Ducks sign Saku Koivu, turns down better term, money from the Wild
Posted on July 8th, 2009 – 1:24 PMBy Michael Russo
UPDATE: Kurtis Foster has signed a one-year deal with Tampa Bay.
UPDATE: Got to ask Saku a few questions on his presser. Quotes below, but as you’ll see, short of the Wild trading Mikko Koivu, the Wild had no shot in the end. Saku decided he just didn’t feel comfortable playing with his brother.
As you probably saw on the previous blog or my Twitter, Saku Koivu has indeed signed a one-year, $3.25 million deal with the Anaheim Ducks — proof positive there’s nothing the Wild could have done to sweeten that pot.
If somebody doesn’t want to play here, he doesn’t; there’s no use chasing your own tail and throwing money and term if there are other factors at play. He could’ve gotten a better deal in Minny — sources say the deal would have been in the $4 million annual range on a two-year deal, in the $3-million-plus range on a three-year deal.
As I warned you before last weekend, the Wild started to get the impression things were heading south with negotiations with Koivu. To me, this contract with Anaheim shows two things — 1) he wants to play with buddy Teemu Selanne and only signed for one year because Selanne claims this time he will really retire in one year; 2) there were serious concerns amongst the Koivu Bros. about playing together.
Now you know why I wrote that July 1 column saying the Koivu’s parents wanted them to play together, but “if only it were that simple.”
Where does this leave the Wild? Exactly where GM Chuck Fletcher said he’d be the other day with Koivu did not sign (here’s the link). He’ll continue to look at the trade route for a No. 2 center, and if that can’t be done before the season, the internal options remain James Sheppard, Benoit Pouliot or Eric Belanger — or moving Pierre-Marc Bouchard to the middle.
I briefly talked to Bouchard today, but I was driving at the time. I hope to speak to him on the record later this afternoon, but he was a natural center before the NHL and I think he’s willing to give it a try again in training camp.
The Wild will not look at the free-agent route now at No. 2 center. Contrary to Internet rumors, the Wild IS NOT signing Mike Comrie, I’ve been told.
As you saw in the blog below, columnist Jim Souhan sat down with Marian Gaborik this morning for a one-on-one. That’ll be in tomorrow’s paper, as well as a Koivu/maybe Bouchard story. Also, the Wild will announce later it’s signed Jaime Sifers and Jamie Fraser to two-way contracts. Both have played some NHL games but are likely Houston-bound.
Update: Here are quotes from Saku on Minny:
On not signing in Minnesota: “We spoke to Minnesota a few times. All the talks went very well, but it was more personal reasons. I didn’t feel comfortable. I kind of felt that Minnesota’s Mikko’s place at this point. I wanted him to have his own privacy in a way and make his own name and career. And I just felt there were too many risks for us as brothers and as family members to join on the same team and kind of compete for the same ice time. And I felt we’re better off playing somewhere else.”Did Mikko understand this because it seems like he was intrigued by being teammates: “I think Mikko was really excited about the possibility for us playing on the same team and I can’t deny, if you really think about the possibilities and only the positive side, it would have been a pretty exciting thing. But I looked at it in, I guess, a more negative way and I was thinking, ‘what if this happens or what if things won’t work out?’ And right now, we have such a great relationship and I was too afraid to challenge that. You never know what is going to happen. For me, this was a safer option and I felt myself, I felt more comfortable.
“When I spoke to Mikko today, he understood totally. I guess I looked at things as more of an older brother and I wanted to protect him in a way and I felt there were too many risks for me to sign there.”
But isn’t it riskier taking a one-year than the multi-years the Wild offered? “I felt that the fit for the team in Anaheim and for myself, it was perfect for a one-year deal. We’re going from one extreme coming from Montreal to a very different lifestyle, different weather and hockey not being as big as it is in Montreal. At this point in my career, being an older player and with my family, I felt I wanted to have control for our future. Obviously I’m hoping and I’m confident things will work out and hopefully I play many years in Anaheim. I felt it was an easier decision for me to take it a year at a time at this point and see how everything works out, how we like it there. And then if everything works out well, then we can spend many years hopefully to come. “
SIFERS, FRASER BIOS FROM PRESS RELEASE
Fraser, 23 (11/17/85), played one game with the New York Islanders in 2008-09, making his NHL debut April 4 versus Tampa Bay. Fraser posted 21 points (7-14=21) and 30 penalty minutes (PIM) in 66 games with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League (AHL). The 6-foot-1, 200-pound native of Sarnia, Ont., played junior hockey with the Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) Brampton Battalion and Sarnia Sting. He was originally signed by the Islanders on Feb. 22, 2007.
Sifers, 26 (1/18/83), recorded two assists and 18 PIM in 23 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2008-09 season. He also posted 20 points (4-16=20) and 47 PIM in 43 games for the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. The 5-foot-11, 210-pound native of Stratford, Conn., played collegiately at the University of Vermont, where he was an ECAC Second All-Star Team selection in 2005. Sifers was signed as a free agent by Toronto on July 20, 2006.
539 Responses to "Ducks sign Saku Koivu, turns down better term, money from the Wild"
It’s a shame the Koivu thing didn’t work out. Let’s see what Fletch has up his sleeve now. I am still thinking a trade to CHI… Sharp for Hards.
I don’t get it!!!
Michael - awesome work. Thanks for feeding us during your vacation. Return to your spot at the poker table.
Thanks for letting us know, Russo!!
Re: Comrie
I have read a few comments around here wanting to sign him. I’d rather give that time to Sheppard. Like Russo and others have mentioned, we don’t have to sign someone just to sign them…they have to fit. I think that either Sheppard or Pouliot would be better getting that ice time, or Fletcher will be able to make a trade come September when teams are trying to get under the cap…
darn moderating
Michael - thanks for feeding us. Enjoy the rest of your vacation day. Vegas?
Do you really think Chi would trade us Sharp straight-up for Harding, ATX?
Make a move Fletch! Teams are in trouble with the cap!
Sheppard, Harding, and a non-1st pick for Marleau.
Merci Don Russo.
Do you really think Chi would trade us Sharp straight-up for Harding, ATX?
Beats me Dave. I know CHI will need to dump some salary… and they need a good backup goalie… sooooo.. maybe?
what the what - I thought Sharp was a Winger/center, meaning he plays either wing or center. I think Bouchard would be a good center for Sharp on the wing. Bouchard at center would be a natural at dishing to either wing (Brüno & Sharp?).
But Brüno/Sharp/Butch line would be sweet too.
Why would Chi trade Sharp for Harding? I mean if it was Harding + for Sharp, maybe.
Definitely not straight up.
Sheppard, Harding, and a non-1st pick for Marleau.
DR doesn’t live here anymore.
Is it just me or has the idiot quotient in Russoville drastically increased since on or about June 30?
As continued from the last post, IMHO, I do not think the issue is hating Gaborik, so much as being tired of his lame attempts at rehabbing his public image. He has proffered a number of excuses about not re-signing with the Wild (e.g., unhappy with the direction of team, Wild didn’t offer me a contract, etc.) when it was clear that he just wanted to start anew somewhere else. That’s fine — it’s his prerogative. But do not insult the fan base that you are ostensibly so thankful for by trying to make it seem like there was any other reason for not coming back.
Wafer:
From the last thread, what you wrote re: possible scenario of Gaborik is exactly what Nanne said happened on Barrerio.
CF spoke to Salcer and was told that Gaborik wanted about $7.5 million/yr. CF was thinking around $6.5 million/yr so he didn’t make an offer.
So, Gaborik is correct in saying that an offer was not made by CF.
Well, it could be worse. I am actually interested to see what happens if Butch moves to center. I think that if we can get another serviceable scoring winger (one who will take a shot rather than Butch looking for that sweet setup pass), we’ll be okay. There’s lots of options out there for a player like that.
Saku would have been nice, but what do you do when he’s got concerns other than money. You have to respect that.
Well, I guess we all need patience and it is early yet but basically we are no better than last year. Now admitttedly if Havlat plays the whole season and Burns is healthy we should be better than when we were wounded last year but basically we are the same–some different faces but same talent level.
I was one who mentioned Comrie but only in the context of preferring him to Lang. And only if you get could him for about $2M. Obviously we aren’t interested and it is not much of a loss.
Excellent job of capsulizing my feelings about Gaborik, Chicago Wild.
These Koivu brothers must have serious ego issues, if they are that worried about stepping on each others toes. Maybe they just are not that close to begin with. While else would they turn down a once in a lifetime opportunity to bring their families together and play professional hockey in the same city? Geez, I hope they can get along well enough to play together in the Olympics. Here is hoping that the Wild are not shopping for a #2 center next year.
Go Rangers!
just when i was getting the hang of this ranting on management, russo puts upa new blog to kill my momentum
so it’s mikko’s fault for no saku not the chucker
Already thinking 6.5 mill and he wouldn’t give him an extra mil. What a bastard. I hate you FLETCHER
Do you think Gaborik really wanted to be here, Chris? It sure seems to me like he just wanted to turn the page.
…what? Joe Sakic is shopping for a condo in Edina? 
Well I’m sorry about this, but good luck to Saku, but not too much, this is the evil Ducks we’re talking about (Seriously how is it everything in California went up in flames two years ago except the Ducks?)
I’m sorry we’re closing the door on Comrie, he’s definatly less talented than Saku, but more so than Shep. For the right price that would be a good solution.
If it’s to be Bouchard as the 2nd Center this begs the question who’s on top line with Koivu, M and Havlat. The only right wings on the team now are Nolan, Weller and Calvin. (which explains why the WIld were “kicking the tires on Fedetenko” as Russo put it).
Since the door’s been shut on Comrie (which I think is unwise), the Wild need to trade for a 2nd center, or a top wing if Bouchard as 2nd center is to work out.
I hate splitting Bouchard and Koivu though.
Jerry says: These Koivu brothers must have serious ego issues, if they are that worried about stepping on each others toes.
I think you got it wrong. These are two competitive guys and one of them, the younger one, is the hand’s down leader of the team. Their reasoning could be that what happens when one of them is in a slump or needs to be called out.
I never really considered the issues there, but I really believe that these are more complex issues than we give them credit for.
What I don’t get is Russo reported awhile back that Fletch had asked Mikko if it was ok to talk with Skoivu about coming to the Wild. Mikko gave CF the A-OK. So had the brothers not talked yet, or did Mikko already know that Saku wouldn’t sign here?
Damm!
“That would have been very tempting if he was given a decent offer. But the Jew in Fletch came out.”
That talk is unappreciated. New troll on my ignore list.
Really?
That would have been very tempting if he was given a decent offer. But the Jew in Fletch came out.
That’s just a dick move. Why such a doosh?
Chris the anti-semitic Gabby lover.
I don’t suppose it would help to point out to a person as ignorant as you appear to be, but Gaby turned down a 10-yr, $78M deal last fall to stay here. Salcer was holding out for similar terms this summer according to a number of websites. Do you seriously think that his conversations with Fletcher prior to July 1 included anything substantially different?
Can someone send me the link to Russo’s Twitter page? Does he send out every blog post on Twitter?
thanks
Still talking about the Gaborik deal? Get over it, he’s gone, most of us (I think) realized that, oh, December-ish last year. If he’s that important to you, move on with him - PLEASE.
Not every blog post.. but some.
That talk is unappreciated. New troll on my ignore list.
+1 and yes the troll quotient has increasaed signifcantly in here. I have to bite the bullet and ramp up the ignoring.
Still CF’s fault, Green* - he easily could have traded Mikko (could have tossed him in that Johnnson/PMB deal) and then Saku would have been ours. Fletcher’s a bastard!
Lots of tact there, Chris. Wow. The winners always come out when there’s “bad” news.
Official request to block Chris from CA. His racist comments have no place in this blog.
yes the troll quotient has increasaed signifcantly in here.
It’s the echo of dreams being crushed.
Gaborik leaving wasn’t ‘bad’ news as much as it was completely expected news. It the Wild had paid him the most to stay, he probably would have. Very admirable.
Still CF’s fault, Green* - he easily could have traded Mikko (could have tossed him in that Johnnson/PMB deal) and then Saku would have been ours.
That is the perfect trade! Saku for Mikko straight up! Hell, throw in Burns just in case it’s not enough. Better safe than sorry!
Tweet related to Russo’s update above: TheFourthPeriod Koivu said he didn’t pick MIN because “I kind of felt that Minnesota’s Mikko’s place, I wanted him to make his own name and career.”
Chicago Wild +1
Chris in CA…go away.
Green*…you can always start another Chuck the Chuckster rally. How about not trading Harding while his value was high?
Todd Richards has done Virtually Nothing. So what?
3rd Jersey? Cool…maybe they’ll do a ‘retro’ Wild jersey. What? They already copied Chicago’s old logo? Ok, how about a North Stars style with a big W on it? A snapshot of Nordy?
It’s the echo of dreams being crushed.
POTD
“but basically we are the same–some different faces but same talent level.”
I totally disagree Skoula walking is addition by subtraction, and Zanon is addition by addition. Don’t underestimate the acquisitions on D. Remember “toughness” was as much a priority for Fletch as “up-tempo.”
I think the Wild are top wing away from being in the top 3 or 4 in the West. I certainly like them as a solid playoff team as they sit now.
“I kind of felt that Minnesota’s Mikko’s place, I wanted him to make his own name and career.”
Sound like Skoivu has a great respect for his little bro. I appreciate that. However, it would have been nice to have him in MN.
food
If Montreal isn’t done making bad trades…
How about Johnsson for….oh wait you have no forwards that we want.
Anybody want to trade a forward for Johnsson?
Anybody want to trade anything for Johnsson?
Perhaps after a year of Mikko being the permanent C the Koivu brothers will feel better about playing together on the Wild. A good season of Wild hockey would help too.
3rd Jersey? Cool…maybe they’ll do a ‘retro’ Wild jersey. What? They already copied Chicago’s old logo? Ok, how about a North Stars style with a big W on it? A snapshot of Nordy?
if it is what was presented in the focus groups last year…it will be a carbon copy of ottawa and tampa’s alternates. it will be green with wild spelled out across the front. obviously the same marketing company is outfitting multiple teams.
Sound like Skoivu has a great respect for his little bro.
or an incredible ego.
chuck the chucker
Chris in CA
It’s not about being uptight. I is common decency. Now I am sure that there are MULTIPLE NY Rangers message boards out ther. So why don’t you take your newly minted #10 Rangers jersey and go suck his d!ck on one of those instead of irritating the REAL Wild fans!!
irritating the REAL Wild fans!!
here we go
kj, did I miss something about a 3rd jersey? Am I being dense about something else?
Anyway, it reminded me that last summer when all the 3rds came out, I thought we were rumored to get one for 2010. Anyone know anything about that?
There used to be a couple great NHL jersey/logo websites by this guy out of Tampa, but I thought he had quit. Great site which used to have lots of cool logo tournies. Turns out he hasn’t quit, but things look a bit toned-down:
Big E - while I agree Chris’s comments are unnecessary and he should look to the east coast, you make a fool of yourself by doing the exact same thing you just chastised him for doing
Green* Johnny on the Spot with the info before I can even request it.
i wanted Saku here and feel a bit empty even with Havlat signed…I would rather of had Beauchemin than Zanon or Hnidy…
Greenstar
I am on here nearly every day. I just don’t find much reason to post. Everyone is entitled to their opinion about the Wild. I will actually miss Gabby in some respects. But life goes on. I respect you opinions, and most of your comments make sense and don’t cross the line as far as tact goes. I just got ticked off with a certain person’s ignorance and felt the need to speak out.
Greenstar
I am on here nearly every day. I just don’t find much reason to post. Everyone is entitled to their opinion about the Wild. I will actually miss Gabby in some respects. But life goes on. I respect you opinions, and most of your comments make sense and don’t cross the line as far as tact goes. I just got ticked off with a certain person’s ignorance and felt the need to speak out.
Ms.C, regarding JoeFazoli’s response to Big E, you were wondering about irony earlier. That’s about as perfect of an example as can be.
oh complaining about Gaborik (Our Franchise Player) makes me not a Wild fan? You sir are unbelievable.
Joe,
After re-reading my post to him, I agree. Your point is taken.
And Chris, although I don’t agree with your opinions or your verbiage, I am sorry for what I said to you… It was classless.
Justin must be High, one winger away from being better than Detroit, Chicago, San Jose, Anahiem. Maybe a winger away from being top 3 or 4 in our division.
It’s going to take more than Harding to get anyone out of Chicago in a one-for-one swap. Huet isn’t the best, granted, but they already don’t want to pay him, and certainly not to be a backup at his price. If they trade Huet first, then they might be in the market, but they have Antti Niemi and Corey Crawford available for a backup.
No, complaining that something could have been done to keep Gabby here is more the problem. After Risebrough made a mess of the team over the last few years, I don’t think Gabby was EVER going to re-sign. I appreciate his play while he was here, and I wish him the best in NY. But I don’t think Fletcher had any chance of signing him….
No worries, I consider everyone friends here. We are all classless sometimes, I had my terms mixed up earlier and i did apologize for that.
Has anyone heard anything about a 3rd jersey? Forgive me if I am way out of the loop one this. I am definitely ready for a new look. I like the existing uni’s but sure could use a new edition to my Wild wardrobe. I think we have to go with the classic/retro look.
Also, did anyone see this report that Jiri Hudler signed in the KHL? No one wants to play in Detroit anymore apparently. Big loss for them if he plays over there.
Am I the only one who totally respects Koivu the Elder’s reasons for not coming here?
From his POV, hockey’s a game/business, but his brother is his brother - and family trumps hockey. Seems to me Saku’s recognizing that their careers are at opposite ends of the arc, and he wants Mikko to have his own team and identity like he had for years. Odds are Mikko wears the ‘C’ full time this fall, and Saku doesn’t want to come in and step on his little bro’s toes. He turned down more money and more security for his sake. To me, that’s pretty self-aware for a pro athlete, and really pretty classy.
I’d have loved to have had him on the Wild, but I respect why he didn’t sign here quite a bit…
Wow. Sounds like Saku has a tremendous amount of respect for Mikko. Can’t blame the guy for making the choice he made, and after reading those statements, I respect him even more.
Fake edit: I figured Chris = Mike as soon as he started bitching about Fletcher not signing Gabs.
Maybe a winger away from being top 3 or 4 1 or 2 in our division.
As long as Havlat stays healthy we should be a little bit better than we were last season… on paper anyway.
3rd jersey: No, haven’t heard anything. Personally, I think a wheat colored away jersey would be a nice change from the standard white (of course if the rules allow such).
Kevin, totally. I raged about that earlier. I just don’t get it.
Dangles, there’s a tidbit at Icethetics about the rumuroed Wild 3rd, but nothing’s official:
http://www.icethetics.info/blog/2009/7/2/alternate-expectations.html
I respect why he didn’t sign here quite a bit
don’t think you are only one but why should elder koivu assume that he would be stealing the spotlight away from younger koivu? it’s not like he is STK
Unfortunate Skoivu isn’t coming to MN, but I do respect his decision with the whole family issue in lieu of taking the extra money. Really shows where his head is at in this game. But back to back Kouvi lines would have been something….
Is it just me or does anyone else thing Bouchard isn’t tough enough to play center?
KiPA — Hudler’s deal is confusing. One year for $2M. I would think that he would have received at least that much in arbitration. Must have really wanted to play in Russia?
Wow I can’t type… *Koivu
Respeck for Skoivu, but I’m still bummed.
I wonder if Skoivu’s experiences in MTL have left him a little overcautious. It is my understanding that in MTL, they eat, sleep and breath Canadiens. Every bit of the player’s lives is scrutinized. I can see coming from a situation like that how one would have fears that playing on the same team as Koivu could create some issues.
Also, did anyone see this report that Jiri Hudler signed in the KHL?
Yeah Kevin.. I think that is odd. I think he wanted to get paid, and Det wasn’t going to do it.
Austintx. Do you realize we are not going to be as tight defensivley? We will not win those 2-1, 1-0 games. Backstrom is a great goali, but his Goals against will go up with the more offensively minded scheme.
Green* - I think maybe that’s where the self-awareness comes in on Sakue’s part. It might be more an issue of Mikko wearing the C, but Saku still being the big brother. (Being the proud owner of a very Finnish older brother, I can tell you that no matter where you’re both at in life - big bro is big bro…) I.e., more Saku’s recognizing the potential issue on his own part than anything else.
Probably a little too much psychoanalysis than a hockey contract is worth, and not saying he maybe didn’t make more of it than there is, but like I said - I respect the reasoning.
I think barring an unexpected trade, we are in for a brutal year of hockey from our Wild. Let’s be honest, on paper it looks like pretty weak team overall right now, doesn’t it?
Maybe Todd Richards will succeed with this group where Jacques Lemaire could not, but I have my doubts.
don’t think you are only one but why should elder koivu assume that he would be stealing the spotlight away from younger koivu? it’s not like he is STK
How I feel exactly. The guy deserves a ton of respect for his career and the type of player/leader he’s been, but the logic doesn’t quite follow for me, either. Would have been different 2 or 3 years ago, too, when Mikko hadn’t established himself. But now? Don’t really get it.
It was discussed on the previous posting that SKoivu may look to sign here next year; based upon his quotes to Russo, that doesn’t appear to be his intention “…hopefully I play many years in Anaheim”
My hope is that we get to a point where we are a place where these veteran/quality guys do actually want to play because for whatever reason we clearly aren’t right now (the one exception being Havlat).
Mikko, you’re still my favorite Wild player by far - please put a good pop on your brother this next year and show him he’ll have been missing out on something.
Take that Wild B-e-o-t-c-h-e-s! More excuses from the front office why they can never get it done!
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Which part, Encrimson’d? The Harding-to-CHI thing or the Hudler thing? I tried to catch up but seeing so many “Harding for Sharp straight up” talk made my eyes bleed so I stopped before getting to the end.
Chicago Wild (ha, fitting, no?): Some reports say it’s a two-year deal, though RDS is probably more accurate with the 1/$2M. Hudler made just over $1M last year, so I don’t know. Not like Detroit signed anyone to take his roster spot. I would’ve thought the Wings is one organization players would not want to leave. Very curious indeed.
ATX, I still have to think any team would have given him the 2 mil he’ll get from the KHL–hecks, I wouldn’t complain at all if CF had signed him to the same contract or even a tad more. It’s just a shame. :\
Thank you wallshot, thats all ive been trying to say, but everyone else jumps on you for trying to make that point.
Wildfan, I disagree. I think the D we have in place makes for very balanced pairings of 1 offensive minded D with a defensive D. O-D being Kimmy J, Zids, and Burns… D-D being Zonon, Hnidy, Schultz and Scott. I don’t think we are going to be swiss cheese… maybe not as solid as before.. but definitely not as sloppy as you are thinking.
Green* - I think maybe that’s where the self-awareness comes in on Saku’s part. It might be more an issue of Mikko wearing the C, but Saku still being the big brother. (Being the proud owner of a very Finnish older brother, I can tell you that no matter where you’re both at in life - big bro is big bro…) I.e., more Saku’s recognizing the potential issue on his own part than anything else.
Probably a little too much psychoanalysis than a hockey contract is worth, and not saying he maybe didn’t make more of it than there is, but like I said - I respect the reasoning.
Urf - double post. dang intertoobs.
I wonder if Skoivu’s experiences in MTL have left him a little overcautious.
Interesting point
I knew Saku wouldn’t sign here! I can’t believe he went to those Damn Dirty Ducks though! Ugh. We have to do something with this team. It is going to be another 7 years before we even SNIFF the presence of a Stanley Cup. Boo.
Why couldn’t Saku just come to Minny to play with his little brother and accept the fact its Mikko’s team. Why? Ego. If they weren’t worried about each others egos there wouldn’t be an issue. Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge Mikko fan. Just disappointed, thats all.
I’m willing to give Fletch a chance. So far this offseason I give him a pretty good grade. As a GM you should only sign someone if it makes sense. We needed to replace Gaborik, because we werent going to pay him more than Zetterberg makes next year, (still cant believe Gabby will be making more than Zetterberg)so he signs a potential point a gamer player for 5M a year. Then signs Zanon a defenseive,shot blocking d-man for 1.93M a year. Considering Scuderi is the same type of player and only SLIGHTLY better, and i emphasize slightly because numbers indicate it, he is making 3.93 next year. Also Hnidy is a good bargain at 750K a year. He is saving money for resigning Burns,Koivu down the line, plus next years free agent class is supposed to be a lot deepr than this years I’ve heard.
A link to speculated third jersey…
austintx, im not trying to say we will be sloppy, but if those 2-1, 1-0 turn into 3-2,4-3 games the roster we have now do you think we will be on the winning side of most of the games. im not saying a 4 or 5 goal game difference just 1 or 2 with our goal scoring defficiancy will make a big difference in the Win/Loss column.
Tomfoolery!!!!!!!!!!! Please, please, please tell me we aren’t seriously considering using any of the current players as our #2 center?!?!
Billy Smith Fletcher. LOL LOL LOL
Keep drinking that Wild kool-aid!
I don’t mind Bouchard at #2 center as long as someone is brought in to replace him on the wing.
I’d like to see a road (white)jersey in the same style as IRR. Maybe a little off-white.
Fletcher - Quack, Quack, Quack, Quack… Jump into free agency…Quack, Quack, Quack……. Plenty of cap room… Quack, Quack, Quack,
guys i think we’re in trouble…just updated my nhl 09 video game roster and we’re one of the worst overalls…
LOL
I want green to come back for the 3rd, but I’m torn because I’d prefer it to not be super dark green. I’m not a fan of really dark kits. They don’t televise well–at least not on my SDTV (Sucky Definition).
Wildfan, I get what you are saying but I just disagree. I perfer to be cautiously optimistic with the upcoming season. On paper we are about the same as last year, so I tend to think that we will perform about the same. But if Havlat stays healthy I think we can do a little better than last season.
I’d like to see a road (white)jersey in the same style as IRR. Maybe a little off-white.
Ditto. I would love that.
Sweat Mother God, now the Wild fans want to dress their players in a new jersey… LOL LOL LOL
Ive been hard on Fletch, and there is time. that being said im not sure we can wait for the salary dumping period. Teams will be dumping aging vets who are heftily paid, no one is going to drop good young talent.
austintx, I agree with you if Gabby was healthy last year we make the playoffs. Im just not sure about how much of that was because of JL’s system? we will see should be an interesting year, at least we should see some forechecking.
Hudler’s deal is confusing. One year for $2M. I would think that he would have received at least that much in arbitration. Must have really wanted to play in Russia
I think I recall reading something stating that players in the KHL would not be taxed on their salaries, that would explain the difference somewhat - anyone else recall something like that?
I think I recall reading something stating that players in the KHL would not be taxed on their salaries, that would explain the difference somewhat - anyone else recall something like that?
Yep. But he filed for arbitration and could’ve gotten more than $2 million here, and a one-year contract in the KHL - if that’s what it is - seems odd. Why not go for longer?
at least we should see some forechecking.
That will be new and different! I am honestly excited to see what kind of differences there are, and I am at peace with the fact taht we may suck for a few years. It will take awhile for Fletch to clean up DR’s mess.
KiPA: Harding, Pouliot and Kalus for Sharp?
three superstars for one come on
TwinsAreFrauds says:
July 8th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
It was discussed on the previous posting that SKoivu may look to sign here next year; based upon his quotes to Russo, that doesn’t appear to be his intention “…hopefully I play many years in Anaheim”
What else is he gonna say?
“Uh, yeah, hi to all the ANA fans, you guys are uh, great, yeah, you guys are great. BTW, I only signed here for one year because I wanted to play with Salami and to give my little Bro a chance to be the C for Minny for a year. After this season, see-ya, I’m headed to MN.”
Yeah, that’s going to go over real well with the fans, management, coaching staff, teammates.
Yep. But he filed for arbitration and could’ve gotten more than $2 million here, and a one-year contract in the KHL - if that’s what it is - seems odd. Why not go for longer?
I guess it would be an easy out after next year if he doesn’t like it. I think it’s an odd choice to go there too. I guess it’s closer to home for him. But I still don’t get it.
Im excited for next off-season, Johnson, zidlicky come off the books. We should have lots of money for free agents, and probably a High draft pick.
Quack, Quack, Quack… We love Saku…
I had my terms mixed up earlier and i did apologize for that.
Weak.
At least be a man and own your dooshishness.
Actually, don’t bother. You’re on ignore anyway.
New GM, same old same old free agency.
We exchange one injury prone scorer for another (If this one plays more than 17 games we have improved)
Otherwise, guys don’t want to come here (maybe concerns over rookie coach)
And we exchange role players on wing and defense.
Some new names and numbers but not much different. Maybe it’ll be ok if GM doesn’t trade the house and Havlett actually plays.
KiPA: Harding, Pouliot and Kalus for Sharp?
/facepalm
Im excited for next off-season, Johnson, zidlicky come off the books.
Not necessarily. They could get resigned. Personally I have no qualms with Kimmy J. I would not be upset if they signed him to another contract. A little less money than he is getting paid now would be nice though. Zids is a defensive liability, but he is good on the PP. I would be less inclined to resign him, but I wouldn’t be crushed if they did.
What else is he gonna say?
“Uh, yeah, hi to all the ANA fans, you guys are uh, great, yeah, you guys are great. BTW, I only signed here for one year because I wanted to play with Salami and to give my little Bro a chance to be the C for Minny for a year. After this season, see-ya, I’m headed to MN.”
Well, that’s not too far from what Hossa said to Detroit.
Those games vs. Anaheim will have a little more drama now. Now that May, Pronger and Kunitz are gone, there isn’t been enough dooshbaggery to keep me riled up. Correy Perry sucks, but the mere mention of him reminds me of Burns starting the lawnmower on him. Ahhhh…
I’m not too worried about this year one way or the other. I’m just glad that there seems to be a long-term vision for this team. DR didn’t seem to have an idea of what he wanted this team to look like towards the end. Fletcher knows what he wants, and what he doesn’t. Saku would have been a good addition, but it’s not like he’s the piece that will get us a cup.
Quack, Quack, Quack… excuses…
Quack, Quack, Quack… Maybe next year…
Quack, Quack, Quack… Players come off the books…
Quack, Quack, Quack… No one wants to play here…
LOL LOL LOL LOSERS!!!!
Wild signed some Frasor guy, another D played with Islanders AHL.
The only thing good about this blog is RUSSO. Wish we had him…
Quack, Quack, Quack…
Tweet: TheFourthPeriod Another former Wild joins Tampa, as Kurtis Foster signs with Bolts… and still oddly quiet on Tanguay front
The lovable loser Wild fans. Always hopeful, always suckers…
Sign,
Billy Smith Fletcher
Good for Fozzie. Glad to see he found a home. Good luck to him down in the land of no Defense… although they seem to be addressing that issue thie off season.
I just feel bad for people who are just now realizing that we were never going to be very good in the upcoming season, Wallshot and Wildfan.
I also think this is part of what is fueling the double-standard CF vs. DR thing, Hockeydad.
Interesting point on being over-sensitive to the power of the looking glass after playing in Montreal, Goody.
/facepalm
*Mission Accomplished*
Man, busy day even without the very sane Harding for Sharp trade coming to fruition.
Really excited about Sifers. Sounds like a quality guy.
For Sale: Fletcher Kool-Aid
we were never going to be very good in the upcoming season
You never know what will happen. I know that logic says we won’t be any good.. and if that is the case I am fine with that… but you never know how things will pan out. Maybe the team clicks really well and maybe Fletch makes some more moves over the course of the season… we will see. It bothers me when people write the team off (one way or the other) before a single game has been played.
*Mission Accomplished*
Curse you.
Hey Ducksfan, what are you going to do now that you traded the biggest thug in the league. Who’s gonna protect Selanne, perry, and Getzlaf from the Boogyman?
Not happy Saku took the fawl route but glad to have it over with.
My though is that he doesn’t know how much longer he wants to play. By signing one year deals with the duckss he gives himself and his family the flexibility to call it quits at anytime and even the option of playing half a year as Salami and Neanderthal has done. If he signed here that would not be as easy since it now is Mikko’s team.
We’ll just skate around the thugs and score! LOL LOL LOL
Methinks you are really going to regret that last post Wildfan.
ATX, “real” fans write the team off before game #1, flame the GM at Russoville, and sell the season tix.
KuFo… Sigh. Oh well. At least another ol’ favorite is in Walz’ hands. I’m more upset about KuFo and SRV than Gaby. Heh.
We missed out on overpaying an aging center =( Now we have to dismantle our superstar filled roster to get a decent #2
I also think this is part of what is fueling the double-standard CF vs. DR thing, Hockeydad.
There is no double standard - most posters here (and I would bet Craig Leipold and Wild fans per season ticket holder research too) soured on DR based on his track record and the fact that he was not encouraging hope. CF is new and normal fans are going to give him a chance to build his own record before passing judgment. I will, however, grant you that CF is going to get some extra rope now simply because DR’s demise on April 16, 2009 was so unexpected.
ATX, “real” fans write the team off before game #1, flame the GM at Russoville, and sell the season tix.
hahaha, that is a good point. I am a horrible fan.
I’m more upset about KuFo and SRV than Gaby.
As much as I enjoyed watching Gaby play, I think I will miss the personalities of SRV and Fozzie way more.
Ducksfan, were you in that movie the mighty ducks, you sound familiar?
It’s going to suck for Wild fans when Saku scores the winning goal against the Wild over and over… Quack, Quack, Quack.
Wildfan… stop engaging the troll.
WF, just ignore the troll, honey.
KiPA: Harding, Shep, Pouliot for Sharp.
Saku scoring a winning goal against any team is unlikely, maybe an assist, but not a goal. There’s a better chance that Teemu flips a puck at his own face during warmups and has to blame the other team again so he doesn’t look so senile.
They might as well trade baby bro because it’s now Havlat’s team.
ok fine
ms.conduct why does your isp say you’re a guy? Crossdresser?
I would not apologize to Chris at all and no mix-up on terms by him. I agree with NiNY. I do notice that his doosh posting and my response to him have been removed–fine. He’s still a doosh.
On to Justin’s post “I totally disagree Skoula walking is addition by subtraction, and Zanon is addition by addition. Don’t underestimate the acquisitions on D. Remember “toughness” was as much a priority for Fletch as “up-tempo.”
I agree that “toughness’ was a priority and that was added. My point was the defense was different–not necessarily better and probably not worse. I am obviously in the camp that thought Skoula was a solid D so I disagree with your Skoula comment–and he was effective on the PK. In any event Zanon is a similar but tougher D than Skoula but will basically add the same thing–solid defensive D–not much offense. Hnidy will add toughness but is also a defensive D and we will lose MAB’s cannon that got him 14 goals and some assists altho he did make mistakes defensively. So we will be tougher but less offensive. Maybe the combo of D will work better but I also will bet that Hnidy will be in the box more and create some 2 on 1’s.
“I think the Wild are top wing away from being in the top 3 or 4 in the West. I certainly like them as a solid playoff team as they sit now.”
That I am not sure of. I would not necessarily believe at the moment that we are a solid playoff team. I still don’t see where we are much better than last year–yet. Still a ways to go before the season starts tho.
Let’s hope for a trade.
KiPA: Harding, Shep, Pouliot for Sharp.
Seems better. I’d still be surprised if the Hawks go for a goalie while Huet is still on the books. And getting a guy who hasn’t played enough to break a sweat doesn’t seem to fit the “win the Cup NOOOOW” mode.
Impressive discipline, y’all.
Sorry…same old Wild. Fletcher has really done nothing to upgrade the roster and this upcoming season, we will either barely make the playoffs and lose in the first round or miss altogether. Same old story. I get sick of hearing what a great job Fletcher is doing. Please spell it out for me. Actually his moves are very Risebroughish.
I’m confused on our offseason so far. Fletcher doesn’t offer Gaborik a contract? Then signs freaking Havlat who is hurt more often than Gaborik and can’t score as much when healthy? WTF? Signs a couple nobody defensive men for cheap and a fourth line center? Why isn’t anybody upset? This is highway robbery. What happened to signing Heatley? Jesus f n christ Leiopold said you had an open check book and so far you’ve done nothing. He also said he is not expecting a REBUILD and I’m not buying it either. Quit ripping the fans off and do something. If DR pulled this on us people would be screaming for his head.
Who else agrees that Johnsson will put more pucks in our net this season than the other team’s? It’s not like it would be the first season it’s happened to him.
It is WAY too early to judge Fletcher.
LOL - All you fools thought ms. conduct was a chick and it’s a DUDE! No wonder you can’t put together a winning team!
They gotta do something. Huet isn’t leading that team to the Promised Land. I have foreseen it.
(Sorry to whoever’s shtick I stole there… kj?)
Fletch, please trade for a #2 Center!!!
Jaques, I would never want Heater on our team for fear that he would offer Mikko a ride in his car. Plus I’ve had to watch him since UW days, and that eye is a little creepy.
Who else agrees that Johnsson will put more pucks in our net this season than the other team’s?
One can only hope.
Huet isn’t leading that team to the Promised Land
I’m not disputing that. But do you really believe Harding will?
We lost Foster…dang. Wish him well.
KiPA: Um, yes?
Okay, no, but what better than competition from a young upstart desperate to prove he’s a #1 to push Huet (and Harding) to their best. My point is, unless they move Huet, they need to do something to maximize his contribution.
Also, I’m very eager to get some offense in exchange for Harding. So… you know… my judgment may be cloudy.
Chicago had to deal with Harding during his best game of the year, maybe they will want him in the same way the Rangers wanted Gabby based on his game against them.
G* —-I respect why he didn’t sign here quite a bit
don’t think you are only one but why should elder koivu assume that he would be stealing the spotlight away from younger koivu? it’s not like he is STK—
Agreed G*. This is quite odd. It will never be said, but deep down, Saku’s saying there is no way he would ever play second fiddle to his little brother.
Wildfan,
What did Anaheim do last year that’s so impressive? They were marginally better than Minnesota, they certainly don’t belong in the top 4, even with Saku.
I’ll give you Chicago, they’re a good Huet season away from winning the West. San Jose is still up there but who knows how their cap troubles are going to effect them. Detroit is having an exodus, and they’re all a year older. No one in the Northwest div has improved more than Minnesota so far. It’s optimistic I’ll admit, but I think more possible than you think.
Still it’s hard to ignore this gaping hole in one of top two lines, regardless of where Bouchard ends up. If Wild got Saku Koivu, I would put those top 6 forwards against anyone in the West. If the right deal is made before the season, I still love their chances.
Woodcock, admittedly saying losing Skoula is “addition by subtraction” is an exaggeration playing into the Skoula-haters. Especially since he definitely had a better last season than the one before. But Zanon is clearly an upgrade for the same price range. And once the Wild are free from Johnsson’s outrageous contract (next year or sooner if somehow traded), they’ll be able to redirect that $5M for another solid D or two.
I guess it’s worth saying, Skoula hasn’t officially left yet, but with 7D signed, besides the two minor leaguers just announced, it’s hard to see any of the UFA D being made an offer (maybe Foster if he’ll come cheap again).
Well, why stop there? Why not just get Kane and Toews for Harding?
Harding is so good ownership decided to make Backstrom the fifth-highest paid goalie in the league rather than trade him to a contender (Montreal, Philadelphia?) for a nice return (look what the Flyers gave for Pronger; I bet they’d have been willing to part with a nice package for a legit goalie) at the trade deadline and roll with the Greatest Goalie Ever in Harding.
Saku’s saying there is no way he would ever play second fiddle to his little brother.
I 100% disagree with this and think you are reading way too much into it.
Either that, Stoned, or he’s thinking Mikko will be given second fiddle treatment because Saku is older, more established and more well-known from his time in Montreal, and that Mikko being second fiddle is wrong because Saku’s the one who should be second fiddle.
Party pooper.
Hards+Pouliot and Sheppard for Sharp is a horrible deal for us. We would be giving up two young guys who have the chance to really come into their own this year under the new system and a potential #1 goalie for years to come for a guy who before he inherited the line of Toews and Kane was a nothing for the flyers. Would he be good on a line with koivu and havlat or bouchard and brunette? Yes, he probably would be, but his stats would be no where near the value that we would give up in trading away Hards, Shep and Pouliot. The Hawks are really close to being over the cap and Fletch talked about committing highway robbery later this year when teams are looking to dump salaries and I think that Sharp could be had for a lot less than shep hards and pouliot.
Just for argument’s sake, of course, Ms. C. I don’t honestly believe any of that. 
Saku probably realizes that if he came here, anything Mikko accomplished this year would be downplayed. It wouldn’t be, “Mikko Koivu blah blah blah” it would be “The Koivu brothers blah blah blah”
anyone got a link to confirm Pwr2ppl that Foster’s gone? Quick google search turned up nothing.
Wild signs 2 Defensemen….are these guys just camp bodies…or are we setting up for a trade!?!?!?!?!
Wild signs defensemen Fraser, Sifers
I don’t like to argue. I just like to be right.
Justin: twitter.com/thefourthperiod
Edge, they’re for Houston.
RE: Saku. I still suspect there’s more to the story than just what he’s saying, and that is the chance to win a cup with old buddy Teemu. Saku’s been around a long time without a cup, and I think he really wants one before hanging it up. I think he’s looking at MN as not quite ready for prime time and you just don’t know what’s going to happen with a new regime in place. The team, as is, looks to be maybe on the top half of the middle of the pack. Not bad, but doesn’t really look like a contender, either.
There probably was some concerns about being the big brother playing in his younger brother’s shadow somewhat and some of the distraction that could happen, especially if things aren’t going so well, but I really do think that it has more to do with a cup. Just a guess, though. But how do you say that to the media without someone spinning it to mean “Saku disses Mikko’s team’s chances!”
Jacques - you are also missing the point that there is no way Fletcher could SIGN Heatley, since he is still under contract and all. Heatley wants to be traded out of Ottawa.
Justin - You don’t think Calgary is improved with the addition of Bouwmeester?
Just to throw my trade spec.
What about Harding+Belanger+Pouliot for Sharp?
I don’t like to argue. I just like to be right.
I don’t have to argue because I am right. 
Yeah, the two D are for Houston and provide depth in case of D injuries.
All right, good point on J-Bow. Calgary kind of slipped my mind admittedly. But Colo isn’t there, and neither is EDM, and VAN is heading for cap hell before too long (as is CGY).
Senators traded Alex Auld to Dallas for a sixth-round pick. Now, while I feel Harding is slightly overvalued here, I do think you can get a better return than that for him.
There’s my nice thing to say for the day.
Calgary is definitely better defensively and now have almost an all-star defensive core but got hurt some by losing Cammalleri–39 goals gone–altho partly replaced by OJ. But even OJ wasn’t enough to avoid one and done.
Wild signs 2 Defensemen….are these guys just camp bodies…or are we setting up for a trade!?!?!?!?!
Wild signs defensemen Fraser, Sifers
Houston-bound my friend.
I thought a 6th seemed kind of paltry myself, but I don’t know much about Auld, other than he’s got the stink of Senators on him. Bless his heart.
Thanks Jfac… I wonder why no one has picked that story up yet.
I’m sorry to lose him, but it’s becoming clear Fletch is taking the blue line in a far better direction (still he’s the one guy I wouldn’tve minded keeping).
Why are we signing all of these defensemen??…we need scoring and so far we lost Gabby and signed Havlat. Hardly a material upgrade to our offense…and we know how our offense sucked last year.
Auld’s mainly been a backup but did steal the starter’s reins away from Martin Gerber (not hard to do) last season, before consequently conceding those reins to Brian Elliott.
Harding’s better. (There’s TWO nice things today!)
Toivo- Good take on Saku. I do think it more has to do to with playing with best pal Salami then the cup. Unless I’ve missed something I really don’t think they have improved this off season.
How can anyone say the team is in the top half of the middle pack? Is that where we were last year. I guess I am failing to see the roster improvement that is being made. Guess the preseason koolaid is having an intoxicating effect.
With Saku going to Anaheim IMO the trade route IS our best option. PMB, Shep and especially Pouliot do NOTHING for me but if we have to go with one of them then go with the most experience guy and let PMB have at at. Only problem is will he SHOOT the puck?!?
omg!!!!!
look out the troll
s are back
Unless I’ve missed something I really don’t think they have improved this off season.
+1
How can anyone say the team is in the top half of the middle pack? Is that where we were last year.
More or less… a healthy Gaby would have made the difference. If Havlat can stay healthy there is no reason to not believe the team can get there. Is it likely? maybe not… but it’s more fun to be optimistic IMO.
Kurtis Foster just signed with Tampa Bay today along with SRV!
Alex Auld to Dallas…maybe a trade with Ottawa is in the works?
Very bad day today to be a Wild fan. Your prime FA objective (Saku Koivu) signs with one of your rivals (Anaheim) and now you think that there’s nothing left out there. Versteeg also re-signs with the Hawks, so now all Chicago RFA’s that were involved in the dispute are now signed.
Harding may be the only piece remaining that the Wild can move…
Unfortunately, we really don’t have much to trade that would bring anything of significant value in return. If Fletcher can pull it off…great. But I have my doubts. I agree with another poster, had Risebrough made the exact same moves Fletcher is making….he would be crucified. c’mon…Fletcher’s move honestly have not been that good. In fact given the reduction of Gabby from the roster, aren’t we still well below the salary cap?
Well the last defensmen are minor leaguers.
I’m so confused by the posters. Half are worried that this “up-tempo” style is going to mean we’ll be worse defensivly, and the other half are worried we’re signing too many D. I’m lost.
I guess I see Havlat as a good replacement for Gabs. And all the D as upgrades of the current core. The NW division is relativly weak, if the Wild make the one move it’ll be a two team race with CGY, and that’s if J-Bow plays to expectations.
Of course a lot can change before the season starts, and for that matter a lot can go wrong once the season starts, it’s a strange game. I’m just saying for a team one point out of the playoffs last year, they’re considerably better on paper. With the right deal for the last top 6 forward, I think they at least belong in the conversation with the Sharks and the declining Wings. But honestly, right now it looks like it’s certainly Chicago’s conference to lose. And Jose should again have a great reg. season (of course the playoffs are often a different animal for the Sharks).
Risebrough was the GM for over 8 seasons.
Fletcher has been the GM for 2 months.
Call me a kool-aid drinker but I Plan on giving the guy a little more time.
maybe a trade with Ottawa is in the works?
Pascal Leclaire. Brian Elliott.
I think you missed the boat with trading Harding to Dallas.
Sure, it is fun to be optimistic, but it is being severely tempered by reality. A lot of teams in the NHL with a ton more talent than what we have. If basking in a season waiting to see if we make the final playoff spot is a highlight for you, this season should prove to fit that bill.
Pwr2Ppl,
Not that I expect to convince you but…
Saying they look like they’re maybe somewhere in the top half of the middle of the pack isn’t really that big of an endorsement. It’s not a huge jump from finishing 9th to 6th. Three points last season if you’re keeping track.
Havlat replaces Gaborik. Gaborik is probably better, but barely played last year, so assuming he stays healthy, that’s an improvement. Zanon/Hnidy replace Skoula/MAB. Both of those are also improvements in my opinion. I don’t think it’s crazy to think the Wild could get a low playoff seed this upcoming season based on where they’re at now. Maybe not, but I don’t think it’s out of the question.
Ditto Kevin, though I still think Chi’s a better fit for Hards longer term.
I’m so confused by the posters.
Welcome to Russoville, Justin.
KiPA: You probably have seen Elliott play, but I really don’t think much of Leclaire. He seems to be really streaky.
But you’re probably right. Sadly, but you’re probably right.
You can give Fletcher time…but you can only judge him based on his current moves. And I see nothing that suggests he improved the team. If some see otherwise…like I said…preseason intoxication.
I won’t dispute that Chicago’s better long term. Last I looked though, Harding doesn’t have a NTC and doesn’t really have any say as to where/if he’s traded.
No, a playoff seed is not out of the question…much like last year. And just remember, Havlat is no NHL ironman either.
Pwr: DR would have never made the moves CF made so there’s no need to even bring it up. He would have re-signed all of our free agents except Gabby. He would have signed some no-name winger for 2 mil more than any other team would even consider. We would have a top 5 pick next year and blow it on a consensus 3rd rounder.
And about Zanon/Hnidy being signed, were we just supposed to play with 4 forwards and a defensemen all season? 2 defensive pairings total? Hell, if we signed Gabby and Havlat and whatever other forwards you could have wanted, our roster still isn’t going to outgun other teams. We still have to play D.
I’m just saying for a team one point out of the playoffs last year, they’re considerably better on paper. With the right deal for the last top 6 forward, I think they at least belong in the conversation with the Sharks and the declining Wings.
You had me up until this point. I agree with the first half of your post, but this section I jsut don’t see. We are about the same as last year ‘on paper’. And we should definitely NOT be talked about in the same breath as DET or SJ. We have a long way to go still, but I love the optimisim!!
Any chance ANY suckers would take Johnsson and his highly inflated salary as trade bait.
Ottawa, however, does think well of Leclaire, which is why they gave up a nice asset in Vermette to Columbus (though there was also a clash with him, but still.)
If games were played on paper instead of ice the Sharks would have a cup by now.
“I’m just saying for a team one point out of the playoffs last year, they’re considerably better on paper. With the right deal for the last top 6 forward, I think they at least belong in the conversation with the Sharks and the declining Wings.”
I am all for waiting until the dust settles and the season starts and CF deserves a couple of years to make it his team, but this really is koolaid. The “declining” Wings are still a heckuva team and the only way we belong in the same conversation with the Sharks is that we are both in the West. I am still not certain we are better on paper. We are slightly better if you assume Havlat plays the whole season whereas Gaby didn’t (and that hasn’t happened all that often with Havlat but hopefully problems are solved there) and if you assume Burns rebounds, which he should. But remember we are adapting to a new system with a probably very good, but inexperienced coach. I think that we are a big question mark.
I’m optimistic just based on the fact that Martin Skoula is gone from the Wild roster. That, in itself, is cause for optimism.
Really sucks, now that Foster has signed with Tampa Bay. He will be missed, if for nothing else but for that slap shot (granted, rarely on net, but it did change Todd White’s career.)
Ms. C.: Some new farm animals today, I see?
Unless Chucky can swing a deal for Heatley that includes Yawnson I don’t see anyway anyone would trade for him.
I’ve defended Kimmy in the past and will continue to do so. Yes, he is overpaid but so are a lot of D-men. Can anyone say Finger It will be interesting to see if Richards can get more of that offense Kimmy displayed with the Flyers to show up again.
Yeah, I wish we kept Foster as well. I think most agree that on paper…we are about the same team talent wise. How do we know that Gabby isn’t “fixed” and would play more games than Havlat. Had Lemaire still been coaching this team, I would say we would probably be on the outside looking in at a playoff spot. But the big unknown is Richards style of play and how the current roster will adapt. Who know…maybe PMB will become a 50 goal scorer…..naaaaa.
maybe PMB will become a 50 goal scorer
I wish… but I do think he gets a higher point total this year. Maybe a few more goals, and at least 15+ more assists.
Considering all the changes to strategery, I don’t see how you can assume none of the holdovers from last year will improve, statistically at least.
Now, I still don’t think that equals a playoff team as it stands right now.
But an awful lot of people thought JL Held guys back. Now that he’s gone, we’ll see if they were right.
But either way it’s far too soon to judge CL, IMO.
“Had Lemaire still been coaching this team, I would say we would probably be on the outside looking in at a playoff spot.”
If Gaby and Burns hadn’t been injured last year’s team would have made the playoffs. One big unknown here is that with a new style of play, we may not play as well as last year. Who knows. Maybe we will unleash our offensive capabilities but we might also give up more key goals. WRT may be happy we don’t have Skoula but he won’t be too happy when Hnidy smashes a guy in the corner and gives up a 2 on 1. We are still a long way from the beginning of the season and CF may still have some tricks up his sleeve.
I don’t think anyone is judging CL…just the moves he has made thus far.
Sorry to go against the grain here but it is a bit puzzeling to me how all of a sudden Foster became such important part of our D core. I agree I will miss him as a human interest story but not really as a hockey player. Anyway, I wish him good luck in Tampa.
And not at least offering Gabby a contract was a bad move. Imagine if we had both Gabby and Havlat. That should have been manageable given we have signed no other big name talent.
“But either way it’s far too soon to judge CL, IMO.”
Very, very true.
. I agree I will miss him as a human interest story but not really as a hockey player.
I think that everyone has pretty much said that same thing. He did have a beast of a shot though… better when it hit the net… but it was there
Foster…killer slap shot but risked his own players health. And it is not like the Dmen we did sign are world beaters. But the point is….we need offense.
Unfortunately it rarely hit the net.
Yep, WRT. Couple of dogs to keep the foxes out of the hen house. Good moves, it looks like.
Now for scoring.
Please stop the whining over Gaby! He is gone and it would not have mattered if we had offered him a contract or not. If he was so interested in staying he could have told his agent to work out a deal with Chuck and obviously this didn’t happen. The only reason he wanted an offer from the Wild was so he could use that offer as a basis for negotiations with other teams.
You forget the Skoula gaffes all too easily, folks. Yes, he did improve his game last season…but coming up from the dungeon to the sub-basement still left a lot of room for improvement, and Martin never got there.
Agree that it is way-y-y too soon to judge the moves of CF. The team hasn’t even played a pre-season game, much less a regular season game, yet some are already calling for him to be fired. Those of you who wanted this, one question…
…are you NUTS? Or are you showing your personality traits like another certain, KVN-esque poster??
“Sorry to go against the grain here but it is a bit puzzeling to me how all of a sudden Foster became such important part of our D core.”
I’ve been trying to figure that out for some time now. No disrespect to a man that went through a horrible injury but I think people forget he wasn’t that great of a defensemen. He was poor 5 on 5, was soft as can be and had a powerful shot that hit the net less then Fulton Reid.
Russo, you can (again) toot your own egocentric horn all you want: tell us how you told us so. But you’ll notice that Saku also said “at this time” it’s Mikko’s team.
Here’s an intelligent prediction. The reason he signed a one-year deal? Because he’ll be on the Wild’s doorstep begging next year. Unfortunately, there won’t be any room for him by that time.
Russo, you’re the Nick Punto of beat writing, man.
Ms. C.: You can say that for the entire organization. They ought to have a ‘biscuits in the basket’ promotion for next season. Baking powder biscuits inside a closeable net…sign on top: “Can you do this?” with the Wild and Aeros’ phone numbers on them…
“And it is not like the Dmen we did sign are world beaters.”
That is so true. There is always a tendency to believe in the grass is greener theory because we haven’t seen these guys game in, game out. Remember we basically signed a #4 and a #6. They are probably solid signings and bring somethng different to our D but it is not as if we just signed two all-star D.
We are in more need of offense from our forwards, IMO. With our new offensive focus our D will do just fine on that front, Burns (healthy I hope), Zids and an unleashed Yawnson should get us all we need from the point.
Well I guess I’m at an impasse. I think those that say we’re “the same team on paper” are sorely underestimating the blueline upgrades, I guess we won’t know for sure until October.
Also I think there’s more reason to be optimistic about Havlat. He did play 81 games last year. But again, we won’t know until the season.
What a coup it would’ve been to get both Havlat and Koivu, S. this summer. And I get the dissapointment of appearing so close, but still missing out on Koivu. I still think we’re certainly a playoff team now, and we have a lot to potentially trade for the last top 6 piece.
List of trade possibilities: Belanger, Pouliot, Sheppard, Harding. And there are others.
I’m suprised Fletch closed the door so quickly on Comrie (and I intend to rip on him for that if Bouchard doesn’t work out, or we start the year with Shep at #2 again). One deal will make this team look much better than it is today, and I hope there’ll be ways to get it done before the season. I see Belanger+Harding for a center from a team needing to dump some cap could work out.
I tried to catch up but seeing so many “Harding for Sharp straight up” talk made my eyes bleed so I stopped before getting to the end.
KiPA…I believe I mentioned this first, and if you read my post, I said I would do it in a heartbeat. It was sarcasm, as in “Bob Gainey is not in Chicago, so there is no friggin way it would even be considered”.
DucksFan=Mike.
Ms.c != dude
The Wild will not win the Cup next year. They may not win as many games as last. But, they will be different. Maybe more entertaining. You cannot compare the body of work amassed by CF thus far to the destruction that DR performed over the last 4 years.
Like I said before…let’s see what the roster looks like on opening day of camp.
Yes ms.c, I have forseen it.
” I think those that say we’re “the same team on paper” are sorely underestimating the blueline upgrades.” I think you are sorely overestimating the blueline changes. D was not our problem last year. We had no offense. Havlat is a terrific add and the D changes are probably nice but again we DID NOT sign Pronger and Lidstrom. We signed a nice #4 D and and a #6 who was a depth guy at Boston and no more but who will add “grit”.
I’m off–got to go see the Twins-Yankees.
Jfacboo @ 4:40…word.
Lala72…if Russo is such a Punto, why post here? Because you don’t have Lala72’s Rants? Granted, some of his posts can be self-serving, but I never hesitate to remind everyone that I picked the Pens over Detroit for the Cup.
Hards, Zidlicky, Cuma, for Sharp, and Barker.
gives chi a goalie for later this year when their goalie crashes….
zidlicky is a good pp guy for them, then comes off the books next year so they can sign kane and co.
cuma gives them a replacement for zids when he leaves….
sharp gives us a C/LW to put with butch, and Barker gives us a really good young 3rd D-man to grow with Burns/Shultz. (how about that d-core after that trade!)
I think that trade works really well, now does chi feel as though that would be enough?
if they are reluctant the wild could part with a 4th round pick (maybe 3rd….probobly pushing it though).
wood: Enjoy another Twins’ beating…
Lala 72: Don’t post here if you don’t like what’s being posted.
Russo’s rants is one of the most-read blogs at the Star-Tribune. He must be doing something right to get that distinction.
And for the record, I agree that the Wild still need more offense. It’s just not all going to get everything accomplished in one summer.
trolls are out in full force today…..
*welcome to the russoville zoo folks*
I’m your tour guide argonbeast0034
Over here you see Ms. C’s kittens….they are cuddly and cute….if not a bit confused by their owners gender….
Now in this building is Burnsies petting zoo…..they are all perfectly safe animals to pet…..if you don’t mind petting giant snakes…
we are excited to announce that Burnsie has a new associate hired to help him out…..but unfortunatley we can’t find her….come to think of it….where is burnsie?………um………moving on…
Now in this pit you see the russoville trolls! they are large lumbering creatures just starving for attention… but be careful, if you try and engage in conversaition it will quickly become agitated and spew nonsense and call your mother names….
remember not to feed the trolls as they have a very strict diet of MKVN posts, and russo’s light hearted jabs….any extra food and they get confused and scared, and attempt to attack the closest creature around it…sometimes other trolls, but some times fellow russovillians as well……
Why NINY is still recovering from a shoe thrown at him from last month when
the wild drafted leddy instead of another gopher….and this hasn’t been conformed….but we think bandgeeks husbands fall was related to trolls dressed as ninja’s pouring water on sidewalk, and allowing it to frezee…details are still pending…
now that concludes the tour good luck out there, and enjoy the free snow cones!!!!
Yeah, I’m pretty sure I don’t need to defend my femaleness to you guys, right?
ms.conduct at 5:14 pm: “Now for scoring.” *snicker* thanks.
I don’t think most of us care what gender you are ms. c. It’s not really relevant here anyway.
I care even less if the question is brought of by trolls. Do trolls even have a gender?
Ducksfan has no life because he sits all day on the computer arguing with people 100s of miles away, about how the dinosaurs on the ducks are going to beat the wild. What a hoser!!
woodcock: DOLLAR A DOG NIGHT at the dome!
kj: rumor has it Modano will be at Whiskey Junction this Friday night. Is Eklund’s post contradictory?
NiNY: previous post - thanks for the class act salute to Mr. Koskie.
I said I would do it in a heartbeat. It was sarcasm, as in “Bob Gainey is not in Chicago, so there is no friggin way it would even be considered”
Can’t remember, but yes, if only Bob Gainey was in charge.
ATX: how was Couzumel(sp)?
Hards, Zidlicky, Cuma, for Sharp, and Barker.
I actually sorta like that but still wouldn’t do it.
Glad you’re not a GM, Kevin. No trades would ever happen.
Please, two seasons ago I would’ve traded Ryan Whitney for a case of Labatt Blue.
And that was after he scored 59 points.
I’ll take the Wild as they are. Of course, I would love to see a center added but why mortgage the future to get one now? I think’s it’s fantasy to believe the Wild will win the cup if they can sign a center. Will they be better if they did? Yes, of course. But, again, at what cost? I appreciate Fletch planning for the future. We’ve had some rough years recently and we are all craving the playoffs, but you can’t expect the Wild to be a serious contender in the shape DR left us. And, let us not forget that Fletch isn’t done trying to make something happen, he’s just not going to be dumb about it. It will be a buyers market in the near future. Keep a cool tool.
I broke the roster down here and it looks pretty good, but the way Mister Know it all sees it is the Wild have 6 + Million to spend yet. No doubt we need 1 serious scorer at center. I am saying that even assuming that Shep and Pouliot will do something this year
Should the Wild risk going with Kalus or Pouliot in a year they should challenge. I am guessing this rookie camp will tell some of the story, but you need these guys for the injuries to the old men on the team
Wingers
Havlat
PMB
Mittens
Bruennete
Nolan
Gillies
Boogy
Clutterbuck
Brodziak
Centers
Shep
Mikko
Bellanger
Defense
Just Fine
Goalies
Just Fine
no i am not forgetting welller, please you cant be serious about anything with him on your team unless he intends to change and play with much more grit
Guy bowling on TV’s name is Mika Koivuniemi and Mr. C is arguing with me that he’s not Finnish. Dude.
I think the bigger issue here is, you’re watching bowling? Dude.
I’m not in charge of the remote when Mr. C is home. It’s not hockey season, so that’s okay.
for$rest at 7:26 PM… +1
MKiA at 7:31 PM… -10 as usual
Ms. C.: Bowling???
OMG I’d find a ‘best of the Aeros’ DVD and pop that in…at least until ‘Ice Road Truckers’ repeats at 9 PM…
…kj: Are you going to be at the ‘X’ on Sunday?
Fair enough.
Saku Koivu’s comments were a total cop-out. To both Saku and Mikko and their feelings, grow up and act like men, for (insert deity or any male name here)’s sake! In defense of Saku’s choice of team, I’d choose a squad with Getzlaf, Perry, et.al. over our current roster too!
Yeah, like they make Aeros DVDs… I pretty much dominate the TV with hockey for 9 months of the year, so if that means bowling is on for 5 minutes (mainly because it was being done outside, which seems ridiculous) it’s no skin off my nose. I’ve got my laptop to keep me entertained.
I know, I know, I get the same thing from my wife occasionally also. But in some ways, she’s a bigger fan than me (if that’s possible)…
saku said that he was looking at it from the negative side of things rather than the positive side in terms of “what if” scenarios. what teh f is that?!?!? not surprised i guess. it was typical stupid, scandinavian pessimism towards life. that being said. he would have fit in perfect here in minnesota as i know plenty of sour-puss people of scandinavian decent who act the exact same way in regards to life decisions, etc.
—I’m optimistic just based on the fact that Martin Skoula is gone from the Wild roster. That, in itself, is cause for optimism.—
For all the issues to deal with. You do realize that your anti-Skoula obsession gives us a compelling insight into your psyche don’t you?
ATX: —I 100% disagree with this and think you are reading way too much into it.—
Fair enough. You must be a golfing buddy of Sakus? I’m reducing to its simplest terms. When push comes to shove, people act in their own self interest.
Kevin in PA
—Either that, Stoned, or he’s thinking Mikko will be given second fiddle treatment because Saku is older, more established and more well-known from his time in Montreal, and that Mikko being second fiddle is wrong because Saku’s the one who should be second fiddle.—
That may be, but again that is Saku’s ego and as someone mentioned, maybe he has been in the Montreal limelight too long. He has far less cache in the Western Conference. I’m not blaming the guy for saying no to MN, but its not because he’s looking out for little bro. I’d be much more impressed if he came in saying I am going to do everything I can to elevate my little brother’s stature. He could do that while at that same time making more money.
I do think he has a better SC chance with the Ducks. They didn’t have a stellar season, but they exploited the trade deadline and sure gave the Wings a run. I’d make the argument that the Ducks wearing out the Wings made the difference in the Pens outlasting them for the SC. Prongers gone among others, but they will be in the mix.
It’s always a personal insult when someone doesn’t want to play in Minnesota, isn’t it? Well whatever. You’re welcome to your opinion.
—it was typical stupid, scandinavian pessimism towards life.—-
Now there’s an interesting stereotype. Here is what I tell all my non-Scandinavian friends and relatives whose unrelenting (and unjustified, I might add) optimism has led them to have their butts handed to them in one financial bubble after another:
The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it. Shaw
Idealism is what precedes experience; cynicism is what follows. Wolf
The team is basically a wash from last year, with the hope MH plays a few games.
What is the big unknown is what the rookie coach can do.
Not a great time to buy the high priced tixs.
SotB: If you only knew…
I thought that I’d keep my Skoula bashing to a bare minimum, now that he is indeed off the roster. But, some other people (e.g., you) just can’t let anyone else have the last word.
Let it rest. He’s gone. Deal.
Guys, Saku was never coming here. It never made sense to begin with. Flecther had to have known that, which is to say the fan in Craig Leopold may have been coming out. It made sense from a 2 year standpoint at best for Minnesota.
This move made zero sense for the momentum that Mikko has developed to become the first Wild Captain in teams history. First and foremost Mikko is a leader, and so is Saku.
This would have been bad for Mikko, and that is a sign of the leader in Saku that he recognized that
But, some other people (e.g., you) just can’t let anyone else have the last word.
Let it rest. He’s gone. Deal.
Which is why you’re trying to get in the last word by responding to what he said?
Honestly, half of you need to calm down, the other half of you need to be banned from teh intarwebz for a year from to many hits to the head.
Saku - I’m glad we didn’t sign him. Personally, I’d be honored to play on a squad with my brother at a sport… but only because we weren’t competitive as kids. Mega competative siblings can come back to bite you in the keyster in ways such as familial rivalry becoming more important that divisional rivalry, lockeroom discord, etc. I’d rather see that awesome celeb puck drop between two bros like that than an on bench chew session that starts miscontent.
Mikou - Wild, its time. Sew the “C” on the mans chest, and leave it there. Make sure he’s signed for a nice long contract, and build.
Havlat - I sure hope he doesn’t hold a grudge against the last couple of guys that have sidelined him. (giggle) Seriously, I’m glad we nabbed someone, but why must we be known leaguewide as a “defensive minded” team who heals the sick men of the league? If Havvy goes down to injury and we send him to the best docs for surgery and he signs with someone else….. bahhh that’ll never happen. Again. Right? I get ahead of myself. He *is* a good player and if he’s healthy, he’s great. We roll the dice, and we roll on…
Grats to SRV and K-Phos for signing in Tampa Bay. Assistant Coach Walz, The Godfather of Grit for the Wild, needs a few more players down there to make things interesting. Here’s to hoping SRV finds that gusto he discovered in our only deep run in the playoffs a few years ago.
Oh, and I am very interested in seeing what Gabby’s exact words are regarding no offer on July 1st. I hope he chose his words carefully. Saying there was no offer on July 1st doesnt mean there wasnt an offer already on the table from the Wild.
Chill people!
Kevin in PA. I have said what I am saying now from 3 months ago when it was first said he would be here. Ask KJ, he will confirm it. I did not even read the article
It never made sense and I said he had ZERO chance of being here
SO WHAT - WHAT NOW ? WHO WILL THE TRADE FOR IS THE QUESTION. RUSSO HAS SAID THEY WILL NOT GO FOR A CENTER FREE AGENT
BELOW DEFINES THE CURRENT SCENARIO OF PLAYER UNLESS WE TRADE EXISTING ASSETS
WHAT IS OF MOST VALUE TO THE WILD. A VETERAN CENTER WHO IS WILLING TO SIGN A SHORT TERM OR ALREADY HAS A SHORT TERM DEAL THAT WANTS TO PLAY IN MINNESOTA.
GOOD LUCK FINDING IT, SO YOU HAVE TO GIVE SOMETHING TO GET SOMETHING
Harding would be giving something to get something
Looking ahead, there’s a few teams in cap trouble already, and given their situations, there might be something to be had via trade:
Ottawa - Already over the cap by almost 300k, and needs to sign 1 more, a goaltender. Assuming he signs for 525k, They’ll need to dump about 900k or more worth of salary. What they’ll want is probably a minor league player, or a pick if they have someone in their farm system to call up. Possible names:
Schubert or Chris Kelly.
San Jose - They are about 1.6M below the cap now, but only have 16 players signed. No way they can get their roster together and stay under. They must trade. Marleau has been rumored in a deal for Heatley, but there’d have to be much more salary heading east for that to work. Not sure who else they’d part with.
Pens - Yes, the Pens aren’t sitting too pretty, but they just might eek it out. They’re right now 3.137M shy of the cap, and need to sign 4 more. The backup G is an RFA, and will probably sign for 525, leaving about 2.6M left for the remaining 3. Could work, except they really could use a D to replace Scuderi. KiPA will have more on this I’m sure
Calgary - Again in trouble, same boat at the Pens, but with less money available (3.05M) and the same # of guys needed to fill out the roster. Unless they plan on calling up 4 from the farm club, they have their work cut out for them. They’re 3 forwards and a D short of a full deck. I think they’d love to find someone to take Regher’s cap hit off their hands, but I doubt anyone’s dumb enough.
Wild should put the feelers out to Tanguays agent and see what his asking price is.
Havlat-Koivu-Tanguay would be a sick first line.
Best wishes to Foster in Tampa. Class guy and I hope all goes well for him.
to me koivu is using mikko as an excuse to play a season with his BFF and have a better shot at the tittle.
mikko already said it was no big deal. saku thinks he will steal the show from baby bro. why would he think that? i’d say it’s because his ego tells him he is a super star that captained the canadiens for the last decade.
if not then why wouldn’t he sign, play his role and support MK as leader of the squad?
it’s nothing personal. i was never that high on him being our savior. I just don’t buy the reasoning.
G* Ditto
Although, you probably just don’t want another swarthy Finn hanging around doing interviews with Marney.
Ahhh yeah. Swarthy was probably not the word I was looking for there. Trying too hard. Geez, lets hope NiNY doesn’t read this. He’ll revoke my thesaurus subscription.
Actually, Now knowing that Flecther is not going after a free agents for center below are the 4 options
Option 1
A veteran player you can lure from the foreign leagues that can play that wants to return= NO ASSETS
Option 2
A veteran older player in his last year of his contract that you get for MINIMUM ASSETS
Option 3
Trade a asset that would reduce your cap and pick up a player that another team cant afford and spend a little more then market for him as long as the term is not long on that player
GET BY MAYBE WITH MINIMUM ASSETS
Option 4
TRADE ASSETS FOR ASSETS
Farve is ready to go baby! Arm is fine and the surgery a success. Smell that boys? Fear from the bears, puker and lions fans… LOL LOL The Wild will be a non-factor unless they trade for a #2 center. Otherwise it’s all Vikings…
Michael Up North with Pavelich is mentioning option 3 as the option that might work for the Wild with teams that may face Cap trouble
According to Michael up North the clues for a center may be with one of these teams that is having cap problems
I doubt Calgary is a trade partner, so the question is do Ottawa- Pens- San Jose have a center they want to unload
Ottawa
Pens
Calgary
San Jose
WILDBLUE- If the Vikings can bring Favre to Minnesota then the Wild at a minimum can get you your number 2 center from Dallas named Mike Modano
The team that may horse trade with the Wild could likely be the Pens as Mike up North has mentioned. With that in mind the only team with real special depth at center of the teams mentioned is the Pens. I dont know what assets the Pens would take that would help with the cap problems but they have Jordan Stahl that would likely be more comfortable not playing behind Crosby and Malkin
The Souhan article is up and has this:
“I had no decision to make in order to stay here because I haven’t gotten any offers under the new era of management,” Gaborik said. “So I had no decision to make. Now I’m a Ranger and I’m excited about that.”
But we do know that CF and Salcer talked so to me this seems more semantics. But whatever, at least Smug is gone
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wild/50315377.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUBP7hUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU
i like modano, hes was a great player. and ive heard he wants to end his career here, even if he doesnt put up a ton of points now that hes old think of his experience and drive to play, hes been to a cup and lots of playoff appearances,can win faceoffs, plus think of the old timers line wed have bruno-modano-nolan…… hahahaha
I HATE MODANO… just btw
and I don’t think i am okay with fozzie leaving
modano didnt do anything to hurt you… be nice
i wonder if boogs will actually put up a few points in the new system
Yeah, it was his commitment to defense that kept him from scoring.
Lots of debate above about what exactly Fletcher has done and a perceived double standard. Here’s my take.
1) He came in with a plan and hired a coach that fit that plan. He followed the plan! He took his time and didn’t hire a re-tread.
2) He went to the draft with 7 picks and got to pick EIGHT players without giving up any pieces of the organization. One of those picks happened to be the top ranked goalie eligible for the draft. Oh yeah, he brought a NHL proven 4th line center home as well.
3) He let a few replaceable players go to FA rather than retaining them and going with same-old, same-old.
4) He signed one of the the upper echelon FA’s. Who, while not the most sought after FA is still pretty respectable. Yes, he has a injury history, but last season was nearly a full season so maybe he’s past the injury bug. Don’t forget, the player he ‘replaced’ played 17 whole games last season.
5) He signed a couple of ‘regular’ D men to replace the ‘regular’ D men we no longer wanted/needed. Maybe they’re better, maybe they’re worse, we shall see.
6) He reportedly went hard after and made good offers for one of the top FA centers on the market. That center chose a team offering LESS money and term. Can’t hang that on Fletcher.
7) And perhaps this is the biggest thing that differentiates him from DR and is possibly the biggest reason why I don’t think anyone is screaming for his head yet. He has not yet overpaid for a player. He has not yet traded for Chris Simon and attempted to pass it off as a good trade. He has not yet handed out draft picks like they grow on a tree outside his office. He has not yet said he’d sign or trade a player by a set date and failed to do so. He has not yet alienated a superstar player (more on this in a minute) and his agent. Basically, he hasn’t screwed anything up. Is it possible he could have done more good stuff? Maybe, but he also could have possibly screwed stuff up in an attempt to do so.
Now, back to that superstar player. In my opinion, you can not hang him leaving on Fletcher. Sure, maybe he didn’t make him an offer. As many have speculated, maybe it was Fletcher’s choice, maybe Salcer told him not to bother. We’ll never know. We do know that Fletcher was not the GM that banned the agent’s right hand man and the player’s friend from the event level of the arena. We do know that Fletcher was not the GM that promised to find the player a center but didn’t. We do know that Fletcher was not the GM that voiced displeasure that the player was not playing injured. The bridge was burnt. Sometimes burnt bridges can be rebuilt, sometimes not.
So far, Cliff Fletcher strikes me as a very careful, yet not overly careful (DR) GM who logically approaches the job. He does not react in a knee jerk fashion, but rather sets a course and considers possible adjustments prior to making them.
As an example, yesterday Skoivu signed with the D*cks. He didn’t panic, run out and sign the next best C to an overly inflated salary. No, he stuck with his plan (so far, I see no reason to expect he’ll change that today) of maybe going with a trade or within the roster. He also didn’t run out and trade (which would’ve fit the plan, but also a mistake) 3 good players for 1 center. I would have expected DR to sign the next best C and try to ’sell’ him to the fans as being better than or equal to the one he missed. Or, he would have done nothing about a center but instead signed another position and attempted to distract and direct attention away form the hole at C.
That was a HUGE post. Sorry about the book. I hope some people read it as I know people tend to skip the big posts sometimes.
Finn hanging around doing interviews with Marney.
well if it gets her more time in front of camera, i’d be all for it.
too bad slover had to do the #10 exit interview. may have been semantics but you can’t consider an offer if you don’t get one. saucy may have told chucker it would take 8mil per to resign so he didn’t bother with an offer but I’d wonder, why not offer 6/36 and let them decline? in the end i think both sides came to conclusion that it was best to go separate ways. time to turn the page.
Yes, he has a injury history, but last season was nearly a full season so maybe he’s past the injury bug.
wasn’t this said about #10 after 07-08 when he played in 77 games?
He reportedly went hard after and made good offers for one of the top FA centers on the market. That center chose a team offering LESS money and term. Can’t hang that on Fletcher.
I agree but this was hung on DR when HOSSA wouldn’t sign here, or husileus. just saying.
He has not yet overpaid for a player
i’d say jury is still out on havlat.
He signed one of the the upper echelon FA’s
Havlat has scored 30+ goals one time in his career.
brian rolston has more 30 goal seasons.
perhaps he is due for a breakout season but i think he is more of a mid to high tier 2 player.
perhaps I am not understanding what defines upper eschelon
ATX: how was Couzumel(sp)?
Hey M 03, I am a little late on the response, but Cozumel was awesome. I got to swim with a Nurse Shark and I saw a Spotted Eagle Ray which had a wingspan of about 8 - 10 feet. Did some sweet cave-esque swim throughs as well. It was beautiful. It was super relaxing, but I got a little sunburned and I am really fatigued because of it now. I would definitely do it all again though. Thanks for asking!
I got bored this morning. So I started a page on
Wikia.
Standard caveat applies that if Russo or his bosses don’t like it, I will destroy the page. Hopefully that doesn’t happen, and we can keep up on the oddities of Russoville together.
In terms of this year’s UFAs, Havlat was/is upper echelon. Whether that puts him in that level n the NHL, is debatable, but in terms of this year’s crop of UFAs, he was clearly upper echelon. I like the fact that Chaz got him for less money than he was making a year ago. I don’t think the contract was a stretch. Not considering the team’s glaring needs up front and what was available on the open market. Trades could still help shore up the roster.
Wafer - Grow up with the childish Russo entry.
Wafer - Grow up with the childish Russo entry.
Huh?
In terms of this year’s UFAs, Havlat was/is upper echelon.
i can agree on this definition
In terms of this year’s UFAs, Havlat was/is upper echelon
I’m not sure this says a whole lot, other than the fact that this year’s crop was Twiggy thin. Time will tell. If Marty can stay on the ice, the $$$ and term would seem to be a nice signing. Especially when stacked up against the dollars the team is paying PMB for his “production”.
Sorry, I know it’s early but I had to take a quick poke at Butch.
Wafer: if you want I can send you the full Russoville Cultural Dictionary. Shoot me an email that I can reply to.
foster best wishes! what a nice and all around good guy.
G* —brian rolston has more 30 goal seasons.—-
He does but then he’s got 14 seasons under his belt and his first of 4 30 goal seasons didn’t come until season 8
Havlat has only 1 in his first 8. What intrigues me are those where he had 25 in 56 games, 31 in 68 and 24 in 67 or even 9 in 18. If he could overcome the injury bug and be the lead guy with lots of PP time, we may be onto something. He has played in a lot of shadows in Ottawa and with the kids in Chicago I’m guessing. Maybe this is where he becomes a marquee player. He sure looked good in the playoffs until Kronwall caught him. I’m surprised he isn’t still feeling the effects of that hit.
Well-played, Goody. Good recap.
I still think there is an element of double standard, but I am comfortable putting a “jury’s still out” tag on Fletch because, well, the jury should still be out. Anyone on the rational jury is, anyway.
I have no issue with what Fletcher’s done so far. I had planned on giving him a couple years to get the aircraft carrier moving in “his” direction, and I have no reason to speed up that timeline now.
Maybe the difference between Fletch and DR is that Fletch has offered more disclosure of his intentions. Well, actually, DR offered disclosure, but it always seemed like more in the way of explanation and an attempt to spin after the fact. The problem is that, into that definition of seemed comes the possibility of the application of a double standard.
completely off topic, i haven’t been reading for a few days. has the vancouver reporter with the great sources reporting gabby bought a house there said anything since? that report basically nixed any chance we had of trading gabby’s rights to anyone for a late round pick; i think russo needs to make up some stuff so vancouver can’t move their pending UFAs next time!
Goody —-That was a HUGE post. Sorry about the book. I hope some people read it as I know people tend to skip the big posts sometimes.—-
Only those with short attention spans.
What is written without effort is, in general, read without pleasure.
But Goody, how has Fletcher improved the Wild?
It seems like the same team with a slightly different cast doesn’t it?
Now, I know that he needs to be given more than one year but, he has not pulled a rabbit from a hat.
Sorry, I know it’s early but I had to take a quick poke at Butch
Come one now… first thing in the morning??
Nick - You should be able to edit it yourself if you want, otherwise whyfor@comcast.net
Thanks
I had planned on giving him a couple years to get the aircraft carrier moving in “his” direction
Well he has to get it off of the rocks that DR ran it into first.
It seems like the same team with a slightly different cast doesn’t it?
I’d agree if JL was still at the helm. I mean, they haven’t even held a practice yet, and we don’t know how TR will approach the team.
Come one now… first thing in the morning??
First thing in the morning is sometimes the best time, dude.
I would have expected DR to sign the next best C and try to ’sell’ him to the fans as being better than or equal to the one he missed
That is a prime example of the difference between Fletch and DR right there.
I will not roast Fletch in the first year, and probably not in his second year either (unless he does something remarkably stupid). CF has a hall pass from me for at least two seasons.
Best of luck to Fozzie. Great guy with loads of heart. I am left wondering what Smug would have done with him this year. It was a noble gesture keeping him on the payroll and supporting his rehab. I have had my reservations as to whether Kurtis can completely overcome the injury and rise to the next level. This year will tell the tale. I wish him nothing but the best. And his agent needs to be working now to parlay a strong season into that comeback/heart award. Enough of this Burrows crapola. That guy has the heart of a ferret.
Time is an important element in comparing Smug and CF. Nobody was calling for Smug’s head in the first 90 days or even in the first several years. He was given lots of slack for miscues along the way. It wasn’t until his “body of work” became weak that he was subjected to more intense scrutiny.
Perhaps a relative of our esteemed Blog host?
http://www.virginiamn.com/articles/2009/07/08/news/doc4a556885b5c1d245200556.txt
Iceman: —-But Goody, how has Fletcher improved the Wild?—
Be honest. You miss Smug don’t you
For CF to just hold serve this year would be credible given the cards that he was dealt. How’s that for mixed metaphors?
What is written without effort is, in general, read without pleasure.
This is awesome.
Anybody see themselves maybe watching a few Tampa games this season, just to check in on the boys? I kinda feel like I might, and I’m not sure I’ve ever watched the Lightning unless the Wild were playing them.
–This is awesome.–
Let me quickly disclaim before ms.c outs me. I stole it from some renowned author, but can’t remember who.
Ahhh. There it is.
Samuel Johnson
English author, critic, & lexicographer (1709 - 1784)
It seems like the same team with a slightly different cast doesn’t it?
I must have missed the physical play and shot blocking of Skoula, Foster and MAB. I guess I need to get my eyes checked.
Cheers to Mr. Johnson, then. I love those quaint, arcane affirmation type lines.
Hey NiNY:
Practical lexicography is the art or craft of compiling, writing and editing dictionaries.
I didn’t know that, but something tells me you did
—I must have missed the physical play and shot blocking of Skoula, Foster and MAB—
If our penalty minutes go way up along with our GAA and scoring stays the same resulting in more losses, will the addition of physical play be considered an improvement?
How people say to give Fletch a “hall pass” for a few years. The Wild should not be a rebuilding team, we were 1 point from a playoff spot. I think eveyone realizes that and is saying he needs to go out and make a few moves now to compete. The wild cannot sit still or regress when we could add a few pieces and Compete.
Anybody see themselves maybe watching a few Tampa games this season, just to check in on the boys?
SRV and foster? no
I still think there is an element of double standard, but I am comfortable putting a “jury’s still out” tag on Fletch because, well, the jury should still be out. Anyone on the rational jury is, anyway.
indeed. the whole point of my exercise is other than the nameplate on the office door, not a ton has changed…yet. and that the things that DR did that caused us to waste a year supply of carbon credits, now seem to be ok.
Well, I’m glad it seems a few of you read my book. Thanks now on to responses to responses:
GreenStar says:
July 9th, 2009 at 7:34 am
wasn’t this said about #10 after 07-08 when he played in 77 games?
I agree but this was hung on DR when HOSSA wouldn’t sign here, or husileus. just saying.
I’d say jury is still out on havlat.
1) Yes, that was said about #10 and I myself hoped it was true.
2) Good point on the Hossa thing. I don’t recall me personally holding it against DR though.
3) Yes, but my point was he paid market value for Havlat did he not? Whether the player lives up to the salary is a different matter completely.
GreenStar says:
July 9th, 2009 at 7:45 am
perhaps I am not understanding what defines upper echelon
I think Deep Breath pretty closely explained what I meant.
Deep Breath says:
July 9th, 2009 at 7:55 am
In terms of this year’s UFAs, Havlat was/is upper echelon.
That is, not that he is necessarily one of the best in the league, but he would be one of the highest sought after FA’s this year.
M 03 Eklund knows nothing. He might even be dumber than MKVN. Will we see you at Whiskey Junction tomorrow night? I have some swag for you.
Make sure to say howdy if any of you drop on by Whiskey Junction.
Havlat was the #2 available UFA forward. #1 wanted nothing to do with the Wild. Smug said they would be active and signed no one. CF said they would be active and actually landed one. Big difference.
The equivelant of adding Havlat this year, would be the same as not adding anything the last how many years due to the fact we lost Gaborik.
The fact that “The Fletch” didn’t even bother to make Gaby a new offer is unconscionable. How do you let the Wild’s franchise player just walk out the door without even trying to make him an offer. Please don’t start with the “oh he wouldn’t have signed anyway”, maybe so but if you don’t even bother to try he for sure won’t. What a complete DR move by The Fletch.
I don’t recall me personally holding it against DR though.
nope but you (and I) were in minority on this.
3) Yes, but my point was he paid market value for Havlat did he not? Whether the player lives up to the salary is a different matter completely.
point taken and agreed with.
weren’t we actually 2 points out of the playoffs this season?
How did CF land one, Havlat called CF. It’s not like Chuck Got someone to come here.
The fact that “The Fletch” didn’t even bother to make Gaby a new offer is unconscionable.
No it’s not.
either way, he didn’t and it’s over. If you want to stop following the team, so be it. But, as for Gaby, move on.
Wafer, good wiki page. If I can offer a suggestion: for player names, abbreviations, etc., maybe it would be best to have the player name and all the nicknames listed behind it. Mostly because some people get more than one nickname.
I’m glad you started this because after a hiatus I took and I came back and didn’t recognize some of the common chatter (for example, it took me a bit to figure out that IGoW==Irish God of War==Owen Nolan).
Gaborik said only that the Wild didnt make him an offer AFTER free agency began on July 1. So for all we know Fletch give him an offer or offers before this time and Gaborik said no. And if Fletch got the impression from this that he wouldnt resign here, then why waste time giving him another offer after July 1? I have no problem with the way CF has handled the team since he’s been here. Comparing him to DR after so short a time is ridiculous
If it was DR making these moves so far, you would have his head on a stick. But lets give Fletch all the time he needs.
The fact that “The Fletch” didn’t even bother to make Gaby a new offer is unconscionable.
This has been covered ad nauseum. The Wild do not have a Sunshine Law, so there’s no way to know what happened behind the scenes. For all you know, Salcer called up Fletch and told him not to bother.
Gabs was gone before DR let the door hit his butt on the way out.
No Nick, I will not move on. I refuse to just give CF a pass on this. I think it’s a clear indication of how he is going to conduct himself as a GM.
And please, give me a break dude. Why is it that a fan cannot have an opinion on this blog? Every time someone has something remotely negative to say, the immediate response is “if you don’t like the team, don’t follow it”. That’s just stupid.
Wildfan, CF actually signed a top 6 forward who wanted to be here, which DR never did. There is no way that HAvlat is the first good player to want to come here, but he is the first to actually get signed. Chuck got it done, DR never did. And I’m sure he had many opportunities to
Goody, good recap. The only point I have to disagree with (slightly) is number #5, which I would say we’re better off now. We actually grabbed a good D-man at a value price. Our second D-man was a regular grinder, but the first on in Zanon was a steal.
indeed. the whole point of my exercise is other than the nameplate on the office door, not a ton has changed…yet. and that the things that DR did that caused us to waste a year supply of carbon credits, now seem to be ok.
do you believe that the things that CF have done to this point are things that Smug would have been capable of doing?
I mean, other than letting Gho$t walk.
I firmly believe, that Martin Havlat does NOT sign here with Smug at the helm. Same for Hnidy. Smug does not make the move to net another draft pick.
So, call it the same if you wish. But is it like comparing Marney to Joan Rivers.
The move not to even bother given out an offer is definately a DR coined move. Sorry if you disagree. I’m not saying CF is DR but that move is reminiscent of something DR would have done.
It’s not like Chuck Got someone to come here.
How do you know Havlat didn’t see TR come here and see TR’s and CF’s Master Plan and say “Hey, that looks like a fun system to play in, maybe I’ll go there”?
You can’t tell me that Havlat just had a raging desire to experience 5 Minnesota winters.
I’d agree with KJ, I think if DR was here, Havlat likely wouldn’t have signed. Clearly DR couldn’t attract quality free agents.
he move not to even bother given out an offer is definately a DR coined move.
How many offers did CF give Gabs between his hiring date and the start of FA? Please support your response with references.
Skaaadoosh, none of us really know what happened behind the scenes. Groinarik wanted on of Minny.. that was clear about a year ago. Nothing CF could have done to change his mind. Gaby leaving was all DR and 0% CF’s fault.
Does Havlat want to come here if DR is GM, and JL is not the coach any more? Yes, some of DR problem getting free agents to come here was JL’s system.
All im trying to say is if DR was still here and he made the same moves as CF, it would not be good enough for all of you.
DR could never make the move to add the piece or pieces to an otherwise solid team, and untill CF shows that capability, I say we are no better.
Iceman says:
July 9th, 2009 at 8:41 am
But Goody, how has Fletcher improved the Wild?
It seems like the same team with a slightly different cast doesn’t it?
Now, I know that he needs to be given more than one year but, he has not pulled a rabbit from a hat.
But he has improved the team. He added Havlat, Broadziak, Zanon and uh… drawing a blank on the other D’s name, sorry. That is an improvement of a sort. Sure, maybe not an improvement in games won, but an improvement over losing Gaborik and other FA’s and not replacing them.
I suppose it all boils down to expectation. I didn’t/don’t expect the team to win the cup this season. I didn’t/don’t expect them to make the playoffs either. I expect them under new management, new coach and after losing a star player to stay about even with where they were last year. Competing for a playoff spot though likely not making it.
It seems to me that some (not necessarily you Iceman) called for a change in management and coach and expect that it would automatically make the team a cup contender. I’m sorry, it doesn’t work that way.
Wafer, according to Gaby, who is the only one who is going on record with the media apparently, the answer is Zero. Fletcher made zero offers to Gaby to stay. Please refer to the article written by Souhan in today’s paper.
Havlat seen a team with cap room in need of offense and picked up the phone. With his other options to get paid dwindling.
Austin, I don’t buy that excuse. You mean to tell me that at your place of employment if you decide just arbitrarly decide not to do something because you know that it’s not going to work out anyway, that it would be acceptable?
So why is it acceptable to not even try to sign him?
I still love the team, will follow the team, will support the team, pay good money to watch the team…….but along the way I’m going to ask questions. Not a big deal.
I think it’s a clear indication of how he is going to conduct himself as a GM.
this is myopic.
Why is it that a fan cannot have an opinion on this blog?
don’t think that was ever claimed.
Every time someone has something remotely negative to say, the immediate response is “if you don’t like the team, don’t follow it”.
This is just pushing an irrational claim to it’s ultimate, if ridiculous, conclusion.
I couldn’t care less if you give Fletch a pass on this or anything. The point is it’s done.
And one of the issues between DR and Gaby was the alleged disrespect paid by the former to the latter. Do you know for sure that Fletch didn’t ask Salcer how much it would take to sign Gaby? Do you know for sure that Salcer didn’t reply with some figure that he either knew was more than Fletch was going to offer, or that Fletch responded to by saying that’s too much? Do you know for sure that Salcer didn’t say something along the lines of, “you could offer the moon, but at this point I think the bloom is off the Wild rose for Gaby, so we’re going to UFA.”?
The answer to all those questions is “No, Nick, I don’t know for sure.”
So, keeping in mind that it appears as though Gaby felt underappreciated by former management, and that COULD be one of the reasons we were forced to stand around at this impasse with our collective thumb up our collective pratt as fans, what would have been gained by Fletch making a public offer of $X/Y years - knowing full well that it was below what Gaby wanted FROM THE WILD and that he wouldn’t negotiate up from it? Nothing, that’s what.
Again, move on.
Goody, how can you not expect the Wild to make the playoffs, after finishing just a few points out without Gaborik.
This is what i mean, we are not a rebuilding team or shouldnt be, step up to the plate make the moves to bring us the cup that DR couldn’t.
You can’t tell me that Havlat just had a raging desire to experience 5 Minnesota winters
as opposed to the balmy winter weather in Chi-Town?
- SoTB - I didn’t intend to say the Wild has improved - we shall see this season - but I do contend switching Skoula and MAB/Foster for Hnidy and Zanon is a significant change. Iceman said this is the same team player wise.
- Re: Hossa - since we have some idea how much Gaby despised DR, is it fair to give him any credit in trying to land Hossa? There was no chance the Wild was going to get Hossa because DR had largely alienated his star player.
I’m pretty sure the CF-Salser meeting went something similar like this:
CF: So, what are the chances–
Salsy: No chance in hell.
CF: But we haven’t–
Salsy: Look, I’ve got Sather who has a huge man-crush on Gaby, and we all know that he loves to dump huge amounts of money.
CF: I guess we’re–
Salsy: We’re done here.
Most players aren’t intimately involved with their negotiations. It could be that Salser just wasn’t going to bend and was going to see what was out there on July 1 no matter what and, this is my assumption, CF took the chance that if Gaby made it out of day 1, Minnesota looks a bit more attractive with a good contract.
So if Gaborik=Havlat, is Fletch going to spend the next 5 years trying to get the missing Piece. Keep in mind the wild are not bad enough to be getting the Crosby’s and Malkin’s and Staal’s through the draft so he doesn’t have that to lean on.
Wildfan: I think the 08-09 Wild, and the current roster for the 09-10 Wild MIGHT be a couple players away from the playoffs. But that’s as a one-and-done playoff team.
I want more than that.
I think this is a classic case of needing to take a step back in order to take a couple steps forward.
Ah well Nick, what I can tell you, what we all know is what Gaby told Souhan. I don’t see CF coming out saying something differently? So if you can say it’s plausible that all that happened, it’s equally plausible that he never even tried? You can’t claim one without acknowledging the other.
So perhaps I should have said, “if CF really didn’t make an attempt to sign Gaby”
Please read back to the 100’s of previous posts to see examples of people jumping all over other people when they have anything remotely negative to say. I’ve seen plenty of people jump all over Mister Knows it all, Wildfan…..also note that anyone who thinks differently from the masses gets a “troll” tag apparently.
Well…for what it’s worth (grain of salt) - Eklund is showing that the Sharks are working hard to create cap room for a Heatley trade. Teams listed as being involved in the deal include the Wild. So, just as CF stated, there will be opportunities in the future due to other teams wanting to or needing to create cap space. If this is correct and the Wild are taking part in the Sharks cap moves, it could result in another improvement.
Niveous says:
July 9th, 2009 at 9:22 am
Goody, good recap. The only point I have to disagree with (slightly) is number #5, which I would say we’re better off now. We actually grabbed a good D-man at a value price. Our second D-man was a regular grinder, but the first on in Zanon was a steal.
Thank you, I’m inclined to agree with you on the D, but we shall see.
Skaaadoosh says:
July 9th, 2009 at 9:23 am
The move not to even bother given out an offer is definately a DR coined move.
I’ll agree with you, but only if it went down as you seem to think. That is, only if CF came in on day 1 and thought “Forget this Gaborik kid.” If he never made any overtures toward Gaborik or Salcer, then I would agree.
Austin, I don’t buy that excuse. You mean to tell me that at your place of employment if you decide just arbitrarly decide not to do something because you know that it’s not going to work out anyway, that it would be acceptable?
That is a fair point, but I find that my job and professional sports are worlds apart. It’s not always that eeasy.. you are comparing apples to oranges. All I am saying is that Gaborik had it in his mind that he wanted to go elsewhere… and when it comes to free agencey the player has ALL the power. he wanted to leave, and he made it happen. NOTHING CF could have done would change Gabys mind… unless he wanted to give him 10mil per season for 15 years maybe… and who would have been happy about that? gaby and Salcer would have but I am pretty damn sure not a single other person would like it.
Most players aren’t intimately involved with their negotiations. It could be that Salser just wasn’t going to bend and was going to see what was out there on July 1 no matter what
Great point. Keep in mind also the optics of the thing from Gaby’s perspective looking at his agent if he’d signed with the Wild for what Fletch was offering now:
He would have turned down more money and term last year for less money/term this year - with the same team.
If I’m Salcer I think I want to try to spin Gaby to think that the Wild just doesn’t want him, that he’s better off with a clean slate, and, hey look! The Rangers are offering a ton of money!
i guess we are in on the heatley trade again……
any thoughts on who could be involved this time?
Thanks for taking our retread in Havlat. HAHA, how’s it feel to always be looking up from the bottom of the league?
HM, how do you figure that the Wild are always looking up from the bottom? we barely missed the playoffs if I recall.
I’ve seen plenty of people jump all over Mister Knows it all
Have you read any of his posts!??!
I love me some Fletcher
I truly can’t comprehend the people on here that think they know exactly how the season will unfold and condemning CF in the process. No one knows what will happen or how the team will execute, especially with a new coach. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing the new players and coach and see what they can bring to the fold. I will be putting my expecations and speculation on hold until I see the “New Wild” play for a few weeks, at a minimum. I just wish the season would be starting soon!!
MKIA is in love with Modo, we all know that. Geez Skadoosh
Wildfan says:
July 9th, 2009 at 9:34 am
Goody, how can you not expect the Wild to make the playoffs, after finishing just a few points out without Gaborik.
Because frankly, I never believed after DR did nothing at the trade deadline that the Wild would make the playoffs. Yes, they missed by only a few points, but how much of that was due to their play vs. the play of those they were chasing?
There are two ways to make the playoffs.
1)win games
2)lose fewer games than the teams you are chasing.
IMO, the Wild were closer to making the playoffs via option 2 than via option 1.
do you believe that the things that CF have done to this point are things that Smug would have been capable of doing?
kool-aid taste good, yes?
again, i have no issue with anything CF has done to date. none whatsoever. I do see things that have happened, not signing koivu, no real addition at center…yet that got DR roasted ad nauseum, but we pat chuck on the back.
so to summarize.
did DR deserve criticism? yes
did DR deserve as much as he got? probably not
did DR deserve to get fired? absolutely
is CF an improvement? so far without question
HM = Mike
here, here GS. very objective post.
also note that anyone who thinks differently from the masses gets a “troll” tag apparently.
This is categorically untrue. You like to talk in absolutes, don’t you?
Many of the most common posters here disagree with each other on a variety of topics without pulling out the troll tag.
And, of the many things people have called MKiA, I don’t think troll is one of them, or one of the most oft-used.
But, if the shoe fits…
I truly can’t comprehend the people on here that think they know exactly how the season will unfold and condemning CF in the process. No one knows what will happen or how the team will execute, especially with a new coach. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing the new players and coach and see what they can bring to the fold.
+1,000,000
I am %100 with you on that Bisker. You are indeed very level headed.
call it the same if you wish. But is it like comparing Marney to Joan Rivers
some here would consider that and apples to apples comparison.
not me of course
Goody, you lost me. So we werent close to making the playoffs, is that what you are saying and with a Healthy Gaborik we still would have not made the playoffs?
Wafer, good work on the Wiki so far. Might I suggest that in the nicknames section you clarify where some of the less obvious nicknames come from. PMB is easy to figure out as it is initials. FSM, not so much. Maybe add “(Figure Skating Midget)” after FSM?
Nevermind, I see someone already did that.
This is categorically untrue
because if true, we’d all be trolls
Fletch is a savior, now that we have Havlat to replace Gaborik and some D men that will lay down to block shots we can finally get over the hump. Maybe by the time we could compete for a cup Burnsi, Koivu, will most likely be headed for greener pastures.
Nevermind, I see someone already did that.,/i>
I got your back Goody.
I have nothing against Fletch, and realize it takes time. I am just floored because if it was DR there would not be one poster in here supporting him like Fletch, all would be pissed off.
Wildfan says:
July 9th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Goody, you lost me. So we werent close to making the playoffs, is that what you are saying and with a Healthy Gaborik we still would have not made the playoffs?
No, I’m not saying that. On the two ways to make the playoffs:
1) Team A trails Team B by 2 pts. Team A wins three games, Team B wins one game and loses 2 games. Team A makes the playoffs 2 points ahead of Team B.
2) Team A trails Team B by 2 pts. Team A loses three games. Team B also loses three games (games they should have won). Team A misses the playoffs by 2 pts.
IMO, the Wild were only close because the teams they were chasing were losing at a pace equal to the Wild’s losses. They were artificially close to the playoffs because teams they were chasing were losing games they should have won.
That’s just my opinion though and it is based on the skill level I perceived the Wild to posses vs the skill level I perceived the teams they were chasing to posses.
A healthy Gaborik all year, adds at least 8-10 more wins, or 16-20 points. Thats my point.
Wildfan thats because DR built up a track record over 9 years of failing to improve this team, Chuck is just starting to put his own touchs on it
Wildfan says:
July 9th, 2009 at 10:03 am
I have nothing against Fletch, and realize it takes time. I am just floored because if it was DR there would not be one poster in here supporting him like Fletch, all would be pissed off.
About what?
On Gaborik going FA? I’d hold DR accountable for that because it was the bed he made. If Fletcher had been here then and made that bed, I’d be yelling and screaming that he should have to sleep in it.
On picking up Havlat? I’d be quite surprised and probably be a bit excited. As it sits with Fletch, I’m a bit excited.
I certainly don’t want to put salt on an open wound here but if I may, I’d like to make one comment about Gaby/Fletcher. I’m a recruiter by profession and as such part of my responsiblity to attract passive candidates to work for the company I recruit at. I guess my point is that if you want the best talent, you’ve got to go for that talent. If Fletcher felt Gaby in this case was the “best talent” then he should have pursued.
Perhaps that wasn’t the case in Fletcher’s eyes.
Point is, sometimes you need to convince someone that this is the best place for them.
Anyway, moving on….I’m excited for the boys to hit the ice
And untill CF improves this team I will continue to be skeptical.
“I must have missed the physical play and shot blocking of Skoula, Foster and MAB. I guess I need to get my eyes checked.”
No, just your hockey sense. Skoula did block a lot of shots. Maybe you didn’t like his play but he blocked a lot of shots and played well on the PK. As to Foster and MAB agreed. But MAB did have a cannon on the point and scored 14 goals–11 more than Hnidy.
Wildfan says:
July 9th, 2009 at 10:06 am
A healthy Gaborik all year, adds at least 8-10 more wins, or 16-20 points. Thats my point.
A healthy Gaborik also changes the team dynamic. Maybe with Gaborik on the ice, Nolan doesn’t get as much ice time and doesn’t score as many goals. Maybe with Gaborik on the ice, Mittens doesn’t pull top line duty with Bruno and Koivu for half the season and have a career year. Maybe someone else thinks “Gaborik’s on the ice, it’s his job to score, I’ll slack a bit and play D.” and as such doesn’t put in a game winner or two. Maybe with Gaborik on the ice, the whole team thinks more offensively and Backstrom doesn’t have as much support preventing goals.
I am just floored because if it was DR there would not be one poster in here supporting him like Fletch, all would be pissed off.
Why is it so hard for some to understand that DR drained his goodwill over a period of several seasons through some bad moves and a smuggy attitude while CF’s Wild teams are currently 0-0-0? To expect DR detractors to use the same lens on every CF moved that they used on DR at the end is just plain stupid.
Thats fine. Alot of people here are looking at Fletch with an open mind and giving him some time to see how he operates, you choose to be skeptical right off the bat.
“I firmly believe, that Martin Havlat does NOT sign here with Smug at the helm. Same for Hnidy.”
Maybe true on Havlat. Hnidy? He is a $750K, 1 year depth guy. Those guys sign wherever they get a contract.
mnangler says:
July 9th, 2009 at 10:09 am
I guess my point is that if you want the best talent, you’ve got to go for that talent.
No argument on that point. The problem is that some take Gaborik’s statements to be the whole story. Fletcher has remained silent. We don’t know if Fletcher sent offers to Salcer and somehow Gaborik doesn’t know that or if Fletcher did in fact not contact Gaborik/Salcer.
BTW, I personally LIKE that Fletcher has remained silent. It is the professional thing to do. Gaborik should have been likewise silent. That isn’t to say he can’t say “Things just didn’t work out for me and the Wild contract wise.”
wow you guys make fans on Twin’s blogs look like girl scouts!
Why is it so hard for some to understand that DR drained his goodwill over a period of several seasons through some bad moves and a smuggy attitude while CF’s Wild teams are currently 0-0-0?
+1 billion.
I agree Goody. Gaborik’s statements come across to me as him just trying to save face. Making CF and the orginization look like the bad guy here, giving him no choice but to leave when in reality it is pretty clear that he wasn’t happy here
Ok, am I the only one who did not like the draft pick of Leddy. We have no offense at the NHL level or in the system, so He drafts D whick he have D prospects Cuma, and Scandella. He also traded away a fourth rounder for something we already traded for in Fritsche. Risebrough does that once again you all would be calling for his head.
I choose to not be excited nor disappointed with draft picks. Unless you have the first or second pick of the draft, it takes several years before you know if you pick wisely or poorly.
On the surface, I question the pick. I’ve never played professional hockey so I don’t claim to be an expert but from what I saw in the State Tourney, I don’t see what all the fuss is over Leddy.
Ok, am I the only one who did not like the draft pick of Leddy.
Definitely not. I didn’t want Leddy.
He also traded away a fourth rounder for something we already traded for in Fritsche.
I dunno if they are the same or not… but I definitely wish we could have kept Fritzy. I think he fit the idea of the new ‘direction’ really well.
G*, Good post on the DR/CF analysis. We need to give CF a couple of years to shape his own team. He deserves neither effusive praise nor condemnation at this point. We need to give him time to see what he can do.
DR did wear out his welcome. But, let us remember we were only 2 points out of the playoffs last year with Gaby and Burns missing chunks of the season. And, we won the NW the previous year even tho we were one and done. So, maybe the prospects list was weak, we traded off too many draft picks and Dr was too smug to get certain players but we were a playoff contender these last 2 years.
Wildfan, Even if Fritsche and Brodziak are equal in talent, Brodziak makes less money. That equates to more cap space to go after a Hossa, Skoivu, Heatley or yes, even Gaborik.
Leddy is not NHL ready. The other guy, Schroeder, he’s not NHL ready either. Picking at 12 it is very, very, very unlikely you’ll pick someone who is NHL ready. Heck, picking at 3 or 4 it is unlikely you’ll pick someone who is NHL ready. Maybe even 1 or 2, but those teams are usually quite desperate so their picks go straight to the NHL ready or not.
wow you guys make fans on Twin’s blogs look like girl scouts!
Yeah, hockey fans are like that.
Woodcock, that is a good point. He doesnt deserve scrutiny, but by no means deserves praise yet.
Wildfan, when it comes down to it, even if CF has made a few poor decisions, which I dont believe in the least, there is no reason to “call for his head”. Honestly, the man has been here for two months now, and he should already be let go? Changing GM’s every couple months, doesn’t sound like the way to build a winning franchise
No, just your hockey sense. Skoula did block a lot of shots. Maybe you didn’t like his play but he blocked a lot of shots and played well on the PK. As to Foster and MAB agreed. But MAB did have a cannon on the point and scored 14 goals–11 more than Hnidy.
Again, not saying the change is good or bad just that it was a change. Iceman contented that there has not been changes. Also, I am not a Skoula basher and I loved MAB’s shot. Further, Zanon blocked 237 shots last year, Skoula had 126.
“I choose to not be excited nor disappointed with draft picks. Unless you have the first or second pick of the draft, it takes several years before you know if you pick wisely or poorly.”
Amen. It is too easy to be lured in by the seductive scouting reports. It is fun to imagine who we ought to pick and I was hoping for a forward. But it is way too early to judge this year’s or for that matter, last year’s draft yet. And you go with the best player on the board. If Cuma, Scandella and Leddy all turn out to be great either we have great D corps or we have good trade bait. As to our number of draft picks, that is nice, but let’s do remember once you hit the 4th round you are lucky if you get guys who ultimately are 3d liners in the NHL.
Goody, I dont mean they have to be NHL ready, but we need offense in the system to help us in a few years. I think Schroeder would have been more valuable to call up in a few years than Leddy or another D.
I know it’s vogue to pick people with Minnesota ties, it’s just some thing we minnesotan’s just love. I like drafting any dude who’s name is really hard to say and has as few vowels in it as possible. They have to be good.
FFS, fair points and agreed. CF is building a defense in the mold he wants. Whether or not it is better we will see but it is different and more to his liking.
but let’s do remember once you hit the 4th round you are lucky if you get guys who ultimately are 3d liners in the NHL.
But isnt this what everyone complained about DR doing, trading away late draft picks.
Careful……Zetterberg was selected by the Detroit Red Wings 210th overall in the seventh round of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft………pretty decent player no?
HAHA, but I agree with Woody, it’s a crap shoot after the first round or two really.
But isnt this what everyone complained about DR doing, trading away late draft picks.
No, we complained about him trading so many of those draft picks (and 2-3 rounders) that the cupboard in Houston was bare.
Remember that SRV and Schultz were 3rd/2nd round picks, respectively. Hell, Johansson was picked dead last.
And let’s not get into the luck the Dead Things have in late rounds.
“You mean to tell me that at your place of employment if you decide just arbitrarly decide not to do something because you know that it’s not going to work out anyway, that it would be acceptable?”
I don’t mean to tell you this, I will tell you this. It’s true. If I know something isn’t going to work out, I’m not going to waste the client’s money. I don’t think retention of clients is an arbitrary reason for not doing something; however, the problem with you question is that you cannot compare a GM of an NHL team with the jobs we common folk hold (for those of us lucky enough to have a job at all).
- it’s a crap shoot after the first round or two really.
No doubt.
I sure hope Fletch turns out to be the savior that you all have annointed him.
Come on guys and gals, cheer up.
Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Has anyone actually called CF a savior? You seem to be the only one using that word. At the time of the hiring I doubt anyone would argue that he was the best choice and who had the most potential to do good things for the franchise.
Wildfan: Here is a thinking exercise for you.
Does support of Fletcher equal hating DR?
Does support of Fletcher equal liking his draft decisions?
Do a few supporters of Fletcher make us all worshipers of the hockey-ssiah?
You need a lesson in logic and thinking in gradations. This is how peeps get the troll tag; illogical and contentious posts.
Wildfan says:
July 9th, 2009 at 10:50 am
I sure hope Fletch turns out to be the savior that you all have annointed him.
I don’t think anyone has anointed him, we’re just hopefully optimistic at this point. As I said before he hasn’t made any glaring errors as of yet. Probably with time he will. I for one will withhold criticism until there is a reason for it.
Nice “Meatballs” pull, mnangler.
It was “Meatballs”, right? Not “Stripes”? I know it was Bill Murray.
Unless it was John Belushi. Now, I’m really confused. Nice pull, anyway, from….something.
I sure hope Fletch turns out to be the savior that you all have anointed him
I have not witnessed anyone one here claiming that CF is the almighty-hockey-god-savior-of-the-Wild. Most people have been, at least moderately, pleased with his moves so far and any sane person would be cautiously optimistic he can right the ship that DR sailed into the abyss.
Jordan, here is a thinking exercise for you.
Has CF done anything to deserve a pat on the back?
Are the wild Better?
Does not settling for Mediocrity make me a troll?
Sorry i am sick of being neck high in BS
and kool-aid drinkers that think the guy could do no wrong.
Poster A: Troll!
Poster B: Kool-aid drinker!
Must we deal in extremes?
haha Dave, that would be Animal House my friend. One of my favorite movies. Of course I just dated myself now didn’t I?!
I sure hope Fletch turns out to be the savior that you all have annointed him.
C’mon, no one has said anything of the like here. There is a difference between that and being cautiously optimistic.
As for the draft picks, the jury is going to be out on them for years. One thing that really bothered me about DR was his annual youth promotion which only worked occasionally.
Where do you think Shep would be in his development if he was in Houston the last couple of years? I think we’d be excited we have this up and coming kid who plays center. Promotion to the bigs just happened too early in many cases for the Wild.
With CF essentially restocking the cupboard for the Aeros, it looks hopeful those days are over. That itself makes me happy with his moves so far. Add the FAs we landed, getting Havlat with a cap friendly deal and not handing out draft picks like parade candy makes me optimistic about CF so far. But time will tell, won’t it?
Ah, so it was Belushi. Good one!
If by sailed into the Abyss you mean competing for a playoff spot, merely missing. Then lets make a move and get it done we are not that far off.
Nice “Meatballs” pull, mnangler.
It was “Meatballs”, right? Not “Stripes”? I know it was Bill Murray.
Animal House with Belushi.
…sigh…..easy people we all want the same thing here. Lord Stanley’s cup.
No Wildfan you’re not a troll nor does not settling for mediocrity make you one.
But in fairness, this season hasn’t started yet and I for one am going to choose to be conservatively optimistic. No extremes, just sorta middle of the road.
—You mean to tell me that at your place of employment if you decide just arbitrarly decide not to do something because you know that it’s not going to work out anyway, that it would be acceptable?—
You get promoted for having the wisdom and skill to not pour money down the rabbit hole chasing non-productive opportunities. CF talked with Salcer. Salcer set a minimum offer that CF was not going to meet. Why would he make an offer if it was going to be lower and it would be summarily rejected? This negotiating stuff is just not that hard. I do have a bridge for sale if you are interested.
Wildfan, I hope CF is the savior because that means I can plan the parade route right through Alan’s dog park.
Gho$t was not coming back. Havlat could have signed elsewhere. Just because he wanted to investigate the Wild first, doesn’t mean that CF did not have to trying to improve the roster.
I do have a bridge for sale if you are interested.
I’m going to buy that bridge over there instead because you didn’t make me an offer on your bridge.
If by sailed into the Abyss you mean competing for a playoff spot, merely missing
I didn’t mean abyss in a literal sense. I knew as soon as I hit “Submit Comment” you were going to jump on that one word.
Has CF done anything to deserve a pat on the back?
Yes he has. He picked up an extra pick in the Draft. He replaced Gaby with Havlat. He drafted the top ranked North American goalie. He picked up a fantastic shot-blocking defensman in Zanon.
Are the wild Better?
That is debatable…
Does not settling for Mediocrity make me a troll?
No. it’s fine to want better… but you gotta temper your expectations a bit and see the big picture. There a many reason why the Wild won’t win the cup next season, and all of those reasons lie with DR.. NOT CF.
Oops…should be CF did not have to put the deal together. He has been doing his job, trying to improve the roster, not Managing Expectations™.
We need some more news, so we can agree to disagree about something else.
Wildfan says:
July 9th, 2009 at 11:10 am
Has CF done anything to deserve a pat on the back?
Are the wild Better?
Does not settling for Mediocrity make me a troll?
See my mondo-post at 7:23 this morning. I think he deserves a pat for items 2, 4, 5 and 6.
Are they better, no, but IMO they are no worse. Which BTW says a lot considering when Fletcher got here the team was on the verge of losing the ‘franchise player’ and indeed he is now gone.
No, not settling for mediocre doesn’t make you a troll. An unwillingness to balance positives vs. negatives in a logical manner, but rather to hate Fletcher for not drafting God, signing JC in free agency and trading for the Holy Spirit does.
So tell me, what has Fletcher done that is bad? Not, neutrals like not signing Gaborik, but actual actions he has taken that have made the team worse?
We’re still at this huh.
1) Overpaid Havlat?
I don’t see $5M as overpaying Havlat, paying $7.5M to Gaborik would’ve been overpaying. $5M for a defensman who doesn’t hit and who’s offense dried up rapidly is overpaying.
2) Defense
This will start contraversy. The Buzz around the NHL is that the Wild’s goalies look good because of the defense. I think it’s very much the other way around. I think the goalies have made the defense look good, but admittedly this is anecdotal. But think about it, how many soft goals has Backstrom let in? How many goals has Backstrom let in because an opponent was allowed to get within 8 feet of the net without facing a body? This is the reason I’m excited about Zanon (albiet overly so according to some.
3) Heatley
Seriously, is there any GM in the league that doesn’t understand how screwed Ottawa is because of this trade demand. They all get it, and they know the risk of taking Heatley is being in the same boat in a season or two. I think it would be incredibly stupid for the Wild to take this risk (as badly as they would appear to need a top line wing right now).
4) Wild Playoff Run
While the Wild we’re close last year, I definitely agree this was a function of poor play by the teams in front. The bottom of the Western conference playoff field (5-7) was very weak (with the possible exception of the Ducks taking advantage of another Sharks choke-job).
This was the crux of my statement (albiet optimistic) that the Wild could challenge for the top of the West. I realize for this to come into fruition everything would have to go right (and that would include getting one more high powered forward this summer).
Does not settling for Mediocrity make me a troll?
Declaring CF is a mediocre GM at this point does. Plus, your handle is too generic and too similar to DucksFan.
Justin, you said it man. I agree with you for sure. I am also excited to see the difference in D… we better hope Backs is as good as we think he is… especially if the D is going to be ‘joining the play’ more. That could create more 2 on 1’s and Backs will need to be good in those situations.
Goody, I dont want him to Maintain the team we had. He hasn’t done anything to hurt the team, also hasnt improved the team.
-And untill CF improves this team I will continue to be skeptical.-
Wildfan, can you unequivocally prove that he hasn’t?
The answer is no. You may have your opinions on the subject and you are entitled to them. But to paraphrase an old saying, “The proof will be in the puddin’”.
I haven’t commented on Foster yet.
Glad to see he landed somewhere. A little interesting it happens to be the same place SRV landed. Do they share an agent by any chance? I wonder if Walz was asked about them and what role if any his answers could have played.
Still no news on a Skoula signing though…
Goody, I don’t want him to Maintain the team we had. He hasn’t done anything to hurt the team, also hasn’t improved the team.
By signing Havlat he helped the team. DR was letting Gaby slip through his fingers, it was up to Fletch to stop the bleeding. I think he did a good job with that (hopefully, as long as Havlat stays healthy). maybe the team isn’t better, but he definitely kept them from getting a lot worse when it looked like they were heading towards the cellar.
The Buzz around the NHL is that the Wild’s goalies look good because of the defense. I think it’s very much the other way around. I think the goalies have made the defense look good, but admittedly this is anecdotal.
+1
Fernandez got traded to the Bruins and is still putting up comparable numbers. I do not see any indication that goalie stats are going to blow up under a new system.
Wildfan says:
July 9th, 2009 at 11:31 am
Goody, I dont want him to Maintain the team we had. He hasn’t done anything to hurt the team, also hasnt improved the team.
I don’t simply want him to ‘maintain’ the team either. IMO, that is what DR did for the last few years. You must recognize though that coming into the job his hands were partially tied by what DR had done in the past. Alienating Gaborik and Salcer, trading away draft picks for 3rd and 4th line players, potentially hindering the development of prospects by putting them in the NHL before their time, developing a reputation for the Wild as ‘cheap’…
So far, IMO he has made some good steps toward untying his hands. Once he’s got them free, then we’ll talk about real improvement.
But it’s only July 9th Wildfan?
—I’m going to buy that bridge over there instead because you didn’t make me an offer on your bridge.—
You indicated you were only willing to pay $XX for my bridge. I have no intention of selling it for that.
Truth be told, I could easily see CF coming in here thinking “enough of the Gaby circus”. Excellent talent, but not the kind of guy who will lead us to the SC. Let’s put the money to work in more productive ways. Its a judgment call.
And yes. I believe the Wild are better today than they would have been if Smug was still here.
This is fun, if I wasn’t here we would have nothing to discuss.
Let’s get to something constructive, is you were the GM, what moves would you make right now? Not trying to be a jerk but rather trying to get us somewhere new with the blog.
Mnangler says:
July 9th, 2009 at 11:41 am
But it’s only July 9th Wildfan?
Thank you for some perspective.
Its hard to say what you would do when you dont know whats available. As far as free agents, I would be looking into Tanguay, and Comrie. And I would still be trying to deal Harding for some offense.
Most of the most recent signings are depth type signings, e.g., Foster, SRV,Hnidy et al. The mid-levels–Comrie, Skoula et al will come when teams figure out where they are. Now the problem for us on this board is that the draft is over, the first flurry of high profile FA signings is over and we really have to beat up the same unanswerable questions–are we better or not? Who knows yet. Is CF going to be good–I think so but who knows yet–etc etc etc.
Forget available. Let’s assume you’ll go after whoever you want, be aggressive. Remember is we never ask or offer (sorry couldn’t resist) you’ll never know what could have been.
There are not a lot of things that CF could have done, to this point, that would have made the Wild a better team at this point.
CF got Havlat on a good contract. Havlat is a similar risk/reward Gaby… can score, can create for others, is 28. One of the top three forwards available, and a contract that helps maintain flexibility.
CF had the best offer for the best FA Center. Can’t help that Saku was overly concerned about playing with Mikko. Would have cemented two solid scoring lines. Not CFs fault.
CF has stated all along that he is eyeing later summer as a real opportunity to make trades that will better the team. We’ll all have to wait and see about that. The closer to camp we get, it is certain that some teams will have to move salary.
CF hired a coach and has committed the Wild to a new system. We don’t exactly know what we’ve got there. How will Shep, PMB, Koivu, Burns, Johnsson, even Gilles and Pouliot, look in a more aggressive system? We’ll see.
If everyone is healthy, we could have another playoff margin team this year, or better/worse depending on how other teams fare this year. Still, this year will be a transition year for style of play.
All in all, I’m satisfied with what has happened so far. I look forward to seeing how the guys adapt to the new system. I want to see if CF can swing a trade before the season starts. There are just a lot of things we don’t know yet. (Like just where that cap will be for the season after next.)
I expected that these conversations could possibly be picking up in a year’s time. Right now, it’s ridiculously early in a new regime.
This may have been said already, but does anyone else see Danny Briere(spelling) as potential trade material. Looking at all the teams rosteres and those in potential cap trouble, he sticks out. I don’t personally want him here, but he is a point a game guy when healthy.
Not than another opinion’s going to improve anyone’s life…especially when it’s mine, but:
It seems to me CF hasn’t done too badly, and he’s done it without much to work with left over from the previous GM. He went into the draft short picks and with a pretty bare cupboard in the AHL, and came out with a serviceable NHL roster player, plus more picks than he went in with, including the top goalie in the draft, a good first round pick, and some at least plausible prospects/AHL roster guys (NHL prospects have to play with someone in Houston…). I don’t buy the knock on Leddy as a pick because we need offense. He took the best available player, and if, 4 years from now, we have an embarrassment of riches on D, they’re a tradeable asset. Drafting a forward won’t help us now - not with the 12th pick anyhow.
In FA, he got one of the best available forwards (not ‘best’ - ‘best available.’ Can’t knock him for not getting what isn’t there to be had), gave it hell with one of the top centers, and didn’t spend like a sailor on shore leave just because everyone else was (see: NY Rangers, etc.,). He signed a pair of very solid D, replacing a pair of non-physical Ds with some grit and ability to clean up Backstrom’s crease. Yeah, MAB had a cannon, but he generated offense at both ends of the ice (not to mention that gigantic Great Gazoo helmet). Skoula was a minute-muncher, but not physical at all, and there’s the whole brain cramp thing. I think all in all, our D corps looks a lot better now than it did at the end of last season. Cripes, compared to DR, the fact that he did ANYTHING is a step in the right direction.
CF has done all that, and still has cap space and moveable assets available to jump on cap casualties everyone knows is coming if it makes sense to do so.
All in all, I think he’s done ok, if not better than ok given what he had to work with. Give him an incomplete if you must, but I think calling for his head at this point is beyond premature.
If DR and JL were still here we would have already lost available cap space by signing Skoula to a 5 year $30M deal (and WRT’s head would have exploded).
For anyone who cares… Mikko Koivu is the cover athlete for the EA NHL 2010 game being released in Finland. Pretty cool bit of acknowledgement for our star center IMO.
Wildfan, I’m pretty sure that any value trades will happen closer to camp, closer to that time when teams have to look to make the cap, and a little room under to move players around.
Oh and why spend our flexibility right now on Comrie and Tanguay? Neither are ostensibly better than what the Wild already have. Come a little later in the summer, and prices take a reality hit for those two, then maybe.
Sometimes it is necessary to rush out and get something done right away. Sometimes, picking the right time is the best way to get better.
I would call SJ about Marlaue, ottowa about Spezza, Dallas about Richards. This is who we want, Koivu, Burns, Havlat untouchable what do you want?
Stoned on the Breakaway says:
July 9th, 2009 at 11:42 am
And yes. I believe the Wild are better today than they would have been if Smug was still here.
No doubt. Dr would not have picked up Brodziak at the draft. Dr would probably have re-signed a few of the UFA’s (no Zanon or… why am I having a mental block on his name?!) as well as qualified a few of the RFA’s. I doubt Havlat would have considered MN at the salary he signed for.
Though I was answering are they better than they were last year. I’m not so sure about that.
I hope that cover doesn’t jinx him.
The fact that CF didn’t sign skoula, makes him a savior! FINALLY
Goody, everyone knows it’s Hnidy.
Wasn’t that a 60’s song from The Association?
El G -
Thanks ever so much for putting that song in my head… GAH..
Goody, everyone knows it’s Hnidy.
Gold.
Jake sorry mate but I disagree, tang and Comrie are better, however I agree on the price reduction part.
As for who I want? Hmm….semin from the caps, spezza would be awesome, kessel is intriguing, richrds would be solid, David krecji would be a nice fit, loui erricsson……main issue is we don’t have enough assests.
? Does bacstrom have a no-trade clause? If we feel Harding is really a potential #1, could we trade backs for a top forward?
I love backs but it’s interesting to think about.
RIK says:
July 9th, 2009 at 11:54 am
I don’t buy the knock on Leddy as a pick because we need offense. He took the best available player, and if, 4 years from now, we have an embarrassment of riches on D, they’re a tradeable asset.
RIK makes a very good point. Somewhere, sometime a GM might be very motivated to trade a very good forward for a badly needed D-man.
Yes as fans on the outside looking in, it’s easier to look at the FA market and see what’s available. When it comes to trades, it’s a lot murkier, because GM’s will rarely make it public which players are being made available.
You can look at what teams are heading toward cap issues (Chicago, San Jose, among many others), and know which teams are going to be forced into a move, but the speculation is hypothetically endless.
I just think saying the “Wild are the same team” is just too simple. The team has more cap space, and has upgraded the “D,” and Havlat (who I agree is in the top 5 of FA’s available) deciding he wanted to play here (for whatever reason) is great news :).
I think the Wild may be just one trade away.
El Gato says:
July 9th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Goody, everyone knows it’s Hnidy.
Wasn’t that a 60’s song from The Association?
Thank you El G! I’m think from now on with that association in my head, I’ll be able to remember it.
Backs does have a full no trade for the first year and a limited no trade for the second
The key word Mnangler was ‘ostensibly’ better. They are both players that have been better, but have been slumping quite a bit more recently. For the current prices, they aren’t better options. Like I said, later at better prices, look into it.
I’m pretty sure that now that the Wild know they aren’t getting Saku, they are looking at what assets they have and matching that with teams who might need to make a move to clear space, or just need to make a move. I’m sure that trades will happen (not necessarily with the Wild but some team will have to make moves). I bet that starts happening a couple to a few weeks from now.
There aren’t any FAs out there right now that are good enough, or good enough deals, to tie up that flexibility right now.
‘is all I was sayin’.
really where did you find that infor on Mikko?
Here is my read on the difference between Flecth and DR thus far
Fletcher equals
Better fresh new thoughts by Fletch
Being responsible and mindful like DR on whats best for the franchise
The details on how the team will play will be different on defense and offense, so they think differently that way
This has not played out yet. The key that will show a difference is if Fletch does something with the Center position or not. If he leaves it to chance then that is the same aa DR
Please. If DR were still at the helm, July 1 would have been something like this:
11:59 - 12:02 “Comeon Salsy, gimme a chance! I’ll be your best friend! … You’re mean. I hate you. Just kidding, you’re my friend. Please have him stay. … Wha? NEW YORK CITY?!?!”
12:02 to 12:10 Pouts in his office
12:10 to 1:00 Panics
1:00 to 1:15 Cries in his office
1:15 Unfriends Ron Salcer from Facebook
1:15 to 1:20 Calls Slovakia trying to reach Branko Radivojevic. Unsuccessful.
1:20 to 1:25 Calls Jeremy Roenick’s agent. Unsuccessful.
1:25 to 1:30 Calls Claude Lemieux’s agent. Unsuccessful.
1:30 to 2:30 Tries to call Brett Hull’s agent.
2:30 to 2:35 Comes to the realization that Brett Hull doesn’t have an agent.
2:35 Craps his pants
2:45-4:45 Puts together PowerPoint Presentation about how the Wild will be better in 09-10.
4:45-5:15 Gets a call from Florida offering Corey Stillman in exchange for Josh Harding, Benoit Pouliot and three draft picks (2,3,4 in ‘10). Pulls the trigger on the deal.
5:15 - 6:45 Updates the PowerPoint Presentation.
6:45 - 7:45 Holds press conference to announce that the Wild have acquired Corey Stillman, who will revitalize the Wild forward corps and who will work well with new coach Mario Tremblay’s defense-first system.
7:45 - 7:50 Calls Stillman’s agent. Is horrified to learn it’s Ron Salcer.
7:50 Re-friends Salcer on Facebook.
7:50 - 9:50 Agrees to contract extension with Stillman for 4 years/22M total, 5.5M cap hit
10:00 Falls asleep, knowing the Wild are better now than they were at 11:59 that morning.
Wafer says:
July 9th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
11:59 - 12:02 “Comeon Salsy, gimme a chance! I’ll be your best friend! … You’re mean. I hate you. Just kidding, you’re my friend. Please have him stay.
LMAO!
Michael up North with Pav showed that 4 teams have problems going over the cap. Which led Mister Know it all to see what is what. I really did not see anything that popped out me that looked like a center would be available without giving uo some substantial assets. It may make sense that Pittsburg unloan Jordan Stahl but his cap hit is 4 million only
Oh I’m with you Jake, totally on the same page brother.
WHAT FLETCH DOES WITH THE CENTER ice position will define your thoughts about him and how he has done bringing talent in
Actually, Now knowing that Flecther is not going after a free agents for center below are the 4 options
Option 1
A veteran player you can lure from the foreign leagues that can play that wants to return= NO ASSETS
Option 2
A veteran older player in his last year of his contract that you get for MINIMUM ASSETS
Option 3
Trade a asset that would reduce your cap and pick up a player that another team cant afford and spend a little more then market for him as long as the term is not long on that player
GET BY MAYBE WITH MINIMUM ASSETS
Option 4
TRADE ASSETS FOR ASSETS
Wafer…that first line is classic!
+7.5 mil over 7 years.
Wild have signed Cuma
Er, meant to add:
http://www.ottawasun.com/sports/hockey/2009/07/09/10078591.html
Nice pic with that article MsC, he looks like he’s 10.
Thanks ms.c! Cuma is definately my favorite prospect. Kid has a great head on his shoulders. He’s already at 6′2 195lbs, I say 1 year in juniors and then let’s see what he can do.
Remember kids can sign their entry level contracts and still return to juniors. This is not a free pass to the NHL.
I think he’ll (Cuma) be in Houston. Remember last fall, there was serious talk about keeping him with the big club wasn’t there?
really where did you find that infor on Mikko?
Just watch this trailer: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/sports/nhl10/video/6213153
It shows it about half way through.
ms. C……clearly there is no gender debate…..I thought it was quite humorus that the troll even went there…..I brought it up for a cheap laugh (that and a kitten looking confused is even cuter…) but certainly didn’t mean anything by it…..
good ups to mikko on a finland cover…..IMO he should be on the main one…..but oh well…..
havlat is actually under paid…..a player of his talent should be paid about 6.5 mil a year……
this is where some one counters that he was injury prone and therefore not worth that kind of money…..
this is then when I counter that gabby if healthy would be worth 7.7 mil if healthy…..but was injury prone as well…….I would have been okay with 6-6.5 mil or under for gabby but 7.5 with a shrinking cap is a horrible number to put up for a guy who may or may not be playing when it’s for all the marbles….
I liked gabby, but he certainly isn’t worth Iginla/Crosby/Ovechkin money….hell Kovolchuck is about at the same level as gabby, and is worth more….but will probobly get less money or about the same…..
rangers overpaid to a point that it doesn’t matter anymore.
I know, Argon… I thought it was pretty hilarious, too, and we were on the same page.
Cuma. Nope to Houston. He’s too darn young. It’s either make the big club or go back to the 67s. Man, I’d sure take him though.
Maybe this also gives flexibility to include a d-man (zids, please please please) in a trade at the start of the season if the Cumanator looks to be sticking.
ha…..speaking of being on the same page you just answered my next question……
weird……
for some reason i was thinking that havlat was signed for 6mil per. disregard any of my past comments re:Havlat
I would be greatly shocked if we rush Cuma to the NHL considering the time he missed last year. I think the 7 we have are the 7 you see at the start of the season unless we pull off a trade but then I think we will have to grab another D, and not the two we signed for Houston or Cuma.
Tyler Cuma will be with teh big club. He is a stud as I am record saying when I saw him last year
Maybe this also gives flexibility to include a d-man (zids, please please please) in a trade at the start of the season if the Cumanator looks to be sticking.
i’d think it would. now with Zids, didn’t he have trouble adjusting to how the wild play d? will that change under new regime? i hope so
I do think fletch will include zids or kimmy with harding to complete a trade package…
And hey I was the first one today to comment on the tradeable D of all of Cuma, Scandella and Leddy work out (insert smiley face). Bad day–need some reinforcement. May have to call SotB so we can talk about Skoula.
Scandella ain’t making the big club…
what does everyone think about the Wild going after Kotalik?
if the Wild went after Kotalik*
I’m not against letting cuma stay in ottawa for another year….replacing kimmy or zids when their contract expires…..then you have enough $$$$ left to get a top flight d-man or forward next year……
I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again….thank goodness DR never made these horrible signings for 4-5 years instead of 2-3….
long term contracts are reserved for the really cheap, or really really good players….
you certainly don’t want to sign a 30 to something crazy like a 12 year deal…..no one is that stupid………huh?……..what?……..they did what?………really?………ok……so 29 teams in the league aren’t that stupid!!!
If Cuma stays on the big club, you’ll probably get John Scott back or he’ll go through waivers and get claimed. Unfortunately, Zids and Yawnsson have huge contracts, so they’re probably not going anywhere, and Burns and Schultz better not be going anywhere (if Fletcher likes his skin on the outside of his body at least). So that leaves Scott, Zanon and Hnidy as an odd man out. Since we just picked up Hnidy and Zanon, the 7th spot goes to Scott or Cuma. (Unless we want to try Burns at forward again.)
kotalik…..meh…….there has to be some one better out there……
marleau only intrigues me if TR knows he will step it up in the post season….(him and thornton kind of screwed the pooch last year…..)
I was referring to Cuma, Scandella and Leddy as future good D in the discussion about whether or not we should have drafted Leddy since we are “overstocked” with young D. No one believes Scandella will be in the NHL this year and probably not next year either.
wafer…..I don’t think you want to bring that one up again….
Just move Burns back to forward. Problem solved.
I have been reading this board for a couple of years now, and am just starting to actually post. I didn’t play hockey growing up. I did watch hockey and now follow the Wild closely. In other words, I have learned a lot from a lot of you… mainly, who to ignore! Anyhow…
For those of you who are throwing CF under the bus, what would you have done differently? Everyone talks like it is so easy just to go and grab any UFA they want like going to the candy store. There are 29 other teams who are trying for the same crop of UFA’s.
The same goes for trades. It seams that people think that just because it would be good for the Wild, every other team should trade whomever and whenever we tell them to. In my non-professional opinion, CF seems to have his head on straight. Time will tell.
But for some of you, it seems that unless CF brought in… Gaborick, Havlat, Koivu, Bouwmeester, the Twins, Hossa, SRV, Foster, Leopold, Heatley, Spezza,(and yes, many of them were not even UFA at 11 am July 1) AND trade up to grab Tavares and Hedman AND trade for Kessel, Modano, Sakic, STK, Keith, Toews, Etc Etc… you would clearly say that CF is horrible and we are going down the same path of mediocrity.
Get a grip and let’s keep this board something fun to read instead of a doomsday clock.
– And hey I was the first one today to comment on the tradeable D of all of Cuma, Scandella and Leddy work out –
Well done woodcock! And, FWIW, while I don’t agree with everything you’ve posted, I do agree with that part!
I think burns and his new wife just chucked his computer out the window in anger…..Burns threw the tower, and the misses threw the monitor…..
it hit a pedestrian walking outside of their home…..and much choas ensues….
Since I am an ex-Austinite, you have to stand by me sometimes.
Don’t worry pbj, most of us are giving CF a couple of years to put his stamp on the team.
amen pbj…….mmmmmmm…..peanut butter and jelly………..sausages…..
*gurgling drool sound*
Preach it pbj… preach it.
Anaheim replacing Pronger with Boynton. Not a bad signing.
Good news about Cuma!
ATX RE: Mikko’s modeling career: That must be fresh news. I was reading up on NHL 10 the other day and the Euro covers hadn’t been announced yet. My first thought, of course, was that Mikko should be the covergirl for Finland’s game. Glad to hear it actually happened.
Maybe I’ll order the Finnish copy instead, even though the menus would be in Finnish. I’ve listened to enough Finnish metal (Turisas, Finntroll, Moonsorrow, Ensiferum, Amorphis, Korpiklaani, etc.) to make it work.
10$ food!!!!!
Encrimson’d I doubt it’s region free though… you would have to have a modded system to play it. If I wanted to throw sixty bucks around I wuold pick up a copy and try to get Mikko to sign it!
Don’t know what will play out, but I’m hoping Chaz will rectify the center position before we hit the 2-year anniversary of Walz quitting, which began this team’s reign as having arguably the worst collective bunch of starting centers in the league. For those not remembering, I beleive Walz left the team the day after Halloween, 2007. So Chaz still has several months.
Goody and Stoned from earlier in the morning, though I was never critical of the way the Wild was built … I do not miss DR. But we need to apply the same standard to the new guy.
NiNY, 9:33, a point I would make is that we did not know exactly how DR and Gabby were relating either but that did not affect people expressing that DR was at fault and showed Gaby disrespect.
Now, DR did visit Gaby in Slovakia. That is a supreme measure of respect in my book.
It seems to me that DR’s problem was with Salcer and not Gaby.
[…] and sometimes they don’t. My old mommy says blood is thicker than water. My new mommy says ice time is the increment in which we measure love. I don’t know what those things mean. Maybe when I’m […]
Rather interesting. Has few times re-read for this purpose to remember. Thanks for interesting article. Waiting for trackback
Exact!
Honourable for you highly priced!
