Nearly 24 hours from free agency; Wild depth chart as of now; USA Olympic orientation camp roster; Mill named assistant to the GM
Posted on June 30th, 2009 – 10:36 AMBy Michael Russo
I’ll be back on later this evening with a more in-depth free-agent primer, but I figured I’d jump on and say hello now.
I know there are all these Vincent Lecavalier rumors to Minnesota floating around the blogosphere, but I can tell you that yesterday morning, as good a source as you can possibly have from one of the two teams told me that “Vinny’s staying — 100 percent,” meaning he will not be traded before his July 1 no-trade kicks in.
I suppose if some deal knocked the Lightning’s socks off in the next 24 hours, that could change. But let’s be honest — it’s very doubtful the Wild has those assets to suddenly make the Lightning change its mind.
Essentially, as I mentioned on the blog last week, one owner wants to move Lecavalier; one does not. And both owners have veto power of any trade, so it would take a major philosophical altercation by that one owner today to put Lecavalier in another zip code.
Also, Lecavalier’s cap hit might be $7.7+ million in the next 11 years, but he makes $10 million in real dollars in the next seven. I just don’t see the Wild being willing take on that type of commitment in this economy.
It will be interesting to see if there are trades tomorrow. Remember, you can go 5 percent over the cap starting July 1 until training camp, so as often is the case, trades are agreed to at the draft and executed on July 1 (Manny Fernandez to Bruins, Marek Zidlicky to Wild, although that had to wait simply because that’s when Zidlicky’s no-trade expired).
The Senators have to trade Dany Heatley by midnight if they’re going to escape paying him that $4 million bonus.
Also talked to two sources yesterday — one exec, one agent — and both said they’d be shocked if Josh Harding isn’t traded in the near future. He’s got arbitration rights, and the agent thought he’d be owed a fairly significant raise just because of his goals against and save percentage last season.
Here’s a look at the depth chart as it currently sits assuming all the UFA’s go to free agency, so have some fun today, check out the free agent lists and you fill in the holes:
LW C RW
——— Koivu Bouchard
Brunette Sheppard Nolan
Miettinen Belanger Clutterbuck
Boogaard Brodziak Weller
Potential candidates: Pouliot, Gillies, Irmen, Kalus
***I see the Wild pursuing a center, which would bump down the center spots and maybe put Brodziak on the right side and Weller in the press box; If they don’t sign a No. 2 center, maybe Bouchard or Pouliot gets that chance, which opens up a top-two line RW spot.
LD RD
Johnsson Burns
Schultz Zidlicky
Scott ———-
*** I see the Wild bringing in two NHL defensemen, meaning Scott could be the extra.
Goalies
Backstrom
Harding
***Harding is trade bait, and then the Wild would sign a cheaper backup goalie, and they grow on trees.
Kudos to editor/sportswriter Mark Wollemann for stepping in for me yesterday. The day off was very much appreciated.
Update: Negotiations are ongoing right now with Chicago and Pittsburgh regarding Martin Havlat and Ruslan Fedotenko, but if they are not re-signed, the Wild may pursue.
Update: USA Hockey announced the roster for August’s Olympic orientation camp. Here is the release.
The roster includes several Minnesotans or players with Minnesota ties: Tom Gilbert, Erik Johnson, Paul Martin, David Backes, Dustin Byfuglien, Phil Kessel, Jamie Langenbrunner, Ryan Malone, Kyle Okposo, T.J. Oshie and Zach Parise.
Update: Wild at least having talks still with Stephane Veilleux.
Update: Wild has hired Jim Mill (not Nill) assistant to the GM and GM of the Aeros.
Mill 41, (11/17/67), has spent the last 11 years working for the AHL. He joined the AHL’s hockey operations staff in 1998, was promoted to vice president in 2001 and was named executive vice president of hockey operations prior to the 2007-08 season. In addition to personally supervising some 100 games every season, Mill managed all facets of the league’s hockey operations department, including management of the AHL’s officiating program, recruiting, hiring and assigning on-ice officials to supplement those in the National Hockey League officials development program.
Mill also oversaw the league’s disciplinary process for fines and suspensions, and developed and executed the 1,160-game league schedule and coordinated the playoff schedules with all participating teams. He also served as the league secretary to the AHL Board of Governors.
A native of Hartford, Conn., Mill came to the AHL office after serving as assistant director of hockey operations at the East Coast Hockey League. He played four seasons as a goaltender in the ECHL (1992-96) and served on the executive board of the Professional Hockey Players’ Association. Mill also served as an assistant coach and director of player/community relations for Tallahassee (ECHL) in 1996-97. He played junior hockey for the renowned Springfield Olympics program in Enfield, Conn., and captained the varsity team at St. Anselm College in Manchester, N.H., where he earned MVP honors in 1992.
Like I said, I’ll be back on tonight with more.
332 Responses to "Nearly 24 hours from free agency; Wild depth chart as of now; USA Olympic orientation camp roster; Mill named assistant to the GM"
Thanks for the update. I, for one, can’t wait for 11 AM tomorrow, especially when you consider that will be the end of the Martin Skoula era in Minnesota.
The suspense… is… killing me.
From the previous thread, because no one can kill one like me:
Is $alcer trying to negotiate in the press? Is he using the negative comments about the new regime to try and pressure them into making an offer - because Gho$t will be grossly disappointed tomorrow?
It seems like a desperate move.
If Fletcher truly wants to burn the bridge, he would go public with his side. However, I suspect he will keep saying ‘no comment’ to keep professionalism in his demeanor.
Besides, throwing players or their agents under the bus doesn’t exactly motivate UFAs to want to come here.
Right Smug?
He takes a few shifts off pretty much every game too. More his work ethic than his attitude I suppose.
I guess that’s fair, ATXWF. I just wasn’t sure what you meant. I’ve never had any problem with Gaborik except for his injuries. Maybe it’s the pessimist in me, but if he signs elsewhere I wouldn’t be surprised if he remains healthy. Yet on the other side of the coin, if he signed here, I’d expect many more missed games…
Koivu brothers together in Minnesota? Fingers crossed….
kj said:
Besides, throwing players or their agents under the bus doesn’t exactly motivate UFAs to want to come here.
Right Smug?
And that is a major difference from DR to CF. Fletcher grew up learining how to deal with sports agents. DR didn’t. Yes, perhaps DR did have an agent…later on, but certainly not in the Montreal-playing years. At times, saying nothing speaks volumes.
Maybe it’s the pessimist in me, but if he signs elsewhere I wouldn’t be surprised if he remains healthy. Yet on the other side of the coin, if he signed here, I’d expect many more missed games…
I feel 100% the same way.
All Wild Team
I went back and looked at all of our players from 2000 - 2009 and came up with my own version of the All Wild Team. One thing I noticed is our overall complete lack of depth at LW over the years. SO anyways, all in fun here is mine. Please post your own!!!
P.Demitra - M.Koivu - M.Gaborik
B.Rolston - T.White - P.M. Bouchard
A.Brunette - S.Zholtok - O.Nolan
S.Pellerin - W.Walz - P.Dupis
B.Burns - P.Kuba
N.Schultz - L.Sekeras
K.Johnnson - W.Mitchelle
Something in the P. Press article doesn’t quite add up. If Salcer is correct in saying the Wild are done with Gaborik then why didn’t the Wild move his rights?
This Fletcher guy loves draft picks. If he had truly written off Gaborik wouldn’t he have traded his rights for something? Even a 5th round pick, anything.
I think no one wants to touch gabys rights after the vancouver house rumor came it. It essentially make him worthless to the wild, regardless of whether or not he actually signs with Van.
Wow, didn’t proof read that post well enough…
Did DarkHelmet share his list with Leopold a couple of months ago?? A quick look through it suggests that Dougy Stale didn’t do the best job of player procurement.
Why would Salcer bother with negotiating through the press when he will get more offers for Gaborik on July 1st? Most if not all of us already know that Gaborik will go to FA.
He is taking at his shots at the Wild because Russo has been reporting that Fletcher and Co would make an offer and they hadn’t made one as of yesterday. He is trying to make Fletcher look bad by not doing what he said he would do. Salcer is a bitter and petty man. He forgets that it makes he look worse.
***I see the Wild pursuing a center, which would bump down the center spots
Hmm… I wonder who Russo might be thinking about… hmmm…
From the last thread: Someone asked about Salcer’s other players. Someone else responded Burns and Boogaard. I think the original question may have been targeted at FA’s the Wild might consider signing, not who else on the team. I don’t know the answer anyone???
Salcer/Burns worries me. Could be trouble when he’s due another contract. We’ve got a few years until needing to worry about that though. Salcer/Boogaard not so much.
By the gods, Shep is NOT a second line center! He’s barely shown being a 3rd/4th line guy. Nothing personal but dumbass DR rushed him and he’s not really NHL ready yet. Shep and Gillies should have been playing in Houston last year. This year I’m still not sure Shep is ready but we’ll see what Richards can do with him but Shep = 2nd line center = BAD.
Updated blog post above from Russo: Update: Negotiations are ongoing right now with Chicago and Pittsburgh regarding Martin Havlat and Ruslan Fedotenko, but if they are no re-signed, the Wild may pursue.
sunshine…that’s what I said…he’s trying to get an offer by saying he didn’t get one.
He is bitter, petty and desperate. How is it going to look to other potential clients when $alcer allowed Gho$t to leave all that dough on the table last fall? An agent’s primary responsibility is to get his client the best contract.
From last thread:
If Salcer is correct in saying the Wild are done with Gaborik then why didn’t the Wild move his rights?
Who’s to say CF didn’t try?
Is it me, or is it a good bet that the conversation between CF and $alcer didn’t go so well?
Fear not, Saku Koivu will be our second line center.
Wait a sec…wasn’t there something I heard earlier about moving Butch back to his natural center position? Seems like he would be more productive in the new system at center rather than at RW.
Seems like we need two defensemen, a sniper and maybe another winger.
Here’s an interesting list of some of the top forwards available
ttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=burnside_scott&id=4281118
Havlat, Cammalleri, Sedin twins, maybe even Gionta or Afinogenov… grab a couple of these guys to beef up the top 6 and we’ll look a lot better
Koivu, Koivu and Butch at C? Who would be on the third line? I think where Butch plays will all depend on who else we pick up. If we get the elder Koivu, Butch will stay on the Wing.
Only you would think that Salcer wants an offer, kj. He probably wasn’t expecting one and only wants to take potshots at the Wild. I don’t think he really cares what the Wild think of him or if he has a good relationship with any of the GMs. He has clients like Burns and Gaborik that teams will want. Its not a good way to do business, IMO.
If CF was offering Gaborik’s rights, don’t you think Russo would have reported that it was on the table? He found out that CF was offering Fritsche around.
Russo did surmise that the Vancouver real estate rumor, real or not, effectively made Gaby’s rights worthless. I seem to recall that from a blog last week.
Late to this but another wow on the $alcer comments - we have all ripped Smug for creating bad relationships with agents but $alcer alienating teams isn’t much better. I don’t think there is a rights market for Gaby becuase if a team has the cap space to pay what $alcer wants that team is going to look at other options - Hossa, Sedins, Cami, etc. - first.
On the Olympic update above: I’m liking that there are a lot of young names on that list.
On Salcer - I’m just guessing that maybe “no offer” may equate to “I didn’t return Fletcher’s call so, no offer was tendered.”
Only you would think that Salcer wants an offer, kj.
I think $alcer desperately wants a big $ offer from anyone - getting one now from the Wild would help him establish the market.
LW C RW
——— Koivu Bouchard
Brunette Sheppard Nolan
Miettinen Belanger Clutterbuck
Boogaard Brodziak Weller
This line up misses the play offs again. Brodziak 4th liner? Why even pick him up?
This all brings me back to my conspiracy theory: If Salcer wasn’t happy with the limited contact from the Wild, do you think he floated the Vancouver house rumor to effectively handcuff the Wild’s ability to retain anything for Gaborik?
Brodziak was obtained because he has a winning faceoff percentage, which has been a rare thing for a Wild center, and he can play the special teams units. He has some scoring upside. He is cheaper than Fritche, and Todd Richards has coached him before.
Doubt it Gun. If someone was hot for Gaby’s rights, I’m sure that Salcer would have been all over that. An interested team making a real push to sign Gaby before the July 1 would help to establish a market number… other than whatever may or may not have been exchanged with the Wild.
Also, if Salcer had been behind the rumor that the ‘Nuks were hot after Gaby but they then don’t offer a contract, or it is a lesser deal, he’d have just established a very low market for his player.
Of course, he might be just that petty, so who knows?
This line up misses the play offs again. Brodziak 4th liner? Why even pick him up
I think the two main reasons (which were well documented, by the way) are his cheap contract, and faceoffs. The Wild had zero right-handed faceoff guys that were any good. I wouldn’t be surprised if Sheppard actually plays the pivot on the fourth line but Mansiere steps in from the right wing to take draws on the right side.
This assumes that we pick up a legit top 2 center. And I sure hope we do.
Great stuff on Puck Daddy today on Saku:
If you’re penciling Koivu into your team’s lineup, just crumple up the paper and toss it in the circular file. One assumes that if he’s not a Hab, he’ll join brother Mikko Koivu(notes) with the Minnesota Wild — a team that could use another quality center. He’ll have a happy existence in Minnesota … unless local leaders start criticizing his attempt at a Midwestern accent.
Hoping that Saku joins the Wild as Mikko’s second fiddle (really, I think Mikko’s about to outshine Saku if he isn’t already) to play second line center so Shep can center the third and Bel can center the checking line.
I think behind Koivu, Nolan was our best faceoff man. Maybe our lesser centers should get tossed from the circle and let Nolan do the job.
Why have we not canned Gabby’s brother as a scout? Send that as a salvo for Gabby and Salcer! Just one of the many things the Wild did to placate Gabby.
Thanks for understanding where I was headed FFS.
I love that Puck Daddy has picked up on the ridiculous cry for Minnesota born players to fill the Wild’s roster.
The other day he chastised the team for being pressured into taking Mr. Hockey over Schroeder.
I hope we go for someone other than Havlat. All we don’t need is another talented, injury-prone player. He played a full season last year, but I hear his shoulder is held together with gum and tape.
You honestly list Boogard and Weller? I mean, I doubt Belanger and his defensive style will be here, let alone a hockey moron like Boogard.
And please quit floating the $7.5 million players to us. Heatley, Hossa, Vinny…There’s just no way Chuck Fletcher is that stupid. The future of this league, like it or not, is three and four-line deep teams. You don’t get those by investing $7.5 million in a single player at this point. The salary cap is going to plummet after this season, and all those $7 million players are going to severely handicap these teams. The Penguins will not win another Stanley Cup as long as both Crosby and Malkin wear that uniform at the same time. They have no money left for depth at this point!
The future is $2-$3 million players up and down the line-up, with a couple of $4 or $5 million players at the top. Just watch this off-season. There’s NO WAY Gabby makes close to $7.5 million a year. Those players are yesterday’s news, and they’ll handicap the idiots that signed them for the life of those contracts.
Leave Vinny where he belongs: with the team dumb enough to give him that contract.
The other day he chastised the team for being pressured into taking Mr. Hockey over Schroeder.
What’s the evidence for this? First, I don’t buy that CF was pressured into taking a MN kid - as Russo said the other day, the entire management team should be fired if they chose what they believed to be a lesser player. Second, if the Wild was set on taking a MN kid, wouldn’t Schroeder have been the easier call compared to the less-experienced Leddy?
Russo commented on this last week, but all this going on in the local media about the former regime’s refusal to have MN players on the roster, is total bunk, IMO. Same is true for the early label on CF that he bends over backwards to take MN players.
Wild talking contract with SRV today (see above) but not Gaby wasn’t exactly what I had in mind. SRV hearts us I guess.
There’s NO WAY Gabby makes close to $7.5 million a year
true but not for the reasons you think. it will more likely be because he played in what, 12 games last year?
how long past 11am will the first the first b!tch post be made tomorrow.
i’d say if fletch don’t have a top tier signed by 11:30a, this place may become unreadable.
G* - only if the mouth-breathers figure out how to use the internets will that happen. I think most of the regulars here are sane (or can at least act sane long enough to type for 90 seconds to post).
i hope so but it sure didn’t take long for the ville to turn after drafting leddy
Yes, but G* — at least tomorrow won’t involve beer (for most of us)…. That might help.
Damn June and its ability to make me break my no-posting-at-work rule!
i’d say if fletch don’t have a top tier signed by 11:30a, this place may become unreadable.
Continuing with my hypothesis from yesterday, if it’s 11:30 and there are no signings, I predict there will be a mountain of excuses for why CF can’t get a deal done. But had DR been at the helm ….
Is the probability of Saku coming to the Wild on July 1, 2009 roughly the same as was the probability of Bruno coming to the Wild on July 1, 2008?
Salcer can go jump off a bridge!! Yes, Fletcher is much more professional, but I am quite sure that Salcer knows Fletcher’s reputation in the league. He is a now bones guy and learned that from Shero. We need a GM who can put the agents in their place. Like I said a few days ago. There ARE NO DIVAS IN HOCKEY!!! Let Gabby walk, period. As fans, we EXPECT a new culture, one of accountability, effort and team. There is NO ONE PLAYER GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS and if you look at history, no ONE PLAYER ever won the Cup on his own. We don’t do egos here, period. If players don’t want to come here because of that, fine. I guess the TEAM ETHIC will only be ingrained that much deeper.
AiH: not to split hairs, but I think the reference to saku’s accent was related to some flack he took in the Montreal media for not learning French.
But I agree with your point about being glad the obnoxious provincialism of some Wild fans is getting aired in general.
AiH: didn’t Saku get in trouble with the Montreal media over his lack of ability to acclimate to the French language to their satisfaction?
I think that’s what PD was talking about.
Nonetheless, I agree I’m happy to see the “Minnesota only” faction of Wild fans getting called out.
My guess is 11:02 Greenstar and I agree about the unreadable. I for one won’t be upset if it takes us a while to sign some FA’s. I would rather have the wholes filled correctly for the least amount of money rather then throw top $$ at the first person that comes to mind, overpay, & handicap ourselves for years to come.
Get excited much, Chad?
Yes, we want those holes filled with the right guys, kgopher.
What?
Greenstar, exactly. That’s my point. But before you get all fired up about how much money is still in hockey, perhaps you should take a look at Jokinen’s contract. THAT is the future. It isn’t Dany Heatley or Marian Gaborik contracts.
$alcer said no contract talks.
I don’t believe it until Russo said no contract talks… 
Hockeydad: *sigh* I guess Chuck just isn’t good enough at managing expectations, eh?
ms.c: that’s 2 minutes for salacious intent.
A team half full of guys like that, and a team with a few $4-$5 million players.
So what are the rules exactly? If someone were to sign at 11:01, wouldn’t that beg for a tampering charge because there would be no way two sides could come together in 1 minute. Maybe last year someone mentioned that a few hours before the announced signing time teams and UFA’s could negotiate.
Wafer says:
June 30th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
I think most of the regulars here are sane (or can at least act sane long enough to type for 90 seconds to post).
You sure about that?
Not that that’s a bad thing. 
Lala: If you can convince me that a team like the rangers, for example, will exercise restraint with offers to UFAs and there won’t ever be another RFA signed to an offer sheet by anyone in the league, then I’m with you.
Until then, however, I wish you were right, but I don’t think it will go down like that.
SRV hearts us I guess.
Well, I heart SRV back. He is by far the best interviewee during intermissions etc. He always looks directly into the camera like he is actually talking to everyone watching… I love that about him.
Lala, back away from the pipe and eat some Cheerios.. I think they are good for your blood pressure.
*in the box, not feeling shame*
Hockeydad hearts Smug…
not feeling shame
haha! wouldn’t have expected anything else!
say what you want about Austin, but the man has a lotta love to give. A whole lotta love!
Jonsey–
Sorry, but I am tired of the chimps on this message board not understanding common sense. The Wild DO NOT NEED GABORIK. They do not need Heatley, Hossa or Havlat. They need a pleathera of 2 mil/yr players like Nolan who leave it on the ice every night. Yeah, he’s older, but he scored 25 goals in what, 57 games? And he takes crap from nobody. Mikko is overrated. I am tired of the agents. If they had a brain in their head, they would realize that this is not the year to fleece any team. This is exactly why the players did not want a cap. Now, players will leave for leaguse like the KHL and the Cup will be played for by also rans. I am passionate about the game. It has been good to me.
Right, the big contract guys aren’t the future. If I remember correctly, the team that just raised the cup has a couple guys hitting the cap at what, over 8 Million per year? I just wish that Backstrom was only a 5 mil hit, as his numbers will immediately go to crap this year for many reasons.
Not to throw water on everything, but besides Saku, I don’t see us doing anything right away. In fact, I’m not sure I see the Wild making a move in the first week unless Fletch can really sweet talk one player into making Minny their home for a couple of seasons at a discount.
Some teams will make a splash, but face it…we’re rebuilding right now and next year probably is going to be a rough ride, acclimating to both a new style in coaching and how the team is run. Fletch will probably want to build in some cap space because it’s pretty likely the team cap will go down next year and we need to ink our cornerstones (Koivu and Burns) to longer contracts.
Wow, if we do get Saku, the second line will be the veteran line of Brunette, Saku and IGoW. When Bruno is your youngest guy on the line…heh. Still, they’ve all got some gas in the tank yet, so you can’t discount them.
In minnesota, a team can get by with a bunch of has-beens. They don’t need a star player to fill the stands. Management knowing this doesn’t make me happy.
I just wish that Backstrom was only a 5 mil hit, as his numbers will immediately go to crap this year for many reasons.
I don’t believe this at all. Will his GAA go up next year? Probably, but the game is still going to have a solid defensive core and Backs is just solid.
One of the many reasons I would look at this is the trend of goalies to get worse after signing big money deals. Most of them not named Brodeur.
A whole lotta love!
Ha! Nearly got caught LOLing during a conf. call!
Mikko is overrated.
You had me until you said that. take some deep breaths… you need a paper bag to breath into?
Thanks Nick!
Beisbol been very, very good to Chico Escuela.
Hockey been very, very good to Chad.
Mikko is overrated? OHHH KAYYY.
At least you hit the agent part right.
Chad, the cheap player strategy worked once for the Wild in their 1st 5 years, but we need to leave 2002-2003 behind (unless you are maybe the son of Bob Naegele, then hockey has been very good to you and your inheritance).
Jonsey–
PS. I EXPECT NOTHING LESS THAN THE CUP EVERY YEAR. I HATE TO LOSE—EVER. I AM TIRED OF PATRONIZING TEAMS THAT KEEP GIVING IN TO PEOPLE WHO DO NOT HAVE WHAT IT TAKES. GABBY WILL NEVER, EVER WIN THE CUP, ANYWHERE. PEOPLE LIKE GABBY DON’T WIN THE CUP.
no worries, Austin. WATX is a lucky lady!
Again the Wild are showing up in zero rumors for any good players. I know these are rumors but things are not looking good right now.
PEOPLE LIKE GABBY DON’T WIN THE CUP.
But people like Matt Cooke do? Ouch.
Did you just get fired/dumped/and run over, Chad? Calm down, man. I don’t see anyone here standing up and shouting for Gaby.
El Gato–
Mikko is a solid player, but he is not what people around here have made him out to be. He is a second line center at best on any team. Ask anyone who knows anything about hockey and they will tell you that.
re: Minnesotans for the Wild.
How many national championships did The Woogster win again?
showing up in zero rumors for any good players.
The key word here is RUMORS. Who gives a crap? It’s all about action baby.
And really? Saku is no good? We have also been rumored to be going after Heatly… and Vinny… and if you listen to Eklund every other FA on the market.
Chad - Are you always this angry or only for the half hour a day your mom lets you use the computer?
Beisbol been very, very good to Chico Escuela.
Hockey been very, very good to Chad.
still laughing at this. thanks el G!
“Same is true for the early label on CF that he bends over backwards to take MN players.”
Agreed, there’s no MN Conspiracy going on here. Do you think Fletcher, Richard & Co. would jeopardize the best job/s in the history of job/s, to play a PR game? Would they bypass the best available player for an inferior player with a certain zip code? They answer my friend is blowing in the wind and it’s a resounding No.
Eklund is an idiot. I wish I knew who his “sources” were, because the only thing he has been right on about is that he blows a lot of hot air.
Simon, the Wild aren’t coming up in rumors for a couple reasons. There is a new FO and coach. It’s a bit uncertain just how they’re going to operate… which ways they’ll decide to go. The team is a bit up in the air right now rather than having a few very known holes.
Also, Chuck Fletcher isn’t going around talking about specific UFAs like DR used to do. The previous FO got the Wild’s name attached to a lot of rumors, not many of which paid off. Leopold has stated that there is money to sign players, even top players. Fletcher is obviously hard at work. Let’s just sit back and wait until things start, or don’t, happen before getting too worked up.
Chad says:
June 30th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Jonsey–
Sorry, but I am tired of the chimps on this message board not understanding common sense. The Wild DO NOT NEED GABORIK. They do not need Heatley, Hossa or Havlat. They need a pleathera of 2 mil/yr players like Nolan who leave it on the ice every night.
Ooo-oo-ooo. A-aaa-aaaaa.
*clears throat*
I don’t disagree that a bunch of cheaper players that could all contribute could have some success, but if that were the case, they’d shortly become anything but cheap. After a couple of years they’d all be demanding $4M and 20×4=waaaaaayyyy over the cap. Do we need a ’superstar’? Maybe, maybe not. Do we need a good mix of higher end and lower end players? Yep.
for content: Mikko is a solid number one center. He’s not a star center or franchise center, but a good, solid number one center. Look at his numbers over the first four years of his career vs Big Bro’s. They practically mirror each other Saku’s barely higher in goals/assists, but Mikko has more PIM and a better +/-. The only significant difference is that Mikko is bigger and he has more of a nasty streak.
Eklund is an idiot.
Yep… that last part was /sarcasm. I was serious about Koivu, Heatly, and Vinny though. I would like to know if Chuckie Fletch is talking to anyone about Calamari though….
Why are they not shopping Johnnson? They could almost get two quality D for him alone. Does he have a no trade clause I’m not aware of?
Trade Harding & Johnsson or Belanger to St.L for Backes & Colaiacovo
Pick up Afinogenov, S.Koivu, Mara, & Komisarek
Brunette - M.Koivu - Afinogenov
Fedotenko - S.Koivu - PMB
Miettinen - Backes - Clutterbuck
Pouliot - Sheppard - Brodziak/Gillies
Johnsson - Burns
Colaiacovo - Mara
Zidlicky - Schultz
Scott
One can wish can’t they?
All valid points about the rumors, I just want to read something while I waste my day at work.
How about we sign the Sedin’s to 5 year deals and trade Bouchard for a shooting winger? Doesn’t need to be the best sniper available, just someone who shoots shoots shoots
Oops…Johnsson should be Komisarek…forgot to make the change after the copy and paste…sorry…
russo twitter:
Saku Koivu will definitely test free agency.
Goody +1.
The issue to me is that we’re talking about filling holes (*cough* easy, ms.c *cough*)…we have an awesome roster of 3rd and 4th line guys. The top two lines? Not so much.
Those guys cost money. More money than the guys we already have.
I would love it if all hockey players cost a couple mil. But they don’t.
We’re done here, right?
A - How many teams do you think want Yawnson’s salary cap hit for only one year? If you really wanted him, you’d wait til next year and get him for nothing.
B - Yawnson may not be Yawnson under Ricardo’s system. Taking the reins off him might open him up to be the player we thought we were getting when we signed him.
Nick, thanks for reminding me. 
Matt eff-ing Cooke! Have the names been inscribed yet or is there still time for hope?
Russo. . . where is Kurtis Foster in this whole thing. Do we still have his rights or are we letting him go? I sure hope we get to see him on the ice next year, he is a huge guy with a huge shot. If he still can’t perform to where we need him to be, then we let him go next season.
“SRV hearts us I guess.”
That may be but I think he also likes making hundreds of thousands of dollars a year playing hockey, as opposed to making $40k selling farm equipment in BFE Ontario.
El Gato.
Somebody please correct me if I am wrong - I believe teams can begin negotiating with UFA’s “tomorrow” at 12:01 am, but teams can’t sign a UFA until 11:00 am tomorrow.
russo twitter:
Saku Koivu will definitely test free agency.
One step closer to playing with his bro! Sweet!
Hmmm… For finesse players, we can probably get Afinogenov for a song.
“He is a second line center at best on any team. Ask anyone who knows anything about hockey and they will tell you that.”
The majority of GM’s and coaches in the league would disagree there, seeing as Koivu is one of our few players that other teams view highly.
Why are they not shopping Johnnson? They could almost get two quality D for him alone.
Answered your own question.
If there’s a team with two quality guys that equal Kimmy’s cap hit (or close enough) why would they want to trade them for one guy who, in your opinion, is only arguably as good - at best?
How about we sign the Sedin’s to 5 year deals
Because they reportedly want 12yr deals. Which is INSANE. I don’t want those two ladies on the Wild anyhow. maybe it’s my blind hatred for the Nucks getting in the way…
I like Saku, but how much $$$ is he going to want? He is on the decline and now worth as much as Mikko.
Wafer - Good points, for some reason I didn’t think about that…that really hurts to have to sit on that contract ouch…
The Sedins won’t sign 5-year deals. They insist on matching 25-year deals (or whatever) and bunk beds on the road. Henrietta gets to be on top.
Can anyone else forsee a day when the cap comes down so much that some teams might face having to play with a less than full roster? It just seems to me that with some of the existing contracts and the difficulty in trading away salary, combined with the minimum salary coming up, the RFA’s getting qualification raises… Will we one day see good quality FA’s signing for pennies because otherwise they’d be bypassed for guys with half of their skill but with next to no cap hit.
I like Saku, but how much $$$ is he going to want?
Word on the street is that he really wants to play with Mikko… so hopefully that translates into “cheap”.
It may end up going to a system like the NFL.
He is a second line center at best on any team. Ask anyone who knows anything about hockey and they will tell you that.
This statement almost made my head explode.
Yawnson in Philly was a top defenseman with a big offensive upside. But it didn’t translate in JL’s system where the offense didn’t generate from the blue line. It’s an inflated contract, sure, but he was over-promised by DR. He’s a solid D and I’m hoping that under TR’s system, he’ll put more points up next year.
ATX, sure they didn’t each want 6 year deals to add up to 12, since they are twins.
Thanks, Gunslinger. Guess those UFA’s will be slurpin’ down Red Bulls to stay awake (except Gabby, he already has his phone headset, racing suit, helmet and Depends on, he’s starting his 24 hour Le Mans race in the F1 simulator).
Word on the street is that he really wants to play with Mikko… so hopefully that translates into “cheap”.
I’m guessing it will be a veteran contract, maybe for a couple million a year, filled with performance incentives.
How many national championships did The Woogster win again?
The number matches SCSU in NCCA tournament wins and, believe it or not, I was happier to see Woog shown the door than Smug.
There are a lot of guys who are UFAs that others might say are in the “hate ‘em when they’re on the other team, love ‘em when they’re on yours” category. I could never learn to love guys like Todd Bertuzzi, Brad May, or Ian Laperriere, UFAs all. I sincerely hope Fletch doesn’t go there.
Hockeydad hearts Smug…
Ha! This is why I always feel compelled to start with a disclaimer about why I am glad DR is gone (for the record, I came around to that belief early to mid last season) and that CF is here.
ATX, sure they didn’t each want 6 year deals to add up to 12, since they are twins.
Huh.. I guess I didn’t consider that it could be 12yrs combined. I assumed they both wanted 12 year deals… now that I really think about that, it sounds extremely absurd. I still wouldn’t do it for 6 years each.
If we get Saku, how do we fill the sniper role for Mikko’s line? Fedotanko only had 16 goals last year playing on Malkin’s line. Who else can we really afford while picking up 2-3 defensemen.
No on Havlat. He is injured way too much to be giving a huge salary to. I understand saying no to the Sedins if they make it to the open market, but dont go after Havlat who cant stay healthy. I’d say Cammarelli and someone else would make sense. BTW:Johnny Oduya is no longer an option on defense. Resigned with the Devlis today. To bad, he would have been a grea fit here I think. Now it looks like it will be Beaceumin or Scuderi. Which is fine. Scuderi held Ovie in check in the playoffs, he is a good defenseman.
I’d say Cammarelli and someone else would make sense.
Agreed. I don’t think that is anyone here that has expressed displeasure about the possibility of going after Calimari.
I’ve begun to chant “Backes, Clowe, Backes, Clowe” under my breath. This chant will get louder as day goes on and by late morning tomorrow will be top of my lungs scream (see Mel Gibson’s Freedom scream in Braveheart).
If we all work together the hockey gods may answer our prayers and give us a new style of hockey AND the players to pull it off next season.
Hockeydad…I am just being an Alan.
I’m saving criticism of CF until we see the training camp roster.
KiPA: how much of Scuderi’s good year was him playing for a contract, versus him permanently elevating his game (yes I’m asking you to look into your crystal ball, which is unfair. I won’t hold you to it.)
I don’t see St. Louis giving up anything more than a pick for Harding if that’s what you were thinking there. I like Clowe but I don’t know what we could make work there.
Havlat and the rest of that czech-slovakian Eurotrash. Except from Hossa, they are always hurt anyway.
What do people think of Tanguay? Or is he too much of a playmaker like Bouchard and hurt often like Gaborik?
Wow! I knew we were in trouble but didnt realize how deep until I looked at our 4th liner I mean depth chart. I count 4 forwards and 4 defenceman that wouldnt be on a 4th line on ANY other NHL team! Dougie really left us in bad shape, because looking at who we got left… Backstrom’s gonna play about 10 games and our new GM’s gonna get that call.. Trade me right F***in now!
This roster is a nightmare. Scratch the entire 4th line. Boogaard, Brodziak, and Weller? Oh my. What pure crap. We have 2 lines of professional-level players, at best. I sure wouldn’t want Fletch’s job right now, cleaning up someone else’s mess.
those 4 lines look mighty putrid.. whats wrong with heatley? he can play on my team anyday. when owen nolan is your greatest offensive threat, you know you’re hurting. see ya marion.
I don’t think Tanguay has been particularly injury-prone prior to last year, Simon. He’s generally played at least 70-ish games. He’s never taken more than about 140 shots a season, though. That’s my concern.
I don’t want those two ladies on the Wild anyhow
i guess i don’t either but we would have a much better team with them in IRR
sad but true
Simon, I think STL wants a goalie and a offensive d-man (didn’t someone say they read that somewhere?). We can give them both, and it would definitely be for more than just a pick. If we could get one Roster player (Backes, Perron, etc) plus a pick that would be decent. But I suspect we could get more in return.
Look at what the Stars were able to get for Mike Smith a couple years ago.
I think the Mike Smith trade is more than a fair comparison for Josh Harding.
Brett Favre- Mike Modano- Joe Sakic
What do they all have in common ?
Ownership that believed they owned possession of the star player and the perception that those players needed to remain is highly Debateable.
I think Brett Favre is right when he says you cant take the memories away. That was then and this is now
People change jobs. DR and JL needed a new job and fresh start. Why should players not need to do the same. Especially after so many changes in an organization happen what was is not what is anymore.
Brett Favre- Mike Modano- Joe Sakic. These guys should not feel obligted to play the whole career in one place for the above mentined reasons
I feel these super athletes can benefit from new surroundings just like DR
Signed Mister Know it all
Scorers are the gold standard in the NHL, which is why we always want a guy who can put the lotion in the basket as nicely as Groinerik did. So yeah, it would be nice to keep him but for his attitude.
I think Mikko is the kind of guy who does what he has to do at the time to help the team win, so when we need a scorer, I think he can step up. Part of me says to put Nolan on a line with him, but as I said before, he’s got a nasty streak and I don’t think you’d want both Nolan and Mikko out there together (or maybe you would).
AiH - Do you remember off hand if the Mike Smith trade was at the deadline or around the Draft/FA time?
Dave: I do think Tanguay might be had by the Wild but I am sure the Wild dont know until they see how this thing shakes out
I’ll say this about Mikko. Look at his production when he was supposed to stay above the hashmarks. Lets see what he can do with some more freedom this year.
I’m not saying we don’t need a proven scorer, but I am saying we may see an significant increase this year at Mikko’s goal total.
Update up top on our new Asst GM
Mike Smith was a deadline deal…
Tampa Bay Lightning traded Brad Richards and Johan Holmqvist to the Dallas Stars for Mike Smith, Jeff Halpern, Jussi Jokinen and a 4th round selection in 2009.
Hooray for having a GM finally! And someone with intimate working knowledge of the AHL. Now, can he put a team together?
Lol. It’s funny that you people would rather have a 4th line of youngbloods…
Seeing how San Jose handled fighting last season, I think Richards might let Boogaard be more proactive in discouraging other teams from messing with star players.
Interesting that Russo keeps tacking tidbits onto the end of this post rather than starting a new one.
Goody, I hope that means that Russo is working on a big FA blog and doesn’t want to clutter things up with a bunch of random ones.
including management of the AHL’s officiating program, recruiting, hiring and assigning on-ice officials to supplement those in the National Hockey League officials development program.
Someone tell me these officials are better than that dude that skated in the crease for a minute last year during that one Wild game (maybe against Canucks?).
I think Richards might let Boogaard be more proactive in discouraging other teams from messing with star players.
If no one’s willing to go with Boogey, it don’t really matter if Richards gives him the green light.
I think Richards might let Boogaard be more proactive in discouraging other teams from messing with star players.
What star players?
He played four seasons as a goaltender in the ECHL
if he’s cute, ms.c…then you got a cute ex-goalie for the farm…
Seriously, who on that list above hasn’t dropped his purse? Bruno? Belanger? Zids? Johansson? Brodz?
I step away for a couple months to lay my grandpa to rest, be with my wife for the birth of our third child, and attend a wedding. I come back to a overhauled hockey team! I feel like Rip Van Winkel.
wow…heady times in the Wise household!
Welcome back, Kirk.
Brodz?
Brodz?? I think you mean Mansiere?
I hope we can ship Harding and a D-man to St. Louis for a Backes or Perron + pick, I am just not holding my breath. Sounds like the fans want Harding from some of the posts I’ve read on some of their sites.
But people like Matt Cooke do?
Unlike Gaborik, Cooke brings energy and a desire to win to the team. Right? That’s the knock on Gaborik, isn’t it?
Seriously now. Fedotenko had only 16 goals, yes, but he missed a few weeks after breaking his hand on Colby Armstrong’s nose (seriously; have you seen him? Armstrong has quite the schnoz), and he did struggle early in the season but came on strong over the last few months and was great in the playoffs.
Regarding Scuderi: I happen to think Scuderi was nearly as good last year as he was this year, he’s just the type of defenseman who never gets noticed unless he screws up. I don’t think he got much national attention this year until the Final when he stopped those shots in the waning seconds of Game 4 or 6 or whichever it was. The lesser knowledgeable fans in Pittsburgh didn’t like him because he doesn’t hit, throw 100-foot passes, skate well or score goals. Now, many fans will be unhappy to see him go, and some reports have him making $4 million to play positionally sound defense, provide excellent penalty killing and block shots, those three things which he’s really good at. Just don’t expect much more.
He’s a player who knows his limitations so I’d expect him to continue to play like he did last season no matter where he plays. He knows sometimes players chasing the money don’t end up happy so he’ll keep playing hard for whoever signs him.
Wafer says:
June 30th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Seriously, who on that list above hasn’t dropped his purse? Bruno? Belanger? Zids? Johansson? Brodz?
Hockeyfights.com has no record for the following:
Koivu
Belanger
Brunette
Johnsson
Miettinen
Mike Smith was a deadline deal…
And partially a salary dump to get rid of Brad Richards’ contract.
(Tampa consequently gave Dan Boyle a big contract not long after that trade and ended up shipping Boyle off for a bag of peanuts, which they then spread to other places for one of those 25 cent kazoos. So to sum up, Dan Boyle was traded for a 25 cent kazoo. Seriously, the Lightning are one of the worst run organizations in sports these days.)
KiPA,
I think you’ve said this before and your description above confirms.
Scuderi = Schultz
Yup. Covered the circle of life there. What better time to come back than on the eve of FA?
$4 mil for a stay at home type though? There has to be a better option.
Goody: Based on what I know about Schultz, yes.
I’d expect Scuderi to make more in the $2-3 range. I’m just saying some reports have indicated some teams might throw $4 at him.
KiPA: thanks. In your opinion, and bearing in mind that we already have a player that sounds a lot like that in Nick Schultz (who has a $3.5M cap hit thru ‘13/14)…is Scuderi a guy we should be excited about at $4M-ish?
The above roster looks below average. They couldn’t provide much offense last year, I don’t know what will have changed going into this year. Point is that even 1 or 2 free agents will not make this team competitive in the Western Conference to make the playoffs.
oh…I’m more interested in that kind of player in the $2-3M range for sure.
Nick, you don’t even have to be cute if you’re a goalie.
That sounds worse than I mean it. But I do like that he’s a goalie… a chosen one.
Anyway, looking forward to hearing what his plans are (or simply watching them unfold over the next few weeks).
Credit where it’s due: that Schultz contract is a great one. How-how to the DR/TL team on that one.
I was just looking at the FA list, this is a piss poor year for D-men.
What about Ville Koistinen?
is Scuderi a guy we should be excited about at $4M-ish?
Not for $4 million, no way. He’ll be the next Johnsson except without the offensive upside. But I just posted again saying I’d expect Missile (my nickname for him based on his blazing speed) to make $2-3M.
Steve Eminger?
this is a piss poor year for D-men
I’m hoping for Greg Zanon myself to replace Scuderi if he goes elsewhere.
Sounds like the fans want Harding from some of the posts I’ve read on some of their sites.
Well at least the fans are in agreement. Hopefully the ownership is on the same page.
Zanon looks like a decent option. Most of these guys are either too old or can’t justify the money they would want.
“He’ll be the next Johnsson except without the offensive upside.”
Johnsson has an offensive upside?
Johnsson lost the scoring touch, but he is a good skater. Doesn’t justify the money at all though.
Why don’t we give Sykora a try at Mikko’s wing?
Komisarek is exactly the type of D we need.
I have to say, I agree with Dan. I really like Komisarek’s game.
Why don’t we give Sykora a try at Mikko’s wing?
*wince*
Um. Maybe. Could work.
Just sign him for cheap. Like, real cheap. One year, no more than $2M.
Maybe the Wild can trade Harding for Modano?
(I don’t recall seeing Modano’s name mentioned today so I figured I needed to)
Fedotanko better than Sykora or just more upside?
one thing’s for sure: the US men’s hockey entry in Vancouver will be young and fast.
Holy cow, what a stable of young bucks…
Fedotanko better than Sykora or just more upside?
Well, let’s put it this way…Sykora had 53 goals the past two regular seasons but played in only one playoff game in the last two rounds this spring (7 of 24 total; no goals, one assist.) Miroslav Satan took his roster spot.
I don’t think I need to say anything more, but I will. I happen to think his game was falling off a bit during the 07-08 season - when I’m convinced he could’ve had at least 40 goals (he had 28) if his reflexes and hands were still good - and I think he deteriorated a little more in 08-09. Watching him play, he was struggling to catch passes, create opportunities, when he got opportunities he often missed the net, and if he’s not scoring, he’s not bringing much else to the table.
The Pens and Sykora apparently haven’t ruled out a return, but it’s not a signing I’m anxious to see.
Sykora had one goal in the last 11 regular season games (i.e. playoff push/positioning) and two in the last 19. There are whispers he was hurt or sick or something, and maybe he was, but he’s playing like a guy who’s much older than 32.
Sykora-Malkin-Fedotenko would be the line but I’d rather bring Fedotenko back and get someone like Ales Kotalik or Steve Sullivan to replace Sykora.
Maybe the Wild can trade Harding for Modano?
Komisarek is going to command big money in this weak FA class of D-men especially if Boummester signs w/ the Flames. If we are focusing on the top offensive guys I think we’ll have to take middle of the road D free agents, assuming we aren’t shunned again
what a stable of young bucks…
You’re trying to get Ms. C to say something not suitable for a family blog, aren’t you?
KiPA: guilty.
Komisarek seems to want to be commanding a boatload. Like Johnsson-type money, to hit people and block shots.
Harding for Modano is a great Idea!
And going after Cammerlari (sp?) is not!
JUUUUUUSSSSSSSSSST Kidding
Having said that, I’d like Komisarek if he came at a reasonable cost. Could use another physical presence on the blue line.
“The above roster looks below average. …Point is that even 1 or 2 free agents will not make this team competitive in the West. Conf.”
I guess I’m not the only one who needed to supress the gag reflex when I looked at the roster.
I believe two solid, contributing (15-20 goals) power forwards (not Mittenan types) would greatly improve this team.
“Backes, Clowe, Backes, Clowe” (see the goons in Fight Club chanting in a basement)
I simply don’t beleive that Fletch will allow his friend Todd to take this lineup to the ice to begin the 2009-2010 season.
I simply don’t beleive that Fletch will allow his friend Todd to take this lineup to the ice to begin the 2009-2010 season.
Depends on what Fletch wants to do beyond this season, doesn’t it? If we’re that bad, then is it worth bringing in all kinds of “fixes” now at some kind of cost ranging from fair to high? Or do you bring in guys that make sense beyond this season, but figure it’s not the worst thing in the world if we end up in a position to win the lottery next spring?
USA Today’s Kevin Allen reporting the Canadiens traded Christopher Higgins (remember him? Habs fans said he’s future captain material and an untouchable in any Gaborik trade) to the Rangers. No word yet on what’s going the other way.
Higgins is a RFA this year.
Also, did anyone else miss these signings: Rob Blake re-upped with San Jose for one year and Peter Budaj’s sticking with Colorado for a year.
Any change you can put your updates in new posts so we know if you have updated or not.
Thanks
Gomez heading to the Habs. TSN has it now.
Big move for the Habs.
I don’t think Fletcher will consciously bag a season by not trying to make the team better in the offseason, just to get a number 1 pick next year. Too much self respect and brains. Fans would revolt and the hope of getting the next Stamkos wouldn’t prevent the revolution. Even if he gets the two top power forwards in the league this offseason this team is still a few players away. He needs to add young solid talent this offseason so when we get a top ten pick next year he’s adding that player to the mix (in 2-3 yrs) not starting the re-build around that player.
Dumb move for the Habs. Gomez is on the books for over $7 million through 2014. That’s more than $1 million for each 10 points he scores.
Probably spells the end for Saku Koivu in Montreal.
With that said, if the Wild are 25-50 toward the end of next season, Fletch/Richards would be smart to bag the remainder of the season to go for the lottery pick.
Rangers just became a bigger player in the free agent market. Holy crap, I can’t understand why Montreal does this. If it’s just Gomez for Higgins straight up, then they offered the Rangers a total bailout. Gomez’s contract is one of the worst in the league.
Is it July 1 yet?! Is it July 1 yet?! Huh? Huh? Is it? Is it?
Ooooo shiny red ball…..
yeah, that contract is one bitter pill to swallow. I wonder if there was a bag of magic beans in the deal?
He needs to add young solid talent this offseason so when we get a top ten pick next year he’s adding that player to the mix (in 2-3 yrs) not starting the re-build around that player.
you do realize that’s exactly what I was saying, right?
This trade actually has made me angry. Bob Gainey should be fired right away for this one move alone. Holy crap.
Three guys going each way in the Higgins/Gomez trade
Scott Gomez, Tom Pyatt and Mike Busto in exchange for Chris Higgins and defensemen Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko
I don’t know prospects, so I don’t know who these other guys are, but McDonagh was a first-round pick, 12th overall in 2007. What is Bob Gainey doing?
Habs’ and Rangers’ bad deals are meant for each other. All the more reason for Saku to come check out some MN hotdish.
“you do realize that’s exactly what I was saying, right?”
Obviously not.
I’m not kidding, my head’s about to explode.
There has to be somethign else to that trade. That doesn’t even make any sense. 2 days ago they were talking about Vinny now they trade for Gomez. Is DR working in Montreal.
This is almost worse than the Flyers trading their whole organization for Pronger.
KiPA: Agreed. Gainey must not be thinking right now. Slats just pulled a great one over on him. Bailing the Rangers out like that was not the right thing to do. Gomez isn’t worth the enormous $$ the Habs now will have to pay him.
Didn’t the Flyers throw in Donovan McNab for Pronger?
Habs’ and Rangers’ bad deals are meant for each other.
I don’t see how it’s a bad deal for the Rangers. They dump an overpaid, underperforming sack in Gomez, get some quality young players, clear salary space, and could even use those newly acquired pieces to make another move, like Heatley or something.
In fact, I call conspiracy on the part of Gainey so that he can get Heatley out of his division. There’s no other explanation for why he makes this trade.
Kevin, don’t let your head explode. That would be messy to clean up.
What an odd trade. The Rangers get cap relief and get a top notch prospect at the same time. Am I missing something?
Gaborik in a Rangers jersey?
Didn’t the Flyers throw in Donovan McNab for Pronger?
And the exclusive rights to cook the Philly cheese steak.
Too late, Bandgeek. The cleanup crew has been called to the premises.
Aaron: Gaborik/Heatley/Havlat/Hossa. Insert any of them. Rangers sorely need scoring and they actually IMPROVED it by DUMPING Gomez.
What on earth are you doing Gainey? Did you suit up in an old timers game and get cross checked in the head or something?
Sorry, Kev, I didn’t mean this deal was bad for Rangers. Just from my shotty memory I seem to recall several bad deals involving those teams over the last decade. This one is definitely great for the Rangers–like suspect great.
The league should step in and not approve this trade! Holy crap.
If I was commissioner in a fantasy league that had a salary cap there’s no way I’m approving this trade.
*head explodes again*
Just read the comments at the end of the TSN article. Geezus.
has to be a pick in there……that trade won’t even work in nhl ‘09….
habs got hosed……
No pick, Argon. 3-for-3.
Total stupidity.
Janik is UFA, Valentenko is in the KHL (is he coming back??), so honestly, all the Rangers got for sure is McDonagh.
why would the leauge step in…..the rangers will be good again…..
the league wants the rangers to get heatley…..or somebody…..
new york money….that is what this is about…..
I just wonder why the habs would do this……pyatt is a decent prospect, and gomez is solid…..but that trade stinks……
can we get a trade like that…..
This is almost worse than the Flyers trading their whole organization for Pronger.
I dunno about that… they might be equally terrible.
My ONLY consolation is now Sather will just go out and re-cripple that cap space by overpaying for someone who’s not worth it, or trade for the headcase Heatley, who couldn’t cut it in Ottawa but surely can in New York.
Unbelievable. Gainey might as well have just held a press conference saying, “Am I fired yet?”
I think the MTL/NYR trade is bad for everyone. You know NYR is going to just replace one over-inflated contract with another, which will drive up the prices for everyone else.
Great minds think alike, eh Kev?
so what player/players will he screw that up with……
both sedins at 8 mil a year for 10 years?
all the Rangers got for sure is McDonagh.
And cap space! They dumped possibly the worst contract in the league. Who willingly takes on someone like that?
gaborik at 9 mil for 7 years?
Bad trade, glad it didn’t involve us in anyway.
If Gomez wasn’t good enough to dish to Jagr, who will the Rangers get to dish to Heater. Then again who really cares.
Gainey might as well have just held a press conference saying, “Am I fired yet?”
That is hilarious.
Yeah, Wall.
Oh man. I need a drink.
didn’t they get higgins as well??
gaborik at 9 mil for 7 years?
The sad part is, that is something the Rangers would totally do.
6 mil for antriopv??
6 years for sullivan at 6.7 mil???
So does that take the Sedin’s out of Montreal?
Argon: Throw out any number for any player you want. With the Rangers, they’re all equally possible.
I could do this all day……
it is fun making fun of inept gms…..
*remembers mess in minnesota*
…….crap……
Argon, RE: NHL 09 and Gainey’s trading style: “Start” > “My NHL Settings” > “Rules” > “CPU Trading” > “OFF”
Gaborik in a Rangers jersey?
AH-hahahaha! NY fans will LOVE the thirty or so games he and his groin needs to take off.
Throw out any number for any player you want. With the Rangers, they’re all equally possible.
Maybe this is why I always read his name as Glen Slather.
This Gomez trade could be a smoke screen to Vinny going to Montreal.
Don’t you mean Vinny going to NYR? That would make more sense at this point.
This Gomez trade could be a smoke screen to Vinny going to Montreal.
Uhhh… how? Do they have enough cap space?
Swap the two monster contracts, Gomez for Vinny, and the only other GMs stupid enough to do that run empty arena in Tampa.
Unbelievable. Gainey might as well have just held a press conference saying, “Am I fired yet?”
He can say it in english and french. They won’t be as hard on him
Vinny is a top 5 player in the entire league. Easily worth the money he will get paid.
Gomez is a second line center getting first line money.
Seriously what the hell is this trade about? Gainey decided to take up huffing?
They would be dumping Vinny to get cap and salary relief. Makes no sense at all since they have a nearly identical cap hit. Even Tampa wouldn’t make that trade.
off topic: MN senate race finalized.
back to hockey talk….
Those of you who are wishing for Skoula to be gone, will be biting your tongue if Scott or MAB end up making up the ice time that Skoula skated each night.
THe guy wasn’t a star, and yes he made some major gaffes, but for the minutes he played each game, he was overall a positive addition to the Defense.
Maybe after that preposterous of a trade Gainey might — might — crack a smile. Bob Gainey is the least cheerful man in pro sports. You never, ever see that man smile in public.
Dampland: S-minus 17 hours, 40 minutes and counting. Freedom from Skoula in less than 18 hours…
I’m awake now. That Gomez trade was just a dream I had, right?
MAB is UFA, Dampland. And based on what Fletcher said about Scott, I think he’s the 7th man this season (assuming we find 2 more decent defensemen.)
“Those of you who are wishing for Skoula to be gone, will be biting your tongue if Scott or MAB end up making up the ice time that Skoula skated each night.”
MAB is a free agent and I hope he goes to Calgary for cheap. Then we will actually be able to score against them! BLECH! He was just painful to watch.
Sorry, kevin. That trade was real. The laughter you hear is emanating from Midtown Manhattan, where rangers’ fans just got handed the keys to either Heatley or Gaborik (one or the other) to wake up their otherwise pathetic offense.
(But I still say Gaby to the Canucks…)
I guess this is how you top an utterly disappointing centennial season.
Comment on Puck Daddy’s blog about the trade. Don’t know if it’s from a Habs fan or not.
What do we have, $14 mil in cap space?
Cammalleri - $5 mil
Saku - $4 mil
Scuderi type guy - $3 mil
Bam $12 mil under the cap by $2 mil
Just curious but does Jim Mill’s hiring mean the end of the road for TT?
Brutal trade. I aint the smartest guy but I really dont understand from the MTL side on this one
Simon - subtract $1-1.5 mil from Saku and give it to Cammalleri and it makes sense
Wow.
Did Smug and Gainey smoke from the same crack pipe?
I mean they were teammates and all, but doesn’t this rank right up there with any of the dozen or so crap moves that Smug made over the years?
I don’t understand that deal. I will never understand that deal.
KiPA…do you have dark hair? I thought I just saw a piece of skull go flying by.
KiPA…do you have dark hair? I thought I just saw a piece of skull go flying by.
Yes. I’ll email you with the hospital I’m staying in so you can mail that piece back to me.
On an unrelated note, but Wild related, I hear Fletcher tried to acquire Hossa’s rights at the draft and is set to offer him a contract similar to what the Penguins offered last year (7 years, $50-52M.)
Wow, that would be huge, no way he takes it though.
Ok, so let me clarify.
I will never understand that deal from the Montreal side. I would totally do that deal if I am Slats.
KiPA…I put it on ice.
That deal for Hossa (if true) would be significantly more than Detroit can offer.
Damn…I cannot wait for tomorrow!
“Just curious but does Jim Mill’s hiring mean the end of the road for TT?”
This is Tom Lynn’s replacement. Though I would bet Tommy Thompson and his entire staff are about to get the ax shortly.
Simon says: If you can get cammerlerri for 5 million more power to you. He just outscored all the top boys last year that are in the free agent market
On a note about Bob Gainey. What a life, he has lost a wife and kids. I mean wow
I’d be really surprised if any of the scouting staff see August 1. Fletcher wants those who will be loyal…to him.
Yes, kj, I, too cannot wait for tomorrow (and I’m on vacation all week, so guess who’s parking in front of his TV at 11:00 AM tomorrow, mashing the refresh button relentlessly…)
I got it!!!
Remember how someone wrote that Cliff Fletcher thought he was signing a different player to that big contract he gave Jeff Finger? That’s what happened with Gainey! He thought he was trading for Lecavalier, not Gomez! Doesn’t it make more sense that what the Habs are giving up would be at least decent for Lecavalier?
Also, thanks kj.
I guess I have turned into a Smug lover, but even our old boy would never had made this trade. If there was one thing he was ok at, it was avoiding bad long-term contracts.
Hossa will call his buddy Gaborik who will tell him MN sucks.
Gaborik in NY, that would be fun to see what the press would do to him the first time he got injured…
If Hossa did sign here, that would be the moment we will look back on and say this is where things turned from average to great or from bad to worse.
kj, KiPA: you guys crack me up.
I think they should put a cap on individual player salaries. On all sports, not just hockey. JMHO
What disappointed fans might not understand is the value change in a player due to the contract. We were able to acquire a top flight defensive prospect in McDonagh along with a scoring second line centre in Gomez. This for the mere expense of our RFA Higgens is more than acceptable.
…What? McDonagh was ours? We lost McDonagh!?
Excuse me, I have to make a call.
saku koivu and mike cammalleri will hopefully be playing in Wild uniforms this year, along with at least 1 new defenseman via trade or free agency
Bob Gainey says:
What disappointed fans might not understand is the value change in a player due to the contract. We were able to acquire a top flight defensive prospect in McDonagh along with a scoring second line centre in Gomez. This for the mere expense of our RFA Higgens is more than acceptable.
…What? McDonagh was ours? We lost McDonagh!?
Excuse me, I have to make a call.
Genius! Whoever you are, genius!
Is DR working in Montreal.
Did NYR also get 2nd and 3rd picks?
I think I’d rather have Cammalleri, Saku and token D-man over Hossa, but I’m not sure.
KiPA…that put Miller Genuine Draft through my nose.
Good thing too…it washed away the coke residue…
Mister Know it all, I looked at your past thread of the free agent pool and your comments, but you never said what you think will happen in free agency or trade. Tell me please
Chad, I believe you are actually Mister Know It All opening the door for yourself to make a ridiculous comment involving Jeremy Roenick, Joe Sakic, Mike Modano, and/or some other old player of that mold. If not, please don’t feed the incoherent, ridiculous ramblings of Mister. Thank you.
What did it, kj? The Lecavalier thing? Because whoever made the Bob Gainey post wasn’t me. Though I wish it was.
Wild are attempting to undermine negotiations between CBJ and Rick Nash. Wild will give up PMB, Burns, and Harding in the deal, should they convince Nash that MN is a better fit. Harding will be moved by CBJ in a deal with CAL for Cammalleri.
Saku is willing to take a slight pay cut to play with Mikko; however, he will play in an unhappy place for the right price. His preference at this point remains MN.
Tanguay, although not the right fit for MN, is willing to play for the Wild if he can sign a 4-5 deal worth 5.5-6.5 million a year.
I would be more then happy to Chadwick
Obvioussly Chadwick I dont know all the players up close and personal so I can offer you some speculation as to what I think might happen.
Flecther would know best with Hossa as I will make no comment
My suspicion Chadwick is that Gaby is waiting to have the Wild prove they are willing to make something happen in free agency, and if they do then he would sign in Minnesota.
Hard not to like the speedy Cammlerri who scored 82 points last year
I really could not know but I know I would not be surprised if the Wild did get Gaborik if Hossa did end up signing with the Wild
I have said before on here one of my choices is a veteran proven scorer like Modano or Sakic. Modano I would prefer because of injuries to Sakic.
If the Wild dont get one of them now, mark my words now that the Wild will pick one of these guys up before the trade deadline because Dallas and Colorado will not make the playoffs next year
This is my thinking Chadwick
jbo has agreed to terms with calgary 6.6 for 5 years.
Ouch. The NW division will feel that for sure.
How can CGY afford all these guys? Is Phaneuf on his way out?
Tweet: Russostrib Contrary to reports, Havlat did not re-sign with Chicago; Fedotenko not done with Pittsburgh either; Bouwmeester did sign with
Calgary is close to the cap now with Bouwmeester.
Gaborik looking to sign a long term deal with NYR. He is more interested in money than winning.
KiPA…
The Bob Gainey post and your reax.
Comedic genius.
Let’s sign some UFOs!!!
Calgary is looking to be the team to beat, for one year anyway. After they don’t win the cup, again, look for them to ship Jokinen and, maybe, Phaneuf.
I thought Gaborik was going to sign with Vancouver not the Rangers.
Red Wings general manager Ken Holland would still like to work out a deal for Marian Hossa, but knows he’ll have a solid team going to training camp either way. Unless Hossa signs a long-term contract with a cap number around $4 million, he’ll hit the open market Wednesday. Free agents can sign contracts with new teams starting at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday.
Los Angeles…Gho$t to LA.
I have forseen it.
Hopefully Gabby signs with Vancouver, I want that tampering pick. Could help undo DR’s greatest mistake.
12:01 PM Eastern Joe…
What! Mikko isn’t a great player or center. I don’t think so. DR said that every year he could have made big trades but they always include Mikko. Mikko is great and hockey people know.
You know this rumor mill guy may be the funniest guy I have ever seen on the rant. The first thing that you said that made sense was your last comment on Gaby going New York.
We will all find out soon enough
TSN reporting Jay Bouwmeester signs 5 years at 6.6 million per with the Flames. The article makes no mention of how the Flames plan to score.
kj: Agree. #10 to LA. $$$, lifestyle, a line centered by Kopitar (Slovenia, so not a fellow Slovak). Did you retrieve the rest of your MGD enhanced spray from the keyboard?
no mention of how the Flames plan to score.
Right, because Iginla (35 goals in a down year), Langkow (7 straight 20-goal seasons, twice scoring 30+), David Moss (20 goals), and Olli Jokinen (29 last year, four times over 30) have no goal scoring power.
Not to mention Phaneuf and Bouwmeester are capable of putting up 15-20 each.
Yep, Calgary will have trouble scoring alright.
Oh, and Rene Bourque had 21 goals in just 58 games.
M 03…
I am sending Bob Gainey a bill for a new laptop…
Although, I don’t think they’d have the $$$ for a pencil with that Gomez contract..,
Although, I don’t think they’d have the $$$ for a pencil with that Gomez contract..
Heehee. Funny.
True, they have numbers returning, but how well will they perform when Cammalleri and to a lesser extent Bert are no longer drawing attention?
For seasons following, both Jokinen and Bourque are UFA after this year and would merit raises. (Olli might suffer the economy and rep, but the numbers are solid)
Yep, Calgary will have trouble scoring alright.
no but they will only be able to carry 18 players. nhlnumbers has them at $52.218 with 17 players signed.
You asked how they’re going to score. I like their chances a lot more than the Wild’s. And seasons following is something for them to fix in following seasons, they don’t need to worry about it right now.
Cammalleri was there for one season. Those other guys have been able to score before his presence was around.
saw the bow man signing…..sighs……of all of the teams………
…..I hate that calgary has a good chunk of players I really like….
iginla…bowmeester…..kipper….phanuf……..is lombardi still there?
the question then becomes….who is on the way out?
no but they will only be able to carry 18 players.
That wasn’t the issue though. The issue was scoring, not putting together a full team.
Calgary now has 52.217 million in cap tied up after the Jaybo signing
The issue was scoring
my point is they have about 4 mil to fill out their roster is all.
And a valid point it is, GreenStar. You’ll notice I wasn’t defending how they manage to do that.
oh missed that anyways Calgary is stupid for having that many big contracts. It will hurt them.
Their chances this year certainly look better than the wild’s. My thought wasn’t particular for this year so much as long term with 17 million plus locked to top 3 defenders. The team looks lopsided.
Didn’t Calgaryhave to skate with less than 20 skaters toward the end of the year ‘cuz of cap issues?
FOOD!!
food
[…] to rumors that the Wild might be trying to trade for Vinny Lecavalier, Star Tribune beat writer Michael Russo has reported that Lecavalier will not be traded by the Lightning. A source that Russo claims is […]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=4295830
Maybe Eddie the Eagle would be a capable back-up when Harding is traded?
test
Thanks for your updates. keep it up and thanks for this sharing
+100
