It’s Official: Wild signs Havlat; Wild hard at work on Koivu
Posted on July 1st, 2009 – 10:11 PMBy Michael Russo
UPDATE: Star Tribune sources say the Wild is working on Saku Koivu as we speak. Still could be done tonight. Also, Havlat just gave me a ring. Quotes up later.
——————————————————-
As reported by the Star Tribune earlier this evening, the Wild has signed Martin Havlat to a six-year, $30 million deal.
“We are excited to add the speed and scoring of Martin Havlat to our lineup,” said Fletcher. “He is a terrific two-way player.”
Havlat, 28 (4/19/81), led the Chicago Blackhawks with a career-high 77 points (29-48=77) while skating in a career-high 81 games in the 2008-09 season. He ranked ninth in the NHL in plus-minus (plus-29). Havlat added 15 points (5-10=15) in 16 Stanley Cup playoff games as the Blackhawks advanced to the Western Conference finals. The 6-foot-2, 217-pound native of Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic, has recorded 396 points (169-227=396), a plus-87 rating, 53 power play goals and 31 game-winning goals in 470 NHL games in eight seasons with Ottawa and Chicago. Havlat participated in the NHL All-Star Game in the 2006-07 season, when he led Chicago in goals (25), assists (32) and points (57) despite appearing in just 56 games. He was a member of the NHL’s All-Rookie team in 2000-01 and played for the Czech Republic at the 2002 Olympics.
Havlat was Ottawa’s first-round pick (No. 26 overall) in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.
In some tweets just now, Havlat said, “Excited to be in Minny where I was welcomed and appreciated by management. The real story about what happened in Chicago to come out.”
“Thanks to all Hawks fans for your love and support over the last 3 years. Will never forget your generousity and the great playoff run!”
“Hossa is a good friend and I am happy for him.”
“There’s something to be said for loyalty and honor.”
Yikes! Just a hunch, but Russo thinks Havlat’s not pleased with the Blackhawks letting him go and signing Hossa.
220 Responses to "It’s Official: Wild signs Havlat; Wild hard at work on Koivu"
Finally, a scorer!
Dude just signed a fat new contract. Lose the bitter, bub.
hope he can stay healthy, because his skills are not in question.
OK whiners . . . Let’s hear it . . .
I’m happy with this. A reminder to all the people out there against this…DR would have NEVER got someone like this.
At least someone’s happy to be here
End of a long day. Could have been more successful, but it could have been a lot worse.
Day 2 tomorrow!
ms.conduct, ummm… was that directed towards me? I’m genuinely thrilled with this signing.
Point-a-game two-way player for 5 mil/ year? As long as he stays healthy, and stays away from Boogaard this is a great pick up!
completely rational, print the playoff tickets!
If healthy, great signing…
If not healthy, Groinik will morph into Marty Hav-not.
Should be interesting to see where Heatley ends up….
Go Wild!
Expect Koivu to sign tomorrow.
Are all you haters gonna get off Chuck’s back now??? If we get Scuderi & Saku we’re gonna be in pretty good shape!!! Let’s not forget there are gonna be some good players available later this summer via trade because teams are gonna be squeezed against the cap!! Things are looking up!!!
Saku ought to be wakin’ up pretty soon - it’s after 6 am.
Replacing a fragile top tier scorer with a fragile 2nd tier scorer
Not exactly what I had hoped, but if he can stay healthy, he should put up 55-60 points next year.
Barring a major trade this off season, the 2009 season will likely have the Wild finishing about 5 games below .500.
Hopefully they can win the lottery and get the top pick, as the 2010 draft is slated to be horribly thin, with only 1 possibly 2 impact players.
I also find it interesting, that other than Gabor-ick, NONE of the Wild free agents have been signed by other teams.
IT just shows how good a coach JL was, with getting the most from marginal talent, as it certainly appears the rest of the NHL isn’t interested in our FA players either.
great lose one criple for another thats not as talented.
Sleep on it? My arse. He will use it to get a better deal with another club.
Today’s signing… meh!
Nice now get the elder Koivu and turn attention to trades
Unfortunate to lose Gabby for nothing, but it’s Risebrough’s screw up. Spilt milk, move on. Thrilled with Havlat. Lose Gabby, gain Havlat and Koivu…I’ll take it.
Can he score on the breakaway?
Playoffs here we come - Section 220 will be rocking . . .
I like the deal. We got a scorer. This is good.
yeah, I agree with you, ms. conduct, re: Havlat’s bitterness.
Yikes! Russo writes in third-person now!
Havlat = nice recovery CF…
So what’s with the Midget Militia in Montreal?
Gomez 5′10
Squid 5′9
Gionta 5′7
Have they signed mini-me yet?
anyone else notice that nhlnumbers.com is not having a good day? Success seems to be getting the better of their server.
Nice pick up and he had a heck of season last year, granted he was on a good team. I’m glad to see we signed him for 6 years. This should give us some offense while Fletcher and Richards flesh out the roster over the next few seasons.
okay, not a Gaborik type of player, but if we can add 2 more scorers…..then lets talk playoffs.
Not directed at you dave..read havlat’s twitter you will see why she said that..
Just like half of the Koivu Bro’s sandwich, I’m gonna sleep on it. See what happens tomorrow.
Ahhh…THAT bitterness. Yup, lose it. Welcome to Minnesota!
Playoffs will be coming by signing a player not equal of Gabby;s talent…but hurt just as often. I don’t think so. Sign 2 more scorers and then you can talk playoffs.
Sounds like the Wild have had a good productive day. I have been following the twitter (don’t even need an account) & Russo’s main blog comments but skim to none on the comments. Too many to get through & from the few I skimmed (mainly regular poster’s comments) it sounds like the whinies & crazies are out. I will read them again when things settle down.
On the custom jersey discusion from this morning (wow, that feels more like it was yesterday and not 12 hrs ago), more pro for getting one is at least you will never be traded or sign elsewhere. You could choose not to be fan and in a female case, if your last name changes for whatever reason you may want to change it but still for the most part not going to end up with an outdated jersey in your closet (Fernandez and autographed Gaborik for example) 
35 minutes for Heatley’s decison.
Paul, check this out…
I also find it interesting, that other than Gabor-ick, NONE of the Wild free agents have been signed by other teams.
Damp, that doesn’t mean anything. There’s a lot of FAs out right now and most of them are going to sign later this week. It’s not a huge telling item. It does show however that we have areas to improve.
Can he score on the breakaway?
I laughed at this.
Can someone explain to me why Mr. Fletcher hasn’t contacted my agent yet?
DaveD, no. Havlat.
But on further reflection, Minny never gets on the map because everyone is so damned well-behaved. Maybe a bitter divorce from Chicago for Havlat is just the ticket for giving the team a little edge and personality.
Barring a major trade this off season, the 2009 season will likely have the Wild finishing about 5 games below .500.
If JL was still coaching, I would disagree with this, since if we assume Koivu signs, it’s probably a better roster than we had for all but 17 games last season. With TR, though - who knows? I have a feeling we’re going to be given up a few in our own net.
Nice to see a player that values loyalty
From twitter:
Russostrib:I’m now hearing Wild might not be done for the night.
NiNY, Ms.C, good to hear from you.
About to get some glossys ready for the milk cartons…jk.
Russo Tweet: no hearing wild may not be done for the night
er…”now hearing…”
Is the Wild plan B for Ottawa for just before 11pm?
Is the Wild plan B for Ottawa for just before 11pm?
Oh the crow for the Fletch haters that would be!
Game on… I couldn’t be in here today. I knew the panic about no signings was going to be ridiculous and unbearable.
are we going to get heatley now?!?!
That’s a pretty sick goal.
Anyone who isn’t excited go to youtube and type in “Martin Havlat”.
Hooray for Havlat! If he stays healthy this is an awesome deal (hockey gods please let him stay healthy).
Farewell Gaby. It was fun while it lasted. Enjoy New York. You, and Avery deserve each other.
Is he gonna fight Boogey for 24?
thats so funny cuz thats the first thing i did…youtube is going crazy today i bet…even tho i bet it goes crazy everyday
Mr. Fletcher, I have a pen and I’m ready to sign! All I ask is for a phone call! You have my number!
What does Ottawa need?
Can we manufacture that, or obtain it from another team (3-way). (Settle down, not THAT kind, you Koivu-Sandwich freaks…lol!)
Whelp, like Saku, it’s time for me to sleep on it. Here’s hoping good luck to the Wild brass and continue landing good free agents.
Havlat: slightly less talented than Gaborik (and just as injury prone) but for 33% less money? SOLD!
Can he score on the Breakaway?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZHLY-j7CNg&feature=fvw
Flip Havlat and Shep and 2010 first rounder for Heatley?
A very nice signing. If we do get Saku, a very nice end to a day that did not start off so great…
Now how about Heatley, Mikko, and Havlat on our top line?!?!?!
from the previous thread:
July 1st, 2009 at 10:32 pm
what the hell is with the crazys?????
love…love….LOVE this signing….
one: havlat is a fast….fast….and faster…..certainly helps the team speed
two: he can score….and score in bunches (not on butch’s line….too much shortness with those two..)
three: 6 years 30 mil?????? seriously???
that my friends is an absolute steal……even if he misses 15% of the games in the next 6 years that is worth it in spades
5 mil a year is wonderful…..absolutley wonderful……
throw in saku at a good price….boom goes the dynamyte!!!!
angry wild fan is completly insane!
the guy makes me pine for MKVN’s intelligent ramblings…..my god….
MKVN…I give you a lot of crap….but at least you think it out a little bit (in your own way) before you spout off nonesense…..
Hey HansonDude
“At least somebody is happy to be here.”
Dude, what about Brett Favre!!!
Anyways…
Look at it this way. Basically we traded an injury prone but great Marian Gaborik for an injury prone but boardline great to good player in Marty Havlat and maybe adding Saku who is sleeping on it. Does Mikko have a facebook page?
Wow, we’ve been up to our Prongers in trolls today. Gonna need some kind of disinfectant or something.
Anyway, on another sad note, the Twin Cities local TV media. Wanted to see the reaction to the Gabby and Havlat news from the local TV boobs tonight. Was able to flip around fast enough and watch three different stations. All three spoke of Havlat and all 3 gave different goal totals for his 2008-09 regular season. Don’t these people have google on their computers?
23 min of the heatley front!!
Zanon + Havlat + Russo says maybe more…..Scuderi,Fedetenko?
Fletch knows them well
What’s Koivu sleeping on?? it’s your Bro Bro! I think Mikko will be making a call??
Great signing, welcome to Minny, Martin! He’s a point-per-game player, can pass and shoot, has a few wicked moves on shootouts, and can play at both ends of the ice.
Despite past injury probs, hopefully he can keep the ball rolling with the next 6 seasons. I’m excited to see him in a Wild uniform! He’s great fun to watch!
If you’re comparing him to what we lose in Gaborik, think of this…
1. Havlat is 21456% better on shootouts.
2. Havlat can stickhandle through traffic - something #10 could never do.
Again, great pickup and super glad to see him here!
RW says:
July 1st, 2009 at 10:37 pm
Zanon + Havlat + Russo says maybe more…..Scuderi,Fedetenko?
Fletch knows them well
I’d be very happy with both but would settle for one. 2 out of Koivu/Scuderi and Fedo would ROCK all 3 would be a coup!!!
Zanon + Havlat + Russo says maybe more…..Scuderi,Fedetenko?
Fletch knows them well
BINGO!
I’ll take Havlat over Gho$t. Obviously because we have to 
I wonder what else is afoot?
Sunshine… No, don’t flip Havlat..
Send Johnsson, Shep, and Stoner for Heater.
It’s cap-friendly and fits what Murray needs anyway. He’s got man-love for Johnsson.
2009-10 — $4 million
2010-11 — $5 million
2011-12 — $5 million
2012-13 — $5 million
2013-14 — $5 million
2014-15 — $6 million
structure of havlat’s contract!!
Tweet: DarrenDreger It doesnt look like Heatley is making a decision tonight. Unless that changes…Sens will be on the hook for $4 mil. posted on http://www.tsn.ca
Saku came back from many knee injuries, from a career threatening eye injury, and not to mention life threatening cancer? He’s got balls…
Dampland says:
July 1st, 2009 at 10:19 pm
Replacing a fragile top tier scorer with a fragile 2nd tier scorer
Not exactly what I had hoped, but if he can stay healthy, he should put up 55-60 points next year.
Barring a major trade this off season, the 2009 season will likely have the Wild finishing about 5 games below .500.
Hopefully they can win the lottery and get the top pick, as the 2010 draft is slated to be horribly thin, with only 1 possibly 2 impact players.
I also find it interesting, that other than Gabor-ick, NONE of the Wild free agents have been signed by other teams.
IT just shows how good a coach JL was, with getting the most from marginal talent, as it certainly appears the rest of the NHL isn’t interested in our FA players either.
While your at it what are the powerball numbers??? GEEZ!! LOL!!
Thank god Greedorik is gone - welcome Marty! Koivu will be with us tomorrow and if we can sign Scuderi or McKee that will be a good start. Remember folks, DR screwed this team up and we have to prove ourselves to the other top players before they come here. We’ll get there, give Fletch a chance! I’ll stop gulping my Wild Kool-Aid now…
15 minutes to land Heatley!!!
What’s Koivu sleeping on?? it’s your Bro Bro! I think Mikko will be making a call??
A ruse, a ruse.
THINK! Think about it.
It was a done deal long ago, but they couldn’t let on.
Saku’s doin’ the team player thing, and letting CF get the pieces, then he’ll sign.
Tweet: Russostrib Sources: Wild hard at work on Koivu, could happen still tonight #nhl
RussostribSources: Wild hard at work on Koivu, could happen still tonight #nhl
Russostrib Sources: Wild hard at work on Koivu, could happen still tonight
To anyone making troll comments about posters who don’t spend 50 minutes a day on this blog, grow up. People are entitled to their opinions, whether positive, frustrated or slightly insane.
HAVLAT! HAVLAT! HAVLAT!
HAVLAT! HAVLAT! HAVLAT!
HAVLAT! HAVLAT! HAVLAT!
HAVLAT! HAVLAT! HAVLAT!
HAVLAT! HAVLAT! HAVLAT!
HAVLAT! HAVLAT! HAVLAT!
HAVLAT! HAVLAT! HAVLAT!
HAVLAT! HAVLAT! HAVLAT!
I think Mikko’s smart to stay clear of Saku’s decision. They both would like to play together, but they both know what’s at stake:
Beat writers asking the “brothers” questions after every game.
So what is Havlat’s injury history? Is it a groin thing (we know a doctor for that in Vail, send him there now so there is time to heal before the season starts), is it a bunch of fluke things, concussions (we need help there)?
Darren says:
July 1st, 2009 at 10:47 pm
To anyone making troll comments about posters who don’t spend 50 minutes a day on this blog, grow up. People are entitled to their opinions, whether positive, frustrated or slightly insane.
Very true, Darren. However there is a common sense requirement here to be taken seriously.
they wont ever be on the ice together tho…unless its the PK
I can’t believe you people like this signing. So what if it is for only 5M a year. Havlat is soft and will not play more than 50 games more than twice during the duration of his contract. Heatley is a DIVA. There are no DIVAS in hockey, especially in Wild country. We do not need either of those two. In your heart of hearts, do you really want another temperamental, I’m too good for you whiner. I’d rather be riding the pine in the basement of the division, than deal with this. The only saving grace is that Bruno and Nolan are true pros and anybody stinking up the joint attitude or otherwise will hear about it.
I bet Ottawa has plan B in their hands right now and in five minutes they will force answer from Heatley. Oh…the drama (at least in my mind…)
from tsn.ca:
Sources close to Heatley say he doesn’t intend to make a decision by 11:59 p.m. eastern tonight and that he’s not comfortable making a decision on the Senators’ timetable.
I’m sure the Senators have no bigger concern than Heatley’s comfort at this point.
Gabby is gone. He’s gone. I miss him so much! Ooooh I cry myself to sleep, Gabby!
False. I do not miss him.
Send Johnsson, Shep, and Stoner for Heater.
It’s cap-friendly and fits what Murray needs anyway. He’s got man-love for Johnsson.
Could this work??????
I would’ve liked the contract structure flipped the other way.
I guess no Heatley to Oilers, then? 8 minutes left
if he doesn’t make a decision by 11:59 ET…he couch better be comfy cuz he will spend a lot of time on it
Send Johnsson, Shep, and Stoner for Heater.
It’s cap-friendly and fits what Murray needs anyway. He’s got man-love for Johnsson.
Could this work??????
Doesn’t seem as good of a deal as Edmonton is offering.
Game.. Sure. If Murray approved it. I think he liked the package the Oil put together though. That was Penner, Cogliano and Smid.
Johnsson is a way better puck moving D than Smid, but Penner’s a decent power forward, and Cogliano screams energy. Shep screams “MAMA!”. Which would you choose?
Great work by CF and the Wild today. If they land Saku tonight or tomorrow this becomes, IMO, one of the more succesful offseasons in Wild history.
Russo doing a great job as well.
DP…LOL
do they want boogaard?? they can have him too lol
I think Saku is the John Rambo of hockey, nothing can get him down…
How ’bout Shep and PMB?
Eklund KOIVU TO WILD (e4) (maybe done)
brian murray keeps asking for burns…i dont see it happening
from above:
UPDATE: Star Tribune sources say the Wild is working on Saku Koivu as we speak. Still could be done tonight. Also, Havlat just gave me a ring. Quotes up later.
It’s 7AM in Finland, time to get up and get to work Saku! Or else just say yes and then you can roll over and go back to sleep.
EaganGirl says:
July 1st, 2009 at 10:53 pm
do they want boogaard?? they can have him too lol
Hmmm.. Don’t tell Ms C, but that is interesting!
Saku > Chuck Norris
To anyone making troll comments about posters who don’t spend 50 minutes a day on this blog, grow up. People are entitled to their opinions, whether positive, frustrated or slightly insane.
Ok. Let’s read this again.
To anyone making troll comments about posters who don’t spend 50 minutes a day on this blog, grow up. People are entitled to their opinions, whether positive, frustrated or slightly insane.
Catch it that time?
People are entitled to their opinions. Agreed.
EklundSource: Saku Koivu will decide in the Morning on an offer from the Minnesota Wild.
Ruse continues?
it is the morning were he is tho
Burns would be a steep price…
I keep telling you guys, it IS morning in Helsinki.
It’s morning in Finland.
Next, I think Heater wants Ott to pay up, even if it nixes the trade.
Third, Saku > Chuck Norris… Agreed.
[…] acted swiftly to replace Marian Gaborik, signing Martin Havlat, who was made redundant in Chicago by the signing of Marian Hossa. They have also offered Saku […]
sunshine…does the actual salary matter when the cap number is the one that counts (re: Havlat’s first year)?
So… we will have decent depth at center and on the right… but who will play left wing? haha
[…] Martin Havlat has agreed to be the historically fragile offensive talent to replace another historically fragile offensive talent for the Minnesota Wild, signing a six-year, $30 million contract this evening according to the Star Tribune. […]
Things are starting to look up, very happy about Havlat joining the team. Hope one more addition is in the works with Koivu, lets all say our prayers tonight.
Pay up, Brian Murray!
kgopher…looks like Havlat’s injury problem has been his shoulder(s).
Agree that Penner, Cogliano, and Smid looks better on paper than Johnsson, Sheppard, Stoner
heatley’s time is up…maybe we made a last ditch effort…i doubt it tho
why is this comment thread something out of something like “fail-safe”?
the heatley bomb doesn’t blow up in… omg!!! what’s that flash of lite?!!!
Boomer, pls note that is what I would offer. I guess we don’t know yet what was offered for real.
I lkie Saku and have a ton of respect for him. The Koivu family are class people and anyone who can beat cancer and still play solid hockey in the toughest market and do so as Captain, has my vote. Even if Saku’s production is down some, he provides leadership and sets quite an example for the young guys. Perhaps Benoit could learn a lesson or two from Saku about the finer points of earning your keep especially in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Saku is all heart and a lot of skill. Come on Chuck!!! Pull the trigger.
Fail-Safe
More like plain old Fail.
Every journey begins somewhere. We’re moving and hopefully forward.
Anything is better than those damn circles DR had us moving in with his “managing expectations”.
What’s next?
Heatley totally screwed his team
So… I thought the LA Kings were going to start competing?
nah why start now
If I am an Ottawa fan I’m none too happy with Heatley right now. I hope he is safe in an undisclosed location.
Tweet: Russostrib Sources: Wild still working hard on Koivu; Decision expected soon; It’s 7:04 a.m. in Finland #nhl
That screwing sound you hear?
Yup. Ottawa fans. Ouch.
Lucky, Kings getting hosed by inactivity. The Kings are the new Wild. Just wait, they’ll sign Skoula tomorrow 6yrs @ 3.5
Lucky…
Man, I completely misread Lombardi. I thought for sure he was going to add some players for Kopitar.
I couldn’t have been more wrong about anything.
Well, maybe about Forsberg…
I am very happy about the Havlat decision. I have been following him since last season and hoped he would hit the free agency for this exact thing to happen, since last year. Understandable concerns for his lack of 82 games in a season, but I certainly did not see Gabby resigning here or Hossa ever coming here due to his publicly voiced opinion last year stating he did not want to play in Minnesota, therefore I don’t feel anyone should blame Fletcher for not signing Hossa.
Sources: Wild still working hard on Koivu; Decision expected soon; It’s 7:04 a.m. in Finland
Yep Hockeydad — HEatly totally screwed Ottawa ….and yet people are clamoring for this headcase Diva to get sigbed by the Wild.
I’d rather have 2 20 goals scores, than this 50 goal scoring arsewhole.
hopefully he is in the same location that he will be in for awhile…cuz the ottawa front office isn’t too happy with him either
“Heatley totally screwed his team”
I have to agree there. The guy demands a trade, so I figure he’s going to let his team shop him around and get the best deal. They do end up getting an ok deal from the Oil (awesome prospect, solid roster player and 1 salary dump). Then the guy goes “Nah I won’t go there”. WTF man? I wonder why that LA deal fell through on draft day? Did we ever hear?
Nucks didn’t really get any better today, either. Twins was just treading water and Ohlund is a loss.
Heatley seems like a cancer, maybe its a good thing
A cancer than can score 50 goals.
i wouldnt really say any team in our division got that much better today…only the oil if they did land heatley
I agree with Dampland saying that Heatley totally screwed Ottawa…
But if you had an extra 4 million waiting around for you 15 minutes away, would you pull the same stunt? I can say honestly I would hehe
Frdom Dreger:
“Heatley wont decide tonight. He believed NYR and SJ were the main targets before Oilers offer was accepted. Too much too soon.”
Wonder if NYR collapsed when Gaby signed?
Dampland
I am pleased to see that someone else agrees on Heatley. You can have all the scoring depth in the world, but if you have a douche nozzle nipper like Gabby, then the room is no good. Got to have plenty of love and chemistry in the room for success.
Damp, HD>
There’s a reason I’m not too hard on Heater. Granted, he’s a freaking primadonna on skates. Hell, he should play wearing a skirt. But he’s majorly talented, in his prime, and brings a ton to the table.
But the real reason I give him a break is Murray. 5 coaches in 6 years, trading away their key players, making rash moves, and generally DR’ing their franchise. Heatley’s got a right to be somewhat pissed about that. I’m sure the guy is at the end of his rope. New coach, another new coach, another one. Oops, my linemate is getting called out in the Sun. Finger pointing in the locker room. Oh, and by the way, I put up 85 points for you in the process.
Dave - Heatley was still going to get the $4m, it was just a matter of which team (OTT or new one) would pay.
He gets the 4mil either way.
Just depends on who has his contract at that time.
Heatley would get the bonus no matter where he was.
Nuks are worse than treading water. They still have Demitra.
if i were murray i would say if you dont want to play here sit your butt on the couch for a while then…they have already payed half of this years contract just stupid of him to get rid of him now…all tho it would be a good pick up for someone else now
*from cloud nine*
saku/havlat/zannon……sounds like a good group to me…..how much cap will be left?
looks like 7 mil to sign a d-man, and two forwards……certainly enough…hopefully
Nuks are worse than treading water. They still have Demitra.
Good point.
also, glad the Slovakian mafia wasn’t reunited.
And no more Mats
Respectfully disagree EaganGirl, I would say Calgary did improve going from Leopold to Boumeester (sp?)
Have all the kids’s gone to bed yet so the adults can talk about hockey?
haha, HD.
Ya beat me!
EG - Murray apparently did say Heater would stay if he was paying that $4m … last week. Wonder if he will hold to it now.
i agree on that part of it kyle…but they did lose 39 goals in cammalleri
Respectfully disagree EaganGirl, I would say Calgary did improve going from Leopold to Boumeester (sp?)
And no more Keenan.
EG fair point, getting late and I spaced cammalleri
2.5 less than Gaborik, .5 less than Gionta.
Sounds like a smart GM to me.
Wonder if NYR collapsed when Gaby signed?
Yep and I bet he still gets traded to somewhere he wants to go more than EDM.
too late for me … I’ll have to read about it in the morning….
8.5 mil if gillies is in houston….
even better………
My take…
Calgary - Even. Gained J-Bo, lost Cam. That’s a lot of goals to replace.
Vancouver - Down. Lost Ohlund, probably has nothing left for Sundin, but resigned the twins. Lost out on Gaborik. Made no other plays.
Edmonton - Up. Solid goaltending in Bulin. Possibly way up with the addition of Heatley if it goes thru now.
Colorado - Even. Signs Koci, loses Lappy.
And no more Keenan.
That’s like losing a Demitra.
i couldnt agree more michael
TSN reports Heatley declines Edmonton deal.
My bad, same cap hit as Gionta for Havlat. Still fair deal.
Maybe OTT lowers their asking price just to get rid of Heatly? Trade Johnsson, Shep, Boogie and Gillies for Heatly and a Defender of their choice?
tsn reporting Heatley again refused to waive ntc for Edmonton
I really think if the Wild would have offered Ottawa Boogaard and Weller we could have got Heatley.
he is a selfish selfish person
Anderson should also be better than Budaj for the Avs
What do you guys think? Is Belanger and Miettinen expendable now? Assuming Hvlat and Koivu sign.
come on saku please its 7:30 am, please make a decision…so i can sleep on how nice it would be for the wild to finally have 2 solid top tier centerman
argon…haven’t heard any numbers, but have to think that Koivu Sr.’s contract would be at least a $2.5m average cap hit. That puts the Wild in the neighborhood of $5m or less left. Don’t forget they will want a cushion and need to sign Harding (if he can’t be traded) and Brodziak.
oh yeah and ones that can win faceoffs is the big kicker
I don’t get why the Wild went with Zanon when others are still available. Beauchmin etc. offer some scoring and toughness.
beauchmin’s price is way to high! he’s looking for 4 mil a year
Oxen. Yes and yes. Hopefully they’ll both be shipped out.
Beauchimin rumored to be asking $4m per.
There’s your answer.
I think the wild can still get this done.. I want Saku here, I think that would really help our team.
Beauchimin needs to quit sniffing glue.
That is a upgrade. What do you do with Gillies this year?
Zanon is also an known dman to TR, someone he’s worked with get better at his game.
Zanon= Todd Richards + Milwaukee + Familiarity
Thats how I sum it up. Overall good day and promising so far!
EaganGirl!!
Score! Beat me to the punch.
+1
BlueOxen–
Good question. For the money, I never liked Belanger. He has always been overrated. Not much of a face off gy either. Miettinen though, has skills and is solid in both ends of the rink.
Anybody watching Wyshynski’s running blog? I’m just rollin at the responses he’s giving the trolls!
Maybe the Wild can trade Belanger back to Atlanta for Kovalchuk.
Miettinen is a good player.. Belanger on the other hand always starts the season amazingly and then just goes downhill from there.
BlueOx…Belanger, maybe, if CF/TR think that Shep will step up his game. Otherwise they would probably hold onto both until closer to the trade deadline next season
Is Owen Nolan still under contract? if he is with havlat and possible koivu sr. contract, they made a right decision in picking up a SHOT BLOCKING defender. Remeber that they are now going to be on an offensive minded system.. do more breaks will probably happen and a guy valued for shot blocking will come in VERY handy.
excerpts:
“[Comment From mknuckle]
can we call Montreal the HOBS now since they’re all hobbit sized ”
“[Comment From rick]
You didn’t even praise Toronto for becoming very sound defensively. They are major winners thus far. Include that next time American.
12:24
Wyshynski: See, your arugment is flawed. I ignored Toronto because they’re a Canadian team … who signed an American. Dunce cap for you, sir.”
TFP: Senators are expected to request a higher package now that they must pay Heatley’s bonus.
I did not realize that Beauchamin wanted that kind of money. Sucks to be him. But then again, there will be some idiot out there that will give it to him.
Russostrib: Wild done for the night; Koivu will think it over for the day (Finland time) and Wild should know by the morning. Fresh blog up soon #nhl
Yes.. Nolan is a Wild for 1 more year.
I think Shep is going to break through this year in a big way. But seriously you may have to play him on the wing.
I think this is going to be a good year for Shep. But as long as he figures out he NEEDS to step up, I think he can do it.
Last of two year deal for Nolan coming up. I like him and always have. I sure hope we can get Saku. The suspense is killing me. Is Saku up yet????
agreed on bela……..he can leave now…..
we thinking bruno/koivu/havlat?
who is the first lne left wing?
Of course bowling night falls on FA day. Congrats to the Wild on siging Havlat. I really hope he has shaken the injury bug. Shoot the puck! Have fun with the rest of FA everyone! I am off to Mexico tomorrow afternoon!
Russoville needs an award in the NHL vein. To be awarded on significant occasions such as draft day and FA signing day. Presented to the board troll who best exemplifies self indulgent, obnoxious, misguided, annoying activity of absolutely no socially redeeming value.
The Lady CookeSux Award.
I get the feeling a lot of today’s posters grew up playing video games with reset buttons. You don’t like how things are going? Push a button, start over. Man, the real world is going to beat them to a pulp. Or maybe it already has by the sounds of some of the posts.
The day turned out ok. Be better if Gaby strains a groin stepping up to the podium at his presser.
—Havlat got derailed by Lidstrom in the WC and he came back in the same game.—
After that hit he took from Kronwall in the conference finals, I’m kind of surprised he knows where Minnesota is. I wonder if that is where some of the hard feelings come from. He shouldn’t have been back on the ice so soon; playoffs or not.
CF is interesting to watch. Between the draft, FA and summer trades, there are countless possibilites right up to the season opener. The opening day line-up will be a good measure of his progress. It will be the first benchmark in a process towards playoff success. He started out behind the 8 ball yet I sense some skilled leadership. He’ll get there.
Anyone know how much cap room is left for next year?
I think Heatley is going to hate Gaborik. They were drafted in the same year. Heatley has had health, 50 goal seasons and a SCF appearance. However, he wanted to go NYR and Gaborik swooped in and took his spot at the same term and length.
RogueGopher: nhlnumbers has the wild at 50.675 million, 7.046 remaining. But with usual desire to leave a couple million flexible, probably looking at about 5 to spend.
Hey, on HFboards.com, there is thread that says Harding has requested a trade they said N. Keproes announced on Sportsnet.
I don’t know how trustworthy this Keproes person is but I am a little surprised that he requested a trade. I expected him to be traded to be request a trade.
Harding will be good trade bait for a cap strapped team under pressure to unload a heavy contract by season opener will he not?
I know I’d want a trade as an NHL ready goalie behind Backstrom, wouldn’t be surprised if he’s asked for one. From the artile Russo wrote on him recently, he sounded more than open to the prospect, but still gave it a team spin. The way its done, could teach Heatley.
Well, Harding is RFA and doesn’t have a NTC so Fletcher can trade him anywhere for the best deal without consulting with him or his agent.
If he has been trade bait, is Fletcher asking too much or that nobody wants him? The teams that would’ve wanted him: Blues, Oilers, and Avs have signed goalies in FA.
Russo’s article is up - http://www.startribune.com/sports/wild/49613357.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUoaK7D_V_eDc87DUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU - includes this:
The Wild doesn’t appear done. Sources say it still has interest in Pittsburgh’s Ruslan Fedotenko and at least one more defenseman, but Koivu appears next.
Thanks, FFS.
Now it’s time to hit the rack
Good article on the Heatley situation:
Let Mister Know it all define
(1)My opinion of Craig Leopold has somewhat changed. I still think he needs to respect the job that the previous administration did. They did some great things and laid a foundation that you would be wise to follow
(2) Saku, Mikko, and Shep will not be enough. You need one more stud at center assuming Benny is a back up
[…] Russo’s Rants |It’s Official: Wild signs Havlat […]
I, as a Finn, would love to see Saku play with Selänne next year, since it’ll most likely be Teemu’s last year. It would work as a tribute for Selänne’s great career in the NHL and for team Finland. Them winning the cup together would be spectacular but not going to happen I’m afraid.
Then again, as a Wild & M. Koivu fan it’s needles to say I’d love to see him play for the Wild. The positive impact Saku is known to bring with him where ever he goes is legendary, and - along with Havlat (who I don’t personally like all that much) - might be just the uplift Wild need to make the playoff’s and then some…
If Mikko had the chance to learn from Saku first hand for three years it would greatly affect his career - and probably make him the leader his bound to be.
