Wild trades for Edmonton’s Brodziak; Wild takes top-ranked goalie; Wild still into Heatley; Bouwmeester’s rights traded to Calgary
Posted on June 27th, 2009 – 9:02 AMBy Michael Russo
The Wild just traded the 99th and 133rd pick to Edmonton for center Kyle Brodziak and the 161st. He’s a right-handed center who’s solid in the faceoff circle. Oil, I’m told, thought he’d be a third-line center after the year he had two years ago with Glencross and Stortini the last month-and-a-half, but he played mostly on the fourth line last year.
He’s a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. He played for Todd Richards in Wilkes-Barre.
The Wild just took Matthew Hackett, the top-ranked goalie in the draft, at 77th overall. He plays at Plymouth of the OHL. Hackett is the nephew of former NHLer Jeff Hackett, who was just fired as the Avs’ goalie coach when Tony Granato was fired.
In the fourth round, the Wild took left wing Kris Foucault, a teammate of Carson McMillan’s with the Calgary Hitman at 103 overall.
At 116, the Wild took Shattuck St. Mary’s Alexander Fallstrom, from Sweden. He was senior captain there and a power forward.
At 163, the Wild took Jere Sallinen out of Finland, then at 182ns (first pick of seventh round), the Wild took future Gopher Erik Haula, from Shattuck, who will play next year with the USHL Omaha Lancers.
Good morning back in the Cities. Coming to you from the Draft risers, and I’m reminded by a hilarious line from former Wild assistant GM Tom Lynn last night.
“I’ve been a sportswriter for two days, and I’ve already gained four pounds and can’t roll out of bed in the morning.”
Welcome to our unhealthy lifestyle, Mr. Lynn, who shouldn’t take long to get back on the other side of the barricade.
Here is his blog today on the Hockey News’ web site.
I am told Wild GM Chuck Fletcher will be trying very hard to gain a second-round pick this morning — perhaps again dangling Josh Harding (Edmonton is at 40). He’s also now got a third-round pick and three fourths. Wild also would like to add a goalie today to its depth chart.
I am also told the Wild IS NOT out of the Dany Heatley sweepstakes. Ottawa still wants to trade him by July 1 and if the Senators likely get off their demand of Brent Burns, there’s a possibility.
The day started off with the Florida Panthers trading Jay Bouwmeester’s rights to Calgary for Jordon Leopold’s rights and a third.
Edina’s Zach Budish went to Nashville at No. 41. At least the Preds didn’t rub the Wild’s nose in it by taking Budish at 41 — the pick they got from Minnesota in Zidlicky trade. Wild wanted to somehow get Budish today.
Little Falls’ Ben Hanowski just went 63rd (second pick in the third round) to Pittsburgh.
127 Responses to "Wild trades for Edmonton’s Brodziak; Wild takes top-ranked goalie; Wild still into Heatley; Bouwmeester’s rights traded to Calgary"
I do not want Heatley for Brent Burns.
If low-ball Lynn gets a job, it will be with franchise destroyer Doug in Florida.
Heh Russo, how about some balanced commentary as to what the Wild are doing, like you did during the last days of the Useless DR regime, instead of only neutral-to-positive commentary on the current group? If you think the Wild are really pandering to the locals, then say it. If they could have done better in your opinion (than Leddy, or by trading down), then say it.
Schroeder goes to the Nucks.
Can you say worst case scenario….or best case scenario? Time will tell. This will haunt to no end if Schroeder turns into the next Parise.
Re: Leddy - the jury is still out. I guess he fits the mold of the offensive Dman. But he didn’t dominate the high school league (at least the state tournament games I watched) like I would have liked to see out of a #16 pick. Again time will tell.
Damn, I was hoping we could get Budish
I do not want Heatley for Brent Burns.
+1
Saladin: Read the blog post below this one where Russo comments on the picks and trade down; he makes it clear the Wild were NOT pandering. Also, just because you think (and I’m getting this from the way you wrote your post) the Wild didn’t do the right thing, doesn’t mean it wasn’t the right thing. Most of us logical and rational people could clearly see how bad DR screwed us. Fletch made one pick so far and there’s already people throwing him under the bus. There’s nothing clearly wrong with what he did. They got their guy, now let him develop. Further, Russo explained why the Wild didn’t trade down further with CBJ as so many whined we should after it came out that ANA got the second rounder. They didn’t want to lose Leddy, and they already made a good trade down. So, again, just because you don’t like it, doesn’t mean we need Russo to slam on the new regime a day into their first draft.
I don’t understand how some of you can say the jury is still out on Leddy as if it’s not still out on Schroeder.
read more on Leddy in Saturday’s paper. His uncle actually was Todd Richards’ defense partner at Armstrong. I talked to Steve Leddy, whose brother Mike is Steve’s brother, and I’ll put those quotes up tomorrow.
Does this confuse anyone else??
oops… I meant to post this:
Edina’s Zach Budish went to Nashville at No. 41. At least the Preds didn’t rub the Wild’s nose in it by taking Budish at 41 — the pick they got from Minnesota in Zidlicky trade. Wild wanted to somehow get Budish today
Does that confuse anyone?
Confuses me almost as much as your 2x post.
Personally, I don’t think Heatley makes us a contender and I don’t think we will be until the end of his contract. Under the cap era, it makes no sense to trade 2 of our 3 top prospects, plus a core player, for someone who has demanded a trade twice. If this was a few years down the line, we had 4-6 solid prospects plus a solid core, and were close to being a cup contender, then make this trade in a heartbeat.
I know, I know, we need goalscoring. But, the cost of that goalscoring for Heatley today won’t make us an better…just a little more entertaining.
The jury is out on everyone of these kids. There is no guarentee that even Tavares will not turn out be a Daigle level flop.
It is interesting that no team was willing to trade a 2nd round pick for Harding. Seems like an easy trade if he is really NHL starter material. Is this a case of over valuing the local guy?
Russo meant that Nashville didn’t pick Budish with the 42 pick overall. That was the pick that they got as part of the Zidlicky deal.
Nashville had two picks in a row…41 and 42 (from the Wild in the Zids trade). They took Budish with 41. I think Russo was being sarcastic in saying at least Nashville didn’t take the player the Wild wanted with the Wild’s pick and just had a typo with one of the numbers.
Calgary’s not serious about Bouwmeester are they? Where are they gonna find the $$$ to sign him?
Yeah…what Boomer said. His version was much more concise.
Boomer: I don’t think it’s a case of over valuing him. It’s a case of getting the best deal for him. Have no fear, he will be traded. A couple of teams have been thrown around as being interested. I wouldn’t be surprised if Edmonton comes out with a decent offer. At this point, it sounds like most teams at the draft are playing things tight. When free agency starts things will start to happen. It may be a better move for the Wild to hold onto him for more than just a second rounder and package him to get a UFA or something else later.
I would rather trade for the younger, cheaper Kessel.
Does that make me provincial, parochial
I’m suprised no one is really saying anything about JBo going to Calgary. That’s a pretty big deal if they sign him.
Sorry, cut myself short there.
What I meant to say was. Does that make me provincial, parochial, and narrow minded? Or does it mean that I live in a trailer park?
I’m confused doncha know.
Tweet: Russostrib Fletcher and Edmonton GM Steve Tambellini are again talking. I’ve seen them talking all weekend
O’Sully for Harding?
Yeah Gun, but how often does the player whose rights get traded actually sign with the team that gets his rights?
Wild take a Goalie at 77, Matthew Hackett.
I was just thinking about this earlier this morning…
Yesterday, Russo said Fletcher had this to say about Gaborik: “That’s a hard question to answer. I prefer just not to comment on that right now.”
What if Gabby put a stipulation on the organization that he wants another name on the team to play with? Would you be more willing to trade for Heatley if it meant we could re-sign Gabby and put them on the same line?
Can you imagine a Heater-Mikko-Gabby line?
Complete stipulation on my part, and probably 99.9% off base, but I think we could afford them both if we move the right players for Heatley.
Related to Jeff Hackett I believe.
Jeff hackett’s nephew…gave a decent interview after he got picked. 6-2, 170…decent size.
Enjoy him ms. C!
With Heater and Gabby, yea, that would be sweet. But, we would be a one line team like Van was with Bert-Morrison-Naslund. It didn’t get them anywhere.
Yes Ben, they said Jeff is his uncle. Jeff has been a big influence for him too. Since I haven’t heard of Jeff Hacket not sure if that good or bad.
Cap ceiling at 56.8 next season?
Speaking of one line teams…Ottawa, right?
Anywhere to watch TSN for live draft coverage on the net? I just am refreshing tsn.ca draft page and it is slow.
Thanks in advance!
WildinATX: that exact question is why I thought people on here were ridiculous when they were saying that we could get something for Gabby’s rights. I could look back, but it was some of the more knowledgable posters. Bottom line, DR screwed us on Gabby.
NM, watching it on nhl.tv…sorry for the noob question, hehe.
It’s been said before (and pretty much contemporaneous with the contract talks last fall), but the second Gabby turned down a 10-year, $78M contract, you HAVE TO ship him out BEFORE he starts the season. ARGH!!
for4rest — but teams do give up things for rights to players they want. I don’t think it works out that well usually, but it does happen.
I think the article about Gaby buying a house particularly screwed us.
Sweet a goalie! Gonna need something in the pipeline besides Doby…
I know teams do, but resting on that as something you’re going to get value for is ridiculous. We were already screwed before the house rumor because everyone knows he does NOT want to be here. Why give anything in advance when you know for 100% certain he is going to test free agency?
Nashville got a steal of a deal with Budish. He’s come back from the injury stronger than before and he much more driven.
Russo’s Tweet: Wild just made a trade with Edmonton for a player. More to come
Twitter Update: Wild just traded for Edmonton C Kyle Brodziak, a 25-year-old checker who had 27 points in 79 games last year.
I don’t know who went the other way though. My first guess would be Harding.
Oh, Russo already updated up to. Two picks for Brodziak and another pick
Sorry, another goalie when we need scoring. Not too thrilled with our picks. Do you think the Wild fan base will give Fletcher a couple of years…or are the natives so restless than anything other than a playoff series win this season would be a disappointment. I believe the fans here deserve a nice playoff run. No excuses from the owner or management. But I have a feeling the excuses are about to be forthcoming.
That is what we need, more 4th line guys…
We need another goalie in the system, RS. The ones we have in Houston are apparently not NHL starting material, and they take a while to develop.
The trade doesn’t seem too bad, IMO. I need more info on Brodziak.
Just as you cannot predict how good a first round pick will be, you cannot predict how good a 2nd, 3rd, etc. round pick will be. Free agency hasn’t started people. Don’t burn your season tickets yet. Brodziak has some decent upside 30-40 point guy, maybe better.
It’s a long offseason guys. How long has Fletcher been at the helm? If you took over as a CEO of a company, you wouldn’t turn the company around within a month…sorry.
Nashville had two picks in a row…41 and 42 (from the Wild in the Zids trade). They took Budish with 41.
Thanks for clarifying! I thought he was trying to be funny, but a lot of that gets lost in traslation with the interwebs and all that.
Risebrough sux: A playoff run shouldn’t be an expectation when the coach and GM are brand new. Two years is a reasonable period to suck it up a little and get the system to where it should be. Don’t forget, Fletch didn’t put the Wild in this position. You can’t always make lemonade out of lemons.
We need goalie prospects. Schaefer is a UFA this year, Brust and Khudobin are what is left, see ms. c’s comments on them. Again, goes back to not drafting for immediate need because the won’t play in the NHL this year or next year. They are the pros, they know what they are doing. Let’s see how these picks shake out before we whine about them. We’ve seen what happens when players are rushed into the NHL, do you really want to go there again? I don’t.
Austin: I agree that sentence made no sense, I think the Don may have been repeating his subject.
Great point kgopher, could not have put it any better.
Brodziak taking over for Belanger, or perhaps Sheppard? Maybe this is just a small move to make another….
Point is…it is a long offseason.
for4rest at 10:40 +1
It will take some time for the Wild to recover fromt the loss of assets, particularly losing Gaby for nothing.
I think realistically it will be three years before the wild will be able to credibily threaten to make a deep playoff run (flukey things can happen), but I also would expect that with the core they have the should at least be competitive the next two seasons and at least be in the playoff mix late in the season.
whoops, never mind!
Yep, delighted with the goalie pick. Not sure sure about Brodziak. Need to ask my token Grease friend about him.
I think trading for Brodziak does not bode well for Belanger. He’s in the last year of his deal, no? I think Belanger has just one year left on his deal.
Kristopher Foucault is our next pick…winger from Calgary
17 points in 26 gp.
International Scouting Services: “Swift Current’s 5th Rnd. Pick, 85th Overall in the 2005 Bantam Draft, Foucault was dealt to Kootenay in November 2007 and then to the Hitmen at the trade deadline this past January. Really came into his own offensively after arriving in Calgary scoring 16 pts in final 22 games of regular season and then added 16 more points in 18 playoff games, including 11 goals. Displays good speed and gets open down ice well. At times can be soft on his feet when in corners with puck. A smooth puck handler, in the offensive zone he goes to the slot looking for rebounds.”
“He’s in the last year of his deal, no? I think Belanger has just one year left on his deal.” — me.
Real articulate. Please ignore me until I have had more coffee.
Russo,
Anything new on the Harding front?
Article on Alexander Fallstrom.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=397050
Fallstrom is the owner of 2 game used Antti Miettinen sticks. How do I know? Working at the Hockey Lodge MOA.
I don’t know. Going after all of these Minnesota players doesn’t seem right. Leddy from Eden Prairie, Hackett from Pymouth, Brodziak form St. Paul, and Fallstrom from Shattuck. Too much of a bow down to the “more Minnesota players” crowd!
Wait, what? The Plymouth Whalers, St Paul, Alberta, and Fallstroms is from Sweden? Oh, never mind.
Just thought the coincidences were funny.
Too much of a bow down to the “more Minnesota players” crowd!
That silence you hear is MKIA 
Hindsight is 20/20, but could Wild have still gotten Leddy at 26 and Budish at 37 if they had traded down with CBJ? Do Gaborik & Hossa end up with Demitra as Canucks?
Just because Anaheim was able to make that deal with Columbus doesn’t mean the Wild would have been able to. There are lots of variables. Maybe Columbus didn’t make that good of an offer to Minnesota but were getting more desperate by the time they traded with the Ducks. Timing is everything.
–That silence you hear is MKIA
I would imagine MKIA has a lot on his plate right now with Michael Jackson’s autopsy and the draft.
Do Gaborik & Hossa end up with Demitra as Canucks?
TSN just tweeted this: No counter offer from Canucks GM Gillis in talks with Sedins
Simply put. The Words of the organization are not put into actions which I expected. They could not be that foolish to think they are changing up Lemaires system and the foundation that was laid in place for them by DR and JL
Kyle Brodziak is blue collar all the way. He has a bit of Rocky Balboa/Wes Walz in him. He is a defensive forward ! and is a 7th round drafted player, so he has had to work for what he gets
This is the template of the old organization
This is True. WORDS DONT EQUAL ACTIONS
I would imagine MKIA has a lot on his plate right now with Michael Jackson’s autopsy and the draft.
lol
Question. Based upon what has transpired to date, is DR still the GM?
Even my wife just said, after I told her of the 4th line pick-up, “somethings never change!”
Even though Gillies is not NHL ready, a third line of Gillies-Brodziak-Clutterbuck sounds pretty physical, hard-working, and productive offensively…for a third line.
Ok, just venting here but I gotta say this. Hem hem… I know we need scoring, but we aren’t gonna get that from the draft. This isn’t basketball or football where the kids drafted are almost always gonna play right away. Most of these kids will go back to college or juniors until old enough for the AHL or prove they are good enough for the NHL. So quit bizznitching about getting D or goalies in the draft when we need scoring. The draft stocks the pantry, it doesn’t address immediate needs. Immediate needs should be addressed through trades or free agent signings, or perhaps just by making our current players work harder. … I think I’m done now. Feel free to go about your day as you were.
Well stated, Bandgeek. Well stated.
Mr Obvious, AJ Thelen was there man as well (TT’s)!
Mister Know it all is right here Sparky you smarty pants you. It will take a heck of an argument to convince Mister Know it all is wrong on anything he has been saying as of yet.
I doubt seriously Nick Leddy was the best player at his position yesterday. He was not even expected to be a first rounder.
I will guve you all a lesson in psychology.
Trust Movement NOT WORDS. Greasy sales people use words to manipulate but movement leads us to the truth
Signed: Mister Know it all
I third Bandgeek’s comments.
Wouldn’t be shocked if some of the picks of this draft are used immediately in combination with current players as trade bait.
What does Thelen have to do with Leddy other than that they both played defense in Minnesota High Schools.
I’m thinking it’s the old Minnesota fly-over-country inferiority complex shining through. “Gee, he’s from Minnesota, he can’t be that good!”
Saladin…Brodziak will fit in well with the new system and was buried behind the depth at center in Edm.
I’m not sure if picking Leddy will work out, but the draft (as Schroeder said) is just a number…what they do after the draft is what counts.
So, if a #12 pick is a crapshoot, what does that make a #99 pick? Brodziak is an NHL player. The #99 pick would need to develop into one.
Fletcher didn’t waste a pick moving up 2 spots in draft order. That’s the difference between the new regime and Smugworld.
Did anyone else see Burke’s comments about the booing fans in Montreal? It’s on TSN’s video - “Instant Impact” Hilarious.
AJ didn’t work out because he’s a head case people. Leddy is a kid with a chance at making it, lets not tie the two together.
Maybe if I go eat I’ll be less contrary.
Later!
I like it when you’re contrary, BG!
I third Bandgeek’s comments.
Heatley for Shep and Cuma - I forsee it 
Does Brodziak mean the Wild are out of the running for Clowe, a trade that was speculated on by some?
M 03…
Thanks again for coming out to see us at Minnesota Music Cafe. I really appreciate it! I also OWE you (and your pals) a t-shirt. Our breaks were pretty limited so I totally spaced off giving them to you.
Hopefully it sounded good!
Does Brodziak mean the Wild are out of the running for Clowe, a trade that was speculated on by some?
My guess is that nothing is off the table. Even the Heatley deal. I think that re-stocking the cupboard is equally important (this year) as improving the NHL product.
MSCB says: patience my ass…like a chess game, little moves are being made to lay the groundwork for the big moves. You will be excited come Sept. It is forseen inside the crystal ball.
Dont get caught up in the moment…thinking we are taking the wrong people or making moves like the old regime…c’mon MKIA…you do really know better than that, don’t you?
Bandgeek, your comment is obviously correct about drafted players not being able to help the team for a few years. The problem is that ofensive minded forwards are not just neede at the NHL level. They are, and have been an organizational need for years.
My problem is not that Schroeder is a local kid, it’s that he was one of the top five rated North American skaters, and the top offensive forward left when the team pick came up at 12 and at 16.
So far I have’nt heard one person say that they expected either guy to be at the NHL level next year, but I keep hearing people complain that everyone that is not happy with the pick must have thought they would be.
Either way, I still like reading your opinions, and that is just mine in return.
Moose- Not saying what you think I am saying. The Wild are not broken and I dont fault the previous administration for anything they have done. That has always been my position. I think Lemaire was right change needed to be made.
They may not have been prefect but they were wise in so much of what they did. We have been lucky with this pro team. They are so much better then the North Stars
for goalies and those loving great hockey stories - jds’s blog has a nice post on Hackett.
did i hear right burns is leaving???????????
previous post: thanks for your assessment of the draft party. had enough mad money to do that or go to MMC / 100WJ gig.
kj: my buddies said “they were great… we’ve got to hear them again”. My buddy J is a hockey mom. Gosh you had to work the room during the break talking to your posse. No worries on the swag. Have a great road trip with the family! You gotta get the Don to one of the gigs.
cool. another young buck from Finland.
Is Brodiak any good? Can someone tell me who he would compare with on the Wild?
kg @10:40 am: the brass was listening.. goalie prospects per your request. Russo on twitter has been great for the fast action of draft day.
…laughed at the TL media lifestyl comment and Michael poking fun at himself.
lifestyl = lifestyle (sigh)
Brodziak is a very solid player, he’s good size, really good speed and pretty shot i would probably compare him to a Fritsche, but Brodziak has more offensive upside!
Brodziak was also used poorly in Edmonton b/c he was a 4th line center, but put up respectable numbers for being on the fourth line! with the wild he should be 3rd line center, maybe even 2nd line once in awhile! good acquisition without giving anything up!
Thanks Cstrawn…….. I love hockey……
no problem! i would like to see wild try to do whatever they can to get heatley! i would throw burns in there with sheppard in an instant! last year i was disappointed with burns when he was healthy! I still believe it’s partly lemaire fault for moving from d to wing over and over again!
Alexander Fallstrom–where is this guy playing next year? I don’t believe I caught it on any of his profiles!
Harvard I believe.
I did read that from the article last Winter. I know Louis Leblanc was planning on attending Harvard as well…I wonder if a CHL team has his rights??
I’m optimistic. With new management, coaching, and players’ good attitude because of these changes, we will be much better next year. Grab Dany if you can, but the Wild WILL bring in more offense in the off-season regardless. They need to give some players a chance (Pouliot never got one IMO playing on the 4th line. That was just a waste). Same with Kalus (who should have made the squad last year), and Olvecky who has the skill to be a 3rd liner at least. Tear me apart for this if you want, but I also believe Sheppard will have at least a 40-50 point season.
So wait, some of us thought we’d draft a bunch of goals for the upcoming season with a third and a couple fourths and some other, lower picks?
And, when we didn’t, that you’re willing to pull the cord on the new GM etc for not doing what he said he’d do?
Seriously?
Amazing.
NiNy
Yea, apparently people think that Fletcher can change things overnight…
It is going to take more than one draft…on free agency…one season…
what?
Latest Twitter from Russo:
Indications after draft is that Wild may be cutting loose Dan Fritsche on Monday. More on blog later and paper tomorrow
I think the folly here is that some think we’re drafting for immediate help.
Ben and Nick,
Fletcher already has made some great changes hasn’t he? We increased our picks this year without giving up any assets and grabbed a decent player in Kyle B. (I remember him scoring a few key goals against the Wild). We don’t have assets to trade because our top prospects were never given a chance! Fletcher will change that. We have some available players listening to our offers at least. That never happened before with DR at the wheel. He’s doing just fine so far. Only time and RESULTS will tell.
Marcus,
I agree completely. If you look at all of the successful teams the past few seasons, or the teams on the horizon, all build through the draft. They then use the depth as an asset to get the missing pieces.
We currently are not a contender. We currently have no depth. So, I have no problem with Fletcher…it is going to take awhile.
So wait, some of us thought we’d draft a bunch of goals for the upcoming season with a third and a couple fourths and some other, lower picks?
And, when we didn’t, that you’re willing to pull the cord on the new GM etc for not doing what he said he’d do?
Seriously?
Amazing.
I don’t get it either, Nick. From the looks of things, I’d say they did pretty well in the last 24 hours, considering how little they had to work with at the start.
M03, thanks but already knew when I posted that we drafted a goalie and was responding to the person complaining that we didn’t need to draft a goalie.
Band @ 11:34, I fourth your comment especially since it really similar to an earlier one I made but did need to be said again (and probably will bear repeating again as apparently it a hard concept for some to grasp).
Though I’m not sold on the Leddy pick, I think it’s ridiculous for people to piss and moan about it. How much time have these complainers actually spent scouting the kid anyway? If he develops well, it could end up being a steal.
In a way, this pick remind me of the LA Kings drafting Thomas Hickey in 2007. He was ranked between 20-29 by most scouts yet they thought he was their guy, so they took him 4th overall.
So far I have’nt heard anyone call for Fletcher’s head, and I have’nt heard anyone say that any of these draft picks were expected to compete for playing time anytime in the near future.
If you guys need to make stuff up to talk about that is obviously your own problem, but it’s getting pretty wierd on here today.
that’s weird I guess.
Just because I don’t like the pick does’nt mean I want the guy fired.
Alright… I dont understand why it is so hard for Fletcher to give up a few “assets” for Heatley. Give Ottawa Sheppard, Belanger, and Cuma and get Heatley in a Wild sweater. Hell if need be throw in next years second round pick. Once that is done sign Cammalerri in FA. Make Gabby sorry he didn’t sign the first deal the Wild gave him. I mean how stupid can you get. You are getting offered Crosby like money and you say no. Whatever have fun in Vancouver and just wait until Clutterbuck hits your fragile A^S^S and puts you out for yet another season
Food!
And kunkers, you’re insane.
Why is it so hard? Because it would be pitchforks and torches time in Ottawa if Murray traded Heatley for Sheppard, Belanger, and Cuma. Heatley is only 28 and has scored 180 goals over the past 4 years. Not sure Ottawa is gonna go for that.
I thought Haula was going to Denver, that he originally commited to the Gophers but now is going to Denver. I am pretty sure Russo has this wrong, DU’s webpage even has him as a mens hockey recruit.
Well I’m sure its been said before, but this basically ensures Harding will be traded. Just a matter of to who now.
No, he’s going to Minnesota. It’s the other way around.
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
Forget Heatley, sign the Sedins! 
