Let the Frenzy Begin…
Posted on July 1st, 2009 – 10:45 AMBy Michael Russo
4:30 p.m. update: Sportsnet is reporting Mike Cammalleri has signed a five-year, $6 million deal with the Canadiens. If true, Marian Gaborik and Martin Havlat are the two best forwards left on the board, followed by the next wrung of Alexei Kovalev, Alex Tanguay, Brian Gionta, Saku Koivu and Nik Antropov.
Is I’ve alluded to the past week, I’ve long suspected Martin Havlat would be the guy the Wild would target. Now of the upper-echelon guys, he’s the only one left other than Gaborik.
Plenty of Dmen still available, including Francois Beauchemin, Rob Scuderi and Mike Komisarek.
———————————————
Ladies and gents, patience, patience. This is how it works. Very few agents sign their guy to the first team that calls (minus Mattias Ohlund, apparently). Agents build a list, accept offers, go to their clients, go over the offers, go over the pros and cons of each team, where the player fits and then goes back to the teams and usually works one against each other.
They create bidding wars. This takes time, especially when the pool is so thin and the same teams are going after the same players.
There’s a reason why Marian Hossa is the only one of the elite forwards to sign so far.
Just because the Wild hasn’t signed anybody yet doesn’t mean they won’t the rest of the day or in subsequent days (Wild signed Johnsson, Parrish and Carney at about 8 p.m. on July 1, 2006). Last year’s news was early because I got wind very early that the Wild traded for Marek Zidlicky.
But as for free agents, usually in the afternoons of July 1, it’s hard to get a ton of info because both sides — the agent and the team — are busy chatting with each other. So that’s why it’s so quiet. That’s why I tried to do as much reporting as possible before July 1. In today’s paper, I informed you of the players I either know or think the Wild’s pursuing. I know on Havlat, Fedotenko, Saku Koivu and Scuderi.
We’ll see if they get any of those guys done.
Also, just an fyi, I’m not convinced Koivu will decide on his team today. Mikko made it sound to me like Saku will take his offers and go over them very carefully with his family.
Also, on Gaborik, I hear the Rangers are very interested but don’t want to pull the trigger with Heatley still up in the air. That’s surprising, however, because why give up a bunch of assets when you can simply sign Gaborik?
Pittsburgh Tribune Review’s Rob Rossi hears Minnesota, Dallas and the Rangers are on Rob Scuderi’s list. I heard yesterday Wild was “high” on the list.
TSN’s Darren Dreger is reporting Marian Hossa is close to signing in Chicago. If true, Hawks may need to hire some mathematicians from MIT to get Kane and Toews done next summer. Unless he’s signing another one-year deal.
TSN’s reporting Hossa to Chicago is done. If Marian Hossa gets a $5.2 million cap hit, good luck Gaborik.
Edmonton’s lost Dwayne Roloson. They’ve almost definitely got to sign Nikolai Khabibulin or go back to the Wild and trade for Josh Harding. Oilers still very interested in Harding, a source says, but still looking at free-agent route with Scott Clemmensen.
Free agency starts at 11. A half-hour before, TSN reported that Daniel and Henrik Sedin agreed to duplicate five-year, $6.1 million deals with the Canucks.
This makes a thin free-agent pool thinner.
Vancouver still has the salary-cap room to go after Marian Gaborik perhaps, although the Canucks are aiming to sign Roberto Luongo to an $8 million-a-year extension that would go on the books starting in 2010-11. With the cap coming down, it would seem Gaborik would have to look elsewhere.
The teams that could be looking at him today are Montreal, the Rangers and Los Angeles.
Martin Havlat and Ruslan Fedotenko — two players the Wild’s expected to pursue — to the free-agent market, their agent says.
Team Canada to make Olympic camp roster announcement on July 2.
Seven years for Mattias Ohlund in Tampa Bay. Oh my. Guess teams are giving term.
693 Responses to "Let the Frenzy Begin…"
Food, drink, computer? Check! Bathroom break? Check! Ready to go.
ditto
Coffee!!!
ditto
LOL.
Let the games begin.
It is seriously Christmas in July. Am I going to get the shiny new toy or the homemade sweater?
The girls go NTC’s as well with their Nuck deal according to TSN.
So who thinks Gaby is going to get the same wake up call SV did last year? I don’t know that they are going to pay high for the glass groin.
what other sites are you guys looking at, i’m on espn.com but looking for something else with a good blog/ sources
bathroom breaks are for sissies, Jake!
Stadium Pal FTW!!
Anyone else hoping that Fletcher didn’t extend an offer to Gaborik?
I’ve got TSN free agent tracker going
Boss just popped in and said I need to be in a meeting from 11-1…Agahagag.. I’m going to have a stroke. Thank god for Blackberry.
This is gonna be fun…
TSN has a blog going, but only updating when with signing news. Waiting on the best though… RUSSO RULES!
I wouldn’t worry about Gaby, I think Fletch is done with him.
I do think, however, that someone is going to pay him $5-6M/yr for 3-4 years. As Bob Gainey demonstrated yesterday, GMs can do stupid things.
That depends on which number a person has to make, NiNY. Besides I might get stares from my open space co-workers.
Not having Smug around gives me hope for the next hour… 
Kind of interesting that 82 GP players, with 80+ points get $6.1 million… and Gaborik is trying to get $7 for a career year being 77GP and 83 points.
I would like to see Cammalerri… Number 1 choice (reasonable price)
Havlat Number 2 choice (reasonable price)
Hossa- I dont know maybe 3
Koivou number 4 choice (I dont see how this works for Mikko if his brother is here ) They have one thing going for them and that is maturity
Russo, given Wild have only some much cap space who needs to get signed first so Wild know how much money is left to pursue the rest of their holes
1)a center aka Mikko’s big brother
2)a decent sniper like Havlat or Cammalleri
Edit - a $7+ million a year… big difference I suppose.
Stadium Pal FTW!!
I prefer the UroClub.
As long as there are teams out there like LA who have a sh!t ton of cap room and are willing to over pay, Gabby will not get a reality check.
Gabby will get $6.5-$7 per year. Guaranteed.
If Gabby’s in La La Land, that house in Vancouver still makes some sense. Can’t imagine he’d buy it and go to NYC.
I just don’t see him signing for less than Pinky & the Brain in Vancouver, which is what he’d have to do to make it work.
Nick in New York says:
July 1st, 2009 at 10:52 am
bathroom breaks are for sissies, Jake!
Stadium Pal FTW!!
I’ve got an empty mtn dew bottle on my desk…
This is like the ride to the top of that first hill on a roller coaster.
Click, click, click, click, click…
Here we go…
Beauj: 7/1 11:30
Gunslinger: 7/1 12:10 pm
Jimlove: 7/1 12:25pm
AustinTX: 7/1 1:40 pm
NiNY: 7/1 2:45 pm
FW99: 7/1 5:48 pm
Katie: 7/1 8:00 pm
Aaron in Houston: 7/2 3:00 pm
Maschneid: 7/3 10:00 am
JKIDD - nice point - its puzzling. I think the extra million must be for how dynamic the player is. No doubt Gaby is a game breaking type player
F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5
GAME ON!!!!!
*crickets chirping*
Open the floodgates!
We must’ve all hit F5 at 11:00. Took forever to reload…
Someone may have mentioned already, but by law as of July 1, 2009, hockey is the official sport of the State of Minnesota.
Fitting.
Hang on!! Here we go!
So does that mean that the Heatley to the Oilers deal is off then? Its hard to imagine the Oilers waiting and waiting and miss the FA period.
Wow. Optimism has finally returned to Minnesota Wild hockey. What a great day this is. Game on, Fletch.
Oh man, here we go! One of my favorite days of the year! Do we still have any potential at getting Kessel?
Odds on:
Havlat?
Koivu?
Camm?
Scuderi?
a good gm would have had cammi and a D-man signed by now….
Nothing like more pressure for fletch Otto
I am not on Thunder Island at the moment but I am ready for some signings.
Good bye Skoula, goodbye
Good bye Skoula, don’t cry
You did this to yourself;
now you’re back on the shelf
your greatest claim to fame
3 goals against in mutiple games
Good bye Skoula, good-bye
Good bye Skoula, good BYE!
Roloson turned down the Edmonton offer. They dont have a #1 according to TSN
I think we will kill WordPress today.
i almost want skoula gone so WRT would STFU. it would be worth it.
Amen, G*.
a good gm would have had cammi and a D-man signed by now….
Dump the Fletchster?
Green*: I didn’t know you cared…
OK, now that he is officially off the roster, no more bashing of our former No. 41…
Happy now?
Now that Skoula is out of the way let’s not have the Skoula debate today. If we can parlay that to not debating MN players as well it will already be a great July 1
Agreed, FFS.
Ohlund to TBL
Ohlund to Tampa Bay
Ohlund to Tampa
looks like everyone is reading eklund
Ohlund to Tampa Bay
Good riddance.
Just slow, or is there a “Kyle Wanvig Fax Machine” moment holding things up?
Skoula? Who’s Skoula? Sounds like a board game.
Yay!!! Someone did something!!!
i almost want skoula gone so WRT would STFU. it would be worth it.
+10000
Please do not sign Havlat. He has less goals than Marian since 2000 and just as many injuries.
I think its a sign of desperation if we sign Havlat to more than 3 years.
We might as well overpay Hossa. He is 3 years older than Marian and Havlat at least he has stayed healthy.
not hitting drager’s twitter, probably because tampa isn’t in canada so he don’t care
—i almost want skoula gone so WRT would STFU. it would be worth it.—
Ditto He’s not going to like Scuderi either, but at least it will be easy for him to make the transition.
KiPA says: How could you not.
I like Helm. All Pens, All STK, All the time. Not so much.
I was in Alberta this weekend. Great to read a sports section that is 50% hockey talk. Speculation was that the Oilers would sign the Bulin Wall. Also, on Brodziak, MacT’s knock on him was not enough grit, according to the columnist.
7 years at 3.75 for ohlund. That is a big contract.
Matthias Ohlund to Tampa…one less reason to hate the Casucks…fortunately there are plenty of other reasons.
7 years for $3.75 for Ohlund.
Where are you guys getting your info on the signing?
not hitting drager’s twitter, probably because tampa isn’t in canada so he don’t care
+1
that would be Million rather than 3 dollars… that’s about right though.
NHL Live
Ohlund signs 7 years, $3.75 avg/year
That’s about average for Tampa… over paying is their way of business.
Puck daddy has a running compendium of twitter & blogs:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy
it’s pretty nasty
Ohlund gets a 7 year deal in Tampa…WOW
NHL Live
Is that a video feed? can we get a link?
Russo - the ditto comment. You rock.
NiNY: my nominee for POTD.
Justice still needs to be served upon Ohlunds A*# for his slash on Mikko. I mean one good fistic A*# whuppin’ Anything less will not do.
ATX - I am watching via NHL Network
I got the Rant on my computer, Puck Daddy’s running twitter feed on my iphone, and KFAN on my radio.
I think I am set!
I’m bored
Tampa Bay is run by a bunch of idiots. Didn’t they learn from their Brad Richards mistake? Their Dan Boyle mistake? Their Ryan Malone mistake? Ye gods.
It could be just me, but I am not overly thriiled with ANY of the FA’s.
Gabby is a game-changer, but he is gone.
Hossa has game, but he will not sign here either.
The Sedin’s are off the market.
Cammalleri has had one good season.
Havlat has questions about his durability.
I would prefer that CF wait until teams start panicking and dump solid players later in the summer, rather than overpaying someone just to make a splash…
Sure hope Fletcher makes a splash cause we need it no question. Love to see a trade or two to dump some deadweight an bring in some younger energy offensive players
BACKES CLOWE BACKES CLOWE!
(see Euro soccer stadium filled with chanting fans)
Ahhhh!!! I fell asleep on the couch with the fuzzy boys and missed the first 32 minutes. I’m so behind!! Oh, wait, looks like not much has happened so far. Never mind the panic attack.
ATX - I am watching via NHL Network
Dang… guess I have to settle for Twits and Blogs.
Gotta make sure you have your snuggie today…chilly for July…But look, I can still type! And it’s super absorbant. Which means no annoying trips to the bathroom. Now, where are my cheezy poofs?
Russo Tweet: Wild talking to Scuderi
Russostrib: Wild talking to Scuderi #nhl
It took a bit for TSN to get the Ohlund deal on this page - http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=11850
Wild talking w/Scuderi per Russostrib
better revisit Gaborik. Wild will be strong team with him and without him not so good.
I do not see Hossa Havlat Cammalleri doing as much as Gaborik will do.
How much is the price to over come other bidders pay it.
Just make sure you wash your snuggie at the end of the day. Ewwww…..
KiPA, I missed your analysis of Scuderi. Had no coverage in Alberta for part of the time. What was it?
In all honesty, I’d rather see some trades…the UFAs aren’t all that appealing to me. I would like to see us add Beauchemin. If we trade Sheppard, then I wouldn’t mind Saku. Since Sheppard can’t be sent to the minors without clearing waivers, if a second line center is signed, it seems like Sheppard is wasting away in terms of experience and value….
If the price is right, I’d like the Wild to pick up Steve Eminger. He is still young, can move the puck, is a right handed shot, and can play as good defense as MAB, Foster, etc. Point is, more potential and would be same price as a Skoula.
While Scuderi did have an awesome playoffs, I still don’t think he is worth what he will get. I have watched him for three seasons, and although some may argue he is a late bloomer and just came into his own, I am not convinced that he is worth more than 2.5-3 mil.
I hope Fletch has a great day, because the team needs for him to, but I would absolutely go Wild if Salcer and Mr. Tenderloins have to take a giant bite out of a big flaming manure sandwich today!!
I think if the wild don’t get gaborik they need to get someone who can add those goals like he can….I really hope we can do it this Year!
KiPA, I missed your analysis of Scuderi. Had no coverage in Alberta for part of the time. What was it?
He’s good at defense. Anything over $3 million is too much.
(That’s the short short version.)
Scuderi would be a quality pick-up,
Fletch knows him well.
I could live with Fedotenko as well,
for the right price…
I’m with you FW99.
If we get Scuderi, we need to trade a $3+ million defensemen. I am sorry but a #5 defensemen $3+ million is a huge overpayment.
Anything over $3 million is too much.
How much - if any - of that is premium for being July 1?
As much as people disliked Skoula, I do think we are going to be hard pressed to find a d-man that plays the minutes he did for the price he was paid.
I would like to see us add Beauchemin.
Agreed.
oldtymehockey,
Was that a haiku?
Hossa is close to signing in Chicago…says TSN.
hossa close to signing in chi re:dreger
Greg: I think CF will find a suitable replacement for Skoula.
A road pylon, perhaps…
Wow. Hossa in Chicago would suck for Detroit
Went to take a shower and missed everything.
TSN linking Hossa to Chicago, wouldn’t have expected that with their cap future
Hossa to sign in Chicago. Havlat to Wild?
Hossa to CHI is close on TSN…would it be another short term deal or how would they be able to keep him and the rest of the young guys in future years?
TSN says Hossa likely going to Chicago.
Goody
Be careful with that Mt. Dew bottle.One big signing by the Wild and a very bad mistake could be made!
Another one year deal?
HOSSA is so overrated.
I would like Beauchemin as well.
havlat and blue jackets says Eklund
Hossa signing to Chicago would be good… then i could stop hearing rumors about where they think he will sign..
I can’t imagine that Hossa would get term from Chicago… unless they can move Campbell.
Hossa in Chicago would mean that the Blackhawks go to the Cup Finals!!!
Of course, they would lose to ______?
Moving Campbell would make sense for them.
I know some have brought up Skoula…
If Lemaire were still at the helm, I think Skoula would be a very serviceable signing, as he was very steady last year. However, a faster pace with more offensive freedom spells disaster for Skoula in my opinion. Any time he tried to pinch or do anything remotely offensive, he failed.
Anyone else got the feeling we are going to get screwed in free agency?
Dvorak re-signs…yawn
“If we get Scuderi, we need to trade a $3+ million defensemen. I am sorry but a #5 defensemen $3+ million is a huge overpayment”
Buh-Bye Zidlicky
TSN: Dvorak, Radek Florida Florida $3.4M 2 $1.7M
That Campbell signing is going to haunt them like Redden one will the Rangers. Who would trade to pick up that contract?
I’d love Hossa to Chicago. That’d mean they’d lose Andrew Ladd after next season. He’d look good in a Wild Sweater.
I would rather have Zids leave before Johnsson.
Where is everyone getting their updates? Dreger seems to be slow.
I agree.. If Jacques were still hear I would think with the type of game that he loves to play that he would resign Skoula…however that is no longer the type of game we are going for and Skoula just no longer fits.
no news on cammalare
Personally, I really hope we re-sign Skoula. Best value defenseman in the league last year.
Oh, on Scuderi: My ideal deal for him would be something like four years (maaaaybe five), ~$2.5M. Maybe 2.3 or 2.4, something like that. No more than 2.5.
Montreal’s Team 990’s Stock Report is saying that Kovalev re-signed w/ Habs
Kovalev resigns $8.8 mil / 2 years
Not that we were hoping he comes here…just info!
RE: Marty
I agree, for the system we played last year. If we do re-sign him, I hope he proves me wrong…but I don’t think he has the head to play in an up-tempo system.
I don’t know about who’d take on the Campbell deal. I know that I wouldn’t want that on the books. However, you never know with some of the GMs out there.
You are right, Marty…The Skoula-haters have their heads stuck in 2007. In this league right now, he’s a value signing.
gabby’s options are dwindling….interesting day
Kovalev back with Montreal?
PuckDaddy is hilarious right now.
I am having a hard time understanding what fletcher is doing, Gaborik is gone, we have zero offense he wants uptempo offensive hockey and he is worried abous signing scuderi?
Joe says:
July 1st, 2009 at 11:49 am
Anyone else got the feeling we are going to get screwed in free agency?
Joe, I’m not sure if “screwed” is the best way to put it, and just because something hasn’t occured early doesn’t mean it won’t. However, I am thinking of the term “impotent” when it comes to making any real power moves on this day. For some reason it just seems that this club has not been able to make any thus far in it’s history. I would love to see one signing/free agency period whereby the rest of the league sits up and takes notice and says “look out for this team”.
Do you really think they are only contacting one person at a time? I am certain they have several people making calls.
maybe hes making it easier to trade another dman
I’m hoping to hear good news about Saku.
Thrash going after Antropov
$21 million left for the Canadiens.
Kovalev = head case.
When he wants to play he can be unreal, but game to game you don’t know if you are getting “AK27″ or AK pea shooter…
Habs can have him…
Im hoping to hear news!
I am having a hard time understanding what fletcher is doing, Gaborik is gone, we have zero offense he wants uptempo offensive hockey and he is worried abous signing scuderi?
40 mins later than 11:21, but here we go….
the canucks have about $10.8 million in cap space left. That pretty much takes Gaborik out of the equation. Cammalleri is still a possibility.
I think CF is looking at D now..knowing that teams are going to have to dump (trade) F in the 2.5-4 mil range before camp.
Wait for a trade or two..that will signal when the high end guys are gonna sign.
Canucks have $10.8 million in cap space left after Sedins, which means Gaborik is unlikely.
Beauj: 7/1 11:30x———————-
Gunslinger: 7/1 12:10 pm - t minus 7 min-
Jimlove: 7/1 12:25pm
AustinTX: 7/1 1:40 pm
NiNY: 7/1 2:45 pm
FW99: 7/1 5:48 pm
Katie: 7/1 8:00 pm
Aaron in Houston: 7/2 3:00 pm
Maschneid: 7/3 10:00 am
We really need to sign some offense… from the defense we have currently is quite nice, we could still use another great defender.. but our offense is going to go very far with our current lineup…
Is TSN running anything on tv like they do on trade day? Any streaming video anywhere if they are?
Thrash can have Antropov.
Kinda funny with all the rumors about everyone, I have yet to see a rumor about Gabby going anyplace…..
Looking at Puck Daddy’s run down of available free agents, Chad LaRose looks not too shabby. Serviceable, certainly and priced nicely with a little upside. I don’t know too much about him though besides that.
BTW, Russo’s tweets rock. Nice that I was in a meeting and got updates.
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/TML-Live
tsn stream
ML-
NHL streaming on “Livewire” not ACDC
i miss gabby already…. listening to KFAN
Rumored offers from Montreal to Havlat, Gaborik, and Hossa.
I want to know how Russo is able to cover all of this. The draft is at least slightly more sane to follow, since everybody’s in the same building, but here, is he calling agents, who are already up to their eyeballs in phone calls? I appreciate your amazing reporting, Russo.
LaRose was the best Hurricane in the Eastern Final this year. Annoying little prick to play against. (In a good way if he’s on your team.)
Russ,
Salcer will probably play it close to the vest, but my take on Mr. Tenderloins is that even though a lot of the leagues GM’s spend like drunken sailors (w/all due respect to sailors!)on this day, I think the rest of the league is going to be very cautious with this player. Injuries and Salcers history of demands regarding Gabby might make a deal harder to make then they may have hoped…
Never diss the Don
Hockeydad- you think scuderi is gonna replace Gaboriks Points?
Kinda funny with all the rumors about everyone, I have yet to see a rumor about Gabby going anyplace…..
KA has LA making a run at gabby.
4th period has MTL making offer to gabby.
etc
Leafs sign Colton Orr, 4 years 4
Not suggesting that WOW, but I think it’s a tad early to be wondering what CF is doing not having signed a top forward yet.
There are only 3 teams that can afford Gaborik long-term: Rangers, LA, and MTL are the top contenders. Everybody knows this so the rumors are centered around these three teams.
Many more can offer him 1 year deals.
Cant sit on your hands while the few top forwards available one by one get singed by other teams.
eli and pete, thanks!
i wonder how well clutterbuck will play in the new system, maybe a 2nd line forward…… interesting
TSN reporting Colton Orr has agreed to a 4 year deal with the Leafs. Ja
Burke got his thug with Orr.
Calm down, WOW. I can almost promise that the Wild are talking to people other than Scuderi right now. I also have a feeling that Fletcher is looking at trades as a viable means to add scoring.
Patience, patients.
WOW, so far a grand total of zero top forwards have signed with a new team… Im sure Fletch is working the phones just as hard as every other GM. no need to complain yet
Greene signs with NJ
Burke is a thug…
Might just end up with the Saku signing, then swoop in before camp starts to bargain shop…
On Bruins — Bosotn Globe reports they’re in talks with Hossa:
http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/extras/bruins_blog/
They have $7.865 mil in cap space with only a few supporting players to add. It could happen.
Martin Havlat is gone… Once again no one wants to play here…
@PuckDaddy: Sedins == Tomax and Xamot. LOL. Those 2 guys for 5×6.1 is a ripping deal.
july is freedom now
wanderlust
make wild ferocious
Martin Havlat is gone… Once again no one wants to play here…
Source?
I don’t know about trades happening between FA period and training camp. It tends to be very quiet as most GMs go on vacation. Last year, we were all hoping that if Gaborik doesn’t re-sign, DR should trade him and I remember Russo saying that very little trades happen during that time.
Does anybody know what the history of trades occurring between mid-July to start of training camp?
Im facing the reality, not drinking the Fletcher kool-aid.
Russo tweet:
I know it’s silent; agents not calling, texting back yet — often the case when they’re fielding calls from/negotiating with teams
Does anybody know what the history of trades occurring between mid-July to start of training camp?
Since teams are allowed to go over the cap by 5% during this time, they can find themselves in a jam and have to dump salary.
Fletch himself has made reference to this in the strib.
Havlat hasn’t signed. No Gaborik news, either. Wonder if ppl are lowballing???
Wow - I don’t think giving the new GM a little time is drinking the kool-aid. He was dealt a bad hand. Very little for talent in the minors, very few draft picks and your “star” player is going to FA.
If DR was stil running this team Id agree 100 percent WOW, but Fletch is not DR. can you maybe give him one offseason to see how he operates before you just throw him under the bus?
I thought Burke already had his thug with May.
If DR was stil running this team Id agree 100 percent WOW, but Fletch is not DR. can you maybe give him one offseason to see how he operates before you just throw him under the bus?
Furthermore, do you think Smug woulda been able to trade down and get the top rated NA goalie in the draft…and KEEP the 1st round pick??
Not f-in likely.
Mix up your OWN batch of Kool-aid…
Those 2 guys for 5×6.1 is a ripping deal.
That’s 6.1 each. 12.2 for the package. A bit overpriced imo.
Does MKIA hold an orientation seminar for new posters?
That doesn’t answer my question. What I want to know is what is the history during this period after the lockout. We can glean some things from history.
so if we lose a point-a-game guy in Gabby, who on this roster steps up and makes up for those 90+ points (50goals) unless we sign a true horse? i.e. heatley, havlat, cammalleri. is kessel really available?
so if we lose a point-a-game guy in Gabby, who on this roster steps up and makes up for those 90+ points (50goals) unless we sign a true horse? i.e. heatley, havlat, cammalleri. is kessel really available?
Panthers signed David Booth to a 6-yr contract extension.
Well I can see G* was right, 90 min into free agency and already Fletch’s tenure as Wild GM is a failure.
I know people want to see the big flash, but this is a year in which biding ones time a bit may pay off. I also think anyone who expects Fletcher to turn this team into a cup contender this year is setting themselves up for diappointment. Leipold didn’t fire DR because he had gotten the team in such great shape, so let’s give the guy some time.
May is not really a thug–just a cheap shot artist–can’t really throw the fists.
History won’t tell you what players on what teams will be “squeezed out” by the cap this off-season
When did Gabby score 50 goals or 90 points?
if Kubina really is going to Atlanta, I’m gonna laugh til I puke!
Does MKIA hold an orientation seminar for new posters?
ZING!
why do teams insist on signing stiffs like Colton Orr? none of the final 4 teams this spring had a true goon like an Orr, Carcillo or Boogaard. Its a waist of $$$$. Nice move Burke. Leafs will continue to dwell in the cellar with insignificant moves like that.
Leafs trade Kubina to Atlanta
who on this roster steps up and makes up for those 90+ points (50goals) unless we sign a true horse?
Dude, put the Crack Pipe down. Gaby has never scored 50 goals or 90+ points.
I don’t know if it will matter re: trades during FA and training camp but the bonus cushion has been re-instituted, which I think allows teams to carry over 7.5% above the cap to the 10-11 season.
This past season, there was no bonus cushion so the cap was a hard cap.
No big name signings yet.
Apparently the NHL takes that ‘tampering’ stuff seriously…
Hossa to Detroit is done.
Does MKIA hold an orientation seminar for new posters?
Assisted by Wally and the Beav…
TSN reporting Hossa to hawks is done
zzzz…..
TSN saying Hossa to Chicago now a done deal
TSN saying Hossa to Chi done.
Darren Dreger says sources are telling him that the Hossa deal to Chicago is done
Hossa to Chi is “supposedly” done. Interesting. Another 1 yr deal?
The more I hear of Hossa, the weirder these Slovakians get. Especially after they show up in the playoffs as Casper.
Gaborik, Demitra and Hossa. Sounds like a lazy law firm. These three have been living off that one world championship showing how many years ago?
t michael, Gabby would have to play more than a handful of games for those numbers to mean anything.
Dreger says Hossa to Chicago is done.
4th period, TSN: Hossa to Hawks done
DarrenDregerBrian Burke is in Europe, believed to be trying to lure Jonas Gustavsson to Toronto.
I dunno who this guy is, so I googled him and came up with this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5wdNeANGT4
He does look good, but wow that song is ghey.
Leahy saying sources are saying Hossa/Blackhawks deald done.
I can’t believe how fast you all are…
Hossa is trying to become a trivia question. Name the player with most SC runner ups without ever winning.
That would be fun. Pitt to Det to Chicago. Almost guarantees that Detroit wins it all next year.
anybody have an update on the hossa to blackhawks deal?
…and HNIC
LOL, jimlove!
Booth resigns with Florida at 6 years for $25 million. I can’t decide who came off better in that deal.
is kessell on the trading block or not?? anybody….
Michael up North says:
July 1st, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Hossa to Chi is “supposedly” done. Interesting. Another 1 yr deal?
If that’s the case which i doubt highly why not just re-sign with Det?? anyway does Chi need more offense?? especiallym with the guys Russo mentioned are FA’s next yr. VERY ODD! Oh well maybe we can get Towes or Kane next summer.
don’t worry everyone - craig anderson has signed with the avs.
KiPA…Pens dispatch Hawks in the 2010 SCF…
Tom: Kane and Toews would be RFA next year.
Hossa to Chi blows. Same teams still have the same money to pitch one less guy, leaving us (Wild) in a position to overpay (assuming they go the FA route)
Hossa is trying to become a trivia question. Name the player with most SC runner ups without ever winning.
That would be fun. Pitt to Det to Chicago. Almost guarantees that Detroit wins it all next year.
That would be hilarious. Suddenly, no one wants Hossa on their team because he’d be like the equivalent of being on the cover of a Madden game.
The Anderson signing means the Avs out of the Harding derby.
—-I dunno who this guy is, so I googled him and came up with this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5wdNeANGT4—-
Somebody get a message to the Euros. There is still some room on the ice for more advertising.
First Wednesday of the month so the sirens are going off. The neighbors dog is howling along with the sirens… guess it’s funnier if your here.
It would be fitting, boring but fitting, that the Penguins win the Stanley Cup, beating whichever team Hossa plays for, each year for the entire term of the contract Pittsburgh offered Hossa last year.
kj says:
KiPA…Pens dispatch Hawks in the 2010 SCF…
Hossa becoming the Phil Mickelson of hockey…always a bridesmaid, never a bride.
If the Bruins sign someone, they will be over the cap and Kessel will be moved. He was an RFA this summer and will be a UFA after next year (I think).
Marion Hossa to the Blackhawks is a done deal.
12 years!?
Hossa deal long-term? A little over $5m over 12 years!
12 years 5.2 mil per for Hossa
Hossa…12 years, 5.2 per from Puck Daddy blog.
Wow, TSN saying Hossa deal could be up to 12 years.
At average just over 5 million per
Wow, that’s a load!
Apparently, Chicago thought that Hossa was a Sedin twin.
wtfbbq?? 12 years? He’s 29 now. He’ll be under contract until he’s 41???
Retardism running rampant in Chitown
walker to TB 4yr 6.8
2 hours into free agency and so far the Wild is talking to Rob Scuderi..???
12 years? Sheesh…I’m GLAD the Wild didn’t give him anything like that. Who’s coming up with these contracts anyways????
TB signs Matt Walker from Hawks.
12 years 5.2 mil per for Hossa
That seems to put Gaborik in his place. If Hossa signs for that, does anyone really think The Groin is worth more?
Eklund HEATLEY SAYS NO TO EDMONTON (e5)
Cant be 12 yrs. guaranteed, guaranteed.
and TSN saying Heatley said no to Edmonton
CHI D Matt Walker to Tampa, via TSN. 4-years and $6.8 million.. Hedman, Ohlund, Walker, Bolts are revamning their d-men
12 years but he could retire earlier and his cap hit comes off the book. Money upfront and little money at the back end.
Its the same with long term deals for Zetts and Franzen.
It means nothing for Gaborik.
With Hossa signing for $5M+ per year where does that put Gabby’s price range?
TSN commenting that Anderson was a nice signing for the Avs–that he can be #1 beating out Budaj. Claim he is under-rated. Also note cap challenges coming up for Hawks and Flames.
If Hossa = 5.2 mill and the sisters =6.1 mill, then a Havlat deal should be no more than 4 mill for 3-4 years in my opinion. And, a Gabby deal should be no more than 6 mill. But, some GM will sign Gabby to 7-7.5 for a year or two.
Someone please ’splain those 10 and 12 years deals for me?
Are they front loaded? What happens when the guy gets injured or is totally unproductive? Are they thinking that after 5 years his cap number will be soft enough that they can easily trade him? What gives?
conklin to STL.
what does that make harding?
Wow, this has really been a “frenzy”. I can’t contain the excitement. Wake me when it’s over.
When the facts of the Hossa deal are known it will be very front loaded with mad money over the first half. The term was nothing more than the cap room needed to deal with Kane and Toews when they are up.
I love how some people here think that just because the only rumor we’ve heard is that Fletch is talking to Scuds, he is automatically the only person we’re going after or talking with. I guess that means that 20 or so teams aren’t talking to anyone, becuase we haven’t heard anything about it.
Isn’t the rule that if the guy retires after 35 the cap hit remains?
Hossa’s deal should mean Gaborik is worth about 5/yr for 6-7 yrs.
It also means Vancouver overpaid for the Sedins.
And that would be a guaranteed contract. I bet it’s frontloaded, because if he retires after he turns 35, he still has to be paid the remainder of the contract. It’s done to spread the cap hit out over a longer period.
Matt Walker to Tampa, via TSN. 4-years and $6.8 million
WOW. That seems extremely high… Are you sure that’s not a type-o?
Conklin to the Blues.
No more Harding for _______…
Ty Conklin to St. Louis for two years at an average of $ 1.3 million per year. So much for trading Harding
You have to take the per year money and consider the term… The Sedins were asking for similar term and amount that Hossa is reported to have got. They signed a 5 for $6.1 mill deal. There are a lot of variables, so who knows?
Well, there goesz trading Harding to the Blue… Conklin signs for 2 years
Conklin to the Blues.
No more Harding for _______…
Damnit…. this is turing into a bad day. Although I am glad we didn’t offer that deal to Hossa.
I’m thinking the Oil are going to really think about a deal for Harding.
–Wake me when it’s over.–
Where have I heard that before? Like most things, the imagination is always better than the realization.
If it was Hossa signing with LA, then it has a bigger impact on what Gaborik will get.
Hossa is gunning for the Cup and he thinks Chicago is on the upside. Means nothing for Gaborik or havlat.
its not the first time tampa has overpaid in FA. Malone got 4.5 per last year
Surprising that we have hern no word on the famous Martin Skoula. Mairian Hossa is a interesting fellow.
Its funny we dont hear more inside stuff
time to flip over to the twinkies. been a boring 2+ hours of UFA. overpaying for marginal players as usual… zzzzzzzzzzz..
Woodcock, I think that applies only if the player is 35+ when signed.
I agree on Oil looking at Harding. If so, I would like to see us sign Clemmensen as a back-up.
At 1:14 pm we are JL type hockey
TSN commenting that Anderson was a nice signing for the Avs–that he can be #1 beating out Budaj. Claim he is under-rated
Agreed. Anderson > Budaj.
MKIA. I just saw WRT running around here looking to have an intelligent conversation on Skoula. See if you can track him down.
Hawks are gonna end up doing what they did 10 yrs ago….suck…they have a 2-3 yr window before that ship sinks. Why in the blue he!! would you hitch up to Hossa?!! aka lonesome loser
might as well move the hockey hall of fame to chicago for the next 12 since that is where the cup will reside.
Hossa frontloaded too, really banking on a retirement later
Wow is that a long contract for Hossa. I’m glad we didn’t do that.
Doesn’t DET makes some sense for a Harding landing place?
How about Hudler for Harding?
Hossa is gunning for the Cup and he thinks Chicago is on the upside. Means nothing for Gaborik or havlat.
You’re kidding right?
It has to affect the market value of all forwards in the FA pool when the best (arguably) one signs.
Someone please ’splain those 10 and 12 years deals for me?
Are they front loaded? What happens when the guy gets injured or is totally unproductive? Are they thinking that after 5 years his cap number will be soft enough that they can easily trade him? What gives?
The idea for the LTC is that it allows the team more flexibility year over year, since the lengthened term drops the annual Cap Hit.
So, as the term goes up, the cap hit goes down, making the contract more manageable for the team.
But still, that’s an @ZZload of $$$!!
HD, thanks. Wasn’t quite sure what the rule was. So does that mean that these guys signing long-term deals can retire and the money goes off the cap. But wouldn’t one of these guys insist on still being paid? Isn’t that the point of them signing long-term deals? Big money upfront but still guaranteed money later on.
I don’t know. You’ve got Scotty Bowman behind the scenes in Chicago. Pretty sure they’ve got a plan although I guess you can’t claim Scotty to be a Salary Cap Scientist.
Doesn’t DET makes some sense for a Harding landing place?
indeed. was a place i thought backstrom might go to in a deadline deal last season
heatley to oilers?? did i hear that right? where did that come from?
Damn iPhone and tags.
Doesn’t DET makes some sense for a Harding landing place?
Not if you ask me. They have Jimmy Howard who they haven’t even given a chance yet. They won’t give Harding a shot either, not with Osgood still there for a couple years.
DET has Jimmy Howard…but they do have some nice prospects that are ready for the show.
I am still hoping Harding for O’Sullivan…not just because we had him before…his salary is good, he is still young, has a wrister and plays responsibly.
Still a lot of teams who are going to want a good young goalie. STL had an obvious need, but there are other teams. Plus, Conklin? They could’ve done so much better. Outside chance they could still want Hards and platoon until one emerges?
Roloson to the Isles for 2 years $5 mil total
Rolie to Islanders
woodcock, if the player walks (or retires), then he’s not entitled to payment. Since the salary in the later years is low, the player’s incentive to play when he ought to be retiring ought to likewise decrease.
Rolli to NYI 2 year deal Back of depietro
Now Harding to the Oilers really makes sense. they have no other options
so if HOSSA retires then his cap hit goes away? but then he don’t get paid either, yes?
—So, as the term goes up, the cap hit goes down, making the contract more manageable for the team.—
What happens when the player has gotten all of his money in the first half and is no longer a serviceable player and retires. Are they going to be taking the cap hit of $5M years after he is nonproductive or retired?
Eklund is reporting Havlat to the Kings. Possibly an 8 year deal.
Roloson to NYI
Kopecky to CHI
Rollie to NYI!
With Roli in NY now, there’s not much left, so Harding’s value just went up. Edm, Det, LA.. Bulin’s the only other out there and he’s old, aside from Hawks trying to trade Huet.
pre answered, thanks
Howard … forgot about him. Good point. I still think they need an upgrade over Osgood myself.
Well… Hossa will be making $53 million over the first 7 years, at about 7.5 million a year. He might be willing to give up a few million at the back end.
Roloson to the Islanders.
G* Maybe we should schedule a meeting to work our questions
so if HOSSA retires then his cap hit goes away? but then he don’t get paid either, yes?
RIGHT!
The trade off for the player is that he gets fatcash in the early years, so if he retires/injured and doesn’t get paid, oh well.
Grease goalie situation just became kind of dire. Their backup played all of 10 games last season…with a 3.3 GAA
HD–ok but if a guy is mediocre at age 38 let’s say but is still getting say $2.5M to play why would he quit?
At $2.5M a year, plus DiPietro’s $4.5, the NYI are paying $7M a year for goaltending, plus they get a credible veteran to mentor Ricky D. Apparently D-Roll wasn’t looking to be a #1 anymore.
Oh look, the forwards are starting to drop like flies, looks like cammalari might be last hope?, but at least we will have a chance at Scuderi cuz he had a couple good games in the playoffs.
Okay, now Eklund is reporting Cammalleri to Edmonton…. I understand that the Wild are probably talking to many different players, but why is nothing coming from it? What happened to the offensive mind set, especially with Gabby on the way out?
“Eklund is reporting Havlat to the Kings. Possibly an 8 year deal.”
And another Gaborik option disappears… watch him and Salcer come crawling back to us. between Hossa’s cap hit and these other signings, this is not how those Gabby and Ron were hoping this would play out.
How do you sign a hockey player for 12 years? Seriously — what industry signs its workers for that long, especially when they’re in a high risk profession?
Are they going to be taking the cap hit of $5M years after he is nonproductive or retired?
No (on retired).
UNLESS, (as pointed out above), the contract is signed at age >=35.
Yes, if unproductive. Hence, the downside.
Chicago supposedly in talks with Edmonton about Huet.
Same old crap every year for the Wild… SIGH!!!
One has to think that Spicer (Gabby’s agent) was pissed when he saw Hossa (much better player) signed for a little over $5 million a year. lol
russo ain’t tweeting but updating blog.
suck
Yeah just saw how front-end loaded it is. He (Hossa)gets $9.4M over the last 5 years so he might be willing to retire in the last few years.
Cause it hurts too much when he wakes up in the morning? Cause he doesn’t want the grind anymore? Cause he ain’t Brett Favre?
To your point, though - definitely some risk to the team to have that long of a term.
Apparently D-Roll wasn’t looking to be a #1 anymore.
He’s a DiPietro sneeze away from starting.
Don’t want to see Cammalleri stay in West if we can’t get him. Sounds like all Roli cared about was a 2 year deal–somewhere.
Roli will be starting. DiPi is injury-prone and that contract is killing the Isles.
Any chance the Wild can get in the middle of a 3-way deal with the Oilers & Sens with Harding & (something???) to the Oilers and the Wild picking up Heatley?
Don’t worry, The Wild will put the Twins spin on free agency… We tried… Bullcrap… Wild fans continue to be suckers…
Thank GOD those freakish Sedin twins didn’t come here! I don’t care if they are good. Ugh. Play on separate teams. WTF. And, Good Riddance to Marianne.
I hope we will also get rid of all the half-assed players that make up the current roster. I won’t be sad to see ANY of these guys go. The question is, who wants to come here and play? And how are we going to get them?
The Hossa signing makes me wonder … with something of a market set, wonder if the bridge to MN is fully engulfed or if this provides some reality check for Gaby?
Maybe the plan is to really suck it up for years to aquire top picks like they did in Pittsburgh.
Why even post Eklund’s rumors? They are wrong over 97% of the time…
game on
I am not disagreeing with you, but doesn’t that violate the spirit of the salary cap? They get to sign a guy for as much as they want with the implicit agreement that he is going to walk in five years. They effectively are spending over the cap now and will have no penalty for doing that.
I find it hard to believe Bettman would allow that to happen.
He’s a DiPietro sneeze away from starting.
That made me LOL.
Gabby will be able to do what Hossa did last year. In fact (I don’t know Detroit’s financial situation) perhaps Gabby signs a 1 year deal in Detroit now that Hossa is gone?
Assuming he has a big year he then gets the big contract next year?
Just sayin!
anyone in for a new line?
Odds gabby comes back to MN? It certainly seems far more likely now than it did 5 hours ago.
Anyone hear that? cricket, cricket. It’s the sound of the Wild making their big splash in free agency…again!
*sigh*
I suppose we are waiting, so we can “steal” some players in October. Wasnt that part of the plan? Im starting to feel sick in my stomach.
perhaps Gabby signs a 1 year deal in Detroit now that Hossa is gone?
I could definitely see that happening.
I find it hard to believe Bettman would allow that to happen.
SotB, the Bettman era is replete with facepalm moments.
And another Gaborik option disappears… watch him and Salcer come crawling back to us. between Hossa’s cap hit and these other signings, this is not how those Gabby and Ron were hoping this would play out.
Now you know why I said $alcer was looking for an offer for Gho$t from the Wild.
game on
I am not disagreeing with you, but doesn’t that violate the spirit of the salary cap? They get to sign a guy for as much as they want with the implicit agreement that he is going to walk in five years. They effectively are spending over the cap now and will have no penalty for doing that.
I find it hard to believe Bettman would allow that to happen.
Perhaps. Many are in agreement with you.
However, contracts are contracts. In this case, they are governed, not by Gary, but by the CBA.
Therefore, this could be construed as a “loophole.” Will most likely disappear in the next CBA.
Agreed, good pt.
Im also glad we drafted some more defensive help, its not like we could use some offense
–Thank GOD those freakish Sedin twins didn’t come here!
Sedin Twins = Twin girls from “The Shining”
I am no Bettman fan at all, but as a lawyer, finding and exploiting or eliminating loopholes is his stock in trade.
Relax everyone. It’s still early and we don’t know what trades might happen. Saku, Fedotenko and Scuderi still out there of those that supposedly we have set our sights on. Not enough to make us a cup contender–but then that won’t happen overnight. By the way, Beauchemin supposedly wants $4.5M over 4 years–sheesh.
Not over, but this has been disappointing thus far, that’s for sure.
I don’t think any of the targets Don Russo brought up have signed elswhere, Cameleri, Scuderi, Koivo, Fedetenko.
Maybe I missed it, but if the Wild gets them who cares how long it takes.
Odds gabby comes back to MN? It certainly seems far more likely now than it did 5 hours ago.
Really doubt it! And I also doubt he is nervous about finding a place to play next year like we are all fantasizing. He can sign a 1 year deal almost anywhere, he is under no pressure to sign long term this year.
In this case, they are governed, not by Gary, but by the CBA.
Point taken
Beauchemin supposedly wants $4.5M over 4 years–sheesh.
so 1.15 or so per? i’d take it.
Montador moves from Bruins to Sabres.
What is with these NHL GM’s? It seems like everyone is in denial about the tighter salary cap. I think I will go out any buy myself a Ferrari this afternoon. I will worry about how to pay for it later. ha.
Well, on the bright side, look at how improved the Wild’s offense is now! um, yeah….
Any chance the Wild can get in the middle of a 3-way deal with the Oilers & Sens with Harding & (something???) to the Oilers and the Wild picking up Heatley?
Interesting take.
G*, heh, heh
If you are Gaby, do you take a one year or longer term.
93% chance that his groins are fixed means 7% that they are not.
Maybe he should call Smug and ask for his advise about putting all your chips on the “sure bet”.
I agree…calm down, calm down. Man talk about jumping off the bridge people.
Beauchemin supposedly wants $4.5M over 4 years–sheesh.
so 1.15 or so per? i’d take it
Agreed.
Thing about the contracts like Hossa’s is, if they’re possible through a loophole of sorts in the CBA, closing the loophole would require both the league and the players to agree it’s an issue.
Frankly, I don’t see either side being motivated to do anything about it. The teams get to dodge the spirit of the cap with front-loaded long term deals, and the players - especially mid-career guys like Hossa - get long term deals with a lot of money on the front end of the deal.
Win-win. What would motivate them to change it?
Need to see what Hossa got paid
Wow, somebody call the waaaaaaaaaaambulance. What were some of you expecting?
Beauchemin at $1.15M/per? 4 yrs? Damn right I’d take that deal.
Knuble to the Caps seems like a nice deal for them
$2.8 per season for Knuble
ok, so just to be clear it is $4.5M per over 4 years that Beauchemin wants.
Any chance the Wild can get in the middle of a 3-way deal with the Oilers & Sens with Harding & (something???) to the Oilers and the Wild picking up Heatley?
Penner landing with Bryan Murray made sense to me last night, I would guess something like that would happen under such a senario.
Don’t you know, MKIA?
lol
Matt says:
July 1st, 2009 at 1:47 pm
What is with these NHL GM’s? It seems like everyone is in denial about the tighter salary cap. I think I will go out any buy myself a Ferrari this afternoon. I will worry about how to pay for it later. ha.
Well, on the bright side, look at how improved the Wild’s offense is now! um, yeah….
No, on the bright side, so far CF hasn’t overpaid anyone yet. So far he seems to have shown he’s not a kneejerk GM and at least considers if not plans for the future.
I was expecting a significant signing - Havlat, Camm, Hossa, something. After everything we have heard in the last month (”aggressive”, “cap room”, “flexibility”), is that unrealistic?
I said it’s early, but thus far this has been disappointing. If that is unfair… How many monikers can Sid Hartman have? I didn’t think he knew how to turn on a computer, much less blog.
he is under no pressure to sign long term this year.
I’m not sure, yes if he has a big year he gets a payoff but if he misses half the season with injury nobody’s going to touch him. I suspect he would prefer at least a 3-4 yr deal and might even consider coming back to the wild (although, to be clear, I think it is highly unlikley) if that becomes one of his few longer term options.
yes everyone, lets be patient. Then when there is no one left worth signing what will we do, continue to be patient.
—What would motivate them to change it?—
The teams with more revenue outbid the teams with less revenue thus destroying the goal of leveling the playing field so all teams have a chance to compete.
gabby to the packers!
Wow, someone let the infant daycare out early.. There is a lot of crying in here.
thefourthperiod: relatively quiet on Cammalleri front… Canucks, Leafs among teams interested
Scratch Cammalleri from the list.
If Gabby’s confident in his groin, he should go short-term, if he’s not then sign long-term. Buyer beware.
I don’t think any of the targets Don Russo brought up have signed elswhere, Cameleri, Scuderi, Koivo, Fedetenko.
Maybe I missed it, but if the Wild gets them who cares how long it takes.
Wow, actual sanity from a Wild fan… UNHEARD OF! 
yes everyone, lets be patient. Then when there is no one left worth signing what will we do, continue to be patient.
Are you serious? Relax.
Gaborik, Havlat, Camm, Koivu, Tanguay, Gionta, Heatly(?) still available.
Just ignore the whining, that’s what I do with my 3 year old, although even she has deomstrated more patience than many of the posters here.
from the puck daddy running blog:
dantencer: RT @wise1269 BREAKING NEWS! Chicago Starbucks release new drink in honor of Hossa…it’s served without a cup.
jimlove: lol
Dang. I kind of like Knuble. I was hoping he might be a decent fall back option for us.
I agree with the whiners on here, what are the Wild waiting for. We’ve had 8 years of sit back and do nothing DR! MAKE SOME MOVES FLETCHER!
WOW = Eklund? Who knew?
Yep, daycare is out early. Where are my tissues, and my blanky?
Let’s see, how much were the tickets? $87 per seat, times four, plus parking, food = roughly $400 for one game.
Chris K, you’re right - stop whining. Continue to spend $400 to take a family to a game and watch one talented forward (Mikko), one talented D (Burns), a good goalie, and a bunch of borderline 2nd, 3rd, and 4th liners. Don’t expect anything more.
For all you preaching patience, isnt that what we put up with since we got the Wild. This complete staff overhaul comes claiming a new offensive scheme and making a splash, yet we get nothing. Im sorry i just have a feeling we are in for more promises that are never fulfilled. Ive had enough patience with this team, its time for action.
@jimlove. I almost spit out my food at that one.
snooooooooooozzzzzzzzze - fest
I wish Russo would give us a clue what is going on I am super disappointed that Wild fans have no source for information specific to our team right now damn
LOL Brachear to the Rangers. They must have loved that hit on Betts. How’s that going over in the locker room next year?
S Niedermayer back in Anaheim for 6 million
I’m kind of taking it that all’s quiet with the guys the Wild were most interested in is a good sign. Also kind of makes me think there might be more trade activity (which may not happen today or even in the very near future) than signings.
I’m actually pretty happy they didn’t go with the “sailor on shore leave” approach to free agency. I really wonder how Chicago is going to handle next season with all their young horses due for some major raises. Maybe they’ve already resigned themselves to not being able to keep even a majority of them.
Brashear to Rangers–so they replace Orr.
Twinsarefrauds… wow, is someone holding a gun to your head to go to these games?
It doesn’t matter to me if the Wild don’t make a big “splash”. I was nervous about the public proclamations to do exactly that. IMO, why spend 90 million on one Gabby when you could get 3 Brian Rolstons at 30 mil each? I think that makes you a more dangerous team throughout the lineup.
I know you have to find the right guys to do this, but as far as I’m concerned I’d rather have that depth than one superstar. I think it’s easier to shut down one superstar than it is all 4 lines.
Fletcher seems to be a pretty bright guy and so far has made some impressive moves. I’m not going to complain too much about what he does today. I’ll wait and see how it plays out.
if you look at the last couple of hours there really hasn’t been that many signings (14 via TSN).
So far, I dont see what all the worrying is about. 12 years, thats a lot to invest in a player, I dont blame the Wild for not biting on that one with Hossa. Plus I think Hossa simply doesn’t want to play here, not much I think Fletch could have done. Boumeester, well Calgary had negotiating rights, so not much Fletch could have done either. Sedins..resigned. Cammarelli..still out there along with others. Its early, relax. I would rather have Fletcher make no big deals, than make a big deal simply for the sake of making a big deal. If it doesnt make sense, than dont do it. Dont overpay like DR did to resign PMB and etc. Please stay away from Havlat, he’s another Gaborik, always injured.
WOW, you must be fun on Christmas morning.
Dreger says Hossa only gets $3.9M over the last 4 years so I can see him retiring and not bothering with the 950K when he is a geezer.
dantencer: RT @wise1269 BREAKING NEWS! Chicago Starbucks release new drink in honor of Hossa…it’s served without a cup.
lfmao
Rangers sign Brashear.
Capitals Sign Knuble.
Sabres Sign Montador.
(from Spector’s Hockey)
Joel Ward, former wild minor leager and cup of coffee call up, signs 2 years in Nashville for 1.5 million per according to TSN
I think you can still stash salary in the minors, right? Like what LA does with Clutier?
PMB & Harding for Ales Hemsky, much easier contract to swallow then Heatley’s.
I just hope the Wild don’t get desperate and OVER pay for Cammarelli. The guy is ok, but he is not on par with Hossa or Gabor-Ick as far as scoring talent.
The guy had a CAREER year, in the same year he was a free agent. I would not expect him to ever match/beat those numbers again.
wood, I took the $4.5M per over 4 years for Beauchemin to be a joke and that he’s really asking for $4.5M per (which is a different joke).
July 1st, 2009 at 2:11 pm
WOW, you must be fun on Christmas morning.
No, just passionate about my hockey team and sick of getting the run around.
none of the wild UFA retreads have signed - there is still hope we can re-sign skoula!
The Don’s BFF’s brother re-signed in Orange cty
Hey Jason,
Nope, they’re not holding a gun, and that’s the point. I enjoy the games, but I’m someone that needs to feel I’m getting a return on what I’m paying. If I am going to be getting the same-old, same old, I’m not going to go to the games - I’ll watch them on tv, and you or someone else can spend the money for the seats. It is a free country!
For the third time - it’s early, but THUS FAR (THUS FAR = to this point in time), I for one am disappointed we have not signed someone of significance.
I just hope the Wild don’t get desperate and OVER pay for Cammarelli.
The way these contracts are turning out, it doesn’t seem like any team is itching to get into a bidding war.
If you think the tickets are too expensive, or the games are no fun, don’t buy them and don’t go.
I want a competitive team as much as anyone here, I just don’t expect Fletcher to magically pull a stanley cup team out of his a** like apparently mane people here.
If you really want to see how Hossa’s contract impact Gaborik, you only have to look that Hossa in the first 8 years will receive $59.3 million ($7.4 million per 8 years). That puts him at 37-38 years old.
The last four years (where he will likely retire) will be $3.5 million total with $875K per year.
So Gaborik should be looking at $7.4 million.
Gabby is Gone: I promised not to go there today…don’t push me
[Comment From Adam]
fantasyhockeywire.com and thefan960 are reporting that Alex Tanguay is close to signing with the Panthers
There goes another one for you patient people.
Russo says his BFF likely not returning to Anaheim, is he a FA?
What are the chances the Wild gets something done today?
NHL Live makes a good point. It’s like buying stock. If you buy everything at its 52 week high, you will lose on many of them. There’s a lot of risk out there…
WOW, whose giving you the run around? Free agency has been open for all of 3 hrs & 25 minutes. I know a Dr. that can prescribe some anti-anxiety meds for you….
E.J. Hradek (3:20 p.m. ET): I’m hearing the Edmonton Oilers are hot and heavy for Nikolai Khabibulin. Stay tuned.
There goes another trade partner for Harding, looks more likely he will be backing up Backstrom again.
But sunshine, the all important cap hit is 5.2 per.
That Hossa deal (or Gho$t for that matter) doesn’t get done at 7.4 per.
fantasyhockeywire.com and thefan960 are reporting that Alex Tanguay is close to signing with the Panthers
There goes another one for you patient people.
Does anyone here even want him anyway?
Oh noes! Tanguay gone?!? And we were that close to winning a cup.
Russo, if the Wild do not sign anybody today or make a trade, should you have the opportunity to speak with Fletcher or CPold, can you ask them the following questions:
1. How would you (Fletch/owner) rate on a scale of 1-10 the first day of free agency for the Wild?
2. What is a realistic expectation for fans to have for a lineup (in terms of improvements) at the start of the coming season?
Are you serious? Relax.
Gaborik, Havlat, Camm, Koivu, Tanguay, Gionta, Heatly(?) still available.
Game on does.
Patience team of 12,000, Fletch will get it done. Blowhard Leopold put him in a box saying we would make a splash. No splash, not even a ripple. Maybe Richards can turn the group of grinders and muckers into something useful. Until then, embrace the fact that we went out and got Brodziak.
Harding could still be a valuable trade piece at the deadline or next summer if nothing is done now.
ok, skoula will not don the wild sweater again, however, i hear that they are bring out of retirement sylvain blouin to play wing with PMB.
I think the Wild are smart to not make any big moves. That’s what I would have done too. Maybe Kyle Wanvig, Matt Foy, and Alexander Daigle are still available. Now THOSE are quality players at a value price.
Erik Cole would fit nicely methinks.
I don’t, Wallshot. Tanguay takes a SOG about every other week. He’s worse than PMB.
Step away from the ledge people. No one is making you pay any money to the Wild in any way, shape, or form.
Kessel for Kaberle deal crumbles before completion:
According to the Boston Globe, the Boston Bruins had a deal in place to ship right winger Phil Kessel(notes), their high-scoring restricted free agent, to the Toronto Maple Leafs for veteran defenseman Tomas Kaberle(notes), just the kind of skilled, minutes-crunching blue liner who could make Boston a bona fide contender to be an Eastern Conference playoff champion, maybe even a Stanley Cup champion, next spring.
HD, I thought you did but some seemed to be running with it. Still lots out there. Gaby to where? Rangers? Kings?Not sure Gaby could withstand the pressure in Montreal.
Ok, time for me to take some of my own advice. . .
Hey DP, I didn’t want Tanguay, that was one of your buddies who thinks this free agent class is overfull of quality forwards.
Wow, the technology/information era has really made people think that you can turn a team around in one draft and a few hours in free agency.
Teams that build themselves well take time. There isn’t one team out there that has rebuilt itself overnight except PHI a few years ago, and they were extremely lucky to have Richards/Carter coming up and Nashville cutting their budget…
Two words:
Kim Johnnson.
You want to rush out and overpay for a guy and get stuck w/a contract like his?
Relax. Only a few hours into it…
I agree about Camalleri, don’t overpay for 1 good yr.
RW = afternoon drunk.
From what I understand from reading Fletcher’s comments, free agency “day” isn’t the end all be all…that a lot of these teams are running into cap issues which will become more apparent after the dust settles at which point we may be able to pull off “highway robbery” as the season approaches. We’ll see how it goes - so far I’m not bothered that we didn’t get any of the people who have signed elsewhere.
How can you possibly rate Fletcher’s first day of free agency when it is only 3.5 hours into it. Seriously people go to your sad little blogs and whine there. How many FA’s have even been signed yet? Pathetic whiners
“So Gaborik should be looking at $7.4 million.” After discounts for injury history and the appearance of a minimal effort in some situations… we’re back to around $5 Million.
This is only the first day in a lengthy process…teams can go 5% over the cap from today until the start of training camp in September
If there was an award for having the most 3rd line players on a team, the wild wins. Is that Splashy enough?
Oh…it must be great to be a Blackhawk fan. They may just be the team to beat this season. As for the Wild, they will be lucky to make the playoffs. Too much tied up in kimmy (waste of cap space) and Backs to make a big splash in the FA market. I just hope the uptempo play will help us forget about the standing this year. FIRE RISEBROUGH!!! Oh wait….DONE.
But Ryan…mom says I can only use the computer for another hour today. Then I have to come out of the basement and eat my Hot Pockets.
I know a Dr. that can prescribe some anti-anxiety meds for you….
Dr. Rosenrosen is going to need something to do now…
Gaborik is already taking a discount. He was offered between $7.7 million to $8.1 million from the Wild in their initial contract.
Patience team of 12,000, Fletch will get it done. Blowhard Leopold put him in a box saying we would make a splash. No splash, not even a ripple. Maybe Richards can turn the group of grinders and muckers into something useful. Until then, embrace the fact that we went out and got Brodziak.
RW-WHO does the Wild have that actually comes out of the corner with the puck more than once per game??? Koivu? Maybe. Nolan? Perhaps. Clutterbuck? On occasion. Parrish…Oh wait, the ONE guy we had that actually wasn’t afraid to get in the corners they bought out. If they’re going to play dump/chase this year, it’s going to be a long season w/o anyone to go get the biscuit.
Anyone figure out why the east side paper quoted Salcer as saying the Wild hadn’t called in the last 10 days and The Don says they talked in the last day or two.
“Hot pocket…..”
One good year for Cammalleri? Let’s see–first full season he gets 26g and 55 points. Second full season 34g and 80 points. Third full season he gets hurt but gets 19g and 47 points. Then last season he gets 39g and 82 points. So, his “one good season” was 2 points better than his last full season. Where do we get our misinformation?
Stoned, maybe they’re trying out to be weatherman?
They may just be the team to beat this season
And then be in cap hell next year when they have to sign Toews, Kane and Keith.
Stoned:
The Pio reported on Monday, that Salcer and Fletcher talked 10+ days ago by their print deadline on Sunday. Fletcher and Salcer could have talked afterwards or on Tuesday.
—-WHO does the Wild have that actually comes out of the corner with the puck more than once per game???—-
That would be Skoula. Oh. You were talking O zone weren’t you.
Parrish…Oh wait, the ONE guy we had that actually wasn’t afraid to get in the corners they bought out.
And that is the sound of credibility flying out the window.
Spacek for 11.5 for 3 years???
Did Gainey think it was Sissy Spacek and was afraid she’d go all Carrie on him?
I don’t think there’s a single guy out there that turns this team into a contender — better to build for the long run. (Of course, since we’re so used to sitting on our thumbs, we have to repeat this sort of mantra to ourselves…)
Agree 100% woodcock. I wouldn’t mind spending $4 mil per on Cammalleri. No offense to the Austin, TX contingent, but it would net a better return than the same cash we are giving to the FSM.
—Stoned, maybe they’re trying out to be weatherman?—
I hope they have a better fashion consultant and hairdresser than Belinda Jensen
Thank you sunshine. Might of been a little tension on that call after Salcer mouthing off in the media.
DarrenDregerBoston Globe is reporting Spacek to Mtl. 3 years, $11.5 mil. Ouch!
Spacek gone now.
Jaroslav Spacek 3 years, $11.5 million to the Habs
Ayieeeee….Chihuahua.
kj: When you say ‘Sissy’ I think of ‘Family Affair’…the older daughter.
Note to CF: DO something, give us some hope!
What is going on 3:00 pm and no sexy news
ATXWF-Perhaps,but who then? Consistently being the operative word here… He may not have always come out with it, but at least he wasn’t afraid to get in there. I can’t think of anyone on this team that gets in the corners for the puck every shift. Yes, in the O zone…Good stuff Stoned.
And that is the sound of credibility flying out the window.
We need a Fail link…
No offense to the Austin, TX contingent, but it would net a better return than the same cash we are giving to the FSM.
None taken whoever you are… you obviously read enough to know we love that little bastard though! 
stoned..I hear ya, bell could use an upgrade.
Stoned:
Yep. You only have to listen to Fletchers Press call yesterday (up on wild.com) to know how bad that call went. Fletcher was reaching for words to describe it to the reporters and ended up just “No commenting.” I think he was biting his tongue.
Bulin to EDM
Khabibulin to the Oilers via TSN
Dont worry guys Gaborik is still out there.
‘Bulin to EDM…
Nikolai Khabibulin to edmonton according to TSN, unconfirmed though
We need a Fail link…
Here ya go! http://failblog.org/2009/07/01/curiosity-fail/
Midnight, I think the wild have never really had the guy that consistiently digs that puck out. We do have a few guys that can do it, and they do is sometimes. Bruno, Koivu, and Nolan being the main ones. Parrish was never good at much, except standing in front of the net.
Boucher back to Philly. Emery can’t feel too good about that.
And I hope this posts this time. Poor little server seems to error out on my recent posts.
Well, the Calgary Herald columnist had it right on when he said that the Oil would sign the Bulin Wall.
Michael Russo said:
[Regarding NYR on Heatley] That’s surprising, however, because why give up a bunch of assets when you can simply sign Gaborik?
Heatley’s cheaper, and proven?
Good update above.
Any possibility that CHI would be interested in Harding? Huet is not the guy…and they have some younger guys that could be had, since, as many have mentioned, they have to sign Toews/Kane/Keith next year…
Cole to resign w/Carolina
Wow… 4 year 15 mil contract for Khabibulin?
Last night after the blowup of the Heatley to OIler deal, it came out that the Rangers were offering Callahan, Dubinsky, and Del Zotto (?). Ottawa wanted more and of the two offers (NYR and Oilers), they liked the Oilers offer more.
Hawks just took a step backwards IMO, Huet is not good enough for a long playoff run. And signing Hossa besides?? Tallon, what are you thinkin’??? Or smokin’????
Spacek isn’t that outrageous. Maybe a little bit for a guy his age, but not terribly out of line.
Wow… 4 year 15 mil contract for Khabibulin?
Makes you wonder what Fletcher is asking for Harding?
Kind of a strange first 4 hours of FA so far. Better to be patient than hasty.
Hey Phil, what do you think of Chickenfoot?
Russoville needs a new server. Taking a long time to refresh and/or post.
This Twit made me LOL:
“wyshynski: Sutter just called Bouwmeester best all-round defenseman in the game? Dion weeps.”
I think the Don was channeling Obi-wan: Patience…patience
Before Fletcher arrived, Russo, I NEVER saw you use the word “assets.” Now, you use it every other sentence. Is that the cool word for this season??? You’re such a hipster, pal.
I’m gonna go out on a limb and make a few predictions.
1. We’ll sign Havlat, but lose Cammelleri.
2. Saku will end up in Anaheim, but he won’t decide for a few days.
3. We’ll get Scuderi, but we’ll all scratch our heads over the deal he gets. About 3.5/yr for 5.
4. Harding gets traded to LA, we get a D back in return, probably Greene.
Maybe, but we will probably do some trading imo.
What year is it? 2009 or 2008?
Big name free agents available, talk of making a “splash” and what do we have? I know you asked us to calm down Russo but I feel like I am watching reruns of “DR and the Magic Flute”.
This team needed an Elite Player because (and we can all debate later) we are losing one in Gabby. They missed on Hossa, appear to be outbid for Heatley and all assume Gabby ain’t comin back.
For the 2nd time in two years the Wild will have added ZERO first line players to its roster. In fact, you could argue we still don’t have any on the team. The Wild are watching as impact player after impact player go off the board.
And for what’s left it isn’t all that great:
Havlat: NHL’s version of Glass Joe
Fedetenko: A great 2nd line guy which we have 4-5
Scuderi: Really? We are the worst in the league at scoring goals, losing the one guy in Gabby who could help that and we are adding DEFENSE? (in my best Jim Mora voice)
To add to the pain, all the doors for Harding came slamming shut today.
St. Louis - Conklin
Islanders - Roloson
Edmondton - Khabibulin
Not many places left to move your only “spare” asset.
Please Fletch, tell me you have something more than this… that we won’t watch the division get better on us again as we sit back. Please help me believe!!!
I’m really surprised no one seems to want Harding. Are over-valuing this guy? It can’t be that there are THAT many goalies out there better than him… can it?
Back to the big board: The five best free agents left:
1. Marian Gaborik: Maybe this is where the Rangers are headed.
2. Mike Cammalleri: Toronto could use him and has the cash.
3. Martin Havlat: Kings the rumored front-runner
4. Mike Komisarek: Brian Burke kind of player.
5. Rob Scuderi: Pittsburgh making a push to keep him.
Surprise,I don’t see the Wild on there.
Lala, you are a real beotch. No one is making you read the blog. Go away if your going to be an asshat.
Russo needs to post a new blog with GOOD NEWS on a GOOD SIGNING about a GREAT PLAYER…Running out of space here with almost 600 posts..lol We need to talk about our New Guy so we can see if he’s a good fit ya know? Everyone here is waiting for “That Big News Blog”…
Kirk…I looked for comments from you today and didn’t see ya in da house! I was gonna ask you the same thing. I got the album..I like it…they’re coming to the Myth in August I beleive, but IMHO the Myth sucks, I wish they were going to the Fitzgerald or State. I just hope Joe will still do the G3 thing too..your thoughts?
I see why they tendered Puliout, He is going to be a integral part of our offense next year.
ATX, you mean “you’re going…” Hard to take you seriously when you can’t write a simple sentence.
Will someone let me know when the sky is done falling and it’s safe to go outside?
No team cements is season by what happens on July 1st. Teams signing now may have to unload later. Besides, it’s not even 4pm yet!
For the 2nd time in two years the Wild will have added ZERO first line players to its roster.
Seriously Schmidty?? I feel your pain on the Harding doors closing. but it is impossible to say the team has done nothing when it’s only almost 5 HOURS into FA…. let me repeat that… FA has only been open for 5 HOURS (not even). Sheesh… back away from the ledge people. There is plenty of time left and there are still some quality FA’s out there to be had. Wait until all the good FA’s are gone, THEN rip Fletch a new one.
- Makes you wonder what Fletcher is asking for Harding?
If the Oil want to keep their Heatley hopes alive they might not want to make a trade until they know and if the Heatley thing falls in its face the ‘Bulin signing has some buzz, trading for Harding would not.
- Lapi to Philly for 3 years at $1.17M
So, we can freak out after 4pm?
We have to give it a week or at least 3 days for the dust to settle before freaking out, folks.
Flyers sign Ian Leperrier. Someone is trying to re-live the glory days of the Broadstreet Bullies over there. Wouldn’t this be more of the Broadstreet Turtles though?
Habs sign Gill
Hal Gill off the board, thank you Mtl.
Hard to take you seriously when you can’t write a simple sentence.
This, of course, is not a simple sentence, nor is it a complete sentence. This is what is called a phrase.
Oh, the irony.
Hal Gill to Habs.
Anyone calling UFA a failure for the Wild at this stage belongs on the MKIA and Pals ignore list.
Schmidty says ” The Wild are watching as impact player after impact player go off the board.
the only impact player gone so far that might, and i emphasize might, have been a fit here was Hossa. He clearly didnt want to play here, so not getting him is not CF’s fault. As Russo pointed out, many top forwards are still avaiable. Just because rumors about the Wild arent being thrown around is no reason to asume the nothing is happening. Things happen very quickly in this business, and until the ink is on the paper there is no reason to assume we arent gonna get any of these guys
And why make a big signing if its a guy who wont fit here? Most of the comments here are complaints against bad contracts for Johnnson, Butch, Skoula etc. So if CF is taking his time to ensure he gets good value then I say let him. Still plenty of talent,plenty of time. I am amazed how many of you whine that Chuck didnt make a earth shattering signing in the first 5 seconds of free agency. Give the man time for god sake
Is there a reason the wild have not replaced Gaborik just with the cap space that he was taking up?
Wow. I expected people to be $hitty today, but this actually exceeds my expectations. Seriously, get a grip everyone.
It’d be different if the guys we were pursuing have signed but have they? NO which is a good sign meaning we are probably in negotiations. Be upset if Koivu, Havlat, Scuderi, Cammaleri have all signed but NONE have. Patience like Russo says alot will happen this evening into tomorrow.
Phil, Been bat s**t crazy at work today. I’m diggin’ the new record. It’s rare these days to hear a band that puts out a GOOD rock n’ roll album.
I got tickets for the show at the Myth Aug. 10th. I’ve never been to a show there so I can’t speak to it’s suckiness or potential lack thereof. I’ll keep that in mind though.
From what I’ve read Joe seems pretty into the band right now. It will be interesting to see if he will continue putting out solo material or assembling G3.
100% correct Russo thatnk you!!!
No worries,
Look at all the “impact” players that went in 2007:
Briere
Drury
Gomez
Now they are all albatrosses to their respective teams cap (unless you can get Montreal to trade for one of them).
Is there such thing as a bad fit 30-40 goal scorer, if he can put the puck in the net he fits at this point. you guys make it sound like we can sit back and be picky about what forwards we get, NO WE NEED GOAL SCORERS!
100% correct Russo thatnk you!!!
This is’nt the NFL where guys sign with th 1st team they visit.
Kirk, thanks for the update…but in the future, they have this new thing called email….check it out!
Penguins sign Rupp for two years at $825k per season.
Idiots, take notice:
The best Fletch can do is make an outstanding offer. It is up to the player to sign the contract, so, until the player signs the contract, STFU! You have no idea what the contract offers are right now, and since the high-end goal scorers have yet to sign (sans Hossa) you cannot logically blame Fletch at this point for their lack of signing. It’s not rocket science, for gawds sake!
And if it’s not complaints about bad contracts it’s complaints about how bad DR was
Why does everyone think we are going after Cameltoe? Calamari has not been linked to the Wild by anyone that I know of. Russo hasn’t reported that Camelback has been persued by the Wild that I know of. Where does this rumor come from? Or is it just hope?
Everyone chill… look at it this way, we may need to bad for a year or two to get the draft picks we need. So if we don’t go out and spend a ridiculous amount of money on a FA class that is week. We will have plenty of money to offer a FA next year… perhaps kovalchuk… think before you talk and stop looking for instant gratification.
Idiots, take notice:
The best Fletch can do is make an outstanding offer. It is up to the player to sign the contract, so, until the player signs the contract, STFU! You have no idea what the contract offers are right now, and since the high-end goal scorers have yet to sign (sans Hossa) you cannot logically blame Fletch at this point for their lack of signing. It’s not rocket science, for gawds sake!
Settle down, i think you have some kind of a man crush for Fletcher.
I think it’s pretty funny that ESPN is offereing “instant analysis” on events a half-hour after the stories are reported eleswhere.
Oops, the rest of my thought got cut off.
I’m not so sure DR left the team in a position that one exciting FA day will lead us to the cup.
Just went over to look out of curiosity - how does Eklund get 7,400 followers on twitter?
What did I miss?
At first, all the panicked Wild bandwagoners screaming the sky is falling used to make me scratch my head and wonder what they’re thinking. Now I have popcorn and am enjoying the show.
It’s like my peanut butter. Extra nutty.
Some keeps telling all these crybabies to step away from the ledge. I wish someone would just push them off.
I gotta agree with Buck. DR left this team in pieces. Chuck has to build this team from the ground up. Really sad to say as I am also a Timberwolves fan.
Remember what CF has said all along..He would rather trade instead of overpaying for FA’s.
Wait until training camp to get up in arms…if they don’t do what they like, don’t watch. This guy, Fletch, has been around the block and knows what he’s doing. He’s not some TB Lightning owner type of guy.
I meant “Someone”
Just went over to look out of curiosity - how does Eklund get 7,400 followers on twitter?
That’s a lot of kool-aid.
ATX, I don’t think anyone has suggested that the Wild will sign Cammalleri but he would be a very nice addition.
Just went over to look out of curiosity - how does Eklund get 7,400 followers on twitter?
For the same reason that THIS has over 1 million hits on YouTube.
Hey there Bob. How’s it going? Not very well I’m guessing.
What is this e mail of which you speak, and where do I sign up?
I apologize if you sprained your finger while scrolling past my post.
IMO, Heatley wants to come to MN. He’s waiting for that. He simply doesn’t see Edm. as an improvement.
Gaborik to the Rangers seems fitting: it’s where over-rated, over-paid forwards go to fade into mediocrity(Gretzky, Jagr, Drury, Messier, etc). Modano is probalby heading there next year….
thefourthperiod: Wild believed to have offered Martin Havlat a multi-year contract
ATX, I don’t think anyone has suggested that the Wild will sign Cammalleri but he would be a very nice addition.
That’s what I though Wood. It just seems as though some folks will throw a fit if he signs elsewhere.
Oh, and I find this funny:
“CraigCustance: Tallon on Hossa deal: “This deal did not affect our core moving forward, that was appealing to us.”
How is the Hossa deal NOT going to effect the core? Unless their young bucks want to take less pay to stay in CHI, I see some of them leaving in the near future.
thefourthperiod: Wild believed to have offered Martin Havlat a multi-year contract
thefourthperiod: Wild believed to have offered Martin Havlat a multi-year contract
thefourthperiod: sorry sorry! mistake in last post… not sure why i wrote Havlat… meant Mike Cammalleri, Wild reportedly offer him a contract
AustinTX - The statement could be true, it depends on what they consider their core. If Cambell isn’t considered part of it, and they can move him, Tallon could be correct.
Game on! - I was just going to post that.
thefourthperiod: sorry sorry! mistake in last post… not sure why i wrote Havlat… meant Mike Cammalleri, Wild reportedly offer him a contract
If there is panic sweeping Wild-dom, it’s chiefly because we’re losing a truly elite (if flawed) player–a situation completely beyond Chuck Fletcher’s control.
Fletcher has already suggested that better deals may await when teams have to get back under the cap that they’re exceeding today. That isn’t managing expectations, it’s suggesting there’s a plan to do well in the short term AND long term. That’s not to say our GM will be great, but he does appear to be sensible. That’s a good thing.
Being quiet may not mean that negotations ARE quiet–it may be that he doesn’t wish to jeopardize anything by mouthing off prematurely. This too may signal nothing but sensible management. Really, judgements about the roster have to wait until camp.
Sean_Leahy: Sportsnet: #Habs finalizing deal with Cammalleri #nhl
Confirmed (E4)
“WILD REPLACE RANGERS IN HEATLEY RACE AGAINST OILERS. (e4)”
- Eklund
Where in “thefourthperiod” are you finding that the wild offered Camalleri a contract?
Confirmed (E4)
“WILD REPLACE RANGERS IN HEATLEY RACE AGAINST OILERS. (e4)”
- Eklund
Link?
Camel reportedly to the Habs for 5/30mil. Sweet.
Well, that must mean that the Wild are dead in the Heatley sweepstakes.
Wow: Eklund = trash.
Kubina trade to Atl
Wouldn’t Hal Gill have looked pretty good in a Wild sweater for 2 years at $2.25 per???
“WILD REPLACE RANGERS IN HEATLEY RACE AGAINST OILERS. (e4)”
- Eklund
If Eklund is reporting it, it has to be true. The only person wrong more oftne than a weather person.
Cammi to Habs - 5 years $30 Million, according to thefourthperiod twitter page
No. Hal Gill sucks, I skate better than him. We already have John Scott.
WOW.. Ecklund can be found on hockeybuzz.. And I thought you were a hockey genius.. lol
Ecklund is a hack.
Cameltoe is gone to the Habs 30Mil 5 years.
Assuming MN is on Heatly’s short list, how likely is it that he’s holding out waiving his no trade in order to not go to EDM, and perhaps go to MN?
Just throwin’ it out there…
Wouldn’t Hal Gill have looked pretty good in a Wild sweater for 2 years at $2.25 per???
Hell no. That guy is a pylon. A really big pylon, but just as inanimate.
McKenzie has been reporting on TSN that no team other than the Oilers are talking to the Senators re: Heatley.
Even the Rangers have stopped negotiating with the Sens. So at the end of the day, it will likely be the Oilers or the Senators for Heatley. And, McKenzie has been on top of this whole situation so I trust what he has been saying.
Hal Gill? You can have him. Another stiff with no offensive skills. Phish its not 1998’s NHL anymore.
From ESPN
LeBrun (5:25 p.m. ET): Here’s what I’m hearing on Rob Scuderi. I’m told “4-5 teams” are in the hunt for the solid free-agent blueliner. I’m told the Pittsburgh Penguins will hear again from their camp as a courtesy, but it’s unlikely the team will have enough cap space to match.
—Wouldn’t Hal Gill have looked pretty good in a Wild sweater for 2 years at $2.25 per???—
Pair him up with Big John Scott and there isn’t a point guard in the league who would dare try to drive the lane.
tsn confirms camm
bob mackenzie isn’t even aware that MN has a team
Cammy — $30 million for 5 years — to MTL
Zanon to Wild (E5)
“Wild get Zanon”
- Eklund
Well, it’s down to Havlat, essentially.
Noooow it get’s interesting…
Quoting Eklund is like telling people the stuff you read on the bathroom wall is the God’s honest truth.
With Cammy gone, the impact players are few and far between. Embrace Brodziak!!
Ugh. Really wanted Cam to land here. That hurts.
From Russo:
With Cammalleri off the boards, expect the Wild to really focus on Havlat. #nhl
What do these UFA’s have against playing here? I thought it was DR or JL, but it doesn’t look any different under the new regime.
Food above.
Well, we’ve been suckered in another year.
Ugh. Really wanted Cam to land here. That hurts.
There was never any indication that the Wild were after him.. so i am not suprised. He would have look good in IIR though.
Chad - there are better hockey news sources out there
“Wild get Zanon”
‘Things are going to start happening for us now!’
Maybe Fletcher will only go for Scuderi and Fedotenko.
I hope that’s not the case because that’s just as bad as signing Mittens, Nolan, Weller, and Bruno last season.
Well, Russo said that the Wild were high on Havlat and he is still out there.
No need to panic - we’ve got Zanon.
Wild get Zanon? I don’t mind that at all. I’d prefer Ganon, or even Ganondorf, though.
Wild get Zanon (per TSN)
3 year deal
looks like more of the same for Wild fans. can’t get the talent to come here and can’t develope the talent they draft. lets go rickey rubio i guess. God forbid i have to watch the wolves this winter.
Wild sign Greg Zanon from from the Preds according to TSN..3 years 5.2 mil.
the zanon bit is true per russo
Well he was right about Zanon. Russo is now reporting.
Wild signs Nashville D Greg Zanon — per TSN — to three-year deal.
Russostrib: Wild signs Nashville D Greg Zanon — per TSN — to three-year deal.
Greg Zanon. What’s a Greg Zanon? I thought the new regime was supposed to make big moves? Ugh. We do not need to recreate Nashville’s D from two years ago.
Wild signs D Greg Zanon per TSN to 3 year deal - per russo tweet
Is Greg Zanon closer to a Chris Simon type player or a Dominic Moore type??
Yawn
Hey Russo–
Stop with the excuses. This screams of indedcision, period. Harding is virtually untradable at this point, as both of our main trading partners have signed goaltenders. Why is that huge? The Blues were one of the few teams that had any kind of a return. And what have you been doing today. Every morsel of info you have given, I got from TSN fifteen minutes before you even posted it. Get with the program.
Eklund was right? Well, even a broken clock is right twice a day. Zanon for 3 yrs.
Of course they say they want Havlat, he is a fragile as Gaborik. Makes perfect sense. The frenzy continues!
For a guy that wants the defence to “jump into the play” Fletcher really likes the Stay-at-Home D-Man doesn’t he? Zanon’s numbers indicate SAT all the way… but he was a +19 for his career at nashville… so that is promising.
We’ll certainly lose out on everyone good and then over pay Gabby for a 1/3 a year service for the next 5 years. What a joke the front office is year after year. Come on BRETT FARVE. At least we have the Vikings.
Chad - You can leave no one will miss you.
Zanon!! Nice move Fletch! Print the playoff tickets.
Chad, if you don’t want to read the blog, you don’t have to. Just pay attention to TSN, since that seems to be working just fine for you. No point in being rude to Russo.
zanon isn’t a bad pickup. he replaces Skoula at 1/3 price, and is better at both ends.
yawn x2
Chad, you need to switch to decaf. Stop blaming the messenger.
What’s the worst that happens with Harding? We keep him as backup and perhaps dangle him for trade bait for teams looking for goaltending help near the trade deadline…’cause you know there’s always some team that needs it.
The Wild sign Greg Zanon for 3 yrs $5.2M
Also, why do we keep signing no name dirt bags from Nashville. At this rate, I would rather deal with DR.
And the douchbaggery continues… jeeze.
Zanon — the new Skoula? Same amount of money and similar numbers from last season.
Chris K - What the F*** is your problem? I am just trying to throw out what is being rumored. I didn’t realize the responses section to a blog was only for hard journalism. Blog Nazi!
5-11 211 lbs does not seem like the “physical” impact needed, but who am I to argue?
Greg Zanon is Scuderi without the 2009 playoffs…
Good price for a player like that.
You can’t sign all offensive minded defensemen…
Komisarek to Toronto
Greg flippin Zanon???? same ‘ol same ‘ol here i see. Fletcher is a light weight in this league. He hires a no-name as coach and all the fans who are starving for any piece of good news, rejoice.. i’m bored with this already. go wolves..greg zanon..pfttt
Komisarek to Leafs
OFFENSE YOU CLOWNS. WE NEED GOAL SCORERS!!!
I feel better now.
Hey - There are two different Chad’s out there. I am the one who has posted rumors, but I did not rip on Russo.
Chad - gimme a break! TSN’s got their nose in everything first for a reason. No reason to rag on Russo. Shame on you!
wild need to pick up a big name to get fans excited. I’m sorry but watching a punch of no name defenseman and no one that can score doesn’t do much for me!!
I don’t understand why anyone thinks StL or NYI were interested in Harding. They have young #1’s. Chicago makes sense. I don’t know who else.
“Chris K - What the F*** is your problem? I am just trying to throw out what is being rumored. I didn’t realize the responses section to a blog was only for hard journalism. Blog Nazi!”
I was talking to the Chad that was saying this -
“Hey Russo–
Stop with the excuses etc..”
It wasn’t directed at you..
Chad — there was a Chad that posted just after you (one with a link, one without), leading to confusion. Sharing news/rumors isn’t problematic (at least to me).
The Mild is a officially a H*crap franchise. The new front office clowns are as bad as the old front office clowns. There is no hope.
Sorry then, Chad who posts rumors . . .
The Mild is a officially a H*crap franchise. The new front office clowns are as bad as the old front office clown. There is no hope.
at 1/3rd the price? What are you drinking? Its only $10K less than Skoula’s cap number of $1.8 million.
I3 years for total $5.2 million = $1.733 cap hit per year
Are the wild continuing to pursue Gabby?
Maybe Harding can play forward?
this basically leaves gabby to sign with one of two teams…either the rangers or the kings…and if he signs with the kings he basically is just money hungry…although i already know that he is…do you think it is wrong of us to try and go after him strong again…or do you think it serves no purpose?
Russo needs Fletcher to pull off a bunch of magic before he comes off looking like he had an off-day. The reason we are so rabid for Russo’s Rants and the reason he has credibility as a BLOGGER(Mind you I would rather read blogs than watch boring ass TV news anyday) journalist is he calls the team on their B.S. or did so with Riesbrough but all we have to show for today is Zanon? Preaching patience is gonna bite you in the keaster Russo it seems!!!
It doesn’t make sense to rule out Gaborik just because he wanted to test FA. If the price is right, why not?
I say we should try for Gaborik!
personally if i were gabby i would rather play in minny versus LA…even if we were still running a defensive scheme!!
san⋅i⋅ty: –noun
1. the state of being sane; soundness of mind.
2. soundness of judgment.
3. something we are lacking of in the comments section right now . . .
i agree!! go after gabby again hard core…you have nothing to lose now
Holy crap 4.5 per/4 years for Komisarek!? Am I the only one who thinks this guy is highly overrated?
Is this possible:
Gabby wanted to test FA.
Fletch did not want to match DR’s offer.
Gabby gets to FA and can’t find a better/comparable deal anywhere.
Gabby comes back to Fletch after not finding what he wanted.
Fletch now shows interest since it is no longer at DR’s numbers.
Just throwin’ it out there…
You people clamoring for moves that aren’t happening are obnoxious and ridiculous.
I feel better now.
Actually, patience is right. Russo is right. Fletcher is smart. Most people that follow the NHL know that Zanon at that price was a good deal. If you want the team to be run the way most of you would, follow NYR with Sather at the helm.
remember their GM is Brian Burke
Yeah Gabby looks really really good right now
FWIW… the Eklund guy you say is unreliable says “looks like Havlat to MN.” He was right on Zanon… we’ll have to see.
I see it’s time for me to quit reading here. Thankfully, I don’t think the majority of the Wild fanbase is represented by so many of the commenters on here. Why don’t we see how things play out over the next few months, see what kind of team is on the ice, and see what happens next summer (draft, FA, trades, etc).
Anyone who expected Fletcher to turn the Wild into a Cup contender in one afternoon should become a Wolves fan.
The whining and crying on this page is pathetic.
Havlat is still out there
Saku is still out there( and I think alot of people in on the pool are out- Gun?)
Not that I want him back but gaborik is still out there.
Just saying it’s day one for crying out loud. I agree with who ever said push the crybabies over the edge!
Eklund was the first to report about Zanon too….just saying.
We need A great Forward… one that can score a lot of goals….m,kldsja
Russo, will you be at the Zanon presser?
DR wrecked havoc for 9 years it’s gonna take more than one day!
For those of you who are knocking the Zanon pickup, I bet you would be pleased to see Scuderi sign for 2-3 mil! And Zanon is Scuderi without the recent playoffs!!
So Havlat is supposed to replace Gaborik? Excuse me while my give-o-sh*t meter drops to zero.
Pahlsson to take over for Manny Malholtra in Columbus
Greg Zanon, Nebraska Omaha grad, 2nd team All American, 29 YO, 3 full seasons in the show, doesn’t shoot, doesn’t score, minimal PIM’s….
Holy Sheep dip Batman!
Jbo would have been the only D man to get excited about anyway…Beauchemin would be nice but he’s hardly a game changer himself…
We needed 2 D-men 1 top guy(hopefully Scuderi) and a 2nd tier guy which we got in Zanon. Looks like it’s down to Gabby which all of a sudden looks like he’s a real possibility to return and Havlat. They both have injury issues but Personally I’d take Gabby. Throw in Koivu at C and away we go.
$6 mil for Cammy?? I’d rather have Havlat or Gabby at $7.5.
Chad, I am sorry. I usually go by butski and I had no idea that the strib had me down by my first name. I appologize for the confusion. For those wanting continue the chivalrous behavior and defend Russo’s honor, I will be going by Butski. Once again, Chad, I am sorry.
butski shut up you suck russo is the top dog around here if you don’t like him post else where
wild1–
what gives? The last time I checked, I did not attack Russo’s integrity as a person, did I? I merely pointed out that for someone who is getting PAID to get information, he hasn’t gotten much, if anything, that any of us could have gotten elsewhere. I chastised him for sticking up for poor decisions on the part of OUR favorite team. It is not his job to carress the buns with his lips. It is his job to call a circle a circle and a square a square. It has become apparent that the man-love for Russo on this blog trumps the love you should have for your team. Sorry if that upsets you. Perhaps we can just agree to disagree.
butski that’s where i disagree all of us on this blog love our team and have a ton of respect for russo, so as i said before you must be new to this blog if you don’t like russo don’t post here.
That silence you hear is the Xcel Energy Center…
that silence must be on a night when the wild are not playing
wild1–
I do like Russo and that’s why I come here. I am concerned as he is usually more high speed than this. Just a thought as well–I don’t come on here just to bash people. I have the right to come on and express myself, regardless of weather or not you agree or disagree. You do the same and your welcome to it. The difference between you and I is simple. You are one of those that whines about free speech. I am one of the ones that goes forth to see that you have it.
ha ha ha your funny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You didn’t get it, did you?
i get it i’m just done talking to you.
Gabby signed with the Rangers for 5 years at 5.75 mil per.
for 7.5 mil per
Yup. TSN had it first as 5.75 and has now updated to 7.5. Thanks Montreal for clearing cap space for the Rangers.
