StarTribune.com

Russo’s got ESP?

Posted on July 4th, 2009 – 2:15 PM
By Michael Russo

So, I know, I need to get a life.

On the Fourth of July, I am actually going through all the blogs since the end of the season and categorizing them by what names are in each blog so it’s more organized for you — the Wild fan and Star Tribune subscriber (because I am confident everybody that checks out this lovely free service also supports us by purchasing the paper).

Check the blog I wrote on May 4 on Stephane Veilleux. He hired agent Allan Walsh. In listing Allan’s clients, I got sidetracked like I often do and flashed back into history to when Walsh represented Marian Gaborik. In the blog, I joked how wouldn’t it be funny if years later, he replaced Gaborik in Minnesota for Martin Havlat.

Here’s the link

209 Responses to "Russo’s got ESP?"

ACLUguy says:

July 4th, 2009 at 2:37 pm

If you don’t get the paper i would suggest getting a subscription. If you haven’t looked at the STrib recently, check it as they have added a great deal of “in the paper only” content.

Even though you have the NewHour, MPR and BBC free to you, the daily paper is unparalleled in educating the populous–something we Minnesotans take pride in having. *end rant*

Eric says:

July 4th, 2009 at 2:54 pm

The startribune is a liberal rag that hates anything GOP and Russo’s coverage is one of the bright spots.

Zamboni_driver says:

July 4th, 2009 at 2:57 pm

A subscription to the Strib is fine if you don’t mind the leftist view in almost every article. No one reports the news anymore, they report on what we should believe.

It’s no wonder advertisers and subscriptions are down.

ACLUguy says:

July 4th, 2009 at 3:01 pm

They endorsed Coleman didn’t they? Yep, a commie-socialist DFL rag indeed.

They are fair and their editorial page is the best in the state. It has a wide rang of views as opposed to those in the other paper that are simply recycled from the Monnie owned Washington Times…

woodcock says:

July 4th, 2009 at 3:02 pm

See Michael, You should have gone with your first instinct. Instead you doubted yourself and dismissed the notion that Havlat would come here. You know how they always say when taking multiple choice tests–go with your first instinct–it is more often right.

Dave says:

July 4th, 2009 at 3:09 pm

Not ESP, Russo. You’re just the smartest hockey writer working today. Thanks for all the scoops!

Encrimson'd says:

July 4th, 2009 at 3:14 pm

Man, that is hilarious and a little creepy. You’ve got some farsight precognition that would give Elrond a run for his money. I’m going to have to start calling you Russo Half-Elven. :D

Voice of Reason says:

July 4th, 2009 at 3:17 pm

The startribune is a liberal rag that hates anything GOP and Russo’s coverage is one of the bright spots.

I know! Because the perceived political leanings of the Op-Ed page are relevant to sports!

It’s no wonder advertisers and subscriptions are down.

I hear this “internetweb” thing might have something to do with it too.

FFS, we don’t talk politics in Russoville for a reason.

Kevin in PA says:

July 4th, 2009 at 3:24 pm

I am confident everybody that checks out this lovely free service also supports us by purchasing the paper

Boy, this is awkward…

Stoned on the Breakaway says:

July 4th, 2009 at 3:26 pm

Nice way to get the new posting off to a good start ACLU guy.

Where’s Pronger when you need him.

Stoned on the Breakaway says:

July 4th, 2009 at 3:37 pm

The east side paper gave me a deal on the Sunday paper delivered with full access to a upgraded internet version on T-Sa. 12 months for $.01. Not one penny a month. One penny for the year.

Interesting business model. Sounds like they’ve got Denny Hecker as a business consultant.

We’re losing money on every transaction, but we’ll make it up in volume.

Encrimson'd says:

July 4th, 2009 at 3:37 pm

Pronger’s busy failing to convince his wife that Philadelphia is just as nice of a place to live as Anaheim.

Stoned on the Breakaway says:

July 4th, 2009 at 3:41 pm

Nice call on Havlat Sir Don. That’ll make up for pimpin’ us for a year on the Saku deal that never had a chance to begin with.

wild1 says:

July 4th, 2009 at 3:43 pm

hey did i miss something are we not getting saku?

Stoned on the Breakaway says:

July 4th, 2009 at 3:43 pm

I’ll bet she doesn’t let him get away with cheap shots the way NHL refs do.

wild1 says:

July 4th, 2009 at 3:44 pm

i hope she kick’s his stupid a$$

edgewild says:

July 4th, 2009 at 3:44 pm

What’s this I hear about Rosso getting ESPN? What’s the big deal? I have had it for years!

(Steve “Air” McNair = Dead)

Sorry to read that. Sad.

M 03 says:

July 4th, 2009 at 3:46 pm

Dang Michael, you surprised me in a good way. I wasn’t expecting a fresh post until Monday. Baseball is just down the street - get out, use Morneau’s spectator seats, have a beer. Ya know a guy has got to rest some time.
I did notice the tracking thing. Thanks for the explanation.
KiPA: funny…

Stoned on the Breakaway says:

July 4th, 2009 at 3:46 pm

Every indication currently is that he is leaning heavily elsewhere.

Here’s a thought. Gaby and Saku to the Rags and the Wild take ‘em 4 games to 1 for the Cup in two years.

They get Hossa’d.

Encrimson'd says:

July 4th, 2009 at 3:47 pm

Oh man, SotB, wouldn’t it just be the best to witness a lover’s quarrel between Pronger and his wife? I would pay a lot of money to see her pull warden on him and for him to cower and mutter, “Yes, dear.”

kj says:

July 4th, 2009 at 3:48 pm

I wonder if Walsh had to give Russo a finders fee.

Do you suppose $alcer will try to negotiate the sale price of Gho$t’s condo with Walsh? :P

Five Forward System says:

July 4th, 2009 at 3:49 pm

- FFS, we don’t talk politics in Russoville for a reason.

How did I get involved in this?

- KiPA - if you buy a print copy next time you are in town you will have done all you can. Plus, your page views are worth something to the Strib.

wild1 says:

July 4th, 2009 at 3:50 pm

what would be funny is if she took all his moiney and left his dumb a$$ crying like the wuss he is

Tony says:

July 4th, 2009 at 3:53 pm

Funny that you brought up Havlat way back then Russo!

I don’t subscribe but I also am deployed right now…so doesn’t really do me any good to get news from a week ago lol

Encrimson'd says:

July 4th, 2009 at 3:55 pm

FFS, back when you changed your name I looked forward to just such confusion. :)

Kevin in PA says:

July 4th, 2009 at 3:58 pm

KiPA - if you buy a print copy next time you are in town you will have done all you can

Right, I promise next time I’m in the Twin Cities I’ll buy a copy of the Strib. I’ll even buy two.

wild1 says:

July 4th, 2009 at 3:58 pm

wow Steve McNair is Dead got shot in the head

ACLUguy says:

July 4th, 2009 at 4:00 pm

Tony, thanks and be safe man. If it’s still the 4th where you are, happy 4th to you and yours.

(On a side note, sorry for starting that and my Moonie comment was unfair.)

M 03 says:

July 4th, 2009 at 4:04 pm

Michael - the full circle thing is very insightful. Juust wondering if you know other stuff and just keep it under wraps… mild mannered hockey beat writer indeed.
kj: very funny. How many tatoos are needed for entry to whiskey junction? jk.

M 03 says:

July 4th, 2009 at 4:06 pm

juuust = one u only. sorry.

ms.conduct says:

July 4th, 2009 at 4:09 pm

Boy, this is awkward…

Word.

M 03 says:

July 4th, 2009 at 4:20 pm

Tony - stay safe and thank you.

wild1 says:

July 4th, 2009 at 4:22 pm

happy 4th ms.c

ms.conduct says:

July 4th, 2009 at 4:28 pm

Same to you, Wild1

erik says:

July 4th, 2009 at 5:02 pm

the sports section and reading russo’s rants and articles are the only thing that keeps me reading the star tribune. thanks

kj says:

July 4th, 2009 at 5:28 pm

M 03…

I think there is a 2 tat minimum, but since you know the band…

Talking politics is like talking Bettman. What’s the point.

dan says:

July 4th, 2009 at 5:47 pm

seriously mike, this is your 4th of july agenda? Shouldnt this be stensaas’ job?

Nick says:

July 4th, 2009 at 5:57 pm

ACLU = The Devil

woodcock says:

July 4th, 2009 at 6:05 pm

Very interesting to see how the Hawks problem will be resolved.

4four4 says:

July 4th, 2009 at 6:07 pm

Norm Coleman is and always will be a Democrat. Why do you think he didn’t get re-elected?

Iceman says:

July 4th, 2009 at 6:14 pm

Saku, fills a long-standing Wild weakness. I think the team needs to figure out how to make it work.

Commenting on the remarks on the top of the column … despite the many positions I disagree with the Trib about, I still have their rag delivered. Same with the Duluth paper. And, I would the Pioneer Press if it was delivered here.

But, I wish the Tribune would take a more neutral position in what they choose to publish. I can make up my own mind on issues without some editor holding my hand.

M03, have you joined the ranks of the employed yet?

azwild says:

July 4th, 2009 at 6:18 pm

Screw Saku…I want someone who wants to be here….not someone who was talked into being here by his kid brother. You either want to be here, or you don’t….Let’s move on….Move to ANYTHING but politics….PLEASE, this is not the place for it…Politicians are all a bunch of idiots…Next week we’ll probably all wake up to headlines which read, “Sarah Palin quit in order to be Mark Sanford’s full-time bimbo” WHO GIVES A RAT’S A$$ ALREADY….MOVE ON

Nick says:

July 4th, 2009 at 6:27 pm

What better day to discuss politics than on the 4th. Phu-ck Obama, Frankenstein and all the libtards.

Wild Road Tripper says:

July 4th, 2009 at 6:29 pm

Not good if the Saku Koivu comments mentioned earlier in the last thread are true. Wild rebuilding? Not like Anaheim is!

kgopher says:

July 4th, 2009 at 6:48 pm

Happy 4th of July. Thanks to all the Vets and those currently serving.

There was a youth hockey float in the St. Joseph parade today. The goalie had a sign under him that said “my goal is to stop yours”. Also had lots of State of Hockey and Let’s Play Hockey references. So got a little hockey today. The parade route ends right or just a litte before where I live. It kinda nice. Can sit in the front yard and watch the parade & we could see the fireworks over a neighbor’s house so we sat in the driveway & watched those last night.

palinilap says:

July 4th, 2009 at 6:56 pm

On the anniversary of our country’s independence, ACLU’s propaganda warrants a USMC response. When the Star and Sickle gives us information instead of evaluation (as Mr. Russo does) it will be rewarded in the marketplace. Until then it is headed down the Risebrough Road - still trying to manage expectations on a 5 year plan… in year eight.

Kevin in PA says:

July 4th, 2009 at 6:56 pm

Not like Anaheim is!

Hmm…the Ducks took the Red Wings to Game 7 of the conference semifinals and lost - so far - only Pronger, and the Wild didn’t make the playoffs and have a new GM and coach. Anaheim may yet lose Beauchemin but still have Getzlaf, Perry, Ryan, Selanne, brought back Lupul. Minnesota lost Gaborik and brought in Havlat, but still don’t have a No. 2 center (nor do the Ducks, but the Ducks have wingers.) So…sorry, the Wild is rebuilding more than the Ducks.

woodcock says:

July 4th, 2009 at 7:08 pm

Sad but true KiPA.

Kevin in PA says:

July 4th, 2009 at 7:20 pm

In fact, if Koivu joins the Ducks, then all they need is to bolster their blue line a little and they might be better than last year. They really lacked a second center in the playoffs.

kj says:

July 4th, 2009 at 7:27 pm

Indeed KiPA…

You beat me to it.

Anaheim re-tooled on the fly. I thought losing McDonald was their undoing. However, the rallied and suddenly seem to be on the upswing again.

I would be more surprised to see the Wild make the playoffs next year than the hated Ducks.

Voice of Reason says:

July 4th, 2009 at 7:45 pm

FFS =/= 5FS

:P

woodcock says:

July 4th, 2009 at 7:50 pm

I would be surprised if the Ducks miss. But then again I still believe it is hard to completely evaluate teams until we get to camp as there may well be trades or other cap moves before the season starts. Having said that at the moment the Wild seem roughly where they were last year, except in two respects. First, had we had Gaby all year we would have made the playoffs–how far we would have advanced who knows but certainly not to the Cup. Second, Burns should be back to his previous upward path if he is free from injury (and moves to a forward). Other than that we are roughly the same. Havlat replaces Gaby altho not quite as dynamic a scorer but probably more defensively responsible. Other than Burns I think the D is roughly the same in quality–different in style but not necessarily better–and the D played well last year despite the periodic Zids or MAB gaffes. The offense is still troubled unless Shep, Pouliot et al somehow magically improve under the new system and Butch finds a good linemate. All of this is possible as players grow with one more year of development but at the moment we are a bit on the bubble. But who knows what trades might bring? So early days yet.

argonbeast0034 says:

July 4th, 2009 at 8:00 pm

dude….what’s wrong with being liberel?

Obama rules…..

get over your loss….

as much as I am a democrat….I hate politics more than anything…..too many people get too uptight and personal about it…(p.s. republicans=devil)

muah ha ha!

happy forth everybody….sad about mcnair……everyone is dying these last two months…..some say it is a sign from the end of the world…..it probobly isn’t that catastrophic…

p.s. paper sales have nothing to do with the current politics…..let go of your irrational hate…..(again…republican=devil… ;) )

argonbeast0034 says:

July 4th, 2009 at 8:01 pm

it’d help if I was able to spell liberal…

kj says:

July 4th, 2009 at 8:39 pm

Don’t worry about it argon…you spelled devil correctly… :P

sunshine says:

July 4th, 2009 at 8:42 pm

This is blog is for HOCKEY.

We do not need our political system invading HOCKEY unless its politics between players, GMs, the NHL, Bettman, or NHLPA.

If you want to talk politics, please take your it to another blog. Thank you.

woodcock says:

July 4th, 2009 at 8:56 pm

Amen, sunshine.

azwild says:

July 4th, 2009 at 8:57 pm

AMEN SUNSHINE!!!!

Nick says:

July 4th, 2009 at 9:05 pm

Obama = Anti-Christ

Go Wild!!!

Kevin in PA says:

July 4th, 2009 at 9:07 pm

woodcock says:

Amen, sunshine.

azwild says:

AMEN SUNSHINE!!!!

Great, so now it’s religion.

;)

kj says:

July 4th, 2009 at 9:22 pm

+1000000

Nick says:

July 4th, 2009 at 9:50 pm

I know where Mikko and Saku was the past few days…

Finland ends Estonia’s reign in wife-carrying…

7 hours ago

HELSINKI (AFP) — Finland put an end to Estonia’s 11-year reign and took gold and bronze on Saturday at the annual Wife-Carrying World Championships held in Sonkajaervi, central Finland, organisers said.

Taisto Miettinen raced through a 250-metre (273-yard) course with two hurdles and a pool in 62 seconds, carrying Kristiina Haapanen on his back. The winners beat Estonia’s Alar Voogla and Kristi Viltrop by 0.1 seconds.

Miettinen has been attending the competition for a decade now and said he was pleased to finally win.

“A couple of times I have lost by 0.1 seconds and I have stumbled. Our win tastes now really good,” Miettinen said in a statement.

Although Estonia’s long chain of wins in wife-carrying was brought to an end, Voogla said he was happy with silver and added the cool and cloudy weather had an impact on their race.

“It was not our day, in the cool weather it was slightly difficult and the run did not go as planned,” he noted.

Finns Heikki Hannukainen and Heini Rauhamaa came in third and were some six seconds slower than the victors.

Sonkajaervi village, located some 490 kilometres (302 miles) north of Helsinki, has in the past 14 years made its entertaining wife-carrying competition known around the world and this year competitors came from eight countries including Australia, Ireland and Czech Republic.

The race was inspired by the legend of a local thug, Herkko Rosvo-Ronkainen, who lived in a forest and is said to have snatched food and sometimes ladies from villages in the region.

Five Forward System says:

July 4th, 2009 at 10:05 pm

FFS - now I get it - thanks Urban Dictionary :)

woodcock says:

July 4th, 2009 at 10:44 pm

Not religion for me KiPA–rationality trumps folklore.

Five Forward System says:

July 4th, 2009 at 11:21 pm

- We made it through the election and the recount but today, the 4th of July, the blog descends into politics and religion - FFS! ;)

- No damage to report at the X from the fireworks - the prospects camp can proceed as planned

5 for farting says:

July 5th, 2009 at 12:01 am

You idiot republicans love Sarah Palin. That about says it all right there. MORONS

Nick says:

July 5th, 2009 at 12:05 am

Sarah Palin has bigger balls than that coward who currently resides in the White Outhouse….

Rushbo says:

July 5th, 2009 at 12:12 am

Liberal Dems = Mental Illness

PenaltyShot says:

July 5th, 2009 at 12:14 am

Okay, back to hockey, boys.

Secuel says:

July 5th, 2009 at 12:26 am

Time to start a psychic hotline, Russo!

argonbeast0034 says:

July 5th, 2009 at 12:34 am

so…..people are crazy…..good to know…

go wild!!!!

what power forwards will be available for trade later on in the salary dumps….this guy would like to know….

Kevin in PA says:

July 5th, 2009 at 12:43 am

what power forwards will be available for trade later on in the salary dumps

Ryan Malone for one.

sunshine says:

July 5th, 2009 at 1:12 am

Dustin Penner is always available.

sunshine says:

July 5th, 2009 at 1:14 am

I don’t consider Penner a power forward but he’s available. But, I don’t want him.

Sparky says:

July 5th, 2009 at 7:05 am

Nick @ 9:50, there’s a town nearby that has a Finnish mid-winter festival every January and they have a wife-carrying contest. It’s pretty funny to watch the Finnish competitiveness come out in the people. The couples in the article you posted take it really seriously, like it’s an Olympic event.

kj says:

July 5th, 2009 at 7:43 am

Good thing we got that religion and politics stuff behind us.

I’m praying that Koivu signs with the Wild today. If he counts the votes in his head, he will realize that this is the best place for him to serve out the remainder of his hockey career. :P

Nick in New York says:

July 5th, 2009 at 7:58 am

Well-played kj.

Hope everyone had a fun and safe 4th.

Just got my michael jackson tickets for London - can’t wait to see the show!

Nick in New York says:

July 5th, 2009 at 8:00 am

Too soon on mj?

I actually saw his Bad tour show at the Dome. Seriously an amazing concert.

So much talent - so many issues….

kj says:

July 5th, 2009 at 8:04 am

Nah NiNY…it’s never too soon with him. Amazingly talented and a tortured soul.

Outside of Thriller, I wasn’t much of a fan, but there is no denying his musical greatness.

It’s another case of hangers-on not being able to tell the self-indulgent meal ticket: “No”.

Voice of Reason says:

July 5th, 2009 at 8:05 am

Souhan actually wrote something good for once. Russo, can you look into the situation and let us know who ghost-wrote his article this morning?

Sparky says:

July 5th, 2009 at 8:06 am

Nick @ 9:50, this link will show you how to become a master at wife-carrying. http://www.sonkajarvi.fi/?deptid=16629

I’m half Scandinavian, so…

Mats Sundin + birch switch = good times

Voice of Reason says:

July 5th, 2009 at 8:07 am

Also, looks like the Hawks’ mess might bite them in the ass. Fletcher should go after Versteeg, he’d make a great addition.

kj says:

July 5th, 2009 at 8:18 am

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL:

Intuitive understanding of the signals sent by the partner and becoming one with the partner are essential in both of them – sometimes also whipping.

Wild Road Tripper says:

July 5th, 2009 at 9:44 am

kj: So what does THAT mean for your wife? :P

If Saku Koivu looks seriously at his situation, IMO he will sign with the Wild. Best situation for him and his family is here (if, as has been reported, he is that concerned about them) both in terms of what he would receive, and what his family would get out of Minnesota. (A lot more than in Anaheim or in NJ)…

Stoned on the Breakaway says:

July 5th, 2009 at 10:21 am

If I was Saku looking seriously at the situation, I would go where they are paying me the most money for the longest term with the team most capable of making a deep SC run. My wife and two kids would be with me. I could live anywhere for 3 or 4 more years before I took my hard earned dollars and returned to normal life in Finland.

It would be nice to play with my brother, but I can do that playing for the Finns.

I’d love to see him here, but if there are teams willing to pay him considerably more than here, I don’t see CF getting into a bidding war and I don’t see Saku taking a big hit just to play with his brother. All 3 of those guys are smarter than that.

Encrimson'd says:

July 5th, 2009 at 10:32 am

Wife-carrying in the Olympics some day? It’s more of a sport than equestrian frolicking.

Wife carrying in the US is when the wives makes husbands carry their purses while they burrow through the WalMart bargain bins like boars for truffles.

Wild Road Tripper says:

July 5th, 2009 at 10:41 am

Russo on KSTP AM1500 now

woodcock says:

July 5th, 2009 at 10:41 am

SotB, Agreed. That is what any rational person would do.

PenaltyShot says:

July 5th, 2009 at 11:01 am

Jesus: So Steve, whatcha doing here 20 years early?

McNair: Ummmmm

Jesus: How’s the wife and kids?

McNair: Ummmmm

Jesus: How’s that new restaurant working out?

McNair: Ummmmm

Jesus: How about that great career and millions I gave you?

McNair: Ummmmm

Stoned on the Breakaway says:

July 5th, 2009 at 11:31 am

Jesus: And who is this 20 year old chick?

McNair: Ummmmmmm

Stoned on the Breakaway says:

July 5th, 2009 at 11:34 am

wood:

Here’s to rationality. An increasingly rare commodity in an emotion driven world.

But like the old saw goes, if this were a rational world, men would ride side saddle.

PenaltyShot says:

July 5th, 2009 at 11:37 am

No piece of pie is worth losing your soul over…

Stoned on the Breakaway says:

July 5th, 2009 at 11:43 am

I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but this sure looks like another case where Mr. McNair let Little Stevie run the show.

woodcock says:

July 5th, 2009 at 11:54 am

Scene doesn’t look too good.

Wild Road Tripper says:

July 5th, 2009 at 12:02 pm

How can anyone place conjecture on the McNair situation? No one but those involved knew what was going on in his head. He loved Tennessee, but after he lost the Super Bowl in 2000, they sure stoppped lovin’ him. (OMG: A country song!) His failure in the Big Game sent him on a downward spiral, and there was nothing in his power he could do to stop it.

Indeed, a sad state of affairs.

woodcock says:

July 5th, 2009 at 12:52 pm

No idea what was going on in his head, if anything. But when a 36 year old married man is with a 20 year old chippie and the car is jointly registered to them, it certainly doesn’t look great.

Wild Road Tripper says:

July 5th, 2009 at 1:43 pm

No kidding.

Stoned on the Breakaway says:

July 5th, 2009 at 2:05 pm

—His failure in the Big Game sent him on a downward spiral—

He was 13-3 with the Ravens. Short story. Testerone and money and no football to keep him occupied. If Nashville disliked him that much why was he living there and opening restaurants?

woodcock says:

July 5th, 2009 at 2:27 pm

Excuses, excuses.

Eric says:

July 5th, 2009 at 2:33 pm

I stand by my earlier comments that Michael Russo is the lone bright spot at this newspaper. His Wild Coverage is awesome.

Mister Know it all says:

July 5th, 2009 at 3:44 pm

Last Sunday my idea of Modano with the Wild was called hairbrained by K Goofer

This Sunday I need to open it back up again.

Friday I called Lou Nanne on Kfan to ask him the question because I am evidently nuts according to you and others Kgoof.

First of all out of 10 people on hold for Lou only two were chosen because of time and mine was one of them.

The question was why dont the Wild get Modano ???? His answer was he talked to Les Jackson about that very question last year and Les Jackson said Mike is going to have an upper management job when his playing days are done in Dallas so that is why they wont let him go ???? Lou Nanne just said to them, just let the kid come back

Lou Nanne thinks as Mister Know it all is thinking. What kind of a reason is that for someone to be motivated to play hockey for a team

What was called a hairbrained idea by K rodent is evidently a very good question if you put Mister Know it all in the company of Lou Nanne

This blog needs to debate things with an open mind in the future

Many parts of my blog on Modano can be debated

(1) Why would Dallas think that Modano playing for another team has any effect on his management with the team at a later date

(2) Is it realistic to think that he wont leave when he is a free agent anyway.

(3) Why is it a bad move for the Wild to bring him in as a center for 1 or 2 years max ? Is it hairbrained and why ?

(4) The biggest debateable question
I know for a fact that DR blocked Modano from coming here because he said he did not want to pay him. Nanne confirmed this. Did DR not want to sign him because he was a former North Star ?

(5) Because the idea was called hairbrained. I need to bring this last point up.

Connections with the coach and Minnesota have much to do with how Fletcher is doing his signings

(1) Brodziak and Richards= Brodziak did well with Richards

(2) Shane Hnidy has always wanted to play here as I know first hand. This is his closest NHL franchise to his home town. You hope this sparks a player to do better

(3) Whats better then to combine Modano with Minnesota again where he wants to play. A fresh place where he is motivated to bring the cup home should be a minimum of 65 points a year for the Wild

I dont think this is a hairbrained idea !

(5

Kevin in PA says:

July 5th, 2009 at 4:00 pm

(1) Why would Dallas think that Modano playing for another team has any effect on his management with the team at a later date

If he’s traded and he doesn’t want to be, he could harbor bad feelings towards his former team. Mark Recchi wanted to return to Pittsburgh, ended up hating his experience there under Michel Therrien and now wants very little to do with the team. Maybe Modano once said he wants to play in Minnesota, but has he said that within the last year?

(2) Is it realistic to think that he wont leave when he is a free agent anyway.

It is realistic to think he will retire. It’s also possible to believe that he wants to end his career with the same organization he’s played for his entire life.

(3) Why is it a bad move for the Wild to bring him in as a center for 1 or 2 years max ? Is it hairbrained and why ?

If he was a free agent, I wouldn’t criticize the idea too much. But it makes little sense to trade any asset - be it a prospect, roster player or draft pick - that has long-term ramifications for one year of Modano. Unless you can trade Boogaard for Modano, no move makes much sense.

(4) The biggest debateable question
I know for a fact that DR blocked Modano from coming here because he said he did not want to pay him. Nanne confirmed this. Did DR not want to sign him because he was a former North Star ?

What does this have to do with anything? Risebrough is no longer employed by Minnesota.

Whats better then to combine Modano with Minnesota again where he wants to play. A fresh place where he is motivated to bring the cup home

Modano - and yourself - needs to ask the question of, “Does my presence make the Wild an immediate Stanley Cup contender?” Can you honestly answer yes to that?

Finally, just because Lou Nanne says something doesn’t mean it’s the right move.

argonbeast0034 says:

July 5th, 2009 at 4:04 pm

so penner and malone are available……hmmmmm…..

any one thats good?

woodcock says:

July 5th, 2009 at 4:09 pm

Malone is overpaid and Penner was very lazy last year. They are both decent players but not Malone at his current price. They both are over $4M cap hit–Malone–4.5; Penner–4.25–not great value.

Kevin in PA says:

July 5th, 2009 at 4:12 pm

Malone’s good, just overpaid. Penner…well. Not so much. Just the overpaid part. But you were asking about salary dump players, so overpaid is to be expected.

ms.conduct says:

July 5th, 2009 at 4:15 pm

@KIPA Bad Kipa. Don’t feed the MKIA.

Kevin in PA says:

July 5th, 2009 at 4:16 pm

I find him more amusing than some on this board. Besides, I was bored.

woodcock says:

July 5th, 2009 at 4:19 pm

Also why do we want Modano? If we needed veteran leadership–maybe–but he is over the hill. And we have Nolan and Bruno for that. Forget Modano.

Kevin in PA says:

July 5th, 2009 at 4:24 pm

Rawr.

Wild Road Tripper says:

July 5th, 2009 at 4:34 pm

Now, Ms. C., calm down there, GF…

;)

Eyes on the prize, people…think Saku…

Greatski says:

July 5th, 2009 at 5:09 pm

Is there some sort of freeze over this weekend??? There has been no movement anywhere…

M 03 says:

July 5th, 2009 at 5:20 pm

Can anyone give an overview of Russo’s radio spot this morning? The other Koivu, Harding? Is CF done with UFA etc….

Mister Know it all says:

July 5th, 2009 at 5:23 pm

I continue to notice a disconect with why Modano and I think that is why I continue on. I keep thinking that you will see my point.

Maybe Saku is the prize roadtripper and I am wrong. I have always said this is a very complex negotiation one that I hve predicted will end with Saku not with the Wild. If he is here his agreement should not last longer then Mikko.

We need another Center and I will promise you this that Modano will outperform Saku end of story.

In words can somebody please articulate why we should not consider a Veteran center like Modano ?? Example, if you say he should stay in Dallas then explain why you think that he should. Dont just say he should stay in Dallas.

Another example, if you think he is too old to play, then explain why Niklas lidstrom and Temmeu Sellane and others are highly regarded……..

Please help Mister Know it all understand

Mister Know it all says:

July 5th, 2009 at 5:27 pm

It should be noted that Chicago may lose all the ra players that they qualified because they did it wrong. That means those players could become unrestricted free agents

woodcock says:

July 5th, 2009 at 5:59 pm

He’s a 39 year old with a $3.45M cap hit who scored 15 goals last year.

woodcock says:

July 5th, 2009 at 6:00 pm

And we’d have to trade for him so give something up.

woodcock says:

July 5th, 2009 at 6:03 pm

So, here’s a question that indicates my lack of knowledge of the agmt. if you trade for a player who has a declining salary structure but the cap hit is higher because of the earlier years do you get penalized for the actual cap hit or do you just amortize the remaining amounts over the remaining term. I realize I could look it up but I am lazy today and someone here knows the answer.

ms.conduct says:

July 5th, 2009 at 6:04 pm

No there isn’t a freeze because other. teams. have. been. signing. AHL. players.

Iceman says:

July 5th, 2009 at 6:11 pm

Fletcher, needs to find a place with a sauna quick. Then, he needs to invite Saku.

azwild says:

July 5th, 2009 at 6:30 pm

Lou Nanne is a great guy and all….But still, his opinion isn’t gold. Do you remember Brian Lawton being selected?????? Hmmmm, Coulda had Pat Lafontaine, Sylvain Turgeon or Steve Yzerman. Sure, I credit him for picking Modano but only after his previous draft blunders….He’s not God!

Jaromir Blogger says:

July 5th, 2009 at 6:41 pm

Louie had the advantage of taking two merged teams combined into one (Cleveland and Minnesota), No 1 or No 2 overall picks in Smith, Bellows and Lawton then later Modano and he could only turn all of that into 2 Division champs and one trip to the finals. He’s a good b.s.er but his record was mediocre.

Stoned on the Breakaway says:

July 5th, 2009 at 9:01 pm

—I keep thinking that you will see my point.—

We know. Learn to recognize when it is time to stop thinking.

Nick in New York says:

July 6th, 2009 at 8:03 am

I think it’s safe to say Louie knows a heckuva lot about the game of hockey. But so does DR.

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