Lemaire takes job; Minnesotans to come into Thompson’s home, and Thompson into Minnesotans home; Coaching search progress
Posted on June 11th, 2009 – 8:30 PMBy Michael Russo
So my phone rings this afternoon, I look at the caller id and it says, “Jacques Lemaire.”
I answered and Mssr. Lemaire proceeded to have a little fun with yours truly.
“Michael,” in that unmistakeable voice, “I got a job. I’m working again. I’ve got a scoop for you.”
Excitedly, I say, “Oh yeah,” while I quickly open my blog admin so I can literally publish what he says as he says it.
“Yeah, listen,” Lemaire said.
And all of a sudden, I hear unbelievably loudly, “Vrmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.”
I go, “What the hell was that?” He goes, “A bench saw. I’m building a basement closet,” before he HYSTERICALLY started laughing.
Evil. Just evil.
I thought I got the New Jersey Devils scoop and this guy’s “been put to work by my wife.”
Then Lemaire gave his trademark, “Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!” knowing that he got me.
I said, “Jacques, you better be careful. You already broke your elbow and shoulder this year.”
He said, “I’m watching my fingers. I won’t be able to shoot without them.”
I said, “How’s it possible to build a basement closet in Florida? I lived in Florida. You’re going to hit the ocean.”
He goes, “I’m in Montreal. If I was doing this in Florida, it’d be an entrance.”
Have I mentioned Lemaire will be missed?
Lemaire was giving me a ring back from a few days ago when I called him about five minutes after Devils coach Brent Sutter quit.
Asked if he’s returning to the Devils as coach (he coached them from 93-98 and won a Cup there in 95), Lemaire said, “I can’t talk about that. There’s nothing done yet. There’s nothing that I can talk about right now.”
I told him I bet Brian Rolston wishes he comes there and Lemaire laughed and said, “Problem is he’s not the guy that decides.”
There’s no doubt though that Lemaire is interested in going back. He said he realized during the playoffs that instead of just taking any consulting job that came down the pike, maybe he does still want to coach in the right situation.
“That’s the thing I haven’t decided. After the season, I thought I was going consultant so I can be with the kids and the grandkids. But as I mentioned at that time, I’m not closing the door on coaching. I’ll look at the two options, and if I’m going to be busy, I’m going to be busy. So maybe I want to coach. We’ll see.”
The only other coaching job out there right now besides New Jersey and Minnesota is Calgary, and he’s not going to Calgary.
If Lou Lamoriello calls Lemaire and the fit’s right, I bet he goes. Otherwise, he’ll take one of the consulting jobs.
He said he plans to come to stop by the Draft in Montreal “even if there’s nothing done, and then the Montreal press can speculate again. The day Jacques Martin was hired here, a radio station did a poll, who’d you rather have, Jacques Martin or Jacques Lemaire. Imagine that? Imagine that? Poor guy.”
Onward –
The Wild currently has the 12th overall pick (I bet they move down to try to gain more picks) in the June 26 Draft and assistant General Manager Tommy Thompson plans to bring five or six possible draft picks into Minnesota for tours of Xcel Energy Center and examinations by team orthopedist Joel Boyd. I’ll write more about this as the Draft approaches.
Three won’t have to come far though because they’re local – University of Minnesota’s Jordan Schroeder, Eden Prairie’s Nick Leddy and Edina’s Zach Budish.
“I’ve also invited myself into their homes for visits with their families,” Thompson said. “I’m not trying to make a moral judgment, but I want to see their personalities and their relationships with the parents.
“We don’t want any surprises.”
Also, I chatted with Chuck Fletcher for awhile today. He’s made significant progress in the coaching search, but he said he still has more work to do through the weekend and early next week. He said he’s not done interviewing candidates, and I think Red Wings assistant Paul MacLean will be one and it wouldn’t shock me if he called fired Dallas coach Dave Tippett, whose wife is from Minnesota and lives near Detroit Lakes. As I mentioned, Peter Laviolette is a top candidate.
But at the end of the day, I really believe it’s still going to be San Jose assistant Todd Richards. The more people I talk to about Richards, the better things I hear. He’s a very respected coach.
215 Responses to "Lemaire takes job; Minnesotans to come into Thompson’s home, and Thompson into Minnesotans home; Coaching search progress"
Thanks for the update, Russo. It pays to keep checking back here.
I don’t care what anyone says, I’m gonna miss the guy. He did the best that anyone could have done with what he had to work with.
Trade down? How far are we talking?
Just when I thought we weren’t going to get an update today…
Russo you are the king!
Ah Chuck… I don’t know if you know this, but we don’t exactly have a good history on draft day. Me thinks leaving “Tommy” in charge is a bad idea.
Lucky, the Wild has about 16 players on their list that they think will be top, top players. If it gets to 12 and six or seven guys are still left on that list, Chuck would probably try to move down a few slots if it meant getting a second-round pick or something. The Wild has had one second- and third-round pick the last three years including this year. This is why the Wild lacks so many assets. Chuck recognizes this and wants to figure out a way to put an influx of players into the system. I’ll write a lot more about this Draft week.
If you could get, say, Budish and yet another 2nd-3rd round pick by trading down, would you do it?
It might just be worth a shot, IMO. I don’t know as much about Leddy, and Schroeder has this ‘rodent’ thing on his resume…
If he does trade down, he may be villified…or pilloried, depending on your point of view…
Good to hear JL is enjoying life in Montreal. Building a closet for the grandkids, eh? Nice…
Brainfreeze is correct. JL did as much as he could with what he had. Problem is, with DR ‘managing expectations’ he never had enough…
Wow, I wasn’t expecting such a large wish list for Minnesota. Sounds like the draft really is all that it’s hyped up to be.
Here’s to hoping we can find some Risebrough’s itching to move up.
Maybe he plays a lot of pick-up hockey with the kids/grandkids, but I can’t imagine needing to shot when your job title is consultant. My money is on JL landing in NJ. Is Parise going to be a victim of “the system?”
WRT, I believe Zach Budish is a Gopher recruit, so it’s on his resume as well.
Budish has yet to put on a Gopher uniform. There’s still hope.
If Parise is a victim of ‘the system’, he could come back here in a few years and escape it.
So by visiting the players homes they’re trying to avoid another AJ Thelen?
Doesn’t JL own a construction company? The guy is 63 years old with more money than god and he’s in the basement dickin’ around with his table saw. How can you not love a guy like that?
And taking the time out of his day to call back a beat reporter that he has no obligation to at all.
WRT, your only hope might be that he doesn’t recover from that torn ACL. NHL.com’s scouting report on him says, “Despite his injury he is expected to attend the University of Minnesota in the fall of 2009.”
+2 stoned… I always thought Lemaire was a class act. Nice to see a lighter side of him too.
This draft is considered pretty deep, but like most drafts there is a drop off after the top 5. If Fletcher has a certain group of players that he has graded pretty equally, it makes total sense to trade down and acquire more picks so long as one stays on the draft board.
Hockeybuzz is a waste which makes me wonder why Andy Strickland is on that site. His reporting seems totally out of place to the random trade rumors and other junk that site posts. Today’s Strickland update on Heatley is interesting and hits on Russo’s point that Heatley has now basically quit on two teams. http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Andy-Strickland/Heatley-To-LA-Plus-Rink-Rats/5/21527
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
I think TT does home visits to get a better sense of the players. How is their family life? Are they going to be supportive of the player? Maybe how they treat their parents might be an indicator of how they will react to coaches. I don’t know.
I remember reading that TT met with Gaborik’s parents. Around this time last year, there was talk that TT or DR met with Aaron Ness’ parents. So its not out of the realm of possibility that TT has met with potential draftees’ parents in past and current drafts.
Greetings Russoville! I thought I could add something to the conversation now and again because I’ve been reading and playing hockey since age 3.
WRT - I believe Leddy is also a Gopher recruit.
As I said, I don’t know much about Leddy. As for the other two, well, maybe Lucia won’t ruin them permanently. Short-term, however, is a whole ‘nother matter. Granted, it is only JMO, but…
Anyone have MR’s email address?
If by MR you mean Mike Russo, find any story (not the blog) written by him. At the top just under the headline will be his name. Click on his name and you’ll get his bio and viola, there’s his e-mail addy!
I’ve got no problem with trading down if’n it’s likely we’ll still get a player we want AND we pick up another pick in a later round. I suppose the chance of that happening depends on how far we’d be trading down. 1 or 2 spots likely wouldn’t return much. It all depends on how badly the other team wants the spot too.
I’m excited. The CUP will be raised tonight. It is certain!
trading down doesn’t bother me. the wild need help but houston needs more help than a 12th round pick can provide the big club.
better than trading our next 2nd round pick, whenever that is, to move up 2 spaces…
hey kj: you guys have a gig this weekend, dontcha?
When and where man?
(there - now you can’t be blamed for being solicitous)
trading down doesn’t bother me. the wild need help but houston needs more help than a 12th round pick can provide the big club.
+1…well said.
C’mon Green*…if that player you just have to have is the slot before you pick, you give out another business card…er…draft pick.
I think gathering draft picks is Fletcher’s 3rd priority…behind getting a coach and trying to re-sign Gaborik.
This is really scary. Like someone else wrote recently, Fletcher is the ‘bizarro Risebrough’. Almost a complete 180 degree shift in how to do business. It’s a great time to be a Wild fan. There’s more optimism now than in 2000, IMHO. But, we all know how totally worthless that is.
A big gig tonight for the Pens and Wings. A smaller gig for me tomorrow night. Check us out if you’re near East Bethel.
I’m excited. The CUP will be raised tonight. It is certain!
Like kj, you have foreseen it 
Wow NiNY…talk about a cosmic collision.
Tomorrow night. (6/13)
Route 65 Pub. (hwy 65 north)
East Bethel. (not to be confused with North or West Bethel)
8:30-12:30 (early start for all us old people)
Just because Tippett lives in Minnesota, he becomes a candidate? What is the obsession w/ local? Richards too…..Why must there be a “connection”. This town is so provincial.
Wade, I think that angle gets played more in the sense that Tippett, and family, might have interest in moving to the area because of his wife being from MN. The Wild would have possible interest, at least in a conversation, because Tippett has been a very successful coach in a very tough division.
Also, when there are local connections, all news outlets at least mention those connections as an “interest” piece for the readers.
Careful wade, don’t want to anger MKIA/Beaver/GOW/Cynthia Rodriguez the 3rd/etc.
I am cheering for Pittsburgh to spite Hossa.
Anyone who is adverse to Matt Cooke’s name being on the Cup, I’m sure you’d find at least 15-20 names on it that are just as bad or worse.
Dang you Green* you stole my ‘give away a draft pick to trade up one spot’ thunder.
Woo! Happy Cupday, btches! Go Pens!
My perfect draft day scenario is for Fletch to trade down a few spots for a second round pick, got a “pizazzy” goal scorer in round 1 and a GOALIE in round 2. Doesn’t look like a very deep goalie draft, so they need to pick high.
Then again, that whole “pizazz” look they’re aiming for is gheyer than smilies in my book. I mean really… pizazz? That’s your draft objective? PIZAZZ?? Augh. I’d have fired TT on the spot if he came to me with that.
Russo,
I’ve always noticed how much fun Jacques had and how hilarious he really was. He seemed to always bring his humor to serious situations. I suppose after 40 some years of being in the biz there isn’t a question he hasn’t answered or heard multiple times. Watching all his press conferences and practice interviews he could set up interviewers with that stone faced expression and leave the room in tears with that wicked grin. He seemed to get Falness alot. Anyways, you said his humor will surely be missed, and I can only imagine the times we never got to see or hear of.
My other question was regarding the scouting staff with the Wild. I know Chucky will complete his due diligence, but have you gotten any indication as to what philosophical and or personnel changes will be made. Do you think he will agree with the views of Mr. Lapointe and Mr. Mackasey? I’m assuming Branislav Gaborik will not be on the payroll next year?
Thanks for your time, and your tremendous abilities. As Jacques would say “your game is at your best”
Anyone who is adverse to Matt Cooke’s name being on the Cup, I’m sure you’d find at least 15-20 names on it that are just as bad or worse.
this could be true but it doesn’t justify etching COOKE on the cup. not to me.
so, while it makes me puke…go wings.
Three won’t have to come far though because they’re local
Oh yay! MN Boys on the Wild!? That would make a bunch of the moro… I mean people… around here real happy.
IMO, I don’t know if Tippett coaches the style of hockey that Fletcher wants. Now maybe that’s because there has been a couple articles on Laviolette and his style of coaching, but I don’t recall the Stars having a particularly flashy style of play. Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong though!
and, i’m not sure if i’m ready for 15 minutes of every hour of programming on the NHL network along with versus/NBC telecasts, to be STK skating the cup.
yes he is good
yes he deserves to win a cup like anyone else
yes he doesn’t have a whole lot to do with how the NHL spams us with his image
i’m just not ready for it
G* at 9:01
BIG +1 on that.
Ms.C, a goalie in the 2nd round? Really, do we need that or is it your fondness for goalies showing through? I’ve always thought we’ve been pretty well positioned in the goalie department.
I don’t believe that Fletcher ever stated “flashy” as an objective. Aggressive and uptempo yes, but I haven’t heard flashy. I don’t think Tippett will be the coach. But, he’s a guy that you at least talk with. A good GM will learn about styles of play and even maybe some outside views of his own team from talking with good veteran coaches. That is probably why Mac T got a conversation.
Austin… local connections sells local news. You’ll just have to learn to live with that. Those three prospects get modest amounts of local news as they are “area” kids who are getting top-level interest from pro hockey teams. Regardless of whether the Wild sign them, and I don’t think there is any real local push that the Wild do sign any of them if they aren’t BPA, outside of our few known exceptions.
Local pro sports team meets with local hockey players = local news interest. Deal.
Goody, I imagine that if we do indeed deal Harding this off season, we are a little short of actual young prospects in the organization. I don’t know that that is as big of a deal as… well a general lack of top prospects in the organization.
I’ll miss Jacques. I think the trap was a necessity given the lack of talent provided by DR.
I get that Jake. I am just saying all the dumbasses that are constantly flapping their yappers about needing more MN guys on the Wild will be happy. I don’t give a crap where a guy is from, I just want the best possible players on the team.
Great stuff this week Russo. I appreciate the insight.
ATX - I’m with you on the MN player thing. Personally, who cares where they are from as long as they can play. I’m however starting to realize that there are a lot of people this really matters to. A friend (and STH) actually picked up a new seat next their regular seats because the woman that used to hold them was feed up with the lack of MN players on the team she could cheer for.
Russo,
If JL doesn’t land the NJ job, could you let him know I have a basement I would like remodeled?
A friend (and STH) actually picked up a new seat next their regular seats because the woman that used to hold them was feed up with the lack of MN players on the team she could cheer for.
Who does that? Seriously… that is ridiculous.
Goody, no, we’re not well positioned for goalies. We have Brust (who isn’t really a prospect, as much as I adore him and want him to be the next Patrick Roy) and Khudobin, who has major stuff to work on before he’s even a suitable AHL goalie, but is special (in a good way but maybe not in an NHL way).
That’s it. There’s a big dude in Finland but he’s not doing much and I don’t anticipate the team signing him or bringing him over.
So, there’s really nothing in the pipeline. Most good teams have “the next goalie” in their pipeline and the Wild simply don’t. IMO if they don’t get someone in the pipeline this year, the road ahead is bleak unless they intend to trade for someone.
I’m however starting to realize that there are a lot of people this really matters to
I think this phenomenon started with the woog years at the Twin Cities campus. He managed expectations by pounding home they only had minnesota boys on the squad.
Maybe some people should stick to college hockey up there if they need local boys to cheer for.
This is not a strictly Minnesota phenomenon. Most fans from around the country would like to see “local” athletes compete for their respective teams.
However, most of us realize that for professional sports it would be a nicety for sure, but not a necessity. The key for pro sports is winning the championship and to do that you have to have the best mix of players, regardless of where they are from (except for France).
MsC,
We need so much help at every position… I wouldn’t care if the 2nd round pick was a forward, defenseman or goalie. JUST STOP TOSSING THEM AROUND LIKE PIECES OF CANDY!!!
Come on guys we need to draft Minnesota players so little Timmy has someone to look up to. You do care about Timmy don’t you?
who’s timmy?
Actually the MN stuff with the Gophers started with Mariucci because at that time it was deemed that only Canadians could play hockey. So he decided to focus on MN’s to prove that US players could play. That contineud for many years with certain exceptions,e.g., Pietrangelo, Blue, etc.
I don’t think most Wild fans care although of course most would enjoy having a local on the team.
This is not a strictly Minnesota phenomenon. Most fans from around the country would like to see “local” athletes compete for their respective teams.
IMO if you are a true fan of the team you would just want what is best for the team. It shouldn’t matter if they are local or not. I do agree it can be a nice treat to have someone local on the team…. but there are these yahoos out here that want a MN player on the team just for the sake of having a MN born player. They would take Mediocre MN Born Player A, over Solid CT Born Player B, just because Player A is from MN. That to me is DUMB. This is not high school… it’s professional sports. It’s work. Use the best tools to get the job done regardless of where the tool is made.
Screw Timmy. He takes up too much space at the dinner table.
“who’s timmy?”
Timmy’s the kid from South Park. TIMMY!!!
Bisker… that would be TIMMAH!
Timmy can go play in traffic.
I would have an issue with picking a defenseman high this year, Lucky. They did a good job of that last year. Time to deal with forward and goalie. Agreed though, we do need lots of help. But I’ve lived through a season without any help in Houston and it’s scarred me for life, so I get jumpy when things look thin in that regard. Recall at one point this season, the only two healthy goalies in the system were Harding and Khudobin…. YIKES for both teams.
AustinTXwildfan,
Screw you guys, I’m goin home!
Timmy’s family moved here from Oklahoma a few years ago, his dad’s a drunk & his mom’s cattin’ around with 3 or 4 different dudes in town. timmy is screwed with or without a home-grown player on the team.
While I love the novelty of having a Minnesota boy on the team…lets win the cup, or at least get closer to it, eh!?
The guys who come from far away but “adopt” the twin cities are loved just as much (or more if they’re game-makers)
The guys who come from far away but “adopt” the twin cities are loved just as much (or more if they’re game-makers)
+1
Exactly, just like Marion Gab…oh wait.
Sorry, it’s Friday and I’m feelin kinda squirrely.
http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/106275-panthers-talking-to-ex-wild-gm
Wouldnt that be funny!
The only Minnesotan I would like to see play for the Wild is me.
And since I know that ain’t gonna happen, I am perfectly happy with them trying to find the best players available - even if they’re from Qatar.
While I’m all for stocking up on prospects in the second round, keep in mind there is a good chance that they might not go straight to Houston. That is if they are in Canadian Juniors or College Hockey.
“even if they’re from Qatar”
That’s not entirely safe now days. Players have been electing to stay and play for the QHL.
Hey everyone, I’d like to point out than an average fan would rather have the wild draft a player they have followed since highschool and college over someone they have never heard of. Thats why the Minnesota connection is always brought up.
Jandy…I am sure no one in MN heard of a guy named Ovechkin before he was drafted.
Provincialism has no place in pro sports.
Do you not draft a hometown guy if he is the best available? That’s as bad as drafting a player just because he’s a hometown guy.
Jandy, but I hope the average fan wouldn’t suggest we sacrifice quality of player when taking a MN kid. I think it’s a nice little bonus and all, but if the average fan would rather have a MN kid when a better non-MN kid is available, then they really shouldn’t bother with professional sports (or major college sports, for that matter).
–an average fan would rather have the wild draft a player they have followed since highschool and college over someone they have never heard of.
I can see them in the beer leagues.
I’d like to point out than an average fan would rather have the wild draft a player they have followed since highschool and college over someone they have never heard of.
just like the other pro sports teams around here do
old
Average fans don’t count. They can go hang with Timmy on the freeway.
Gotta be EXTREME!!!!!
Sorry about the one word comment. It just seems that the whole Minnesota born player arguement is getting old. 99% of the posters on here think about it in a rational way, but as soon as one person says anything, everyone goes off. I would love to see a bunch of Minnesotans on the team, but more than that I want wins, and I’m pretty sure everyone else does too.
Just putting my two pennies in, you can throw them back at me if you like.
Average fans don’t count. They can go hang with Timmy on the freeway.
Gotta be EXTREME!!!!!
+1,000,000!!!! Now get me an effin Mountain Dew!!!
I agree Brainfreeze, it just seems like that topic comes up alot so I thought I’d give my two cents on why it does
Sorry about the one word comment. It just seems that the whole Minnesota born player arguement is getting old.
Yeah all that talk reminds me of the old saying: The only thing worse than beating a dead horse is betting on one.
why are we talking about “old” topics again (one could argue as long as there are two sides, it’s still an issue, but - whatever, again why are we bantering about old crap like Skoula’s worth(lessness) or the lack of home-grown talent on the Wild…
…because it’s friggin’ June & the current Wild have all gone home (albeit mostly away from the great state) and have been playing the links!
If they were still playing or even just knocked out last round, we’d have actual current events (like did you see how SkoolieQ screwed up in game 5! …sorry, I couldn’t resist) that pertained to what is/was happening.
Sigh–so do many other topics that we beat to death. At least DR is gone so can’t really overwork that topic but we do as we bemoan lack of draft picks and paucity of minor league tale–all of which sadly is true.
So should we expect to see Eero Elo on the team this year?
It’s June 12th and the Cup is still up for grabs.
We’ll have a coach within a week.
Fletcher hasn’t done anything wrong yet.
Smug is still unemployed.
Matt Cooke Sux
Hockey should be over in March or April. I am in favor of making the season shorter. It won’t happen… but I am for it.
I’ll give you May, ATX, but that’s as early as I’m willing to be done.
It jest feels wrong to be watching the SCF when it’s 100 degrees outside.
Well, to be fair…the ice isn’t out of most of the lakes in Canada yet… 
ATX - agreed watching the championship of the hottest game on ICE in June is really ridiculous.
While I don’t necessarily want a shorter season (like the owners/league would EVERY give up any games anyway), I have said for years they should just start the season sooner.
kj - that, and it certainly verifies Tex’s location…it sure as “H.E.double hockey sticks” has NOT been 100 degrees outside here in Minni!
I really hope that Hossa doesn’t win a Cup with Detroit, but it will be tough task for the Pen’s tonight.
I don’t care if a player from Mars was on the Wild-just win a CUP!
Of course that might be easier if we had more players like;
Zach Parise
Phil Kessel
Jamie Lagenbrunner
Peter Mueller
Blake Wheeler
Jasson Blake
David Backes
Thomas Vanek (I know, he’s not from MN)
or how about…
Keith Ballard
Paul Martin
Erik Johnson (just wait)
Jordan Leopold (when healthy)
“it certainly verifies Tex’s location…it sure as “H.E.double hockey sticks” has NOT been 100 degrees outside here in Minni!”
That is a very valid point.
Pronger to the Kings for Jack Johnson and a 1st. Fudge. I liked the Kings. Now they’re ruined.
Where is this trade info ms.c?
If the NHL’s revenue problems keep up, the shorter season crowd just might get there wish.
Fewer games in Sept may well mean a shorter schedule.
Playing for Lord Stanley’s Cup in June can bring poorer ice conditions in the warm weather climates-especially in those with more humid climates.
I used to live in Denver and the ice never seemed as good in late May whenever the Avs were making their runs. Seeing the D-Stars during this time as well, the ice didn’t seem particularly good either.
Go Pen’s!
Friend retweeted it from The Score in Toronto. http://twitter.com/The_Score
Nice scoop Ms.C! I think that is a good move for the Ducks. Kings first rounder should be pretty high too eh? I am too lazy to look it up.
Big mistake for the Kings, IMHO.
This doesn’t jive with how they have been rebuilding their squad.
Jack Johnson’s a future Norris winner. Bonger’s best days are in the rear-view mirror. And a 1st???
5Th overall
agreed oldtyme. Ducks pulled the wool over their eyes for sure. especially since it’s a 5th overall pick!! Thanks Jeff!
<Maybe the Wings do deserve to win. The wife jsut sent me this story. Man, living in Detroit must suck.
Michael - JL baited you so well! Isn’t this similiar to Walz’s hook of getting chased by an aligator? Awesome information and the fresh post certainly brightened the day. I didn’t think there would be a new entry until early next week. Thanks.
Yeah, I’m disappointed. There are still a few Ducks I dislike so they remain on the sh!t list, though slightly lower, as Pronger was the main one. But I can’t possibly like the Kings with Pronger. He’s right behind Darcy Tucker on my list of hated NHLers. *sigh*
Oh well, at least I’ll quit longing for one of those Kings thirds I love so much.
Still not seeing it confirmed anywhere else though, so I guess we’ll see how true it is.
Jordan Leopold (when healthy)
first time i’ve seen leopold and healthy in the same sentence.
I can see starting the season 2 or 3 weeks earlier but go any more than that and you are starting in august which is just as bad as finishing in june
ATX: how is the job? I am encouraged that some folks return to the ranks of the employed. Yeah, in some ways, maybe Detroit might need something good to happen. Not cheering one way or another, just sayin…
Today, the state sponsored job board had 9500 openings and 60000 posted resumes. So JL baiting Michael, the terrific compositon/written presentation of the situation was a most welcome divserion.
Just really looking forward to a great game tonight.
Grstr - cant’ agree with you on that point…
My wife is super-po’d cause I’m skipping a huge bonfire/party with a bunch of our friends to watch the game tonight.
I would easily grant her wishes if it meant I had to miss a preseason dic-a-round or an early season matchup.
With Niedermayer a UFA and Pronger in his last year that deal is hard to figure out.
What kind of friends throw a party away from a TV on a day like this? Sacrilege! Maybe you can catch them after the game?
We’re having a few people over. Ugh, that means I need to vacuum. Crap. Had planned on a nap instead. Anyway, one of them is a genuine Pittsburger, so it will be all Pens at our house.
Still nothing confirming Pronger via my usual outlets.
i don’t count pre-season
as a whole, there are more people watching, attending, simply paying attention to hockey at the beginning of the season. 30 teams are in action vs 2. i understand that it is the finals but a lot of people drop off when their local squad is not participating and I’m one of them. game 6 was the first cup final game i made a point to sit and watch and was still multi-tasking. tonight i’m playing baseball hoping for triple overtime.
i understand your point but would rather not see games in august.
M 03, the job is great so far! Thanks for asking! Working for Mickey Mouse is pretty sweet.
With Niedermayer a UFA and Pronger in his last year that deal is hard to figure out.
Maybe DR consulted on the deal?
jseski says:
June 12th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
kj - that, and it certainly verifies Tex’s location…it sure as “H.E.double hockey sticks” has NOT been 100 degrees outside here in Minni!
Except for April 19 when it hit 100 in Granite Falls…
Pronger - I need to be traded, the wife is PO’d, I was foolin around with another reporter, get me out of this town!
Ducks GM - Sure thing, you helped us get a Cup.
5 minutes later
Ducks GM - Chris, the deal’s done
Pronger - Great, where am I going, hopefully somewhere without community property laws.
Ducks GM - You’re going to LA.
Pronger - WTF, that’s like a county away.
Ducks GM - yeah, sucks to be you, good luck!
So, uh maybe I’m wrong, but I thought trading players wasn’t kosher until the day after the Cup was awarded. Am I wrong? Maybe that’s why Ms.C’s Pronger to the kings isn’t being reported?
Jack Johnson (or rather his Dad/agent) is supposed to be a cancer. If true, I can’t blame them for giving Johnson away. Now, the number 5 pick…that’s a bigger deal.
Well, now Rich Hammond is saying Lombardi is denying it. http://www.insidesocal.com/kings/2009/06/johnson-rumors.html
Would be happy to find out the Score got this wrong…
grstr - have to agree to disagree with you on this one.
I love playing ball, but I do my damndest to see all the final series games & have skipped lots of stuff in the past.
Too, bad last game was your first cup final, there has been some great hockey played (really this years playoffs as a whole, with noteable exceptions of course)
Ms.C - I know, I know, they’re heathens and momma told me I shouldn’t hang around friends like that, but…
Denials from Pronger and Murray now, too. Either they’re sitting on it until tomorrow or Steve Ludzik has some ’splainin to do.
- Maybe DR consulted on the deal?
- Cool Fletcher article - http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/stanleycup/Stanleycupfinal/story/2009/06/12/sp-fletcher-penguins-redwings.html - I will cheer for the boss’ old club tonight and because they are the underdog. That said, if the Wings are down a goal late I might cheer for OT even though I am dying for “next year” to be here already
I don’t care if a player from Mars was on the Wild-just win a CUP!
Of course that might be easier if we had more players like;
Zach Parise
Phil Kessel
Jamie Lagenbrunner
Peter Mueller
Blake Wheeler
Jasson Blake
David Backes
Thomas Vanek (I know, he’s not from MN)
or how about…
Keith Ballard
Paul Martin
Erik Johnson (just wait)
Jordan Leopold (when healthy)
So far only one of those players have won the cup.
Nice 6GS, though I can’t friggin’ believe the comments! It’s not like he was the coach or even the GM. His job was basically done there and I doubt he would have started with Minny until that was the case.
If the Kings do make this trade, can we pretty much cut them out of any trade rumors to come? I thought I remember Johnson being the cornerstone for any big trade rumors so far (Lecavalier, Heatley, etc)
Wow, the comments about Fletch after that article are crazy. They think he should be booed because he left the front office while the Pens were still in the playoffs.
I hope the Kings did agree to trade for Pronger. I don’t think anything can actually happen for 48 hours after game 7. I would imagine his cap hit would make it harder for them to throw big money at Gabby. The less teams with cap room to sign him, the better position we may be in to bring him back. I know it’s still a longshot he ends up back here, but I would think this would help. If my numbers are correct, LA would be taking on an additional 4 million in salary (Prongers 6 + million minus Johnsons 2+ million) putting their payroll number up to 44 million for 2009/10, which I think is about what the Wild have tied up for next year too.
The Wild actually look really good for cap space after this year. They should have plenty of cap space available to resign their two franchise players in Koivu and Burns, plus Backstrom, Bouchard, and Shultz are all tied up through these years. DR may have left us in tough shape for next year, but it sure looks like he left us in great shape after that.
Tied up for 2009/10 = 43,666,944
Tied up for 2010/11 = 27,016,111
Tied up for 2011/12 = 18,057,778 (Koivu’s contract expires)
Tied up for 2012/13 = 14,507,778 (Burns contract expires)
Wow, the comments about Fletch after that article are crazy.
Those guys must have missed Ray Shero campaigning for Fletcher to get a GM job. Plus, although the Pens would have liked to have been playing for the Cup at home in Game 6, forcing Game 7 against a juggernaut like the Red Wings is a pretty good spot to be in for the Pens I think.
GO PENS!!!
MPS15, The cap numbers alone don’t mean much. The number of players under contract in that cap number must also be considered. This off season the Wild need to add 5 or 6 players for about $10-12 million total. The 01/11 cap number of 27 million is commited to only 8 or so players. So the Wild need 12-13 players to fill out the roster for a total of 25-27 million or so. That could give Fletcher more flexibilty to shape the roster, but it doesn’t mean the Wild will have plenty cap room in the big picture.
@mnwild: Wild GM, Chuck Fletcher will be in Detroit and attending tonight’s Game 7 Stanley Cup Final between Pittsburgh and the Red Wings.
And no doubt interviewing coaching candidates tomorrow morning.
Those guys must have missed Ray Shero campaigning for Fletcher to get a GM job.
That’s because no one in PGH pays attention to Hockey… all they pay attention to are W’s. That is why I am in Go Wings mode. Well, that and Cooke.
Trying to catch up. :\
Seriously, the MN player topic is as dead as dead. That’s not the true issue, anyway: we obviously need more Japanese than Minnesotan.
I think the season doesen’t need to be shorter; it just needs to start soon so that it doesn’t end in mid-June. They can start a 4- or 5-year plan in which the start of each season shifts forward one week. That way, no one complains about a really short off-season all of a sudden.
Go Cup!
Go Pens! Screw Hossbag.
FWIW: If the Wild aren’t in it, it’s tough for me to care, even thought it’s the Cup-seeking mercenary (Hossa) vs. the despised, evil one (Matt Cooke).
Can we have a great game, and NOBODY win? (Uh, no.)
Let’s get this Cup awarded, and let the trading begin!
Yeah WRT…it is inevitible.
Someone will win tonight (or tomorrow).
Then we can start to talk about our season again!!!
Remember, no deals can be announced until 48 hours after the Cup is awarded…maybe that’s why they are holding off on the Pronger-for-Johnson announcement…or maybe Phil Anschutz tried to knock some common sense into the Kings’ Hockey Ops staff…
…or maybe Pronger’s wife is ’stepping in’ on his behalf…
…with a rolling pin!
To those of you sick of current topics:
How much intangible teaching and big-brother/teacher-ness did we lose with Rolston and particularly Carney?
I think of the wings and their long term success and can’t help but think how much Lidstrom learned from Chelios, Zetterberg from Lidstrom, Datsyuk from the whole Russian crew in the nineties, etc and how that pays off now. Throw in Shanahan, Paul Coffey, too. Chelios barely plays, but think of how beneficial that would be for their young D.
Burns with Carney - future Norris candidate
Burns without - invisible.
Maybe the wings are onto something when they hang onto their vets intsead of jettisoning them.
what do you hockey gurus think?
I think its hard to be a norris canidate as a forward
I don’t think we lost much with Rolston. We gained more from Nolan and Bruno.
Our problem is that we don’t have a really good center. Johnsson is good veteran for the defense.
SotB last night: +1. JL. what a guy. Having fun at Russo’s expense. Priceless!
I think the Pens are going to win it.
Wow - interesting Wild commercial
Red Wings Sux > Mattcookesux for now…!!!
or maybe MarianHossasux > MattCookesux?
Does Hossa go back to Pit next season?
First of all, congrats to Kevin in PA. I wanted the Pens to win for a few reasons - first, karma for Hossa; second, they touched the conference trophy, so I wanted that proved false; third, I hate for the same team to win every time (I like American Idol, not Whitney vs. Mariah every time). So woohoo for the Pens!
I knew the Pens would win when Puck Daddy reported that Blysma (sp?) ate his pre-game burrito.
Heather, I love you.
kj, whereever you are: I love you.
sunshine: I love you.
DarkHelmet: I love you.
Lucky: I love you.
oldtymehockey says:
I really hope that Hossa doesn’t win a Cup with Detroit
I don’t know who you are, oldtymehockey, but I love you.
I like how the detroilet fans stayed just to boo during the Cup presentation.
Kevin,
Huge congrats man. Be proud and enjoy.
Thanks, Lucky. Woo.
Congrats KiPA! Great game. Glad I got to see it. Amazing dive by Fleury at the end of the game…just floored me.
Thanks, Niveous. Fleury…just incredible tonight.
I think it’s Tippett and not one of Detroit’s assistants. Why does a great team like the Wild need to be the test market for an assistant—particularly if they only have 1-2 years of play. Besides, look at Detroit’s talent pool–pretty deep compared to us in Minnesota.
Tippett has not had a deep talent pool, but has played in the playoffs 5 of 6 years. Pretty good I’d say.
Way to go Pens!!
They weren’t booing the presentation, they were booing Bettman.
Way to go pens! Great to see Hossa NOT get his way!
Fleury had a great game last night. Although I didn’t like the slash dished out in the third period.
No love here for Pascal Dupuis getting the cup?
Great game, and Congrats Penguins!
oh yeah Suck it Trebeck! (I mean Hossa)
Is it draft time yet!! I need to see the changes for the Wild.
Congrats to the Pens. That is why you play the games. The better team doesn’t always win.
Anyone else dread the NHL kicking the STK hype up another notch.
After the dust settles, Brad Stuart may become Deadwing fans Skoula for his performance last night.
“Boomer says: After the dust settles, Brad Stuart may become Deadwing fans Skoula for his performance last night.”
No kidding. Awful gaffes by Stuart last night. It was the best catch the broadcast crew had during the game.
The mock pre-game speeches they had (to empty dressing rooms) was painful to watch. That’s the best NBC can do for the big game for all the marbles? Did they burn through every other angle and story during the playoffs?
Is Dupuis the first former Wild player to win the cup?
Congrats, KiPA.
Was it me, or did the Pens play a lot like the Wild in Game 7? Didn’t take too many chances, capitalized on Wings turnovers, great goaltending…. Hmm, thought that style was dead in this era.
“Boomer says: After the dust settles, Brad Stuart may become Deadwing fans Skoula for his performance last night.”
Ha, same thing went thru my mind last night…. somewhere in cyberspace there’s a Wings blog/message board just brutalizing Stuart.
KiPA: Congrats! They pulled through.
Kevin, I thought you were being sarcastic on my blog comments, but no, you really do love everyone today. I’m not sure what to do with Happy Kevin… LOL But I like it.
So what is everyones prediction for which day the Wild will announce the new coach this week ? I will say Friday just in time for the Weekend news
KiPA: awesome! Congratulations. Did you lose your voice from yelling, in a good way? Enjoy the bliss!
I saw in another column, the booing during the ceremony was directed more at Bettman than Geno & the Pens. Very cool to see Guerin hoist the cup.
I have two questions regarding the Pens cup championship.
1. Does Chuck Fletcher still get a ring even though he came to Minnesota?
2. Will Pens fans buy a replica cup and hand carve Hossa’s name in it and send it to him?
Frankly, I’m surprised at the lack of response to last night’s game. That contest was about as good as it gets…or will get, for that matter.
Congratulations to KiPA and the Pens. They really did earn it. That save at the end last night was the stuff of legend; will it be called ‘the shuffle’ in Pittsburgh sports lore?
Yes, as much as it pains me to see matt Cooke get his name on Lord Stanley, it almost gives me more pleasure to see the Cup-craving mercenary (Hossa) not get his name on it.
ASDV (Another Slovakian Dream Vanquished), Marian Hossa. ASDV.
Enjoy the ride, Kevin. It doesn’t come often. (Maybe some day, the Wild?)
Lucky: I think the rings are up to SuperMario and the Pens’ management.
I know what cup I’d by for Hossa to engrave his name in…but I can’t say it in a family-friendly blog entry!
(’nuff said.)
Re: the detroit fans last night: I think the fans were booing the commish at the beginning but they continued when the players skated with the Cup. The commish took his picture and bolted, from what I saw, the boos after that were directed at Pittsburgh, which is weak in my opinion. Helluva series. Good playoffs overall. Too bad the Wild weren’t in it…this year.
2. Will Pens fans buy a replica cup and hand carve Hossa’s name in it and send it to him?
You, sir, are AWESOME.
As for the Fletcher question, I don’t know. I know coaches/players who are with the team but are fired/traded in midseason don’t get anything. I’d imagine it’s the same with executives, but as WRT alluded to, the Pens can petition to have Fletcher’s name on the Cup, and presumably the same deal with the rings. Not sure if the NHL has any say on the actual rings part or if it’s all up to the team.
As for the booing, I initially thought they were booing us, but after looking back, I thought it was directed just at Bettman, an act that cannot be looked down upon in any arena. I can’t remember if there were boos after Bettman left, but if so, then oh well. They booed the Crosby injury and immediately began the “Crosby sucks” chant afterward, so it wouldn’t surprise me. But again, oh well.
Thanks to all (HD, sunshine, M03, WRT, Wallshot, maxpower, Dampland and anyone I missed.) Didn’t think it would happen this year.
No, I wasn’t being sarcastic, Ms. C. This was a rare, genuine happy day for me. We’ll see how long it lasts.
I thought read somewhere that Shero or someone said that Fletcher was going to get a ring and his named carved on the Cup.
KiPA…
I told you so.
Hossa and Gaborik discussions may happen on the rant I presume as we near free agency
And I wanted to believe you, kj, but I didn’t until the final horn sounded. We uh.. we all know how well your Forsberg prediction went…
Still. You were right this time, and I love you for it.
You just know Gaborik is going to be wearing the red and white next year.
Forsberg prediction? What Forsberg prediction???
We prognostimaticians must maintain a short memory.
Now, I’m wishing I would have had Green* put a C note down for me in a Vegas sportsbook.
Rodman…unless he takes a ginormous salary cut, they will not have the cap space.
Congrats to pitt……and to KiPA…..
wish I could have seen it, but I was stuck working…..
was hossa as invisible this game as he was in the series?
if so, I never want anyone to mention hossa again on this blog as a possible member of the wild….
for a guy who “wants the cup really bad” he had a tendency to disapear in big games the last couple of years. (then again you can also argue he was on two straight SC finals teams….)
if the kings make that trade, they are just brain dead…..johnson and a first?!?!?!?
stupid move if they make it….so what do the wild have that can get us johnson alone?
anything?
rodman…..carolina?
Hossa was a little better in Game 7. Last year he was one of the Pens’ best players in the final and throughout the playoffs. This year, his six goals were scored in only three games (2 in each of the first three Game 4s.) I have no explanation for why he disappeared in the postseason playing on Detroit.
ohh….I get it…..good guess rodman…
hc slavia praha…..never would have guessed that one…..
I guess the check republic is close to slovakia….
crap my facts are off again…..which one disapeared last year?
pit beats detroit in baseball (in pit), the SC trophy was on display. (sorry only saw about 5 seconds of the tv clip).
KiPA continues to live the dream!
The MAF shuffle the final seconds of game 7, absolutely amazing.
Less than 2 weeks until the draft!
Malkin had flu and/or an injury last year, but he’s the one who disappeared in the finals.
M 03: Pittsburgh currently owns Detroit. Beat the Tigers two out of three in baseball, won the Cup there, and the Steelers won a Super Bowl there (though they didn’t play the Lions, but still.)
ASDV, Hossa. ASDV.
Kevin: are you going to the parade tomorrow? (I hope you are)…
Kevin is a one man parade these days. It’s freaking me out. I bet he’s slapped at least 5 total strangers on the azz and shouted, “WOOOOOO GO PENS!!!!” this weekend.
I haven’t decided yet, WRT. Based on the mob that was present in the city streets Friday night, I’m less inclined to but I haven’t ruled it out.
Draft preview:
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/11269/wild2009_draft_preview/
Apparently the Wild prefers college-bound players. Who knew?
There was a lot in the HF article that I don’t agree with. Thought about being one of those a-hole bloggers who picks it apart, but I know how hard that crap is to write. Maybe I’ll find a nice way to do it.
I like the college boys but I hate waiting on them to go pro and be mine.
This radio silence is killing me right now. Has every hockey website/blog taken a little after the final? Its 48 hours after the Cup was awarded. You would think the rumors would at least start popping up. Do we have a coach yet?
Anticipation sucks
*a little break after the final*
Gunslinger: I like the original comment better…
Do we really know if the Wild like college-bound (or, college-aged) players? Or is it just what was there from the DR administration, in which case it may change with Fletcher at the helm? (That was even admitted in the HF article.)
Hopefully the offensive talent will improve thru the next month. A lot. Because it really needs to.
True that WRT, true that.
Well this is exciting.
Yep, basking in the afterglow of another failed season…
Did anyone see the Wild commercial during the finals?
I believe the time has come for Raising Expectations™
kj - I saw it.
Something to the effect of…
Graphic: “The Team of 18,000 wants to be playing in June”
Cut to CL: “We start today, measuring our success against one goal”
Cut to image of CL handing Fletch a jersey.
Graphic: “Sign up for 2009 season tickets…”
That one?
I noticed that KJ. It made me sit up and wonder… what’s going on?
I don’t quite get why there is all the Hossa hate. Besides Kevin, who is warranted, I am surprised. The man made a risky choice to balance his health on a chance to win the cup. He could have taken $9 million a year for a long-term in Edmonton. I think it was refreshing that a player chased the cup rather than the $.
I’m glad that Pittsburgh won, but it wasn’t that I was against Hossa. I just like the Penguins team.
I don’t know how they came up with that assertion, especially “less from the CHL.”
Last year, 2 CHL, 1 NCAA (Lorenz), 1 Europe.
2007: 4 CHL, 1 Europe
2006: 3 CHL (1st 3), 2 NCAA (Medvec and Hickey), 2 Europe
2005: 5 CHL, 1 NCAA (Aiello), 1 Europe
Schadenfreude, Jake. Beautiful schadenfreude.
Oh, don’t get me wrong, I’ve always thought that Hossa would have been better served deciding to stay on with Pittsburgh. It is fitting that he lost in finals for the second straight season. However, I still find it refreshing that he tried to chase the cup rather than the fat wallet.
My hope that Detroit lost the SC had nothing at all to do with Marian Hossa. It had mostly to do with not liking to see teams win it back to back.
back before last season, i recall being on a conference call with brunette and shep who were fielding questions on the upcoming season. brunette was asked about adjusting to the wild’s system. his response, IIRC, was something like, “won’t be much of an adjustment really, we all play the same system.”
fast forward to his rehab article i just read and he says this:
Last year, I felt I had to make a lot of adjustments in my game. In Colorado, it was night and day different from the system we played here. In some ways, it wasn’t beneficial individually for my game.
naive of me to think hockey players were not so “corporate”.
add me to the I don’t get the hossa hate bucket.
although i think the HOSSA = cup nonsense can end now.
since they had the red wings already etched on the cup, do you think they just put a big ‘X’ over it or replaced the band when Pittsburgh won?
I’ll jump in that bucket too. Sure, it sucks losing a good player to FA, but it isn’t as if he’d played there for 5 years and then quit on the team to chase the cup (or $$). He was traded there in the middle of last season. He played out a partial season (the remainder of his contract) and moved on just as he would have done had he played out the season in ATL.
Yeah, G*, I’m more and more convinced that the hockey player who says what he thinks is EXTREMELY rare. And I don’t see what would have been so bad about saying, “Yeah, it will be a bit of an adjustment for XYZ reasons, but that’s just part of moving to a new team.”
Nice, Ms.C. 
KiPA, belated congratulations.
So much for my pronostications: Sharks beating the Caps.
Should I reiterate once again that I accurately predicted the Pens over the Wings, Iceman???
Eeeeowwwwch.
I am sounding MKVN-like.
On the other hand, Bruno could’ve thought it wouldn’t be much of an adjustment since he’d played for Jacques before. Then he got here and started playing for Jacques version 2008.09 and discovered it was much different than the Jacques version 2003.04 that he remembered.
Remember back when the Wild would cycle in the offensive zone for it seemed like ages? Maybe Bruno was remembering that. I haven’t seen the Wild do that in quite some time.
I am certainly not STK’s biggest fan - I still think he’s too much of a whining baby for a player of his stature - but this flap over the handshake seems way overblown, if simply not made up altogether. Even I have a hard time thinking he was intentionally blowing of Lidstrom and the Wings. I think Draper and the Wings are the whiners here.
Remember back when the Wild would cycle in the offensive zone for it seemed like ages? Maybe Bruno was remembering that. I haven’t seen the Wild do that in quite some time.
That’s because PMB started cycling by himself just inside the blue line.
I wouldn’t say that I HATE Hossa but I will say I think it is hilarious that he snubbed the Penguins because he had a better chance to win a cup with the Wings. That’s some good irony.
I thought that Hockey’s Future write up was a bit of a head scratcher too. I don’t see the tendency to draft college players when we’ve only taken 1 in the first two rounds in our entire history. I don’t think Fletcher has taken a ton of college players as an assitant GM? Also the suggestion that we trade away the pick for immediate help makes even less sense. We’re bare of any top end prospects save for Cuma, it’s been confirmed directly from Chuck Fletcher that he loves having draft picks and this is considered a deep draft and we have a top 15 pick. Just makes ZERO sense.
Foooooooooood!
