shining example of that “good ‘ol boys” network in the NHL, there it is.
I mean seriously, this guy ran two teams into the ground (CGY & EDM), and after starting from scratch and having nowhere to go but up with the Wild, he and his staff almost turned all the good done here into bad and came darn close to doing the same thing again with this organization.
He’s made some of the worst trades in the history of the League, he trades away draft picks like business cards, he can be duped by other GM’s into doing almost anything they want him to, and he is WAY too conservative in his approach to running a team. And yet, he is still talked about for these various openings. Are teams that desperate?
There are a lot of decent and good free agent D. I like guys like Steve Montador and James Wisnewski. Good 5 on 5 guys with the potential to score, but tend to focus more on the physical aspect of playing D.
Let me add add a disclaimer to any and all free agent comments I make: I like them, but only for the right price.
I think Aaron Johnson is a solid stay at home D too. And I don’t think he would require too much $.
NiNY & Goody, whether or not Leopold’s injuries are self-inflicted or coincidental, it definitely seems he’s “cursed.” I’m not terribly impressed by what points he does put up when he’s healthy. Seems we could certainly do better, a la for4rest.
Besides, we already have a Leipold, and so far so good with that one.
Fletcher won’t keep Tom Lynn around. He’ll be dumped with the rest of the garbage after July 1st. Why the hell would Fletch keep Risebrough’s lap dog?
Maybe Risebrough will get the job in Florida and pick up his lap dog and his horrendous scouting staff…
Maybe Risebrough will get the job in Florida and pick up his lap dog and his horrendous scouting staff
I wonder if TooL’s regretting his efforts to distance himself from DR
The Dead! Now we are talking. Dark Star Orchestra is the Dead cover band–maybe even better than the Dead (not as drugged out). BDS–yes Skoula was effective last year and I agree with your point on D. Too much talk about D blasting players in front of the net. D play has changed–tie guys up. Look at the Wings and Lidstrom.
KJ,
Mister Know it all has spoke in the past about Minnesota players. I said DR has done a horrible horrible job recruiting in a state that other teams seem to find interest in recruiting. I have said that fans will respond if you have a Minnesota presence. I said ” you know a few people play hockey in Minnesota ”
You dont have to lose your head about bringing in players from Minnesota but you do need to have a couple. I heard the Wheeler kid playing Boston is a good player. DR said No too much pressure playing in his home state. Not good for Wild fans
woodcock: I agree with you re: D tying guys up. I think D can still get away with a good push/shove here and there to move the screeners without getting an interference call, but you’re right that D play is now more focused (because it always has been) on tying guys up. Gotta find that happy, no penalty medium in there. The issue I’m focusing on is who do we have that will tie guys up? I feel like the Wild D focus hasn’t been so much the front of the net but working the sides and cutting down on good shots and passes through the offensive mid-ice area. I’m still a strong believer in having a physical guy who will punish wingers playing with the puck in the corner. That’s always been one of my favorite things about playing D.
By the way I think Leopold- Cuma in. Martain Shoula/Kurtis Foster free agents to Florida
“I have said that fans will respond if you have a Minnesota presence.”
Respond how? By buying tickets; there is no lack there. By voicing their joy in getting a Minnesota player? Fan joy doesn’t get us anywhere in the win column.
The Wild should sign one player from every state and one player from every Euro country so we can all be happy. Even though they can’t all play in the NHL, we can all be happy and say “well, we have a guy from (insert arbitrary place of birth) in the system.”
Blake Wheeler would be the best player on the team 4rest. enough said
4REST- More passionate fans at the games. More casual local NHL fans pay attention. Your talking about folks buying tickets that are entertaining clients that pay no attention to what is going on with the game.
I think Tony Granato would be a great guy to get as an assistant to whomever we get as head caoch.. mainly Richards! He’s got some head coaching experience & that would be beneficial if Richards gets the job. Granato is a pretty intense young guy. IMO
I second Granato as a back up for Richards
Wheeler didn’t seem at all interested in playing for the Wild. He put it politically, something about wanting to experience other parts of the country. I’m pretty sure that was an example of the system scaring off potential offensive talent.
Mister Know it all says:
June 4th, 2009 at 11:37 am
DR said No too much pressure playing in his home state.
I seem to remember it differently. I seem to remember that DR expressed interest in Wheeler. I seem to remember after signing with Boston, Wheeler said something to the effect of wanting to play somewhere different from where he came from.
Ah, here we are…
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wild/19749424.html?page=2&c=y
MKia - Wheeler didn’t want to sign here so that was not DR’s fault.
To play Devil’s (or MKIA’s) advocate for a moment: why do you suppose the first season of the Wild’s roster included a washed up player like Darby Hendrickson? It certainly wasn’t for his skills. Darby sucked, except at PK. But someone, somewhere figured out that local fans would enjoy watching a local player. And a lot of us out there would like to see that again.
Mister: I don’t think Wheeler would be the best guy on the team but I do think he would be an improvement over many. I agree with your implied analysis that we need players because they are skilled, not because they’re from Minnesota.
“More passionate fans at the games. More casual local NHL fans pay attention. Your talking about folks buying tickets that are entertaining clients that pay no attention to what is going on with the game.”
I’m totally on board with having more passionate fans at the game. I think the lower bowl crowd is weak. But, the team is already very popular. You can’t avoid corporate, I-would-rather-text-than-watch-hockey-”fans” from coming. That’s pro sports in general. I don’t think there is a wave of casual fans that would come out of the woodwork to support the team. Besides, who cares if they do? The Wild, from a business standpoint, is fine. I think we can agree that more fans, casual or not, doesn’t equal wins. We need skilled players. That’s what is exciting.
Goody, that article was just a little painful to read… hindsight and all.
If I was Wheeler, Minnesota wouldn’t be my first choice either. Look at the roster and you see all Canadians and Euros. On top of that I’d look at MN’s past with not being willing to give rookies serious playing time and the fact that you’d probably play most if not all of this season in the minors… Yeah I’d see what other options are available too.
I should make it clear that I have no problems with Canadian players or European players. I was just trying to point out that if I was an American born free agent and I looked at this roster I would think either the front office or the coach doesn’t like American players / college players.
MKVN…if a player is from MN, I wouldn’t hold it against him. However, signing the best available MN player before signing the best overall player is not a recipe that will result in winning a Cup.
Which now, thank God is the stated goal of the owner.
Blake Wheeler would be the best player on the team 4rest. enough said
Alert Mikko, Gaby (still is on the team) and Backs at least. MKIA must have missed Wheller getting scratched in the last 3 or 4 games v. CAR.
Ignore the Mister, he’s just a little worked up no one wanted to eat Subway with him. Away from the blog I’ve been asking the Mister why the infatuation with MN players. And just what qualifies as a MN player? Is it a high school player who leaves to play college in Wisconsin or some other state? Is it a guy born in Canada but who plays 3 or 4 years in Faribault at Shattuck? What part of the state are we talking about? Do we get guys from St. Cloud, even though Gophers fans and St. Cloud fans don’t get along (also applies to Mankato and Duluth, and maybe Bemidji but they aren’t WCHA…yet)? Does a guy who played a year at the U of M but transferred to UND suffice? What about a guy who was born in Moorhead but played high school hockey across the river in Fargo? What about a guy who spends a majority of the off-season in MN but plays in the NHL somewhere else? And, the BIG question, why would we focus on MN players if there is someone better to pick from? Why does the Mister care so much about Mister Leipold’s bottom line when he argues that he wants more fans?
The big question is why anyone pays attention to his bread-breaking troll rants. I thought there was an attempt to kabosh on that topic anyway.
uh, Russo, can you arrange for the Internet Orkin man to run some IP diagnostics on the posters again? Seems a new nest is being built in the vicinity of wherever MKiA is posting again (that’s probably the Wisconsin branch.)
Misses Knows The Most says: And just what qualifies as a MN player?
They’ve eaten hotdish.
Dark Star Orchestra is the Dead cover band–maybe even better than the Dead
Blasphemer!
Heretic!
I just spent a lovely lunch hour with a like-minded co-worker listening to the boys work their way through an ‘81 gig from Barcelona, SPAIN. Nice Let it Grow to end the first set, pretty good Scarlet/Fire to open the second.
Sparky +1
“They’ve eaten hotdish.”
Nice. I think another prerequisite would be attending the MN State Fair.
kj: the missus and I will be there for the 8/28 gig.
NiNY…seriously? That’s excellent.
Maybe your appearance will entice other Russotans to drop by.
I know all the MKVNs are dying to meet you…
Misses Knows most- I hope you are hot first of all.
I will help clarify for you- If the Wild could pick between Sid Crosby and Blake Wheeler I would pick Sid Crosby. That ends part of your argument. Pick the best players available and the REAL Mister Know it all is happy
Pause and absorb…Now have a silent moment Misses.
Last year the Wild had no players from Minnesota on the pro team or in the AHL. Ask Mister Fletcher if he thinks that is reasonable or not ? I am telling you its not
Whats the Dad going to say that takes his kid to a hcokey game ? Hey so that guy Gaborik is from Slovakia. Avoiding Minnesota players like Swin Flu is not prudent if you are a GM of a team in Minnesota
Misses, you are making up things that the Mister has not said. You sound Hot so I will let it go this time
Signed Mister Know it all
Ah, NiNY have about 300 old tapes. But the damn new cars can’t play ‘em–and my car is a 2003! Let’s just say DSO is better only on some days, but they are fun. Nice when they announce at end of the concert which Dead concert it was. You are my man though–the Dead, Scotch–doesn’t get much better.
Last year the Wild had no players from Minnesota on the pro team or in the AHL.
ummmm…Ms.C, do you want to tell Lundbohm and Adams that they don’t count, or should I?
MKiA: FAIL.
wood: oh yeah…my first Dead show was at the old Met Center, must have been around 91-92….with - get this - my mom!
I also saw JGB at le Centre Target around that same time.
I saw then last GD show at the OLD Boston Garden in 93.
Alas, I was too young to really get out and see shows before Jerry went to the great jam session in the sky, but c’est la vie. Sirius GD channel has been a godsend for me.
You need to convert those tapes to some kind of digital format, brother.
kj: for sure. Other people might think we planned our MN trip to coincide with the Fair, but you and I both know it was really to coincide with a 100WJ show!
Lundhold = 0 prospect so WIN MKIA
Well, I’m not sure how much Adams counts. Did he even play a game? I want to feed him cheeseburgers when I see him. He’s Kate Moss-skinny.
The fresh post seems to have been just the thing. Lots of interesting convos going on. Liked the tour, BG.
And I like the agreement to not take the “MN player bait” and how well that stuck. Well done, boys.
Augh, someone make me get off my butt and go make spaghetti sauce. Donatelli’s from White Bear Lake, ya betcha. Though I add a few tablespoons of sugar and more meat to their recipe because it’s better that way.
Someone page me when we get a coach.
-Mister Know it all says: Whats the Dad going to say that takes his kid to a hcokey game ?
The same thing Mister Know it all, Sr. said: “Shut up and watch the game!”
MKiA: I must be feeling extra masochistic today.
You said, and I quote, “Last year the Wild had no players from Minnesota on the pro team or in the AHL. ”
Players.
You said nothing about “prospects” or “players with potential.”
FAIL.
Go take your lithium.
Dad’s gonna say… “Well you see son, because of where the Wild ranked for the past few seasons, they haven’t had very high draft picks. All of the good MN talent was chosen before the Wild picked.”
How many MN players that have had an impact in the NHL did the Wild pass on in the draft? AND, for a bonus, who was picked over that player?
I want to feed him cheeseburgers when I see him. He’s Kate Moss-skinny.
Skinny, nothing.
Tell the truth: you just want to, er, melt some cheese on his patty.
Squirt some mustard on his bun.
Add fries to his Whopper.
woot! Off-season FTW!!!
“The same thing Mister Know it all, Sr. said: “Shut up and watch the game!””
followed by, “boy, you just ain’t right.”
Nah, he’s way too skinny to rate on the Ms.Conduct scale of hotness. I’ll save my condiments for the beefier fellas. Oh man, won’t somebody buy me this shirt?
“Pick the best players available and the REAL Mister Know it all is happy.”
Good, so would I, and by the looks of the posts so would most people on the blog. Now you need to re-read, and possibly re-re-read that quote above. No one said that the Wild should avoid MN players if they are the best available. In fact, it seems that we all agree the Wild should pick the best players regardless of where they come from. You’re argument that little Timmy is going to be let down because the Wild chose the best player over a MN player is absurd.
“Lundhold = 0 prospect so WIN MKIA”
Mister, is this a “win” kind’ve like the “wins” Bert Blyleven and Dick Bremer have every Twins game when they get the Aflac trivia question “right?” That may be too inside for some, sorry.
yah, that’s what I figured, Ms.C…I just couldn’t resist the urge to stretch out the euphemism mechanism.
I’m pretty sure “euphemism mechanism” is a euphemism for something else.
didn’t there used to be a “Baloney Day” annual shindig in Nerstrand, MN? I swear I used to have a t-shirt commemorating it - yes, Ms.C, complete with walking baloney.
Nice one.
Are we forgetting Danny Irmen with the Aeros? Or is he more of ND boy?
I believe Danny calls NoDak home, sunshine
He has a house in MN but is a ND native. From where I sit, he’s a Minnesota kid. And if I were him, having been to ND myself, I’d claim MN if I were him.
I say: until he makes the big club, he’s from NoDak. At that point, we can discuss whether or not to let him apply for Minnesotanship.
Little Timmy can look up to James Sheppard. He has been a role model since he was 3.
NiNY, I’m not sure if you’ve covered this but did you get affected when Wall Street melted down last winter. I assume you work in the industry based on some of your market related posts.
Pewter: I work for one of the non-proprietary mutual fund shops, though I work for a specific investment team that is remote from the HQ down in NYC.
Our firm’s funds certainly struggled along with everyone else’s last year, some more so than others, and we have had the same senior management layoffs and general population RIF issues as our peers (American Funds is about to go through another round, it looks like.)
I’m specifically in the muni bond market, which, thankfully, is showing real signs of recovery after a frustratingly bad year last year. Frustrating because fundamentals stayed strong the whole year, even as prices eroded precipitously.
But enough about me.
Are you in the industry too?
I don’t mind Leopold. I think that he would be a welcome addition if they added some young bulk on D. Walker, Montador, and Komisarek are all available and play pretty physically. It’s not like Leopold could be any less physical or irresponsible than MAB. MAB did have a hilarious fighting streak until he got his nose broke… Forgot about that.
Mmm. Komisarek. If we got him AND Saku, it’d be all three Koivu brothers together (as MK is the long lost Koivu brother).
I don’t work in the industry but I consider myself an armchair QB when it comes to the market.
Hang in there and keep an eye out for the next Madoff.
You should have seen that punch Jordan, blood EVERYWHERE.
NiNY - from earlier
I agree that Antripov is very interesting, he seemed to excel in NY after he left TO. It would add much needed size up the middle, isint Saku the smaller of the brothers? Mikko is decent size but after that, Bellanger is a smaller guy and Shepp is Shepp, I think a bigger C would help us. In looking at all the FA Centers, Saku and Antripov are really all that catch my eye. Any thoughts on Brian Gionta, he is up fro FA is he not?
Jordan: I mostly agree with your take. I’m on board with the 3 D you listed, but I guess I’m just not convinced on Leopold. I think we’re making a mistake signing him, or anyone, based on the justification that “he can’t be any worse than MAB (or insert any other current Wild player).” I just think Leo is too similar to other puck moving D we have. It would be great for the Wild to find a somewhat toned-down Clutterbuck-type defenseman; a guy who isn’t afraid to take the body when appropriate. Maybe some of the fans around my section will stop yelling “take the body, take the body, take the body.” It really kills me when they yell that when the Wild are on PK.
I’m not casualobserver and that is my comment above. Didn’t catch that. Thought the bug was actually worked out.
DarkHelmet: Gionta is UFA. nhlnumbers.com says he was paid $4 mill last year.
Dark: What do you think about Zajac (yes, I know he’s RFA).
gionta is one of my favorites out there (speed always gets me!)
in a perfect world, we get saku, gionta, antropv and bowmeester….but there is such a thing as a salary cap, (audible gasps arise) therein lies the rub.
the key is finding a couple of good guys to add to the core.
Kimmy’s cap number comes off next year, but most of that goes to koivu and Clutter.
the question is then, what is left?
wern’t we going to trade for zajac?
If I remember right that was one of the gabby trades discussed….
yeah DR totally nailed that one!
leopold would be great, but only if he is our 6th d-man (and paid accordingly)
remember he was a captain for a championship gophers team….so there are some intangibles there….and he is one of the few MN born players that could actually generate a bit of a buzz…..
But only if zids, or kimmy gets traded, and none of our current ufa’s get resigned…..
I do admit though….a d pairing of Leopold and Big John Scott (bandgeek takes drink) sounds really nice!
Joe Sacco is new Avs coach.
I don’t know much about Joe Sacco but if I were a fan, seeing that he doesn’t even have a winning record this past season as the AHL coach for the Monsters, I would not be excited at all.
Is the Avalanche refusal to expand their management/coaching outside of their organization kind of like inbreeding?
It’s weird isn’t it? Talk about a fan base that’s getting screwed. Couldn’t happen to a nicer bunch of folks though.
Ms. C, I printed the Donatelli’s spaghetti sauce recipe from Food Network. How much meat do you use? And I agree about the sugar–I think it would balance the acid from all of the tomatoes.
I wouldn’t mind seeing what Antropov could do here. At 6′6 230, he definately could throw his weight around at center under a new system.
Exactly Sparky. I’d say 4-5 teaspoons of sugar will do it. I’m gonna end up using about 5 lbs of ground beef. The recipe makes a HUGE batch, and when I made it, I had 3 Glad tupperware thingies (the size that deli meat comes in) to freeze after the initial serving, which was pretty large.
I ended up adding another pound of ground beef to each of those when I unfroze them. Since I know that’s what we like, I’ll just add it from the get-go this time, but you might want to play with it. I think I added more parm to the sauce, too.
But it’s so nice to have homemade sauce ready to go for an easy dinner. I hate to cook, so if I can do a bunch at once, that makes me happy.
Speaking of which, it’s been a while since I made hotdish. Might have to do that while Mr.C is in London later this month. He won’t eat it.
haven’t had hot dish in ages…
tater tot hot dish….when cooked right….is great….when cooked wrong……clear the path to the bathroom!
avs are droping to timberwolves level!
(that’s just mean…I apologize to all avs fans reading this)
It’s nice being able to throw some possible free agent signings knowing that there’s actually a chance we’ll make a good move under Fletcher.
FOOD
NINY - Since Irmen played 3 years on the Gophers wouldn’t that count?
Ms. C, thanks for the info!
