So, who does the Wild Draft (Schroeder, Leddy, somebody else?); Trade chatter
Posted on June 25th, 2009 – 4:31 PMBy Michael Russo
Couple adds: Will be on KSTP at 6 pm tonight, live chat at 10 am Friday and Doug Risebrough had his second interview for the Panthers GM vacancy here in Montreal today.
Checking in with you again late this afternoon from the beautiful Montreal, although I’ve sort of been holed up in my hotel most of the day other than the hour or so to go hunt down Jacques Lemaire.
As of now, Chuck Fletcher is still trying to make a trade, with the emphasis on the trying. As proof by the crickets throughout the NHL, it’s not easy making a trade right now, not when as a colleague said to me today, there’s about 150 players on the block, of which 100 nobody wants. The problem I am sensing from the numerous execs I’ve talked to is sort of what I alluded either in an article or the blog or the Twitter — I don’t know, it all sort of runs together.
There are lots of teams looking to get rid of really good players, but good players with really big contracts. So those teams automatically want picks and prospects back, which as you know if you’ve been reading the Strib, the Wild isn’t exactly filled to the brim with. So, hence Fletcher’s problem. And hence, the league’s problem. You can’t just acquire a $4 million player in today’s game without giving up some dough.
He’s inquired about nearly 40 players, including Phil Kessel and Dany Heatley. But there are many others that I either don’t know about or don’t want to write because it’s just rumor, so who knows what Fletcher gets done — or quite frankly, if Fletcher gets something done.
I’ve been told Ottawa’s cut its targeted teams down to seven. I’ve been told the Wild is one of them. But I’ve also been told L.A.’s hot after him and would consider giving up winger Alex Frolov, a quality defenseman and the fifth pick, which let’s be honest, the Wild can’t contend with.
Right now, I’m not aware of any Wild trade being done tonight, although as I reminded Fletcher yesterday, the Panthers once made me sprint — OK, walk fast — back to this very hotel at about 10 p.m. one night in 1998 after executing the blockbuster of all blockbusters — Esa Tikkanen for Dwayne Hay.
Have I ever told you the story about Esa Tikkanen screaming at me in the Panthers’ locker room after I lowered the radio because I was trying to interview the low-talking Scott Mellanby? It’s a great story. One day I’ll you.
I keep hearing from everybody he’s still using Josh Harding at the big bait, mostly with Edmonton, St. Louis and Toronto. But again, Harding is restricted free agent, so if Fletcher doesn’t get the deal he wants, there’s no rush in trading him. You can wait until later this summer or even next season. But, he is likely eventually going to be dealt.
So, as for the Draft, …
the Wild currently picks 12th but could move down as Fletcher looks to attain other picks. I really get the impression the Wild values Nick Leddy, Minnesota’s Mr. Hockey, more than Jordan Schroeder. That’s interesting because Schroeder’s ranked by most publications right around where the Wild select, yet Leddy’s in the 20s in most.
But … because he played in high school (Eden Prairie) and because he wasn’t in any international tournaments, that could very well just be because Leddy wasn’t nearly as exposed as Schroeder, who plays at the U and led the U.S. in scoring at the most recent world junior championships.
After Schroeder dominated the round robin play though, Wild assistant GM Tommy Thompson felt he couldn’t “function” in the medal round.
“Dale Hawerchuk wasn’t very good in the world juniors either, so it’s not fatal, but it did happen,” Thompson said. “Nick Leddy might be every bit as good a prospect as he is and somehow he’s way underneath the radar screen.
“He has the potential to be a defenseman who will generate a lot of offense. In my view, he’s a better prospect at his age than [former Gopher] Keith Ballard was.”
Schroeder might be undersized at 5-8, but pound for pound, he’s as strong as they come. Thompson thinks he’ll be a top playmaking winger, not center.
“He’s polite to you, but I know darn well when I look in his eyes, he’s thinking, ‘All you hockey guys are skeptical and I’ll prove it to you,’” Thompson said. “And that’s a very good thing.”
I got to meet the families of both Schroeder and Leddy today. Schroeder said it would be a dream to be drafted by his hometown Wild, but he’s just excited in general.
“I’m trying to soak it all in right now,” Schroeder said. ”It’s hard to do with all the media and all this coverage and everything. It’s going by really fast and I wish I could slow it down.”
He’s here with eight family members, including his father, John, mother, Deb, brother, Zach, and sister, Elly. His brother and sister are both hockey players, his brother at St. Thomas Academy, where he was a state title as a freshman. He’s going into his junior year now and last week led the state in scoring at Don Lucia’s model camp.
His dad, a former pitcher and shortstop at South Dakota State, said if the Wild draft Jordan, he’ll be able to handle the pressure.
“As a parent it would be nice to see him a lot,” John said. ”Jordan is very enthusiastic about going to a program where there’s hockey enthusiasm around town, where fans are into hockey. Obviously it’d be an honor if he was drafted by the Wild. Jordan’s always been able to handle pressure well. He’s very mature.”
John is an original Wild season-ticket holder and his company is a major sponsor of the Wild as well.
If the Wild drops way back, maybe it considers Zach Budish, a terrific Edina power forward who did miss last season with a knee injury. If the Wild stays at 12, Thompson feels these guys will be definitely gone — John Tavares, Victor Hedman, Matt Duchene, Brayden Schenn, Evander Kane, Jared Cowen, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Dmitri Kulikov, Magnus-Paajarvi-Svensson.
After, Thompson says there’s a lot of guys that “excite us,” meaning Schroeder, Leddy, Nazem Kadri (London), Scott Glennie (Brandon), Louis Leblanc (Omaha), Ryan Ellis (Windsor), John Moore (Chicago), Jacob Josefson (Djurgarden), Zach Kassian (Peterborough). They really like a kid named Chris Kreider (Phillips Andover). Yeah, it’s like shooting fish in a barrel. Who knows?
Lastly, remember to read my notebook Friday to read Jacques Lemaire’s quotes on the Wild’s transition to a more offensive team. He went on a little bit of a rant. Doesn’t buy it one iota. As usual, Lemaire’s quotes are gold.
Speaking of gold, Burns read Steve Yzerman’s comments about him on my previous blog entry and joked, “Makes me want to work out again.”
106 Responses to "So, who does the Wild Draft (Schroeder, Leddy, somebody else?); Trade chatter"
thanks for the new update
I am now skeptical of what is happening over there, i hope something good gets done for the sake of this team.
Wysh is giving you a hard time there Mike :):
‘…And Michael Russo of the Star Tribune writes tonight that the Kings’ offer for Heatley is, in fact, pretty huge if that’s what it is. OK, not so much writes as “Tweets.” ‘
Man I can’t wait for Thompson to be gonzo…
I won’t be upset if Fletch can’t get something done. Hell, there’s no guarantee I would like his trade anyhoo. I am more interested in who we draft honestly.
TT could be a little less loose with the lips, if you ask me. Doesn’t he know everyone in the NHL reads this blog?
In a tweet, Russo reports that it is Smug v. Doug MacLean for the Old Russoville GM job. Yuck.
for4rest - from last thread, though he attended Spring Lk Pk high school, I believe Backes is from Blaine (a good part of Blaine is in the SLP district, including most of area around the TPC). Although a Blaine resident myself, I’m not sure if that helps you with your aversion to “coontown.”
FFS - There are 29 guys in Montreal that are thinking the complete opposite of you right now.
FFS - There are 29 guys in Montreal that are thinking the complete opposite of you right now.
Good point 
Those poor Panthers’ fans…Smug vs. MacLean? EEEwwww…I don’t like the chances in South Florida for a while…
Tough trying to play catch-up at the end of the day after Russo drops three blog updates on us all. Now, he’s ‘Tweeting’ as well. Trying to show off a little versatility, Michael?
Tomorrow the flood gates will open, and the trades, they’ll be a-comin’…
What am I missing? Will Gaborik be traded or not?
Jun. 20, 2009 - 9:59 a.m. ET
Minnesota GM Chuck Fletcher has been making phone calls about a trade involving Marian Gaborik.
Gaborik has not given the Wild any warm and fuzzy feelings about re-signing and Fletcher has been clear he does not want to lose the free agent star for nothing. Look for this to come to a head next week.
Source: Star Tribune
I don’t know why any team would want to trade for his rights at this point. It’s almost July 1, where he seems determined to get to, and if the Vancouver house thing is at all true, it would be a complete waste of resources.
Michael Jackson is dead.
Yeah, rough week. Today: Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Yesterday: Ed MacMahon
Indeed Gun. Brutal day for aging stars.
wow……sure puts a damper on things…..
death sucks…….
…….(is it too early for a 3-8 year old boys across america are rejoicing joke?????)
sorry…..
sorry……that was too mean
This is not shaping up well for my plan to become whiter.
that was awesome argon. its never too early
ATxWF: Your source for the Jacko news?? Mine (a.k.a. LA Times) says he went to the hospital, he’s not dead yet. (His career, however, is another story.)
argonbeast0034: That was just sick.
LA Times has it now WRT.
Just saw that about Jacko. Thanks.
Everyone is dying today and if we don’t get any deals together this will be a bad week. Rip Charlies Angel and MJ
You should email me with the rumors you’re hearing, Michael. I eat this stuff up, maybe more so because I expect my team to not do very much so I’m not nervous about losing key people.
for4est…..who cares what your melinin count is? your fine just the way you are…..changing races is like changing sexes…..be your self and no one will care what you look like….
the more you know….
Perhaps the best thing to come from this draft will be the end of TT.
Love all the rumors Russo, keep up the good work.
I wouldn’t beleive to much of what Tom T says before the draft. The proof is in the action. Fletcher will make the right trades if it makes sense for the Wild. I still can’t beleive Gaborick is gone and we get zip. Ive been hoping we get something positive out of it for almost 9 months, but it looks like nodda, nothing!
John Moore.
That’s all you need to know.
Keep it coming Russo.
Has Russo already been on KSTP or is he going to be on during sports?
Russo hasn’t been on the radio as of yet. Host implies they “may not get to sports” on such a big news day…
NBA is lame. Sorry if anyone is a fan. Just my opinion. Could be that I’m sick of the draft getting so much hype while I haven’t heard a peep about the NHL.
Argon, who are you to say that I don’t have a whiter me inside waiting to come out? I was born this way buddy.
GS & Brian: plus it’s twins ticket giveaway day to select/good callers - no tickets given away. Usually MT will plug Russo Radio, have not heard any promos.
Soon to be announced mega-merger between You Tube, Facebook and Twitter to create the world’s leading web site dedicated solely to wasting time in as efficient a manner as possible.
It will be known as YouTwitFace.
Am I the only one that chuckles everytime I log on and see the headline “Gaborik hasn’t ruled out the Wild” riiiiigggghhhht.
I dig it Stoned. That was clever. Market that.
Soon to be announced mega-merger between You Tube, Facebook and Twitter to create the world’s leading web site dedicated solely to wasting time in as efficient a manner as possible.
It will be known as YouTwitFace.
That is the single most awesomest thing I have heard all year. Well done, sir. +infinity
You’re all ignint
Kaberle for Harding and Zidlicky? - http://www.thestar.com/sports/article/656876
FFS- no.
Convenient how FFS stands for both Five Forward System and For ____’s Sake, both of which were called for in this case.
That seems a little silly. Would Kaberle be an upgrade over Zids? I don’t know what the contracts look like.
I’m not sold on Kaberle, especially for Harding and Zid. What am I missing?
Convenient how FFS stands for both Five Forward System and For ____’s Sake, both of which were called for in this case.
lol - Kaberle is a 4.25 cap hit this year and next, Zids is 3.35 this year. From a stats perspective, Zids had a better 08-09 season.
FWIW - I know stats don’t tell the entire story…
Kaberle 57GP, 4G, 27A, 31PTS +/- (-8)
$4.25 thru 2011
Zidliky 76GP, 12G, 30A 42PTS +/- (-12)
$3.50 Thru 2010
Almost identical PPG production. I don’t know much about Kaberle, but it doesn’t appear he’s a huge upgrade over Zids. From what I see, not enough to give up Harding.
Basically, I don’t think we should give up our best trading piece so we can get roughly the same production from a D that costs 0.75mil more…
Maybe I’m missing something
SotB @7:02: my nominee for POTD.
Maybe I’m missing something
You have to put on your Maple Leaf tinted glases to see it 
You have to put on your Maple Leaf tinted glases to see it
That, or else get one of those Maple Leaf neckties that could cut of the circulation to my brain. Maybe I could ask Don Cherry for one.
for4rest at 5:18 gets my vote for POTD because it made my 70-year-old mother laugh.
SotB @7:02: my nominee for POTD.
+1
It will be known as YouTwitFace.
No… not POTD… POTY!
BG: how was the gathering in Rice Park to see your guys & autographs? Did you get to wish Boogey a belated happy birthday?
Ms. C is trying for POTY and is being very mean with her goalie stick when someone gets in her way- you may want to be careful SOTB :-). That was funny tho.
Yes Band, need a rice park update for those of us who couldn’t make it.
I’ve been hanging with Tyler Bozak out on Thunder Island and he’s saying that he wants Harding to join him in Toronto.
I read somewhere Gabby has informed Fletch he will test FA. Russo where are you! Is this true or not? I want Gabby updates here.
“Minnesota Wild say big trade unlikely during draft weekend”
http://www.twincities.com/wild/ci_12691075?nclick_check=1
Thanks Leopold.
Well, I won’t be mean but that was from Conan! Stoned… give credit where it’s due, man!
Damn Conan and his new time slot! I miss that guy. I always forget to watch now.
We’re out of the Heat race. That was the big trade that could’ve happened. Hopefully, we stay smart and don’t try to make a splash if there is none to be made.
Thanks Leopold
Yep - let’s do that Kaberle deal just for Chris in CA /sarcasm. Since Fletcher has been using DR’s rolled over cell minutes, it might not hurt to have the owner come out and say the team is not desperate to make a move Friday.
Just got home from Rice park, it was a bit steamy in the sun but in the shade and every now and then we had a good breeze so not to bad. Hards was not there. And the rumor flying all over was that he had been traded to Toronto but no one knew who for or if draft picks were involved etc… etc… Cal did pictures by himself so that was cool, just me and Cal in the picture. Thanks to this really nice lady I met standing in line I was able to get every ones autograph and get my picture with all of them. I tried to wish Boogie a belated birthday but all that came out was a giggle and a thanks for the autograph and then I was actually having a mini conversation about the length of the lines with Scotty, so never got a chance at that point. Scotty said he was amazed and a little humbled by all the fans that he’d met since the Road Trip started on Monday. My feet hurt from all the standing in line. It was fun even without the Mr or H. I need togoto bed now, I have to be at work at 7:00 am because of a special event. Also I’m just exhausted. Later!
Ahhhh man, I really will miss Hards if he really is gone. He was/is my fav player on the team. Oh well, may have to follow whatever team he gets traded to just to see how he is doing. But as sad as it is for me, if he is going to get more playing time & get to be a #1 goalie then I am happy for him, but we better have improved our team. I am going to pout now. Glad you had fun Band. Wish we could have went.
Wasn’t Gillies with Cal for a leg & Hards/Shep was the other one?
Scotty’s such a nice boy. He was a good first hockey boyfriend. Glad you had a good time, BG!
Leipold is the Wild owner. Leopold is the former Gophs defenceman that is about to become an UFA.
Nothing shocking in the Shipley article. As Russo has said many times, the Wild cupboard is pretty bare in terms of having assets to support the big trade.
Scotty’s pretty cute too Ms. C. He had a cool looking wedding ring, didn’t see it real super close but close enuf that it looked neat.
Fletch is in no rush to trade him. If he has then the right deal has come along.
YouTwitFace…that is comedic genius.
Brutal day for aging stars.
MJ was younger than me.
FF was at an age where she’d consider me.
EMcM was timeless.
I remember begging my parents to let me stay up every night so I could see Johnny’s monologue. Every once in a while he’d serve Ed up a meatball and he’d hit it out of the park.
/glory days
Russo’s story with Lemaire’s views on the new Wild system is up.
Of course, I’m a Jacques-aholic, but I still think he’s spot on.
Ok, sorry text too much, enuf should have been enough.
Last year at this time Fletcher tried to get Jagr to go to Pittsburgh. Maybe Jagr can help the Wild when they lose Gaby ??
Penguins Reportedly Offer Contract To Jagr
Posted: 5:58 pm EDT July 1, 2008
Updated: 6:29 pm EDT July 1, 2008
PITTSBURGH — One of the most surprising reports about the Penguins on the first day of free agent signings didn’t have anything to do with Marian Hossa or Evgeni Malkin.
Instead, it centered on former Penguins captain and two-time Stanley Cup champion Jaromir Jagr.
Rogers Sportsnet in Canada reports the Penguins offered the 36-year-old a contract to come back to Pittsburgh.
While rumors about Jagr swirled, the Penguins were busy signing two current Penguins.
Left-wing Pascal Dupuis and defenseman Mark Eaton agreed to new deals.
Despite the signings, the list of unrestricted free agents on the Penguins remains long.
It includes Marian Hossa, Jarkko Ruutu, Georges Laraque, Jeff Taffe, Kris Beech, and Brooks Orpik.
Ty Conklin, Adam Hall, Ryan Malone, Gary Roberts have all signed with other teams
More Jagr news that may suggest his return is not far fetched
just read the Lemaire story — I think he’s right. Offensive style needs more offensive players.
I am going to miss his post-game remarks and his everyday pressers. I don’t think Richards is going to give us as many humorous one-linters.
Sunshine, Not to brag but everything Lemaire is saying has been what I have said on this blog to everyone. All of this offense stuff comes from Leopold. Fletcher and Richard have to knwo better
When I say Modano and Jagr, I am just responding to what they are saying the want to become. You cant trade your assets, you have to get something for nothing and that is a aged veteran that can play offense. You are going to lose Gaborik so you have to respond in a reasonable way. The only thing I can think of is those guys, Forsbergs foot is unrepairable
—Well, I won’t be mean but that was from Conan! Stoned… give credit where it’s due, man!—
Indeed , he told it. But just for the sake of discussion, that doesn’t mean he wrote it now does it?
But yes, that’s where I heard it. I suspect you won’t believe me, but after reading the compliments, I would have credited the guy. Considered it in the original but didn’t.
Nonetheless, you are being mean pointing it out.
Henceforth I shall footnote and annotate all my posts.
All of this offense stuff comes from Leopold.
How is that possible? He has nothing to do with the Wild. Last I heard he played for Calgary…
forgot conan said that…..
conan is absolutly destroying it….
I’ve only been able to catch a couple of shows, but every time I have, I have not been able to stop laughing…..
my god the drummer “driving” his oval to the air port while drumming the entire time, and getting pulled over in the process (still drumming while pulling out his liscence)…..then falling into the arms of the airport guy, as he chucks him in the plane like a ragdoll followed by his drum equipment……I almost had a hernia from that……conan and co. rule!
p.s. the t-wolves draft was very intriguing to say the least…..kahn is making people talk t-wolves on a national scale….
P.S. any single girls in russoville want to “convince” rubio to stay here? He’s from spain and 18 and likes long walks on the beach, while passing basket balls to the unsuspecting citezens around him….who then drain the open jumpshot….even though there was no hoop for miles….
P.S.S. that female “convincing” rubio also has to cook dinner for his mother, and show her the wonders of central air/fireplaces…….you don’t get cold next to a fireplace….
p.s.s.s.s……that previous post should have had this…….
p.s.—p.s.s.—-p.s.s.s.
oh snaps…..argons on fire!!!!!!
well that’s what I get for playing in the fireplace!!!!!
wow….I need to get to bed…..
I love these late night posts were people talk to themselves.
Sorry I was mean, Stoned. But really, aren’t y’all used to that outta me?
Brain is swirling tonight. Had a million things to do today and did exactly none of them.
oh the humanity
I for one found Conan’s interviews with the science fair students pretty hilarious. Max Weinberg driving his drums was pretty awesome too. Anyway, Go Wild- don’t care if they pick a Minnesotan as long as they’re a good player. For those who think that it’s vital to pick a MN native let’s think back to A.J. Thelen. Yeah that was a great pick.
If they’re not best player available Minnesotans are overrated.
You all are going to have to be on the ball… ummm… on the puck?… for me today. Last day of day camp at the site and that means no drifting off to my office and doing “paper work” (checking on the draft) for me. And it’s Kaposia days this weekend so when I get home I’ll have to fight to park in my own drive way due to the people trying to park there to go to the parade one block over. I need to go get ready for work (stupid early start).
Here you go. Two birds whiped out with one stone:
TSN
The Bruins made the offer for Tomas Kaberle in a bid that includes Phil Kessel.
Apparently the deal is supposed to be Kaberle and the #7 for Kessel.
Personally, I think Burke would be crazy to give up an all star Def. AND the #7.
well we know where kessel is going…….unless the bruins really want sheppard!
Re: Backes from STL
Might cause a little confusion in the locker room eh? Perhaps we can get him for Harding+ and then get Backstrom from WAS for??? Then Backes can go “Hi I’m David, this is my brother Nicklas and this is my other brother Niklas?
No?
That deal makes no sense to me if the sole reason for getting rid of Kessel is to make cap room. I forget what Kessel was allegedly asking for, but certainly less than the $4.25M owed Kaberle through the 10/11 season. Does Boston really need D-men or something?
Don’t forget about the post-draft party starting at 9 PM…
Lots of talk, and no action. I think today will see the dam burst and a flood of activity.
Sadly, the Wild are hamstrung by the ‘no assets to give’ problem. Especially when teams are trying to move salary.
I dont think I am going to get any work done today…
Hello… is there anybody out there? Just nod if you can here me.
Uh, ATX, I’m nodding, but unless I posted this you wouldn’t know would you?
I dont think I am going to get any work done today…
I for one will be staying out of the lab (where there is no computer) and at my desk so I can help on the phones.
Tom Lynn is blogging for THN. Cool.
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/26921-Tom-Lynns-Blog-The-anatomy-of-draft-day-trades.html
*nod*
ATX: relax, relax, relax. we need some infor-mation first. Just the basic facts…. Seriously though, would someone please make a move at this draft?
Good point Goody.
so I can help on the phones.
And by “phones” you mean Blog, right?
ATX…you are only coming through in waves. Your lips move, but I can’t hear what you’re saying.
Well kj, I cant explain, you would not understand. This is not how I am.
Breakfast!
Gotta love a blog that busts out random Pink Floyd.
The Divine Miss M reports that she was very busy at the Hockey Lodge @ MOA last night and that folks are all talking about the draft today and the general level of excitement was pretty high. Nice to see again.
Personally, I am really stoked for tonight. It promises to be an exciting draft all the way around in the League. Hopefully Fletch will give us something to cheer about, despite the miserable “nothing to deal with” condition that Sumg left him in. Hope to see everybody down at TRHCP for the draft party. And it’s only a short 1+1/2 miles east on 7th St to the MMC to see kj and the boys play afterwards and to keep the party going.
I agree with Stoned. How miserable is it to be a Panthers fan right now. If I’m you’re Panthers’ STH and they hire Smug, ya might just as well walk slowly out into the ocean and call it a day. Let’s see, he could actually be put into a position to run a FOURTH team into the ground. Wow, that’s a heck of a resume!!!
And by “phones” you mean Blog, right?
Well duh.
[…] Russo’s Rants » Blog Archive » So, who does the Wild Draft … (blogs2.startribune.com) - June 25, 2009I really get the impression the Wild values Nick Leddy, Minnesota’s Mr. Hockey, more than Jordan Schroeder. That’s interesting because Schroeder’s ranked by most publications right around where the Wi… […]
