Chuck Fletcher on Brodziak trade, draft; Dan Fritsche gone?
Posted on June 27th, 2009 – 2:07 PMBy Michael Russo
Here is the Chuck Fletcher transcript, and I think I picked up on the end of Dan Fritsche’s Wild career. Right when they traded for Kyle Brodziak, I thought, “That makes Fritsche expendable.” I asked Fletcher if Fritsche will be qualified to retain his rights Monday, and you’ll see his answers below.
Talked to Todd Richards about Brodziak, too, for tomorrow’s paper. Remember, he coached him in Wilkes-Barre. You’ll see all that below and Tommy Thompson on the draft picks.
Chuck Fletcher
On Brodziak? Todd knows him better than I do. We shared a farm team with Edmonton in Wilkes-Barre three seasons ago and Kyle’s one of the leaders on the team and played really well for Todd and since then has had two successful seasons in the NHL. I got to know Kyle a little bit that season, and he’s a good fit for us. He’s a player who can slide up and down your roster. He’s a right-shot, he can take faceoffs, he’s well above average faceoff guy on the right side of the ice, he can also play wing, he can kill penalties, he shoots the puck well. So he brings a lot of versatility to the lineup and I think he’ll allow our coaching staff to give him different looks and move him around and bring some character and effort to the lineup every night.
Right-handed centers valuable? I think it’s very important, but he may be a right winger that takes faceoffs from the right side. That’ll be up to the coaches, but that element was very important. We were looking at other players here and they were left shots. I just felt the overall fit with Kyle was better for the lineup because of a) the familiarity of knowing him as a person and the fact he’s a right shot, the fact he’s second line, third line, fourth line, right wing, left wing, center. There’s a lot of things you can do with a Kyle Brodziak. There’s energy, there’s work ethic and there’s character.
Scoring ability? Clearly, I think he’s a better checker than an offensive player, but he’s a player that has scored goal in his career. He shoots the puck well and he’s a smart player and the way the game’s played now, you can’t just break your players up into offensive players and defensive players. You have to have every line who can contribute offensively and every line that can play away from the puck. The great thing about Kyle is he is versatile and if you put him out there will skilled players, he can shoot the puck when it gets on his stick, yet he is also very responsible.
In the works? Yes, going back almost a month.
Talked to him a lot last two days? No, a lot of things. Today the conversation shifted back to Kyle. We talked about it at different points in the draft.
Getting goalies? Drafting goalies have nothing to do with our nhl goalies. Right now we have two goalies under contract outside of the nhl, khudobin and brust, and they’re both in the last year of their deals. We really are very thin in the goaltending position and Hackett was a kid that our scouts really liked and they had him pretty high on our board and when he was available for us in the third round we didn’t hesitate. I think even if we had goaltending depth, we would have been looking at Hackett at that point just because we thought he was the best player available at that time. But certainly, he’s one of the top-rated goaltenders in this year’s draft, and to get him at 77, for us, the scouts were really happy.
Every draft your goal is to restock and replenish and certainly we hoped to do that coming in. I think we were able to do that. time will tell. We’ll find out in three or four years. Certainly with nick leddy, we added one of the premiere skating and puck-moving defenseman in the draft, a goaltending in Hackett, a couple kids in the fourth round. …That’s your plan every draft. Ultimately three or four years down the road we’ll find out what we actually did today.
Hackett, value of trade yesterday? It gave us some flexibility. Fallstrom was a guy our scouts identified and were hoping to get in the fourth round. When we were able to get the third round pick, it allowed us to grab Hackett earlier. We were fortunate to have that third round pick.
Trades? I’m not sure what happened here this week. I’ve spoken to a lot of managers about that generally and almost every one Ive spoken to thought the same thing I did, that there would be more activity here, that there would be more names moving, that there would be more money shifting hands and with a few notable exceptions, it was a very quiet week. Now whether things pick up in the next week leading up to july 1 or maybe a few weeks after july 1, time will tell. Certainly there’s been a lot of conversations. I know we’ve had a lot and I know others team must have had a lot. Time will tell. But it hasn’t gone as I anticipated, so the next two weeks should be really interested.
Unreasonable? I sure hope so. That would benefit us.
How solve this? That was my theory coming in and I’m not sure why more didn’t happen. I’m just being candid. We had a lot of conversations and things just didn’t go as anticipated. There seems to be a lot of money in the system right now and the cap is flat this year and potentially going down next year. Theres a lot of money already committed in the system. Eventually you would assume there will be players will salaries available that teams will be able to consume.
Qualify all RFA’s? No. How about I tell you on Monday?
Fritsche? How about we talk on Monday?
You won’t throw away Pouliot? Absolutely not.
Fritsche? We’ll speak on Monday?
Kalus? I can confirm I’ve had conversations with his agent that he wants to come back and I’m assuming he’ll come back. I see no reason why he won’t come back.
Voloshenko? He won’t be back. I don’t even know where he is.
Free agency? I’m not sure we have to be more aggressive July 1. We’ve had some ideas what we wanted to do in free agency all along if we weren’t able to make trades and we have some things we can do internally too with player shifting to different areas. I think we have some flexibility what can we do. I do believe having cap space is a very valuable commodity. I do believe if we have cap space, at some point we will be rewarded. I’m not sure we have to fill every hole the first week of July but what will happen will be a product of which way the market goes. If it’s a buyers market, hopefully we do well.
Assistant GM? We will have enough hands on deck. We’ll be prepared. … I think we should have everything in order by July 1. I’ll think about it this weekend.
And here is Tommy Thompson
TOMMY:
“It’s a global game and we’re very proud of the way the Minnesota system has developed. Look at what Shattuck’s done: They’re getting world-class people, not just from Minnesota but from all over the world.
“I honestly believe there’s a psychological block for some people that if a player has been through the draft, they’re leery to take him the next year. He was the youngest guy eligible for last year’s draft. People looked at him as a good player who was weak as a kitten, and it was our regional scouts — actually it was Ken Xxxxx from Fargo — who said, ‘You better get out and see this kid because he’s got a different body.’
“He’s a big, solid guy; he’s got a tryout offer from the Swedish world junior team; and his intentions are to go to Harvard. To some people that scares them; I think it’s a credit to the guy. There are lots of players who come out of Harvard; some players can’t spell Harvard.
“Haula is the typical kind of guy where you draft two or three guys to get one who plays. He’s got everything except the acceleration in his legs right now. If he gets stronger, he gets quicker and I think you might get a pretty good player there. This kid played for Team Finland at the Under-18 in Fargo. They won the bronze medal there with the big comeback win against Canada … This is top-flight hockey, and Haula looked pretty good to me.
“I talked to a lot of people while I was at the table today, and no one was more excited than Bob Mason. Bob and I went up to the Hockey Canada development camp two weeks ago because a number of the goalies that we were chasing were second-string goalies behind top guys. It’s fine to have DVDs, and our guys do a great job of analyzing them, but I like to see a guy in person.
“Hackett last year was a 145-pound guy playing for Windsor. … The goaltending people from Hockey Canada, halfway through the year, said, ‘This guy is coming on by leaps and bounds.’ I kind of thought, yeah, yeah … but the second half of the year he was good. He’s definitely a candidate to be one of two goalies for the world junior team next year. I’d say he and Jake Allen.
“Bob was saying of Hackett, ‘You think we have any chance to get him?’ and I said, ‘Don’t get your hopes up.’ That shows the benefit of the trade that Chuck Fletcher made last night. … Without that pick, we don’t get Hackett. If he turns into an NHL goalie, look how important that is. It was nice to have some picks; that allowed us to take some risks later on.
“Anton, he’s got a long ways to go to be an NHL goalie. We wanted to get someone who was a blue-chip candidate. Hackett was the No. 2 goalie on our list. He’s the body build I’m looking for — he’s a lanky guy, very flexible going sideways. He stoned Windsor, which won the Memorial Cup, in Windsor. That’s where I became convinced on the guy; then it was just confirmed when Bob and I saw him at the hockey camp.
“He’s an interesting guy. I guess, if you talk to him, he was like Ichabod Crane until last year. He was the third goalie in Spokane a year, year and a half ago … He wasn’t going to play, so he went back and played triple-A midget in Saskatoon, made the Red Deer Rebels as a backup and played so well they traded their veteran guy. He was their first-string goalie down the stretch.
“I think he’s just coming into his own physically.
“He’s huge, and as my own friend Glen Hall would say, ‘That’s the starting point.’ He takes up a lot of net. This is a guy who didn’t even grow into his body until last year.
“Whether Josh is here or not, there is a gap there. … That’s why we got one guy we’re really excited about and one guy with potential. I don’t want to sell a bill of goods on Kuemper until he comes into his own, but we’re certainly optimistic on that.
On Foucault:
“He ended up winning the award as the MVP in the Western divisional finals. I saw three of those games against Brandon; this guy’s got really good hands. In fact, Kelly and Paul said he’s got the best hands on the team, and they had a championship team.
“He’s lost 18 pounds. I think the medial condition is called hypoglycemia, which is some sort of inability of the body to process sugar. I didn’t really get into that, but it’s be diagnosed. He’s fine, he just changed his diet patterns.
“Central didn’t invite him to the combine, so we had him do all the tests. We thought we had a good lead on him. Some teams probably didn’t see him until late. … He’s a bit of a wild card, but, hey — it’s like being up in a baseball game: You can take a nice, easy swing, or you can swing a little harder and try to get some results. With Foucault we’re probably swinging a little bit harder.
Jere Sallinen:
“Medical reports say he’s fine now …
“He played with their good players and looked like a solid two-way guy, but I never saw him this year at all.
Hamburg:
“The biggest leap of faith might be Anthony Hamburg.
“We had good reports on him. He had a ton of points but I couldn’t tell you the level of hockey; I never saw him play.
Who saw him? Chris Hamill, our New England scout we sent to Pittsburgh to cover the national midget championships. He was playing for the Dallas Stars; he’s from Phoenix. Both of his parents are physicians.â€
79 Responses to "Chuck Fletcher on Brodziak trade, draft; Dan Fritsche gone?"
Thanks Russo!
wow the formatting on the TT bit is all jacked.
I am disappointed that fritzy may be gone. I really like him. He is a quick dude.
I thought Fritsche was a guy destined for this team. He is quick and shows a lot of heart out there. He was the only one who could dump last year and actually get to the puck.
Michael - you rock. Thanks!
Yeah, though I like Veilleux, I’d rather lose him that Fritsche.
from hockeybuzz.com
* The Wild are closing in on Heatley. The third team may be St Louis who would love to have Josh Harding.
Sweet deal Fletch! Can’t ever have too many 4th line centers. The team of 12,000 can’t wait for Brodziak.
I have concerns on Fritche similar but not the same as I had with Mark Parrish. I think when Too Too nailed him it kimd of showed he lacked focus. He really left himself out there. I would have to say he may not be giving the ownership the warm and fuzzies
Someone else eluded to the fact that Brodziak may be the prep work needed for Sheppard being gone. It maybe that Gaborick is holding the wild hostage in the form of asking they show they are going to bring in players… Maybe thats Heatley
I don’t see how we can afford Heatley and Gabby if that happened and he wanted to stay. We’d have to drop a lot of salary somewhere.
I liked Fritz too…what the hell do I know I’m just a fat guy on the couch.
As much as a huge fan I am of Burnzie, I would let him go for Heatley if he signed a long term deal and that made Gabby sign long term here too. Definitely not just for Heatley and have Gabby walk.
Brodziak? I thought Fletch held picks in high esteem. Would have rather kept the two picks we had. I may be wrong but I don’t think we need another nonscoring center.
You’re right, Chris. We’d probably have to trade Johnsson, at least. If we got Heatley and then signed Gabby even for 7 mil, we’d be over the cap with several players yet to sign.
That would be sweet to watch the two together though…
Okay, reality check..as of right now are the Wild a better team than last year. NOPE. Let’s check back in a month. As a fan, I expect a playoff berth and a first round win. Just because we have a new coach and GM does not mean the fans should lower their expectations.
Qualify all RFA’s? No. How about I tell you on Monday?
Fritsche? How about we talk on Monday?
You won’t throw away Pouliot? Absolutely not.
Fritsche? We’ll speak on Monday?
And people accuse Russo of not being a PITA enough.
So, Pouliot and Kalus, likely in Houston given what I’ve seen of them. I may have to start sneaking a flask of something strong in to the games.
I would let him go for Heatley if he signed a long term deal
Uh, you realize Heatley’s long-term deal is one reason why Ottawa hasn’t found a taker for him yet, right?
Fletcher is talking out of both sides of his mouth. He appears to me to be a bit overwhelmed by his new role. One day he says picks are most important and that is why they traded the number 12 pick. Then today he does exactly the opposite of what he preached the day before. Not a very good sign. And why is Tommy Thompson still around. That guy should have been let go.
I expect a playoff berth and a first round win
Better be ready for disappointment. Just in case.
We’ll if it was posted on hockeybuzz, we should head out now and get our Heatley Wild sweaters made.
Seems odd that the Wild would qualify Pouliot but not Fritsche. Have to see what Fletcher has to say on Monday.
Well the speculation is PMB is rumored in the deal with Burns for what Ottawa wants. So that PMBs cap would be gone if the trade happened at least but Burns will not be in the deal so it’d have to be someone else for them to take it. Wall, imagine overtime…Koivu,Heatley,Gabby, and Burns HA!
lol skip!
I can see fritch getting dumped because of his contract status. Don’t see them trading Shep. Maybe Belanger, if they can land a top 2 center.
Go4it, how can you measure if the team is better? They haven’t even filled out the roster yet. Of course the team is not better today. They only have 17 players!
Talk about jumping the gun…
Wall, imagine overtime…Koivu,Heatley,Gabby, and Burns HA!
Damn, where do I sign!?!?
i see benny getting a fresh look in camp, with a good shot of staying. I think the change in style will work to his benefit. Kalus too.
Further, I think it’s going to be a couple of years, maybe more, before the team heals the wounds of losing so many players for nothing. Gotta give the new regime time to fix the things.
Gotta give the new regime time to fix the things.
That seems too much to ask for in the State of Impatience.
Ms. C
Good to see someone comment with some rationality…
Wow, talk about Sunday morning GM’s. All the ripping on Fletch is a little funny. I don’t mind the trade at all. He basically traded him for one low draft pick since we got a pick back as well. I don’t think that is a lot considering he’s a known product.
Chris in CA. Unlikely that Gaborik resigns here unless Fletcher dusts off the ‘Detroit Decade’ offer.
Have to think that the Pronger trade only raised the bar of what Ottawa hopes to get for Heatley.
Fletcher has said that picks/prospects are assets. The wrap on DR was that he gave them away. A third for a 14th forward, a 3rd to move up a spot, etc. Fletcher managed to pick up some extra picks and turned them into an asset that immediately fits in the Wild’s top 12 forwards and may allow him make another move.
Not a member of crowd that thinks that TT is a bum. Sure, the Wild blew it with Thelen and Pouliot is not looking like a top 4 pick, but they’re drafting 18 years and every team has its share of busted picks as well. Look around the NHL and realize that the success rate for a 1st round pick playing 100 or more games in the NHL is only about 80% and for any pick beyond the first round that success rate drops to about 20%. So basically in any given draft a team may find 2-3 NHL players. On average the Wild have done that with their drafting.
Did you ever think that maybe the reason TT is still here is because Fletch couldn’t have replaced him & possibly the scouting staff by the draft & whether you like TT or not Fletch couldn’t have doe the draft alone as he hasn’t done much scouting? Give it a little more time and see if now that the draft is over if changes are made. Fletch has had a lot on his plate.
I don’t understand why the Wild don’t only acquire players who are better than everyone on the current roster. That way the current players just get bumped down a line and they never need to sign 3rd or 4th line players. It’s so simple. Surely that is what the perennial Cup contenders do!
Good ol’ Tom Powers is leading the bellowing about not getting any immediate help on draft weekend. He makes it sound as if Fletcher was in the hotel room playing video games all week instead of trying to get a trade done. Apparently he didn’t see that there was exactly 1 trade involving any top-tier players, and the Flyers GM should have his head examined for that one.
Lukewarm,
I saw that. He makes it sound as though the other GM’s were giving quality players away for nothing and Fletch wasn’t at the table.
I don’t mind any of the moves we made during the draft. We picked up more picks, we added a roster player without mortgaging the team, and who knows how any of the draftees will pan out for any team. I know nothing about any of them and they are still young. Give them time.
As a fan, I expect a playoff berth and a first round win.
I hate to be the one to break the news to you… but I fear you are going to be pretty disappointed with those kinds of expectations.
Koivu,Heatley,Gabby, and Burns
Man, it’s fun to dream isn’t it? That would be insane.
It’s so simple.
I love it when people say this.
@Go4it
Because we have a new GM and new coach doesn’t mean we should lower our expectations? No…You’re right. Overall, it doesn’t. But as far as next season is concerned? Have you ever stopped to think that maybe the reason that we were as close as we were to making the playoffs without Gaborik was, in part, because of the style of play that we played?
We’re going to have, more or less, the same team as last season when Gaborik was hurt. We proved last season that this was not a playoff team, even with Lemaire. Just because Fletcher hasn’t come out and said that we are rebuilding doesn’t mean that there isn’t a slight rebuild going on. Risebrough made a fair share of mistakes with this organization and it may take time to repair them. The odds are that we won’t be able to re-sign Gaborik and there’s a very good chance that we won’t be able to replace him either.
IF we can find some sort of replacement for Gaborik, there’s a good shot at us making the playoffs. But as it stands, we’re going to be learning a whole new system and likely have a lot of turnover on our roster to contend with as well. I don’t care who you are…It takes more than training camp to get comfortable enough with a system to be able to run it to its full potential.
All of these add up to the team struggling next season. Now…There is a good chance that the reason we contended last season was due to more than just Lemaire’s system. IF this is the case, I don’t think that the playoffs are far fetched…But I don’t know that this is necessarily the case.
This is a team that hasn’t even been in existence a decade yet…And people are expecting the world of them. If the stars aligned last season, and Gaborik was healthy for the whole season…Then yes, I would say that might be realistic for last season…But a new system means more to learn and more to process…I think the team will take a few months to get used to it and get their feet under them…Which means that we could be in for a rough season.
Greg, my favorite line went something like this…
Fletcher should just package two or three of our 3 and 4th line players to get a solid second line player.
Right.
“I’ll give you Belanger, Olvecky and Weller for Patrick Berglund.”
Genius! Why didn’t anyone else think of that sooner?
I expect seeing comments similar to this by fans every once in a while, but from a guy who gets paid to write about it?
In case it was clear, my last post was pure sarcasm.
There’s nothing simple about putting a contender together.
hmm… make that WASN’T clear.
—what the hell do I know I’m just a fat guy on the couch—
At least you’re honest. I’m a little surprised at how many draft day nimrods showed up on the board. The more I read, the more I feel like I’m at the opera with a short bus full of hillbillies.
Trading for Brodziak and letting Fritsche go doesn’t really make a lot of sense.
I agree John. Folk on the board get all up in arms if you even try to critique their messiah Fletcher, but Fletchers moves are very questionable. Is anyone walking away saying Fletcher has done a great job? No, PLENTY of question marks. There are 2 sides to every trade, and we don’t know how the picks or trades will work out. But as for the immediate future, the Wild are still a borderline at best playoff team and will probably miss the playoffs again. But I admit it is too early to predict until the FA period is over. I just hope Fletcher does a better job during this period.
Don’t think anyone is putting Fletcher on a pedestal.
What should he have done differently? The trade market at the draft was virtually non-existent. He picked up a lower line player for next to nothing. Not a big move either way and pretty much on par for what 27 other GMs did at the draft. Maybe a bit more than some.
I see very little to criticize. Right it looks like he had a solid draft. Not great, but certainly not terrible. Ultimately only time will tell.
–I’m a little surprised at how many draft day nimrods showed up on the board.
I’m sure 99% of them belonged to a jazzed-up MKIA.
–…I feel like I’m at the opera with a short bus full of hillbillies.
I’ve felt like that my entire life.
kj: my thanks to you, see the previous post.
Let’s hope Veilleux will not be back!
I really hope the team doesn’t lose Gaborik because we have too few commodities to trade. I guess the hope is that Pouliot, who gets another chance, may actually develop into something. With his size and speed he should be doing much more than he has.
Greg says:
June 27th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Wow, talk about Sunday morning GM’s. All the ripping on Fletch is a little funny. I don’t mind the trade at all. He basically traded him for one low draft pick since we got a pick back as well. I don’t think that is a lot considering he’s a known product.
I agree , it’s sad and funny at the same time.
Why couldn’t Fletcher get Brian Boyle from the Kings as opposed to Brodziak? He’s a big center with upside. Where’s the pro scout on that one?
tom, greg: Welcome to the drama pool that is this blog.
For everyone ripping the Brodziak trade, you do realize that he has played for Coach Richards before don’t you? I would think a guy who has coached him may have a little more insight on what kind of player he is and what he can expect from him. Plus he seems to be good on face offs, which is an area the Wild can use help.
Michael up North, I agree with you 3:11 post. I think Benny has a chance to make his mark in a more up tempo style of play (Kalus too).
I’d like to see Pouliot get another chance with a coach who doesn’t try to make him into something he’s not. If he didn’t check a guy in the corner, Lemaire would bench him and send him back to the minors. Gaborik Heatley and Pouliot would get me excited for three lines or pair a couple on the first or second.
Yeah I always did like Poolboy, hopefully he gets a lot more motivated with a new regime. I remember one quote from Lemaire saying “Benny is as fast, if not faster than Gabby”. The kids got serious potential, but the question mark has always been work ethic so we’ll see what happens there.
saladin says….Why couldn’t Fletcher get Brian Boyle from the Kings as opposed to Brodziak? He’s a big center with upside. Where’s the pro scout on that one?
same reason no one can trade for clutterbuck for 5th/6th round picks….
chris in ca……you do realize you just said pretty much what the scouts said when we picked him????
it is easy to make fun of gm’s…..especially when they have just started, so you have no proof (either way)
I am enjoying both new gm’s right now…..can’t wait til free agency
Mister Biskers - I think the fans are not ripping the trade for Brodziak as much as they are ripping the bill of goods Leopold and Fletcher is telling then about up tempo hockey and how they are going to bring big offense to the Wild,
They need some big moves if they are going to become a feared team to play against on offense. I tried to tell the Russo Nation about Leopold and they did not want to listen Mister Biskers
I tried to offer some ideas up to my fellow Russoranters like, kj, sunshine etc. I said trade for Mike Modano and everybody said.. he he he he he. I think the guy would have huge motivation to do well here and he only costs less then what your paying Nolan
Maybe Jagr
Heatley would take too much away from the squad in terms of players
Mister Biskers - I think the fans are not ripping the trade for Brodziak as much as they are ripping the bill of goods Leopold and Fletcher is telling then about up tempo hockey and how they are going to bring big offense to the Wild,
They need some big moves if they are going to become a feared team to play against on offense. I tried to tell the Russo Nation about Leopold and they did not want to listen Mister Biskers
I tried to offer some ideas up to my fellow Russoranters like, kj, sunshine etc. I said trade for Mike Modano and everybody said.. he he he he he. I think the guy would have huge motivation to do well here and he only costs less then what your paying Nolan
Maybe Jagr
Heatley would take too much away from the squad in terms of players
“The more I read, the more I feel like I’m at the opera with a short bus full of hillbillies.”
that was rich.
Fritsche is Belanger Lite. Team doesn’t change if he stays or goes.
Re: Leddy
I think the brain trust envisions the next Brent Burns. I’m not convinced. Risborough Sux had some great posts talking about Leddy being “fragile” and that Schroeder was more of a sure thing. Couldn’t agree more. Leddy was very GOOD and the high school level but not great. He seemed wobbly on his skates many times. I know he put up pts but he was playing against 130 lb weeklings from Totino Grace. Hopefully he grows into greatness over the next couple years or Fletcher has definately crapped the bed with his first draft.
If nothing else Fletch has guts. Taking a 41 yr old Richards with one year nhl asst coach experience and drafting Leddy with #16.
Time will tell (stating the obvious, but I’m just sayin’)
Anyone else think that Harding is G-O-N-E with Goalie selection in the draft?
Please trade Harding, Belanger, and Velliux for STL’s Backes…
traderumors.com has the Wild trading Harding for Mike Modano of the Dallas Stars. That is my 2 cents to your blog
Actually Pewter I can get behind that trade if they (STL) throw in a pick or two in the 2010 draft. Three guys for one makes me cringe at how lopsided it is.
A true know it all would know that:
Modano’s cap hit is about 1 million per season higher than Nolan’s,
Modano is 39 years old and has played the last 15 seasons in Dallas. He has no attachment to Minnesota, and
The Wild owner is Leipold, not Leopold.
Harding will be traded if the deal makes sense, not because the Wild drafted an 18 year old goalie today that won’t be NHL ready for 3-4 years.
Vellieux is an UFA in 3 days. But otherwise it looks like that trade may be workable.
Top unrestricted Free Agents
Alex Tanguay
Saku Koivu
Alexei Kovalev
Scott Niedermayer
Nik Antropov
Todd Bertuzzi
Mike Cammalleri
Nikolai Khabibulin
Martin Havlat
Martin Biron
Sergei Zubov
Marian Hossa
Manny Legace
Dwayne Roloson
Marian Gaborik
Daniel Sedin
Henrik Sedin
Mats Sundin
Hey Stoned, the bus driver wanted me to thank you for cleaning of the windows. Oh btw he said to tell you that you forgot your helmet and the paper towels for your tongue.
Be careful out there buddy.
Geez. I am as confused as most people on this board. We should have walked out of the draft with the rights to Hossa, Boumeester, and have aquired Heatly, Hedman AND Duchene. All for a sack of magic beans and a stack of playboys.
Sunday’s articles are posted. Great stuff Michael. Thanks!
Boomer, it said on a website in Dallas that his cap hit is 2.25 million. I thought Nolan was like 2.5 million. I am just saying that this guys career could be revived at 39. He would be jacked up coming back to Minnesota to play. This guy is a cheap cap hit. I bet Minnesota could get 80 points out of him next year. Hmmm, how many more could you get from Heatley ?
nhlnumbers.com has Modano’s salary for 09/10 as 2.25 million and his salary cap hit as 3.45 million because of a front loaded contract. Unless you plan on feeding him that sack of magic beans mentioned ealier, how would bringing a 39 year old guy to a city where he played 15 seasons ago motivate him to almost double his production. Agree that just chanting uptempo offense isn’t going to boost the Wild’s goal scoring, but bringing Modano back is loopy.
Boomer: Thanks for bringing up my magic beans. For everyone out there pissing and moaning over Fletcher’s draft. What would DR have done different and/or better? Or Maguire for that matter? What part of we have to suck before we win big do you all not understand? Is that not how it works in the “new” NHL? Posers go home, I don’t want other NHL fans saying Wild Fans are the same fair-weather big pink stinkies as Vikes fans.
There’s a decent write-up about the Brodziak trade at the Edmonton Journal. Sounds like he got singled out by MacT on occasion for a lack of grit, and didn’t get much of a chance to contribute offensively since he was playing with Stortini for a good part of the year. Should be interesting to see what he can do here. Sounds like a change of scenery may do him good.
I bet we could get 110 points out of Modano. A Modano, Jagr combo would easily put up 200 points next year. What’s Heatley going to give us? Maybe 50, if we’re lucky. If Fletch doesn’t get that combo deal done, they better start giving tickets away because no one will come…until Leddy the MN boy plays and then all those casual fans that have been lurking, waiting to pounce at season tickts, will come out of the woodwork. Modano+Jagr+Wild=2010 CUP CHAMPS!!!
Well, if Brodziak is going to play on the 4th line with Boogie, his offense might further decrease.
I think Brodziak is a better deal because he’s getting paid about $375K less than Fritsche and they are essentially playing the same role. Fritz got paid more than SRV and he was scratched for most of the season. So I can understand why Fletcher made the deal.
Only time will tell if Leddy was a good pick for the Wild to make at 16. Very few draft picks are a sure thing.
What we do know though is that he was one of if not the top high school hockey player in the state last year (he did, after all, win Mr. Hockey), played in one of the best conferences in the state, and was considered by many scouts to be one of the best skaters in the entire draft.
It can be argued whether he was the right choice for the Wild, but those three facts leave little room for debate.
Frits is much better than Stephan and should be resigned!
Who cares?! There are several “sports” that should be eliminated from USA culture, starting with — Pro Hockey–those guys do things in the course of a “game” that often would get them banned for life in other professional sports and hockey just plays on. The old adage, “I went to a boxing match and a hockey game broke out” serves very well. Boxing, cage fighting, NASCAAR, and possibly NFL football because of WR’s(although I lkie pro football) are other pro “sports” that we could do without.
