Lemaire to coach first Olympics; Lots and lots of trade talk
Posted on June 24th, 2009 – 4:08 PMBy Michael Russo
Just wanted to jump on real quick, and I will write a fresher blog later on with more specifics, I promise.
But a lot’s going on here as far as trade talk. Basically, there’s a lot of players available falling into two major categories — teams are trying to unload marginal players with big salaries and teams are trying to unload top players whose contracts are up this year or next that warrant big raises but likely can’t be squeezed under the current team’s salary cap — especially if it goes down in future years.
I’ll throw names up later, and yes, the Wild is in on a lot of this.
Just got done talking with Chuck Fletcher, who attended his second Board of Governors meeting in history. He said he’s got so many names bouncing around his head, he needs to sit down, throw them around with the staff and “sort it out.”
As usual this time of year, there’s a lot more talk than action, and as Toronto GM Brian Burke said, “Many teams are being unreasonable” as far as asking prices. Fletcher said like it always does, he bets it comes right down to Friday’s Draft.
Most teams wait to the last second to get the very highest offer they can get. So essentially, somebody needs to get the ball rolling. Like the Gov. of California, I’ll be back.
As for other stuff, multiple sources told me this morning Mssr. Jacques Lemaire will be one of Mike Babcock’s assistants for Team Canada in the Olympics. The others are Lindy Ruff and Ken Hitchcock, both of whom I got to spend some time with today. Ruff, the Buffalo coach, used to be the Panthers’ assistant coach, and I reminded him that he’s been there so long, it was 1997 in the Marlins press box when I was writing he was leaving Florida to take the Buffalo job. He’s currently the NHL’s longest-tenured coach.
Anyways, Lemaire will be at tomorrow’s Team Canada presser.
Some funny sights today:
1) Hitchcock was waiting for Philly’s Ed Snider to grab a coffee. When Snider saw the horde of press waiting at the top of the staircase for the Board of Gov’s meeting to let loose, he faked a phone call until he found Hitch.
2) Len Barrie and Oren Koules, the two Tampa owners who are reportedly at each other’s throats one year after buying the team, walked up the stairs together clearly just for the cameras. They didn’t stop, however, then went off on their separate ways.
3) Tons of nervous prospects in the lobby waiting for initial interviews or re-interviews with teams. The Wild’s one of a handful of teams based in this current hotel, so you can bet a lot of them were to meet with Minnesota. Some included Omaha center Louis Leblanc, the Harvard bound talent, and Erie’s Ryan O’Reilly. This isn’t abnormal. Teams meet with several players at this late stage, so it definitely isn’t a sign of whom the Wild’s taking.
OK, like I said, I’ll be back later with more specifics after I do some more reporting.
212 Responses to "Lemaire to coach first Olympics; Lots and lots of trade talk"
Thanks Mike!
Are the Wild in on throwing out, or picking up, names? Or both?
can’t wait…..at this point it’s more of a matter of who is being traded from this team as apposed to if someone is being traded…..
wheeling and dealing from minny teams…..good times….good times
Just re-read that and realized it made absolutely no sense.
What I meant to say was:
You say that the Wild are in on a lot of the trade talk. Are they mainly trying to unload marginal talent, or pick up top players (or both)?
IMO If we keep the 12th pick, Ryan Ellis is our guy. Think of him as an MAB except with a hockey sense off the charts. He has had the most point production of any defenseman in his league since 1990 and thats even topping guys like Scott Niedermeyer who have had long successful careers in the nhl.
Good stuff, Russo. The fake phone call. Classic.
ATX, thank you for carrying the Clutterbuck cross while I was on a conference call and chatting with 3 people at once.
KiPA… bite me. 
First born and Ovie can bite me, too.
No Problem Ms.C. I have faith in Cluts and I really think he could be a 20 goal scorer.
Talk about “Miss one day, miss a lot!”
I feel so-o-o out of it right now…been trying to catch up to the rest of you all, been at work all day and no computer access…
Any talk in Montreal about who (if any) of the Habs’ nine UFA’s they will re-sign? (Of course, I’m thinking Koivu coming over to the Wild side…)
Looks like (with the JL announcement) if anyone else thought Canada’s Olympic team was going to be any different than the ‘08-09 Wild (or, possibly, the ‘09-10 Canucks) they had better think again!
Ms. C: They been pickin’ on y’all again? As i said, I’m way-y-y behind the rest of you today…
You know what I will pay top dollar to see? Gaborik signing in Vancouver only to have to be hit repeatedly by Clutterbuck 8 times a year.
… well maybe 2 times a year…
WRT, they’re trying to trade my Clutter. Making it sound like that would be an okay thing to do. Well, it’s not okay. I don’t like it. I don’t wanna hear it. I don’t wanna read it. I don’t even want anybody to think it. Shep and the rest of them can hang, but don’t touch my Clutter.
Gunslinger, POTD. That’s a really beautiful thought.
WRT: I’m way behind as well. No working internet at work today (which sucked donkey).
MsC, we will keep Cal if I have to tie him up and hide him in my basement. … Ok, that looks wrong even by my standards, which are pretty low at the moment. I’ve finally come to terms that my Precious… ummm… I mean…. Boogie may be traded. And that Hards and his cute sweaty curls is probably leaving us. But they can’t take Cal away too!!
Probably going to the Bash by my self tomorrow. The Mr’s leg is much better, but not good enough to stand in line as long as he would have to if he came with me. One part of me understands, but another part of me (that doesn’t want to stand in line alone) says suck it up gimpy.
Put me in the category of DO NOT WANT another D drafted with the top pick in the draft. Scoring, scoring, scoring, drive to the net, scoring!
Gillis was Demitra’s former agent. He has a new one now.
I also do not want Clutterbuck to be traded. He actually can put the biscuit in the basket, something a lot of ‘agitators’ cannot do (Cooke, Jarkko Ruutu, Carcillo) and will also stand up for himself and his teammates, something which we ALL know Cooke will never do.
BG: Too hot for me to do the Bash tomorrow. Otherwise, I’d go with you. Isn’t H going along?
WRT: H is on her way to St Louis to catch a Twins game.
Clutterbuck has one year behind him. I doubt he will be traded. The wild need to much and 1 year is not enough
Wow Bandgeek…we’ll be in St. Louis this weekend too. Maybe we’ll see H… 
BG: Hope H has a LOT of sunscreen. St. Louis at this time of year is hotter than Hades, and yes, it IS the humidity. And the heat…
kj: How’s the T-shirt from your friend down there? Still holding up? (I’d have had it framed, maybe…)
Cooke can score. He had 13 goals and about twice the points of Clutterbuck. Not that I’m endorsing him or anything, but he does actually have some skill in addition to being a prick.
HEY BOSTON….WE’LL TAKE PHIL KESSEL OFF YOUR HANDS….YOU KNOW YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO SIGN HIM!!!!
Being a prick doesn’t take skill? Pricks everywhere feel prickly about that remark, Wallshot.
I bet they heard you, Chris.
I reminded H to take sunscreen and drink lots of water. Her reply was, “Yes mother.”
Cooke’s a tool of the highest order.
Maybe I meant “in addition to the skill of being a prick”
WRT….I’ll ask her this weekend.
Gig on Friday then get up early and drive to St. Louis.
With the 6 and 5 year olds… 
I am in st. Louis right now and it’s like the surface of the sun. Amazingly I leave the day before the Twinkies arrive. Just my luck. I am eating one of Jack Bucks’s salads right now…guy can sure cook!
ill take kessel! it wont happen…..but I’ll take him!
(dreaming of finishers to play with butch……heatley….kessel…..kopitar…..iginla……….maybe I am starting to venture into only in your dreams land…)
my goodness…between the wolves and wild, by two days off will be spent lounging and waiting for trades to happen……gotta love the offseason!
Thank you, Wallshot, for saying what I hadn’t had a chance to say yet.
Cooke has consistently provided 10-15 goals a year throughout nine seasons. Clutterbuck had 11 goals in one season. What makes Clutterbuck’s offensive skill better than Cooke’s already? Cooke was also one-third of the Penguins’ best line during the Final.
And for God’s sake, people, I’m on record as saying don’t trade Clutterbuck. But if Bryan Murray was willing to trade Dany Heatley and one of the players he wanted in return was Clutterbuck, would you really want to turn down that deal because Clutterbuck’s included? Forget the baggage Heatley might bring. You really wouldn’t want a two-time 50-goal scorer because you’d rather keep Clutterbuck? Sure, Clutterbuck “might” become a 20-goal scorer, but Heatley scores more than that in a down year. You complain about never bringing in marquee talent, now you wouldn’t want one because you’d rather keep Clutterbuck?
(Also, hurray for joining the unemployment line.)
….NiNY……salads aren’t cooked….unless you count the meat…if there is meat….I personally am of the train of thought that a salad isn’t a salad if there is meat on it….
it is then a salad….with the main corse thrown on top….because people were too lazy to make a main corse!
excuse me….I need to cook a pizza!
you got canned kevin!?!?!
wtf….did they finaly catch you blogging at work?
if you need a part time job, check out your local best buy…..after all of the buyouts, there are a ton of openings (a good chunk of full timer slots too)
By the way, I think it was Argon? who last thread stated he felt St. Louis’ forwards were average. Not exactly. Andy McDonald was almost a point a game player last year, David Backes is one tough SOB who has twice the offensive firepower of Clutterbuck, Brad Boyes scored 40 goals two seasons ago and 30-some last year, T.J. Oshie’s a stud in the making, David Perron’s a nice playmaker and Patrik Berglund probably wasn’t too far off being a Calder finalist. St. Louis’ forwards > Minnesota’s overall.
Argon, it was either let me go or fold the paper outright. So. Out I went.
Out of the teams that come to mind as being more boring to watch than the Wild last year, St. Louis is right up there. Backes really filled into the toughy-guy-scorer role in the NHL. He was more of an offensive talent at MSU, from what I remember (which is often wrong).
You can stand in line next to me Kevin. Sucks to be us.
For4: I’d put Vancouver ahead of St. Louis, but I only really saw each team a handful of times at best. But when the Canucks came to town, I thought they were the Wild who stole Vancouver’s uniforms, except even more boring.
Sounds good, Bandgeek. And I promise I won’t bring up the subject of trading Clutterbuck or Boogaard.
Argon, your not in dreamland with Kessel. We’ll have the salary if Gabby leaves and Boston cannot afford to give him the payraise he is going to want so everyone is pointing at Kessel as the one who will be sent packing.
Thank you, Wallshot, for saying what I hadn’t had a chance to say yet.
Cooke has consistently provided 10-15 goals a year throughout nine seasons. Clutterbuck had 11 goals in one season. What makes Clutterbuck’s offensive skill better than Cooke’s already? Cooke was also one-third of the Penguins’ best line during the Final.
And for God’s sake, people, I’m on record as saying don’t trade Clutterbuck. But if Bryan Murray was willing to trade Dany Heatley and one of the players he wanted in return was Clutterbuck, would you really want to turn down that deal because Clutterbuck’s included? Forget the baggage Heatley might bring. You really wouldn’t want a two-time 50-goal scorer because you’d rather keep Clutterbuck? Sure, Clutterbuck “might” become a 20-goal scorer, but Heatley scores more than that in a down year. You complain about never bringing in marquee talent, now you wouldn’t want one because you’d rather keep Clutterbuck?
No problem, Kev. I remembered watching him in the Finals and throughout the playoffs in general, and I was actually impressed (and surprised) by his level of play and his discipline. I expected him to be the first taking stupid penalties, but I didn’t see it. Normally, I can’t stand the guy but I have to give credit when it’s due.
so Demitra went on some station in Vancouver and said basically in an interview that Gaborik has not bought a house in Vancouver? I love Gabby and I will root for him where ever he may go EXCEPT for Vancouver?
There were one or two incidents with Cooke that I can remember, otherwise yes, he was well disciplined this season. Hard for people here to believe, I know.
on the st. louis forwords….meh..
backes, Oshie, and mcdonald are all they have until further notice….(some of it is the fact that their forwards are slow…and I likes my speedy players!(bruno and nolan get a pass for now!))
at least the cunuckleheads have some fast players…I actually like kessler and raymond….but no one else…
unemployment sucks…..I say follow your heart……do what makes you happy….and if it doesn’t pay enough…do that plus another job….you don’t get benifets from having two part time jobs….but it looks solid on a resume….and at least some of the time you enjoy your work…
kessel would be an awesome fit for hockey purposes, and would shut MKVN and his cronies up as well…..win-win I say!
the problem is heatley is expensive enough…..kessel will probobly cost us more…..although….if they can’t sign tim thomas…..
You left Boyes off the list, Argon. Berglund should still be good, but you have a point, he’ll need to show he can do it year to year and not have a sophomore slump. Perron doubled his rookie total for points this season. If they’re slow…well I’ll defer to you, since you probably see them more. I’d take St. Louis’ group of forwards over the Wild’s though. We’ll see how their development goes.
Not sure what I’ll do on the job front. While I didn’t anticipate being let go, I’ve known it’d be a possibility for a while.
I thought Kessel is a cheesehead by birth, but chose to play at da u???
if they can’t sign tim thomas…..
Actually they already signed Thomas. Four years, $20 million.
One would think Kessel will be available. I don’t know what Boston will do. Maybe move Michael Ryder or Marco Sturm? I’d rather have Kessel over either of those guys.
Agreed on Vancouver being boring, Kevin. They definitely played a similar style to the Wild, even though they had more offensive talent.
Nick, apparently hockey players become MN players if they even smell the fresh MN air.
Well Boston has to move someone and Kessel is probably wanting 4-5 mil per which is going to be tough. So there is major speculation on whats going to happen but we’ll just have to wait and see what Boston is going to do. He would fit good on this team, and he shows more character than Heater. All this trade talk that Russo is mentioning has gotten me amped, anyone else?
Boston would be silly to give up Kessel. Anticipating the Mr. Obvious post that will surely follow; of course, they wouldn’t be silly “if the price is right.”
A healthy Gaborik and Luongo….game over
Chris: Can we afford to pay Kessel 5 mill? What are we going to have to give up to make a Kessel deal work? That seems like a stretch on so many levels.
well Boston can’t afford everyone. Would you rather give up a bunch of pieces or just one guy. Somebody big will be moved on that team.
Chris: I’m operating under the assumption that we are going to get a guy like Heatly. Thus, Kessel would be an extra 5 mill. If no Heat, no problem.
For4rest…Everyone on here wants Heatley at 7 mil and he’ll demand more in return. Kessel is cheaper and they wont want our whole team. It is not a stretch at all.
I never said he was a minnesotant…he was at the u though….and that is enough…..actually I do think leopold will be a wild player….so that would take care of that side of things…..didn’t see st. louis play much at all…..all I know is nhl 09 ratings, (mostly acurrate….but with the prerequisite big market bias…..) random games against the wild, a couple playoff games that actually made it to nbc, and sports writers across espn/local newspapers….
granted it isn’t the same as watching a lot of hockey in person (nothing is) but it was the best I could do given my monetary status.
“HEY BOSTON….WE’LL TAKE PHIL KESSEL OFF YOUR HANDS….YOU KNOW YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO SIGN HIM!!!!”
Please no. I have never like frumpy faced Phil Kessel. Seriously overrated.
I’m not Boston, so I don’t know what they prefer. I think Kessel does so much for that team that they would be silly to let him go.
well I doubt we’re going to get Heatley and have a better chance at solid players around 4-5 mill
chris…..that statement requires gabby and louongo to be healthy…….that should scare the pants off of vancouverians…..(is that a viable word?)
I haven’t seen the clear consensus of posters wanting Heat. I think it’s more against a deal, especially at 7 mill.
What are we going to have to give up to make a Kessel deal work?
http://www.nhlscap.com/faq.htm
Scroll to the bottom of that page. Draft picks dependent on how big the offer sheet is.
overratted? The guy scored 60 points last year and is improving folds every year. The kid is going to be a star.
unless we can put 2nd round picks from next year in, the only way we can sign him is to ink him for 6.5 a year…..and 4 first round picks….
um….I think I’ll pass on the rfa side of things….
Bottom line for me: I’m glad the Wild have eyes for players in the caliber of Heatley. I think we’ll make a decent splash this year.
Mark me down as in the camp of “if Leopold wasn’t from Minny no one would want him on the Wild.”
I think the consensus is heatley the player is awesome……the question is charachter…..not talent…..
the 7 mil mark isn’t a horrible price….because heater is good…..most on here are concerned (and rightfully so) about his personality.
I’d rather the Wild go after a guy like Cammelleri than Kessel. Unless we’re re-re-re-re-re-re-re-visiting the MN ties BS.
I’m with you Nick. He’s overrated. Way better D out there to be had.
nick…he was a captain for a chapionship team…..that has to count for something
(doubters then counter with “but wasn’t that championship game on his “home ice?”)
he would be a 5th 6th d-man at best at a 1.5 mil or under cap hit….any more, and we should find an different route for our d core.
Argon: no worries..you’re my boy (blue)…I agree on Heater…
For4: I agree on Cammi
kessel is a better offensive force that cammy….but I do like cammy a lot as well…. (kessel is also younger)
kessel would be a salary dump, he wont command as much as you think and there is no way it would be for 6.5 mil per. He isn’t worth that much…yet
We can draft D with our 12th pick, Ryan Ellis is supposed to be a diamond in the rough
I’d be ecstatic if heatley, kessel, or cammy ended up on this team……and quite frankly if two or three of them ended up on the team my head would explode from the pure joy of it…..
just don’t read that last scentence with your mind in the gutter….
Chris, it may not be what Kessel demands that is the issue. The CBA will certainly be an issue though.
Kessel is not going anywhere. He is part of the core in Boston. They will most assuredly trade or waive one of their older players if necessary to afford Kessel.
I said before (two threads ago) nd ‘ll still say it: Heatley carries more baggage with him than an Airbus A380. No way do the Wild want Heatley here.
Cammallieri? They’d be crazy not to go after him. Great complimentary player to someone who doesn’t want to get dirty in the corners (Belanger) or to finish off after skating the defense silly (PMB).
Kessel? He may not want to play here. If not Boston, then maybe… Rangers?
I’d like to have some of them but I just don’t want to go overboard with it. Whatever is best for the team. We wont know any of the specifics of what those teams are looking for or how much the players want. Im looking at affordable guys like Sami Pahlsson, he’s always seemed like a solid player to me
(Also, hurray for joining the unemployment line.)
Damn dude. Good luck with that. Hopefully you bounce back quickly.
KiPA: Sorry about you job loss. Hopefully something better will come out of it. If everything else gets you down, just plop in Game 7 and smile.
Oh yeah, and Kessel is RFA, so I would suspect that Boston could keep his salary under control via arbitration or a one-year deal if necessary.
Are you giving up on Kessel, Chris? I hope so. I agree with Wallshot. He’s not going anywhere. And, hes RFA status, so it would be costly to the Wild’s future.
Aargon, if numbers don’t lie, Cammelleri is more of a force than Kessel.
Maybe you guys are just more sensitive to players with baggage after having dealt with Gaborik, but I wonder if Heatley’s perceived baggage might be overplayed a little. Maybe someone can refresh my memory, but if he wanted out of Atlanta because of the car wreck thing, then I can’t really blame him. I don’t remember if there was anything else going on, so anyone feel free to remind me if so.
As for wanting to leave Ottawa, well, disagreeing with one’s coach and his philosophy happens everywhere. You think the Penguins players being unhappy with Michel Therrien had no bearing on his firing?
I’d be a little wary of Heatley, sure, I’m not saying he’s perfect. And again, I understand Minnesotans’ anxiety. But if Bryan Murray asks Heatley to waive his NTC for Minnesota, and if Heatley talks to Fletcher/Richards and seems excited, why turn him down?
I won’t give up on Kessel, he is young and will be a stud in this game for years to come. Id rather have him than any UFA
If everything else gets you down, just plop in Game 7 and smile.
At the risk of sounding like I’m asking for pity (I’m not), I usually joke how when something good happens to me, something negative occurs not long after to cancel out the good. And, well, it rang true again.
KiPA: Heatley’s past, whether he is remorseful or not, whether he has ‘paid his debt to society’ or not, whether the victim’s family forgave him or not, would almost automatically be a lightning rod with the ultra-active ‘do-gooders’ who want Minnesota to be the driest state on Mother Earth.
There would almost assuredly be a protest by members of Mothers against Drunk Driving (MADD) against Heatley, IMO.
The time just isn’t right for Kessel. Boston sees the upside you do, and Fletch likely sees the RFA status.
I would definitely take Hossa over Kessel.
Boston has plenty of talent and they cant afford all this young talent. Kessel is speculated by many different people to be the casualty unless he takes a major pay cut which i don’t see him doing. He will not stay for Krejci money, that is certain
Kevin, I sure wouldn’t turn him down! Sure, there is a risk with Heatley, but in reality there is risk with any player. As far as Heatley goes, I think the potential reward is worth the potential risk.
Of course whether or not A. We have the good for such a trade and B. If Heatley would even consider waiving the NTC for Minnesota - are two very big questions. And on the surface, it seems unlikely that the answer would be yes to either.
So if Kessel is already asking for more money than he probably should be getting, doesn’t that raise any red flags for anyone?
Krejci just signed for almost 4 mill per year. That’s what you said Kessel would demand. Anyway, being that I’m the only one entertaining your Kessel fetish, I’m done.
MADD won’t be protesting outside the X. Canada is much harsher on drinking than the U.S. and he’s gone without protest so far.
Hossa won’t be interested in Minne unless Gabby is here and then by that time we won’t be able to afford him. Heatley is too expensive to obtain. Heatley will be out west, possibly San Jose Sharks. A lot of teams have a way better shot at him than we do.
KiPA, BG: sorry you are joining me in the discarded pile. While looking for part time work, did see on craigslist an ad for anonymous donors, male, college educated, 18-39 …
KG: glad you & Mr. got to the road trip fun with DB & JS. Nordy could be scary.
kj: cool, road trip with the kids. “Dad, I threw up on the back seat.” It will be superb.
NiNY: Kessel is a WI (Madison area)guy, did a brief stint at the U of MN.
Fair enough, WRT. You’re more aware of how it might play out there than me. The guy’s still an outstanding talent and I know I salivated over the prospect of having him here when rumors circulated about Ottawa moving him at the deadline. Of course, that was before he requested a trade.
Well Kessel will not sign for 3.75 per, 4-5 could end up being 5 mill per.
Chris, I never said Hossa or Heatley would come here. You said that you would take Kessel, a RFA, over any UFA. That’s as silly as Boston giving up Kessel.
So I’ve been reading on this Kassian kid, and he sounds like a beast. If both he and Schroeder are available at #12, who do you take?
he is worth more than 3.75, no red flags to me. If he was like jack johnson then the flags would be going.
neither they are both busts, Ryan Ellis is our kid.
If we get saku and kessel, do we automatically become the spokesteam for Hockey Fights Cancer?
we become a better team
NiNY: wicked funny.
Chris, you’re quickly becoming a Mister Know It All clone with your stubborn views and self-perceived clairvoyance.
Nick, my friend with testicular cancer would call that post bally (notice the absence of the “s”), but still funny.
For4: fwiw, my dad was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer…so I’m casting stones, but I’m not without sin.
This trade speculation is crazy. When in Iran.
KiPA: Sadly, Minnesota is a lot more puritanical thank you think it is. There is a good part of the population here that thinks every pro athlete should be squeaky-clean, no baggage happy-to-be-here clones (led by the rantings of Sid ‘You’ll never get a job here if you don’t play for the Gophers’ Hartman)…
The world has moved on, Sid.
Is that why everyone hates on Gabby except me?
Gun,
Huge knocks on Kassian’s skating ability. He’s boom or bust. Though I would think at worst he’s a tough 3rd liner, like a young Brad May.
Depends if we move up or down with our pick. I’m certainly on the Ryan Ellis bandwagon. But any of these players could be possible gems or Alexander Daigle’s.
Nick, I wasn’t trying (and I don’t think you took it this way) to say you’re a bad guy for the comment. Best of luck to your father. We just lost a good family friend from pancreatic cancer. It wasn’t pretty.
Alright, did some more checking on Ellis. Looks like he is in some good company:
Him and Burnzie flying up the ice together, that would be some hockey
For4: I’m far too obtuse to catch a slight in russoville.
God bless your family friend.
To all those who like Ryan Ellis, Pierre McGuire thought that Ellis would be a good fit for the Wild. He had MN picking Ellis in his mock draft.
Pierre is certainly right about that but he is also a huge tool.
NiNY, for4rest: dang. ugly. very sorry.
today’s segment of “Around the Horn”, the handsome Tim Colinshaw used his 30 second winner’s time to praise the hockey HOF inductees. Sure caught me off guard. Great stuff.
Cowlishaw’s the only guy on Around the Horn who likes hockey. He’s brought the subject up before.
that show is still airing?
I think Around the Horn is the worst show on ESPN…
KiPA, damn man, sorry about the job. That sucks.
Friggin LSU up by 2 runs. 
Come on, Horns. Show those gumbo-eatin’ hosers what’s what!
Gabby won’t sign with Vancouver, he’ll buy his house in Boston. The got Ortiz, they got Garnett, they got Moss. Oh yeah, only Moss doesn’t have a ring, and he was 18-0. So why do some “hate on Gabby”? Because we’re sick of this “small market” baloney where we lose all of our best players for next to nothing (see Rolston, Brian on the ice, Johan Santana on the diamond). So we’re sick of that same-ole same-ole. Similarly, that is part of the appeal of Cal. He tries like crazy, and he hasn’t asked out of the state yet.
KiPA: sure surprised me the Dallas guy knows hockey. Thanks for the great info plus the correct spelling of his last name.
Gosh it would be fun to see Russo work the room?! He is posting up amazing stuff.
AYFKM?????? Goddamit I hate Louisiana.
I am a huge Gabby Fan. And I am one of those who want him to stay. If not for his skill and the fact he can actually aim his shot and gives other teams a Target of which body part of his to pick next. Then for the Simple fact we can have at least one Orignal Wild Member from the start of the Franchise. And You have you to keep Clutterbuck. Even if he was involved in a trade for Heatly. I mean no one knows how much longer will have Boogie and with a more aggressive,forcheck,up beat style of game.More Players are going to get Pissed off and You need somebody to stand up for your team. I mean sure heatly can score x-amount goals a season. But In a couple years so will some other kids coming up. And Maybe with Chuck we can actually be on the winning side of that one for once. Just Saying.
Sorry to hear about your dad, NINY! Hope things work out alright for your family.
And Kevin, here in Austin we have the same problem with “everytime something good happens, something bad happens shortly thereafter thing.” And sometimes the good thing is much smaller… But I do have to say, we tend to get really excited about the little (good) things these days. Good luck with the job hunt.
This guy is anxious for Russo’s update.
KiPA…sorry to hear about your job.
This place has gone crazy. RFA deals take draft picks and Smug took care of that signing Simon and paying off NJ.
Kessel would be a good addition, but (see last paragraph) he is an RFA. Thank you for playing.
If the Wild draft a defenseman with #12, then we know that doubleT is still relevant. Memo to Tommy…we need EFFIN SCORING.
NiNY…Before you leave St. Louis, get an Imo’s pizza and stop by Rigazzi’s for a ‘fish bowl’.
Oops, the Wild could go into Oiler mode and do a Dustin Penner for 5 first rounders. So, carry on with the ‘cripple the franchise to get a Gopher’ talk…
the Wild could go into Oiler mode and do a Dustin Penner for 5 first rounders. So, carry on with the ‘cripple the franchise to get a Gopher’ talk…
That’s the spirit!
Another interesting day.
The rumor of Sheppard and Cuma for Heatley sounds great for the Wild, but lite in terms of compensation to Ottawa. Big question is whether the Wild is on or Heatley would agree to add them to that list of acceptable teams?
Clutterbuck has 20 goal potential, but as many have mentioned today, no one is untouchable and he shouldn’t be.
Not so excited about Ellis. He seems like a swing for the fence type of pick. He has great puck skills but his smallish size and defensive abilities are a legitimate concern. Smallish defensemen seem to take even longer to develop into NHL players.
If Kessel is traded he will be a salary dump, so Boston would likely want draft picks/prospects in return for him.
Offer sheets on RFA’s rarely make sense for players expected to make several million per season. The team has to overpay to make the offer sheet unpalatable to the other team and then give up multiple picks if it is not matched. In the case of Kessel, assume that an unmatchable offer sheet would be a 4 to 4.5 million per year salary cap hit. That means a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick in compensation. If you would not like to hear that Fletcher traded a 1st, 2nd and 3rd round pick for Kessel, then the offer sheet process is not for you.
the Wild could go into Oiler mode and do a Dustin Penner for 5 first rounders. So, carry on with the ‘cripple the franchise to get a Gopher’ talk…
That’s the spirit!
Yeah, we wouldn’t want to go getting all optimistic for too long. It just wouldn’t be right.
More Heatly buzz:
Minnesota apparently wild about Dany Heatley
If you would not like to hear that Fletcher traded a 1st, 2nd and 3rd round pick for Kessel, then the offer sheet process is not for you.
2 out of 3 of which we don’t have anyway. Haven’t we buried this poor horse yet?
ms. C…..around the horn rules…..most of the time….it just gets a little boring if you watch it too often…..
the dallas guy, and woody are the only two that know hockey, the others pretend, but fail in most instances…….
scribb…..gabby leaving has nothing to do with small market stuff……he is a premadonna and nothing more….and ortiz was outright released…..he couldn’t stay healthy, and signed in boston for the league minimum….so I’d hardly call that a “small market” thing.
rolston was a gm call (not a good one either) DR botched that…also not a small market thing….
santana was a small market thing…..so at least you got one right…
I think we are all in agreeance that clutter rules…..
this state used to be all about the working man….who gives his all no matter what, and wants to be here above all else….
this is why walz, and koivu are so revered….and gabby is getting denounced….
lately there has been a vocal group of people who have grown up with the 98 vikings, and belive in flash, and talent is better than everything else….no matter what the work ethic, or quality of the person is.
honestly I feel as though that group is full of themselves, and complete band wagon jumpers…..and it ticks me off to no end.
WTX @8:56 post to Kevin: stated very well and with insider insights. thanks.
kj: did 100WJ add the McFish song to the pre-gig warm-up? How much is the cover charge @ MMC?
mcfish song should be the opener, and the closer! (but not part of the encore)
first time as a poppy upbeat fun song….
second as the epic death metal style….KJ…make sure your singer drinks plenty of liquids before preforming the growling!
Wallshot..actually free agency starts on July 1st after the 2009 draft. Haven’t heard about the Wild trading their 2 and 3 in 2010 as well.
Russo promised………
Who would you rather have Heatly or Kovalchuk?
Only one more hour until the end of the day on the east coast. Is something awesome in the works? Will the Wild get Heatley, Kessel, Leopold, and sign Clutterbuck to a 30 year deal?
Kovalchuk seems like a Mr. Me kind of guy, similar to Gabby. My verdict is still out on Heatley. At this point, I’m giving Heatley the benefit of the doubt regarding his “baggage” because I know how the Canadian media loves to hate and I think that plays a big role in how people view him right now. Of course, he is going to always remember the crash, but I don’t think he carries that kind of thing onto the ice. It doesn’t show in his play anyway.
I am not in agreement with Cuma being included in any deal but their might be something Mister Know it all does not know about with him.
James Sheppard butted heads with JL so maybe these are signs of a time to make a deal with him
You dont want Heatley if he does not want to play in Minnesota. The thing is players might take a wait and see attitude with this new coach and gm
I’ve never been impressed with Sheppard, but we don’t know how he’ll play in a different system. His butting heads with JL shouldn’t havena significant impact on whether the Wild deal him, unless he’s already butted heads with Richards and/or Fletch.
We shouldn’t sign anyone if they don’t want to play here, which is why we shouldn’t sign Gabby.
“Just wanted to jump on real quick, and I will write a fresher blog later on with more specifics, I promise.”
Promises….promises!
Too much for me to catch up with but good luck NiNY and KiPA. Leave for Alberta Fri morning. Will we do something before then or do I have to hope I somehow can find out news on Fri nite.
These are comments from an Ottawa blog. Should we be excited about this guy ??
Dany Heatly you are a spoiled brat murderous lousy excuse for a human being. Carma will come for you Dany boy.
It’s Karma…with a K. Not trying to be mean, just thought I would help you out
Gotta love Bryan Murray’s dry, sarcastic humour. Here’s a bit from an article in today’s Citizen ……
Murray said he has been in contact with Heatley’s agents, but they haven’t offered much help beyond saying they’ve heard numerous expressions of interest.
“I did have a conversation with one of the agents (Monday morning),” Murray said.
“He suggested there were quite a number of teams that contacted them. I said, ‘Well, maybe they should call me, if that’s factual,’ and they haven’t done it — so far.”
Dany - you are exactly what Ottawa doesn’t need. Crying in your hat because your ice time was reduced? Grow up - if you showed you’d deserved it you’d have kept both your line position and your ice time.
Don’t let the door hit you in your posterior on the way out!
Well, I don’t know ….. I haven’t talked to anyone here in Ottawa who’s “crying” about Heatley leaving. Disappointed in him ….. a little shocked? Maybe.
Listening to his agent, Stacey McAlpine, on the radio and on TV the last couple of days was a little infuriating. He says “There’s more to it” than a reduction of ice time and being placed on the 2nd power play line at times. Well, what is it? I hate it when they say “There’s more to it” but don’t give us the information. What else could it be? (or is the agent just trying to spin selfish behavior that is impossible to spin?) I hope Murray can manage to get a decent, hard working, unselfish player or two out of the deal.
You need to get your fact straight. Heatley wasn’t drinking before the accident. This was a speeding accident. I don’t care for Heatley and his lack of disipline when it comes to playing for the Sens, but if you are going to spew crap about him at least get the story correct. Plus what does this tragedy have to do with Heatley wanting to leave the Sens so why bring it up? I hope whatever mistakes you have made in your life people don’t throw them in your face all the time when they get pissed off at you. Grow up.
Check out the Sun today, they had an article on Fisher’s reaction to Dany requesting a trade. He sounded pissed! I can’t believe we gave this selfish sack of sh** the A over guys like Fisher. They also had an article on how scouts are saying that it’s going to be tough to trade him because of his attitude, and that twice he has quit on a team. This SUCKS! I just hope we can get something decent, maybe some secondary and a D-Man.
It looks like Neil wont sign with Ottawa. Maybe the Wild ?
Neil turns down 4-year, $6.8M contract, likely to test market
I vote for Kovalchuk.
“Who would you rather have Heatly or Kovalchuk?”
Either would be fine with me but I just read Russo’s article on trade rumors… If we give up and top prospect and our 1st round pick this year for Phil ####ing Kessel I’m putting my fist through my tv and then my tv is going out the window.
Damn Lucky, I like to save the articles for in the morning when I get to work… but now I’m curious!
argon — I didn’t mean to imply that “small market” explained why Boston gets all our good players … just to point out the great curiosity that Boston seems to get an awful lot of “our” best players. Hey, I could’ve added Manny, you know!
Anyway, I am in full agreement with your “working man” / “flash and glitter” observation. Overall, I think the appreciation for hard work still rules (then again, I’m old). Still, I think that’s why so many people love Justin Morneau, even though he’s a Canucks fan.
Losing Cal would be very painful from a fan standpoint because he’s one of the players who truly seems to care. He plays like it, in any event, which is what matters.
At the risk of oversimplifying(sp?) trading a guy who scored a combined 9 goals in the past two seasons and a 1st round draft pick who blew out a knee in Junior last season sounds like a good deal for a two time 50-goal scorer.
I have some reservations about trading Shep, but I think pulling the trigger on that deal would be a good idea.
I’m sure Justin Morneau is a nice guy and all, but for me he has two strikes against him — he’s a Nuks fan and he plays baseball. So whatever.
Hey guys. Not sure if people have seen this yet, but Russo posted a story on Kessel at about 9:00 tonight. This may be his update for the night. But if not, hopefully it will tide you over.
Sad-but-funny POTD: Russo promised………
Fletcher also had a long conversation with Penguins GM Ray Shero. It’s believed he’d be interested in trading for the rights to Ruslan Fedotenko (two Stanley Cups), but sources say the two sides are negotiating a two-year deal
I guess that means the Penguins and Fedotenko are working on a two-year deal? I was hearing Tenk was asking for a little bit more than what Shero is willing to pay and a deal might not get done.
well i was right about Kessel. I said between 4-5 mill per and it that wasn’t going to cost much in return. Sheppard or Cuma and the 12th pick….Anyone would be crazy not to take that deal.
Where is my update! Dangit!
this draft is full of busts, Fletch needs to take the sure thing…its Phil Kessel
“Jacques Lemaire is really excited. He loves skaters and guys who work hard.” - DR to Pouliot after he was drafted
Ahh, hindsight. I LOVE the draft.
Kessel for Shep/Cuma and the 12th overall — are u crazy?
Heck no.
12th pick isn’t a sure thing and Shepp hasn’t shown me anything. Keep Cuma, get Phil Kessel. How can you say Heck no?
Because Kessel has been around long enough or shown enough to warrant that many assets in return. That would be retarded. A top prospect and a 1st rounder in a deep draft for a one trick pony. A SMALL one trick pony…
Bah, Kessel is not what we need.
First of all this draft is not deep, I do not know where you got that from. Secondly, Have you even followed Kessel? Kessel is a up and coming star in this league and a guy that would be a lot more useful than a 12th pick bust and a bust by the name of James Sheppard.
Don’t need a guy who scored 36 goals in less than a full season last year? What do you need then?
If we give up that much and the name coming back doesn’t start with Danny or Illya then Nordy will get kicked down the stairs next time I’m at the X!
—Don’t need a guy who scored 36 goals in less than a full season last year?—
It was probably “the system”
Where did I get that from? Oh I don’t know the scouts have been saying it for years. Sheppard is a bust by 21? Then why are Koivu and Burns still here? They didn’t do sh!t by that age.
It was probably “the system”
+1
CiCA– You are overvaluing Kessel. Sure someone is going to do something like that for Kessel but it better not be the Wild.
Getting two first rounders (pick and prospect) — we better be getting a Heatley or Gaborik like of player back.
Kessel isn’t them yet.
If Kessel is such a sure thing then why did he drop in his draft year? Why was he a healthy scratch in last years playoffs one game? Why has he been rumored to be on the trading block for the last TWO seasons?
Hmmmmm
Well Lucky, Kessel will be able to do what Heater and Kovie can do is what you don’t understand. He will score 50 goals many times in his career. He is a natural goal scorer and he is only 21. Sheppard does not have the character or will to be a champion, he has shown that much. He will never work hard, he didn’t for JL.
That’s nice for Boston. Keep him.
Do players have to be model citizens to play for the Wild? No flaws of any kind allowed?
His numbers speak for themselves. He is a guy you can build around. Unlike Kovie and Heater, the guy can play defense. He is a natural leader. The kid has heart, and that is more than I can say about Shepp.
Ok you guys can have a Kessel love fest. Fletcher would be a dumbass to make that trade. I’m off.
I’m just trying to understand why you hate Kessel. Since you obviously know, why did he drop in his draft class? Why was he a healthy scratch? What do you know that we don’t?
It’s one thing if you think a prospect and first-rounder is giving up too much for him. But you’re acting like Kessel is the anti-Christ.
KiPA:
They don’t have to be modeled citizens. However, I will say that we probably have a lower tolerance for stupid antics like Avery or TO than say New York teams.
Heatley would be fine in MN. The concern is that I have and maybe others have is that we would be giving alot of assets for him and with his penchant for demanding trades, will he demand one before his contract is up. That’s a risk.
Well luckily I don’t run the Wild Lucky I’m pretty sure most of us would be mad if we found out we could have gotten phily for shepp/12th. My opinion is that that deal is a steal if true and should be done by Fletch in a heartbeat if possible.
Well we don’t want distractions on the team and as long as you can play the game right and you have heart is what i say.
CiCA — I think most of us would be more upset that we gave Shep and #12 for Kessel only.
If we had a 2nd rounder, I would do it in a heartbeat but I would not give away the #12 pick. That pick is more valuable because you can trade for more picks by trading down 1-3 slots.
I would not want to include the #12 pick.
And that’s fair enough, sunshine, possibly giving up too much. Quite understandable.
Lucky’s attacking Kessel’s character without providing any reason/evidence why he believes Kessel is a bad guy.
I can see your point. But for me, its about getting a solid two way player that is capable of scoring 50+ goals a season and only 21 years old. Its a no brainer.
I think only those of us on the West Coast are going to get the “specific blog” update tonight.
Crossing fingers…
Yep, I am looking at it from a value-wise view. I know nothing about Kessel’s character so I have nothing to say about that.
Russo’s in a poutine coma…
I believe that specific blog you are referring to is the story on kessels and other restricted and unrestricted free agents. Because in this blog he said he would name players later and he did in that story, but who knows. Ill certainly be around ha
Good call Chris, I haven’t even read the article yet. Don’t tell Russo.
Look, I don’t even know if Gaborik will ever hit 50 and he seems to have more skills than Kessel and he’s hit 30 goals twice by the time he was 21.
Are we really interested in Kessel or are we just doing a curtsey check in and revving up the “Minnesota player” mantra?
Shepp character is in question and the 12th pick could be a bust. Wouldn’t you rather have a future 50+ goal scorer and a kid that plays his heart out for this team Sunshine? Value wise you are wrong. I believe you are more attached to Shepp and the chance at getting a minnesota guy in the draft with he 12th pick. I don’t blame you.
Gaborik healthy for an entire season in an offensive minded system could hit 50, I assure you of that.
We are indeed interested Kessel because like i’ve been saying the asking price is not as steep as it would be for Heater.
You are not going to change my mind. Too much for Kessel.
Shep and a 2nd rounder — yes.
Shep and the #12 pick — no
Why gamble when you can take the sure thing?
Are we really interested in Kessel or are we just doing a curtsey check in and revving up the “Minnesota player” mantra?
You haven’t done this, sunshine, but I wonder if some people are hating on Kessel BECAUSE he’s a former Minnesota player. Maybe they think the goal is to bring in a Minnesota player. I don’t care where he played, he scored 36 goals last year. Plenty of people around here complained about drafting Staal instead of Kessel. He has talent.
Dangit Russo, where is my update! I am going to bed!!
Oh extremely talented, there is no doubt about that. He is a good kid. I’m sure he would love to play in Minne as well. I’m off for a little bit, hope someone will be here when i get back. Good talking with you all. We need to find some chat where we can all just go to talk! It would be much easier. Take care
Kessel does have talent. I am just saying his talent isn’t worth Shep and the #12 pick, that’s all.
Now, after we trade down and get a second rounder, I would be fine with trading away Shep and a 2nd rounder for Kessel.
Why you put Shep and a 12th pick with this draft class on a pedestal is beyond me. It’s preposterous to think that combination is worth more than Kessel. He was drafted 5th and even Bucci said if they knew he was going to turn out this good, he would have been drafted number 1 overall in 06.
Sunshine- +1
kj - +10
Kessel - not worth #12+Shep
Ellis - Do not want. Draft a scoring C/Winger for God sakes!
SIGN SQUID!!!
For as many times as it’s been said recently, Fletch doesn’t like giving away draft picks, and he sure wouldn’t give away #12.
When you can sign a guy like Cammalleri for probably $6m per instead of Kessel for 4.5-5mil and give up 2 players, you do that. Squid has had 2 80pt seasons, Kessel has had 1 60 pt season. Squid is hitting his prime and Kessel is just breaking into the league.
Bottom line. Keep the players and sign squid, spend the extra 1.5 mil.
Squid > Kessel
Squid better than Kessel, that’ll be the day. I assure you Kessel will have more 80 point seasons than Squid by age 28..many more. He had 60 last year and he missed 12 games. Did you know he is only 21. Lets see Shep and future #12 bust score 60 points in a year, won’t ever happen. Squid is overpaid and plays no defense. I’ll take Kessel’s plus 23 over Squids -2.
Who in god’s name is Squid?
Cammalleri = Calamari = Squid
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