Wild signs Cuma; 17 Elite League players taken in Draft; Best of the Rest
Posted on July 10th, 2009 – 7:55 AMBy Michael Russo
(UPDATED)
As I mentioned yesterday, the Wild has signed Tyler Cuma to a three-year, $2.625 million contract plus standard entry-level contract bonuses. If he doesn’t make the team in the fall, the contract slides a year, as does his seven-year free-agent clock.
“We are delighted to have Tyler Cuma as a member of the Minnesota Wild organization,” said Assistant General Manager/Player Personnel Tom Thompson. “He possesses all of the attributes necessary to be a quality defenseman in the modern day NHL. Tyler is an exceptional skater, both forward and backward. He is intelligent, aggressive and poised. From watching him at our summer development camp, it is clear that he has made a complete recovery from last season’s knee surgery.”
Cuma, 19 (1/19/90), was the Wild’s first-round pick (No.23 overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He recorded nine points (1-8=9) and 27 penalty minutes in 21 games for the Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in 2008-09. Cuma, who participated in the Team Canada World Junior Selection Camp last season, underwent season-ending knee surgery in February. The 6-foot-2, 192-pound Cuma has posted 60 points (8-52=60) and 141 PIM in 143 career games over three seasons in Ottawa. Cuma earned a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2008 IIHF Under-18 World Championships collecting four points (1-3=4) in seven games. He was named Ottawa’s Rookie of the Year in 2006-07 after posting 19 points (3-16=19) in 63 matches.
In the meantime, here’s a look at the Best of the Rest. You’ll see guys like Alex Tanguay, Jason Williams and Mike Comrie still available. Wait a little more and somebody might be able to get Tanguay at a bargain price. On the blue line, Martin Skoula (most games of any NHL defensemen his age or younger) and Marc-Andre Bergeron (62 career goals, 14 last year). Think Skoula becomes a Devil if Jacques Lemaire goes there? Did the Devils hire a coach while I’ve been gone???????
Also, I meant to throw this on the blog after the Draft, but I forgot.
A record 17 former players from the Upper Midwest High School Elite Hockey League were chosen in the National Hockey League’s Entry Draft, held June 26-27 in Montreal.
Nick Leddy of Eden Prairie (#16, Minnesota Wild) and Jordan Schroeder of the University of Minnesota (#22, Vancouver) were first-round selections, with the remaining players chosen in subsequent rounds. The NHL draft consists of seven rounds and was conducted over two days.
Edina’s Zack Budish (#41, Nashville) was chosen in the second round, while Ben Hanowski of Little Falls (#63, Pittsburgh), Josh Birkholz of Maple Grove (#67, Florida), Troy Hesketh of Minnetonka (#71, Edmonton), Dan DeLisle of Arden Hills (#89, Chicago) and Mike Lee of Roseau (#91, Phoenix) were chosen in the third round.
This is the second consecutive NHL draft in which the Elite League reached double-digits in the number of players selected. Last year 10 Elite League alumni were selected, including four in the first two rounds
In addition to their first-round selection of Leddy, the Minnesota Wild reached into the Elite League for two other players, Swedish forward Alexander Fallstrom (#116) and Finnish winger Erik Haula. Both Fallstrom and Haula competed for the Shattuck-St. Mary’s team in the Elite League, the eventual champion of the Bauer National Invitational Tournament which culminates league action.
“We want to congratulate all of our players who were selected,” said Elite League Commissioner and founder John Russo. “The Elite League coaches and staff work hard to provide young hockey players with an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of scouts and college coaches, and the 2009 NHL Draft is a real tribute to our league, and to the dedication of these players.”
The Upper Midwest High School Elite Hockey League is a non-profit hockey league designed to provide high-level competition supplementing the regular high school hockey season. For more information, and draft-day updates, visit the league’s website at www.hselitehockey.com. The league’s 2009 season will begin in September.
FORMER ELITE LEAGUE PLAYERS SELECTED
IN THE 2009 NHL ENTRY DRAFT
Draft Spot Skater Name Hometown 2008-09 Team Chosen By
16 Leddy, Nick Eden Prairie, MN Eden Prairie HS Minnesota
22 Schroeder, Jordan Lakeville, MN University of Minnesota Vancouver
41 Budish, Zach Edina, MN Edina HS Nashville
63 Hanowski, Ben Little Falls, MN Little Falls HS Pittsburgh
67 Birkholz, Josh Maple Grove, MN Fargo USHL Florida
71 Troy Hesketh Minnetonka, MN Minnetonka HS Edmonton
89 DeLisle, Dan Arden Hills, MN Totino Grace HS Chicago
91 Lee, Mike Roseau, MN Fargo USHL Phoenix
110 Oliver, Nick Roseau, MN Roseau HS Nashville
114 Helgeson, Seth Faribault, MN Sioux City USHL New Jersey
116 Fallstrom, Alexander Sweden Shattuck St. Mary’s Minnesota
146 Costello, Jeff Milwaukee, WI Cedar Rapids USHL Ottawa
150 Jensen, Nick Rogers, MN Green Bay USHL Detroit
152 Lee, Anders Edina, MN Edina HS NY Islanders
182 Haula, Erik Finland Shattuck St. Mary’s Minnesota
183 Gotovets, Kirill Ukraine Shattuck St. Mary’s Tampa Bay
202 Tardy, Max Duluth, MN Duluth East HS St. Louis
509 Responses to "Wild signs Cuma; 17 Elite League players taken in Draft; Best of the Rest"
from previous post:
Oh boy…here we go AGAIN. Playing the patience card.
You’re right! I think the entire world should follow this rule: no patience. Especially your work. The next time you get promoted, ask your boss and customers to not give you any leeway. No learning period, no training, and please make sure to tell him you are 100% comfortable getting fired if you make any mistake in your first couple months on the job.
Practice what you preach, and maybe then your opinion will matter.
Man… the trolls are getting to me lately.
From the previous post that I obviously killed:
M 03…belated Happy Birthday. We’ll definitely make note of that tonight! Thanks for the pub too…saves me the task of having to remind people that the Russoville House Band - 100 watt jones starts at 9:30 tonight at Whiskey Junction.
You forgot to mention your free birthday swag. Oh, that’s right…it’s not really a birthday present… 
I will get you your choice of a birthday drink tho…Dom Perignon excluded. Come to think of it, if Whiskey Junction had champagne I would be shocked!
ms.c said jones!
PwrPpl…patience after 2 months should be in abundance…patience after 9 years was in short supply.
WRT…I will not be at the X on Sunday. There’s a parade in Monticello and we promised the little ones that we would take them. Keep an eye out for potential Skoulas…you know what to look for… 
Well GS, don’t you know that if Fletcher was any good, he’d have kept Gaborik and signed Skoivu and Scuderi?
Sheesh
Well GS, don’t you know that if Fletcher was any good, he’d have kept Gaborik and signed Skoivu and Scuderi?
Don’t forget Modano; and he would have changed league rules to let Cuma go to Houston; and he would have been able to ignore the CAP in order to also sign Hossa to a 18 year contract.
An a more serious note, I remember there being rumors that the Wild would be using a 3rd jersey this year. Has anyone heard any more about that?
They will…I heard it has MINNESOTA across the front old-school style. But I can’t even remember whom I heard that from, so I can’t be sure it’s true. It’ll be announced before or during camp, I’m sure.
Russo, you still there? If so, should we read anything into the Cuma signing? Why would Fletcher do this now when the deadline to do so is next summer?
They will…I heard it has MINNESOTA across the front old-school style.
Thank you - I was worried they were going to go with that “Sens” or “Bolts” design - blah.
Sure….not only are the wild too cheap to spend over the cap they want us to buy another sweater too.
And I thought our 2nd jersey looked horrendous. Sheesh, was I wrong. The 3rd one is borderline abominable. If there’s a petition to go back to the first home jerseys we were wearing, I’d sign it.
Can’t say I am a huge fan of that ‘Rangers-esque’ style jersey. I always like the idea of a cream colored jersey to match the IIR ones.
Did we fire Fletcher yet? He didn’t get us the #1 overall pick in this years draft despite having ample prospects to move, didn’t make a deal for Crosby, Malkin, Hossa, and Heatley, didn’t go after the whining cry baby Gaborik even though he knew Gaborik wasn’t going to sign and he should put his efforts elsewhere, didn’t get Saku Koivu because he didn’t fly to Finland and take the brothers out to dinner. And, now he designed crappy third jerseys? This guy is a piece of work, right?
. If there’s a petition to go back to the first home jerseys we were wearing
You mean the green? The green is my lest favorite by far. The IRR is where it’s at.
M03, happy belated b-day. Hope it was good.
MINNESOTA across the front, eh? What if we have a big M on the front. Or a big W, classic block style. I guess that gets too much like the college styles and would only serve to confuse the fine people of Minnesota/Wisconsin.
As for FAs, Tanguay and Sykora seem to be the best fits. Sykora might be good just because our system is likely going to be similar to the one they had in Pittsburgh.
Hey, if Rob Niedermayer doesn’t have a problem playing with his brother in Anaheim, what’s the deal with Saku? Maybe Saku could ask him when they’re sitting on a bench together.
Did we fire Fletcher yet? He didn’t get us the #1 overall pick in this years draft despite having ample prospects to move, didn’t make a deal for Crosby, Malkin, Hossa, and Heatley, didn’t go after the whining cry baby Gaborik even though he knew Gaborik wasn’t going to sign and he should put his efforts elsewhere, didn’t get Saku Koivu because he didn’t fly to Finland and take the brothers out to dinner. And, now he designed crappy third jerseys? This guy is a piece of work, right?
Hell, that’s not the half of it. He didn’t travel back in time, grab Gretsky and Lemieux at the prime of their careers and didn’t even try to reincarnate Maurice “Rocket” Richard.
for4rest and Niveous,
Now THAT’S sarcasm…..
AustinTXwildfan says:
July 10th, 2009 at 8:59 am
Can’t say I am a huge fan of that ‘Rangers-esque’ style jersey. I always like the idea of a cream colored jersey to match the IIR ones.
Cream? I’d rather have wheat.
You guys can be sarcastic untill Belanger is our 2nd line center, it probably wont be too funny then.
Why not a jersey with a little variety of color, we have all white, all red/maroon, and now an all green one.
“Thank you - I was worried they were going to go with that “Sens” or “Bolts” design - blah.”
(PUKE)
Those jersey’s are awful! I like the sound of the “Minnesota” across the front like an old school jersey.
I also heard CF doesn’t use his turn signal.
Wow… the Sharks speculative new 3rd jersey is pretty ugly. I think this one may be true as the Sharks twitter page has the same logo:
- Cream? I’d rather have wheat.
Compromise on cream of wheat?
- If anyone has links to some of the potential designs, please post!
Here are some people’s ideas, with pictures of what they would look like. Some are absolutely horrendous, but the set I like is Beer’s, which was post #150. He actually has a few of the ideas mentioned here
Cream? I’d rather have wheat.
That’s what I meant… I just coouldn’t remember the name of the color so I went generic.
http://boards.wild.com/index.php?showtopic=18081&st=140
whoops forgot to add this
Here are some people’s ideas
Uhhh… where?
lol. I was too late to mock you
had to be quick with that next post, i knew someone would jump on me!
although his third one is very similar to the Western All-Star jerseys from a few years back, the year that Rolie made the team. But something along those lines maybe
Kelser says:
July 10th, 2009 at 9:17 am
Here are some people’s ideas, with pictures of what they would look like. Some are absolutely horrendous, but the set I like is Beer’s, which was post #150. He actually has a few of the ideas mentioned here.
Post #150 works for me.
Kelser - I like those three options as well.
I like the wheat colored ones on the ver first post. Just like the IRR only Wheat. Looks prety nice IMO.
although his third one is very similar to the Western All-Star jerseys from a few years back
I was thinking the Gophers jerseys, but even being a SCSU fan, I’d be fine with the Wild having a “Minnesota” jersey. I actually really dug those All Star jerseys. A buddy of mine has one and I’m jealous every time I see it.
We then would have IRR and CoW (Cream of Wheat) jerseys. What would we call the green one?
Oh yeah… I almost forgot:
Thanks Russo for the tip on the jerseys Wasn’t expecting the Don to answer my question to the group.
Gun, how about TG1 (The Green One)? Too obvious?
Name out of the past. Rickard Wallin signs with the Leafs for a year. He apparently was captain of the Swedish champs this past year.
That first post is kinda a flashy one, wouldnt be so bad. To me our home jersey’s are kind of retro, maybe we need a new school look
You guys can be sarcastic untill Belanger is our 2nd line center, it probably wont be too funny then.
I can be sarcastic for much longer than that.
At an attempt to put things in perspective of why I’m in favor of patience, I offer this.
The main argument I see of people wanting to spend our future now is that we were only a couple points from making the playoffs. The fact of the statement is true, but the reality of the situation is that we were pretty much done after the All-Star break. The teams in the Western Conference just didn’t have the good manners to finish us off earlier. In retrospect, I’m glad we didn’t make the playoffs.
We were in a bad situation at the end of the season. We didn’t have too many draft picks, Houston was completely picked over and we had no one ready to make the jump (key word is ready), we had a FA asset which had surgery over the trade deadline (which made him useless), and a system with JL which minimized our mistakes. JL is a great coach and it’s difficult to realize that he make the Wild better than they were on paper.
So, new GM; he goes out, gets a couple of draft picks without losing any assets, gets who they wanted in the draft, signed one of the top FAs, make a good run for Saku and improve the depth on the team AND in Houston (which I feel is critical). Plus, we’re getting a new system with a new coach. Things are going to be different. It doesn’t make sense to me that guys who have been playing one system for years are going to immediately play the new up-tempo system. These things take time. You try taking your job in which you’re doing something for the same way for years and then change all your processes because you have a new boss.
Anyway, sorry for the book.
How about PTG (Pine Tree Green)?
So, if CF had no intention of signing Gaborik or even making an offer why were his rights not traded before FA. For someone who is all about adding assets that doesnt add up.
So, if CF had no intention of signing Gaborik or even making an offer why were his rights not traded before FA. For someone who is all about adding assets that doesnt add up.
Who’s going to bite on that bait? As an opposing GM, you’re going to trade assets for something you could get for nothing July 1?
Add in the rumor about the house in Vancouver…
although his third one is very similar to the Western All-Star jerseys from a few years back, the year that Rolie made the team. But
What about Kuba? - yep, I liked those jerseys too and I think the “Minnesota” one would be fine as the Gophers rarely wear their version.
Because no one would pay for that right. We do need patience. Keep calm.
BTW for a long, long time I believed we’d be able to get something in a trade for negotiating rights for Gaborik. I was wrong. 
Wasn’t the first time, won’t be the last time.
Who’s going to bite on that bait? As an opposing GM, you’re going to trade assets for something you could get for nothing July 1?
Calgary did it With Bouwmeester this year. The infamous do nothing right DR got a pick for Rolston.
and Woodcock your going to tell me the rangers wouldn’t give a 4th-7th round pick to exclusively negotiat with Gaborik.
That rumor should have done nothing, if he ended up signing in Vancouver there would have been tampering charges garunteed.
I like the jersey’s present on the WMBs–I believe those have been around for awhile on other sites, too. I could be wrong that they’re old, but I think they’re still using the pre-RBK Edge template. They’d all still work of course, but it’s still kinda funny to see the billowy jersey templates used in jersey mockups.
Who’s going to bite on that bait? As an opposing GM, you’re going to trade assets for something you could get for nothing July 1?
Didn’t Boumeester’s right’s get traded just prior to July 1?
I must be one of the few that doesn’t care for the IRR round logo jerseys.
Bring back green. Not Norm either.
The ‘Minnesota’ style example was ok, but I didn’t like the font.
Wildfan, Yes that’s what I’m telling you because I suspect they knew they had the inside track. Not many teams could actually afford Gaby. The NHL is loath to track down tampering charges so nothing there as well had he signed with the Canucks.
As to the remaining FA’s there are some somewhat interesting names–Tanguay, Comrie, maybe even Pyatt–but only at the right price. There is no one there worth $3.5M or north of that.
Wildfan — You need a trading partner to take Gabby’s rights. What would you have given up to be the exclusive negotiator for a few days when EVERYTHING the guy did over the past year indicated he was going to test free agency?
FFS! (not to be confused with the poster 4FS)
I propose that Gaborik’s new name when being used in Russoville shall be “Dead Horse.”
I am willing to bet there was a team that would have given something to negotiate with Gabby before FA, Maybe not the Rangers they werent front runners untill they traded Gomez to Mont. If that deal doesnt go down they cant afford Gaborik.
What is a late round pick for the chance at a superstar?
And a few days, could have been weeks if CF knew he wasnt making an offer.
Crim…perhaps ‘Glue Factory’?
How about ‘They Shoot Gho$ts, Don’t They?’?
Is it just me or does PTG (pine tree green) remind everyone of a mid-1990s Ford Explorer. Those were ubiquitous. That color seems to be more dated to me than the red. Also prefer the circle logo because it seems more old school than the bear head/nature scene logo, which strikes me as kind of minor league…IMHO.
What is a late round pick for the chance at a superstar?
Sadly, Smug isn’t a GM yet. He would have taken your idea and ran with it even though he knew he would never sign him because of their relationship.
He just couldn’t help himself.
Wildfan,
Are you one of those people who has piles of crap stacked up in your house, like clothes and magazines and newspapers from twenty years ago? You seem to have trouble letting things go.
Wildfan - remind me again what DET got for Hossa’s rights, CHI got for Havlat, or CGY got for Cammalleri. Thanks!
Just for fun I found an active Rangers blog and checked out the comments on the Gaby signing. Some are pretty entertaining: http://rangers.lohudblogs.com/2009/07/01/gaborik-to-the-rescue/#comments
It seems like that initially thuoght he signed for 5.75 per.
Wildfan, I actually agree with you on the the trading Gaby’s rights thing. I do think the Vancouver house buying article hurt the chances, but it seems like the Rangers would have probably been willing to give us a 5th rounder or something to negotiate.
ATX and Wildfan,
Salcer and Gaby indicated quite clearly they wanted to test FA. So, why would anyone waste even a 7th for that? FFS, you are on the money there.
Calgary did it With Bouwmeester this year. The infamous do nothing right DR got a pick for Rolston.
and Woodcock your going to tell me the rangers wouldn’t give a 4th-7th round pick to exclusively negotiat with Gaborik.
Then I don’t get it. Obviously, this is DR’s mess up. I actually thought he should have traded him before last season started, but he didn’t. Season starts, a few games later, Gaby is out on injury and then elects surgery. At that moment, DR’s hands are tied and that’s it.
Secondly, Salser was not shy about his desire to see Gaby test the market. Hard to get the agent to negotiate when they are committed to seeing what’s out there.
woodcock, that is a fair point. I dunno, it’s just disappointing to get nothing except for cap room out of Gaby leaving… event a 15th rounder would have been good. 
Actually, Wildfan, I owe you an apology. It was rude of me to disrespect you like that. I’m just SO TIRED of this conversation! There was nothing Fletch could have done. Please understand that and move on.
who all is planning to head to the X on Sunday? I’m looking forward to some hockey in July!
Time to move on Wildfan
Wildfan:
I don’t think Fletcher made a decision to not give Gaborik a contract until a day or two before July 1st. However, I think he could have found from Salcer what Gaborik was looking for right after the SCF and hiring Richards. That would have given him time to trade Gaborik’s rights before draft day and at least a few days before the Vancouver rumor.
Gaborik has denied buying a house in Vancouver. You have to wonder what contacts that reporter had.
On the other hand, I wouldn’t be surprised if Gaborik had someone looking for a place for him to rent for his family to stay during the Olympics. Athletes, who have the funds, will be lining up places, if not in hotels, several months before the Olympics.
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/1947/jersey4.jpg
this is the one that is heavily rumored to be the jersey…..
I actually like it….I was extremley worried….but I like it…
austin…..don’t you be knocking the green jerseys…aka the best jersey ever in the history of hockey!!!!
FFS,-The difference between Cammalari, Hossa, and Havlat are that their respective teams were negotiating with them up untill July 1st, there were no talks between Gabby and CF. Thank You.
Looking at the Boumeester trade, it was essentially for a 3rd and for Leopold’s rights (also a FA). Hell of a risk by Calgary to try and land him before the deadline.
Difference between this though, both guys actually played more than a handful of games last year.
Having FA’s walk for nothing is one of the knocks on DR. True, but same happened as FFS points out with Hossa, Havlat and Cammalleri. And does happen each year. That doesn’t absolve DR of blame but it happens all over the league.
happy belated…belated birthday m03…..may your life be filled with many cupcakes and jumping squirrels.
and Woodcock your going to tell me the rangers wouldn’t give a 4th-7th round pick to exclusively negotiat with Gaborik.
Wildfan, remember until trading Gomez on June 30th, the Rangers had NO chance of going after Gaborik. And I can’t imagine why they would give up a pick when there is only a few hours before free agency.
Well, Dean Lombardi said that he had exclusive negotiating rights with Hossa since draft day without any picks unless he signs.
Wildfan, and you know that the Flames were negotiating with Cammalleri, for instance? The talk all year was that they had to let him walk because they couldn’t afford him.
I still can’t get over how Sather essentially turned Gomez into Higgins + McDonough + Gaborik. What a coup - especially if Gaborik remains healthy.
Of course, if Gaby misses 50+ games next season, then maybe we can still laugh at him.
Laugh at Sather, that is.
Wallshot, I know as i stated earlier maybe another team, Kings, Montreal. anybody?
It wasn’t that much of a risk for Calgary. They weren’t going to re-sign Leopold and its only a 3rd round pick.
If they signed J-Bouw, it was worth it since they did. If they didn’t, they only lose a 3rd round pick. Sometimes, you have to take those risks. That’s one of the things that bothered people about DR was that he was so risk averse, he became paralyzed and did nothing.
The difference between Cammalari, Hossa, and Havlat are that their respective teams were negotiating with them up untill July 1st, there were no talks between Gabby and CF. Thank You.
And you see how well that worked for each of the respective teams. The only ones who didn’t go to free agency were the Sisters who finally realized how ridiculous their terms were.
They couldnt aford Cammalari, but signed Bouwmeester?
there were no talks between Gabby and CF
There were talks just not an offer which would not have mattered anyway as reported by Russo yesterday. Nice try though. Further, I do not recall any reports suggesting that there was a chance that CGY could keep Cammalleri.
And with Bouwmeester, he was from the area and there was a sense that the Flames could sign him but probably wanted to get ahead of the rest in line before there was competition. Again, Gaby and Salcer indicated quite clearly that they wanted to test FA. Why am I wasting time on this stupid argument. I must be bored today.
I think you guys are getting me wron, I dont care Gabby left, I actually prefer it. I just wanted some of your guys thoughts on some of the stuff that almighty CF maybe didnt handle correctly.
it’s going to be tough scoring against calgary this year……
if they pair phanuf with bowmeester…..wow……perfect d-pairing…..there isn’t a line out there that won’t get dominated…..
they will be a +40 at the end of the year!!!!
I am exaggerating…..but not by much…
They couldnt aford Cammalari, but signed Bouwmeester?
They got rid of Cammalari and Leopold in order to get Boumeester. The salary cap does weird things to teams.
FFS, how is there not a chance to keep Cam when they signed Bouwmeester. Once again nice try.
Last comment on this–Sutter had announced he wouldn’t sign Cammalleri so how do you claim he was negotiating with him up to July 1? Let’s move on.
Flames also traded away Vandermeer and let Aucoin and Leo go to create a need on the blue line.
DEAD HORSE
I don’t know why he didn’t get anything for him, Wildfan. Maybe he tried, maybe he didn’t. Perhaps there was no market for it. We’ll never know really.
@CraigCustance: Just had a great chat with Todd Richards, his take on Wild’s off-season: “We’ve bettered ourselves, it doesn’t mean we’re done yet either.”
Wildfan, I don’t think we are claiming that CF has proven to be the best GM in the business. We, or at least I am, saying that we need to give CF two years to see what he can do before we judge him–and it is hard to criticize individual moves until we see the whole and he builds his team. Then if no progress we will rip him.
Seriously, who gives a rats arse what type of jersey they wear. Get us a freaking center!
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/1947/jersey4.jpg
this is the one that is heavily rumored to be the jersey…..
I hate the graidient in the lettering… other than that, it looks okay-ish.
FFS:
I think there was only one “contract talk” with Salcer, which happened either on June 29th or June 30th and one “courtsey call to Salcer”, which happened in the middle of June.
we beat so many dead horses here we could start a glue factory!
we beat down so many dead horses that peta has labled us as “the worst blog in the history of the planet” and has decreed that we are all going to he(double hockey sticks)……ha see what I did there?……hockey sticks……on a hockey blog……lol…….ahhh never mind.
What do you do all day? Sit around and dress up your Wild hockey dolls?
I just wanted some of your guys thoughts on some of the stuff that almighty CF maybe didnt handle correctly.
Hmmm…I’m not so sure there was anything else that could be done, given the information that we have about it and most of what we have now is what the Don has told us and the rest is speculation.
But see, I can do without the snarkiness. Spend any time on this board and you will know that most residents of Russoville will not hesitate to call someone out for screwing up. Calling him the “almighty CF”…that I can do without. It’s not a judgment on him, but on the folks here who try to talk to people like you who can’t seem to get it through their heads that Gaby was gone no matter what happened.
This convesation is getting old…. no rational person on here is saying CF is the Jeebus of hockey GMs… Wildfan, you and this ‘Wildpost” person need to smoke a blunt or something. Chill out folks, it’s just a game.
austin…..graidient?
new word for me…..are you talking about the angle?
pwrppl:
“And what is the status of obtaining a number 2 center?”
hold on one second…..*reaches up rectum*……ahhh….here we go…..
Smoke a blunt? WTF?
austin….quit encouraging 16 year olds to start drugs……that aint right man!!!!
No argon, the graident is how it’s sort of dark colored at the bottom of a letter and slowly fades to a lighter color at the top of the letter. The stars kinda do the same thing… Not a big fan of that. I tend to like old school style, really simple, designs.
Because it is not DR, we will accept DR like moves I dont get it.
Why isn’t anyone talking about Afinogenov? too expensive? Sure he’s been plauged with injuries lately, but so has gabby. He might be that extra scoring touch that the wild really need. move bouchard to the center and maxim on the right.
We are beating dead horses because nothing is really going on at the moment. Maybe when folks go to the development camp we will get some posts about who looked good, etc.
Looks like Hudler maybe isn’t going to the KHL?
Gah, tired of arguing the same thing for two weeks. Need a scotch.
Where’s NiNY to open the bar when you need him?
Because CF get a honeymoon period. Afinogenov? Yecch.
ahhh……
I like that part of it…..
but then again I’ve never liked things being too simple…..simple tends to be boring to me……i.e. red wings jerseys…..I can’t stand them…..absolutley pains me……I don’t like the color red that much though so that may be part of the problem…..
Amen Niveous, make mine a 10 year old Laphroaig.
Laphroaig… You trying to turn me on or something?
Niveous, I DONT CARE Gaborik is gone, all im saying is it would have been nice to get an “asset” late round draft pick back.
Looks like Hudler maybe isn’t going to the KHL?
http://www.tsn.ca/columnists/darren_dreger/?id=284300
I just don’t see why Hudler wants to go to Russia anyway… he could get a nice payday in the NHL IMO.
afenigenov at about 1 mil-1.5 mil…..sign me up…..solid third line winger/chance to be 2nd line winger if butch is center……..
problem is he will probobly be asking for about 3 mil because he has “potential”
One more post from you about He Who Shall No Longer Be Named, Wildfan, and I withdraw my apology.
Any word on what Tanguay is asking? solid 2nd line wing if PMB moves to C
Wildfan, but you’ve been talking about it for like three days.
Dave, shouldn’t it be Them Who Shall No Longer Be Named?
tangay would be awesome, but he probobly is looking for 4 mil…..
2.5 is a good price…..maybe…..maybe….3.0….nothing more
I could tell you what i get told, if you dont like what your reading you dont have to post or read.
No, Wildfan. Just He Who Shall No Longer Be Named. Dead Horse. You know who I mean. What’s the point?
Niveous, I DONT CARE Gaborik is gone, all im saying is it would have been nice to get an “asset” late round draft pick back.
Ugh…okay. Once more into the fray, but that’s it.
What, pray tell, assets were either DR or CF going to get for Gaby once he decided to go into surgery (taking him out of action for months, oh so conveniently over the trading deadline) while having his agent publicly turn down a pretty decent long-term deal and make it clear to everyone except a select few commenters on this blog that his agent was going to hit free agency once July 1st came around.
GMs should be greedy, selfish jerks and if I were GM and knew that, I wouldn’t give up a bag of pucks for “negotiation rights” knowing I could make a run at a player who played less than a quarter of the season.
Takes two to tango, man.
I could really go for a 12 Dalwhinnie, myself. Neat.
I do like the Havlat signing, good value at that price. And I will admit our D will be 10 times grittier than it has been. Are we better, time will tell.
Niveous, you are a little nieve if you think giving up a 7th rounder for potential 50 goal scorer is a waste, even if he played 17 games the season before he came back and looked better than ever.
-I am willing to bet there was a team that would have given something to negotiate with Gabby before FA, Maybe not the Rangers they werent front runners untill they traded Gomez to Mont. If that deal doesnt go down they cant afford Gaborik.-
Once again you are throwing out baseless speculation about “dead horse”. Seriously, get over it!!!!
I don’t know if I really like the idea of Tanguay next to Butch. Who’s going to shoot?
Im over it Bisker, thanks for chiming in though.
I don’t know if I really like the idea of Tanguay next to Butch. Who’s going to shoot?
+1 I laughed.
Tanguay can score goals, he has been a productive point producer.
Wildwhatevers…
I will blindly support everything that the new Wild management does. I am not a person, I am a sheeple. I cannot think for myself so I need CF and TR to tell me what to think.
I have a shrine built in my basement (near my computer) so I can worship CF often.
I could never rip on CF because he is the second coming. There is no better GM on the face of the earth. Hell, there’s no better GM in the universe.
My drink of choice? Rock-a-Dile Red of course. A splash of Ketle One when you’re around helps to ease the pain.
I’d take Tanguay if the price was right.
I don’t know if I really like the idea of Tanguay next to Butch. Who’s going to shoot?
Heh, Tanguay and Butch wear the goalie out from all the back and forth from all their sweet passes and the other lines take advantage of a tired goalie.
Shep has his best year ever.
kj, Since you can’t think for yourself, who (CF or TR) told you to type that?
Wild have extra #3 and #4 centers to move, and a great backup goaltender. Let’s Make a Deal!
I like those jersey’s better than their Reds.
“I just wanted some of your guys thoughts on some of the stuff that almighty CF maybe didnt handle correctly.” - Wildfan
Such as what?
That he lost Saku Koivu to a team that offered a shorter contract and less money? Yeah CF Sucks, all my optimisim is gone now that I think about it.
That he picked up an extra 3rd rounder that only cost him 4 spots in the 1st? Yeah he shouldn’tve done that either.
I just don’t know what you want from a guy 2 months into his job inheriting a bad situation. He’s done this team a lot of good.
If I can pick one thing to be critical of it would be that he closed the door too quickly on going the FA route to fill the last forward spot (Comrie, Tanguay, etc…). Still, I get how a trade can make a lot of sense (I see him trying to move Belanger or Sheppard as part of a package if we’re going to trade).
Overall I think the glass is certainly half-full, not mostly empty as some seem to insist.
Here ya go kj!! Drink up!
Either Tanguay or Comrie might be worth it if we could get them in the $2.5M range–but not sure if we could.
I think pretty soon they might be willing to go that route. 1 or 2 year deal to prove themselves and try again in FA.
I see him trying to move Belanger or Sheppard as part of a package if we’re going to trade
We need to gain a Center, not give them away….
Thoughs,
Sheppard or Belanger + Harding for a 2nd C and a lesser backup goalie or some sort of draft pick (which would require signing a FA veteran goalie, relatively cheap).
This deal could certainly be modifyed if we decide to go for a top W or top C.
I think this is a good deal for many teams, and I don’t think Belanger’s a favorite to be extended here when he’s UFA next summer (again lose him for nothing).
We need a to gain a 2nd line center, we have plenty of 3rd or 4th liners to include in a trade.
Doesn’t Afinogenov have questionable ties to the Russian Mafia? That’s all we’d need.
Hasn’t Tanguay been labeled lazy and inconsistent? I believe we have someone like that sitting in Houston and he would be much cheaper.
I know Anfinagonov is inconsistent and injury prone.
ATX, I think the point was we have 3 3rd/4th line centers an no 2nd line center. Trade a 3rd/4th line center + goalie for a 2nd line center. Hopefully that leaves us with the same number of centers, but an upgrade over the one we lost.
“We need to gain a Center, not give them away….”
We need to gain a top 2 center, we have #3 and #4 centers to trade away. How else to you fit both Belanger and Sheppard in the lineup next year?, scratch Colton and Brodzniak most of the time. I don’t see that happening (maybe with Colton, but Brod was brought in to play).
ok, ok… I see now. I would rather send Bela packing than Shep. Bela and Hards for a decent #2 C… do it Fletch.
Comrie: Center, 63 Games, 10 Goals, 17 Assists, -15 +/-, 5′10″, 185 lbs
No thank you.
Don’t be surprised if Colton is in Houston next year.
Oh, and he made $4M last season.
Still a big no thank you.
I hope a 3rd jersey is more creative than that! Not to mention it’s weird to read that “Minnesota” from bottom left up to the right, seems backwards
“Don’t be surprised if Colton is in Houston next year.”
I would be completely shocked if he doesn’t play for Houston next year.
Cf went on record saying he doesn’t rush the young ones. Colton will be with the aeros
Especially Belanger makes sense…
He’s UFA last year, if the Wild won the Saku sweepstakes, I would see no way Belanger gets extended anyway. And of course one of the sins of the previous administration was not trading potential FA’s away you couldn’t extend (see Rolston, Brian).
He’s still rather young (31) and inexpensive (under $2M), and has potential. It was really too bad his production fell last year, he would be (and perhaps still may be if that was a product of the old system) a good solution to the #2C problem. But I think it’s safer to trade him to a team that might have competition for a #2C, but would need a #3 coming back.
He’s UFA *next year
Typed it wrong, sorry.
Mnangler says:
July 10th, 2009 at 11:42 am
I hope a 3rd jersey is more creative than that! Not to mention it’s weird to read that “Minnesota” from bottom left up to the right, seems backwards
That one is for the left wings’. On the centers’ sweaters it will be level from left to right across the chest and on the right wings’ it will slant from the left down to the right. Defence will have “Minnesota” printed across the stomach.
mnangler…not backwords….but upside down!
2nd line centers are not easy to come up with……I would love a stoll/j. stall/skoivu/Arnott type……not that easy to get though….
Shep will be a second center in about 3-4 years…..so a vet would be all right…..I just don’t know of any available at the current time…
goody….that wood suck!
Goody…divine intervention…on CF’s behalf.
“a vet would be all right…..I just don’t know of any available at the current time…”
That is the tough thing about speculating on the trade market. It’s not like GM’s advertise who they’d like to move on craiglist or anything.
Still I would count the deals with the Blackhawks that were speculated on as possible, but I’m sure there are many possibilities we outsiders don’t know about.
Tanguay, 50 GP 16G/25A/41P +13. for 2-3 million a year, yes please.
hey justin…..doesn’t pittsburg have a third center that should be a 2nd center?
I wonder if they could use a vetern offensive defensiveman, and a prospect to go with a third center……
now that is a trade where I don’t mind giving up a cuma……
I agree wildfan…..we still need a sniper….but that signing would get us going!
Habs sign Mara. Gainey is re-shaping that team. We’ll see how he does. Also, back-up goalie day. Devils sign Danis and TB signs Niitymaki. The Harding mkt may have evaporated for the moment as the prime targets think they have solved their problem. May be a better mkt after season starts. Still wouldn’t mind signing Clemmensen as a back-up if we move Hards.
I like mara……fast….and defensivly solid……still better as a 4-5 guy then a 3 guy……that is for sure….
Wildfan…do you honestly think that is a realistic salary for Tanguay or is that like my Harding for Sharp pipe dream?
I am a little surprised the Wild tendered Puliout.
Someone who knows…
Why would they able to send Colton to Houston this year, but not last bc he’d have to go back to Juniors?
Is it an age thing?
And note I like reading links if you have any relevant to this question?
“The Harding mkt may have evaporated for the moment”
The feeling I get is that Fletcher wants to hold on to Harding and give him more games to play next year. Show him off and give him more opportunity to succeed and thereby increase his trade value. Seems like Fletcher wasn’t happy with the return offered while he was shopping Harding. Just my opinion.
Why would they able to send Colton to Houston this year, but not last bc he’d have to go back to Juniors?
IIRC, it’s the number of games. I could be completely off base though.
Lucky, it might also be nice to have Harding. If something happens to Back, and no Harding it could be a nightmare in goal.
“I am a little surprised the Wild tendered Puliout.”
Why???
He’s an RFA and can be signed for cheap. You sit here and complain about not getting anything for Gaborik and want a 4th OVERALL pick to walk for nothing?
My head hurts now…
Pittsburgh does appear to be at the cap and only have 5 D-men signed…
good lord people. wildfan = Mike (or at least close enough to hang that albatross around his neck. Don’t feed the trolls.
Seconding DH = Gaborik
A fourth overall pick who has shown absolutely nothing.
Correct me if I am wrong, but didn’t Russo already say that because of the number of games Gillies played in last year, he cannot be sent to Houston without clearing wavers, and at that point, the team might as well try to trade him because someone would claim him?
Where’s KiPA (hopefully at a job interview), we can get a trade done today - forget the GM’s, we’ll handle this one ourselves!
Gillies, I believe it was an age thing. Coming from Juniors and under 20 when the season begins, they either make the big club or go back to juniors. He is over 20 now so he can go to Houston.
Gun, no, that was Shep.
Gun, that’s Shep who would have to clear. Gillies can come down.
“hey justin…..doesn’t pittsburg have a third center that should be a 2nd center?”
I did have to dig into Pittsburgh’s NHLnumbers.com page but they have
Crosby, Malkin, and Staal listed as their 3 highest earning C. Stall has a 4year deal left with a $4M cap hit the Wild could probably take. But I don’t see the Pens parting with Staal, however, if it did actually happen, that would certainly go into the “Blockbuster” trade category.
But honestly I think the Wild might have to give up a little more than their willing to make that happen. Still the Pens look short on D, maybe they want Johnsson? :), I kinda doubt it.
But my point is that if it’s Belanger/Sheppard plus Harding for a #2C (and probably whoever else offers the best additional consideration) it’s a deal that I think a several team teams might find appealing.
“A fourth overall pick who has shown absolutely nothing.”
Yeah he’s quite the old man at 22. It’s obvious he will never have a career in the NHL. Oh mighty Risebrough if only you were still here to guide this blog and manage our expectations…
Hey Smug. Get off your duff and go find a job. Clogging up the board with these Wildfan posts is getting old.
I was thinking about Gaby. He could have done a better job of departing. Laying it at the feet of “no offer” from the Wild was classless. The proper thing to say was that we had discussions and the gap was too wide to overcome.
I also found it interesting that besides the Rangers, he had received overtures from “a few teams”. What happened to his earlier excitement about the chance to field offers from every team in the league?
I get no feeling that there was anyone willing to work hard to get Gaby. I will give Sather credit for a great trade to set it up, but my bet is he probably paid a $1M/year more than the next in line was willing to pay.
HA! Beat you Ms.C! It’s probably because my computer is closer to the paper’s offices than yours!
Found it. You guys were right! Thanks!
For instance, because Colton Gillies was on the roster for more than 40 games, his seven-year free agency clock started. However, if he plays in the minors next season (good possibility), that DOES NOT count toward free agency but his entry-level contract.
Because James Sheppard has played 160 games, he can’t play in the minors without clearing waivers.
“Show him off and give him more opportunity to succeed and thereby increase his trade value”
+1 I think chances are Harding will be more valuable as a deadline rental next March. Teams that are unlikely to be happy with their goaltending situations at that point will be willing to pay more, instead of now, when they all prefer to wait and see how their goaltenders pan out first.
And as mentioned, keeping Harding is a nice hedge should something happen to Backs. I don’t think the minor league options are ready, and while there are a lot of UFA vet goalies out there, I think I’d still rather see Harding, unless of course the deal can be made for our top 6 forward.
Still I hope CF would pull the trigger if he can move Harding for the forward we need as part of a package.
Clogging up the board? wow sue a guy for having an opinion, You better climb back up on your pedestal. What happened to Minnesota nice? Someone says something you dont agree with better cast them aside cuz your right and im wrong. Well i will tell you what you better quit reading, because im not gonna quit postin.
kj: not sure if I will make it tonight (pals are busy. buzzing into W Jct solo would be, ah, scary).
jersey conversation: prefer the green over the IRR with circle, curious of any new design.
Russoville: show 100wj some love and perhaps a chance to talk some puck with kj.
SotB - Right on the money (so to speak). I agree with everything you said.
My guess is DH and Salcer did the math and targeted a few teams that they approached. They knew Sather is willing to pay out the tuchus on risky investments and he was probably the first call that Salcer made. And don’t forget, Chris Drury (I think it was him) was calling DH and telling him to sign in New York before the first.
Based on all that, CF knew it was pointless to pursue DH and let it go at that.
Minnesota Nice is a myth, WF.
Good job, Goody. Gold star.
Wildfan, not sure why but I thought you were a girl. No offense, I’m just surprised.
And, IMO, opinions are fine. It’s just repeating the same conversation three days in a row that gets old.
All the speculation about trading for a #2 center is all well and good, but who can the Wild even target? It would seem that the Wild would need to target a team that has a surplus of top 2 center types. Is there even a team out there in that situation?
Wafer, DH? I know to whom you refer, but can’t figure out what DH is short for.
With the previous departure Demitra and Radio, the recent departure of Gaborik and the non-qualifying of Olvecky; will the GTRCMBSHP be forced to close due to lack of Slovaks to fill its beds?
I agree with Wildfan, let him have an opinion. We can’t have just one or two people moderating this blog, it’s for everyone.
I still say that we should look to trade with Chicago for either Versteeg or Sharp. I know, I know we’ve talked about it already but I just couldn’t help myself.
Nice try, Not Really Nick.
Nick in New York says:
July 10th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
I agree with Wildfan, let him have an opinion. We can’t have just one or two people moderating this blog, it’s for everyone.
Curious that NiNY’s blog link isn’t attached to his name like it normally is… I’m just sayin’.
WS - either target a team with a surplus of #2 centers, or a team that has a #2 center, but a greater need for a quality goaltender and little developmental players.
Or lets face it, a team that has no clue what to do in its current situation: Peter Mueller anyone? Doesn’t solve our #2 center issue, but I wouldn’t mind him on the team.
DH = Dead Horse, as in we’re beating a dead horse with all the whining about him leaving.
there’s always the hope that DR gets another GM job on a team that has a great #1 center that he is willing to trade to us for almost nothing.
will the GTRCMBSHP be forced to close due to lack of Slovaks to fill its beds?
Perhaps they can re-invent themselves as shoulder injury specialists for Czech players.
Hmmm… Just browsing a list of centers and this guy jumped out at me…
82 Games played, 22G, 51A, 73pts, $2.375 cap hit
I’m not sure there’d be much of a trade viability though.
Want to know who?
Goody, is that David Krejci?
Todd White
“there’s always the hope that DR gets another GM job on a team that has a great #1 center that he is willing to trade to us for almost nothing.”
Florida! at least that was the last rumor I read considering a GM job for DR. But I think they’re in full rebuilding mode whoever their GM is.
Still tough to envision anyone giving him the keys to a 3rd franchise after he ran two into the ground.
Todd White
I see Wallshot has also been looking at the list. What exactly went down with him leaving anyway? I don’t really remember.
“I could really go for a 12 Dalwhinnie, myself. Neat.”
I’d like a six pack of grenades (Mickey’s Malt Liquor) pulled from a cooler that’s half ice and half water.
Then I’d like a moist towelette to wipe the last of the vomit dribble on my chin.
Past performance is the best indicator for future performance Justin
My guess is Krejci from Boston. I was talking about that guy a few days ago but no one bit on it.
DR’s resume.
Ran Wild better than whoever the heck was running Columbus all those years.
That is all…
there’s always the hope that DR gets another GM job on a team that has a great #1 center that he is willing to trade to us for almost nothing.
Better yet (and more likely) that we trade him any aging grinder for a wealth of draft picks.
Nah, Goody. I just looked him up a couple weeks ago and posted his stats once myself. Looked familiar.
New plan in deal for Sharp:
1. Send DVD of Harding’s 40+ same game against Chicago last season to Dave Tallon.
2. Hire Shane Stant (he’s out of prison by now, right, I know Eckhart is dead, so he can’t help us) to whack Crystal Ball Huet in the knee after practice.
3. Explain to Tallon we are willing to also give him a center who’s been playing hockey since the age of 3 so he doesn’t need any sort of coaching at all.
There, deal is done!
Oh shoot, it was Todd White? I seem to remember this blog talking about him before and the consensus was that White in MN wouldn’t post those kind of numbers. He didn’t do it before but in a new system maybe?
Now that was funny El G! well played.
IIRC, he was an FA that DR let walk was he not? I wasn’t a visitor to Russoville then, any particular knocks against him?
As I said, I’m not sure there would be any possibility of a trade with ATL though. They have a boatload of cap space, but I don’t know that they either have any needs or want to fill any holes.
For fun, assuming my math is correct I compiled a top 5 list in some catagories of Wild all time. I am sure some web site has it but I did it the old fashioned way. Enjoy…
Games Played
1 - Nick Schultz - 527
2 - Marian Groin - 502
Wes Walz - 447
P.M. Bouchard - 425
Stephane Veilluex - 361
Gaols
1 - Marian Groin - 219
2 - Brian Rolston - 96
3 - Wes Walz - 81
4 - P.M. Bouchard - 77
5 - Andrew Brunette - 76
Assists
1 - Marian Gaborik - 218
2 - P.M. Bouchard - 190
3 - Andrew Brunette - 138
4 - Mikko Koivu - 127
5 - Brian Rolston - 106
Points
1 - Marian Gaborik - 437
2 - P.M. Bouchard - 267
3 - Andrew Brunette - 214
4 - Brian Rolston - 202
5 - Mikko Koivu - 184
Penalty Minutes
1- Matt Johnson - 698
2 - Derek BooGaard - 439
3 - Marian Groin - 301
4 - Brad Brown - 267
5 - Wes Walz - 266
Gaolies Games Played
1 - Manny Fernandez - 260
2 - Niklas Backstrom - 170
3 - Dwayne Roloson - 167
4 - Josh Harding - 58
5 - Jamie McLennan - 38
Wins
1 - Manny Fernandez - 113
2 - Niklas Backstrom - 93
3 - Dwayne Roloson - 62
4 - Josh Harding - 19
5 - Jamie McLennan - 5
Goody, TW only put up some 40 or so points in MN. Not bad for a #3 center option but I’d like to see our #2 in the 60+ point per season range at least.
–“I could really go for a 12 Dalwhinnie, myself. Neat.”
I’d like a six pack of grenades (Mickey’s Malt Liquor) pulled from a cooler that’s half ice and half water.–
Personally, I think I’m feeling a white russian night coming ….
I’d rather see what Butch has to offer than Todd White. They both play up or down to the strength of their linemates IMO. I think he would be another band-aid on the gaping wound which is our #2 center situation.
Nice lists, DarkHelmet. I like seeing them and seeing which records will be over taken soon: Backs for games played and wins, and Tainted Bouchard for assists.
It’s also very interesting that Schultz has run away with game played and will most likely have that record for a very long time. It’ll also be fun to watch Koivu gain ground a lot of those stats, too.
I saw a beer discussion… Boulder Brewing Hazed and infused.. I just picked up 2 6ers
—Someone says something you dont agree with better cast them aside cuz your right and im wrong.—
That has nothing to do with it. Sometimes I agree with what you say. It’s more the lack of style and substance in your posts. Measure twice, cut once. We don’t have to be notified of every fleeting thought that enters your brain.
On the jersey issue, I recall a conversation I had with a distinguished and eloquent Canadian friend from Toronto years ago when the Wild came into the league.
Minnesota Wild? WTF is a Wild. Red & Green? Are you crazy? You look like the Xmas decoration section at Macy’s. And wtf is that Rorshack Test they call a logo. Cripes, eh. What is da NHL coming to?
For all the extraordinary things the Wild organization does right, their branding leaves me empty. Those new 3rd jerseys are……..I can’t find the words. But, somebody must like that stuff. They sure sell a ton and that’s what counts after all doesn’t it.
Personally, I think I’m feeling a white russian night coming ….
I’ll hit up Spec’s on the way home…
Ok, as I said, his name kinda popped out at me. I was surprised to see him so high on the list of C’s ranked by pts.
Boulder Brewing Hazed and infused
That sounds fruity… what’s it infused with?
Wallshot I can answer your post at 12:31 pm
I am guessing that if we really tried we could probably get Mike Modano and because he has only 1 year left on his contract we could probably get him while giving up the lease amount of assets
NEWS FLASH
MEDIA ADVISORY
WHAT: The National Hockey League will make a major announcement concerning a special event
WHEN: Wednesday, July 15 @ 2:00 p.m. ET
WHERE: Fenway Park
Yawkey Way
Boston, MA 02215
**This event also will be simulcast on NHL Network and streamed live on NHL.com**
NOTE: Media should enter via the media entrance at Gate D, located at the corner of Yawkey Way and Van Ness Street. Doors will open at 1:00 p.m. ET.
In the event of rain, media should still enter via Gate D and proceed to the State Street Pavilion.
afinogenov or tanguay, then we got our team…. maybe
Gee, I wonder what the NHL could be announcing at Fenway??? I’m stumped??? Couldn’t maybe be a New Year’s day outdoor game played at Fenway could it???
Nube- great risk with your selections.
nope, bettman’s going over to baseball… best news conference in NHL history
I saw a beer discussion… Boulder Brewing Hazed and infused.. I just picked up 2 6ers
Pshaw. Brew your own. I have a Blueberry Honey Weizen ready to crack open tonight and a Jaggery Pale Ale in the pipeline.
Hey if Bettman goes to MLB, it can only mean he plans to run it into obscurity and the NHL SHALL RISE AGAIN!
It is risky, but what options do we have? Shep or harding trade could come back to haunt us baring injuries… risky anyway you look at it. we need to do something though
I have a Blueberry Honey Weizen
That does not sound like beer to me.
nope, bettman’s going over to baseball… best news conference in NHL history
Nube gets a “WIN” for that post.
Hards for Sharp. Given the Hawks’ salary cap problem, they’re looking like a pretty dance partner.
I agree on the Hards discussion. I suspect that CF saw the mkt evaporate as other likely trade partners “solved” their problem. Also, I don’t think his trade value was great because he hasn’t played enough. So, unless something great comes along, play him and increase his trade value.
And yes on Mara I view him as a nice, solid 4 or 5.
That does not sound like beer to me.
You don’t know much about beer do you?
Oh wait, you’re in Texas. I guess it ain’t beer if it don’t taste like piss, eh?
– Blueberry Honey Weizen –
I’ve decided to leave all fruit flavored beer alone. Now, the Jaggery Pale Ale could pique my interest…
You don’t know much about beer do you?
Oh wait, you’re in Texas. I guess it ain’t beer if it don’t taste like piss, eh?
You are a funny guy ya know that…
I love beer. Anything that has fruit in the name is not a beer. I bet you like Shock Top too don’t ya?
SotB: No offense to your PurgaTorontoan friend, but Rorshack tests are symetrical… hmm, kinda like a Maple Leaf.
Beer: Surly out of Brooklyn Center (I believe) has been killing at the local beerfests for a the last several years. I’m also good friends/bandmates with one of the head brewers over at Barley John’s in Shoreview. Let’s just say rehearsals with growlers = Best. Rehearsals. Ever.
It’s infused with hops. Another in a long line of IBU war beers.
Philly is pretty much the only team with a surplus of quality centers. the only problem is that the one they would part with has a terrible contract. A 6.5 cap hit might not look too bad if he hit 80-90 points right?
I love speculating on trades that will never happen, but here is what I have been occupying myself with the past hour or so at work:
1)The Kinks and Spacemen 3
2)Johnnson and Shep/Bela/Gillies for
D. Briere and Coburn
Bad contract+bad contract=Everybody’s happy?
3)Harding+? for Dave Bolland, Sharp is too much IMO.
4)(The best) Jordan Stall for the farm
I would rather see the team go with a young guy in over his head than pursue a temporary fix.
Wafer, out of curiosity, is it:
A wheat beer made with blueberries and honey.
OR
A wheat beer made with honey which was made from the flowers of a blueberry plant.
“nope, bettman’s going over to baseball… best news conference in NHL history”
I freaking wish. That would be DR get’s fired times 10,000, and ask anyone how happy I was about DR getting fired :D.
I’m with Encrimson’d. Surly Furious rocks. If you like hops, you’ll love it. I also like Barley John’s. It’s a little…..cozy, but it’s a great place to take your sweetie for a nice, romantic meal.
Beer? Texas?
Abita Springs Turbo Dog.
Turbo Dog’s a brown ale, right kj?
Carefull wafer you are starting to fill the board with every fleeting thought that enters your brain. Measure twice and cut once remember.
Surly out of Brooklyn Center (I believe) has been killing at the local beerfests for a the last several years
That Surly stuff is pretty good. They have a good dark beer that I can’t remember right now. Teeranena (sp?) is good too, out of Wiscansan. As for TX beer, Real Ale is good… they make the Firemans #4 which is quite tasty. Good old Shiner Bock is always a cheap standard TX beer with good flavor.
Barley John’s Darknight is kill-your-friend delicious. 
Indeed Dave. The only one I have ever liked.
Unless you count Newcastle.
Wildfan, but he isn’t beating a dead horse…
Goody - 3 lbs of blueberries added at the end of boil for 20 minutes. When I did a pre-taste before bottling, you could hardly taste the blueberry in there. It just gave a slight aftertaste to it.
It’s most definitely NOT one of those with fruit syrup added at bottling.
The Jaggery should be good, it has fenugreek added as a spice infusion, which should enhance the maple flavor of the jaggery.
I have never understood the Bettman hatred. He ain’t perfect but he has tried a number of different things and some have worked, e.g., the outdoor games. I think it is just a knee-jerk reaction because some think the NHL should be featured on ESPN with 2 national games a week. They don’t want us, folks.
kj, have a good show tonight. I’ve got a gig too–but I wouldn’t dare compete with the house band by plugging my show.
It’s been a spell since I’ve been to WJ. How’s the sound?
So are the blueberries in there for fermentable sugar, flavor or both?
Oh, and it’s a honeyweizen first and foremost. So standard Wheat beer with a honey adjunct to boost the OG and give it a lighter flavor. And brewed with a Bavarian wheat yeast strain for clarity and crisp flavor.
I am a little surprised that MR made no mention of future HOF’er Joe Sackic’s retirement.
I had the pleasure of living in the Denver area from ‘96-’06 and believe me, he was one of the all-time NHL greats.
A true classy,captain who would lead by example and score the clutch goals when needed.
He will be surely be missed by the Avs, their fans, and NHL hockey fans
everywhere.
Guys like him and Steve Yzerman, would both played their entire careers with one organization are probably a thing of the past in the “new” NHL.
On a related note, Bender from Surly Beer out of Brooklyn Center, is one of my favs…
So are the blueberries in there for fermentable sugar, flavor or both?
My guess is it adds little to the fermentables, just gooses the flavor profile a bit, which is something you want in a lighter summer session beer.
-I have a Blueberry Honey Weizen ready to crack open tonight and a Jaggery Pale Ale in the pipeline.-
Is is really beer if it has fruit in it?
I’m definitely in the mood for a “Black Tooth Grin”.
Truth, oldtymehockey. About Sakic and Bender.
I can remember countless times of watching Sakic against the Wild, taking the puck effortlessly through the neutral zone on the wing, hitting the blue line and hooking inside–at which point I’d utter “uh oh”–and then releasing that sick wrist shot.
Ugh. Now I can appreciate it, but that was painful to watch over and over again.
Is is really beer if it has fruit in it?
The answer to that question is NO.
Honeyweiss is about as sweet as beer should get regardless of season.
O.K., I’ll ask, Bisker82. What’s a “Black Tooth Grin”?
Ahhhh, to each his/her own, I guess.
I consider beer to be like music. Completely subjective as to individual tastes. Now, who’s got the Buckhorn?
Is is really beer if it has fruit in it?
If you’re talking Leinies Berryweiss, then no.
For the homebrewer, fruits and honeys are quite useful.
ATX - Again if you’re talking Leinies, then I’d agree. A true Honey Weizen is nothing like the abortion of a beer Miller tries to sell.
I’m pretty much a McEwan’s Scotch Ale fan myself.
“Black Tooth Grin” was the preferred drink by members of Pantera. Basically any whiskey mixed with a dash of cola.
If you’re talking Leinies Berryweiss, then no.
For the homebrewer, fruits and honeys are quite useful.
ATX - Again if you’re talking Leinies, then I’d agree. A true Honey Weizen is nothing like the abortion of a beer Miller tries to sell.
Okay Wafer, I can concede that point seeing as how I have never brewed my own. I’ll have to try yours to make a real judgement.
And yeah, That Berryweiss that Leinies makes is just disgusting.
I would like “Black Tooth Grin” if all I thought about was the distinct dry sound of Vinnie Paul’s bassdrums, but if that concoction is the inspiration for awful call and response at the ending of “Cemetary Gates,” then I think I’ll stay away.
As I said before, completely subjective.
I find Pantera very soothing.
I find Pantera very soothing.
I have never heard Pantera reffered to as soothing before… soothing music is Sigur Ros… Pantera makes me want to jab spoons in the eyeballs of baby seals… in a good way.
Crim…not too sure about the sound. We haven’t been there in over a year.
Where are you playin tonight?
Encrimson’d,
Yeah, I really enjoyed his work ethic too. Sakic’s dad was a mason or something like that, and Joe brought his lunch pail every game.
Not too many superstars do that,
cerainly not Marian as the Ranger fans will find out soon enough.
Furious is good beer too.
Hard to believe that much flavor comes in a can, 16 gallons or 16 ozs…
Sakic was a great player, classy as well.
However, I’m not sad the perennial Wild killer is retiring. Man, that guy just had our number.
kj, do a good show!
M03, happy belated birthday!
The St. Paul Eagles Club. I think it’s a legion which will be a new experience. Apparently there’s another Eagle Club that’s a man’s man kind of club, if you catch my drift.
We’re not playing at that one. Since we’re a funk band, however, and it’s almost a shame because the other bar would most likely have better dancers.
That blueberry thing sounds like a breakfast danish.
Even *I* don’t like Shock Top and I only drink beer that comes with a slice of orange or lime.
Still can’t believe that Joe and the Avs lost to that bunch of scrubs in ‘03. Only time in my life that I have wanted a team from Minny to lose.
I can do without the Coffee Bender, but Surly is the local microbrew king,
IMHO. Living in the land of 125 microbeers gives one a very good beer face:)
I hate to change the beer subject and talk about hockey, but is anyone else a little nervous about Havlat after that hit he took from Kronwall in the playoffs. I was reading somewhere that he had a history of head injuries.
Breakfast beer is delicious yet unfortunately frowned upon.
I think his history is more shoulder.
Cherry Oatmeal Stout is the classic breakfast beer.
Wildfan,
I wouldn’t be too worried about his Havlat’s dome. Every hockey player who ever played the game more than 5 years has a history of head injuries.
That’s one reason we keep playing.
It’s Marty’s shoulder that should concern you…
I know that the Surly promo may be getting old, and no I don’t work for them, but I almost didn’t mention Cynic. Beer…Yum…
Breakfast beer is delicious yet unfortunately frowned upon.
I don’t frown upon that. It’s 5 o’clock someplace right?
Havlat did not look good after that hit… I hope he is okay. All we need is to trade groins for concussions…
Shock Top (Michelob) is a copy of Blue Moon (Coors). While I like the Belgian White style, those two IMO are not very good representatives. Though, if I had to choose between a Shock Top or a Bud Light, I’d take the Shock Top every single time - no hesitation.
Anyone ever try any of the Unibroue Belgians? Some tasty, strong stuff.
Oh, what, hockey? Oh yeah, hockey… Wildfan, I’m more worried about Burns recovering from his concussion.
I believe Dime’s choice was Crown with just enough cola in it to make the drink dark.
but if that concoction is the inspiration for awful call and response at the ending of “Cemetary Gates,” then I think I’ll stay away.
+10
kj & encrimson’d: have great gigs. Nothing scary about either venue, but as kj can attest, PMB is Boogie sized next to me.
Thanks all for the BD greetings. Just my BD wish for a 1st or 2nd line center didn’t happen just yet. Baker’s Square was top notch - got the free slice of pie.
I think we’d have heard about any residual effect from Kronwall’s hit during the weeks leading up to FA and since. I don’t remember much if any mention at all. So even though the hit clearlyly sent him into Dimension X a bit, he must have been able to come back without leaving too much brain behind.
Good, and Im sure the Wild would have done there research before handing him $30 million.
So even though the hit clearlyly sent him into Dimension X a bit, he must have been able to come back without leaving too much brain behind.
Except HE called the Wild and told them he wanted to be here, so one could argue that he may still be batsh!t crazy from the hit.
Except HE called the Wild and told them he wanted to be here, so one could argue that he may still be batsh!t crazy from the hit.
I Lawld at that. Nice one Gun.
if I had to choose between a Shock Top or a Bud Light
Both are like ass-in-a-can. I’d drink Miller Lite before either of those, and PBR before Miller…
Speaking of Burns how is his recovery from the Concussion. Must still be a little fuzzy if he got married.
-Speaking of Burns how is his recovery from the Concussion. Must still be a little fuzzy if he got married.-
LMAO!!!!
+1
I have a feeling that CF will pull off some kind of a steal-of-a-deal for a 2nd line center.
I may one of the few posters on here who is relieved that Saku will not be here next year. Its Mikko’s team and I like the idea of him and Havlat playing together. Koviu should have his best year yet.
For cheap (oops, inexpensive) beer, I prefer Grain Belt Premium…
Oh man. 6er of Tallboy PBRs. That’s what summer’s all about.
I think you’re all right about decisions after hits to the head (Havlat wanting to come to the Wild and Burns entering into lifelong hateful tolerance). These squishy pink brains of ours are touchy units.
“adds little to the fermentables, just gooses the flavor ”
that’s what she said.
I love when she gooses my fermentables.
“I don’t frown upon that. It’s 5 o’clock someplace right?”
5 o’clock??? I’m passed out by then.
It’s NOON someplace.
Bud Light? Is that technically beer.
I’ve always considered that yellow carbonated water.
If your fermentables smelling anything like boiling wort, my friend, you have major problems.
And that my friends is a hat trick.
Speaking of our resident zookeeper, anyone ever consider the link between Salcer being Burns agent and DR and JL having Burnsie play wing?
It really screwed up a year for Burns when he could have been in Norris consideration, coming off his 07′-08′
year.
That had to be about the worst on-ice move in the NHL last year…
Anyone ever try Lefthand’s Sawtooth Ale?
Speaking of our resident zookeeper, anyone ever consider the link between Salcer being Burns agent and DR and JL having Burnsie play wing?
It really screwed up a year for Burns when he could have been in Norris consideration, coming off his 07′-08′
year.
That had to be about the worst on-ice move in the NHL last year…
Anyone ever try Lefthand’s Sawtooth Ale?
Sorry for the double post, I’m SURE that I hit submit only once…
anyone ever consider the link between Salcer being Burns agent and DR and JL having Burnsie play wing?
Never crossed my mind at all.
ATX, was that deadpan sarcasm?
haha, definitely not crimson. I just seriously doubt that anyone in professional sports would do something like that. JL would have told DR to go stick a back of puck where the sun doesn’t shine if DR suggested such a thing. IMO.
Imagine the numbers Burns can put up in the new system with ability to jump into the offense whenever he feels.
Ecrimson’d…you totally ignored my question, so I will ask again…
Where ya playin???
Get in a plug!
Too bad that “soft” media here (MR excluded) never went after DR or JL on that issue.
I was quite unhappy to see Burns wasting away playing wing…
Suggestions for other beers if I loooove Blue Moon?
Maybe it’s hoppy beers I don’t like? Whatever it is that Blue Moon and Dos Equis don’t have. But Shiner DOES have. Blech.
Wasn’t Burns actually drafted as a forward?
Austin TX,
Are you trying to say that the Wild could find no one in the entire NHL, (or the AHL, KHL or the BHL) to muck up playing wing? It’s not like he was playing with Mikko…
Oh, well, if moves like that means that DR and JL are not here anymore, so be it.
The thought of Burns playing D in an uptempo offense “gooses my fermentables”.
Can’t wait till Oct…
I was quite unhappy to see Burns wasting away playing wing…
Yuo and every other sane person that like hockey.
Maybe it’s hoppy beers I don’t like? Whatever it is that Blue Moon and Dos Equis don’t have. But Shiner DOES have. Blech.
I don’t think Shiner is Hoppy… maybe I’m just too used to drinking it. You could try the old Fat Tire that is ever so popular around here. It’s a really easy to drink beer. I like dark beers especially Oatmeal Stouts… Yummy. Too bad the are no fun to drink in the summer.
Ms. C: If you like Blue Moon, you’ll probably like Leinie’s Sunset Wheat and Summit Scandia. Don’t know if they have those in TX.
Are you trying to say that the Wild could find no one in the entire NHL, (or the AHL, KHL or the BHL) to muck up playing wing? It’s not like he was playing with Mikko…
I’m not saying that.. but there is no way in Hell JL would have put Burns on wing because of Salcer. It just wouldn’t happen.
ms,
Try New Belgium’s Fat Tire, if it is available in your area…
Blue Moon is actually brewed by Coor’s as they try to compete in the microbrew category.
Otherwise, I have heard that their are several TX micro’s that are real tasty.
Get you some Lost Lake.
Yeah, I can get Leinie’s for sure. Was hooked on Summer Shandy for a while last year, but got tired of that (still some in the fridge… should probably toss those by now). Thanks for4rest.
ATX, I’m not sure hoppy is the right word. Um, I call it ear wax flavor. Sorry… gross, but that’s the flavor of beer I hate.
Oh, they definitely have Sunset Wheat down here. Definitely not my kind of beer.
But we don’t get the Red, for whatever reason.
and CM — moves like that have nothing to do with why JL isn’t here anymore. He’s not here because he left. DR, on the other hand, is not here because he got fired.
AustinTX,
Yeah, you are probably correct on that account. I just could not think of any SANE reason why they would have ever played Burns at wing, so the conspiracy theorist in me came out…
And I have heard from a very good source that JL and DR would not play nice with Salcer…
More minor signings–Habs sign Travis Moen; Caps sign Brendan Morrison and Pens sign Jay McKee.
JL left because he knew that DR was getting the axe…
It was not a coincidence.
Personally, I think JL left because he wanted to leave, but that’s JMO.
I’m outta here for now. Probably back on later (midway thru white russian night, of course!).
“(midway thru white russian night, of course!).”
The preferred nomenclature is caucasian dude.
Phone’s ringin dude…
kj, I replied at 2:43 but I can see how you might have missed it since I didn’t direct it at you. My bad–unless this is your sneaky way of letting me get another plug in.
The short of it is we’re playing the St Paul Eagles Bar, not the gay bar, the Minneapolis Eagle.
Of course, the Fenway announcement exactly coincides with the release of the 2009-10 schedule at the exact same time…
…time to start planning those 2009-10 road trips…
Ms.C, try Boulevard out of KC. Both their Wheat and Zon are a higher grade than Blue Moon. They’ve got a lot of other brews, too, if you’re feeling adventurous.
Hmm, I may be going to KC… I could try it where it’s made…
Mmmm… White Russians.
FWIW, an Eklund tweet suggests the Wild is back in the mix for Heatley. Although I think he has to fall to the Wild through the inability of better deals to get done, there is always hope since CF, unlike DR, will spend some time on the phone finding out what could be done. Plus, with the acquisition of Kovalev, I think OTT is set on a trade.
FWIW, an Eklund tweet suggests the Wild is back in the mix for Heatley.
It’s worth a two gallon bucket full of rat dung.
FFS: Think for a minute:
Is Heatley really worth all the headaches? This guy has more baggage than an Airbus A380 (yeah, plane geeks…THAT one!) and has shown it off time and again. Yes, he’s got all the talent in the world, but he’s certainly no team player.
Besides, you know better than to trust anything Eklund. After all, he’s wrong over 96% of the time!
Woohoo! White Russian night!
- Since we know CF has talked to the Sens its not like its a stretch to say a follow up might have taken place. Plus, I mostly wanted to take a shot at DR who would have eneded the trade discussions when Bryan Murray said “James Sheppard”
- Is Heatley really worth all the headaches?
If headaches are goals then set me up with several White Russians
Let me play devil’s advocate/Mister Know It All: Heatley clearly just needs a change of scenery (like Modano). He’s going to perform like crazy in Minnesota.
Maybe Minnesota is what he needs to finally ditch the drama. I really don’t think it would happen. Just throwing it out there.
If headaches are goals then set me up with several White Russians
That is the trouble with the caucasian.
for4est… you are just asking for it aren’t ya?
WildinATX says: —-Woohoo! White Russian night!—-
Oh cripes! Batten down the hatches! There’s an ornery drunk attorney on board!
Why does everybody think Heatley is a head case. Young guy with the world by the tail. Deep sixes his best friend in a fit of youthful exuberance. Heads to Ottawa which is by every indication a dysfunctional organization.
This argument that you should just stick it out no matter how bad the chemistry match with the team you go to is weak. The guy is one of the superior gifted hockey players in the world. Life and careers are short. Find the best match you can and make it a win-win for both.
If I woke up tomorrow and CF had managed to pull off that deal, I would nominate him for exec of the year. It would take savvy and cajones, but it would be a calculated risk leaning way in the Wild direction.
I’m not drunk … yet.
Bryan Murray is a mentor of CF’s. He wants to see him do well although not at his expense. At the very least, he will give Chuck every opportunity to make a deal while holding other suitors at bay.
I just added POTD to the Wikia. I swear, I am addicted to updating that thing. I alphabetized the players, and added a bunch of users… I am sad like that.
SotB… I think it’s asking for a trade without giving the new coach enough of a chance. Wasn’t it like 4 months with the new coach and he asked for a trade? And very much out of the blue, right?
I think that’s the problem part. Not his asking for a trade from his former team, so much. That was understandable.
Summit Pilsener Bohemian Style. I’ll race ya!
Maybe Dany is very perceptive.
If I woke up tomorrow and CF had managed to pull off that deal, I would nominate him for exec of the year.
It really depends on what he gives up for him though… I would hate it if he game up too many assets for him.
SotB, I got some Sierra Nevada Summerfest…
Stoned — that’s what I used to say about myself when I broke up with every boyfriend within a month. I’m just perceptive. Not restless and unable to stick with anything. Really. Perceptive. I swear.
Until Mr. ATX, of course. (But I’m pretty sure I stayed with (and married) him because he knew how to cook. And I like food and can’t cook. And he was old enough to buy me beer when we met….)
It goes without saying on the assets thing, but I can’t imagine CF and Murray putting together a deal that both of them don’t feel good about.
Summit is a local brewhouse that has grown from a pup into something of a regional brand so I have a bit of an attachment. Used to favor SN a bit when travelling.
The Wikia page is a nice addition. Thanks to all for the good work although I may have to get on there and give Skoula some props.
although I may have to get on there and give Skoula some props.
Just don’t erase “the Human Pylon”.. that is too damn funny.
Summit is quite good… I just think it’s more difficult to find down here.
I’m on board the Summit fanwagon. I’m still bummed they got rid of Grand. But, apparently, Pilsner is Grand. The Grand name obviously has some sort of placebo effect on my taste buds, but Pilsner is also very delicious.
Best advice I ever heard for guys is learn to cook. Nothing impresses the ladies more.
They always say the way to a man’s heart is thru his stomach. I find it works well on the ladies, too! Or me, at least… but I really love to eat.
Hey for4rest, what’s the basis for your name? And how would you pronounce it?
“Best advice I ever heard for guys is learn to cook. Nothing impresses the ladies more.”
I was told to get rich.
for4rest, I honestly don’t remember what Summit tastes like.. I know I have had it… but I just can’t recall the flavor.
SotB, working in a restaurant was one of the best jobs I ever had. I learned a lot about cooking and I have used that to my advantage.
WildinATX: My name is Forrest. My friends/family are lazy and call me 4 as a nickname. The combination is my screen name. My parents actually named me after a friend from Austin, TX. Fun facts.
I was told to get rich.
If you cook the rich chicks marry you! I’m living proof!
Huh. Mr. ATX totally picked up on that. I completely missed it.
And casualobserver, maybe I should have married rich, but instead I married for food. Apparently I got my priorities mixed up…. Then I wouldn’t have to deal with these damn billable hours.
the Dude, WTX: enjoy the beverages!
The Pylon is safe.
Pilsner Bohemian Style. Bohemian hooked me as I aspire to such a lifestyle. And the Wild green label although as I mentioned earlier, I am not a big fan of Wild colors. At least on a conscious level. When you grew up drinking Old Milwaukee at $10/3 cases, the current beer drinking options are Nirvana. I have rarely met a beer or wine that I couldn’t appreciate on some level.
Throw in a little Gaelic Storm and its not a bad Friday night all told.
I too feel the pain of billable hours. Hence my fondness of alcohol.
Oh, thank god I am not alone with my hatred of billable hours! I did manage to bill a whopping 2 hours today. I’m pretty sure that’s not good….
Thanks M 03! They are quite yummy. While they are not food (aka NOMs) I feel compelled to post this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMWi7CLoZ2Q
SotB, don’t you know Bohemia is Dead? (maybe an obscure reference…)
for4rest, I feel the pain of billable hours by association… it’s insane.
2 hours=5 pissed off partners for me.
Dude
I’ve got a buddy in Dallas who worked restaurants in college before failing to meet Notre Dame’s high standards.
He has parlayed that into an avocation/hobby as a gourmet cook with a killer wine cellar. His skills in that arena have expanded his connections and horizons exponentially. It is not his career, but it has essentially become a great networking tool. Once he got married, he found other ways to leverage his skills.
Yeah, well it’s been a busy several weeks, so it’s not terrible. But yeah, I’ll have to make it up soon. Yay for 14 hour days next week!
Stoned, it is amazing who you can meet in the service industry. That is actually how MsATX ended up landing the job down here in Austin.
I meant MrsATX…
Busy is good, if it leads to me going to court. If I have a light at the end of the tunnel, I can produce documents and answer interrogatories all day. I can definitely relate to the “make up” billable hours. For some reason, those are the ones that always end up being 2 hours of work for 1 billable. So, I definitely need to get work off of my mind.
I’m not an attorney but both of my daughter’s married attorneys.
I feel like a Holiday Inn Express commercial.
Yes, no more talking about billable hours. What’s your favorite beverage?
SotB– Two daughters. That’s impressive. Well done.
I feel like a Holiday Inn Express commercial.
I lol’d. I am not a lawyer… but I did stay at a HIE last night!
I go with Vodka for a favorite. I take a lot of heat from people (pretty much all my guy friends) when I drink it because it’s red and, therefore, “girly” but I like vodka cranberry.
The vodka cran is a solid choice. I only make fun of men when they order blended margaritas. Or pina coladas.
That’s only the half of it. There are two boys as well. What a ride its been.
for4rest, I am with you. The vodka cran is an easy go to choice. If it’s not that, it’s a whiskey coke.
So what do the sons do Stoned? Four kids is a lot. We are struggling with the idea of ONE!
WordPress told me to slow down. I am posting too fast.
So I am lending a car to one of my daughters as I am a bit clunker heavy right now. I tell her husband the attorney that my insurance company suggests we have a document of a couple sentences stating that they are renting the vehicle from me. Just in case they have an incident. Not that it will mean a lot.
He comes back with a two page document.
Life has become so complicated.
I’ve never dug margaritas or pina coladas because I never get drunk, or it takes too long.
Nice Dude. What kind of whiskey?
Hey, we have a dog. And a cat. Does that count?
Usually just Jack or whatever… but if I want to get fancy I hit up the Blanton’s… that stuff is yummy. I guess technically Blanton’s is Bourbon… but whatever.
Stoned: My dad got into an accident and didn’t want to call the police because he was in a company vehicle. So…he calls me and asks for advice. I sent him a two page release to have the other driver sign. I’m sure he felt exactly the same way as you. But, it saved his ass because the guy tried to sue him later. Hopefully, you won’t need the document like he did, but it’s nice to have it.
“What kind of whiskey?”
Can’t go wrong with Jameson. It’s like cayenne pepper. A little goes a long way.
I, of course, advised him that he needed to call the police as the law provides. Just wanted to add that…
Pewter, this bar down here in Austin has a 12yr Jameson for like $4 a shot. It’s pretty solid stuff.
Scotch = Whiskey from Scottland
Whiskey = Whiskey from Ireland
Bourben = Whiskey from Kentucky
Is that close enough without getting into single malt this, and barrel that?
—We are struggling with the idea of ONE!—
One son is in web development and the last is a senior at UND.
I don’t know how to explain it other than the decision to have kids is far more complicated than it used to be.
The more you think about it, the harder it becomes. But then when you have two career couples, there is a lot at stake.
Pewter, I think that is close enough. I think if NiNY was here he would have something to say about this subject though.
I read an article about drinking and one guys routine is to start with a Guinness to coat his stomach. Follow that up with a stiff bourbon drink. By now you’ve got the makings of a good buzz. For the rest of the night he drank something light and described it as taking long low strides (as opposed to sprints - shots, more drinks, etc.). Never really thought about have a technique.
I’m going to try that routine the next time I get to have a night drinking.
Jameson and SoCo I have to be careful with. Jack is a different story though; no worries.
But then when you have two career couples, there is a lot at stake.
That definitely makes a difference. I do love my industry and I would have a hard time leaving it. And MrsATX seems to like what she does (minus the billable hours). It gets tough quickly.
Never really thought about have a technique.
Me either… it’s usually just drink till I feel like not drinking anymore… or until I vomit… whichever comes first
Jameson and SoCo I have to be careful with.
SoCo is brutal. I used to really love it… but I had waaaay too much of it when I was 20-ish… I have a hard time looking at that stuff now.
Yeah 4. I won’t argue with you on that.
Years ago I was skiing in Tunder Bay, Ontario, home of the Stahl brothers.
We get this snooty Frenchmen for a waiter taking our drink orders. I order a whiskey 7. He says scotch or rye. Not being familiar with rye, I order scotch. He looks down his nose at me and says with his accent, “Scotch and 7-Up? You Yankee are a disgrace to a Scotsman.”
I eventually figured it out. He didn’t get much of a tip though.
Yes, and my industry pays … better. So it gets even trickier then. Let’s just say it’s difficult. But then again, if you’re not buying alcohol for a while, that saves money, right…?
Stoned, your kid goes to UND?
Where did you go wrong?
My kid is almost 2, time to start him playing hockey so he can grow up like James Sheppard.
My kid is almost 2, time to start him playing hockey so he can grow up like James Sheppard.
You just can’t get humor like this on other blogs!
—Never really thought about have a technique.—
I watch da yutes pounding ‘em these days and shake my head. Technique is everything and everyone learns that sooner or later. Pain is an excellent instructor.
— SoCo I have a hard time looking at that stuff now.—
Yukon Jack here.
Yukon Jack…that brings back some memories. Well, it brings back memories of not remembering what I did the night before.
VoR… try to start him sooner so he has a better argument. NOthing beat’s “I’ve been playing since I was 2″ like “I’ve been playing since I was 1yr and 10mons!”
Why did I put an apostrophe in beats??
I used to go to Canada quite a bit. I’ve done the Thunder Bay trip. I was never impressed with the people in that city. Most cities are cool though. Canada also has Lamb’s Rum, which usually equals a good night and a rough morning. Similar to whiskey really, especially the 100 proof.
Little Stoned always wanted to be a pilot and UND is tops in that. He does have a Gopher jersey he occasionally wears around campus when he is in the mood to get mugged.
And that having kids decision is so tough. If you are looking at it from the financial side, just give it your best guess for costs and triple it.
I have friends with no kids and their life sure looks attractive at times, but the Mrs and I were meant to be parents. In the end, you instinctively want to be a parent or you don’t. Nothing wrong with either way. Spend some time in deep introspection, let your desires reveal themselves, trust your instincts and never look back.
This is something you can overthink.
The guy I grew up with went to UND to be a pilot. He’s with some airline now. They have a GREAT program for it.
WATX, 2 billable hours. Uh-oh, tough to make it that way. I think I got 4 in. Did you go to UT Law?
I wouldn’t recommend Thunder Bay as a vacation destination either. The North Shore of Superior from Duluth to Grand Marais is however, my heaven on earth. Scatter some of my ashes on the shore near Lutsen.
Stoned, my desire is to play video games and drink beer… what’s that make me?
As for the pilot thing… I actually know a guy that is a pilot. Sure seems like a fun job. Although, you have to be away from home a lot.
for4rest, next Russoville get together we should have a few shots of scotch/burbon/whisky… not all three, but one of the three
A few years ago, I was afraid to let the kid take my car. Now he’s a flight instructor. It will all be worth it when the airlines turn around. Might take awhile, but his day will come.
I did not go to UT law, although pretty much everyone I work with did!
I actually went to Pitt Law. Yeah, I don’t know how I got my job either, but I did. I hear Austin is a hard place to get a law job in?
June was super busy, so I think I have a little cushion re: billables. Otherwise I’d still be working to make up for my poor showing today…
Stoned, I totally agree. My sister-in-law and her husband don’t have kids and won’t. I am envious of them and their huge house and their Wii and their new cars, and my wife and I probably out-earn them by a substantial amount. All our extra money goes to the kid and any left over goes to his 529.
I still wouldn’t trade my kid for what they have though.
Oh, and been to Devil Track Lake? That’s where we’ll be in a few weeks.
By the way… I love that I can sit at home on a Friday night and have some people to chat with in Russoville. It’s nice to be able to sit here, watch a movie, and chat about stuff without a bar scene being invloved. Man.. that makes me sound old… lol!
Ah geez woodcock! You’re a lawyer too? You didn’t have to tell me that!
—Stoned, my desire is to play video games and drink beer… what’s that make me?—
Perfect make up for a stay at home dad!
And by watch a movie, he means watch a Hugh Grant movie. If you made me pick between Hugh Grant and PMB, it’d be a tough call….
Perfect make up for a stay at home dad!
I knew that was my destiny… :p
Ok, Pitt has to be distinctive in Austin. I did the UT thing. My uncle always drank SoCo–why. His claim was that they could never give you an inferior brand as they could with Scotch. Only one problem–you had to drink SoCo–yuk. Only Janis Joplin could drink that stuff.
Haven’t made the trip to Devil Track. Sounds great!
Sorry SotB. Should we go back to analyzing Skoula?
woodcock — When were you in ATX? Was Trudy’s here?
And I’m pretty sure “distinctive” is not exactly the right term…
Just saw a commercial for “Funny People”… that actually looks funny. Adam Sandler definitely has his ups and downs.
woodcock, PITT was an allright school… definitely not the best, but not the worst either. I went to undergrad there. At least we have a decent b-ball team… even though they choke in the tourny every year!!
WATX, Well before you were born. But I did love the ScholzGarten (or however the heck we spelled it) and the Salt Lick when it was way out in the country and there was only one of them. Went to Willie Nelson’s first picnic in Dripping Springs back when that was way out in the country. 104 degrees and I think I almost died.
Not criticizing Pitt at all. Just unusual in Austin where they all bleed burnt orange.
Ok, have to sign off. Just ate dinner at Cafe Ena for the first time. Pretty darned good. Sat outside before it rained.
and the Salt Lick when it was way out in the country
define “way out”… there is still a “Salt Lick” about 15 minutes outside of South Austin…It’s outside of Travis county…. it’s byob and they have the best ribs I have ever had in my life. The Salt Lick is amazing.
It rains up there? That definitely doesn’t happen down here.
G’night woodcock!
—Only Janis Joplin could drink that stuff.—
That explains a lot. Every time I have 3 shots of Southern Comfort, I start singing “Mercedes Benz”.
Oh don’t worry about it woodcock… I was just giving my opinion on the school. It is definitely odd here in Austin to be from PITT!
Have a good night!
THis one was ‘awaiting moderation’ so I’ll try again:
and the Salt Lick when it was way out in the country
define “way out”… there is still a “Salt Lick” about 15 minutes outside of South Austin…It’s outside of Travis county…. it’s b-y-o-b and they have the best ribs I have ever had in my life. The Salt Lick is amazing.
woodcock:
Cafe Ena, UT
I’ve always respected your knowledge, but I have definitely underestimated your stature. Have a good night.
Oh, and I’m pretty sure it was 105 yesterday. Ungodly hot, yes. And you’re not even on an ocean to make it acceptable!
There are quite a few lawyers on this blog IIRC…. I think iceman is a lawyer too… speaking of… where has he been?
Dude:
Is Hudson’s on the Bend still a fixture in Austin? Had one of the most memorable dinners of my career there. Still use their cookbook occasionally.
I’m all for shots anytime Dude.
Yes SotB, it’s where all the fancy partners go. I’ve been meaning to take Mr. ATX there. I think he’d like it.
—I think iceman is a lawyer too…—
I can see that!
—speaking of… where has he been?—
Was thinking the same thing the other day and boom! he popped up. Sounds alive and well. He is almost through the grieving process over the loss of Smug.
Wildfan is probably not an attorney?
“There are quite a few lawyers on this blog IIRC”
It’s what keeps the blog rational, right?
—I’ve been meaning to take Mr. ATX there.—
Don’t let it pass you by. It’s worth the trip.
Yeah, Wildfan is probably not an attorney. For one thing, you tend to think before you post (unless it’s late on a weekend night… when beers/white russians are involved!). Or at least you’ve been exposed to the interwebs before.
Maybe we’ll head to Hudson’s on Sunday. It’s our anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than to eat a whole lot of meat? Oh… wait… then we’d go to the Salt Lick.
I was a sales/marketing type and am hard wired for raised hackles around attorneys so please excuse my behavior. I am in a 12 step program and making considerable progress. I’m almost to the point where I encourage my daughter to go to law school.
It’s what keeps the blog rational, right?
Hahaha, I am sure it is!
A for Wilffan, don’t get me started. Is it bad that I thought Wildfan was a woman the entire time? It was just automatic.
Oh hey MrsATX! Our anniversary is soon right? We should go to Hudsons for that!
I was a sales/marketing type and am hard wired for raised hackles around attorneys
Hey now, you can be an attorney and do this too! I was in sales (the resturant industy) for many years, so sales/marketing is pretty much what I knew. I can’t say it hasn’t helped me!
Oh, and I <3 Man vs. Food. We’re watching an old episode now!
Well good friends, I see the Bohemian style Pilsener has done its job.
I see a little silhouetto of a man,
Scaramouche,scaramouche will you do the fandango-Thunderbolt and lightning-very very frightening me-Galileo,,galileo,Galileo galileo
Galileo figaro-magnifico
Have a great anniversary celebration wherever you choose. I can’t say I tried the rattlesnake at Hudson’s but some say its good.
This has been fun and no drive home. eh. Be well.
Yes, we are off to the Rock Band. Good night to you all!
YOu too Stoned! We will see you soon. One of these days we have to have a real Russoville gettogether with more than 5 people. No offense to those who showed up last time… (speaking of… where’s is MikkotheConerstone??). Anyway. Good night Stoned, Wood, M 03,For4rest, VoR and Pewter…It’s been a fun evening and now tt’s time for a little Rock Band. Kippis!!
Sissys go to be at 11:36. Very little hockey talk going on What about the Wilds next center Mister Know it all is the only one who has offered any thoughts on the subject which would make me the fraanchise of Russo Rants
wow…..half of this blog is lawyers…..good to know I have somewhere to turn if I need an attorney!
I feel so small working at best buy and hanging out with big shots….butch will be the second center unless by some miricle we luck into stall or briere (not a fan, but better than the rest)….maybe we can wait out philly until they are desparate for goalie help and they will give up carter!!!
(pipe dreams for sure!)
night all…..
Im all for letting the kids play as much as possible. They need to play and get a lot better if were ever going to have a chance at winning a cup. No need to trade anyone unless the offer is marginally in our favor. Its up to the players to make it happen not Fletch.
Well, I’m a patent attorney, so I’m not sure that counts…
You need a toe? I can get you a toe.
I have been know to drunk post on occasion… but I will refrain this evening. All I will say is that While Russians are damn tasty and ever so dangerous. Kippis! (toivo should get that if noone else does).
woodcock: great tidbit on Cafe Ena. I haven’t been there, tho my fabulous sister has dined there.
Anyone in Russoville been to Bennett’s Chop & Rail House in Saint Paul?
WTX: patent attorney - impressive!
WTX, as a patent atty you should, other than the trial folks, be busier than some of us business types. The Dude, in those days the Salt Lick was at least 30-40 minutes out of town and they did serve beer, which was necessary because you stood in line about an hour or so. Also, back then Round Rock and Dripping Springs were rural and outside of town. Reagan HS was basically the northern border of Austin. This was before the boom and there basically was just UT and the legislature. It was kind of a southwest Madison, WI. And I do remember the 105 and no rain. We would play tennis at 2 PM because never had a problem getting a court. Everyone else thought we were crazy. We probably were.
It is nice to see the Dude back posting on here. White Russians are awesome!
The Dude, I have just been reading but not posting anything on here.
- Keeping hope alive on the Heatley front:
a source close to the (Heatley) situation said Friday that Murray is in fact dealing with two other teams who have a genuine interest in acquiring Heatley, but neither team had formalized an offer.
However, the article notes that things might not be resolved until September now although it appears the price for Heately is going down.
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/Oilers+haven+given+Heatley/1780951/story.html
- Bennett’s is a little far from the X for walking but the food and beer selection are rock solid
That sob Skoula wouldnt have got all those games in if we didnt have a coach dating him. What a joke that this crap was going on here. This better not happen with this coach and gm.
Stuff it Puckit. This has been beat to death and you are blatantly full of it. Try posting something intelligent.
Further, Skoula is no longer with the team so it is somewhat counter -productive to debate this further altho I can’t resist rising to the bait. The Skoula debate is certainly a legitimate debate. SotB and I and a few others defend Skoula because we believe that he showed last year that he was a perfectly solid #2 defensive pairing–no more. WRT and others rip Skoula, I think unfairly but legitimately in their eyes, for what they perceive as his shortcomings–lack of physicality, etc.
Saying, “That sob Skoula wouldnt have got all those games in if we didnt have a coach dating him. ” adds nothing even remotely intelligent to the debate.
JL is considered one of the foremost hockey authorities in the world. When he said Skoula had talent and skill, I figured it was worth looking beyond the few highlight gaffes to try and see what he saw. Skoula may not play the way the fans want, but he gets the job done as well or maybe even better than the average NHL dman.
Oi, those White Russians really hit hard this morning… I just woke up for the second time, and I feel much better now
but he gets the job done as well or maybe even better than the average NHL dman.
I agree with this, with the exception of his 1 v 1 or 2 v 1 play.. he seemed to be very Pylon-esque in those situations.
Huh. We were looking for a patent attorney recently but figured out why Mr.C’s idea hadn’t been implemented. Man, it was a good one though. Shame.
Wow…you all should have been at Whiskey Junction last night with all the alcohol talk!
Ok crowd, much better performance.
Heatley talk again? CF pulling that off, without selling the farm, would shut WildMikefan up…
M 03…you were missed. You can come out anytime solo. We always have someone there to hang with.
Will I be the oldest dude at Target Cemter tonight for Green Day? Music snobs be silent…they put on one he!! of a show, and we have great seats.
kj: Green Day? Should be an excellent show! Do they have an opening act? Will try to make the 100WJ gig at MMC.
Encrimson’d: how was your gig?
5FS aka FFS: thanks for the Bennett’s assessment.
ATX, WTX: one word for the day after beverage fun: hydrate.
Having recently(12 hours ago) returned from a week in paradise, I see I have missed many posts but not much Wild news. I avoided any hockey news on purpose, just to clear my head. This was easier than I had imagined. The waitstaff bringing me crazy island drinks in coconuts while I dozed under a palm tree helped me achieve this goal.
Back to hockey; Somethings bugging me. As SOTB alluded to in an earlier post, why did Gaby go public with the ‘I never recieved an offer’ from the Wild? Does he really think using this method (”hey folks,I’m really a good guy and wanted to stay but they wouldn’t even offer me a contract”)convinces anyone other than himself that this was the case? Clearly a deal could have been worked out if Gaby had ANY interest. Going public just makes the player look vindictive. And/or dumb.
Also, I am curious how the whole ‘Gaby is about to, or already has, bought a house in VAN near Luongo’ rumour got started. Call me a conspiracy theorist, but I wonder if it’s possible that someone from Gaby’s camp leaked this info(knowing it was incorrect, and would be %100 refuted on July 1)just to screw over the Wild organization. Sort of throwing a wrench in any plans the Wild may have had in trying to trade his rights. I think I’ve been in the sun too long, because this idea just doesn’t seem to make alot of sense. Why would he still be upset with this organization when the person he hated the most(DR) is gone? To further complicate matters in my head, why does Gaby give Souhan and not Russo the interview? Mike, were you unavailable? Clearly you are the ‘go to’ guy in this town covering the Wild. Was Gaby snubbing you? Is it possible that Gaby has decided to underhandedly(is that a word?)give the big F U to the entire organization and those close to it? Am I crazy? Do I have to keep my brain away from those dangerous UV rays for a few more days? Does anyone even care? About what’s going through Gaby’s brain, not mine.
RET, I think we no longer care. Gaby has moved on and hopefully so have we. He had no intention of signing with us and so all the folks here who think CF should have gotten a draft pick or made him an offer–nuts. Nothing would have worked. Let’s go Havlat.
Caught up now…
Colorado = Beer drinker’s heaven…between all the brewpubs and microbrews, etc.
When I first moved out here I vowed to never buy the same beer twice for 6 months. Could have easily gone 1.5years+.
Lefthand, Boulder Beer, Avery, Oskar Blues, Breckenridge, New Belgium, Odell…the list never ends.
Hazed and infused is one of my favorites. It’s unfiltered(hazed) and dry-hopped(infused).
Is it October yet?
Skoula is gone. So be it. Move on, people.
Who will be at the ‘X’ Sunday, besides myself and the Mrs.?
Looking forward to a bit of mid-summer puck…
…and then, the big day Wednesday: Schedule Release Day!
WRT, sadly I have to head across the pond for business. I expect to wire in when I land and read about who looked good.
Stay safe in Euro-lands, wood.
Skoula= Czech word meaning soft as the pillow
buhbye=American for clown. Dead subject, buhbye.
Flames sign a fighter, McGrattan.
testing
wood: who looked good as in hockey or the MsC type critque? ha.
Hmmm
I can already answer that…
Hey RET; Word on the street was that Gaby, in town for Burnsie’s wedding, sent out a message saying he would meet with anyone from the media in 45 minutes. The Don was out of town or previously engaged opening the door for Souhan.
—Skoula is gone. So be it. Move on, people.—
Now you’re getting the hang of it.
I guess I am the only one going to see Green Day tonight, eh?
Not if you don’t get going, you’ll never make it, kj…
SotB: Whomever picks up Skoula should be warned, however. Otherwise, he’s outta here. O, happy day!
WRT
Had a conversation today with a buddy who works with retired NHL’ers including a goalie with pretty good credentials.
My buddy went off on Skoula one day and they all quickly came to his defense as a solid player. But what do they know?They’re only retired NHL’ers. They don’t know hockey the way fans know hockey do they?
His problem right now is he did have a nice deal with the Wild and he probably thinks he’s worth a bit more than the current market dictates.
That’s all the rational thought I have for now on the subject.
The name says it all.
Russo’s Evil Twin says:
July 11th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Very solid and good post on Gaby. I thiught the same thing about the rumours throwing off the Wild
The reason being is “Greed” Evil. Gaborik is a young hockey player who is money motivated and Greedy. He justifies his actions saying that it is just business. His communication with the fans was not from the heart, rather it was busines, similar to a customer service person
Gaborik picked an agent whom is the same. 5 people at his funeral and only out for himself. Rather then making suggestions to the player that are of good morals, he chose to encourage Gaborik to do what he if familiar with.
We bash DR about his management of Gaborik. Lets face it Salcer completely jacked DR around. Salcer is the problem not the 27 year old athlete.
WRT, the Mr. and I are contemplating coming down for it tomorrow then maybe going to the Titanic exhibit. He is at a bachlor party tonight though so that plan may be scrapped. I really want to go.
Skoulasux, the great thing about blogs is that even morons can post. Many glasses of red tonight. Feeling pretty good. Long flight tomorrow.
Mister Know it all will be at the X tomorrow
too easy
Mister Know it all will be at the X tomorrow
Oh. Em. Gee.
That’s what I said, Wallshot.
Green Day rocked.
Have a great time at the X WRT, I need to do the local parade thing with our little ones.
MKVN…the 27 year old athlete ulitmately calls the shots. Don’t shoot the messenger. Besides, Smug poisoned the well. Dude, seriously, move on.
I expect full reports from everyone.
Btw…Green Day covered “Let’s Go Crazy”…lots of fun…
F - Greenday morons.
Wild(fill in the blanks)…
Are you sad because mommy wouldn’t take you to see the Jonas Bros?
kj: Hope the girls enjoy the candy-fest parade. If it’s anything like ours, Dad and Mom will have lots to eat next week.
Ms. C.: I intend to report. Like Fox News: I report, you decide. (Yeah, right)
L8R!
See y’all down at the X if you’re going.
—the great thing about blogs is that even morons can post.—
Russoville needs an entrance exam. Or at least an IQ test.
The mr and I are going. He is in jean shorts & a red polo type shirt. I am in jean shorts and a white button down shirt, if it is cold in there I will be in a white wild hoodie. We are going to be late though as we are just leaving St. Cloud.
South Park had it right… GreenCrap. The anti-American morons from up north.
