Thursday morning scuttlebutt; Kessel, Harding chatter
Posted on June 25th, 2009 – 6:43 AMBy Michael Russo
I was once told never make promises because you can only disappoint, so sorry. I fibbed.
Didn’t mean to though, but here’s your morning excuse. The wireless in the hotel is lousy. This hotel is packed with so much media and nine team’s worth of personnel, I just think the network is jammed with laptops. So yesterday, and again this morning, getting into web sites feels like the ancient days of dial up.
So last night when I tried to blog, the admin to the blog just stood there trying, trying and trying to open, just laughing at me as I pounded the desk. I finally needed to go meet folks and never got a chance to blog. This should make Friday morning’s chat next to impossible, but I’ll figure it out.
Anyways, here’s the main story from today on the three Minnesotans that can go in the first round. As the story states, the Wild likes all three players, but there is a chance it takes none of them if the players aren’t next up on its list when it picks. I’ll write more about these kids and other potential Wild targets in tomorrow’s paper, or if space restrains that, tonight’s blog.
And here’s the notebook on a bit of a trade update and the fact that Boston is at least fielding offers for Phil Kessel, the former Gophers forward and last year’s 36-goal scorer at 21 years of age.
The deal here is Kessel’s restricted, wants between $4.5 million and $5 million and the Bruins are already at $50 million next year with other things to get done. They’re at around $35 million for the following year with several other players to re-sign or sign, and if you look at the fact Marc Savard’s entering the last year of his contract and next summer they’ll probably have to extend Zdeno Chara, Kessel could be a cap casualty.
Now, they are still trying to sign Kessel, but if they do, they’d likely have to move some other players to squeeze him in. So this is very much up in the air. So I’m told by numerous league sources that GM Peter Chiarelli is at least fielding offers from teams and is considering moving Kessel by the Draft or this summer. I saw Kessel’s agent, Wade Arnott (Jason’s brother), about 32 times yesterday, so he’s roaming around and is expected to continue talking with Chiarelli.
But Kessel is four years from unrestricted free agency and again is entering that lofty second contract status, so I can’t imagine Arnott’s going to just do Boston a solid. So, there’s a very real chance he’s dealt, and if so, the Wild has at least shown vast interest, I’m told.
Because Kessel would be traded simply because Boston can’t afford him, the Bruins conversely would not want much money back in a trade. So picks and quality young players is what they’re looking for, so I’m told it would cost Minnesota the 12th pick and at least a top, top young kid. For the Wild, that’d mean Tyler Cuma or James Sheppard, but that does not mean Boston’s necessarily interested and even if the B’s are, it’s unknown what they’re being offered from other teams.
So this gets back to what I’ve been writing for the last couple weeks, and months for that matter – Chuck Fletcher doesn’t have a lot of tradeable assets because of the way things were done here in the past. I cannot make any clearer how much the Wild lacks assets compared to so many other teams in the NHL. I don’t want to keep pounding on the old regime here, but it really is unforgiveable how it didn’t value draft picks and how it just let free agent after free agent walk for squat.
OK, I promise not to mention it again (today at least).
For instance, it certainly appears as if the Wild is about to lose Marian Gaborik for nothing. I ran into a million NHL types yesterday who asked me about Gaborik, and each one said the same thing — losing an asset like that for nothing back is the type of thing that takes years to recover from. And now that the Vancouver Province reported he’s bought a house there — something I still have been unable to confirm, by the way, but the Province stands by the story and its sources — it probably makes trading Gaborik’s rights to anybody next to impossible.
Whether that story is true or not, what team’s going to give up even a skate sharpener for Gaborik’s rights when it’s been reported that it’s a foregone conclusion he signs in Vancouver?
Also, remember, the Wild might be into Kessel now, but if Chiarelli’s waiting until Friday, who knows what Fletcher dips his toes into by then? And right now Fletcher’s in on a lot of different things, from Heatley to countless other things (lots of rumors, but I only report what I know from sources, not what’s just floating around) to talking with Toronto, Edmonton, Colorado, Detroit, St. Louis and Philly about Josh Harding.
(I was told last night that the Blues are very interested in Harding, and few teams are as overstuffed with young assets as the Blues). So it’ll be interesting to see if Fletcher gets something substantial done with so few tradeable pieces to dangle.
I have an interesting story in tomorrow’s paper — again, unless there’s hard news today — about Fletcher giving colorful behind the scenes anecdotes of the orchestration of previous trades he’s taken part in.
Anyways, Internet permitting, I’ll be back this afternoon with more stuff. I really want to attend the Team Canada presser and offer some Jacques Lemaire stuff later, but it’s a half-hour away and the prospects media luncheon is an hour later back here. So I don’t know how that’ll work out.
112 Responses to "Thursday morning scuttlebutt; Kessel, Harding chatter"
Sheppard and a pick for Kessel sounds good to me, but who knows. Maybe Shep will break out this year in a new system.
Boy, Smug did a great job while he was here, didnt he?
I have no respect for Sheppard. Who is he to argue with the coach? Sounds like a spoiled little brat. Cya Shep.
Gaborik is going to get one last shot at the Wild, if it is true about “the house”.
“Whether that story is true or not, what team’s going to give up even a skate sharpener for Gaborik’s rights when it’s been reported that it’s a foregone conclusion he signs in Vancouver?”
From the PA show on KFAN “I love that one”
Can you say tampering!
I know Ek is a rumor site, but they had this little tidbit about Gaborik this morning: *Demitra came out on local radio and stated that Gaborik had NOT bought a house. Ah, my favorite…”Real Estate Rumors!”
You can read the entire post here: http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/Quick-Hits-ContinueOhlund-Beauchemin-Jay-Bo-Gionta-Lecavalier/1/21709
If the Bruins were willing I’d take Kessel for Shep & the 12th (especially since it seems like Gabby is gone with nothing in return). I’m not sure I’d want to make the same deal if it were Cuma, but I trust Fletch to make the right deals.
I still think Harding is gone and hopefully Fletch can get max value for him if he is traded. Does anyone know what St. Louis has that would make for a nice deal?
Is there anything better than the NHL Draft? I’m like a kid on Christmas morning. I can’t contain the excitement.
Looks like Russo’s prediction on TooL’s replacement is going to come true:
Wild ready to recruit executive from Sens
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Business/Wild+ready+recruit+executive+from+Sens/1729924/story.html
The Ottawa Citizen also has this on the Wild and Heatley:
There are obstacles, though. Murray would like a top player to present to Ottawa’s fans, but the Wild aren’t about to trade either 26-year-old centre Mikko Koivu ($3.2 million) or 24-year-old defenceman Brent Burns ($3.550 million).
What might Murray take, then? One suggestion is that the Wild might part with 21-year-old centre James Sheppard, their first draft choice (No. 9 overall) in 2006, and Ottawa 67’s defenceman Tyler Cuma. Throw in a draft pick and everyone’s happy.
The paper also says Gaby is building a house in Vancouver so maybe he is only in for the land at this point. Real Estate Rumors rock 
Ok (and this is completely speculation on my part) - What if Fletch takes a first and an early second pick for the #12.
It’s not out crazy to think that we could get early second pick in the Harding trade.
Would you be as nervous trading a late first and Shep for Kessel knowing we had two early 2nds? Or possibly an early 2nd and Shep for Kessel?
Why does Bruce Garrioch hate me? Every day a new Heatley article and every day, “Cal Clutterbuck”… FU Bruce Garrioch.
Is he there with you, Russo? Will you give him a wedgie or something?
Usually I have tuned into the draft because it’s the only hockey thing on and it cracks me up to see Bettman get booed everywhere he goes.
This year, I’m so excited for the draft it’s almost embarrassing.
I guess DR really did a good job of managing my expectations, eh?
Ms.c have you seen Garrioch? He looks like he’s got a perma-wedgie already.
Bruce Vilanch wrote: For example, Murray can’t afford to deal Heatley to the Wild in exchange for winger Cal Clutterbuck. It just doesn’t make sense. - I thought you would take that as a positive ms. c?
Gunslinger, I’d feel better about Kessel & 2nd round pick for Shep and the #12 pick.
I think Shep and the #12 is too much to give up. Unless Fletcher can work Shep and #12 (Weller) in which case, take it and RUN!
12th + Shep or Cuma for Kessel…. I am not sold. But it is intriguing.
how it just let free agent after free agent walk for squat.
I meant to get out my media guide to make sure it wasn’t my selective memory but didn’t the wild dump all UFA up until the 03 playoffs and then again the year after and only stopped dumping UFAs when it became a playoff team? I’d say the bigger issues is how in the last few years, the management tossed around draft picks like candy at a parade.
can we sneak benny in that kessel deal somehow?
I had read a few years ago how happy Clagary fans were that Dougie ended up here becasue he completely trashed their organization in the early 90s. Seems they were right. I don;t mind Russo beating this horse…it is unforgivable to let so many talented players just walk. What a knob Risebrough is!
I really hope we keep Sheppard (though Kessel would be hard to turn down). At the end of the year, Shep was doing some excellent work on the boards — he’s a big strong kid. To my view, an ideal tough forechecking machine if allowed that role. When he teamed with Gabby toward the end, his play elevated noticeably. Of course, this presumes that the Wild somehow manages to get a scoring winger to team him with. If not, I guess he becomes “an asset.”
St Louis Has TJ Oshie, MN kid who went to UND. He has excelled everywhere he has gone. Had a solid season for being a rookie & injured for a good part of the early season.
I was watching the highlights from last season while waiting for the Richards press conference to start & quite a few of the highlights had Shep making the play to make it happen. I think he will have a much better year in the new system. JMO.
FFS, why’s he gotta keep saying Cal’s name though. Use Shep or somebody I don’t give a crap about.
Look, I’m not saying there aren’t situations in which trading Cal wouldn’t be beneficial to the team, overriding even MY fangirl love for him. But… do we have to TALK about it? Can we just be in denial until it happens?
I’m so excited for the draft it’s almost embarrassing
<3 you Nick. Me, too.
if getting kessel would take a 12 and a shep or cuma, how much would heatley cost us? or would he command less because he’s been labeled somewhat cancerous and because teams know he wants out?
Hey I mentioned the Blues for harding, so do I win anything?
Now if he can get something about Ilya to the wild…
Kessel would be a good fit for the Wild, only thing that worries me is if he asks this much as a RFA what will he do when he is a UFA? Also, would probably mean you have to move PMB.
Fighting Wild says:
June 25th, 2009 at 8:57 am
St Louis Has TJ Oshie, MN kid who went to UND. He has excelled everywhere he has gone. Had a solid season for being a rookie & injured for a good part of the early season.
Contrary to popular belief, Oshie was actually born in Washington state. Yes, he played high school hockey in MN. So, whether he’d be accepted by MKIA and all the other “need MN players” is still up in the air (much as with Kessel).
St Louis Has TJ Oshie, MN kid who went to UND. He has excelled everywhere he has gone. Had a solid season for being a rookie & injured for a good part of the early season.
Uhhh.. T.J. Oshie is from WA….
Go for Heatley and drop the Kessel idea.
It is too bad that JL will likely be remembered along with DR. Lemaire was very good at his job. Risebrough was not.
I really don’t think I want Heater. I would rather have Kovy.
You get a cookie, edubs.
T.J. Oshie? There is no way the Wild would be able to trade for that kid. The Blues organization absolutely loves that guy.
It would be like asking Minnesota to trade Koivu. Ask yourself what would make you happy to trade Koivu and that is what it would take to get Oshie.
Love to see Oshie as a Wild member (Oshie did have some baggage in college but heh its college).
check this clip out of oshie
He’s coming off his rookie season, Aaron… how could he possibly have Mikko’s stature?
I’m speaking in terms of expectations and admiration.
I heard several interviews in the last month or two of the season with various members of the Blues organization and they were all beaming with excitement about Oshie.
Not the normal canned type responses, honest to god excitement. The kind of emotion you only get when you realize you’ve got something special.
Contrary to popular belief, Oshie was actually born in Washington state. Yes, he played high school hockey in MN. So, whether he’d be accepted by MKIA and all the other “need MN players” is still up in the air (much as with Kessel).
AustinTXwildfan says:
June 25th, 2009 at 9:12 am
St Louis Has TJ Oshie, MN kid who went to UND. He has excelled everywhere he has gone. Had a solid season for being a rookie & injured for a good part of the early season.
Uhhh.. T.J. Oshie is from WA….
Who care where a kid is born? I was born in Colorado & moved all around the world, Live in MN but I claim to be from North Dakota. To many idiots place where a person is from as more important than ability. The kid played high school hockey in MN played college in ND. Petty people who sit here self importantly pointing out small errors to make themselves seem smart or more knowledgeable. Thank ATWF I don’t know what I would do without that life saving comment.
it is going to be a fun three days here in minny……..
I am on pins and needles!
…….ouch…….maybe I shouldn’t actually be sitting on things that can cause bleeding……
Crosby played in MN in high school. does that make him a MN player?
Uhh, excuse me? Fighting Wild, you were the one that said, “St Louis Has TJ Oshie, MN kid who went to UND”. It seemed to me you were placing the cvalue on where he was from. I don’t give a flying eff where a guy is from. I want the best players for the team period. I was just pointing out your error.
Let me put it this way ms. c. - I’ve heard a sh-t ton of interviews listening to HNiC Radio every afternoon. But the Q&A’s about Oshie really made an impression on me. Enough that I vividly remember them in late June.
people getting testy……
can’t we all just get along….
Oshie would be a great return for Harding, but they would have to REALLY want Harding in a bad way.
can we sneak benny in that kessel deal somehow?
I had forgotten about him. Man, the fact that Benny, a young player purportedly with skill, hasn’t been mentioned in these trade rumors is quite an indictment, no?
- So, whether he’d be accepted by MKIA and all the other “need MN players” is still up in the air (much as with Kessel).
As a long time MKIA observer, I think the big blue line that surrounds his mind can easily be crossed.
- Crosby played in MN in high school. does that make him a MN player?
Yes
Maybe Shep and another former 1st round pick for Kessel? I like that much better than this year’s first round pick. That ‘another former 1st round pick’ can be one or both of the following:
Gaborik*
Pouliot
*negotiating rights only
Fair enough, Aaron.
BTW, great post on Puck Daddy this morning that reinforces my dislike of Tavares. After 3 years of Benny, any time I hear a high draft pick’s attitude, heart, or personality being questioned, ohhh man does that send up some giant red flags.
Shep + Pool Boy = Kessel would be a steal IMO. I highly doubt Boston would go for that. Especially given Pool Boy’s horrid work ethic.
AustinTXwildfan says:
June 25th, 2009 at 9:33 am
Uhh, excuse me? Fighting Wild, you were the one that said, “St Louis Has TJ Oshie, MN kid who went to UND”. It seemed to me you were placing the cvalue on where he was from. I don’t give a flying eff where a guy is from. I want the best players for the team period. I was just pointing out your error.
must be compensating for something? Are you a teacher or a team lead? Somehow I think not… As for throwing out the MN connection thats how UND talked about him,yes born in WA but from MN. Well I am bored of this conversation ATWF or should that be atwf? Sorry couldn’t resist. petty petty bad me!
As a long time MKIA observer, I think the big blue line that surrounds his mind can easily be crossed.
If not for the courage of the fearless crew
The Minnow would be lost,
The Minnow would be lost.
The Kessel chatter makes me a little nervous. Hasn’t he established himself and a selfish, offense only turd. Aren’t we ridding ourselves of one of those next week?
I’m honestly suprised FSM’s name hasn’t been thrown out more.
If his contract wasn’t so “large” I would say FSM and Shep for Kessel, but at that point, Boston might as well try to re-sign Kessel.
Bored of a conversation, and yet continuting it. Nice.
Anyway, I for one am way too excited for the draft! Count me in the “so excited it’s embarrassing” group, Nick!
BTW, great post on Puck Daddy this morning that reinforces my dislike of Tavares. After 3 years of Benny, any time I hear a high draft pick’s attitude, heart, or personality being questioned, ohhh man does that send up some giant red flags.
+1 I read that article (thanks for the link) and I think that would be enough to make me not take JT.
Kessel is also only 21 and a ways off from UFA. He is a goalscorer. That is a valuable commodity. If Boston is looking to move him for salary reasons, the Wild definitely need to make a good effort at that deal.
On Pouliot, any word on the Wild’s intent to tender him? Any interested team might just wait that out and see if they can pick him up on the cheap. I think the Wild will tender. I see Poolboy as a make weight in one of those later summer deals that Fletcher seems certain will happen.
Back in the day it was widely accepted to be a top player you had to play tons of games at a high level to be good. example Jaime Langenbrunner skipped his senior year to play juniors in Canada and played 124 games. (62/year)
I heard a former WCHA coach say that the best player on his team touched the puck for at most 9 seconds in a game. He actually watched film and timed him.
The college game is based on practice Mon-Thurs where players get to touch the puck a lot more (games Fri/Sat). In my opinion that is why you are seeing tons of college kids doing so well in the NHL. Vanek, Parise, Oshie, Kessel, Heatley, etc. This system is seemingly leading to better player development in todays NHL.
I think both systems are still producing great players, the thing to keep in mind is that these are 18 year olds and very hard to predict. I also don’t think its a MN kid thing. Its the players we are used to watching since its next to impossible to watch Junior Hockey here. This makes us feel more ownership to WCHA players because we have watched them play.
I think the current overlooked section of players is Russians because of the KHL. Maybe a place to pick up some good picks in later rounds?
Pick the best player, just be open to new locations to get them.
I am an accountant, I have pent up frustration I am letting out. Sorry for the disruption. ST louis may be willing to trade Oshie for the simple fact they have not had a really good goalie for a long time. Hards is dang good & they are rich in good young players.
I’m honestly suprised FSM’s name hasn’t been thrown out more.
That’s because everyone knows he will flourish in this ‘new system’.. Am I right Guys!? Who’s with me!?…. uhhh.. guys? 
Peterscmidit- Heatkey and Kessel both have several issues, but do does gaby.
You know if it is as clean cut and dry as it appears that Gaby is going to Vancouver. Why would not that selfish Gabriella and his two bit loser manipulating agent Salcer come to the Wild to try to negotiate an exclusive deal with the Wild so the Wild could get something in return for him ??
I guess its all about Gaby and this is business.
Gaby what did you do to earn your money when you goofed up and did not properly take care of yourself and missed all of those games for the Wild ?????????????? I guess the Wild should pay for your lack of maturity and the fans should lose out right ???????????
BTW, great post on Puck Daddy this morning that reinforces my dislike of Tavares. After 3 years of Benny, any time I hear a high draft pick’s attitude, heart, or personality being questioned, ohhh man does that send up some giant red flags.
Nice link. Speaking of red flags, I have heard some things about Kadri that remind me of Benny. Offensive talent, needs to be more consistent, needs a better work ethic. Yikes. Maybe that’s why he’s the guy listed who could drop in the draft…
Can someone explain to me how we’re even involved in talks to trade for Heatley or Kessel when it’s well known our cupboards are bare? How can we afford to give up these assets just for one player?
The Kessel chatter makes me a little nervous. Hasn’t he established himself and a selfish, offense only turd. Aren’t we ridding ourselves of one of those next week?
Here’s an idea. Let’s just label anyone with any ability to score as selfish or otherwise undesirable. That way we can keep more spaces open for mediocre players who “work hard.” Who wants to have offense anyway??
MKiA that may be your best post ever. It would be nice if Gaby would do that, but there is no way in Hell it happens.
ST louis may be willing to trade Oshie for the simple fact they have not had a really good goalie for a long time. Hards is dang good & they are rich in good young players.
(going back to being civilized now.)
That is a good point. But, if they are rich in young talent why would they give up their, alledgedly, favorite young guy? I am not saying it’s a bad idea to target Oshie, but given what AiH said it’s unlikey to happen. Do they have any other young prospects that would be a good trade for Harding?
I heard a former WCHA coach say that the best player on his team touched the puck for at most 9 seconds in a game. He actually watched film and timed him.
I don’t believe that. I know the time a player spends with the puck is small, but if your top guy doesn’t have the puck for more than 9 seconds, there’s something wrong.
Also, has anyone watch a college hockey powerplay? (especially the Gophs on the Olympic ice). I swear those guys hang onto the puck for 9 seconds at a time…then pass, 9 seconds, pass…
Wouldn’t have expected anything but, watx!
The MN-born/raised/whatever thing seriously undermines our claim as a hockey-loving/savvy people.
Let. It. Go.
What does a game played by Rodents on an Olympic sheet of ice have to do with the NHL or the Wild?
edubs says:
June 25th, 2009 at 9:58 am
I heard a former WCHA coach say that the best player on his team touched the puck for at most 9 seconds in a game. He actually watched film and timed him.
Michael Russo has covered the Minnesota Wild and NHL for the Star Tribune since 2005 following 10 years of covering the Florida Panthers for the Sun-Sentinel. Michael fell in love with the sport thanks to the New York Islanders’ dynasty of the early-’80s and being able to cover the three-time Sunshine Hockey League-champion West Palm Beach Blaze in the early-’90s. Michael uses “Russo’s Rants” to feed a wide-ranging hockey-centric discussion with readers, and “Russo Radio” can be heard Wednesdays at 6 p.m. on KSTP (AM-1500).
Wallshot @ 10:04: +1
Lucky, I think we have a few assets… but not many. Shep, Harding, Benny, Gilles, Cuma… definitely not PMB
The problem is that most other teams have more assets to play with. So the Wild is at an automatic disadvantage.
Kessel isn’t the biggest guy in the world. I would not want to put him out there with PMB and Miettinen, but I do like Kessel’s abilities.
3 way trade… St Louis gets Harding, we take young talent + pick, sent to Boston, we get Kessel.
Right on Mister Know it all, you tell him !
The trainers and DR constantly talked about how Gaby was taking care of himself poorly. When you have a weakness in your body you must take care of it. No not Gaby !
I remember DR telling Demitra to make sure to watch Gaby in the offseason so he is taking care of himself. It does not sound like the GM had faith in Gabys ability to take care of himself to prevent injuries.
I see what your saying Mister Know it all. The Wild paid him 7.5 million dollars and he only played like 25 games. If he knew he was going to Vancouver why not care for the fans and make sure some compensation would be offered for him leaving. Instead the Wild get nothing and Gaby walks away with all of that money the Wild gave him.
Gabys behaviour and that of his agents is what is called GREED GREED GREED
If you look on their NHL page in the system they have a ton of good young players plus their roster is pretty young over all. I think they would part with him for the right deal & it probably would not be as expensive as we think.
“You’re wrong to pull out the rulebook on this. There was never any rules about this.”
Just read something on TSN about how some teams are close to making a deal on Bouwmeester’s negotiating rights. Does anyone know how often these 1-week-away UFA’s forgo free-agency and sign with the team that dealt for their rights?
edubs -
If you think the NCAA is consistently breeding more NHL players, check out this link: The College vs. Major Junior Debate.
http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/06/22/nhl-draft-preview-the-college-vs-major-junior-debate/
Overall, just making the NHL, players in juniors have a slight edge, but it’s fairly consistent across the board. Is the NCAA breeding more top end players? That I don’t know but it’s an interesting read.
Right on Mister Know it all, you tell him !
There he goes talking to himself again. Almost makes me miss Mike.
Does anyone think any move will be made today by Fletch?
FightingWild, what do you think it would take? Obviously Harding… but what else?
Does anyone know how often these 1-week-away UFA’s forgo free-agency and sign with the team that dealt for their rights?
I am curious to this as well. Trading for the rights to negotiate seems like a waste of time and assets IMO.
“The MN-born/raised/whatever thing seriously undermines our claim as a hockey-loving/savvy people.
Let. It. Go.”
Amen, NiNY. Amen.
Nashville traded the rights to Kimmo Timonen(SP?) to Philly and they were able to sign him prior to hitting free agency.
lukewarm
Would it help if I told you it was a teaching hockey class at a MN university? Maybe if I sighted the player? What if I told you he played in the NHL?
I suppose I could hang on to the puck longer if I set up the powerplay behind my own net for 5-6 seconds.
I think it would be hards for oshie & maybe a swap of 1st rounders, they pick 17th, heck through in pouliot. That sounds weak but if the cap is going to go down in the next few years maybe they already know they can’t sign everyone when the big paydays come in. If I truely knew what I was talking about I wouldn’t be in a cubical on the 39th floor.
CiCA:
from the last thread — I don’t overvalue Shep and the #12 pick. You undervalue the #12 pick. How many times does it need to be said that we have NO TRADEABLE ASSETS?
That pick can be converted for more picks. The loss of these picks are more valuable than Kessel. That’s an extra asset that you can trade 2-4 years down the road.
You are in the here and now. Have some forward-thinking, too.
Letting Gaborik walk for nothing is egregious. Rolston — we could have gotten a prospect and a 4th rounder, which we got but not the prospect.
Demitra — meh.
Really other than Gaborik and Rolston, what other UFA could we have really gotten a return on?
wow cited not sighted, my bad.
Maybe if I sighted the player
Why would Gaborik and his agent try to work a deal to trade Gaborik? I would guess they have a deal worked out that gives him a healthy bonus if he comes in as a free agent. A trade would cost the acquiring team something, which would mean less compensation is available for Gaborik.
NO TRADEABLE ASSETS
This is complete BS and you know it. We have some tradeable assets. Harding, Gillies, Cuma, our 12th pick, PMB (even though I hate to say it), Clutterbuck (even though I hate to say that too), Burns, Pool Boy (I know that’s a stretch). Other teams have more, but we do have SOME. Stop acting like the team has the freaking Bubonic Plauge when it comes to assets… it’s just not the case.
I think it would be hards for oshie & maybe a swap of 1st rounders… If I truely knew what I was talking about I wouldn’t be in a cubical on the 39th floor.
Fair point about the cap, but I just don’t see that happening. And agreed on the later point…. if any of us knew what we were talking about we would have somone knocking on our doors asking us to be the next GM.
Jonesy… Good read
I think what wheeler did to the coyotes will have some consequences later on in another CBA.
Someone brought it up on NHL live yesterday
It wouldn’t. Is it possible you’re mistaken on the number? Perhaps you heard 9, when it should have been 90.
Think of it this way, and bear with the explanation. Assume your top 5 players all average 15min/game. Assume the other teams top 5 players average 15min/game. Assume those 10 players are out there at the same time. 15 min = 900 seconds.
900 - (10players * 9 seconds) =
810 seconds, or 13.5 minutes where nobody has the puck.
Don’t think so.
“Trading for the rights to negotiate seems like a waste of time and assets IMO.”
Why trade when you can tamper?
Cynthia Rodriguez the third and Mister Know it all. You know what is being blamed on the economy problems we haev right now ?? Just what yiur are saying, Greed
He has a right to want to play for someone else. But to skip town and say see you later ! Its not breaking the law but it is wrong for the reasons you have mentioned.
One way the Fans can get him back is by taking care of him when he gets to the X 4 times a year. We need to get a good hard hitting dman who will knock him on his butt all game long as well
This is Greedy thinking MN_in_AL says: You could be his agent and I am guessing you think for yourself and nobody else as well. Core reason why the economy is where it is
June 25th, 2009 at 10:34 am
Why would Gaborik and his agent try to work a deal to trade Gaborik? I would guess they have a deal worked out that gives him a healthy bonus if he comes in as a free agent. A trade would cost the acquiring team something, which would mean less compensation is available for Gaborik
Shep and Kessel are the same age? Wow, wouldn’t have guessed that.
I’m starting to re-think my opposition to the Shep + #12 for Kessel trade.
Ok, done. Do the deal!
,i>We need to get a good hard hitting dman who will knock him on his butt all game long as well
Cue Big John Scott.
How can we afford to give up these assets just for one player?
what good is it doing us to sit on them and pass up on deals?
would we rather hang on to shepard, who could be a good checking forward, maybe a power forward, or trade him for someone that would have led the team in goals last year, is young and restricted for 4 more years?
I think it is a gamble either way but since the team lacks players that can put the biscuit in the basket, i’d lean towards, making the deal. Any trade can blow up on you. realistically, i think the downside is minimal here.
It’s funny that so many Wild faithful already ‘trust’ that Fletch will do the right thing…What is that trust based on? What precedent has been established to base all this trust on. I guess hope is a powerful emotion…or there are alot of sheep out there.
Not trying to be negative. Just making an observation.
luke warm
Much of the game is spent chasing the puck and trying to get control of it. Now what one person considers control vs another person is as different as what some people consider a hit vs others. He was talking about a center, my guess is D handle the puck more often. Most offensive players one touch passes and even if you stick handle your talking less than a second. The pro game is more talented and has more puck handling and patience (regular season).
Pewter, switch ‘trust’ with ‘hope’. I HOPE he does the right thing. He hasn’t proven anything yet… if he makes some good moves early, then I might start to trust that he will do the right thing.
Lets put it all together folks:
Almond, Shep, and our Third (103?) for Kessel. Leaving us a third (#99) from Dallas.
#12 to Islanders for a first (#26) and a second (#31)
Harding and a second (#31) for Oshie and a young prospect
Cuma and a first (#26) to Ottawa for Heatley.
I lost myself with which picks we would have left, but we would pick up Kessel, Heatley, and Oshie. Everyone’s happy, including Ms C because Clutz stays
I’m not even sure we could afford all of them - so capologists please keep comments to yourself
switch ‘trust’ with ‘hope’
I hope he does better than the last guy that ran on HOPE. Hasn’t exactly knocked it out of the park.
Well I’m done arguing about this trade. If it happens it happens but I pray it doesn’t. I still stick by my statement that we can’t afford these trades. While we do have SOME assets it would be in our best interest to hang out to those assets and develop them.
I seriously don’t understand when we went in to “win now” mode.
I understand what you’re saying, but it doesn’t add up to me. I’m letting this go.
Foodz
Tj Oshie? Do you honestly think the Note would even consider that trade? No way no how. Not going to happen. Oshie is the Blues future captain
as a Blues fan, i was interested in the connection re: Harding… would love to have him… but i’ve gotta say — Oshie is as close to untouchable a player as the Blues have. Harding + a pick for Oshie would likely not even warrant a return call. again, i love Harding, but the Blues org. really values what it has in TJ…
Did you see this Oshie highlight?!
here’s your morning excuse. The wireless in the hotel is lousy.
Just like a writer to blame someone else. If you want to blog, then find a way to make it happen.
We are in win now mode because we are a few guys from a stanley cup contender.
[…] Update: Michael Russo writes: […]
[…] Michael Russo at the Minneapolis Star Tribune: Also, remember, the Wild might be into Kessel now, but if Chiarelli’s waiting until Friday, who […]
TJ Oshie just won the favorite player award on the Blues website. He got over 70% of the votes. He’s a complete stud and is untouchable. The city would vote him in as mayor right now if we could!
Ok,I am a Blues fan and have knowledge of who they would and would not deal.NO ON OSHIE-He is untouchable,you could trade your whole team and not get him.David Backes is untouchable,Berglund is most likely untouchable,Perron creeping into untouchable range,Erik Johnson is untouchable
We have Eller,Pietrangelo,and many other prospects to offer,but I don’t know.The Blues have the best prospects in the league,just look at hockeysfuture.com and look at the ranks…so much talent
