“Chucky” holds conference call with print media; Highlights: He’s spoken to Gaborik, he plans to spend next week on coaching search, is working toward a Draft Day trade
Posted on June 5th, 2009 – 3:48 PMBy Michael Russo
Busy Chuck Fletcher has been swamped with many things on his plate, so in the past week, he hasn’t had a chance to talk with the beat writers.
Fletcher held a conference call with the two newspapers and Associated Press this afternoon, and he discussed the coaching search, Gaborik and pro scouting meetings.
Highlights:
He spoke with Gaborik, although it was mostly just to introduce himself. Asked if he got an idea as to whether Gaborik is willing to consider staying rather than just automatically going to free agency July 1, Fletcher said, “I can tell you the conversation was not as much about the future as just introducing myself and having a general conversation. I’ll talk more in depth with [agent] Ron Salcer as I continue discussions with him.”
On whether he’s talked to Salcer about a contract, he said, “It’s starting to get to that point in time where I’ll probably respectfully decline to comment on the specifics of negotiations.”
That made it sound like there have been negotiations, but in a subsequent email I sent to Chuck, he said there have been no negotiations and that he meant that any future talks as far as a contract would be with Salcer rather than Gaborik.
– On the coaching search: He said he’s still closer to the beginning of the process rather than the end. “I’m trying to narrow it down to a smaller list of candidates. I’ve spoken with some candidates. There are still some candidates I intend to speak with in a little more detail. Next week, I’ll start to make some progress.”
He said it won’t be an exhaustive search of everybody because he has a good idea of his finalists. He said that’s because in Pittsburgh when he and Ray Shero fired Michel Therrien this past season, he and Shero reviewed and assessed different candidates and spoke to a lot of different people about candidates.
“I don’t think it’ll take lot of time once I can devote all my time and attention to the matter. Next week I’ll jump into it more aggressively.”
He said his timetable is still by the Draft, and he’s confident it’ll happen. And quite frankly, Fletcher leaves for the June 26-27 Draft on June 22, so my guess is a coach will be named by June 19 the latest.
The candidates still appear to be Todd Richards, Craig MacTavish, Peter Laviolette, I hear both Detroit assistants Paul MacLean and Brad McCrimmon and Kevin Constantine. There could be others. But these are the names I’m hearing mostly from myriad leaguewide sources.
– Fletcher made it extremely clear he’ll be looking to swing a trade at the Draft. He comes from a long list of teams that have made big trades at the Draft — Roberto Luongo and Olli Jokinen for Mark Parrish and Oleg Kvasha the biggest. He said he and his staff are compiling free agent and trade priority lists, and that’ll continue to be refined.
But because free agency is such a crapshoot, he’d like to try to fill some holes “in advance” of free agency, which means the Draft.
I keep hearing Josh Harding is the big piece they’ll be floating. I also confirmed again the Wild offered Benoit Pouliot around to everybody last summer, so you can bet that won’t change. I also hear Derek Boogaard — one year from unrestricted free agency — will be at least shopped.
– Lastly, he thanked Mario Tremblay and said he asked Mario if he wanted to be considered for an assistant coaching position and Mario thought it was best to move on, which is what Mario told me. He said once a new coach is in place, the first order of business would be to sit down with Mike Ramsey, Matt Shaw and Bob Mason to see if there’s a fit.
122 Responses to "“Chucky” holds conference call with print media; Highlights: He’s spoken to Gaborik, he plans to spend next week on coaching search, is working toward a Draft Day trade"
Mmm… trades. I love ‘em. Unless they are for, well, Chris Simon.
I don’t think Fletcher needs to ‘appear’ to be active like DR did (i.e. Simon), I think he will be active.
“I keep hearing Josh Harding is the big piece they’ll be floating.”
No surprise there. He’s earned a shot at a starting role, in my opinion.
“Roberto Luongo and Olli Jokinen for Mark Parrish and Oleg Kvasha the biggest.” I forgot about this disaster. Then I entered Mike Milbury on Wikipedia. Oh mi gatos! Has that guy ever messed up some big trades. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Milbury
Man, I’m lovin’ Fletcher’s demeanor so far. Aggressive, no-back pedaling, no managing expectations, no excuse grabbing… Just no DR’ing. 
Holy cow. Milbury’s time with the Islanders was a never ending train wreck.
“I also hear Derek Boogaard — one year from unrestricted free agency — will be at least shopped.”
This doesn’t surprise me at all. When you have to worry about cap space it’s hard to justify paying a goon $1 Mil a year to play 3 minutes a game.
I’m sure I’ll get bombarded by Boogaard fans that insist he intimidates opposing players…
Boogard intimidates me, and I sit in the 200 level. I can’t justify his salary though, at least not without some kind of offense.
Michael - you rock. Thanks.
Milbury reminds me of Matt Millen. You can’t listen to anything that he says as an analyst without thinking about his record and saying “just have the good taste to go away”.
Boogie — we got to get something for a UFAs and pending UFAs. A 7th round pick would be great.
I’m with you Lucky. Boogaard was useful in the past before his reputation made him almost unusable (ref’s profiling him), before his season-ruining back injuries, and before the team seemed to pass him by. I wanted to off-load him (don’t read into that) for a season or two, but figured it’d never happen for fear of fans revolt.
That being said, I never tired of his shenanigans and good nature. Quality guy–we just can’t use him. :\
In Boogaard’s defense, he was only in for three minutes a game because no one would use his biggest asset — his size — to their advantage. I’ve said this on here before; you try moving 6′7″, 270-plus from in front of your net. Good luck to you. His back troubles, however, worry me, and that is why the new regime must find a solution.
But this article bodes very well for the Wild. No excuse-grabbing, no ‘managed expectations’…in short, good, old-fashioned rumor mill material. And, to top it all off, an actual admission that Fletcher talked directly to Ron Salcer, which is something DR was oh-so-loathe to do.
Welcome back, Michael.
That 7th rounder for Boogie might be more than what we would get for Gaborik — a big fat NOTHING.
Great stuff Russo! As someone said, no surprises, though I’d certainly not want to trade Boogie to a team in the West. Harding? Of course he’s gone. I think given we need to restock on prospects, I can see Fletch taking multiple draft picks rather than iffy prospects for all of them. Pouliout will be the toughest to move, as we’ve learned over the last two years… I also expect one of the expensive people on our roster to be moved (Johnsson, Bouchard)… Sometimes June is the best month for hockey!
Seriously, who else can talk to Salcer? Lynn can”t — Salcer would likely not take his calls anymore. Fletcher’s the only one with some goodwill left. If he wants to try to re-sign Gaborik, having Lynn talk to Salcer would be the stupidest and wrong move.
I think if it is clear Gabby won’t sign, we should be able to trade his rights to another team for pick (2-3 round).
Brian — pie in the sky if you think we would get a 2nd rounder — only a Milbury GM would do that. Since most GMs are not that type of GM — I would say at most a 3rd or 4th rounder.
If Gaborik isn’t going to sign with us, he’s not going to sign with another team who gets his rights a week ahead of time. He’s going to FA.
Shooting from the hip, but I think we got a 4th rounder for trading Rolston’s rights away. We should/would at least get about the same for Gaby, but I reckon no better than a 4rd.
Ha! A “4rd.” A rusty lemon of a 4rd. [I meant a 3rd.] 
Man if Fletch can snatch up some extra picks for this draft I’d be thrilled. If he picks up an extra first rounder I might drive all the way down to the X and break dance while wearing an “I Love Chuck Fletcher” T-shirt.
Please Lord, let there be video.
I’d be so embarrassed for your parents if you were caught around the ‘X’ break dancing, Lucky. 
Man do I love Russo being back!
Great stuff Michael! Thanks!
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
man i’ll sure miss boogie if he go’s,has he ever played for another team?
I am going to miss Hards. Will be good for him to get a chance to be #1 some where but that doesn’t mean I am not going to miss him. I really like him. May have to follow the team he goes to just see how he is doing if he moves. I would guess Schaefer gets moved up as back up if Hards is moved. Is this a good guess Ms. Conduct? You know which of our goalies down there are more NHL ready.
According to the Let’s Play Hockey post on Facebook. Todd Richards is going to be announced as the next coach soon.
“Sources are telling Let’s Play Hockey that former Golden Gopher and NHL defenseman, and current San Jose Sharks assistant coach Todd Richards will likely be named the new Minnesota Wild head coach in the near future. A native of Crystal, Minn., and considered an up-and-coming young coach, Richards was the head coach for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins when current Wild GM Chuck Fletcher was an assistant GM with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Clearly, Fletcher’s familiarity and comfort level with Richards played a major role in the decision on who best to replace Jacques Lemaire behind the Wild bench. Since the hiring of Fletcher as GM, Richards was considered the frontrunner for the Wild head coach position.
Assistant coach Matt Shaw and goaltending coach Bob Mason are expected to be back for the 2009-10 season. As reported, assistant coach Mario Tremblay will not be part of the new coaching staff. It’s unclear at this time if assistant coach Mike Ramsey will be behind the Wild bench for his 10th season.”
kg: +1. Harding is good people. He is part of the Wild Road trip - maybe you get to, I mean, maybe he will get to hang out with you.
bg: belated kudos on the splendid tour through Russoville. Nice recognition of Mr. Walz. Excellent!
IMO, Boogaard would most likely go to Toronto if traded. Mr. Burke always had someone like him on his teams.
Mister know it all kind of has a good feeling about Mactavish and would not be surprised that he may fit. He looks to have the resume needed to achieve Chuckys dream coach. Maybe he has a 35% chance of being a coach for the Wild
Boogy- I see reason to question Boogies need on the team. I think in Minnesota the fans have always had his type of player on the pro squad.
A big guy with speed that can deliver punishing injury giving hits. He has shown he can play and be a big factor in games but not as much as he is non factor.
The need for an enforcer on this team and in the league is diminishing. I dont think it will go away completely ever.
Verdict: If you think Boogy is going to be an injury prone player by looking at the problems with his back and you are able to get good value in return, I say a trade is smart. The fans like him though
Imagine that, the WIld have been shopping Benny Blahblah for over a year now, and no one is interested. Plus the guy gets outplayed this year by a guy who is literally TWICE his age and hadn’t even played hockey for 2-3 years.
Pouliot is at the end of his road, and will be LUCKY if the Wild allow him to be a lifer for the Aeros.
BOOGIE is a great guy, and used to really have some merit on the squad. But as others have already pointed out, he is too expensive for a guy who is already blacklisted by the referees and who has a suspect back. I love the guy, and will miss him, but he has got to go, if we can get any value for him.
I took a nap and when I woke up, I finally figured out who Mister Know it all reminds me of. The talking stain in the Tide commercials.
Trading Harding will be a huge mistake. He is a future star in the league. The Wild have been grooming him to become our goalie for a long time, only to trade him away when he is ready for a starting job. Signing Backstrom to a long term deal was also a mistake considering the cap number hit he has and the changing style in play that will be made with the new GM and coach. I dont believe that Backstrom will be the goalie he has been here without the defensive style that has been here with Lemaire and DR. The best idea would be to wait to trade Harding until we find out if Backstrom can handle the new system, because if he can’t cupboard is dry when it comes to goalies ready to make the jump.
M 03, Hards isn’t on the leg that comes thru St. Cloud. I get Boogie & Scott. Not going to get to Rice Park for the end bash either. Besides, Hards is a little too young for me even if I wasn’t happily married.
Never said I wanted them to trade Hards or that I think it a good idea. Personally I like the Hards/Backs tandem. But it sounds like he is trade bait & I am sure he will probably catch a fish.
Note to Mr. Fletcher Keep Boogey and please move the puck movers Captain Kimberly and Zidliky they count about 9 million towards the cap this season. PLEASE Leave Skoula, Big Nose Bergeron and Fozzie on the unrestricted market Rob Scuderi is unrestricted and can do more than any of those wusses. Burns, Scuderi, Schultz, Scott, Falk, Cuma. Let’s roll.. Backstrom might even see a shot clearly with that group or actually have it blocked before it gets to him.
Let’s be honest for a minute. The Wild will not be Cup contenders for at least 3 years. With Backstrom in the mid 30’s give or take a year, why not sign Harding and trade Backstrom. We can get alot for him right now, after all he was a Vezina Finalist. Plus with Jacques’ defensive style of play allegedly going bye-bye, who’s to say that Backstrom wasn’t made by Lemare? If you can get a kings ransom, hell any ransom for Backstrom we almost have to do it. Also yeah I know Boogaard is a fan favorite, but with his salary, ship him off too. I hope Chuck cleans house and all of the players who are older like Nolan and Brunette are moved as well. Any REALISTIC fan should know we are going to take a step back. Who knows maybe next season we can win the lottery unlike that so called “team” across the River at 600 1st ave.
I dont see any reason why the Wild cant win the Stanley cup . They are in good shape potentially. We will know in 6 weeks
Here is the list of assets. All the geniuses are getting together to determine who we need. Cant be that hard
Eric Belanger
Derek Boogaard
Pierre-Marc Bouchard
Andrew Brunette “A”
Cal Clutterbuck
Dan Fritsche
Marian Gaborik
Colton Gillies
Mikko Koivu “C”
Antti Miettinen
Owen Nolan
Peter Olvecky
James Sheppard
Stephane Veilleux
Craig Weller
Marc-Andre Bergeron
Brent Burns
Kurtis Foster
Kim Johnsson
Nick Schultz
John Scott
Martin Skoula
Marek Zidlicky
Aeros
2 Dane Crowley
3 Paul Albers
4 Tomas Mojzis
6 Mitch Love
7 Clayton Stoner
10 Jesse Schultz
13 J.P. Testwuide
14 Tony Hrkac
15 Bryan Lundbohm
17 Robbie Earl
18 Marco Scandella
19 Danny Irmen
22 Jason Ryznar
24 John Adams
24 Carson McMillan
25 Matt Beaudoin
26 Maxim Noreau
27 Benoit Pouliot
28 Brandon Rogers
29 John Lammers
30 Anton Khudobin
31 Nolan Schaefer
33 Barry Brust
33 Matt Climie
36 Krys Kolanos
40 Marco Rosa
42 Matt Kassian
44 Justin Falk
84 Corey Locke
agreathockeymind: Backs has a written no trade clause. He isn’t going any where any time soon.
don’t need to look at the list…..
a second line center (everyone says s. koivu, also perfect fit here)
one 1st line winger, and one 2nd line winger.
Gionta/Cammerelli/Cole these are some possible options
bela is here for one more year….perfect for a number 3 center…..shep number 4….unless he can step it up to be winger on third line…..
On D….we need one more beast back there (intimidator…with a decent amount of speed and playmaking ability)
Don’t know the defensiveman available that well…..obviously bowmeester
maybe leopold if he takes a hometown discout, and doesn’t mind being a 5th d-man and good locker room guy.
Cuma is coming off of surjury, and had no time in the minors…..he will be in houston….no doubt….we aren’t that desparate….
backs or harding…..honestly I think if we can do it, backstrom (if offered to the right team) could snag a good young dominant forward…..
If we can’t do that, harding for sure will get at least a solid forward
exciting times….
crap….didn’t know about the no trade clause……curse you DR and your no trade clauses!
This is what I don’t get — I thought generally, a player asks for a NTC in exchange for a discount?
Lynn and DR really screwed the Wild on the Backs deal — they gave a NTC and still didn’t get a discount. Backs and his agent hosed the Wild on this deal because of the slow action of Lynn and DR.
You know what I would love to see?
Fletcher get OJ. I know at this point that there isnt really a reason to get him (if we can land Saku), but I would like to see Fletch get the one that DR never could. And for some reason, I feel like Fletch would be on the postitive end of that trade - something that never happened when DR was here.
But that’s just the vindictive side of me coming out It probably wouldn’t be in the best interest of the team at this point, but I would get a chuckle out of it.
Keep one thing in mind. Other GMs aren’t going to give up a Crosby for a B-B-B-Benny. Unless Fletch is a magician, the Wild’s flotsam and jetsam will not re-make the roster before training camp.
However, if he can stockpile draft picks, overrule the draft hat and aim for the future all of Russoville will be please.
Except for MKVN…he and Sid will be wondering why Fletch turned down that Koivu-for-Hedican deal… 
kgopher, with regard to Schaefer, Lynn said the ball is basically in Nolan’s court. He’s a FA on July 1 and has a wealth of options because he’s been so successful at the AHL level. I’m kinda thinking he’s not going to take the Europe option. I’d guess he’ll go where he’s got the best chance of some NHL action. Probably be a couple of months before we see how that shakes out, he said.
kj-time and time again you prove the numbskull that you are. Thank you. I enjoy reading your neverending posts and seeing your fagola smiley faces.
Stay old my man.
Looks like MKIA has a couple more personalities.
Sorry Jordin, it is my sole purpose on this blog to please you. Obviously, I am failing miserably.
Stay (obviously) cooler than me.
So Ms. C who do we have as a backup then if we trade Hards? If Backs isn’t putting up starter/#1 I know we can trade him at some point if he doesn’t strive in the new system, just not sure if he had a complete no trade for x amount of years then a no trade after if he putting up starter/#1 numbers of if it was a no trade unless he not putting up the numbers.
Since Good old Wally published the Wild list I have recieved countless emails from fans wanting my predictions on what is going to happen.
First of all Kudos to DR because this team is not in too bad of shape. I dont like all of our prospects on the list in Houston however. Ok gang I will tell you what I think at the moment
Eric Belanger/ FINE
Derek Boogaard/ ON SHAKY GROUND. PHILY LIKES
Pierre-Marc Bouchard/ HE MAY LACK THE DRIVE NECCESSARY TO PLAY IN HIS BODY
Andrew Brunette/ STAYS- Center
Cal Clutterbuck/ STAYS WINGER
Dan Fritsche/ HE NEEDS A GOOD TRAINING CAMP/ EXPENDABLE
Marian Gaborik/ WHO KNOWS
Colton Gillies/ GREAT 4TH LINE PLAYER/CHECKER/LW
Mikko Koivu /CENTER
Antti Miettinen/ Winger
Owen Nolan/ COULD BE IN A TRADE AND I WILL NOT SAY HE IS HERE FOR SURE
Peter Olvecky/ I like how he played in the last 4 games of the year/ NEEDS GOOD CAMP
James Sheppard/ CENTER
Stephane Veilleux/ EXPENDABLE
Craig Weller/ HISTORY
Marc-Andre Bergeron/ HIM OR JORDAN LEOPOLD
Brent Burns/ DEFENSE
Kurtis Foster/ GONE
Kim Johnsson/ DEFENSE/ MAYBE REWRITE HIS CONTRACT AND EXTEND IT FOR A LONGER TERM. HE IS SETTLED IN MINNESOTA SO HE IS ONE OF US
Nick Schultz/ DEFENSE
John Scott/DEFENSE
Martin Skoula/ GONE
Marek Zidlicky/ DEFENSE, BUT IF OTHER FREE AGENT IS BETTER FOR MONEY AND HAS SAME VALUE THEN HE MAY BE GONE
NET RESULTS
CENTERS
SHEP
KOIVOU
BELLANGER
WINGERS
METTINEN
GILLIES
CLUTTERBCK
PMB
BRUNETTE
BOOGY OR KASSIMA
DEFENSE
BURNS
BERGERON OR LEOPOLD
SCOTT
SCHULTZ
ZIDLICKY OR EQULIVENT PLAYER
JOHNNSON
CUMA
FLECTCHER NEEDS TO FIND 1 OR 2 DEFENSIVE PROSPECTS FOR BACK UP
Mister Know it all has listed 10 forwards, 11 if you want to count Nolan.
I am thinking they start the season with 14 forwards so the team will need to add 3 to 4 forwards with players that may depart
I wonder if Fletcher could pull off getting Hossa and Gaborik this next year financially ?? The thought has had to have crossed his mind
You are an really fine hockey mind Mister Know it all
**sniffle** Not Boogie, please not Boogie. **sniffle** Things suck enough right now, I don’t want to see my favorite player leave also. And if MacT comes here that would suck even more, I hate MacT (freakin’ drama queen).
Not sure if anybody posted this from Hockeys Future… I know how we all love to rip on the 2004 draft
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/11248/wild2004_draft_evaluation/
RET:
Will see you tonight at TRHCP. Not sure exactly what time, but I’m thinking I’ll head down after the Belmont. Should be there around 6:30-7:00. The lovely and divine Miss M is going with the gals to KC and the Sunshine Band @ Treasure Island and will be there afterwards around 11:00.
Jordan, not to be confused with Jordin kj.
I think that NHLPA’93 is right about Boogie going to Toronto if he does go, which I don’t like, but would understand. This team is so soft, I would think an enforcer of some sort beyond John Scott would be needed. I never really liked enforcers at D, especially ones that played in the NCAA and fight because they want a job and just happen to be huge.
I can’t imagine that Boogaard would go to Philly, but that would complete the new BSB. I’m assuming they would dump punching bag Cote, but that would leave Powe, Asham, Carcillo, Richards, Hartnell, and Gratton… Yikes.
I also can’t imagine Boogie playing with Brad May. Maybe they can have a go at camp :).
If we trade Harding and Backs gets injured, the tune around here will be pretty different. Backstrom is a stud. System schmystem. He might be the most fundamentally sound goalie in the game. Athletic no, flashy no, but he’s mentally strong and positionally, he’s almost flawless.
Can you imagine how many Boogaaard jerseys Philly would sell if they brought him in?
Yes, you are failing miserably. Now go lay by your dish, fossil.
They’d have to get somebody in, kgoph.
That’s Mister Fossil to you sonny.
Thanks Ms. C. With no solid backup choice in Houston at this point I think we need to keep Hards, but what do I know?
Jordan, it’s too bad Philly’s cap space is nonexistant. Plus, their AHL enforcer, Klotz, can replace Cote if need be. Although if talks with Ray Emery fall through, I can see them making a pitch for Harding. They can’t resign Biron and Nittymaki’s not solid enough.
May and Boogaard on the Leafs sounds like how Tie Domi and Joey Kocur ended up on the Rangers together.
kj +1
A couple of observations.
It is time for Boogaard to go. It has been painful to watch his non-existant hockey skills as he repeatly hits the boards because his lumbering stride gets him where he wants to go 5 seconds to late to make the big hit, or as he fumbles any puck foolishly passed to him, or as he pleads to get someone to fight him. If the Wild get the final pick of some draft in the next five years for him, Fletcher should be memorialized in a bronze statue outside the X and each Wild fan should personnally send a thank you card to the GM who took him for removing his cap hit from the Wild.
Trading Harding is a tough call. Backs is signed for No. 1 money for 4 years and it doesn’t make sense to pull a Chicago by tying up to much cap space in the goaltending position. So if a good deal can be found, trading Harding could help fill an everyday need. Decent back-ups are a dime a dozen. If Fletcher thinks that he needs to blow this team up and start over then it makes sense to try and trade Backs and resign Harding as a RFA.
For all the complaining by some, Johnsson is a servicable Top 4 defenseman. That said, if some team wants to trade us a mobile Top 4 d-man that plays with more of an edge for him, lets go.
The Wild need to sign 2-3 NHL caliber defensemen for next season. Preferably mobile and gritty defensive defensemen who can cover for Burns and Zidlicky as they push the offense.
Cuma missed most of this season due to injury. If he is signed, he should spend the season in Houston next year.
If Gillies can’t find a top 9 role with the Wild next season, he should be in Houston playing top 6 minutes every game.
If some team wants to give the Wild a top 6 forward (center) for Sheppard and/or Bouchard, again lets go.
Lucky: There are so many busts on that Hockey’s Future list you reference, I thought I was looking at ‘A Night at the Museum III’. Not a great draft, eh?
Thanks, DR. Great scouting that summer, there, buddy…
Should they call the leg of the upcoming Wild Road Tour with Boogaard and John Scott the ‘Once and Future Enforcers’ tour? I hope they really have a s-t-r-e-t-c-h limo for that group…
Buffalo’s War Memorial Auditorium — a.k.a. ‘The Aud’ — finally is torn down.
Scott is a fringe 7th defenseman on his best day. It would nice to have an ‘enforcer’ that could actually contribute something besides being a big body. I hope that his recent contract wasn’t a one-way deal. If Scott is taking a regular shift next season the Wild are probably in the running for Taylor Hall or whoever the 2010 entry draft hot prospect will end up being.
scott can be a decent stay at home, 6th defensiveman….you have to pair him with some speed, and offensive skill (leopold/zidlicky/bergeron type)
we still need an enforcer type on the fourth line….hopefully one who can actually contribute here and there….
we rag on kimmy because of his horrible contract….if he was cheaper, there would be nothing bad to say….but he takes up far to much cap for his skill level (and we have beaten this horse to death 6 months ago!)
and we have beaten this horse to death 6 months ago!
Um, 2 years ago but who’s counting…(insert fossil fagola smiley face here)
OMG!! Darth Vadar does the voice over for the Deadwings pre-game video’s!!!
“Luke. You will throw the octopus.”
“Noooooooo……..”
It is a one way deal Boomer. Doesn’t mean he’s guaranteed to be up though.
Boogaard is worth every penny to this organization. He makes so much money for this team in merchandise alone. If they trade Boogs i wont have any interest in watching this team. This team is full of pu%$ies, and the only reason people go to these games is to see boogs. DONT TRADE BOOGS!
Boogs is not going anywhere. He is worth every penny they give him. He will be a lot better under a new coach that will use him like in 2005-06. It time to get more players with the heart he has. If boogs goes i will not go watch this team.
Fitz and Gantz. I am guessing one in the same. We dont allow that on the rant.
I doubt Boogs will go anywhere
C’mon Johnsson is horrible, unless you value the poke check, he always backs down from everything. When Fletch said we wouln’t cede the ice to our opponents Captain Kimberly’s got to be the first to go.
They’ve got Clutter to make the merch money for them now.
I remember last summer that one of the Wild on the road trip was not on the roster by the start of training camp.
Could Boogaard make it happen twice?
As I said earlier, if they would use Boogaard as the chief he//-raiser in front of the opponent’s net now ‘n’ then, he’d probably get a goal here and there. But his back problems are still a concern (sorry, Bandgeek.)
Thought it was more than one, WRT. I think both Fridge and Voros were on it last season.
[…] to shop Harding, Pouliot and Boogaard? Source : Russo
Longtime follower, first time poster…which may be because of the couple beers I had watching the Wings game!
Anyways, after checking out a list of upcoming UFA’s, does anyone think that Tanguay might be in Fletch’s plans? Granted his point totals have been falling and he was injured last year, but he one of the youngest UFAs and for the right price, he could be a steal.
I’m sorry but the only reason you go to Wild games is to see a 6′7 oaf pretend to play hockey for 3 minutes a night?
Ms. C: I looked it up on Wild.com, and you are indeed correct, that both Fedoruk and Voros were on the Road Tour last June. So, then, if Boogaard goes, it will make three (and, if Veilleux is not re-signed, that will make it four).
Maybe they should call it the ‘March to the End’ or something like that…
The next three weeks will definitely hold interest for Wild fans. Don’t forget, 48 hours after the Stanley Cup is awarded, the trade embargo is lifted…
Let’s remember the division and conference we’re in and the fact we get pushed around on a nightly basis and teams don’t fear taking penalties on us and having to face our Power play because our defensemen can’t keep the puck in the zone to sustain pressure in their ens even with the man advantage. How many players were put out with concussuions last year for us?
Bulldog: Enough Wild players were put out with concussions to even make MY head spin. At the end of the year last April, I think we had 4 players out with concussions at the same time.
Excuse me, my head is spinning…could be that blow to the head…
If they dont keep the boogeyman then why even watch this team. He just needs a new coach to put him in there and crash nets. I say 6 goals for the boogeyman this year.
Yeah I hope they give Boogey a chance to just park in front of the net and shove. He could be very effective there and barely got a chance last year.
Bulldog, you are right no one feared our PP. Whoops we were 9th out of 30 in the league–not bad. Another baseless accusation. We have enough legitimate issues let’s not imagine others because of your misconceptions. This is like the Bouchard was worthless in the playoffs claim until you actually check what he did when we were last in the playoffs.
Dude Boogaard anywhere near the net looks a lot like this…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQIvKD747GI
I would actually rather pay this guy league minimum.
Unfortunatly, alot of people here are right about Boogey. He IS becoming slower at making the checks, sloppy with the puck handling skills, has that re-curring back issue, but he has put alot of people in there place & has been a loyal player. So, it is a hard call but, if your looking at improving the team with the skills that are needed then, we should try to trade him.
I still think the coach will be Richards or one of the Wings assistants.
Shep and Hards are on the Road Tour too and both will possibly be shopped as well. If we lose a lot of players this year that are on the tour they may have trouble finding players to participate next year.
The best part of that list is that Stars goalie Matt Climie is on it but Backstrom and Harding are not.
How can you claim to be a hockey fan, and say the only reason you watch the game, is to watch a fading enforcer with a back problem who is overpaid….
I liked the boogey man a lot, but if can get some value for him, he is very expendable…..
there will be plenty of enforcer types available via f/a that are much cheaper….plus I personally would prefer a solid two way forward that happens to be a good fighter than a person who just fights….
on a side note, best buy’s dvd sales this week rule…..I am pretty jaded after seeing our sales on movies all of the time, but even I had to buy some dvd’s after I was done working. (12.99 for simpsons/family guy seasons!! Come on!!!!)
who schedules those road trips anyway?
do they just pick names out of a hat….do they ask the gm who has the least amount of job security? They might as well throw gaby on that road trip as welll
I’m sorry but I have to agree with Jordin 22, not to be confused with Jordan. The sheeple on this blogsite get very annoying and I can see his / her issue with kj. Teenies and Twenty somethings use smiley faces. Not 60 somethings. No offense intended to 60 somethings but really…
Go Wild! I heart the Boogieman
If you believe what you read, there is little chance that Hards will be shopped. It would, at the very least, nearly have to be a ‘blow-away’ offer. Sheppard may have a real chance now that a new, more ‘offense-minded’ system is to take place.
kgopher: Yeah, the Wild Road Tour may be taking on the qualities of a loaded hog transporter with all the possible soon-to-be former Wild on it this summer.
Picture yourself as the newly named GM of the Minnesota Wild. What is the first, and most important decision you will make as the new GM? This decision will greatly impact whether you have a succesful start in your new job and could even be a reason down the road as to whether you keep your job. What is that decision? Naming your first coach. It goes without saying, make the right pick, you increase your chances of success. Make the wrong pick, and you are one step closer to being out the door yourself. From everthing I’ve heard Fletcher narrowed his list of coaching candidates down rather quickly. He has 3 or 4 guys in mind who he wants. But in the last week not much has happened. Why is that? Fletcher says it’s because he has a lot on his plate right now. He wanted to meet all the front office personnel, etc, etc… O.K, I kinda buy that. But then I started thinking, doesn’t it make more sense that things have slowed down on the coaching front because one of Fletch’s top picks is still involved in the playoffs and he can’t do anything until that’s over? Fletchers got to be seriously considering Paul Maclean from Detroit, and until the playoffs are done, he can’t act on it. Otherwise why draw this thing out? Bring all the candidates in, interview them, mull it over for a couple days, name your coach. I think one of the two Wings assitants is higher on Flethers list than any of us know.
That was long winded. Sorry. And the spelling got worse the longer it went.
RET…I am inclined to agree with you.
Teenies and Twenty somethings use smiley faces. Not 60 somethings.
whateveryournameistoday…
60 something? You ever seen Keith Richards? He and I were in grade school together. I’d say I look pretty damn good standing next to him.
Woodcock….What was our record against LA and St.Louis last year. If we were is such good shape?
is Tuesday’s night game on VS?
Tuesday’s game is on NBC
aj: thanks. awesome.
Found this John Scott item on Randball
http://www.mininggazette.com/page/content.detail/id/505210.html?nav=5011
And a guilty pleasure: http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_12514431 scroll to the last question – ESPN’s ATH & Paige’s black board and quips.
crackers. moderating.
aj: thank you. great news.
John Scott item on the latest Randball post. Yes this newspaper.
And a guilty pleasure: http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_12514431 scroll to the last question – ESPN’s ATH & Paige’s black board and quips.
Finally, an active front office. Thank you, Mr. Leipold!
Thanks for the heads up on the John Scott article, M03.
RET, I was wondering about that too. If true, we could have a new coach on Wednesday.
Trades: Tough calls. Tough to say who will rise and who will fall under a new regime (coach). Obviously you’d want to keep the risers (not THE Riser - glad we got rid of him) and trade or allow the fallers to walk.
Some like Boogaard, it’s hard to picture him as a riser and there isn’t far to fall. I could see him having some success playing in front of the net, but he’d have to get there in a timely manner which might be a problem. I don’t see him cleaning up many rebounds or tipping many shots, but as a screen… It’s also hard to picture him on a bicycle BTW.
Backstrom and his NTC. Presumably he could be traded, but it would require his approval. So, possible but not likely.
“I keep hearing Josh Harding is the big piece they’ll be floating.”
The Flyers are still looking for a goaltender, as I pretend that the Ray Emery rumors are nothing more than agent-speak.
Yeah, I’m not loving the notion of Emery with the Flyers. He needs to go to Colorado where his drama can hold them down for another season or two.
ms. conduct, for a team with maturity issues (the Flyers), Emery is the last person they need to add to the locker room.
Indeed. Hell, for ANY team…
Though Biron always seemed like a weird fit there, though I like him a lot. I’m sure he’s great in the room though.
Marty is a class act all the way. Considered one of the nicest guys in the sport — and that’s saying a lot.
That being said, he has priced himself out of town with his contract demands (rumored to be 4 or 5 year at $5 million/yr.).
I also just heard that the Emery’s a done deal in Philly — just can’t be officially announced until July 1.
Lord, he’s not a $5mil goalie. 3.5 tops, doncha think? I don’t think he’s an A-list goalie in the league. B list… But I love the guy.
Hopefully Emery’s deal isn’t a long or expensive one. I like the Flyers and would like to see them do well.
Okay, if you want to get to know Kevin Constantine, listen to this. I love this guy. Please, Chuck, lemme keep him!
Philadelphia reporters are saying that it’s approx. a 1 year, $1.5 million deal for Emery.
The Flyers can still work out a deal for Harding.
I can’t imagine who would pay Biron $5 mill a year. I agree with you, ms.c, he’s not worth much more than 3.5 a year.
Oh and with the NTC with Backstrom, that doesn’t mean he can’t be traded. There are a few higher end teams that have goalie needs. All it would require for a trade to happen is that Backstrom agrees to it. If a Detroit or maybe a Washington were to step up, he might just like that idea.
I’m not saying that Backtrom is going anywhere, but the possibility is still there.
I like the Flyers and would like to see them do well.
That is blasphemous.
Oh and with the NTC with Backstrom, that doesn’t mean he can’t be traded.
Lawyers on here correct me if I am wrong… but wouldn’t that be a breach of contract? Especially since it is a written NTC?
Austin,
I’m not a lawyer, but if the player agrees to waive the clause, it’s not a breach of contract. I believe, legally, that the team then amends the contract and it has to be re-signed.
Sorry, ATX. I don’t quite understand it myself, other than my affinity for Hextall.
And yeah, if Backy agrees to waive his NTC, he can. I don’t see that happening though.
Oh yeah, if the player agrees then it’s cool. I must have missed that part of the discussion. I still don’t think Backs should be traded regardless. I think we overpaid slightly for him, but he is damn good.
I wonder if Fletcher would have any interest in re-obtaining The Fridge via a trade. I don’t have his stats handy from last season in PHX / soon-to-be-Hamilton, but I think he had at least a decent year on an arguably only so-so team. IIRC, he didn’t really want to leave here in the first place, but he wanted more than a one-year deal and that’s all that Smug was willing to offer him. While he’s not feared like Boogey in the “enforcer” department, he can mix it up if need be and he is a much better all-around hockey player than the Boogeyman. Hummmmm…….
RET: How was the head feeling on Sunday morning? Sorry we bolted so fast there at the end, but ya gotta grab those cabs right when they show up or you can end up standing on the corner freezing your arse off ’til the next one appears. That was a blast, and it looked like a good time was had by all.
nom nom foodz.
Bulldog,
You said the following:
“Let’s remember the division and conference we’re in and the fact we get pushed around on a nightly basis and teams don’t fear taking penalties on us and having to face our Power play because our defensemen can’t keep the puck in the zone”.
I pointed out that our PP was 9th in the NHL out of 30 teams whereas Canucks were 17th, Flames-21st, Oilers–22nd and Avs-25th. So, our PP actually was pretty good. And, if you look at number of PP opportunites we had fewer than most teams in the West except Ducks, Avs and BJ’s. So, our record can’t really be attributable to the contention that teams didn’t fear our PP so committed more penalties on us. The facts clearly refute that.
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