Day One Flashback: Havlat, Zanon in; Koivu likely next; Maybe Fedotenko, another defenseman
Posted on July 2nd, 2009 – 12:24 AMBy Michael Russo
Want to see Martin Havlat? Go to YouTube and watch some of his goals. Start with this
A Russo’s Rants record — my sixth blog of the day and only the blog Gods know how many times I added or tweaked a line inside the other five blogs.
Here are the articles:
Martin Havlat/Greg Zanon/Potential near Saku Koivu signing article is right here
Column I wrote on Marian Gaborik’s departure is here
Gaborik timeline with the Wild, as put together by editor Mark Wollemann, is here
I promised you: BE PATIENT!
Did many of you listen? Nope, not judging by the completely out of control angst and anger and hysteria inside the below blogs today. I was honestly getting worried that some of you were about to send yourselves to the hospital or worse.
These things take time, and let’s be honest here, the Wild had a productive day.
This is the reality: When you consider the Sedin Twins didn’t hit free agency and Marian Gaborik was out of play for Minnesota, there were only three elite free agents left for 30 teams to pursue — Marian Hossa, Mike Cammalleri and Martin Havlat.
Hossa signed for 12 years in Chicago and seemed to target the Hawks, so the Wild didn’t have a shot like seemingly 28 other teams. Cammalleri chose to go to Montreal. I just spent five days in Montreal; hard to blame the guy.
And the Wild — yes, the Minnesota Wild — landed the third — Havlat – and at a pretty quality price at $5 million per (4, 5, 5, 5, 5 and 6 actually) because it allows the team to do other things. I think I laid out in Wednesday’s Insider fairly well that Havlat was the most logical for the Wild to go after and that sources said he wanted to come here.
And like I laid out for you in the same column, I promise you, the Wild is not done. The team expects a decision from Saku Koivu in the morning, sources say, and if Koivu does go elsewhere, the Wild will decide how to proceed and spend that money elsewhere. But I’d be surprised at this point if Koivu doesn’t sign.
The Wild is still in on Ruslan Fedotenko, sources say, and it still must acquire a defenseman. Could Rob Scuderi or Francois Beachemin still be the guy? Depends largely on whether Koivu signs, and if so, what’s the price? If he does sign, I’d think those guys would be too expensive unless the Wild dumps some salary in a trade. And with Burns, Johnsson, Zidlicky, Schultz and Zanon signed, Wild may be seeking more of a 5 or 6 than another $3 or $4 million defenseman.
Could that be a Jordan Leopold, an Andrew Alberts? Not sure, but if you scour the free-agent lists, there are still some quality 5’s and 6’s out there. Maybe a Skrastins.
Greg Zanon could amount to being a real solid signing, but just because it was released first, it seemed some fans lost their skulls like the Wild went home for the day or something. I don’t know Zanon well personally, but I’ve watched this guy play a lot and he’s a shot-blocking maniac. In fact, sometimes he gets a little too giddy at launching his body in front of pucks.
I talked to Havlat tonight on the phone, which I appreciated, because he was tired and wasn’t calling any other reporters back. As you could tell by his tweets in the blog below, he left Chicago a bitter guy. I talked to him about it extensively, but as far as what I’m able to write, he’d prefer to look forward. He’s very excited about signing here and is confident his injury woes are behind him.
As for his quotes, you can check out the article here.
Again, how good will this signing be? Largely depends on his health because in the past, he’s been every bit an injury risk as Gaborik. But if he’s healthy, Havlat’s a dynamic, dominant player at times. His contract has a no-move clause the first five years; last year is a no-move and limited no-trade.
OK, it was a fun day. I know earlier on there wasn’t a lot of news being flowed to you by me, which probably was frustrating to you, but that’s how it is on free agency day — well, when you’re not being sent emails directly from the NHL like the TV networks.
Agents and teams are busy during the day, and then later on when things quiet down, reporters like me can get to the news.
That’s why you knew about Havlat on here well before anywhere else, as well as Koivu. Self-serving, yes, but it was a frustrating day for me too, especially when you see the type of unethical stuff I’m starting to routinely see out there by “journalists” in this Internet age.
OK, it’s been a really long day. It’ll be another news-filled day Thursday, so talk to you then.
169 Responses to "Day One Flashback: Havlat, Zanon in; Koivu likely next; Maybe Fedotenko, another defenseman"
Great job today Russo!
Atta boy Russo
Solid Russo
Russo you have some of the biggest idiots in the State of Minnesota following you. These tools couldn’t find their way out of a paper bag if they had to. No use giving them any advice, they will just find a way to turn that into a reason to b#tch and moan as well.
I love you, Russo.
Is the unethical stuff you’re talking about Eklund seemingly quoting your blog on a regular basis lately and only siting it as “sources”?
Thanks for all the updates Russo. Good to have a place for reputable news on the Wild.
I don’t want to nit pick. But it is now Tuesday. So the you get an early start to Thusday’s blog. But only 5 posts today, Michael. Good Job. Get some sleep.
Super work today, Russo. A fun Sunday column in a week or two might be a “behind-the-scenes” recollection of how you work on a day like this. Are you mostly trading e-mails with sources or always on the phone? Do you initiate most of the conversations, or are people calling you? Are people pumping you for info as well? It might be fun to get a better sense of what you go through on a day like this.
Hats off to you Mssr. Russo, quality work!
Like I said, the biggest idiots. Today is Tuesday eh Jacks?
Thanks for the hard work today Russo.
Chin up, Don.
Ya did fine.
Well done today Don Russo. This is why you are the best in the business. Many thanks and look forward to a busy day on Thursday!!!
Merci Don Russo. C’est Fantastique.
Great work today Russo, keep it up!! It’s great how you can keep us in the State of Hockey (officially now, as of July 1st) in the know well before anyone else!! Thanks!
Boston still shopping Kessel?
So I need Saku and Scuderi to be blown away but with the Havlat signing and possibly Saku in the bag already I will pre-emptively eat crow and bow to Don Russo on the be patient angle. I will say I that I am sure if it is in the works but Harding to chicago for sharp or bufielyn(however you spell it)could be huge for our offense! Plus dumping Johnsson or PMB would give us salary cap relief. Besides all that I am happy thus far with Havlat and 6yrs/30mil is a F’in steal but C-Fletch needs to finish strong!!!
Happy to have the best beat hockey writer covering the Wild. Keep up the fantastic work, Russo.
OMEN…
Havlat’s birthday is April 19th. Why is this significant? Well, of course, it is the same day that Baby Jesus #7 was born 2 short years later on the East side of St. Paul….
russo, hated your playoff picks in the past, but logged on and looked at your work to find out what actually happened. it is 0219 now and the nhl network does not show the big move for us, so maybe at this point some under the radar extras would be great. But lets get the koivu’s together cuz we can be the state of hockey and family at the same time!!!!
Sir Don,
You are the closest thing to God/Will of the universe when it comes to Hockey. Love You! Shame (for me) you are already married.. Even as I do it overseas, you are the first person I check out when it comes to nhl-hockey rumors/stuff. Love you, keep up the fantastic level of style, humour and knowledge. We must all bow in front of you!
Uh.
Anyway.
Thanks for the hard work today, Russo. I tell ya, I get a lot of tweets but when I get one from you, the feeling is more like, “Oh yay! *Real* news.”
Point being, your high standards don’t go unnoticed or unappreciated.
As far as the hysteria… It’s just an overreaction from having been disappointed so many times for so long. It’s a bit “herd mentality” but somewhat understandable. It will get better as trust in the current regime is formed. I hope.
So, now that all that fun is over and we’re on mop up duty, where does Kovalchuk go next summer?
Fun hasn’t even started for me! Mr. Mill needs to get mama some goal scorers for the farm!
is it safe to post now are all the troll’s back under the bridge,great job russo your the best.
do them scorers have to be good looking to 
Nope. Just get the puck in the net. I’m all set for eye candy.
well i hope you get what u want
Just reading some of the comments from last night … wow. Some of you people need some serious help.
Happy with the way yesterday went. The Wild did good and so did you, Russo.
Glad to see Havlat signed, although I am a bit leery due to his age and injury history. Do the Wild have any interest in trading for Phil Kessel? That IMO would definitely be a splash that CF talked about making. Good job on all the info so far Russo!
Outstanding job Mike, looking forward to today while Im road tripping, get on KFAN if you can. Always!
Thanks for all your hard work, Russo! Us fans can get pretty worked up quick. It was tough seeing the greatest Wild player in our history leave (even if it was injured) and knowing we had to get Havlet done. You were right about patience as it did pay off and we know that we’re not done yet. Thanks for feeding this starving fan base who craves news every minute!
There’s no smackdown like a Russo smackdown! Awesome!
I think Mike’s got an admirer across the pond, eh? That’s what happens when. You’re. AWESOME!!!
Do the Wild have any interest in trading for Phil Kessel?
What do we have in trade value? Boston doesn’t need a goalie, so that leaves…Sheppard? Pouliot? Cuma? Draft picks?
Not much in the cupboard.
Better go after Saku hard or get another center in FA along with a D-man or two
Yesterday’s barrage would have never happened if the kiddies were in school or it wasn’t free internet day at Lino Lakes and Stillwater criminal housing facilities! Anyhow, thanks Don Russo for your insight and reporting acumen.
Speaking of goalies, what’s the latest on Harding? With other teams signing goalies does that not drive Josh’s value down or does it have no affect at all? I seem to recall reading that the Blues had interest. Is that still the case?
Blues signed conks, no?
Oh, and if St. Louis really thinks Ty Conklin is the goaltending answer, me thinks they will be losing a lot of 6-5 games. I’d still be working St. Louis for a trade involving Harding (sounds like a young team needing a veteran presence, maybe send Harding and Nolan for Backes, since we really don’t know how Nolan will mesh with the new coach).
Yup. I’d say the Blues are well out of the goalie shopping business. Got a real nice core now with Bishop/HOLT!!! in Peoria and Mason/Conks in St. Louis.
Does that mean the blues will be in one of the outdoor games on new year’s day? Isn’t it a league rule that conklin has to appear in every outdoorheritageclassic game?
Philly might need another goalie. Boucher can’t hack it and Emery is insane, so maybe there.
Forgot about Mason and you know the minors better than anyone ms. c. Scratch my thought.
sounds like a young team needing a veteran presence,
Tkachuk doesn’t count as a veteran presence?
Good job Michael, steller as usual. Very happy with the signings and with Fletch. Best thing is, we arent done yet!
Edmonton and Philly both hard up, maybe Atl not feeling confident but Harding hasn’t proven much more than anything they had.
Maybe Chicago with nothing but Huet too, think we can get Toews? 
Wafer, I get the impression Philly thinks they’re set for goalies, but I agree with you. I think that’s going to sink them.
Good point wafer, I need caffiene!
‘Bulin put an axe on one of those, having a short memory is only good for some things.
Ms. Conduct-
How does Tim Brent sound in Houston? Was in a logjam in Pit, traded to CHI…still young, big, can put the puck in the net…has Wilkes Barre/CF written all over him…
Edmonton signing Khabibulin is no sure thing either, but I can’t believe there is a snowball’s chance in hell of making a deal with them for Harding. Our options are running out I fear.
However, hanging on to Harding as insurance for Backstrom (hate to see what would happen if injury hits and we are without Harding) until the trading deadline when teams vying for playoff position might need goaltending. It may stink for Harding now, which is too bad.
I remember his name, Ben, but not his game. Nice numbers though, but what’s with only 64 games played?
Maybe Edmonton would part with O’Sullivan for Harding?
(I kid)
Great job, Russo and welcome Mr. Havlat!
Ms C - your 5:09am post was priceless. I don’t know why but all I could think of is Youngblood. “….get Mama some goalscores on the farm.”
That’s a good question and I don’t know. I do know that he was originally drafted by ANA (twice) and has had no problem putting up the points at the AHL level.
I am not going to pretend that I know the guy but the signing would make sense…still young, Fletcher knows him, still has some potential…
I’d rather see him signed on a two-way contract than Olvecky.
Also, after listening to Zanon talk to Kevin Falness, I would be surprised if Zanon/Zidlicky are not the third pairing. I can see Scuderi or Beauchemin being paired with Johnsson as I think Schultz will be with Burnzie.
For some reason, I was excited about the possibility of getting Steve Eminger but I don’t think it would make sense considering we have Johnsson, Burns and Zidlicky.
Russo is hands down a top 2 NHL reporter!!! (Dreger being the other) GREAT JOB RUSSO!!
Ps…Havlat you won”t be bitter for long! MN isn’t the state of hockey for nothing!
Wow it’s nice to back here today and see some normalcy restored. Yesterday was a damn train wreck reading this thing.
I’m looking forward to seeing what comes of today.
Coulpe of Twets from Havlat’s agent Allan Walsh, sorry if these were posted already:
Havlat received multi year offers from several teams…except Chicago. After 3 months of negotiating a long term contract, Chicago would…
…not offer anything more than a 1 year deal. So much for taking care of the team MVP.
Twets = Tweets (I think)
Ms C. Petr Kalus is coming back right? Does that help at all?
Thanks Russo!!
As a side note: Can MN really be called the state of Hockey? Turn on the radio to kf@n yesterday while in the car in hopes to hear anything hockey or Wild related… in the 20-30 minutes I had it on, which was torture in itself, I didn’t even hear anything sports related other the commercials. What a joke. Aside from Russo, there are a couple of local TV guys that dabble in it, and the other writers in town… well you all know how their occasional cheap seats forays into hockey commentary go over…
Point is, it is kind of sad that this is supposedly such a hockey state with no one but Russo (Thanks again Russo!) covering puck on such a big day!
Have to wonder if Kalus would have come back without the change. Did he hate KHL or DR & Co. more?
props to russo as well….
havlat in Minny…..still can’t belive it……this has been a good free agency so far….
*prepares for the onslaught of posters bashing the new gm for his signings even though they have no idea what they are talking about*
P.S. I’m not arguing the state of hockey thing - the great fans, great players and rich hockey history make it the SoH… the media in the state is lame is the point I guess
Did I mention thanks to Russo - I think he was up the latest last night of all the hockey bloggers!
too many people are so stuck in the espn mentality that they ignore hockey all together…..
sports center sucked last night….if tennis wasn’t on espn, they wouldn’t have shown 20 minutes of tennis highlights throughout the show….
granted it is wimbolen…..but still….who cares about tennis?
they spent more time on tony romo playing golf with tiger, than the nhl signings….I loved the anchors reaction to the 4 signing on the screens…..he sounded so bored talking about hockey….
oh well
Thank you Mr. Russo. I enjoyed the tweets yesterday. I’m following NHL and TSN, and they are easily 2 steps behind you… ain’t got nothing on you. Keep up the good work!
I’m not much for Dreger. He’s too slick and I can’t trust guys that look into the camera and start to go cross-eyed.
But he’s either psychic or he has nudie pictures of Bettman, as good as some of his scoops are.
Don -
Great job covering yesterday. Yes, there were a lot of trolls on the board ready to get rid of the new management group. But, like I posted last night, it takes time. Now, let’s see who else we get to plug the remaining holes. Also, it will be iteresting to see where the UFAs (SRV, MAB, Foster, Skoula) end up.
p.s. now that the rangers signed gabby….they need to sign bertuzzi….
then I can have my dream of the handelbar mustached team….truly embrace the bad guy role guys……
I can picture sean avery doing an on ice interveiw between periods…
Mcguire: So Sean…how do you like your teams chances today against philly?
Avery: *twirls mustache* “well…we are disapointed that carter escaped the railroad tracks…..todd said he tied the knot really tight….but can’t win all of the battles…”
“rest assured though he will not have time to disarm all of the explosives in the mine. Once that mine gets destroyed all of the towns folk will be out of jobs, and have to work for me!” *MUUUAAA HA HA HA HA HAAAA!!!!!!*
Pierre: “ummm…….okayyyy…..lets get ready for the second period…”
Russo, you the man!
Thanks for all your hard work. You’ve made the last few days of June/July very fun for this hockey fan.
The Wild should send you a check for all the Wild interest you’re fostering. At least their Marketing dept. should buy you lunch.
Day 2 = Saku + Fedotenko + Scuderi
Harding is here until trade deadline, no market for him now.
I must’ve missed it… anyone know the latest on Kessel?
so you are saying there is no reason to back and read what i missed from last night?
Ugh. Nudie pictures of Bettman… Nick… too early….
Ms C. Petr Kalus is coming back right? Does that help at all?
Yep, he’s coming back (and no, I very much doubt he’d be coming back if not for the change in philosophy) and no, I don’t expect him to be much help. I don’t think he did much of anything back in Europe last season, so I don’t anticipate the improvement necessary to make him worth a roster spot at either level. I’m not a fan.
” insurance for Backstrom (hate to see what would happen if injury hits and we are without Harding) until the trading deadline when teams vying for playoff position might need goaltending”
Good point. I may need to be patient on the Harding trade for Backes or Clowe. Teams in the hunt late season are more inclined to pay a kings ransom for ’solid’ goal tending. As long as Harding doesn’t get exposed he’s still our most valuable ‘asset’. (not saying he’s not good, just that he still hasn’t been tested over a full season)
Thanks for the quality and reliable work, Russo. Us regular ranters appreciate that you always get a solid confirmation before sharing the news.
I think Day 1 went very well for the Wild. They didn’t overpay for Camelleri. They got Havlat for 5 mill a year, which is a good contract. Zanon… I like.
The other interesting storyline from yesterday was most of the teams with a known interest in Harding picked up goalies on multi-year contracts. I can’t help but wonder if a team like Detroit might not call Fletcher up. I wouldn’t mind a Harding for Hurdler trade. Detroit has a lot of prospects and young guys, and they have a need for a potential starting goalie.
Geez, it was freaking crazy in here yesterday….. I think my favorite comments were the “Fire Fletcher” ones. Yeah, because he should’ve been able to undo 9 years worth of bad decisions in 1 day. Dorks. It takes 2 days for a guy like Fletch…. RW, I hope you’re right! Especially about the first two, Koivu and Tank.
come on, Ms.C! You telling me this isn’t hot, hot, hot?!?
“What a joke. Aside from Russo, there are a couple of local TV guys that dabble in it”
This still blows me away. Hey Brown Institute students. Want to find your niche and build a career? Cover hockey (exclusively) in MN. Now that Dubay went the way of the pipe, your only competition is Russo (fomidable) and Nanne’s occasional infomercial….er interviews on KFAN. There no way the current supply/reporting is meeting the current demand/us.
If we sign someone like Fedetenko, along with Koivu, then who are we getting rid of. Assuming the 3rd line would be Brodziak, Clutter and Nolan/Brunno or Fedetenko. We have Mittens, Shep, Bella, Boogey, Weller, Brodziak, Benny P and Kalus lined up as potential4th liners and that is assuming that Gilles goes to Houston.
Do you think we can trade some of these guys (Bella, Weller, Boogey) for draft picks?
If Harding is here until the deadline, that may be a problem. He’s arbitration eligible, so his salary is going to be far more this year.
Kalus was jobbed in last year’s camp. He should have made the team, but Pooh-Bear was a 1st round pick and we all remember how infallible Smug was.
He’s back because the NHL is the best league in the world and regime change is nice.
If SKoivu signs today (almost a foregone conclusion, no?) and they pick up another ‘D’ man it will be the most productive UFA period ever for the Wild.
As promised.
Unless the Wild play Harding more and establish him as a viable and more than ready starting goalie, a team pushing for a playoff drive won’t trade for him. If things remain status quo, Harding would go as part of a package to a team in return for a veteran for a Wild playoff push.
Right now, Harding is just a prospect who has some very good in game numbers. That’s why I think a team like Detroit wouldn’t mind putting him behind Osgood and expecting a evolving goalie rotation/competition.
argon: Bert is still out there…you just may get your wish!
Ms. C: “get Mama some goal scorers for the farm”? If there were only 6 or 7,000 more like you down there, Houston might just have that NHL franchise! (But then, that would take away from the ‘kitsch’ of the Aeros, wouldn’t it?)
And to all of you: Having seen first hand some of the lengths that the Don goes to in order to get this info to you, I think yesterday was another example of why Michael Russo is the best in the business when it comes to NHL hockey reporting.
TSN’s Darran Dreger has a distinct advantage in that he is in Toronto, where all NHL info eminates from. He has it easy. He has an entire network of people behind him.
In short: Russo >>> Dreger. ‘Nuff said…
“Do you think we can trade some of these guys (Bella, Weller, Boogey) for draft picks?”
If the draft has a 84th round.
Morning everyone. I brought snacks for the Trolls in hopes it keeps them quiet.
Sooo, Havlat eh?
I think Barerrio does a credible job with hockey. He admits he knows nothing and brings Nanne on to cover it.
Tennabee = Smug on radio.
Thank God the only times we have to see Dumb and Dumber is during the season.
Which team will have the biggest issue with the cap before the season starts? Looks like these 4 are most likely:
Flyers: 11 F; 6 D; 2 G signed — 2.157 M cap space
Flames: 11 F; 5 D; 2 G signed — 3.752 M cap space
Habs: 8 F; 6 D; 2 G signed — 10.454 cap space
Rangers: 5 F; 4 D; 2 G signed — 16.436 M cap space
Dear god. 6 or 7,000 of me would just be scary.
Nick… *shudder* What a troll.
kj, you’re kidding right? “Kalus was jobbed in last year’s camp. He should have made the team”
I respectfully have to disagree. Pouliot had nothing to do with Kalus not making camp. Kalus is Kalus’s problem.
I don’t mean to poop on the party . . .
I’m concerned about a six year deal with a no trade clause for Havlat. I suppose he could be correct in saying the shoulder injuries are behind him, but he has missed a lot of games due to groin and hamstring injuries.
In fact, there seems to be a pretty extensive laundry list of leaving games early with injury and missing a game or two with an injury. I’m pretty sure most people on this board are on the record complaining about players not playing through minor injuries.
On top of that Ottawa had no problem trading him away and Chicago wouldn’t dish out anything more than a one year deal. It can’t be a good sign that his two previous employers appeared indifferent about retaining his services.
I don’t know if anything I wrote is cause for alarm, but there are some potential red flags for a guy the Wild just locked up for the better part of a decade.
I’m just trying to present the rest of the story.
I’m concerned about a six year deal with a no trade clause for Havlat.
I agree. But it’s all aboug gambling. You can’t win the big bucks if you gamble a little.
Also, would you rather have Havlat who will miss 22 games a season, but only by missing a game or two here and there…. or Gaborik who misses all 22 games in a row? I am not sure which is better.
AiH:
I agree. But it’s all aboug Ga-mbl-ing (I think that word gets you moderated). You can’t win the big bucks if you don’t g-a-mb-le a little.
Also, would you rather have Havlat who will miss 22 games a season, but only by missing a game or two here and there…. or Gaborik who misses all 22 games in a row? I am not sure which is better.
I don’t know if this has been mentioned yet (and maybe KiPA has a better perspective) but the guys on TSN were saying yesterday that Scuderi really wants to remain a Penguin and that the team more or less told him to go out there and get some offers to see what his market value was. So, he may just be using us for leverage and I think the Pens resign him if they come anywhere close to what other teams like us are offering. Any thoughts?
Pewterschmidt,
So then what do we do with all those fringe players. I really don’t see Benny playing in Houston again this year. I think he either proves himself ready or he is traded for any warm body (or draft pick). Kalus fits in that boat as well to me.
ms.c…I am no NHL talent scout, but I thought Kalus had a better camp than Poultine.
Perhaps it’s my B-B-B-Benny Bias, but I would have kept Kalus.
If he went downhill in Houston, it was Kalus’ fault.
Tend to agree with you Aaron, but I think it’s an okay risk for where the team is at right now. It’s always going to be something, right?
I do like the singnings and the direction “maybe” I dont think the team should pay more then 3 million for Saku and keep the term at 2 years if you can
The reason why you go for him
Playing with his brother could give him a spark again to produce more. Fletcher as well as other GM types look for that type of stuff like, Brodziak and Zonan familiarity with Richards
Strong Character and another center
The reasons why you dont
His age and life experiences is what likely was the reason Gainey did not resign him. Remember hockey is a kids game and when you are mature now like he is you lose your zest.
But Note:
But as I say, 2 years, no longer then his brothers contract. This could be fun again for him and refreshing
I have said the same type of things about Modano. He is a guy that if you look at his numbers has not been motivated to play. He is 39. If he returns this year we can get 1 great year from him, but if he returns next year we can get 1 good year.
Either way he presents himself as one hell of a deal for the Wild for 1 year
flames and flyers need to dump a little cap space…..
habs are alright…..they can get 5 2 mil players and be in perfect shape…
rangers only have 5 forwards right now???
my goodness…..they could sign bertuzzi!!!!!
now I just need to send a picture of that dimondbacks reliver with the handelbar mustache to avery….anyone know where I can get his e-mail?
Don’t know if this was posted earlier or not, but here are the Tweets from Alan Walsh on the Havlat-Hawks issue: “Havlat received multi year offers from several teams…except Chicago. After 3 months of negotiating a long term contract, Chicago would…not offer anything more than a 1 year deal. So much for taking care of the team MVP.” I guess this is why Havlat is PO’d, but I don’t know if I can blame the Hawks for moving that direction once the knew they had a shot at Hossa.
He was never EVER uphill in Houston. Lemaire would have eaten him for lunch in a matter of weeks with his lack of discipline.
I will definitely go with missing a game or two here and there. It’s less disruptive to the team chemistry and momentum.
I can’t believe Chicago would only offer Havlat a one year deal and then sign Hossa to a 12 year contract. Does anyone else find that strange? Oh well, their loss, our gain. I especially like Havlat’s playoff performance (very un-ghost like).
btw…I consider it morning now. I’m wondering when we’ll hear some news from Saku.
In the upcoming more offense-minded system - wouldn’t a BP or a Kalus have a better chance to shine?
I’m looking forward to seeing what some of the kids can do with Richards calling the shots now.
russo….I beg you to plant the seed to the rangers beat writer……
I want a line of avery gabby and bertuzzi in new york……I don’t care if I am the only one that wants to see it…that would be amazing!
I will definitely go with missing a game or two here and there. It’s less disruptive to the team chemistry and momentum.
The Wife and I both said the same thing last night Bisker. If Havlat misses a few games in a row, I think I am okay with that… if he blows a tire for 20+ games in a row that could spell trouble.
MKiA,
You may find it strange, but I actually agree with your assessment.
-I do like the singnings and the direction “maybe” I dont think the team should pay more then 3 million for Saku and keep the term at 2 years if you can
The reason why you go for him
Playing with his brother could give him a spark again to produce more. Fletcher as well as other GM types look for that type of stuff like, Brodziak and Zonan familiarity with Richards-
Really hoping to see us grab Saku and Fedetenko today. Adding Marty and those two would give us one of our deeper more balanced offenses ever
chicago’s deal while technichly 12 years…does fade to under 1 mil for the last 4 years…..pretty sure the cap hit will remain….
does anyone know what cap hits are like after buyouts?
is it only the guaranteed money that is on the cap?
Hey, I’m a real Tweeter idiot, but can someone tell me what the list of other tweeters who are “following” one tweeter means?
Yesterday, the Don had a few “followers,” including Havlat, Dreger and Allan Walsh. Today, he’s busting with all sort of league types, including Bettman. Are these fake or what?
I saw it on espn’s site….but I don’t remember it exactly
Glad to see somebody pulled down the red and white big-top that was pitched over this place yesterday.
Aaron, no doubt there are red flags.
But he’s got a history of providing offense and that’s what this team sorely needs.
Did angrywildfan hurt himself?? if not I’d like to send him to the hospital(:
hockey dad…
tweetees????
I think those are all real Hockeydad. I am following Dreger as well as Havlat.
havlat/koivu for gabby, i’d take that trade any day. havlat for gabby straight up, probably not as much. and hadn’t heard of zanon before, but seems like a guy we didn’t really have before. the questions is, can he get guys out of backy’s face?
so far good job chucky. making lemonade out of dougie’s lemons.
also, thanks russo, great work. and if you’re not following russo and some others on twitter throughout free agency you are missing out. it’s phenomenal.
Not only might playing with his brother give Saku a spark, but I think the change of scenery would be an even bigger factor in that. He’s played in Montreal his whole career, and that probably gave him a certain comfort level. Being in a new place will maybe give him the drive to prove himself again to a new organization, which is never a bad thing.
Glad to see somebody pulled down the red and white big-top that was pitched over this place yesterday.
Indeed. Much less like a circus this morning. But don’t worry, it will revert to that by this afternoon I bet.
ConnorMacManus says:
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:51 am
In the upcoming more offense-minded system - wouldn’t a BP or a Kalus have a better chance to shine?
I’m looking forward to seeing what some of the kids can do with Richards calling the shots now.
Absolutely agree, you have to give these kids a yr in this system before you think about giving up on them.
angrywildfan had his bowl of tweetees….looked outside and saw clouds….
then ran for his life because the sun was no more…..he will be found 3 years from now in anchorage eating dog food with huskies…..howling at the moon.
huskies rule!!!
Go Wild!!!!!
We need grit players. This team still is not going anywhere in the playoffs with this roster. I will say it again that they have to get rid of seven players. Bouchard,Skoula,veipoo,belanger,johnsson,gillies and sheppard.
Who cares about grabodic. This selfish idiot will be hurt in the 5th game from east coast style hockey. I just hope the boogeyman catches him in a corner.
A tweet from DarrenDreger: No Stamkos. No Spezza. join us on tsn2… get ready, some interesting omissions…
I am confused.
One thing on top of what I have just said. Maybe Fletch does nothing because teams will dump some Gems later as mister Beast has just said
I do like the singnings and the direction “maybe” I dont think the team should pay more then 3 million for Saku and keep the term at 2 years if you can
The reason why you go for him
Playing with his brother could give him a spark again to produce more. Fletcher as well as other GM types look for that type of stuff like, Brodziak and Zonan familiarity with Richards
Strong Character and another center
The reasons why you dont
His age and life experiences is what likely was the reason Gainey did not resign him. Remember hockey is a kids game and when you are mature now like he is you lose your zest.
But Note:
But as I say, 2 years, no longer then his brothers contract. This could be fun again for him and refreshing
I have said the same type of things about Modano. He is a guy that if you look at his numbers has not been motivated to play. He is 39. If he returns this year we can get 1 great year from him, but if he returns next year we can get 1 good year.
Either way he presents himself as one hell of a deal for the Wild for 1 year
Will Havy need to fight Boogard for #24?
Probably team Canada invites Austin
I didn’t get that either, ATX
Bouchard,Skoula,veipoo,belanger,johnsson,gillies and sheppard
I disagree with you… but I fixed your list. Skoula is gone, and so is SRV.
“So then what do we do with all those fringe players.”
The Wild eat their contracts. There’s little value for these players.
Weller = Zero
Booger = little to no value to a team looking for a goon, but he’s building quite an injury history. teams can ‘develop’ their own goons on the farm for next to nothing.
Belanger = may have marginal value as PK, 3/4th liner. (Can’t beleive I said that)
I think the Dreger tweet is in regards to the CA olympic tryout camp roster being released today.
MiG, that makes sense. I didn’t think about that. Thanks!
that was a vague tweet…(is there any other kind?)
give havlat 89…….I love that number for high scoring wingers for some reason.
At this stage though, Modano is a band-aid that doesn’t really address the bigger issues on the team. If the Wild were really close to being cup contenders, then bringing in a 39 yr old Modano would be a solid move. The fact is that they’re not though, and bringing him in now would be like signing Owen Nolan - whatever production they give, you’ll be trying to replace it in a couple of seasons at most. That’s the beginnings of a vicious circle of scrambling to maintain status quo.
I understand it is a risk the Wild likely had to take. I just wonder if Fletcher would have passed on Havlat if Leipold hadn’t set such a precedent on winning now.
I think that $5 million of cap space each year for the next six years could have been better used in a future free agency year or for trades later this offseason when teams scramble to dump salary.
Based on the history of Havlat the Wild were probably able to sign this guy because of the length and no movement clause. That is what likely made their offer stand out.
I don’t know, just seems like a really risky investment on a guy with one good year under his belt playing for an offensively skilled team.
MKiA… Saku is 34, 35 this fall, not 39.
Argon… I believe the idea with the Hossa contract is that he’ll probably retire after 8 years or so. He’s 30 now. If a player signs a contract before he is 35 retires sometime after he is 35, I believe the cap hit falls off the books. Hossa’s contract is so front loaded that he’ll get $59 million of the 62 mill in the first 8 years of the contract. He’ll be 38. The last 4 years he would earn less than 1 million. If he were to retire, I believe the cap hit is gone and he isn’t leaving much money on the table.
ahhhh….olympics……clever
ty wall……
BTW - my prediction of signing Koivu today at 3pm is starting to look pretty good!
I believe there was a twitter membership offered up as a prize?
Pewterschmidt, Given what Philly has picked up yesterday I wouldn’t say Boogie has no value. To a team like the Flyers another tough guy might be just what they want. I am not saying you will get much for him… but he may be worth something. The injury concern is definitely his biggest obstacle to overcome.
Agreed on Weller. He is worthless. And agreed on Bella.
kudos to burnsie for making team Canada’s camp roster!
I think Saku may be rejuvinated playing on a team with his brother, but also by getting out of being the captain in Montreal. He seemed to take a lot of crap for stupid stuff like not speaking French.
I think the situation is set up nicely for him here and I hope we get him and would be happy with a 3 or maybe 4 year deal of the money is right ($2-3MM)
I don’t know, just seems like a really risky investment on a guy with one good year under his belt playing for an offensively skilled team.
+1
I am worried. But I am keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best.
AiH, for a team that was willing to offer Gaborik a 10 year 78 million dollar contract, I think a 6 year 30 million dollar contract is not that bad. He comes with the same risks but also pretty much the same rewards. I don’t recall his attitude or effort being called into question. His game also makes the players around him better, which was always somewhat debatable with Gaby.
Could they have done something else with the money? Sure. I like Havlat for 5 million better than I like PMB for 4+ million.
I was looking through this blog yesterday out of curiosity. What I find really funny are the people who feel that replacing Gaborik with Havlat and bringing in ‘Don’t Mess with The’ Zonan and an aging SKoivu will get this team to the finals are fooling themselves. A healthy Gaborik is a much better player then a healthy Havlat. Some people on here are like the Twins fans who said after the Crede signing to print up the World Series tickets. Signing Havalt and Zonan to play in the Fletcher/Richards style of play is all part of the plan to make a change. Maybe they will get in to the playoffs? I’m willing to bet it’s going to take at least 2 years before the Wild get the personel here to be considered Cup contenders.
I need resolution on the Saku signing before 3PM so I can get back to work and quite hitting refresh!
will get this team to the finals are fooling themselves
I don’t recall anyone saying anything about the finals…. playoffs yes… finals no. I think this is a team that makes the playoffs. But they are not Stanley Cup calibre IMO.
Belanger is good defensively and fills the role as the checking center nicely, that’s about it, and it’s what I’ve been saying for a while. Even without another C pickup, Shep can center the second line, Brodziak the third and Bel the checking. Bringing in another center lets us take pressure off shep by moving him down to the third and letting Brodz and Bel compete for the checking center spot.
As for Philly, they’ll need another goalie, they just don’t know it yet.
I’m willing to bet it’s going to take at least 2 years before the Wild get the personel here to be considered Cup contenders.
Seems fair.
New blog up top. aka FOODZ.
Not a great hockey mind. Can someone tell me what they think the lines will look like right now. Lets assume Saku does sign with the wild. Thanks
Agreed Jake. Speaking of making players better, I’m intrigued by the possibility of playing him with Butch. Both speedy wingers, I could see Butch getting back to his 50 assist, 65 point level if they played together.
Greg, I think part of Saku’s issue is that he might want a long term deal since he’ll hit 35 this fall. At 34, he can sign a long term deal (think 5-6 years) and the Wild don’t take a hit if he retires.
It works well for both sides, and I think he’ll get 4-5 years.
Burns makes the Olympic camps! w00t!!1
Mark,
I agree on your timetable. But there’s nothing wrong ith it taking that long. I think people heard that there were going to be changes here and somehow expected CF to sprinkle magic pixie dust over the roster, snap his fingers, and suddenly we’d have the ‘85 Oilers. This is going to take time, as they’re trying to fix at least three years’ worth of terrible management, drafting, etc. I do disagree on your statement that Gaborik is far better than Havlat, though. Gaborik is one of the very best in the game when he gets open ice and a step on the defensemen, but he’s fairly one dimensional too, as he doesn’t really create a lot on his own in close quarters. Havlat can. Havlat, when healthy, can hurt you in more ways than one, and can do it with far less open ice than Gaborik would need. And Greg ZAnOn is a pretty underrated d man, he was on my pre-FA wish list along with Havlat, Scuderi, Koivu, and Fedotenko. Zanon is the type of guy this team really needs on the back end - think Curt Giles from the old NStars days.
I’m sure 75% here don’t remember the years when the North Stars got pushed around, beaten up, laughed at around the league as being gutless. Then along come Mr. Jack Carlson and the Arse kicking changed all that.
True, hockey has opend up and it’s a faster game, but you still need a tough guy on your team. Yep, Boogard is not even an average player, but I don’t want the Wild to become the league’s beotches again.
I’m not sure the injury comparisons between Gaborik and Havlat are fair.
From what we’ve been told by Gaby’s doctor, Gaby himself and Salcer (I know, consider the source) Gaby’s groin problems were related to hip deficiencies that have been corrected.
So, Gaby’s injury history could be a moot point going forward. Certainly his first repaired groin speaks truth to that.
Havlat has had his share of lower body issues but it is his shoulder(s) that have been causing the most trouble as of late. Seems to me, that is a spot that stands a much higher chance of a relapse during the course of a season.
I’m not trying to turn this into a Gaby v. Havlat debate. Just trying to point out there is a fundamental difference in their injuries and likelihood to remain healthy going forward.
Here’s what I’d like Chad
Butch-M.Koivu-Havlat
Bruno-S.Koivu.Mietennen
Nolan-Sheppard-Clutterbuck
Puoliot-Brodziak-Weller/Boogaard
If we were to get Fedetenko Id bump Mietennen and Clutterbuck down one each. Resisted the urge to throw Nolan with Bruno and Koivu, although the 34+ line would be interesting to watch!
this team needs another top line scorer before we are finals ready (I am assuming koivu is coming in)
saku is a proven second line center….and havlat is a great winger….we just need one more finisher…..that is where keeping about 3 mil in cap space comes into play….
lots of teams are ready and willing to dump salarys this year…..packaging harding, Boogard, and belanger you can get one of those 4.5-6 mil forwards who are locked up that teams are looking to dump…. (obvoiusly they would need a goalie)
philly could certainly use harding….
same for
edmonton/colorado (even if they signed a couple of average goalies…they will need some more help there in the future…
I know there is more….I am just to lazy to search it out to prove a point!
JtW said it on Gabby v Havlat. Aside from that, Gabby was fast and had a good/fast wrister… what else? IF he could finish or had ANY deke moves or creativity with the puck, he’d be… what people seem to think he is (glassy joe-ness aside). The guy took shifts off, wouldn’t chase pucks, let opposition take the puck and skate off when along the boards, and was pretty one-dimensional in scoring.
And definately Havlat at 5 looks better than PMB at 4.08!
Buck up Russo, your blog sounded like you caught a beating today. Fans are fans, and especially Minnesota fans. We like to b!tCh and moan, but, that’s what we do. Koivu brothers would be exciting! Maybe strengthen the teams identity…Zanon and Clutterbuck, its a good thing they get helmets…Should be fun to watch
AiH: I think you’re right: it is a big concern (but I’m a guy that hates NTCs or NMCs no matter what. For that matter, I also think all professional athletes should always only get 1-year deals. But I’m crazy like that.)
But, Havlat did have some leverage overus even without CL’s comments about what was good enough before not being good enough anymore.
My point (in trying to assuage your concern, if only a little bit) is that: it’s the same concern we would have had with Gaby, but for less money, and with a guy that wanted to be here. I think that’s a net gain.
“Butch-M.Koivu-Havlat”
Finally a legitimate NHL 1st line.
Butch + Havlat could be a beautiful thing.
Great job so far in my humble opinion. Glad we didn’t add anyone lame like Modano, Roenick, (insert other old guy here). We have a solid oldy-but-goody in Nolan. Let’s not make the Wild into the MN Twins who consistently pick up guys trying to prove to themselves and everyone else they can still play. Even if the Wild don’t have to pay a lot to get this type of has-been player, it’s not worth it. Someone already pointed out the vicious circle it creates. And, you need look no further than the last 4-5 years with what the Twins have done to know that it doesn’t work. Unfortunately, the topic will not die until some people wise up. Continue…
Wasn’t Havlat just as injury prone. C’mon guys…Havlat is not even close to having the same level of talent as Gabby. That is why NY signing Gabby makes big news, and the Wild signing Havlat is reserved for the other transactions section.
Hats off to the new staff. Way to go Chuck Fletcher…
Let’s get Koivu and Fedetenko and lets roll….
thanks for the clarity and sanity russo! seriously!
i cannot believe the kind of crap i have been reading in the blog by people who either know jack about hockey but feel the need to complain, or who want to see the team win but have the patience of a 2 year old.
fletcher has done everything he can so far to make this team better and more interesting then it was last year. i for one hugely appreciate his efforts in cleaning up DR’s horrible mess…
