Wild signs D Zanon; Gaborik, Havlat best still available
Posted on July 1st, 2009 – 4:57 PMBy Michael Russo
I thought this was up, but now I see it isn’t.
The Wild has signed Nashville defenseman Greg Zanon to a three-year, $5.8 million deal. Zanon, formerly of Nebraska-Omaha.
The 29-year-old played all 82 games last season and was third with 237 blocked shots. Good fit as a fifth-sixth D. Wild still needs another D — and I’d say, a scorer and No. 2 center. 
Zanon’s wife is from Hastings. He said he’s learned the defensive game from Todd Richards when he coached him in Milwaukee.
I’m told from inside the Wild that Chuck Fletcher is still working on a number of things. I know for a fact from outside the Wild that he is still very much in on Martin Havlat.
And as far as Marian Gaborik, I am told by an NHL source that agent Ron Salcer was calling teams seeking a 10-year, $75 million deal.
Gaborik turned down $78.5 million deal from the Wild last fall. Marian Hossa just signed a 12-year deal worth $5.2 million a season.
I think the market’s changed.
262 Responses to "Wild signs D Zanon; Gaborik, Havlat best still available"
Skoula’s replacement. Good move, CF!
And the joke of a front office continues….
WHO!!
And the joke of a front office continues. Millions under the cap like the twins and they sign retreads.
WE NEED GOAL SCORERS!!!!
Seems like an over payment for a 6th defenseman.
ooohh great !! a shot blocker… i’m excited!! fletcher you’re a LIGHT WEIGHT
Hmm–
A fifth or sixth D for over one mil per? Doesn’t sound so bright to me. So much for offensive defensemen.
Wow people… calm down… we need stay at home d-men too. Goal scorers will come, jesus christ
Seriously? We filled a hole we needed to fill anyway. Regardless if it was our first move or our last, we needed to sign a 5 or 6th D.
I’m done watching this blog today. I’ll come back when the trolls head back to their holes.
How about some scoring and it’s funny Gabby hasn’t really moved and isn’t going to get a lot of money if Hossa only got 6 million.
I hope something big is going on behind closed doors, because this is extremely disappointing so far! I did expect more, but so far this seems like the Wild we’ve come to know and grow increasingly more and more frustrated with!
The twins are under the cap? Did anyone tell the yankees there’s a cap?
WHO!!
Oh yeah that’s a good band. I really like “Won’t Get Fooled Again”.
This is a very good signing! Someone who will do the dirty work none of the other Dmen will do! Plus the cap hit is very small so there is room for other needs.
can i get a goal scorer please?? i’m convinced that the true impact studs want absolutely no part of this franchise for whatever reason. greg WHO? c’mon !!!
So with our new “offensive minded system” our first FA signing is a #6 -at best- defenseman????
hey wild fan DC.. dirty work isnt their problem..THEY CANT SCORE GOALS !! tough to win a game 0-0 isn’t it? again i’ll ask.. greg WHO????
Michael - awesome coverage. Thanks!
Zanon is barely a blip on the radar but ends the skoula-era so okay but this has to be just the tip of the iceberg right Russo?
Good move from the looks of things. Sounds like he is a great shut down defensemen… 1.8 hit isn’t bad. Scoring will come… just wait and see
you guys are all nimrods
Ok, let’s all stay calm. So far nothing exciting–a Skoula replacement who is cheaper, maybe not quite as good but at least the fans don’t hate him and Brodziak–a spear-carrier. But a number still on the board including the guys we supposedly were targeting. Sorry to see Cammalleri go but as much as I like him, not sure he is worth6m a year for 5 years. Kudos to Burke for getting Komisarek.
wild fan in dc… you are obviously very smart. Nice job. Very level headed of you.
Zanon was listed as one of nhl.com top ten free agent defenseman.
Wild replace Rangers in Heatley race against Oilers, according to Eklund.
fire fletcher !!!!!!! there is 1 impact offensive player left.. gabby isn’t even listed on there roster at the Wild’s own website. havlat or bust i guess
Yes they need someone to block shots and clear the front of the net. Plus we will get a score with Havlat!
that sounds great guys, lets have ALL offensive minded players on the ice. Lets get a bunch of Zidlickys and watch our defense suffer. We still need d-men to shut things down. Do you understand the game of hockey?!?
Zanon is only $10K cheaper than Skoula.
And I thought it got ugly around here for the 2009 NHL entry draft. You people need to have your expectations managed.
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 . . .
Whaaaaaa!!!!! Whaaaaaaa!!!!
Cry more.
boy mr burke has been active today.. gimme heatley or gimme havlat
Keep in mind, if we don’t sign an offensive forward today, we can still trade for one later when people are dumping cap… stop worrying so much, our roster does not need to finalized today.
Zanon was listed as one of nhl.com top ten free agent defenseman.
That is interesting. Did not know that.
. gabby isn’t even listed on there roster at the Wild’s own website
Might that be because he doesn’t play for the Wild anymore? I dunno.. maybe that’s just a shot in the dark…. >_<
Komisarik is gone, going to the Leafs for 4.5/yr for 5 years. Looks like Scuderi’s price is going up.
FWIW… Eklund says “Looks like Havlat to MN”. You never know…
Lucky:
Where’s DR when you need him?
Wow!!! people relax!! I actually like the signing! Yeah we are going to have an offensive system but we still need to play Defense!! Zanon is a good serviceable D-man played all 82 games last year too. You dont make it all the way to the promise land with 4 defenseman!! You dress 6 of them for a reason. I like the signing. i still look for us to sign a top 4 D-man also. So dont get you panties in a bundle!!
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 . . .
Thanks to those of you who have their heads on straight, though!
Lucky:
“Managing expectations”? — are u DRing us?
And I thought it got ugly around here for the 2009 NHL entry draft. You people need to have your expectations managed.
POTD. Hi-lar-ious.
Cheers all. I am out.
I think a lot of low hockey IQ fans are following russo’s blogs right now.
I mean, I’m going to be honest here, even if we did replace gaborik, with a bonafide gaborik replacement, would we be any better off than we were two years ago?
I really get annoyed with the whole “we have to make the playoffs, we’re MN” mentality. I would rather not even be in the playoff race, get a better draft pick and then come back w/ a real shot at the cup then just make it into the playoffs and lose the first round.
I’m not coming to play with you losers.
Zanon played for Richards in Milwaukee.
Are you sensing a trend in players we’re going after yet?
Oh where oh where has our little Smuggy gone.
He’s posting on Russo’s Rants… 
what a joke - we need some guys that can put the puck in the net. We have a roster full of defensemen that score 11 points per year. The Wild better get with it the top FA are starting to sign…..
Me Neither!
Id rather be in the Wild’s position than spending,… no throwing away money like a drunken sailer (the Habs)and prospects (the Habs). Have some patients, the wilds previous players-free agents are not exactly jumping of the board. CF will upgrade the talent, give him a chance.
I’m done watching this blog today. I’ll come back when the trolls head back to their holes… I love that one!
We waited 8 years and nothing. Now they want us to wait another 3. Wake me when this nightmare is over.
Zanon isn’t exactly a household name, but he’s one of the League’s best shot blockers. Zanon was tops in the Central Division and third in the League with 237 blocked shots. Playing for the second-longest tenured coach in the NHL in Barry Trotz, Zanon is used in a mainly defensive capacity and has never even had 15 points in a season. But he’ll make life a lot easier for any goalie he plays in front of.
from:
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=432114&navid=DL|NHL|Home
Old Tyme, Where on the nhl.com site did you see the free agent listings?
Good point Danny - looks like we are building a team with a bunch of marginal NHL players……I’m really getting excited for next year.
Enjoy the rest of the frenzy. Russo, I assume you will be at the Zanon presser?
Patiently…. watching more good players go away
Havlat (Glass Joe) will make us all wish we had Gabby & his groin back. Here is his games played.
2005-2006 = 18 games
2006-2007 = 56 games
2007-2008 = 35 games
2008-2009 = 81 games*
*The first time he has played over 65 games since 2004-2005.
But, at the great advice of all those on this board & Russo… I’ll patiently wait to see the Wild “fill” the holes.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=432114&navid=DL|NHL|Home
that’s the link I saw on nhl.com
Now get SKoivu and Havlat and a (pick one) defenseman.
Danny — nice observation.
how big is this zanon character? ok we get it he can block shots..thats part of a d-man’s responsibility. will he be able to move horses from in front of backstrom tho?
you’ll have to copy and paste the link I have above, for some reason the blog doesn’t allow the whole ending of it to be hypertext, which is the DL/NHL/Home
According to nhl.com, Zanon is 5′11.
Well said Schmidty. Kinda sounds like ol Mike Tice’s approach to free agency….patiently aggressive. Worked out well for him didn’ it?
Some of you really need to calm down… We are less than 7 hours into free agency and since we haven’t made a big signing some of you think the world is coming to an end. Zanon is a solid signing and I’m sure more signings are in the works.
lol Lucky!
Well, no we’re going to with the Cup. Right on, Chuck!
Furthering on Fletcher and Richards getting players they have experience with… What does it say about their confidence in the Wild’s scouting reports? Why are they so much more inclined to get a player they know than one that they have data on?
That’s a question I hope Russo gets an answer to. (And, should also make TT a nervous guy)
Oh my crap. I can’t believe how many effing monkeys are freaking out about Zanon being the first signing. It doesn’t matter who is first as long as the rest of the signings are good ones. It was a hole we needed filled and it was done so shrewdly.
Well, now we’re going to win the Cup. Right on, Chuck!
Zanon listed at 5′10″. Great - another pint sized D man that wont be able to move anyone from in front of our own net or go in the corner’s and get physical. What a sleeper of a day. This team (MGMT) needs to realize how little the window is open to keep fans interested.
seriously, why aren’t we a desirable place for the UFA’s to land? i dont get it. yes we’re lousy to mediocre, but the NYR’s? or Edmonton?
7 hours in and only one impact player left!
I have seen Zanon play a lot in with Milwaukee and Nashville. Real heads up guy, makes a lot of smart plays and is a stay at home defencemen that can jump in the play if need be. A good, if underrated pick up by the Wild.
Ugh. I can’t think of a more ideal place to hang out than Russoville on a big hockey day, but unfortunately the weirdo troll naysayers all think that, too.
Are there any free agents from the home state?
How about a possible trade for Goligoski?
I think its ironic about Gabby. If he had resigned he would have gotten at least $2 Million more than Hossa. Most teams are scared away by his glass pelvis, and don’t wanna move until the Heatley debacle is settled. I just hope that Fletcher is on the horn with Havlat’s camp right now, and Scuderi as well
Nice to hear from someone who’s seen him thebigwd
But he’ll make life a lot easier for any goalie he plays in front of.
Nice and good point on the scouts Danny.
People act like we’ve made the best offer to each FA and each has turned us down. So sick of people griping about MN not being desirable. That is bubkus! Many an NHLer would be happy to come here, and will..
yeah thats why nashville rushed to retain him…small and smart..oh yeah, and he’s a great shot blocker..
t michael…can we trade you? I am tired of your whining!
The longer they wait the more top FA that fall off the board. The sit back and wait approach has worked so well for the Wild in the past….. sounds like a smart idea to continue with that failed approach - give me a break!!!
I think many of us expected an aggressive approach this year to FA - I guess we were wrong. This team is going to completely suck without some guys that can put the puck in the net!!
hey im sorry people, i just bought into the hype over the past month or so, shame on me.. yes i do need to relax.. sorry all
Sorry, Sledge, no buyers.
Release him.
Zanon! Zidlicky! I guess we will all be catching some Z’s when we go to a Wild game next year. In more ways than one!
Yep, every year the know it alls on here preach patience and fisco responsibility and every year we suck. Dumb arses…
- If Zanon is a physical Skoula without the gaffes, Fletcher has improved the d-core.
- Regulars and people not related to DR - stop feeding the trolls.
From something that calls itself “Steve”:
“Millions under the cap like the twins”
And that, my friends, is the sound of credibility flushing itself down the Bertuzzi. Unless, of course, MLB instituted a salary cap this afternoon. If you want to rip the management a new Cooke, please do it with logical arguments. Otherwise you most likely won’t be taken seriously.
As I mentioned in the other free agency blog, Zanon is our Scuderi. He is a team guy, shot blocker, plays hard. If you wanted Scuderi, then you will be happy with this guy.
Danny — wouldn’t you pick a player that you have coached over a player that’s been scouted? You know that player — how they are in the locker room, in pressure situation, and their soft skills — because you have seen them day in and day out.
Look at the names that Fletcher has been high on: Scuderi and Fedotenko — Fletcher knows them really well when he was Asst. GM with the Pens.
Brodziak and Zanon — Richards coached.
They have had significant PERSONAL contact with these players instead of sitting high on above the ice.
Trade Johnsson and sign Leo.
I heard that Johny Pohl may be available.
Bruno Long: Zanon 5′10″? Wow, that is what Nick Leddy will be when he grows up!
but sledge you’re one of those clowns who show up at the X and drink the iron range red and forest green kool-aide and are happy to leave seeing a 1-1 tie in which we’re outshot 23-19..ZZZZZZZZZZZZ yeah you can be content with this garbage but alot of us wont. just be glad we have the NHL back right??
Breaking!!! Fletcher trades for Pens waterboy!
Who are all these trolls? Where are they coming from?
I didn’t see almost all of these names posting during games last winter.
I have a feeling these guys would complain if you hung ‘em with a new rope.
t michael: just look at all the money you’ll be saving on tickets! Guess there’s no reason to complain.
I guess the only way we get a player is if they’re related to Minnesota somehow? Free agency or six degrees?
FFS - totally right on both accounts.
I think Backy and Zanon will be good friends!
BLACKHAWKS SIGN HOSSA TO …wait for it… FOR 12 YEARS!?!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090701/ap_on_sp_ho_ne/hkn_blackhawks_hossa_2
THAT, my friends, is Getting It DONE.
Deep - hilarious!
I watched Zanon a few times last season when the Wild played Nashville. My recollection is that he plays with a bit of an attitude. Not a fighter, but I seem to remember he was not afraid to get in someone’s face either.
Now if he can have a positive +/- playing for Nashville, then he is most likely pretty good defensively. Sure not a superstar, but we really don’t need a superstar D-man signed …
Lets hope that there are 2 goal scorers added to our team by the end of the summer.
More boring updates at the top of the page…ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzz
Just for a laugh, I thought I’d bring up Eklund’s Predictions for the day and see how he fared:
* There will be less than 15 signings on the first day due to cap restrictions, but there will be several trade rumors and at least 3 trades that make signings happen…
* Beauchemin to either Montreal or Tampa
* Ohlund to LA, NJ, or Anaheim (or maybe a real surprise)
* Saku Koivu to Anaheim
* Knuble will re-sign with Philly
* Hossa will be a domino after Heatley decides if he wants to go to Edmonton or NY
* Martin Biron will sign with Avalanche or Oilers
* Cammalleri will sign with Buffalo, Nashville or Toronto
* The Sedins will sign in Montreal
* Komisarek will sign in NJ or the New York Islanders, but don’t rule out a return to the Habs.
* The Hawks will attempt to move Huet and bring back Bulin
* Havlat will not be signed today, but will likely end up back in Chicago
* The Rangers will attempt to spend their money. Although I dont see it happening, expect Vinny rumors if Heatley goes to Edmonton.
* The Thrashers will make a few really solid signings, that no one will expect.
* The Wild will get in on Hossa and make another play for Heatley (and possibly Vinny)
* The Islanders will make a play for a major player as well. if not Komisarek, maybe Ohlund
* Kaberle to Boston for Kessel will be revisited.
Did any of this happen? What a great hockey mind. He must be looking in a moose-shaped crystal ball.
What is wrong with some of you - the personal attacks are really lame….isn’t the purpose of this board to exchange thoughts on the Wild and Hockey…..whoever is calling people trolls seriously needs to seek help.
is gabby’s agent contacting the wild…or another team?!?!
Mirtle had him listed among the top ten free agent d-men, ahead of Skoula MAB, and Foster, not to mention Komisarek, Leopold, Gill, Schneider, Boynton, and Hedican.
Not too shabby.
Russostrib: Source: Agent Ron Salcer asking today for 10-year, $75 million deal for Gaborik; Hossa signed 12 years at $5.2 million per in CHI
WOW. I’ll have some of what Salcer is smoking.
Check out this thread from some knowledgeable fans:
http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=658043
They claim the Wild got the steal of the day so far.
If Salcer and Gaby are making that contract demand, Gaby will take a couple of days to sign anywhere.
$78M/10 years - that boat sailed last fall, Gaby.
Ron Salcer if you are out there… please seek help. You are clueless and so if your #10 client.
there is no effin way Gaby gets that after considering Hossa’s deal and Gaby’s groin.
Amen
they do not know what support the fans have put into this franchise they deserve a real effort hear.
Better get on knees and beg Gaborik to take 8 or 9 million for 1 year and if he does not like the new team and coaches he can go then but we better get something for him.
Are there any free agents from the home state?
I HATE YOU.
lets just let bygones be bygones . . . and get back to Hockey.
That’s what those crazy Wild guys are playing these days, right?
Crazy that Salcer is still (according to Russo above) asking for 75M. I sure hope he doesn’t do Real Estate, too. 
You get the feeling that Hossa understands that the team he signs with needs to have some $$ to sign other good players too, rather than being a money grubbing Salcer-fied Gabborik. God help the wild when it comes time to re-sign Burnsie.
by the way there are only two forwards that fit what we need left. And I do not like Havlatt.
Trolls are a treasured item over in Iceland, like cows in India.
In all reality, Hossa is getting $7.5M per for the first 8, but yeah, Gabby and his agent are in dreamland.
“Are there any free agents from the home state?”
I hear Parrish is available.
Salcer wants 10 years $75 million for Gaborik. I’d say that is just a bit high. I wouldn’t call it ridiculous though.
Wild fans probably would want to see his cap number closer to $6 million.
I bet you could counter offer and get it just below $7 million. I would be all for that. No need to haggle over a million dollars for a guy like him.
What would the Wild even do with that extra million a season? Sign Olvecky? I’ll give up an Olvecky to sign a Gaborik any day.
tnado says:
July 1st, 2009 at 5:47 pm
Just for a laugh, I thought I’d bring up Eklund’s Predictions for the day and see how he fared
LOL. God Eck is a effin tool.
Hey Detroit hasn’t made a splash in free agency yet…guess they’re no good.
San Jose hasn’t made a 12-year offer for Havlat yet…guess they’re terribly managed….
How about teams that made playoffs last year right above us…..
Anaheim only brought back an old d-man, traded away another…guess they’re gunning for 15th place
St. Louis missed out on Heatley…guess they don’t want to win….
I can’t believe Nashville hasn’t offered 7.5 mil to Groinerik yet…guess they’re terrible……
FA is for teams who think they’re 1 player away from the brass ring…or silver cup, in this case.
As much as it pains me to say as my season-tix $$$ go out the door, I don’t think we are 1 or 2 players away…right now. We need to build.
Do I want to wait another 3-5 years? NO! Can I wait and give the NEW GM and Coach a chance? Yes.
Doesn’t someone else on this board operate a bar that we can let the Alans loose in for a day??
“Are there any free agents from the home state?”
“I hear Parrish is available.”
Well, we are already paying him . . .
Relax . . . . Fletch knows what he is doing
HEY MONK VAN DU! Thanks for the link dude. I really like this comment from that thread: “All the Wild need to do is get Volchenkov and Backstrom won’t have to make a save all year.”
We do get crazy here. So far small moves but there are still players out there who can help this team. Besides we can’t win the Cup overnight. It will take a little time. Let’s wait and see when the dust clears, where we are.
“Are there any free agents from the home state?”
“I hear Parrish is available.”
“Well, we are already paying him…”
Exactly - He may agree to play for a case of Natty Ice every other day.
From MonkVanDu’s link eariler as well:
“Originally Posted by HockeyFan850
whats Zanon like because im a wild fan but dont know anyhting about this guy…
Reply:
he’s like a 2nd goalie.”
my concern about Havlat is both age and injury related. If we can get him fine, but I would have liked to see CF sign someone like Camalleri. That being said I will take a patient outlook on this, unlike some people here. =)
thefourthperiod stating the Wild are in on Antropov
I think Gaborik should settle for $36-$38 million for 5 years.
My post from HF Boards:
Good signing. We’ve got plenty of offensive D-men (Burns, Kimmy, Zids) but we needed more stay-at-home style guys. With Zanon and “Big John Scott”, hopefully people won’t be able to run over our goalie anymore.
Poor Gaby. He really has misread the market. Yet who can doubt he is one of the most explosive and exciting players in the NHL–just maybe not one of the best. Is he destined to always play for an also-ran because he cares more about his own contract than the team itself–10 year $75M is just outlandish in today’s market.
A guy I work with is a big time B-Hawk fan and he said they call Havlat “China Doll” because he is so fragile. RED FLAG goes UP.
I don’t get the Zanon-Skoula comparisons. Zanon’s pinky toe is infinetly more gifted than Skoula. Zanon isn’t great, but he will give this team something it sorely needs. Schultz is the only legitimate stay at home d man this team has, and he relied so much on position within the system, I was worried he was setting up to be exposed big time next year if this team goes with a more aggressive attack. Zanon will really help in that regard. As for the scorers, everybody relax. They will get something done. I guarantee either Havlat or Heatley is a member of the Wild 24 hours from now.
ATX: Is “China Doll” better or worse than the “”Wonder Groin”?
I realize it is still early, but am I the only one not at all enamored at the prospect of Havlat being our best offensive option to sign?
I like him when he is healthy, but to give him a boatload of $$$ for someone who rivals Gaborik in terms of health for a season, seems a little misguided, no?
And even when both are healthy, I dont think Im alone in saying, that no one can take over a game like Gaborik can.
In regards to Gaborik –like I have said several times before, either Gaborik is going to strike gold or he is going to get humbled.
It looks like he is going to get humbled.
Fritsche I agree with you but I wonder if the stigma of the prior regime is now coming back to haunt CF? Time will tell but I wonder if the trade route is the way we will have to go now.
ATX: Is “China Doll” better or worse than the “”Wonder Groin”?
That is an Excellent question MR.B. I honestly don’t know which one I would want. Both are a gamble. I would rather have Kolvachuck. 
Does anyone else wish Fletcher’s thoughts were broadcast on twitter? or here for that matter?
The Mild are an embarrassment. New front office clowns = Old front office clowns.
Up tempo offense, huh? Just who the hell is going to score goals for them?
VERY disappointing.
Let’s assume we trade for Heatley. Some major pieces are going to be on their way out. Isn’t that just going to create more holes that we haven’t filled or will have trouble filling?
And re: Heatley. I dont want that cry baby on our team either.
What is this now, the 2nd or 3rd team he has b*tched out on, and demanded a trade from?
A typical ME, ME, ME attitude would, IMO, be a poor trade…that is unless we give up Butchy and Jonsson! Oh, someone please take them!!
Pierre Marc, Sheppard, and Gillies for Heatley coming soon I think.
like I have said several times before, either Gaborik is going to strike gold or he is going to get humbled.
THat’s not what you were saying eariler. What happened to Gaby’s going to hit paydirt? And Hossa’s deal has no bearing on Gaby’s?
Also, I know everyone wants the team to go out and get top flight talent, and that’s understandable. I disagree though - this team needs to build assets and establish themselves as a team that’s three lines deep so that when they do go out and throw crazy money at a big time guy, it’s the move that puts them over the top and not a move that guarantees years of cap hell and 7th place finishes. The fact is that the Wild are not one player or one year away from being in the finals - they’re more like 3 years and 5-6 players away, at best. Criticize Chicago for getting Hossa all you want, but they built their core and have clearly identified a window of the next few years to make their run, and they signed Hossa to put them over the top. That’s what I hope we’re doing in 2011-12
Havlat put up decent numbers last season for the Blackhawks, yes. But I don’t see Toews, Kane, and Sharp on the Mild roster. Havlat is a pretzel. If the Mild has targeted him as THE player for them, then this regime may suck even harder than the last one. If today is any sign the new regime is proving to be as bad as the Smugsbrough regime.
Bring NHL hockey to Minny !!
And re: Heatley. I dont want that cry baby on our team either.
+1
Both Gaby and Havlat have played 8 seasons - Gaby has averaged 62.75 games per season and Havlat is at 58.75.
This is shaping up sort of like the T’wolves draft a couple weeks ago. They finally get a bunch of 1st round draft picks, but in arguably the weakest draft in the last 5 years.
And now the Wild finally have the cap space, and a new regime wanting to make a splash, and there simply isnt anyone THAT worthy of paying bigtime dollars to (after Hossa).
I would be fine getting Havlat, as long as the contract is only for 1 - 2 years. Same for Gaby. And Heatly = Do Not Want.
Math Teacher:
That’s the problem here in MN, though. People here not only want good players and championships, they want them all to be nice guys too. Not every good player is going to be a nice guy. And just to clarify, he didn’t “b*tch out” on Atlanta. He needed to be moved out of there for his own sanity, after the car accident and the death of his friend. A change of scenery was best for all sides in that situation, and no one has ever said differently about it (except you, of course haha). Yes, he’s being a baby right now, but if he wants to be here, why say no? He’s a multiple time 50 goal scorer, and when this team lacks in that area so badly, you can’t be too picky and insist that the guys we get are all nice guys, too.
Did they shut down the Vikings blog here? All I’ve heard is “Waaaaaaa! Sign a 90-goal scorer for a couple of sticks and a bag of peanuts or you suck.”
Cripes, makes you wish you could take the forum pacifier and stick it in strategic places.
ATX:
Hossa’s contract has no bearing on Gaborik. He’s not going to be getting his 10 year $78 million or what the Wild offered him last fall.
That doesn’t mean he won’t get $7-$7.4 million a year for less than 6 years — that’s humbling because that’s not what he or at least Salcer wants.
If he does get a $70+ million or even a 10 year deal — then its pay dirt.
So, I am not deviating from what I have always said — he’s either going to strike gold or be humbled.
And, Hossa’s contract for the first 8 years would’ve averaged about $7.4 million because more that’s 94% of his contract.
I’d take Heatley in a heartbeat. The Mild need finishers, not more grinders. Right now the team has 4 lines of 3rd and 4th liners. How about some talent?
Niveous - I agree.
I still don’t buy that sunshine. Hossa’s singing will affect Gaby’s value. Especially when you compare the amount of games played between the two. Sure those first8 years are an average of 7.4, but do you really think some GM is going to pay Gaby that amount when he is such a Groin? I will be shocked if Gaby gets anything over 5 years at 6.5 mil.
I’d take Heatley in a heartbeat.
=1 - I know you know the game, why not have opions instead of just over the top rips. Smug is gone.
That was a +1 not an =1
I can see why talented players don’t want to sign here. This franchise is inept. A cool arena only gets you so far….and it isn’t very far.
When did Risedump get his old job back with the Mild? I missed that one.
Mathieu Garon to CBJ. 2 years x $1.2 mil. tsn
LOL. I’m rolling so hard it’s hard to sit up straight. Gabby’s looking for a 10-year, $75 million deal? For f**k sake, someone give this idiot a reality pill. God, this guy is unreal. He’ll be lucky if he gets a five year deal for $15 million.
I would be fine getting Havlat, as long as the contract is only for 1 - 2 years. Same for Gaby. And Heatly = Do Not Want.
I can’t see why you wouldn’t want Heatley. All this guy does is score goals. We do want to see some goals this year, right?
I doubt Heatley is going to be our guy anyway, but hypothetically, I would love to have him.
tjericks:
I never said the Wild must field a roster of only ‘good/nice guys’.
I did however question Heatley’s motivations, and his selfishness equating to him not being a very good team player.
Look, Im sure there are some pr*cks currently on the Wild now, fine, w/e; but they dont whine to everyone and their mother like Heatley has done this offseason and last season.
I dont doubt his skills either, they truly are top notch; but are they worth trading some of our best prospects (b/c they will have to be included to get the deal done) for a guy who has the attitude of a terrible 2 yr old?
I can’t see why you wouldn’t want Heatley. All this guy does is score goals. We do want to see some goals this year, right?
That’s a good point. But if he is a doosh in the locker room he could do more harm than good. That is the only think I really worry about with him.
Wow… English is a tough language. What I meant to say was “That is the only thing I really worry about with him”. It doesn’t matter how many goals you score if you are a cancer in the locker room.
That’s your opinion, ATX. Not mine.
Teacher:
I totally get that, but I really don’t think his attitude is THAT bad. He doesn’t see eye to eye with the new coach there - it happens. It’s really the only instance of being a lamcontent he’s ever had, and I’ve followed his career wince his UW days. I’m not a fan of his or an apologist, but if all he did was have an issue with the coach that’s in Ottawa and not Minnesota, I don’t think it’s fair to label him as a universal whiner. Ortiz hated Kelly, yet people around the league have nothing but good things to say about him. Demitra hated Lemaire, and went on to be pretty productive in Vancouver. I’m willing to take the chance that it’s an anomaly given the dire need this team has for guys that can put the puck in the net - especially when the alternatives are guys that are getting long in the tooth or have a history of injuries.
lamcontent=malcontent. Stupid typing slills.
That’s a good point. But if he is a doosh in the locker room he could do more harm than good. That is the only think I really worry about with him.
I think that’s going out on a limb. I don’t know how you can make that assumption and I don’t think that possibility is any more of a risk than the injury history of Gaborik or Havlat.
I think Heatley is a doosh whenever he is someplace he doesn’t want to be.
He’d be número UNO here so he’d be all in.
We need goals.
I still am having trouble getting over Sumgsbrough refusing to trade Sheppard for Olli Jokinen…then Jokinen ends up in Calgary. Still gives me nightmares.
I’m sorry…..Shleppard…..guy sucks.
Re: cancer/doosh in the locker room
If Heatley qualifies - and I don’t think he does but we need a definition I suppose - I guess that is what I like about Mikko’s captaincy - it sets a tone of quiet confidence that I think can counter the passions of other players.
Wallshot, I agree. It is not a proven fact… but you can’t deny the red flags thrown up by how he is acting right now. The only way I would take Heatly over Gaby is because of the injury concern. Heatly has been healthy and that is a good thing. But it is a gamble no matter who you take. There are plenty of guys out there that are safer bets than all three of these guys and I think that is where my reservations lie.
*sigh*
Oh yeah. OJ was a stud in playoffs. That was the best trade Smug never made.
I think we (non-trolls) can agree Gabby is not going to get what he wants. Do the Wild fans really want him anymore. I think he is a top rated player, but a liability. If he signs it will should be a short term deal unless some GM really thinks he is over this problem. Gabby has 2-3 years left in the NHL at best. Let him move on and laugh at other NHL fans.
Surprised Hossa went with Chicago. I think the Blackhawks are close and this might help, but he did so little in Detroit. Sundin set up his retirement today. Tampa…what a joke?
Really not looking forward to seeing the Pinky Brain Twins go against the Wild some more, but the Canucks made the right move.
I think Fletcher his afraid of making the wrong move instead of making the right one. He is patience and it will take some time to truly assess his talent.
Not expecting much of the 2009-2010 Season.
I still am having trouble getting over Sumgsbrough refusing to trade Sheppard for Olli Jokinen…then Jokinen ends up in Calgary. Still gives me nightmares.
Me too but I moved on with the new regime. OK, I will still take the occasional shot but for the most part I am all about Hope and Change (commercials featuring the president dominated the NHL Network today)
why no interest in al tanguay? injuries? attitude? you guys have me convinced if we sign havlat or heatley we’ll be in a worse spot than last year.
Tampa is on its way to being formidable. Watch it happen.
Shleppard blows. Package him and Rag Doll (PMB) to Ottawa for Heatley. No that won’t fly. Only the Mild are stupid enough to have BOTH those pussies on their roster.
Just wanted to make a correction about Zanon. 5′ 11″ and 211 lbs. is not “small.” A bit short, but those numbers sound like a pretty stout guy. I think he was a 2nd pair D in Nashville rather a third pairing. I’m pretty confident we will love every time we remember he replaced Skoula.
I give the deal my seal of approval.
Hope and change has left the building.
wow! i mean wow! some serious troll action here. stfu you idiots who clearly don’t know a thing about hockey. zanon = very good signing, you wait and see. so far fletcher is being cautious but also getting players both he and richards know can play and help this team now. look for scuderi and havlat and maybe saku, and then y’all can just shut up and go away while the rest of us cheer the team on to a division title…
pkne - Get back on your meds. You’re delusional…
I’m wondering of the new clowns in charge over at the X haven’t called it a wrap for the day and are getting a jump on the long holiday weekend.
I am tired of the over-used often mislabled troll phrase thrown around here, not to say there isnt many poster that spew junk and negativity and worthless comments around here but not every post that doesnt follow the wild pep rally theme is trolling.
Let’s be clear, it was the Owner and GM of the Wild hyping us up for a big free agency period this offseason talking about spending big money and such and they have not yet produced and the option are becoming very limited right before our eyes.
I am not happy that doesnt mean I am jumping off a bridge or would have wanted them to deal rediculous money out like some teams have but the fans have been loyal to this franchise and now the ball is in the ownership and managements court to reciprocate the relationship
tjericks:
A nice series of rebuttals there, and I cant argue with some of those points. I just think you and I differ on the impact that Heatley would have for the team next year.
As someone else just said that if he was here he’d be numero UNO, that kind of worries me too. In Atl he had Kolyvchuk, and in Ott he had Spezza and cast of many others. He never has had to be the GUY to shoulder the offensive load. Does he have what it takes?
Cam:
Really only two or three more years? It would seem that even if the source of his injuries was not corrected by the surgeries, he’s still playing 50+ games in a year. If that’s the case it is certainly not enough to win a valuable contract, but enough to tantalize for years.
Am I in the minority for wanting to keep Gaborik in the fold? Obviously not at Ron ‘Puff the Magic Dragon’ Salcer’s current number, but a short term of similar annual value or a long term nearer to 5.5-6
Course, if someone else wants to offer more, bye.
And for the record, despite my reservations about Heatley and his attitude, if he were obtained for a package that included PMB and Kimmy, I would be 110% behind that.
Oh by the way, just how friggin’ stupid is Gaborik for not firing his ne’er-do-well agent already? Gabby has lost millions already becasue of that dung heap.
Russo you blow. Updates every two hours? I want your job.
Tweet: Russostrib Fletcher unavailable to media for few hours, meaning still working; Briefly reached Richards and sounded like chaos in the background
T Michael, Ok, First of all this team as it stands is the team the Wild played with all of last year……………………………..
Pause
On the positive here,as DR used to say the players here must get better and they should.
Last year Gaby was a non factor for most of the year and Brent Burns was out the majority of the time or he was playing hurt.
The Wild will likely get a scorer that will replace Gaby and that makes them better on day 1 for a roster
On Colton Gillies, no way he gets sent to the minors. If he is smart he is training his butt of right now.
I dont think he can score over 12 goals in a year. If he uses his speed and gets mean and nasty in front of the goal he could get more but I dont think that is his nature
I think CF is making modest attempts today. Maybe see if he can get someone cheap, and if not, wait to fleece whoever is in cap trouble later. I’m O.K. with that, because the possible return later could be huge. He targeted Zanon, and maybe he has one or two more “minor” targets. But then saves cap space for later when some teams are desperate.
Im with you Oblivion:
Re-Signing Gabby for 1-2 yrs here, I totally support.
I wonder what Salcer will do now? He can either let him sign with someone for 1-3 yrs and hope he stays healthy and scores a ton (and THEN sign a long term deal), or risk signing the LTD now that will be inferior to Hossa money…interesting…
Oh by the way, just how friggin’ stupid is Gaborik for not firing his ne’er-do-well agent already? Gabby has lost millions already becasue of that dung heap.
On the plus side, Gaby turning down DR’s offer helped lead us out of Smugwood Forest.
Yes, expectations are Wild…
There’s no way Gilles is ON the NHL roster this fall. Guaranteed.
Five Forward System - That chaos was them ordering food. LOL
In like the Zanon for what it is. A Skoula replacement at about the same cost.
That note above about Salcer made me laugh. What a D-bag. I hope he was laughed at on the phone a number of times today.
Russo,
Cammelleri 5 years $6 million per year.
Seems like the Wild should have been involved.
Just over 8 hours into free agency… seems like some of the restless Fletcher bashers need to temper expectations a bit… Free agency isn’t an act of looking through a list of players and hitting the ‘C button’ to sign em!
Fritchies Math Teacher- Nice Post. Your angle makes sense here because Kimmy and
PMB would be close to 9 million and Hetley is 7.5 million. My question to you is with the market as is would Heatley be overpaid at 7.5 mil. The Wild would have to eat that contract for 4 more years ????
FFS +1
Russo should be along any minute to say things are shutting down at the Wild offices for the night and I’ll be back on in the morning with still nothing to report. LOL
Does he have what it takes?
I think so. I’m not terribly optimistic about the Wild getting Heatley, but like Mike (cringing), I’d take him in a heartbeat. 6′4″, 221 lbs, and scored 39 goals last season in an “off” year for him. 28 years old, still should have at least five more good years in him. I think the cancer label is probably unfair. Not everyone has Jerome Iginla’s ethic and attitude. But then not too many guys can score 50 in a season, either.
what makes you guys think other teams will want our garbage? PMB or Shep or Kim J. now you sound like twins fans. lets be real. we missed out on our chance to sign cammallari or hossa, now if heatley doesnt sign here we’re back to square one.
What a lot of those who come on here and whine about no scorers forget that this is only DAY ONE of free agency. Some of the best deals don’t even happen in the first week. Negotiations take time, everyone. Give the system time to work. We have already seen that Fletcher will not make the mistakes of DR. Leipold will not allow that to continue. As a businessman in charge of a multi-million dollar enterprise, he can’t afford to.
Gaby blew his chance at the big payday last year. He’ll just have to take what’s left.
MKIA,
Check the numbers: Heatly is worth every $$$ from a pure statistical pov.
Cancer in the locker room? That’s another story…
would Heatley be overpaid at 7.5 mil
Not if he scores 40+ goals.
gabby in NYR!!
TSN has Gabby to the rangers for 5.75mil/yr - 5 years
5 for 28.75
Rumors Still at this point
Rumor Habs offer Gaborik a contract - stay tuned
Rumor - Havlat to the Kings - big money and long term
Rumor - Ty Conklin to the Flyers or Leafs or Blues
Rumor - Brashear to the rangers
Rumor - Canadiens after Antropov
Rumor - Huet to the Oilers or Kings
Rumor - Kings after Gaborik
Rumor - Blue Jackets offer Garon a contract
Rumor - Kaberle for Kessel back in play
Rumor - Gionta to sign soon
Once again people, the season doesn’t start tomorrow. If there are no moves between now and the first game, then you can complain. There is really no justification to continue whining.
Gaby to NYR 5yrs/$28.75MM
Does that surprise anyone?
Ya really had to have seen that coming…either NY or LA.
Russo, where you at?
I’d be happy if Gaby goes East and NY would fit him. He wants the bright lights, big city. I just thought it would be LA.
Only about $50MM less than the Wild offered last summer.
heatly to edmonton, gaborik to nyr 
Fletcher unavailable to media for few hours: Translation = New Mild GM has gone totally fetal and is hiding under his desk at Mild HQ and is holding a letter opener at his own throat after being completely over matched and outclassed on Day 1 of NHL free-agency. Emergency personnel currently trying to convince him to put down the letter opener, and to come out and just have a good cry.
“Rumor - Ty Conklin to the Flyers or Leafs or Blues” - Already a Blue
“Rumor - Brashear to the rangers” Already a Ranger
“Rumor - Blue Jackets offer Garon a contract” - Already a BJ
HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, etc.
Good riddance!
Can’t forecheck, anyway.
Food
Hate to say it, but if Havlat goes to the Kings…….
I better not say it…
Ghost will get eaten alive by the Ranger fans and media as soon as he’s injured or not producing. Ek’s got Heatley going to EDM “deal official”
RoadTripper:
Are you trippin on a certain somethin somethin? Front Office kool-aid perhaps?
All of us who are questioning our offensive options (what is left of them) on day 1 have every right to be concerned when already the best player is off the board.
Cammalleri is gone as well, leaving us with two talented, albeit injury prone scorers in Havlat/Gabby to pick from. Id say that yes, the criticism and concern is certainly warranted.
Im sorry but Kovalev/Tanguay/Gionta/Antropov are unacceptable for a front office that promised us much more!
Oh my…….He must feel like an idiot now. He will get absolutely eaten alivw in that market if he doesn’t stay healthy AND produce. The happiest man on the planet right now must be Wade Redden (who, by the way, makes more than a million more per year than Gaborik). Redden will no longer be the scapegoat there.
Wow people settle down. I realize that the so called top free agents have signed, but what people dont realize is that there are a lot of players that are going to be available through trades in the next couple of months. Yes, it would have been nice to sign a big player right away when free agency started, but the fact is that we are not going to go crazy and get into a bidding war with other teams such as Montreal. Zanon is not a huge name or a huge sign, but the fact is that we have a spot or two open at D and those positions need to be filled, so dont get so upset because what do you want the front office to do? Not sign a 5th or 6th Dman and only play with 5 Dmen? C’mon. Be a little bit more patient I’m sure something will happen if not this week than in the coming month or two. I’m almost positive Harding will be dealt soon and that will bring in a player and maybe a pick, however I was hoping he would go to the Blues because of all the young talent they have, but they just signed Conklin so, that is unlikely.
Bring the NHL to Minny !!
Bend over Wild fans. He comes another year of lies and false promises. Waiting for Fletcher to tell everyone we didn’t want to overpay. Freaking clowns running this team.
Here is what I see. The Wild want more offense. I presume we will get Havlat or another offensive type guy and he will cost 5 mil ?
Here is what I am trying to tell all my very hard headed Posse on the Rant. Sign Modano in a trade and you have your center for 2.2 million as that is the amount the Wild would be responsible for. Give them Harding.
If Hard headed Hicks the owner of Dallas Stars dont want to do it then what about a guy like Mats Sundin or Joe Sakic (maybe health problem, so if healthy) That is my though process. Obvioussly if the Wild had all the money in the world you dont bother with this
I am sick of being patient…. I don’t care if I am called a troll. This is really disappointing…
The more things change…
Ghost is actually at 7.5M/year
Yay!!!!!!!!!!!! Gabby and Salcer eat a $50 million $$$$$ S*%T sandwich!! I am going to celebrate!!!! these 2 were made for each other…
Heatley supposedly was just traded to EDM, from our good friend Eklund…
also, Gionta supposedly going to the Habs too. Wow, talk about reloading an offense.
I agree with Darren.
New clowns = Old clowns. The Kool-aid gulping fans at the X had better send a message.
MKIA…
don’t see MODO leaving the Big ‘D’, would welcome it, even if at this point in his career it wouldn’t impact the club all that much (wouldn’t hurt either) I just don’t see him moving at this point in time…
yea, gabby got his 7.5 and NY; I feel bad for wishing bad things to happen but I hate NY in every sport with a passion.
Oh, yeah, Gabby really got what was coming to him, having to deal with a measly 7.5 a year…. I am sure is is about to fire his agent right now….and break down crying, how screwed he got, 7.5 mil and playing in NY…
Sorry….
make that a $40 million $$$$ S*&T sandwich. Still a big S#@T sandwich though. I think I probably could have found a way to like the Twin Cities and the club for about $40M.
And he didn’t like the direction the Wild were headed? And he goes to the Strangers?? Oh mannnnnn………….
I’m not afraid to say it: New Clowns in charge at the X = dismal failure already.
In what way is the Rangers direction worse than the Wild direction? They bent the Habs over yesterday unloading Gomez and now signed Gabby to a 5 year deal where he should be happy. Am I missing some breaking Wild news?
I presume we will get Havlat or another offensive type guy……WAKE UP CALL !!
GOOD PLAYERS DON’T WANT TO COME HERE !!
This team is blighted around the league. It’s a cancer. Don’t know how it can be fixed.
it’s not really 40M either as his current contract is only 5 years, not 10 (that’s what we offered right, 10 years?). Who knows how the economics work out but assuming he doesn’t get massively injured in the next 5 years, he’ll probably make most if not all of that missing money in the other 5 years of the contract; not to mention whatever extra endorsement money he can get in NY vs MN.
I don’t like it, but I don’t think this is a bad deal from Gabby’s standpoint.
FrozenWeiner: The guy is wsting away in Dallas playing for the owner. He needs a refreshing change. The guy has wanted to come back here for years. I woudl say it would be a very calculated risk that I would rll the dice on that he would be jacked to come back. I would predict 75 on the high side and 65 on the low side. Short term deal. I think its a perfect fit
I remember Bobby Smith returned to Minnesota after playing in Montreal and that was the year the team went to the cup. So it can work out. I will say this Mister FrozenWeiner I think he would produce more then Saku on offense
God I want to stop being negative, but I really need a small reason right now…
It’s early people, but this is already a joke. This is supposed to be the “state of hockey”? I’ve lived here and played hockey here all of my 43 years, and I’m about ready to hang the skates up on these idiots. We have high expectations for our hockey teams and deservedly so. They are printing money over there at the X and Leipolds wife has more money than she can spend in 10 generations of inheritances, and we can’t land 1 decent free agent in the early signing period? It’s about time we start sending these people a message. I didn’t go to any games last year, and it appears it will be the same this year. I can’t believe these clowns didn’t resign Skoula, he fits right in with their whole package.
Pathetic!
I was ripped earlier for being “disappointed” at the Wild’s slow start. I acknowledged it was early, but I still was hoping for something more.
As Russo has pointed out, the appeal of free agency is that teams don’t have to give up resources (players, picks) to get players. Well, the Wild are in a position now where that is about the only thing they can do to actually improve (replacing Gaborik w/Havlat is a wash at best).
Zanon replacing Skoula is mediocrity for mediocrity. Bottom line is that as of right now, we are worse today than we were yesterday.
I wonder if Ranger fans wish their team had been as “patient” as the Wild has been?
I find myself in the not-so-vocal minority that doesn’t want a big free agent; you get one good player in here and we might be back in the playoffs exiting in the first round for another 3 or 4 years, then Koivu and Burns leave for someplace to try and win.
I’d rather sign scrubs and get a top pick for one or two years, stock some picks and then try and make a run at the Cup. Playoffs are nice, but I want a Cup in the State of Hockey before I die.
I can see it playing out this way:
Gaborik and is agent keep the Fletcher crew hostage while they pursue their best interests, holding the carrot in front of them until the bitter end, until he signs with the highest bidder, NY. In the meantime, the Fletcher crew let every FA worth a S!H!T! slip through their green little fingers. Sound over simplied? Don’t bet on it.
Do any of you guys (and gals) who are making these negative comments actually play hockey? Or did you in high school or college?
What is the hold up on Saku!!!!!
For all of you people being negative, what do you want the wild to do?!?!? There were 3 elite free agents out there this free agent period. Havlat, Hossa, and Gaborik. Gaborik wasnt staying and it is reporting that Hossa heavily favored Chicago. The only one we had a shot at was Havlat and we signed him.
They sent a contract to Saku and are just waiting to hear back from him. And according to Russo they plan on signing Feditenko. They are doing everything they can to sign the best FA available and you still complain.
You guys are just whining for the sake of whining
