Brodziak files for arbitration
Posted on July 5th, 2009 – 7:20 PMBy Michael Russo
TUESDAY ALERT: Still out of town, but Stephane Veilleux’s Wild career is expected to officially end today. I hear he’s close to signing a free-agent deal elsewhere.
The leaves defensemen Martin Skoula (most NHL games of any defenseman his age), Kurtis Foster (Wild rookie dman record with 10 goals), Marc-Andre Bergeron (14 goals last season, I think 61 goals the last six seasons - tremendous for blue-liner), Krys Kolanos, Peter Olvecky and Dan Fritsche.
———————
Recently-acquired center Kyle Brodziak filed for arbitration by tonight’s deadline. The Wild and Brodziak can negotiate a contract right up until the hearing, which will be scheduled for later this month or early next month.
Restricted free agent Josh Harding did not file for arbitration.
OK, that is it. I actually left town for a few days, so blog won’t be updated as frequently unless there’s news. Nate Taylor will have development camp covered and I’ll be back in time for the scrimmage.
533 Responses to "Brodziak files for arbitration"
Who did not file? I see you filed it under Josh Harding so perhaps Josh Harding did not file.
Don Russo’s tweet at 7:25 says that Harding did not file.
I think people are giving Fletch too much credit. Why aren’t people complaining right now? He let’s Gaborik go and signs a guy who has been inured more than Gaborik just so he can save a dime and then won’t bring in Koivu because he’s being too cheap? Some trades better happen soon or we are seriously looking at losing a lot of games next year. Hossa and Heatley were the cream of the crop and we didn’t get either. Instead we got a guy who doesn’t score as much as Gaborik and like three fourth line D guys. I’m still looking for some offense. Sheppard isn’t going to be a second liner. PMB can’t score either. So WHO is going to put the puck in the net since we gave up on being a D team?
Al, The decision of Koivu coming to Minnesota isn’t entirely based on money. Saku will want to play somewhere he enjoys, and him and Mikko aren’t close to each other like the Sedin brothers are. We’re only going to pay for what he’s worth, and we have some decent scoring forwards that will suffice for now as 2nd liners.
Hossa had no intention of coming to Minnesota, and no one is going to want Heatley after the stunts he’s pulled. He’s the biggest baby in the league.
again…….beating the dead horse here……
gabby…..wasn’t…..coming……back…..not…..a…..chance……
havlat is a great scorer/playmaker….at 5 mil a year….
I give a ton of credit to fletch for signing a awesome player, and doing so in a cheap manner……
paitence is key….the off season hasn’t started yet….
not to mention shep will certainly be better than last year, because this system is exactly the type he needs….
and its not like havlat has an injury that will linger like the groin injury gabby had……..
Al Coholic-
What a CLEVER name. Moving on.
It’s not Fletch’s fault Gabby moved on. It was highly unlikely that he would stay, at best. Havlat is about the same, maybe a step below, as Gabby for a cap-friendly hit. “Saving a Dime” is the best strategy to go with in a salary cap era. It’s how you avoid a situation like Chicago’s going to face, where they have little cap room to resign Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews in a few years. I don’t blame him for not giving Koivu the term he wants. There is the possibility he will hit a wall in Year 3 or 4 and be completely ineffective. Remember, this team, if healthy, would have been in the playoffs last year. If healthy, I’d expect them in this year. Fletch is having a great offseason.
Could be worse. Fletcher could have not signed anybody.
kevin….are we all in agreement that if dr was here he’d have signed antripov for a 5 mil cap hit and thats it?
“Could be worse. Fletcher could have not signed anybody.”
No, it could be much, much worse. Doug Risebrough could still be employed here.
Chuck Fletcher is the poor soul stuck cleaning up this mess, he is not the man that made the mess. He knew the situation coming to Minnesota so it is what it is.
I’d say Gaborik and Minnesota have had a rocky relationship and it doesn’t surprise me that he is parting ways. I would hardly call this Fletcher’s fault.
are we all in agreement that if dr was here he’d have signed antripov for a 5 mil cap hit and thats it?
Or Scuderi for $4M annually for five years?
hockey news listed the wild as 1 of 3 winners in early free agency and rangers and hawks as losers
Can we leave DR alone. He is yesterday’s news. Now the question is what CF does. Only time will tell if he is successful.
Thanks for the response about Modano on the last thread Kevin. I agree that if they took Boogy on paper that would work for the Wild and it would make sense
You have debated the subject with me Kevin and I say this as to my final thoughts on Modano. I will raise my thoughts in the form of questions
If you could get Modano for an undisclosed draft pick in 2010 and take his 3.45 million dollar hit for 1 year or get Saku Koivou for 3 years with the same cap hit what would you do ????
Keeping in mind Mikko has 2 years on his agreement
Lucky: +1
wood: +1 for your 8:57..DR is gone.
Michael: What size is the barrel if you lose your shirt? 
Good Luck…
“Hey Chuck, you get Modano, we get an undisclosed draft pick. You don’t get to know what it is until we use it at the draft.”
- hockey news listed the wild as 1 of 3 winners in early free agency and rangers and hawks as losers
Alert Troll Coholic. Or not since he is an MKIA-like troll who can put together a slightly better sentance or two.
- Can we leave DR alone.
Even I agree, he sleeps with the Skoulas now.
FFS: +1
I wouldn’t give up a draft pick to get Modano. I’d take Koivu. I think him playing with his brother would be better than Modano playing in a place he hasn’t called his hockey home in over 15 years, and I think Koivu has more gas left in the tank.
Right on Woodcock at 8:57. DR is gone and Fletcher has not been here long enough to have a track record.
Hopefully, Fletcher will get Saku in the sauna and not let him out until he gets a contract hammered out.
as much as I liked Modano , I think he’s too big a hit for what’s left in the tank . If we can’t get saku then wait and pick up a quality center when the cap sweeps start to heat up later. Can we get a list of those possibilities?
Fair enough Kevin. If the Wild can sign Saku for 2 years I would take him over Modano. The cap hit is identical likely. If Mikko is here I think you will get decent production from Saku.
I like the job Fletcher has done in getting a few players with connections. As a manager you have to look for those connections and hope you can get better production from the players by doing that.
If I can get Saku for a couple years with his brother, great !
Why would Saku do that ??
I roll the dice and trade for Modano. It is a calculated risk that I would be willing to take if I was the GM. I like the players upside in Modano. Over the next 2 years I think Modano would outscore Saku head to head
Bottom line I take Saku over Modano if you can get him for two years, or I would get Modano
Not you Kevin, but I have to say that based on the comments on this blog and the lack of understanding of what I am saying about the value of this player, the majority is basically lost on here
I was listening to Nanne on KFAN and maybe MKIA called/emailed in the Modano question. Nanne said that he spoke to Les Jackson and Les told him (seem half-seriously) that Modano is likely to take over his job in the future so that’s why Modano would not leave Dallas.
If CF can’t acquire a 1st line center or even a 2nd line center continues the long existing problem.
Yes Sunshine, I was the caller. I was up north on vacation and I heard Nanne on so I wanted him to shed light for me if I was truly a knucklhead like 5 forward system believes me to be. It was his suggestion to Dallas that he be sent back to Minnesota. Les Jackson is gone now I think. Kipa brings up a good point what does future managemnet have to with a fresh look for the guy like Nnne was suggesting
The fact is not all veterans want to be in Minnesota as we have learned but he does
By the way I am on the record for saying Saku will never be a Wild player for the concerns the brothers are discussing. But if the GM and the brothers have worked it out then I would say fine, I hope it works
The key is the players motivtion to play will lead to better production which is wht I have been saying with Modano
MKIA, it’s a moot point if Dallas doesn’t see anyone they would like offered. Honestly, who would we be willing to offer for him? Boogie? Weller? I don’t think Chuck and Todd want to give up any of the youngsters before giving them an honest evaluation in training camp, so we don’t really have anyone to trade that Dallas would want in return, IMHO.
I would actually rather not see either Modano or Saku Koivu here. I think several teams are, or will be, up hard against the cap before the season starts. Bargains will be there for some teams to take advantage of. I think if Havlats cap hit was too high, Chuck was perfectly willing to wait and take advantage of the situation. As it turned out, Havlat was at a very good value and was too hard to pass up. We still need to pay some RFAs, but still should have enough for one quality guy. If that happens to be a top 2 center, great. Otherwise we could use another sniper.
i’ll pass on modano….we can’t offer what they would want in return (can’t is the wrong word….wont is the right one)
as a throw in….sure…..not a bad player…..to say the least….but you don’t give up anything for a 1 year rental that may or may not make things better…..
We know teams need to dump salary….
could anyone post a list of teams that almost have to dump salary….I know the rangers and flyers could easily be a part of it…..
still curious as to plausible power forwards/or snipers to pair with butch….
with a trade….so far backes is the only logical trade that comes to mind (harding/backes based deal)
MKVN…
I have a better chance of playing for the Wild than Modano does.
Give it up already.
There are 3.5 million reasons why he shouldn’t be here.
From the last thread…the cap hit is the cap hit…even with a trade. The salary however is the actual $$$ amount.
Argon.., St. Louis traded for Conklin. They have 2 NHL goaltenders. Why would they give up one of their best forwards for a third netminder?
Hey Russo, any word on why Harding changed his number to 37, or is that a mistake on the online roster?
Dont agree- If you knew a player you could get 65 to 75 points for a draft pick why would not you do that if even for 1 year. Maybe for a 4th rounder but you dont disclose it so the player is not embarrased
The Missed point in all of this is why would Dallas want to shell out the 3.5 million for a guy that is not motivated like a player should be to be there. Look at the guys stats. No doubt a change of scenery would do a guy like that good
If Modano makes no sense then what about Mats Sundin, Joe Sakic, but why Minnesota is the question for those guys
The real secret reason why a guy who requested to be here is not here is in the fact that the old ownership likely did not want any old North Star players here
For perspective on this were paying Nolan 2.5 million and were lucky to get 1/2 season from him
KJ, the 3.5 mil is the same you going to pay Saku if not more. Term is one of the hang ups so that is why Modo is sexy with 1 year and year to year after. You might be surprised to see that Joe might be open to something since he is the new guy in town
Modano isn’t the missing link to the Wild winning the Stanley Cup. That’s all that really matters. I don’t think it matters if you get 90 points from him. It’ll take more than a 39-year-old center to turn the team into a champion.
Word KiPA.
Since no one else has managed to sign Saku Koivu by now, has the possibility of him coming here gone back up by now? I would have expected that if 10-15 teams were interested in him as said earlier in this process, he’d have worked something out with one of them by now.
Dear Moderation Word List Person,
What would it take to get “Modano” added to the moderated word list so that any attempt to post about The Toothy One would be blocked? This is like arguing over who’s better: Frankie Goes to Hollywood or Taco.
I’ve got a couple of Cal for Calder pins left. A large Curtis Murphy bobblehead. Give you a good deal on some roller hockey skates.
Name your price.
Sincerely,
Ms.Conduct
I for one will gladly take Modano at this point. IMO he is a better option at #2 center than what we have now plus let him end his career where it started. Am I a Modano tool? Yes I am and damn proud of it.
*sigh*
Never mind. Modano is awesome. Modano Modano All Hail Modano. I’ve never heard anything in my life that makes MORE sense than bringing Modano in. I’m gonna drive up to Dallas tomorrow and BEG him to come to Minnesota and play for the Wild. I’m sure he would have done it already, but was politely waiting for an invitation.
WOOO! MODANO! YEAH!
90 points!!! He scored 46 last year. He’s going to double his production at 39. Let’s get somewaht realistic. I realize summer is the time to dream about hockey but that is a bit much.
ms.c
relax…don’t do it.
Kipa, I do think that a veteran that is willing to come here that has a history of being a big time scorer could make us into a champion if he only sets us back 3 million. I think we still have another 3 million to spend and be under the cap 2 mil.
Sheppard I think will fit into that second center soon as he is a real talent. Benny with a vetern lead at center could blossom as well. Could you imagine if we could pick up Modo or even Sakic what that could do for a Benny or Shep
Mikko is not the same effect as he is almost the same age
kj & mrs c., LMAO!!!!!!
I know what arbitration is, but does this mean that Brodziak isnt happy with his contract? Is this just normal to file for arbitration?
In my best Jim Mora imitation from those Coors Light press conference tv ads:
Modano??!! Modano!!?? Modano??!!
Hey MKIA. If you are looking for a veteran center to mentor Shep, I’m sure Stan Mikita could put up as much as Modano or Sakic will this year and easily fit under the cap.
How about we talk about players that may be worth the Wild picking up? Modo is well beyond his prime and for 3.5 mil a year is not worth it. The Wild are not a Stanley Cup team this year, why waste $$ on a one year guy and give up future draft picks for an aging veteran who has lost multiple steps on the ice? We should be focused on the upcoming future, not going the DR route and mortgaging it away! Stupid!!!
I think the best idea which seems to be the route the team is going is, Saku if possible, if not wait. Teams will be dumping or moving guys cheaply in the near future. Smart moves are what we need not knee jerk reactions.
I bet Chelios would get 80-140 points in a Wild uniform at HALF the cost of Modano. All he needs is a change of scenery, and the casual fans would have something to cheer about since Chelios played against the North Stars back in the day.
*rim shot* <—kj
So I’m just getting back into the swing of things after the weekend and am really surprised to not see Saku signed someplace. I was thinking that this may mean that he might be be going back to Montreal, but reading the Gazette, puts that one to rest.
I guess he knows that he has time to make his decision and I am still hoping that he chooses to come here.
I dunno, Greg. That was really rational. You sure you’re on the right blog. Because we’re all just talking about how what the Wild REALLY need to be a contender is Modano. Not only is he going to score 60 goals, he’s got really big teeth.
Sorry, I’m sleepy and not ready to jump into the controversial topics!
Oh, there’s no controversy. It’s fact. Modano rules.
ms c., I don’t know if you were aware of it, but Modano used to play in Minnesota. If only we had someone from the North Stars on the Wild, there would be no stopping us!!
OMG…people, stop this! You have all fallen into feeding the troll (MKVN) again!!
Think Saku…as a No. 2 center…and don’t feed the troll…
Yes, I’m *quite* aware. And I couldn’t agree more that clinging to the past is definitely the way to progress as an organization. Stale ideas are usually the best ones.
Off topic…but I wonder if Ecklund ever feels like an idiot for being wrong all the time. I was just thinking back to his “Saku decision is imminent” post.
Perhaps he just sees it as a hazard of being infamous. He’s really built quite the little empire, with some of it even pretty legit.
So, any of you crazy Minnesotans going to the scrimmage on Sunday? I need reports from everyone. Esp. on the new baby goalies. *cheep cheep* Awww… look at ‘em.
Off topic…but I wonder if Ecklund ever feels like an idiot for being wrong all the time.
If he has yet to engage in Modano to Wild speculation he is not the worst hockey fan on the Internet.
you guys are funny!
MKVN…..stop with the modano thing already!
Your man crush is infecting us all……
*suddenly needs modano*….ohh……I……must……..have……modano…..on…..this…..team…..screw……intelligent…..building……must…….have…..TEETH!!!!!!!!!!
Modano = mouth-breathing dead horse.
Yes, Ms. C., I plan to go Sunday.
‘Cheep, cheep’… 
lol…..go ffs…
ms.c……I had no idea we hired chicken boo as our goaltender….
when do we find out he is a chciken?
will it when he takes his helmet off???
or will it be in a post game, lockerroom interveiw when his towel falls of….
“buck….bakawk!”
“thats not a man….THATS A CHICKEN!”
[SFW, but not for Modano]
http://www.blindsociety.com/blindspot/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/napoleon_dynamite.jpg
Sorry, there’s this goalie for the junior team in Tri-Cities called Drew Owsley and he’s just unbearably adorable and with a name like that, you get owl references, so now all baby goalies are sort of baby birds to me. Plus, goalies tend to have chicken legs. Brusty does not, which is why I like him better than all the others.
Also, I didn’t get to play hockey last night and I’ve had a lot of caffeine this morning, so I’m a little off the rails.
Plus… Modano.
An owl, eh? ORLY?!
RLY!
Ms. C - Maybe we could use “Modano” like “Skoula” when commenting about other things?
I’m so excited about this new season - I have a Modano already!
Is that a Modano on your 2nd line or are you just happy to be here?
I played goalie in some street ball yesterday, Ms. C. It wasn’t pretty. Especially since the only reason why I was in goal is because I separated my glove-side shoulder two weeks ago–that should be an indication of the type of rube game we play: the too injured/out-of-breath/lazy are thrown in goal. :\
Funky clavicular and all, I was channeling Hextall and your blog, making saves I had no business making but also letting lots of kittens in.
MKVN…Modano will be at Whiskey Junction this Friday… 
Oh Crim (okay if I call you Crim?) you rock. I need a crew like that to play with. Even my stupid novice team expects their goalie to be decent. Hogwash! Score more goals, you hosers!
This may have been answered already, but is there a cost to the scrimmage on Sunday??
MsC, only a little off the rails?
I tried to play hockey with my dog last night. He’s not a very good goalie, and he kept chewing on the little red squeeky ball I was using as a puck when he did stop it… has the season started yet? I could really use a hockey fix.
So Habs aren’t signing Kovalev. He may be moody but he is basically a 30 goal a year guy. At his last year’s salary of $4.5M he is probably too rich but wonder if we could get him cheaper.
Pretty sure it’s free TFO.
Know for a fact I’m jealous and would love to go.
Okay, a lot, BG. My dog is so dumb (how dumb is he?) Mr. C and I were playing catch yesterday in the little walkway between our house and our neighbor’s and the dog insisted on laying down between us. So he was getting pelted with the reaction ball and foam rubber puck over and over as it bounced out of my glove (yeah, I can’t catch for sh!t).
Well another thing is this. What is it about everyone thinking the Wild cant win the stanley cup this year. I am sure the Wild will have at minimum two new scoring players in place by training camp.
Has everyone given thought to what if PMB and Shep have breakout years ??
The Wild have money now but the key is signing short term deals with the veterans because you need that money to sign guys like Burns and so on later
I have a feeling that this no news about Saku is in the Wilds favor. I know Flecth wont go silly on term with him
I don’t think the dog realized I was trying to play hockey with him. I think he thought I was just using the funny stick thingy (his words not mine) to steal his red squeeky ball, and then roll it back to him. We did that for a good 15 minutes, until the squeeky ball went into the closet and got lost in the mess. The Mr thought I was doing laundry, silly Mr.
MKIA-I’m having a tough time reading the tea leaves on the Saku thing.
Maybe he’s holding it over Mikko’s head and having him help around his house, wash his cars, that kind of stuff and he wants to get as much work out of him as he can before he signs.
Ms. C - Thanks!
The tea leaves say No to Saku. I guarantee it.
We play non-roller hockey in these warming house boards that have a nice paved surface. It’s great except it’s often a battle with the elements.
I’d completely prefer all roller action, but depending on the previous week’s too dry or too wet weather, the surface will be either Tatooine or the Dagoba System. Because of this, even if all the rubes had roller blades (and knew what to do with ‘em) conditions are rarely optimal.
So sneaks it is but it’s still the proverbial bomb. One guy even used to play goalie in a street league in Chicago. He brings his nice, light street pads which, coupled with our graceless skillz, makes for a competitive afternoon.
Actually, if anyone is in the St. Louis Park area and interested, let me know and I’ll hook you up with the info. We always need bodies!
Ms. C - Where do you think he ends up then? On the EC?
Sounds like NJ and NY are both very interested
To date, the single most unproductive blog I’ve seen.
Anyone surprised the Wild let the strength coach go?
Bruno?
No clue. Just not here.
Sounds like fun, Crim. I’d love to have something like that just to get a sweat on and have fun. Though in 100 degree temps, there’s no effin way I’d get outside in any amount of goalie gear. I was sweating buckets just wearing my glove to work on my catching with Mr.C this weekend. In the shade, no less.
Do you play mostly stand-up? Seems like any butterfly stuff other than just a static drop would be hard without the slippery of ice. Though I bet people shoot high more in ball hockey since it’s easier with a ball than a puck.
Anyway, sounds like a blast but I hope your shoulder gets better quickly. Ouch.
I’m surprised the blog moved off of the Mike Comrie discussion. If Saku can’t make up his mind, Comrie might be a nice addition? Thoughts?
I was, WTW, but I guess I shouldn’t have been. Perhaps the injury list at the end of the season was a clue.
–Anyone surprised the Wild let the strength coach go?
I was just wondering the same thing. Maybe they let him go over his poor treatment of Andrew Brunette.
perhaps. I’m good friends with Travis Green, Assistant trainer, and it sounds like perhaps curt wasn’t all that well liked by the guys
Sparky: Or, maybe his poor treatment of Marian Gaborik. Or Brent Burns. Or Bruno. Or Nolan. Or Boogaard. Or…
New GM gets to have his own people in heree. I’m sure they have someone in mind. Someone in, say, Pittsburgh or Columbus…
Remember: Don’t feed the troll (MKVN).
Kirk you mean?
Here’s his replacement apparently, though this is the only place I’ve seen it. Chris Pietrzak-Wegner
Yes, my bad, Kirk not curt
haha, weird, that Chris Pietrzak-Wegner info says he’s going to the “Big Apple” to join Todd Richards with the Wild. We’ve been upgraded to the “Big Apple” love it
“Big Apple?”
sheesh…
Let Modano stay put! He’s up there in age, not a good checker or hard hitter, won’t TAKE hard hits well, & will retire soon. The only thing he’s got going is that he’s a hell of a puck handler and knows how to skate! Otherwise, he wouldn’t be all that much of an addition to have.
Yeah, I can’t quite figure that out myself. Here’s the only other place I found it, minus the strange Big Apple reference.
I found it here, at the bottom of the page:
http://www.citizensvoice.com/sports/penguins/2.189/top_scorers_moving_on
I believe this is the new strength coach.
Yeah, dropping to the butterfly or even sliding a foot to the side doesn’t work too well on pavement.
Comrie: I’ve always had a distant eye on him, even though that eye’s never been terribly impressed. It wouldn’t be a bad pick. Probably less risky than Penner.
Bisker82, you hack.
Hack? Please explain.
I’m interested how well Sheppard, Bouchard, Pouliot will perform under Fletch/Richards. I’m sure Butch will be fine, but I wager at least one of the “rookies” will either realize that it wasn’t JL that was holding them back…
Very safe bet chirpy.
Should we place bets on which one it will be, chirpy? Cuz I think I can pick the winner.
Betting on Pouliot vs Shepp? Isn’t that like comparing sh!t to crap?
JK. I’m definitely hoping at least Shepp will break out. Though hope =/= optimism. :\
IMO, I think Richards will be able to get something out of Benny. He showed flashes early last year until JL reigned him in.
As far as Shepp goes, I think he will be serviceable, but never a star.
Canucks sign Raycroft as a back-up.
Conjecture is Nucks will trade Schneider for a defenseman. Don’t like Schneider horning in on Harding’s trade market…
Hmm… Look out Luongo!
Anything NHL is “Big Apple” compared to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
we are looking for a forward…..so…..it depends on who has a forward to give, and who has a defensiveman to give….
we are known to some as the little apple…..but weird error none the less
Ms. C.: Did Schneider play well in the AHL playoffs?
argon: Don’t bring up the ‘Minneapple’ ad campaign again…that thing was laughable.
While I hope Sheppard and Pouliot both develop in to full time NHL players for the sake of our franchise… it’s a little funny to me that the Wild brass always touted Sheppard as being much more mature and NHL ready, yet Benoit had 5 goals (in what, two months?) and Sheppard had 5 goals the ENTIRE season. Also the “Been playing hockey since I was 3″ didn’t make him look too mature.
I don’t have a problem with either player. They could still turn in to fine NHL’rs.
Yeah, WRT. He’s quite a good goalie. Won’t miss him being in our conference (assuming he doesn’t land right back in it). Here’s hoping he goes east.
I like the Mini-Apple.
I am out on Comrie though. I’m not sure that he’ll ever see 20 again, much less 30. Even if he does, he wants too much $. Hillary Duff ain’t cheap. She may be a ho, but she’s expensive.
He just seems like a doosh. There has to be a reason that he has played for 97 teams before he turns 30.
Yeah WRT…almost as funny as the “We like it here” sign that was at the Metrodome…
Or pining for Modonna in IRR.
Beauchemin is signed. Leafs.
kj: I forgot about that stupid sign. Thanks for conjuring up bad memories.
Wild would take Comrie, only if we could then trade him and keep Hilary.
The new face of the franchise: Hilary Duff!
(j/k)
we’ve officially lost it here in Rusoville….
the apocolypse is upon us….
the 7th sign was the Comrie/hillary duff compairison…..
where in the hell did that come from?
what possible connections were made on that one?
jordan…my head is begining to explode from the sheer pressure of it all….
WHAT IS GOING ON H………..*pop*
Leafs also signed Ryan Hamilton (Wild RFA, played in Houston last season)
argon: We’re all waiting for Saku to sign with the Wild… not an apocalypse, just mid-summer boredom…
2009-2010 schedule released in 8 days!
Ah, good for Hambone. Really miss that guy, but I think the trade worked out for us in the end.
Whoa!! Nine days (July 15th) is when the NHL releases the 2009-10 schedule.
Sorry, just getting anxious to start planning the campaign for next year!
Man, I hope I can make it up there finally this year. It’s ridiculous that I’ve not seen a game at the X yet.
Would Saku $hit or get off the pot already!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Three years, $10 million for Beauchemin…dammit, we could’ve competed with that.
Leafs are loading up on defensemen…think they need to shift focus to their forwards now.
Suppose they’re amassing trade bait, Kevin?
*taping head together again with duct tape*
saku is constipated….let him be.
he’ll s#$% when is good and ready….just be prepared for the stench that will come from it….
Let me know after the schedule is out if you can, Ms. C., and we’ll try to help you as much as we can. You really should experience the atmosphere around her, especially in the 200-level where the real fans sit. (Right, kj?)
3 yrs, $10M for Beauchemin? He came down a lot from his first asking price of $4-5M. Hope he loves losing with the Buds…
kevin…..beauch should is a 2.5 mil player…not a 3.5 mil…..
I’ll take the underappreciated role player over the overpaid role player any day!
hopefully I will be in the stands for a couple games this year as well…..just have to find the time…..
Of course, it should have been $4-5M/year for Beauchemin…
“Brunette - S. Koivu - Nolan”
Old Turd to the Third
Re: Free Agency Letter Grade
I’m giving Fletch a letter grade of incomplete. This school term isn’t complete until teams start unloading high priced talent, at which point I fully expect Fletch to cherry pick a power forward or two. If he doesn’t then I plan to savage him. Havlat is a very good pickup, but I don’t expect much from the other prattle we acquired. With the exception of a couple funny nicknames (Brodz b4 hoes, and Don’t Mess with the Zonan) these are interchangeable parts (widgets).
Also, I guess we have a better idea of what Harding value is currently. Bag of pucks anyone? Teams just have to go turn over a stone to find a veteran NHL goalie who’ll play for peanuts. Until Harding plays 40-50 games/season his value will be ‘aspirational’ at best.
Well, they still have Kaberle to unload, but they probably want somebody who can handle the puck back there.
kovalev to the sens
My point, argon, was Beauchemin was supposedly asking for over $4 million and so I deemed him too expensive for the Penguins to go after. Under $3.5 would’ve been doable, especially if he gave a further discount for going to a prime Cup contender.
kovalev to the sens
Ha. First Heatley was knocked down to the No. 2 PP unit, now the top even strength line might be Kovy-Spezza-Alfredsson and bump Heatley down to the second scoring line. Hehe.
I think Koivu wants to join the Wild, he is trying to pry the extra year or years from them, by waiting. Look at the other teams known to be interested, Anaheim he is friends with Selanne, but he said this will be his last year. Rangers, I dont think he wants that kind of exposure again. It all adds up to him Jockying to get what he wants from the Wild.
Well if Saku is hoping to play with Sellane beyond this year it dont look good as Sellane will retire after this year
I wonder why Selanne needed to announce his retirement now. Its not like he is famous like Modano and anyone would care
Wow the signings are picking up again
Sens fans needed good news; they thought that free agency passed them by due to the Heatley soap opera.
Conjecture: as much as they might not do it, Heatley to the Leafs as part of a 3-way with Edmonton in the middle?
Perhaps Kaberle (and something else) to Edmonton, and the three players mentioned earlier to Ottawa? (In order to balance out salaries)
Wildfan, Mister Know it all is on record as saying that one of the real reasons why Gainey would not extend the agreement with Saku is he likely has lost his zest for playing. Reason being increased maturity above and beyond the normal person due to his experiences in life.
He may get that zest back playing with his brother for a couple of years, but with this player I dont think you can give him the term he desires, but probably deserves which is unfortunate for him.
I think the Wild need two more good scoring forwards who can get 50-60 points each, but maybe just one if Shep and PMB raise the point totals
Saku would be one of them but others I think will surface if he does not do the Wilds offer
Now that is a fun deal road tripper. I am glad the will not participate
Hmm, guess it’s $3.8 million per season for Beauchemin. Yeah, I’ll pass on that.
Wild are toast without two more goal scorers…
Comrie was/maybe is dating The Duffer. Sorry for the non sequitur.
MKIA: That might be the stupidest thing you’ve posted. You make me have a lack of zest for life.
WRT: especially in the 200-level where the real fans sit.
Let them eat cake.
Re: MKVN
Here I thought I was the punching bag that everyone loved to hate on this blog. Mister, let’s meet at the Subway on France and share a meatball sub.
You’re not fully clean until you’re ZEST fully clean.
I still think it’s okay to dump on Riseborough. It’s in part his fault it’s tough to sign Saku Koivu.
Johnsson’s $5M cap hit is killing him. Koivu should at least get the deal Nolan got ($8M over 2 years) from someone. But we are now within $7M of the cap and haven’t signed any RFA’s yet.
But we are acquiring a better core of defense (remember Fletcher spoke of toughness, not just offense).
Don’t feed the troll, people…don’t feed the troll
wow, Kovalev to the sens. 10 million 2 years. Does that set any sort of bar for Saku?
Does that set any sort of bar for Saku?
Should be less annually. Kovy’s a better player.
But let’s go back to Johnsson. Would people like to see him signed to an extension if it’s somewhat less than what he’s currently making? Or shall judgment wait until we see how he does under a new system?
Kevin, I guess, ideally we’d like him to play better AND cost less.
In all seriousness, though, his contract (or an extention with a similar rate) would be easier to stomach if the new system elevated his play.
Trade Kim, but thats impossible because of his salary. He will finish this year and then come off the books.
Kovalev was pricey. Even Beauchemin at 3.8M is a bit high. But Beauchemin and Komisarek are nice adds for the Leafs.
No, I’d rather see Kim move on
I don’t think Johnsson is going anywhere guys. I think Fletcher already has our D set with 3 stay at home and 3 more offensive d-men.
WRT: especially in the 200-level where the real fans sit.
i love the 118/119 section
Farve put down $30k on an Edina Condo. Wahoo!!!
Now its Saku or bust…
I love the any-section-for-which-I-get-tix. 
Maybe the Wild should have given up on Todd White. he put up 73 points last year.
sorry, Shouldn’t have
Farve put down $30k on an Edina Condo. Wahoo!!!
i just don’t know why any one want’s him,he’s a has been dork that should just go away and anyway i thought this was a hockey blog not a dork blog.
Several things (catching up):
1. I’ll take the under on Modano and 65 points in 09-10.
2. Saku, I have a theory. It’s either the Wild or Anaheim, and he’s probably leaning towards the Ducks because a.) he can make a run with old pal Teemu, and b.) Ducks are probably pretty legit contenders for the Cup this season. I think his priorities are Cup first, family second, money third. What’s holding him back is probably that it’s likely only a one-year deal as that’s when Teemu is retiring. If he could be convinced that the Wild truly have a good shot–as at the cup over the next couple of season, then I think he would probably be leaning more towards the Wild. The Wild look like they should be better this upcoming season, but it’ll be hard to say where they’re at with a whole new regime until the product hits the ice. So there’s a bit of a risk there. My guess is that in his ideal situation he could join the Ducks this year, then maybe the Wild next, but then there may not be an offer from the Wild next season, so there’s that risk too. So we’ll see. If I’m betting, I’m saying Ducks. But I’m often wrong.
3. I’d take Johnsson at less money. He’s a bit inconsistent, and certainly not physical, nor terribly productive offensively, not to mention he seems to be standing in front of the goal looking at the ceiling after a GA more than his fair share, but he does skate well and move the puck well and can log a lot of minutes. But then it also depends on what else is available.
I don’t miss Todd White.
As someone who has ripped Johnnson over the past few seasons I do feel the need to defend him. I will try to keep this from turning in to a bash on DR post.
There are a couple problems with the Johnnson signing, 1. We obviously had to over pay because it’s free agency 2. Management sold the fans a completely different player then the coaching staff wanted to put on the ice.
When Johnnson was signed we were told this is the guy we’ve been looking for, we had finally acquired a “puck moving defensemen”. He was supposed to be the power play quarterback and carry the puck out of the zone, all of that good stuff. The coaching staff had other ideas and asked him to be a shut down defensemen and did not give him power play time (correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t recall serious power play time in his last 3 seasons with us). In Philly he was given top power play time and allowed to go coast to coast but it seems as if he was never given the green light like Brent Burns to just jump in and generate offense.
I think he does a great job defensively and is one of a handful of our defensemen that didn’t make me cringe when they stepped on the ice…
Sorry for the long post.
I’d rather trade Zids over Johnsson.
Its not because of Johnsson’s contract that Saku won’t sign. He wants a 4 year deal and it sounds like Fletcher isn’t willing to give him that 4th year.
how can you not miss Todd White? He put up more points than our beloved Mikko! I mean, I hate saying that, I love that kid but honestly! We could have used those 70+ points.
Dreger tweet from a few minutes ago:
“NHLPA has filed a grievance. Versteeg and Barker could become ufa’s, pending a hearing.”
Is there anything to this? What a blow it would be to the Hawks to lose these 2 guys w/o compensation.
I think since I have posted on the blog it has been tained some degree with dork.
Especially since that sentence was written in iambic pentameter. Ugh.
I have a hunch Patrick Marleau is going to get traded this summer.
wow, Toivo, I like the way you think. That would be something but I’m not sure he’d be traded this way though.
what the what-
You are comparing apples to oranges between Koivu and White. To look at total points as a deciding factor is very misleading. You have to take into account the style of play, linemates, responsibilities, etc. I would argue all day that Koivu had to be far more responsible in our system, had worse linemates and was up against the opponents top lines to shut them down.
Is there anything to this?
Looking like it. Dale Tallon’s an idiot and might have shot his team in the foot.
Johnsson is a puck-moving defensemen. I think we were sold that he’s an offensive defensemen, which he was when he was given top PP minutes with the Flyers.
However with the Wild, the coaches felt that it was more important to have play against top lines than play top PP minutes. He is usually the top pairing for the PKer. Usually plays more 5-on-5 minutes than the other defensemen. Sure we would like him to score more goals but he’s being asked to do everything the coaches want him to do.
Versteeg would be sick!
I wouldn’t be so quick to give Versteeg a huge contract. Could be a flash in the pan.
Ben, I think we could have a healthy debate about that. I don’t get to watch enough Thrashers games to know if White had different responsibilities than Koviu.
So you think Whitey would have gotten 70+ points with the Wild this past season? I don’t. He wouldn’t be playing on the first unit PP for one, nor would he be centering anyone nearly as dangerous as Kovalchuk. Those two things kind of inflate his numbers. His last season with the Wild he got 44 points, and that’s with PMB and Rolston. I’m guessing that on last year’s squad he gets less than that.
I’m not saying Marleau would get traded to the Wild. But the Sharks have to move some salary to get enough players on their roster and he’s the most logical move.
Might Koivu stay in Montreal? Did anyone else see this?
adam,
Just a warning, Eklund/Hockeybuzz aren’t taken too seriously around this blog. I actually don’t know too many people that take him seriously.
what the what-
Fortunately for me, I have NHL Center Ice.
Firstly, as you know, the Wild played a very defensive game. I will not bring the trap into this since every team traps, but the center under Lemaire’s system has to make sure they are not caught down low.
Secondly, Todd White is not a checker. Mikko Koivu is a top 5 defensive centerman…after early success with Mittens, he was shuffled throughout the lineup.
Todd White got to play in a more offensive system. Todd White was not responsible to check the top line night in night out, knowing Lemaire would be there every time to remind him if he stayed in the offensive zone too long.
Lastly, just watching both of them play shows the difference. I would contend that White does not bring the visible competetiveness, strength along the wall, defensive expertise or leadership qualities that M. Koivu displays. Mikko is younger, has not hit his prime and I’d argue White is on his way down. Put White on a team that has more than just Little and Kovy up front, and he will return to earth.
Todd White is fluffy soft, IMHO. My least favorite Wild player when he was here, actually.
Right now we have a hard working bunch of over achievers who still CANNOT SCORE! Havlat will but how many times can we watch Sheppard and Clutterbuck put miss the wide open net? I’m hoping our new “system” will produce more goals because we don’t have the players that have that nack.
Hey Russo, what do you do all day? I’m picturing you sitting on a boat with a line in the water waiting for updates from other sites and then writing some lame a s s article. Whatever. Sounds good.
wow Jaques what’s up with you and the russo, if you dislike his writing then why you here? and Al your like the other troll’s here.
We also have to remember that D were being overpaid in FA the last couple of years because just like the housing bubble everyone imagined the cap would keep increasing. Last year was especially bad with Campbell, Redden and Finger getting hugely overpaid. Johnsson in those lights was not too far off the mark. I personally think he is very dependable and may well shine in the new system.
The whole Hawks situation is quite interesting. What a screw-up by Tallon.
You might be right Woody but I appreciate the fact that Tallon is trying to strike when the fire is hot. If they can pull of a cup win this coming season (unlikely to happen IMO), he’ll look like a genius…..until Toews leaves…..and Kane leaves for the Wild……..and then some other dude wins a million bucks because the Wild give a goal at just the right time in the 2nd period….
What’s it mean when we take Hards to arbitration?
I like todd White for here as well so I second
Well, Nickels, I think it means a whole bunch of things. If I’m interpreting the CBA correctly, it means he hasn’t filed for arbitration himself, or he hasn’t accepted his qualifying offer. I think it also means the team has to offer a contract worth the same or more as the previous year’s salary (bonuses and stuff included). A player can only be taken to arbitration by his team one time in his career.
Or something like that. In Harding’s case, the Wild appears to have a 24-hour window - which closed three hours ago - in which to file for arbitration.
If you want more info, I’ll give you the link to the CBA and you can try translating it yourself, because it makes my head hurt.
Nickels?
What?
Just funny.
I know.
Benny and Marty flying down the ice, i cannot wait.
I would love to know what “Jacques Strap” does all day, other than smothering a pair of sweaty balls. Nothing shows your ignorance more than dissing Russo.
The day after Pouliot scored his first-ever OHL goal, his father died from leukemia.
brutal.
Hards did NOT file for arbitration, only Brodziak. And what is up with his number being 37 on Wild.com. No one answered that question when it was asked earlier.
I guess no one knows why?
Wish we could find another center so we could tell Saku to stuff it.
WTW, my comment was about the RFA screw up. Now Tallon signed Barker for a 3 yr $3.08M cap hit when all he had to do was qualify him–had he not screwed up. He also signed others leaving open the question of what happens to Versteeg. I have not checked their total cap hit numbers yet.
Blackhawks stopped one headache before it could get worse; they signed Cam Barker to a three-year contract. He’s one of the players whose qualifying offers they screwed up.
Of course, this means they’re running out of money even quicker now…
I kind of wanted walz’s number retired…..just because he was the first real fan favorite this team had….and probobly the most important player in the finals run….(certainly the goalie tag team/bruno/gabby played huge roles as well)
I would say you couldn’t give that kind of leeway with any other player though….meaning he would be the only softball in the rafters……the rest would have to earn it…
can you tell I still have a soft spot for the guy?
The Hawks have now re-signed all of the RFA’s except for Versteeg.
If he becomes an UFA…Fletcher awaits?
Yes you can argon and we can’t figure out why Hards would have switched numbers, it is hopefully just a typo.
Kevin “chelly’s BFF” Allen of usatoday tweeted that the Wild filed on Hards.
We all love Walz–great team guy. But you don’t retire the number of a player of that caliber.
Interesting. That bites for Hards if it is true. Trade bait and having arbitration filed on him. Yuck. I like Hards.
I miss understood earlier and thought someone was saying Hards filed arbitration not that the Wild filed against Harding. I am super tired tonight so thinking totally clear.
Why would they file arbitration against him? I though arbitration was something only players invoked. Clearly I don’t understand the process.
That or Kevin Allen is full of crap. I prefer that option.
Teams have the right to take players to arbitration too.
But aren’t RFAs kind of at the mercy of the teams? I thought that was the reason for arbitration.
No, in fact, if I read the CBA right, only RFAs have arbitration rights.
Didn’t DR take Boigie to arbritration to avoid an offer sheet? I could be remembering this way wrong. Perhaps it was for some ofher advantage.
Not all RFAs have arbitration rights. They have to meet certain conditions before getting arbitration rights.
Filing for arbitration is for the protection of the team and the player. They don’t have to go to arbitration because they can negotiate up until the hearing.
“We all love Walz–great team guy. But you don’t retire the number of a player of that caliber.”
Completely agree. Walz was a great team guy and one hell of a heart and soul player but I’m sorry not worthy of jersey retirement. That is an honor for the best of the best.
I’m not 100% positive but I believe teams file arbitration on a player to retain their rights before settling a contract (other teams wouldn’t be able to hit them with an RFA offer sheet). I’m not entirely sure though…
Pretty sure we’ve gone through this in the past. Filing on players or players filing against us. No bridge burning or bending anyone over the barrel, just standard paperwork.
The team files for arb when the don’t want to give the player the QA raise.
Last year’s salary + 10%.
I guess you can piss a player who is a “good soldier” off.
WRT…real fans sit in level 200. *ducking*
Oops…QA=QO
Seems like the grievance had merit and the Hawks conceded to the mistake when they signed Barker to that contract. Given Havlat just signed, perhaps CF has an advantage if he decides to pursue Versteeg.
But in order for a qualifying offer to be a bonafide QO, doesn’t a team need to offer last year’s salary + X% (based on salary up to 10%)?
If the Wild doesn’t offer him the specified amount set forth in the CBA, it wouldn’t be a bonafide QO, right? For Harding, since his salary was between $660K and $1 million, the Wild had to tender a QO of 105% of last year’s salary.
—real fans sit in level 200—
So when all you Club, Suite and 100 level folks have some extra tix that you can’t use and are going to toss, make sure you don’t bother WRT and kj to see if they want some freebies
make sure you don’t bother WRT and kj to see if they want some freebies
real fans wouldn’t take free level 100 tix.
we took DB to arb. i’m sure it was explained why back when it happened if anyone wants to search past blogs. don’t recall it having to do with QO. didn’t we already qualify harding?
When are they going to take JL lame ex-coach picture off the Wild’s home page?
SotB: I didn’t say I wouldn’t take free tickets if offered, it’s just that the people in our section want to be there, and the same fans show up game in, game out.
Green*: You offering me your tickets for some night this coming season?
True story: A young couple down the section from me sold off their tickets for the playoff series vs. Colorado two seasons ago, account one of them was supposed to be out of the country at the time. He came back in time for the game, but ‘egads’, the only seats left were in the Club level. He bought them.
This same couple came up during the game to the people who had bought their original seats for that game, and begged them to switch seats, sending them to the Club level, and they sat in their regular, 200-level seats.
Reason: the people in the Club seats were talking about everything else EXCEPT hockey. They were upset that no one wanted to follow the game. They wanted to be where the real hockey fans sit. In the cheap seats.
’nuff said…
Hmm. I’m still not sure I get it. That was my understanding as well, Sunshine. That the CBA requires as QO to be a certain amount and arbitration is for players who believe their value to the team is higher than that amount.
Like if Clutter started scoring regularly and then was a RFA with arbitration rights, it would be pretty lame for him to continue just making 600k or whatever. He’s obviously way more valuable than the meager raise the CBA affords, so he could go to arbitration to try and get something more realistic to his value to the team.
(Don’t argue the Clutter point… I’m just making an example)
Now, if it’s something to do with keeping other teams away, avoiding offer sheets, then I guess that makes sense (not really, but it settles my curiosity).
Maybe I’ll tweet @walsha and ask him.
From 2007:
This summer, there were 31 potential arbitration cases. Twenty-nine players opted for arbitration, while the Rangers (with goalie Henrik Lundqvist) and the Wild (with tough guy Derek Boogaard) filed for club-elected arbitration to shield their players from offer sheets.
http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2007/08/12/arbitration_hard_to_judge/
Just got this 2007 article from Russo to open - http://www.startribune.com/sports/wild/11665611.html
Defensemen Nick Schultz and Kurtis Foster also filed to take the team to arbitration, while in an unexpected twist, the Wild filed to take enforcer Derek Boogaard to arbitration.
“This will ensure that Derek will be under contract for at least the upcoming year with the Minnesota Wild, which was most important to us,” assistant GM Tom Lynn said.
According to a league source, the Wild received what was described as “firm information” Thursday that teams, one in particular being the Philadelphia Flyers, were contemplating signing Boogaard, one of the NHL’s most feared heavyweights, to an offer sheet.
While the Wild would have had the right to match, it decided to be preemptive. Even though taking Boogaard to arbitration could cost the Wild more money, it assures no other team can sign him.
Ahhhh. Thank you FFS!!!
Does it surprise anyone that the Flyers would have been the team interested in Boogey.
Not at all. Though I have to say, I sort of dig that the Flyers have a solid grasp on who they are and who they want to be. Not saying I agree with it (though it doesn’t bother me like it does some folks), but I appreciate their commitment to a particular philosophy. At least one that doesn’t revolve around dullness. Sorry Wild…
Time for another one of my irritations. The fiction that true fans do not sit in 100 level seats. While it may be true that many club seat folks are there because they have received tickets to that night’s game, I can assure you as one who has sat in 102 since Game 1, Season 1 that we have many passionate and knowledgeable fans there who attend game after game. My wife sand I sit there from the moment they drop the puck until the game is over. The only problem is that I can no longer scream at McGeough.
Gah. I wanna go. I’ll sit anywhere.
I agree with Ms. C on the Flyers. At least they know they idendity they want to be and are sticking to it, whether we agree with it or like it. Here’s hoping Chaz will pick an identity he wants for the Wild and will bring in players to to build that identity for more than a season. It got tiresome to watch Ballgame try to shape the team from one identity to the next depending on which way the wind was blowing. Never had a plan and it showed. Hoping Chaz gives his “up tempo” style more than a season to materialize before switching to the identity ‘de jour’.
Identity. That’s the word.
Though really, how many of the 30 teams have an identity that lasts year after year. I’d say not many. At least not one that they shaped for themselves through a particular philosophy.
Flyers, Red Wings… I mean, there are off-ice identities, like Montreal, but you still don’t really know what you’re going to get on the ice, right?
Greetings Russoville!
So I am way too far behind to try and catch up… so, what’s the word on Shane Hnidy? I did not see the reaction…
Also, yay for Bob Mason and Rammer staying with the Wild!
I am a 100 level season ticket holder and I am a passionate hockey fan. People are not allowed to talk to me during the game and I usually don’t have a voice the next day because I scream so much. I think that any seat in the house is great!!
Ms.c: you should grab the austins and Wife in NY and I could meet y’all (see what I did there) in St. Paul for a Wild hockey game at some point this season.
We could do a reverse Wild Fan Road Trip…like a journey to Mecca or something.
Green*: You offering me your tickets for some night this coming season?
I don’t think it would be a good idea to have a real fan sit in my seats.
I’ve never had club level seats but know a few that have been up there and they all have told me it is difficult to watch the game. Lot of people there that don’t realize a game is going on.
The most trouble I get is one cat leaves his seat, about 6 from the aisle, with 45 seconds left in the period presumeably to beat the line for the can. and he doesn’t care if the game is stopped or not. at least the few corporate seats around me, those peeps know enough to wait for a whistle.
On identity: The Buds have forged a solid identity of mediocrity, tinged with enough glimpses of possibility to keep their fan base engaged and yet tortured for like forty years now.
Talk about consistency!
“We could do a reverse Wild Fan Road Trip…like a journey to Mecca or something.”
How about sometime near Christmas??
The most trouble I get is one cat leaves his seat, about 6 from the aisle, with 45 seconds left in the period presumeably to beat the line for the can. and he doesn’t care if the game is stopped or not.
see, in NY at least I feel free to berate you at a volume sufficient to signal to those around me that I am displeased with your actions when/if you get up during play like that. Although usually there is a chorus of those equally aggrieved that pile on to the verbal beat down - like we’re the LAPD.
Doesn’t mean people don’t do it. But at least there’s some recourse, which I have found is generally anathema to those of you that actively employ the standards of “Minnesota Nice” at live sporting events in the Twin Cities. Seriously, I yell at a guy to “siddown already!” and I get forty Garrison Keillor look-a-likes in Wild jerseys turning around and giving me the Minny version of the stink eye - like I’m the idiot that thinks people would rather look at my “Gaborik 10″ jersey than watch the actual game.
Also: jaywalking. Figure it out people! Who has the time to A) walk all the way to the cross walk and B) wait until the “walk” sign is on to cross the f’in street?
And, if you’re in the car driving towards me when I’m trying to cross Grand Ave to go to Dixies (or the new Brasa, which I’m geeked to try next time I’m in town) SETTLE DOWN. Just carry on with your business. Trust me: it works out a lot worse for me than you if I time it wrong and end up introducing myself to your fender. In other words, I’m highly motivated to time it right and not tempt fate. So there’s no need to slam on the brakes like I’m the Pope or the ghost of Michael Jackson or something.
Nick’s on a roll. I like it.
We’ll see when the sked comes out. Last year I was looking for a nice little stretch of 3 games in close proximity, but in the NHL, they’re all such damn babies about having 2-in-2s… blows my mind how much harder the AHL schedule and travel conditions are and how much they don’t complain about it relative to NHLers.
Settle down people…it was a JOKE!
Green* a real fan would never doubt a real fan’s claim to real fandom.
C’mon up ms.c…just make sure you do it in the dead of winter…to get the full affect.
I like my seats. If I had the $$$, you bet your arse I would be closer to the action.
NiNY…its pedestrians like you that have caused me to break my steering wheel…
Er, yeah, dead of winter. I’ll get right on that.
the new Brasa, which I’m geeked to try next time I’m in town
there is brasa on grand now? I’ve been by the one on hennepin numerous times and it is on my list of things to do.
as for jaywalking, we have this ped right of way thing around here and people take that to mean that cars must stop whenever a person simply appears to want to cross the street. we have people around here that will cross without looking because, hey, the law says cars must stop.
Brian Burke is probably the king of identity hockey. We hate the Canucks and it’s been how many years since he left there? Same with Anaheim. Both teams still have his stamp on them, and I’d say they both have that as their identity.
Green* a real fan would never doubt a real fan’s claim to real fandom
two strikes against me. sitting in level 100 and now this.
I will never be a real fan
as for jaywalking, we have this ped right of way thing around here and people take that to mean that cars must stop whenever a person simply appears to want to cross the street.
and you don’t have to be in the crosswalk to invoke this right?
and you don’t have to be in the crosswalk to invoke this right?
You only have to think of crossing the street from a block away to invoke this right.
And if you want the really scary scenario, just drive within a half-mile of the U of M. Swear to god, you’re better off getting out and pushing your car.
Wafer says:
July 7th, 2009 at 9:05 am
You only have to think of crossing the street from a block away to invoke this right.
I don’t think that’s true (I know you were exaggerating). I think that at intersections and marked, uncontrolled crosswalks traffic must stop. For controlled crosswalks, I’ve been told by a police officer (Edina) that the pedestrian only has right-of-way when the light indicates crossing is allowed. For middle-of-the-block, I’m not sure. But then, I could be completely wrong. Which I think gets to the root of the problem - nobody knows exactly what the rules are. So, one car will stop if there’s a guy 10 ft from the road who looks like he might possibly be thinking about crossing and the next car won’t. Or, one ped will stop and wait on traffic and the next will just step out there.
Personally, I don’t want to run anybody down when driving. When walking, I quite fancy the way my knees currently work and have no desire to have that changed by a 2 ton hunk of metal.
Don’t even get me started on which side of the road one is supposed to walk and which side one is supposed to ride a bicycle when there is no sidewalk…
For middle-of-the-block, I’m not sure.
If there is a crosswalk, lighted or not, the vehicle must yield to the crossing pedestrian. I should look it up to be certain, but that is what I was always taught.
Don’t even get me started on which side of the road one is supposed to walk and which side one is supposed to ride a bicycle when there is no sidewalk…
walk against traffic, ride a bike with traffic…. that one is easy. As annoying as it is to have to weave around cyclists (especially in Austin! Grr!) they are supposed to be riding in the street with the flow of traffic, even if there IS a sidewalk.
Goody - You are absolutely right. That’s why you see the signs that tell you to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. In the city at least (St Paul) you have crosswalks where there is no stop light. In these cases, cars are not required to stop when someone is waiting to cross the road (though it is a courtesy to do so, but if a person has entered the roadway, you have to stop. I believe it is also incumbent upon the pedestrian to ensure it’s safe to enter the roadway.
Don’t even get me started on which side of the road one is supposed to walk and which side one is supposed to ride a bicycle when there is no sidewalk…
On this topic, I don’t usually care unless some moron runner is running the wrong way in the bike lane. I know why runners prefer to run on asphalt or grass, but I wish they’d realize bikes are usually moving a lot faster than you think.
NINY - What a clown. Yell at me while I’m exiting a row and you will be picking your punk arse up off the ground. And what do you know about the LAPD?
Brasa–vastly overrated.
Lighten up, Francis.
Talking about traffic seems to be insighting some road rage on the blog today.
*inciting, rather.
- Belated applause to the posters providing rational comments on Kim Johnsson - Russoville has come a long way regarding #5!
- If/when you get a chance to sit on the Club level, try the brick oven pizza - best snack at the X by far.
Insighting - is that the art of watching for tiny ugly Hondas?
5FS - The cheese curds would like a word with you.
PenaltyShot: yeah, I think I’ll take my chances. What section are you in usually?
I was just reading some of the commetns regarding the new Sherrif in town. Looks like we finally have someone that won’t be afraid to move guys from in front of Backs.
Does anyone have any insight as to what the wild are going to do with Foster? Since CF likes it when players want to play for minnesota kurtis should be a no brainer.
Foster is unsigned at the mmoment no? I assume the Wild are ‘letting him go’. Which is a shame IMO.
FWiW, I bike a descent amount (mostly urban) and I can honestly say I follow all traffic signs and laws. I should note, though, that when there’s not another soul on the street except the twitchy squirrels and the racoons in the drains, I say F your stop sign.
What bothers me most is when vehicles break the law seemingly in an attempt to do bikers a favor but they’re actually making it more dangerous for everyone involved–like stopping at a bike path even though traffic doesn’t have a stop sign.
Wafer, after my typo I thought In-sighting might be something like celebrity stalking.
Agreed, ATX. I’m a big softy for KuFo. :\
Russo twated that SRV is close to signing elsewhere… that is another guy I will miss. He was always a really nice dude. Oh well, I guess you can’t keep em all.
i think the “safe to cross” part of the ped right of way is lost on some people.
i think the BBQ on level 100 near the puck wall is the best eats in the X.
Encrimson’d - Agreed on all accounts. I actually do a rolling stop through most stop signs, probably at the same speed as most cars.
What bothers me most is when vehicles break the law seemingly in an attempt to do bikers a favor but they’re actually making it more dangerous for everyone involved–like stopping at a bike path even though traffic doesn’t have a stop sign.
I agree with this. It also drives me nuts when bikers blow through stoplights. With only three exceptions, I wait for the light to change. But guys that run stoplights make it less safe for those of us following the rules of the road.
The cheese curds would like a word with you.
“Squeak squeak!”
I’ve got heebie-jeebies from reading about Russo twating SRV… blech.
ATX–moving guys in front of the net is called interference unless you are Pronger. Hnidy is a gritty #6 D. A defensive D not afraid to pull off the gloves, limited offensively–that’s why he signed a one year $750K contract.
fair point wood… at least we got a lot of grit on the team now. That’s a plus.
WRT: You’re probably not a math/statistics major are you? I could use your model and tell you about my one experience in Level 200 that would label you all loud mouthed, beer drinking, obscene, drunken, puking, butt cracked, real fan troglodytes, but that would be completely non-rational.
—-nobody knows exactly what the rules are.—-
If you want real “pedestrian polo” you need to drive Snelling Avenue south of 94, particularly around Macalester College. It’s 6 lanes wide including parking and heavily trafficked. You get these young, naive, liberal $50K/year college students and the elderly trying to cross anywhere. Then one of the inner lane types who doesn’t read the law, will come to a stop. Someone else will be humpin’ it up the outside lane (maybe a semi) wondering, “WTF are you doing stopping in the middle of Snelling Avenue in heavy traffic?” All of a sudden a pedestrian pops out from in front of the stopped car thinking if there is one dumb driver, they all must be. It leads to some frightful experiences.
Honestly, Mommy told me to look both ways and cross when there were no cars or cross at the light/crosswalk. And if a car is waiting for you, put a little zip in your step. It’s worked for me.
What’s with this “Thanks for not running me over. I am just going to lollygag my way along here.”
I don’t get how pedestrians/bicyclists think. There are times they may be in the right, but in a pedestrian/4000 lb vehicle debate, the car always wins.
Hot button. Sorry.
Looks like Burke succeeded in Sweden in signing that huge goalie, Gustavsson. Will be interested to see if Versteeg becomes an FA. Will kind of miss SRV–he always worked hard. Maybe not the most talented but did work and might actually find more of a scoring touch elsewhere.
SOTB - What you describe about Snelling is why I drive Hamline instead.
As for car vs. bike, when we both follow the rules, nobody gets hurt and nobody gets their ass sued off
What’s with this “Thanks for not running me over. I am just going to lollygag my way along here.”
oh yeah…this KILLS me. Same as pulling up to a red light and immediately checking your email, clipping your toe nails, finishing your lunch, whatever and then missing it when the light turns green. You get the horn - loud and long - if you do that and I’m behind you.
Unless you’re PenaltyShot in which case no horn because you’re so big and tough.
Once again, even Russoville in (monumentally) off-topic mode is so much more pleasant than the WMB.
Would it be too obvious to advise that all people–motorists, peds, and bikers alike–should challenge natural selection by concentrating on self-preservation a little bit more? Probably not. :\
SRV was a punching bag for me early in his career. Like a swear jar, if he saved a quarter for every time he checked the glass or boards instead a dude, he’d now be sitting on a beach, earning %20 (thank you, Hans Gruber).
The last couple seasons, however, SRV has turned it around a bit. All the effort started yielding more results and more respect. Annoyances became more endearing, like from a little brother or a dumb, but happy and loyal, pet.
Now, I’ll miss ‘em. Aww shucks.
SotB @ 10:43 might be some of the best OT prose in the history of Russoville.
Good luck to the Swedish monster. He’s in good hands now that he went to a city that knows how to respect their goalie. Oh he went to Toronto? Nevermind.
Velliux gone is sad but a sign the team needs more players who can score goals and less that can only play defense. I think the team felt it had two Vellieux types… Him and Colton. Colton is bigger and faster
Taffe, by the way, signed a 2-year deal with the Panthers.
In terms of food at the “X”, for our household, it starts and stops with the Carving Station. The roast beef sandwich with horseradish sauce is maybe the best sandwich in the state.
As far as SRV, dime a dozen. Should have no problem filling the roster spot of a checking forward to fill up the 3rd and/or 4th line. Doesn’t make him a bad guy, or unlikable, but he is easily replaced.
Good, no one cares about Veilleux.
A player might want to stay with the team but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the GM wants him to stay with the team.
GMs only like the players, who THEY want to stay on the team and who wants to stay.
Geez, back to topic so quickly… as for which side of the road, ATX nailed it. I seem to recall learning that at a young age (school? parents? scouts? maybe a combination of all of the above?). Anyway, it seems rather too common to see people walking with traffic (often down the middle of a lane) and riding against traffic.
X-food: The cheese curds are a shadow of their former selves. What happened?
FA’s - I’m satisfied with what Fletcher has done so far. Hopefully S.Koivu will choose the Wild, but if he doesn’t I don’t think I’ll blame Fletcher for it (barring any actual proof it was Fletcher’s fault. Hopefully those let go land on their feet somewhere. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Foster land on someone’s AHL team (through waivers?) simply given that he’s not yet exactly proven to be back from injury.
Brodziak and arbitration - might he not be quite as cheap as it originally seemed? What might arbitration get him?
Is there an ETA on when Saku is going to make a decision?
Did Favre, uh I mean Koivu sign with any one yet?
if he doesn’t I don’t think I’ll blame Fletcher for it
why not? a good GM would have this done by now…
I can’t imagine Foster not making an NHL team. Maybe not a great one, but the way he stood out at the AHL level… he doesn’t belong down here in the A. He truly elevated the Aeros to a new level while he was here.
why not? a good GM would have this done by now…
If it was only a matter of what a GM brings to the party, I’d agree. But I think a lot of what is going on has to do with what Saku wants at this point in his career.
Ms.C I have to admit I was initially surprised Fletch wanted to keep John Scott and not Foster. But I can kind of see why you’d want the edgier Scott over Foster who can play the body but doesn’t.
I agree with you that he’ll land somewhere. He’s too good to sit in the AHL. I think things will shake out for him once teams have to cut salary and dealing with the real-life budget situation.
I have to wonder if part of the Koivu situations stems from Saku playing in MTL where every little detail is scrutinized. Russo wrote somewhere about what if a situation developed where one brother’s play came under criticism and maybe it would affect the other. While I can easily see that happening in MTL, maybe not quite so much here (unless one brother is Skoula).
FWIW (which, I’ll admit, isn’t much) I still don’t think Foster’s that good of a defenseman. Or at least, he hasn’t been to this point in his NHL career.
He’s got a massive shot….that misses the net an awful lot. He’s got size….but he doesn’t use it. He’s not the best guy making the outlet pass.
I’m not saying that he won’t make an NHL team somewhere, or that he shouldn’t. I hope he does.
Overall I think there is a tendency to apply his admirable heart and desire (and what appears to be genuinely good guy-ness) in getting back to the NHL in a way that makes him appear to be a better player than he is.
Just as SRV and Fritsche are interchangeable, low-impact, low-ceiling players at the NHL level, so is a Foster, IMO.
The couple of times I caught Kurtis in the radio or TV braodcast booth I was impressed - next time the Wild signs Kurtis I hope he is sending Greenlay on his way back to the broadcast minors.
Nick, I for one will fully admit to your fourth paragraph.
So Professor Nick, where does Skoula fit into this equation?
i see foster a good candidate to end up in europe
Who offered up the iambic pentameter yesterday? Thanks for a nice segway to great memories of a mentor.
I really like that idea, FFS. It’s always been the off-the-ice Foster stuff that’s meant the most to me. That’s a perfect fit.
M 03, sad to say that was me, typo and all. :\
“I don’t get how pedestrians/bicyclists think. There are times they may be in the right, but in a pedestrian/4000 lb vehicle debate, the car always wins.”
I think the bicyclist thinks that if he’s got the balls to dress up like a spandex fishing lure, drivers should always yield.
My personal favorite are the bikers who ride in the middle of the road around Lake Harriet/Calhoun going 7 m.p.h.. Then when you pass them too close they get their underwear all bunched up. Yo numb nut, there are bike paths all over the place. USE THEM.
This is not directed at bikers on this blog who are rational.
*looks around for WRT*
Wafer, I think Skoula - again, as a 3rd pair guy, getting 3rd pair minutes, and 3rd pair money - is just fine. Again, JMO.
I think the bicyclist thinks that if he’s got the balls to dress up like a spandex fishing lure, drivers should always yield.
Coke-on-the-screen funny!
FFS @ 1:15
I couldn’t agree more! If playing hockey isn’t in his future, providing color commentary should be.
blows my mind how much harder the AHL schedule and travel conditions are and how much they don’t complain about it relative to NHLers.
AHLers don’t make enough to complain. They’re just happy they’re getting a paycheck.
I think Skoula - again, as a 3rd pair guy, getting 3rd pair minutes, and 3rd pair money - is just fine. Again, JMO.
I bolded that stuff to make sure WRT sees it and goes off on you.
Happy July 7th!
You’re a giver, KiPA. Thanks.
Yo numb nut, there are bike paths all over the place. USE THEM.
if they are actually doing 7mph, i will agree because the paths have a 10 mph limit.
I don’t mind bikes in the driving lanes, i’ve followed bikers slowly until it was safe to pass. what peeves me is when i give the biker their respect for the road to have them pass me at a light in the gutter and then cross when it is red. I don’t mind treating a stop sign as a yield. that makes sense. but cutting between lanes and crossing against the light is wrong.
’tis the season, Nick.
The bicycle path around Lake Harriet is one way. Clockwise when viewed from above - opposite that of Lake Harriet Parkway BTW. That said, being slower than traffic, they should stay to the right and allow traffic room to pass. Traffic should pass only when it is safe to do so.
I have no knowledge of if Calhoun is similar.
No Iowa Chops this year - http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jUGPtETOPm2CCzIy8ThPVjbEqzHQD999O9AO2
Nick, I was being facetious and lobbing a softball at you by asking about our favorite punching bag
Then when you pass them too close they get their underwear all bunched up.
I know this isn’t directed at my ilk, but you do realize that by law you have to give cyclists 3 feet of space right?
Crap, didn’t realize I wasn’t on Mute on my conference call. Was LMAO.
Not that it matters, but I agree with you on Skoula, Nick.
Foster, I declare myself unable to be objective about him. Without the win streak he brought with him to Houston, I’m not sure we’d have made the playoffs. At least, things certainly wouldn’t have gone like they did.
Greenstar, one of my peeves too.
I agree that the sentimental side of the Fozzie story is clouding judgement on his ability. Dude man goes through a horrendous injury; busts his Bertuzzi to get back and is now looking for a job. That does not change the fact that he hits less than PMB despite being twice the size and that he couldn’t hit the sand from the top of a camel with his slapshot. At best he’s a third-pairing d-man which we already have plenty of. Again, doesn’t mean he didn’t fight like he11 to get back from the broken leg, or isn’t a good guy or whom wouldn’t be a 276 percent improvement over Greenlay in the broadcast booth, but the Wild isn’t a worse team if he’s not on the roster.
If memory serves, Calhoun has paths on both sides of the road (at least at some parts). So it doesn’t seem there should be anything on actual road with only two wheels unless it’s a p!mped out, glowing motorcycle.
Bummer about the Chops; I gotta respect anything that pays homage to pork. Did they serve applesauce in the stands?
NiNY, I think your analysis of Foster, SRV and Fritsche is spot on. SotB and I might slightly disagree with you on Skoula. As a 3d pairing he is good as a 2d pairing I think he is solid. And he was quite good on the PK last year. That should get WRT and others going. Why did I do this? I guess spending too much time listening to the Lions parade outside my window.
[Obligatory Skoula bash that also makes note of his improvement last season.]
I have sat on all the levels at the X and since we don’t have season tickets, I am not fussy where we sit as long as we get to go. I prefer being closer to the ice and the Mr. likes sitting on the end we attack twice but if we gets, I don’t care where they are.
As far as food goes, I like the carving station and the cheese curds.
Pedestrians, I learned the look both ways, make sure there are no cars, then cross and the wait for lights thing when at lighted intersections. Pedestrians do not always have the right of way. If they step out when an oncoming vehicle does not have enough time to stop I think the pedestrian is at fault.
I think ms. c was hoping Kolanos was coming back to the AHL. Otherwise I am fine with are UFA’s leaving that are not resigned. I think it was the right thing to do to sign Foster last year but if he wouldn’t have gotten injured would we have re-signed him last year? Who knows.
“I know this isn’t directed at my ilk, but you do realize that by law you have to give cyclists 3 feet of space right?”
That may be, but there’s got to be a law about a biker choosing to ride in the car lane (instead of the bike only lane that’s four feet to the left) which is already barely wide enough for a car. Under my interpretation of this law the biker “chooses to risk his/her life and lets the chips fall where they may”. Furthermore, biker relinquishes his/her right to get panties/spandex up in a bunch because they are unnecessarily pissing off all car drivers around them.
Wafer, shed some light on this for me. Why don’t bikers just use the BIKE lane around the lakes.
*eyes rolling back in head as I channel my inner Penalty Shot*
Maybe we could save time with an Eklund-like rating system for players.
Like WRT is S1 on Skoula whereas I’m about S3.
Nah, I’m okay with Kolanos going elsewhere. But it would be nice to sign someone to help with scoring. For now, we have no natural scorers on the team.
Wafer, shed some light on this for me. Why don’t bikers just use the BIKE lane around the lakes.
I’m east of the river, so I have no idea what those weirdos in Minneapolis are thinking when they go round the lakes
Be that as it may, some bike only paths have suffered the past few years in Minneapolis. I know the West River Parkway trail is crap to the point I can’t ride on it. Perhaps the Calhoun/Harriet trails are bad too?
“So it doesn’t seem there should be anything on actual road with only two wheels unless it’s a p!mped out, glowing motorcycle.”
Holla back!
“Pedestrians, I learned the look both ways, make sure there are no cars, then cross and the wait for lights thing when at lighted intersections. Pedestrians do not always have the right of way. If they step out when an oncoming vehicle does not have enough time to stop I think the pedestrian is at fault.”
If only everyone was this reasonable.
Pewt, I almost threw in “p!mped out, glowing motorcycle with hydraulics,” but I can’t say I’ve ever seen one. 
NINY- I’m in Section 117 and I always have an extra seat. I’m a fulltime MMA instructor so if you can kick my arse, the seat is yours.
Second thought. What do you know about LAPD?
Penalty Shot,
but do you have a p!mped out, glowing motorcycle with hydraulics?
Oh no he didn’t!
Awww, Burnzie’s gettin’ married tomorrow! Congrats!
I am going to ask Kevin in PA who has wealth of knowledge when it comes to NHL contracts to review these statements Mister Know it all is saying.
The Wild have to guard against the future contracts so after Martys signing term of contracts is the issue.
I think we all agree that trading assets for another player does not make sense, so we are stuck to short term language as Saku if finding out.
If I am right KIPA then the only way the Wild improve the forwards and the scoring is to sign veteran players who have been deemed too expensive by the current team they play for. These players will be seeking to play for teams that they likely feel can win the prize and pay them the closest to what they want for this next year
I will naem these players in the next post. Check over KIPA
I’m a fulltime MMA instructor so if you can kick my arse, the seat is yours.
LMFAO
Lllleeetttt’s Get Ready to Rrrruuummmblleeee!
It’s pretty amazing that Burns found an animal wrangler/Tolkien & JK Rowling scholar/history buff/sparring partner all in one person! Then again, there are probably a few million convincing reasons to assimilate those hobbies. Still though, aww fer cute!
“I’m in Section 117 and I always have an extra seat”
He’s the guy sitting next to Cindi Lauper with rubber bands hanging from his face.
Capt. Lou Albano?
I’m not sure the millions make up for having a freezer full of dead rats and a basement full of snakes. Some tolerances money just doesnt’t buy. Good on ya, Susan.
The list that fits the short term Center contracts are below. Of course I added Modano who I think would be a killer signing. We could use 1 center if not 2 in our quest for Lord Stanley this next year. Do you agree this is our target list KIPA
I will manually type Modano to this list at his 3.45 million he has remaining for 1 year (He is not a free agent) . I am saying even if we have to part with something minor for him. He will play.
Mats Sundin 38 VAN $7,000,000
Joe Sakic 39 COL $6,000,000
Saku Koivu 34 MON $4,750,000
Mike Comrie 28 OTT $4,000,000
Robert Lang 38 MON $4,000,000
Brendan Morrison 33 DAL $2,750,000
Viktor Kozlov 34 WAS $2,500,000
Mike Sillinger 38 NYI $2,300,000
Wow. 7 years for Pronger in Philly.
Though as I type it, it sounds more like I’m reporting a prison sentence than a contract.
Don’t judge. :p
I am going to ask Kevin in PA who has wealth of knowledge when it comes to NHL contracts to review these statements Mister Know it all is saying.
The Wild have to guard against the future contracts so after Martys signing term of contracts is the issue.
I think we all agree that trading assets for another player does not make sense, so we are stuck to short term language as Saku if finding out.
If I am right KIPA then the only way the Wild improve the forwards and the scoring is to sign veteran players who have been deemed too expensive by the current team they play for. These players will be seeking to play for teams that they likely feel can win the prize and pay them the closest to what they want for this next year
The list that fits the short term Center contracts are below. Of course I added Modano who I think would be a killer signing. We could use 1 center if not 2 in our quest for Lord Stanley this next year. Do you agree this is our target list KIPA
I will manually type Modano to this list at his 3.45 million he has remaining for 1 year (He is not a free agent) . I am saying even if we have to part with something minor for him. He will play.
Mats Sundin 38 VAN $7,000,000
Joe Sakic 39 COL $6,000,000
Saku Koivu 34 MON $4,750,000
Mike Comrie 28 OTT $4,000,000
Robert Lang 38 MON $4,000,000
Brendan Morrison 33 DAL $2,750,000
Viktor Kozlov 34 WAS $2,500,000
Mike Sillinger 38 NYI $2,300,000
So, can the Wild ger Versteeg?? I know hockey is sort of off topic here right now… but my B’Hawks Fan friend here at work said the Hawks are going to lose Versteeg. They only have a couple hundred thousand left before exceeding the cap.
Was this discussed already? I am too lazy to catch up on all the comments from teh long weekend.
I’m a fulltime MMA instructor so if you can kick my arse, the seat is yours.
I think I could kick it, but living to tell anyone about it is another issue entirely.
ATX - I said it earlier in this very blogpost. I’d love to see CF go hard after Versteeg, but 2 things get in the way: We’re still waiting on Saku to decide, and Versteeg might command more $$ than we have to give.
Michael Buffer says:
July 7th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Lllleeetttt’s Get Ready to Rrrruuummmblleeee!
too bad your half bro already has the UFC gig and does a much better job.
Ladies and Gentlemen, WE ARE LIVE!
We’re still waiting on Saku to decide, and Versteeg might command more $$ than we have to give.
one problem is easily solved by telling saku to sh!t or get off the pot. the other will take some finesse
Versteeg might command more $$ than we have to give.
My Hawk-Loving friend said he only thinks it would take a few million to sign him… however, that is expensive for a 2nd year guy. But really, you move PMB over to C, that opens up a RW slot right? I’d take PMB as the #2 C and Versteeg on the wing. I think Fletch would be silly not to at least look into the possibility.
Versteeg will sign with the Hawks. I’m 92% confident.
Sounds like they’re trying to keep Versteeg “next couple of days” I just read as far as hoping to have him signed.
I do have reservations that his hype is heightened by the team he was with and his personality off ice and maybe he needs to prove himself a bit more before anyone backs the Brinks truck up.
Lang or Morrison might not be bad on a one year contract. Maybe two for Morrison. Kozlov is headed for the KHL I thought and Sakic I think is less likely than Modano to want to leave his team. Comrie’s an intriguing possibility if he can regain his 30-goal form but is coming off a really bad year. Sakic’s also in with Sundin as “do I want to retire or not” and I’d stay away from those types if they don’t know if they even want to play.
In fact, TSN is predicting Colorado’s news conference for today is to announce Sakic’s retirement.
Where did you see that about Pronger?
Every GM in the league would be silly to not see if they can throw anything at Versteeg. Even DR called Lynn to ballpark some figures. A few sentences into the conversation, however, they both remembered they were out of work. It was awkward.
news conference for today
Not for today. For Thursday.
Versteeg will sign with the Hawks. I’m 92% confident.
How will they do that without the cap space? I have not looked up their actual cap space… but I trust MFTHF (My Friend the Hawk Fan) when he tells me they only have 200K left for Versteeg.
I would be more interested in Comrie even though he is a risk–but not at a very expensive salary. I wanted Morrison last year but I was not impressed by his performance last year.
As to food–the BBQ on level one hands down over the carving station–just avoid the bbq chicken–doesn’t compare to the beef or pork.
If the league doesn’t pull some BS to allow the Hawks to sign him, I’m sure there’s some team out there that will be willing to Penner him with a ridiculous contract. Here’s hoping he backs up whatever contract this buzz gets him, especially if it happens to be the Wild.
Comrie is little and I would bet he is a player flirting with maybe 2 mil a year, and why Minnesota. We need to have a team that is cup ready this year so I say Mats Sundin is the prize in this bunch still. I would be ok with the Wild giving him 5 mil for 1 year
Next to him you have Sakic but we would need to hope for two things, 1 he has a falling out with the AVs and 2 he sees the Wild as a Stanley Cup contender… Sakic not likely
That is why Modano is valuable becasue the problem with Sundin and Sakic is how do you convince them for 1 year to go to Minnesota ?? Maybe Sundin though
I do like Robert Lang as well Woodcock
Clarification not more interested in Comrie than Versteeg–just the comparison with Morrison.
nhlnumbers is down–wanted to check the Hawks. Could be a feeding frenzy for Versteeg if he is available.
On a different note… the Excel Energy Center ranks #1 in Stadium Quality on ESPN across all major sports. http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/teamrankings/_/category/stx/sort/stadiumGreatnessRank#table
Hope that works right…
We get Wild Dogs and popcorn on level 2.
Like I said…real fans.
Clubs can go 5% over the cap until training camp.
Kevin… Twitter.
SRV heads to Tampa to be with Walzie. Good luck SRV!
Clearly Malone is expendable now - get it done Fletcher and G* will have to stop the “good GMs …” posts
Russo must have extracted a promise from Saku not to announce anything until he gets back into town:)
Good luck and good night, SRV. Give my best to Walz!
—On a different note… the Excel Energy Center ranks #1 in Stadium Quality on ESPN across all major sports.—
You’ve been working on too many spread sheets. It’s Xcel or The X.
—I’m a fulltime MMA instructor so if you can kick my arse, the seat is yours.
I think I could kick it, but living to tell anyone about it is another issue entirely.—
Classic Wafer! Being an MMA instructor doesn’t really carry much water on a message board though does it?
I tend to like and identify with the 3rd/4th line guys more so than the studs. It’s good news/bad news. Yeah, they’re gone, but its often because they have priced themselves out of a job here. I’m happy for the SRV’s of the NHL and can always catch up with them on CI.
Nick: Thanks for the kind words earlier. Guess I found your hot button!
—but you do realize that by law you have to give cyclists 3 feet of space right?—
And do you realize in some states oral sex is illegal? Doesn’t make it right or common sensical.
And for the price of curds, wings, and roast beef at the X, I can knock back several Guinness and a chee burger at Shamrock’s. That’s twice in the last week that I’ve brought them up. Would it be too much to ask for them to comp me a couple of beers and a burger?
Hey! This is great for everybody.
Your post seem a little cynical, how come ?
All the best to your final Term!
Don’t work too hard!
Good times!
Thanks for adding the links.
I couldn’t agree with you more!
I do agree with you.
That’s true.
I sincerely salute you.
I have no idea about this.
I do agree with you.
Hey!
I agree with you, completely.
Yeah.. New Stuff… This is awesome.
I’ll make the contribution right away.
Thanks for sharing your ideas i really appreciate it!
Keep us posted and good luck!!
Thanks for sharing your ideas i really appreciate it!
Thanks for the laugh!
Great comments.
Thank you for sharing your experience.
This place is a freaking spamfest…
Damn!
I will be back many times.
Call me!
Many thanks for this fine post.
Simple superb.
Thanks!
Excellent article, will keep this in mind.
What about
Sorry, it just sounds like a crazy idea for me
I’m sorry, but I disagree with you.
You are incorrect,
Very well presented.
Beautiful as usual…..hope you enjoy a lot !
Nice work man.
Hello,
Yo, nigga!
Hello,
let go to blogging
Nice. Very funny!
Keep up the good work.
Very interesting!
Keep visiting!
its really informative post from you.
I’ll try it.
Thanks for the post!
Excellent article, will keep this in mind.
Hope we meet again.
Keep going.
Thanks for sharing your ideas i really appreciate it!
Thanks for adding the links.
Is it so important?
Is it so important?
Very interesting!
You straightened up!
WOW! These are really great pics!
Have a good day.
You great webmaster!
I totally agree with your points.
Dude, You are definitely amazing.
You are incorrect,
Why not just ask them?
Sounds Interesting!
You are welcome!
Nice. Very funny!
I agree with you, completely.
Thanks for the laugh!
All the best to your final Term!
Thanks for this, seriously.
I hope that makes you feel better.
Thanks again.
No idea.
You’re totally right, I totally agree.
Nice,
OK,
Nice one.
Too bad with all the spam on this site
Anyway, see you soon!
Is it? I don’t think so.
This blog Is very informative.
What about
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Keep visiting!
But I think this one is good.
This is fantastic!
I agree with you, completely.
Great photos.
This blog Is very informative.
Best Regards.
I’ll surely check it out!
See ya!
Sorry!
Thank you for sharing your experience.
Nice one.
WOW! These are really great pics!
Oh my God, yours site is excellent! Look mine:
Have a good day.
Thanks for the comment!
You are welcome!
Sorry!
All the best to your final Term!
Nice conversation here.
Stay cool!
You can
You’re totally right, I totally agree.
Excellent article, will keep this in mind.
Thank you for sharing.
Yo, nigga!
Keep it up!
Thanks everyone for the appreciation!
You great webmaster!
See you!
Hey there, great write up!
Keep going.
Thank you for good job!
Keep it up!
Incredible site!
You straightened up!
Used to be one a week!
I agree as well.
Good,
Carry on.
Cool,
cheers
Excellent article, will keep this in mind.
Very nice site!
I know it!
Best wishes!
Please let us know.
I want you, now!
Hope it works out for you.
Thanks for this, seriously.
See ya!
Thanks or bringing this up.
WOW!
The post is good but I don’t really agree with all of it.
See you!
Thanks for the comment!
Thank you for sharing your experience.
WOW! These are really great pics!
Thanks everyone for the appreciation!
Great initiative.
I hope that makes you feel better.
Cool,
I agree as well.
Aboslutely.
Too bad with all the spam on this site
This place is a freaking spamfest…
Good work.
Incredible site!
Carry on.
