With all due respect to the Wild, Havlat tweets
Posted on July 14th, 2009 – 5:02 PMBy Michael Russo
Regarding Darren Dreger’s story on tsn.ca this morning (link here), Blackhawks President John McDonough was on 640 The Score in Chicago this morning for just the most balanced interview ever: “I am a big fan of Marty Havlat. Unfortunately things didn’t work out here to extend him and I really wish him well in Minnesota except when he’s playing the Blackhawks. He’s a classy guy. Where that came from, I have no idea. I have never talked to Marty Havlat or his agent about a contract extension. I empower people to make those decisions, so for anybody to intimate or infer that I, a civilian, would be making decisions on Marian Hossa or Marty Havlat, it’s preposterous. … I don’t know what really Marty was told. I don’t know because I haven’t spoken to him. … Once the decision was made to go with Marian Hossa, it was a hockey operations decision. … He may be misinformed.”
Havlat was supposed to call me this morning, but Dale Tallon has begged him to stand down since the TSN story. So I don’t know if he’ll give me permission to write what he’s told me, but I can tell you his big beef has not yet been made public and it’s very interesting.
As for the Wild schedule, I’ll hit publish on this blog at 2 p.m. stat. I’ll also toss up another Wild-related blog tonight or tomorrow morning, and then adios amigos for a long time.
In the wake of Dale Tallon being fired by the Chicago Blackhawks, newly-signed Wild winger Martin Havlat sent out a string of tweets today from his Twitter account similar to what he alluded on the night of July 1 after signing with the Wild.
A lot of things happened in the end there in Chicago that Havlat would love to get off his chest. It has zero to do with Tallon, whom he and his agent adore. I talked to Havlat about this two weeks ago. Until I’m given permission by him to write it, I can’t. He’s sleeping on it and I expect to talk to him again Wednesday.
I’ve been in touch with Havlat and his agent today and they want to make it abundantly clear that what’s bothering him shouldn’t be construed as a slap in the face to Wild owner Craig Leipold, GM Chuck Fletcher, his new teammates and Wild fans. He wants to be in Minnesota and hopes what he’s been saying doesn’t appear as disloyalty to his new home. He says he’s excited to start anew and will devote himself entirely to the Wild.
On a side note, and unrelated partially to Havlat, as I mentioned on the blog this morning, the QO fiasco just gave them an excuse to fire Tallon, and it’s hard to believe the GM of the team had any role in QO’s being sent out. That’s what you have assistant GM’s and hockey ops people for. Regardless, always loyal, Tallon took the blame.
But as I mentioned on the blog this morning, there’s a lot of political things going on upstairs in that organization, and that’s why Rick Dudley quit last month as assistant GM and why Tallon was fired yesterday.
Below are Havlat’s tweets from earlier Tuesday
By telling truth, don’t want people to think I’m bitter. Everyone in Minn has been awesome, they believe in me and I won’t let them down
about 2 hours ago from web
Want to be clear. I loved my time in Chicago but moved on. Very excited about Minny,going to give everything I have to the Wild.
about 2 hours ago from web
Just so everyone begins to understand, Dale was like a 2nd father to me about 2 hours ago from web
Lot’s of people are telling me to stay quiet but shouldn’t the fans know the truth? It’s your loyalty, season ticket money and emotions here
about 3 hours ago from web
I guess everyone saw what happened to Dale….yes, the story is starting to come out but it’s just the tip of the iceberg.
about 3 hours ago from web
197 Responses to "With all due respect to the Wild, Havlat tweets"
word up Havvy.
If even half of what Havlat is saying is eventually true, there really is an iceberg dead ahead of the Blackhawks’ Titanic…
Ocho Cinco wanted to be able to Twitter during games and the league said, “No Gracias!”.
Big difference between tweeting during games and tweeting in the offseason, IMO.
Very interesting stuff. Hopefully Havlat will eventually give you permission to publish what you spoke about two weeks ago.
If Havlat so badly wants the ’story to come out,’ then just say it! He may be bound by something to not speak, but if so he isn’t doing a good job of keeping his mouth shut. I think he’s great and very glad we have him, but this is turning into a bit of a soap opera.
i love it - blackhawks are going to self-implode and hopefully we end up with toews or kane!
Kane would be a nice little addition to our lineup. Can’t imagine us going out to get him though - wont be for another year at least anyway.
Havlat seems like a good guy. I believe him when he says he wont let us down. To the jersey store!!
“Havlat seems like a good guy. I believe him when he says he wont let us down. To the jersey store!!”
To anyone even thinking about buying a Havlat jersey… wait until next season. I have a feeling the number 24 will be available to him by then. Unless you like having unique jerseys like “Gaborik 81″ or “Koivu 21″
“Big difference between tweeting during games and tweeting in the offseason, IMO.”
Agreed
I mean the ‘10 - ‘11 season, not the upcoming season. It didn’t look that clear after I posted it.
Sad that a franchise with such a proud history like the Blackhawks have devolved to this level. Oh, and Secord still sux.
Glad to have Havlat. Hope he gets whatever it is off of his chest before the season starts. The team doesn’t need any clouds hanging over them.
Glad to have Havlat. Hope he gets whatever it is off of his chest before the season starts.
I dunno…. don’t we play Chicago 4 times? Might be nice motivation for Havlat.
Ty for the link dude!
testing…testing 1..2…..
sweet
I for one do not think the NFL should be depriving my of Ocho Cinco’s in game tweets! That’s gonna be some priceless stuff!
If I had to choose between tired robots regurgitating stoic clichés to the media and an impassioned, loyal guy seeing something wrong and battling the urge spill the story… Well, I probably don’t even have to finish that thought.
In all the years that Dead Horse graced the intermission reports, he never said one original word. Hazmat’s already proved he’ll be worth a listen for the next six years. Even if you don’t agree with what he’s saying, I’d think you’ve got to at least appreciate that he has something to say.
I have a feeling the number 24 will be available to him by then. Unless you like having unique jerseys like “Gaborik 81″ or “Koivu 21″
I have the rare “Koivu 21″ - might have to get it signed someday.
Glad to see reaction to the Havlat tweets is mellow, he seems like a solid guy.
impassioned, loyal guy seeing something wrong and battling the urge spill the story
Exactly.
Michael - thanks for your integrity and for the Havlat (re)tweets. Oh, and rock star … well written.
MsC: were you able to see the video of the young prospects and the cooking lesson? Gillies, the one they followed during the session, was just darn endearing.
You know gang, I was wrong to make fun of mkia’s grammar. My wife seen my post and talked to me about my conduct and I realize how wrong I was.
What I said was “Santence” instead of sentence. I thought I was funny poking fun at mkia
I will go on the recored as saying like Havlat “mkia seems like a solid guy “
Wha?
apology is not neccessary Five forward. Mister Know it all is tough.
Goody- This division is going to be tough, Calgary and Edmonton. Calgary picking up McCracken is taking the gloves off
Id the Wild tough enough ? Remember Pat Quinn is the coach and he is old school. This guy creates trouble, he wont let Calgary beat on his team
The Wild is going to be in some Doozy games with Edmonton and Calgary. Wars as Sutter and Pat Quinn are a couple firestarters
Five Forward: Did MKIA hijack your username? Or, did your wife put you up to that comment? Either way, don’t worry about your grammar, focus on being coherent.
That is a slimy move Mister Know It All. Don’t hijack people’s usernames to further your own interests.
casual observer- I know of nothing you are talking about and I dont apreciate you saying that to me. Why would Five need to apologize ? I never asked him to
Let Havlat say whatever he wants! If he has stuff to get out, more power to him. No matter what he says, he is under contract to us and will be with us for a long time. Let him get whatever off his chest and I hope to see him do very well for us next year!
Five Forward: Did MKIA hijack your username?
Yep - made me laugh though.
Stay classy Mister Know It All.
Well, Vikings fans seem eager to get Brett Favre (who would obviously rather have never left Green Bay), so the fact that Havlat got screwed by a mess of an organization should be understood by Wild fans. The Blackhawks appear to be heading for a wall at a very high speed.
MKVN….every time you make some headway……boom you hit us with one of those……
stealing posters names is down right indefensible….
I’m sorry.
I now realize I was wrong and won’t do it again.
furthermore, I will now end my absurd obbsession with Mike Madono. Thank you for showing me the light.
I’m sorry.
I now realize I was wrong and won’t do it again.
furthermore, I will now end my absurd obbsession with Mike Madono. Thank you for showing me the light.
*raises hand*
that was me….sorry to get your hopes up.
M03, yeah, I’m all over video from prospect camp, baby. 
Gillies couldn’t be more adorable if he were covered in kittens. His blogging during camp, while not particularly prolific, was still just awesome. Kinda fun to see him come out of the shadow of the rest of the team and be “the veteran” of development camp.
Mister Know it all says:
July 14th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
Goody- This division is going to be tough, Calgary and Edmonton. Calgary picking up McCracken is taking the gloves off
MKIA, I have no idea what you are talking about. Perhaps you have me confused with someone else’s post.
If all this hijacking keeps going on, we’ll find the FBI looking at Russo for terrorism.
Looks like after several years of playing the first game of the season at home, the Wild will open at CBJ this year on 10/3 - http://dispatch.com/live/content/sports/stories/2009/07/15/jackets15.ART_ART_07-15-09_C1_UNEFPR0.html?sid=101
I have no issue with any player twatting at any time - so long as it doesn’t interfere with their ability to play the game at the highest level.
And Havlat’s long contract and NMC gives him the security to torch someone else in the league without having to worry about the repercussions for several years.
I may not personally like it (long deal, NMC) but that’s what it is.
If he’s upset about something, he has the right to get it off his chest if he wants to.
That was not the 1st time MKVN has hijacked a user name and prob won’t be the last. He usually messes them up when he hijacks them though.
I dunno NiNY, I kind of feel that if a player is tweeting during a game, that player may not be putting his full effort and/or concentration in to winning the game at hand. Some of these athletes are too self absorbed already, why would fans want to perpetuate that?
If Havlat wants to get some things off his chest during the offseason, so be it. As long as he gives his full effort to the Wild during the season, that is all that matters.
I have to imagine TR would institute a “no cell phones on the bench rule” during games if necessary, don’t you, Bisker?
Most definitely. I was referring to Chad Johnson (I won’t refer to him by that other idiotic name). He and the likes of Terrell Owens, have a definite “me first” attitude and are usually cancerous to any type of team unity. For some one to want to tweet during a game just cements the fact that they could care less about the team, they need all the attention to be about them. I can’t stand that about some professional athletes.
*laughing at visions of guys trying to type on their iPhones with hockey mitts on*
I really can’t see a hockey player wanting to tweet during a game. Too much going on. It isn’t like football or baseball where they’ve got lots of down time in between plays/pitches.
Chad Johnson….oh…that’s football, right?
That’s hardly a sport in my mind, so I really couldn’t care less what they do during games. If they want to be twatting that’s definitely better than some of the alternatives that so many of them seem to favor during their idle time away from the gridiron…
Hello World!
Testing…
ATX, thanks for your help on the Wiki page. Great new article!
What time is the schedule release today?
Chad Johnson….oh…that’s football, right?
That’s Chad Ochocinco to you, bub.
No problem Wafer!
Someone stold my identity above. Mike Modano is not hype. I dont see any good reason why he would play in Dallas this year so I say why not the Wild ?
I see you edited it a bit….
However, Havlat also wants to clear the air and set the record straight and has offered his thoughts exclusively to TSN.ca on a number of issues he observed while in Chicago, starting with his failed negotiation
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=284740
Nice addition to the Wiki ATX. I’m assuming the HTML stuff was what Wafer was referring to you adding. As a suggestion, maybe note that people often use italics when quoting someone?
yeah Goody, the HTML stuff is what I added. Good idea about the quoting other posts thing.
From the Tallon article:
Tallon, who, upon learning his fate, was also handed a two-year contract to act as an advisor at the same rate of pay he was earning as Chicago’s general manager
Well, I guess if you get demoted it’s a nice bonus to stay at the same salary rate.
can someone post the link to the Russo wikithing again, please?
That’s Chad Ochocinco to you, bub.
No, that’s Chad Imsooverratedihavetochangemynametosomethingstupidtodivertattentionfrommyinabilitytoaccomplishanythingworthwhileformyteam
Sorry, kind of had to rant there for a second.
Wafer’s name is the link, Nick.
http://russoville.wikia.com/wiki/Fans_of_Russo%27s_Rants_Wiki
Bisker, your rant got cut off… attententionfrommyin…. what?
Sleep on it! Tell him that you need an answer. I don’t get away from the drug rehab I work at very often but this an important decision.
Havlat Tweets:
I appreciate the fact that Marty wants this particular situation to be transparent, but it is REALLY starting to sound like sour grapes on his part, even if it’s not the case. The club paid big dollars for Hossa, even though Marty had been there much longer, and now it seems like he’s crying baby shoes about it. Whether he’s right or not, when players get into p!ssing contests in the media with former teams/coaches/teammates, it only makes them look petty.
^^
Uhhh what?
attententionfrommyinabilitytoaccomplishanythingworthwhileformyteam.
Uhhh what?
I think he wandered over from an MLB blog?
ATX:
I was just referencing the discussion on the Havlat Tweets in my 9:35 am post. It was my take on his tweeting. That was not something that marty himself actually tweeted. Sorry for the confusion. Carry on.
Thanks Bisker… I assumed it was something to do with his general ineptitude.
Nice job on the Wiki. AiH is hella smarter about the Aeros, BTW. He’s just not a blabber-mouthed attention wh*re like me. 
Now that I re-read that 9:35 am mess of a post, it should have read: “In regards to the Havlat Tweets.” Chalk another one up for the SCSU Communications Department.
He’s sleeping on it and I expect to talk to him again Wednesday.
So, I’m curious if what Dreger reported is the full story he told Russo. I’m not particularly gripped by Dreger’s report.
I for one am impressed by Havlat. He doesn’t seem to be doing this for himself. He sounds pissed about what happened to Tallon and ready to prove to McDonough that Chicago made a big mistake replacing him with Hossa. I hope he rubs his success in their face for the next six years.
What a cluster-F Chicago has turned into. They look like they are going from model-franchise to basket case in 2 years. Ouch.
ready to prove to McDonough that Chicago made a big mistake replacing him with Hossa
I don’t think that has anything to do with it. I think he is trying to prove that McDoughnut is just trying to push the Bowman’s into the spotlight so he can take credit for the team’s success. Since Tallon has been with Chicago forever, and played the primary role in landing all the key players that make that team what it is today, McDoughnut feels like he need to change the front office so he gets to take more credit for winning team. That’s the impression I get from talking with MFTHF.
Allthough, I do think Havlat is upset at being replace by Hossa. But I don’t think that is his primary complaint.
Allthough, I do think Havlat is upset at being replace by Hossa. But I don’t think that is his primary complaint.
Right on. He’s good friends with Tallon, and Tallon being pushed aside is what bothers him.
Makes me wonder if Tallon might have a future in the Wild org? Even in the scouting dept, I think he’s be useful.
Keep up the good work on the Wikia! 
-I don’t think that is his primary complaint.-
Me either. I can’t imagine that these two things (The Tallon issue and Hossa) are totally separate though. It sounds like Havlat was Tallon’s guy and McDonough didn’t like it. Havlat says he was too closely identified with Tallon to stick around. The Tallon issue caused Havlat to get replaced by the anti-Midas IMO.
I think you’re right on with all you said, I just think the two things are linked.
So why is Tallon then taking the blame for the mess?..He must have had something to do with it to take responsibility for it.
And Havlat has this dilemma on his mind weather to come out with this info he has or, keep it hush in case it comes back to hurt him as far as his public image with the Wild fans. He seems to be a pretty up front guy & seems true to our team so, whatever he decides I’d back him on it.
Is Russo upset that tsn.ca got the “exclusive” story from Havlat?
X-CEL-ent, I’d say Tallon’s taking the blame because he’s a classy professional.
I just think the two things are linked.
I concur. They are linked, but I believe that the Hossa thing is less emphasized than the backstabbing going on.
MFTHF said that he was watching the WC Finals and the TV crew cut to Scotty Bowman ripping into Tallon after Campbell had a giveaway resulting in a goal. Basically he was ripping him saying it was a ‘bad signing’. Apparently there have been signs like that all season long hinting that Bowman and McDoughnut wanted to find any reason they could to can Tallon.
Oh btw… it was MrsATX that had the idea to put the HTML stuff on the Wikia… I just executed the plan. She tald me I had to give credit where credit was due
Not to mention that he accepted a much lesser role within the organization for the same GM money he was making.
And it’s hard to imagine that Havlat’s new found Twitter infatuation, Hossa signing for big dollars and Tallon being “reorganized” are not all connected. Do you honestly think Marty would be so anxious to “get the truth out” on his Twitter account if he had been the one who signed a 5-yr extension with the Hawks and Hossa signed elsewhere? Not saying it’s right, wrong or otherwise. Simply saying that when a player leaves an organization and immediately begins airing dirty laundry in the media about that organization, it makes the player look petty.
Wafer, I’m pretty much a Wikia r00b (as far editing and contributing goes). Might I suggest a PotD section that could be updated on the fly as the zingers are unleashed?
“I have no issue with any player twatting at any time - so long as it doesn’t interfere with their ability to play the game at the highest level.”
I agree. As a fan I’ll take all the info. that’s available.
The people who run the league’s and process the payroll have a much different perspective and I’d bet that the lawyers are working overtime trying to figure out a solution to the Twitter (et al) problem.
Wow…ride your motorcycle to the Black Hills and all kinds of stuff happens.
I thought this was the offseason!
The Chicago situation shows that they still have some remnants of the Bill Wirtz era.
Good for the rest of the West.
If you are the boss and someone who reports to you screws up, it is your problem. You are the supervisor and you need to make sure that there are no screw ups on your watch. This was a major screw up and blame should fall on Tallon–even if he is a great guy.
Might I suggest a PotD section that could be updated on the fly as the zingers are unleashed?
I like that idea. NiNY, don’t you have a list of previous POTD’s? I think someone does…
DB, maybe it’s only the Twitter element that’s giving it a “petty” stink. Otherwise, I’d say Havs has done a good job of making sure it’s clear his issue is less about injustice unto himself and more about injustice unto Tallon.
Enc:
Maybe, but Marty was already “talking” about how the truth would come out the night of his signing, long before Tallon was sent to the office down the hall. I think seeing a nomad like Hossa get the big dollars from a team that he had been with for a while really p1ssed Marty off. Tallon getting reorganized was the turd that filled the toilet, which led to the massive Tweet index. Not that TSN has picked up on the story, it will go mainstream which no doubt means you will be seeing and/or hearing Marty explain what is wrong with the Black Hawks’ organization; which, in turn, is going to continue to make him look petty.
“maybe it’s only the Twitter element that’s giving it a “petty” stink. ”
I think you nailed it. If he’d spilled the beans to a reporter I would have much less problem with it. Airing his dirty laundry on Twatter makes him seem a bit like a 13 yr old girl. It feels like gossip.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m damn glad we got Havlat.
I will now take a big slug of kool-aid and make it all better.
This was a major screw up and blame should fall on Tallon
What was a major screwup?
Maybe, but Marty was already “talking” about how the truth would come out the night of his signing, long before Tallon was sent to the office down the hall.
I think Marty knew what was coming in regards to Tallon. He knew that Hossa coming was a part of McDoughnut’s grand scheme to ‘make the team his own’.
Makes sense to me…
the writing was on the wall all season long… apparently, Tallon was doomed from last October.
—This was a major screw up and blame should fall on Tallon–even if he is a great guy.—
Based on what’s being reported, I don’t, for one minute think that was the reason they downsized him although it is an easily available reason. Clearly McDonough and Scotty Bowman have more than enough ego to fill the United Center and they didn’t want to share the spotlight with Tallon. Paying him for two years to do nothing is just a thinly veiled attempt to stick it to him and shut him up.
Remember the story of the Hawks team going to Tallon’s father’s funeral? I don’t think Havlat sounds petty. He sounds loyal. It appears they had a young team with some great chemistry and the big egos weren’t going to let that play out.
Still, its hard to imagine they won’t be successful with Scotty hanging in the shadows.
Narconon Arrowhead says:
July 15th, 2009 at 9:35 am
Sleep on it! Tell him that you need an answer. I don’t get away from the drug rehab I work at very often but this an important decision.
Spam! Spam! Spam! Spam! Lovely Spam! Lovely Spam!
Not that this post is entirely useful or informative…
The trainwreck that is unfolding in Chicago may turn out to be the biggest Wild gain this offseason.
Just when the Hawks had turned the corner and look like Cup contenders for years to come- it may all come apart in a few short years.
One of the best teams in the Western Conference begining a slow motion implosion is quite fortuitous for the Wild.
And to think that CF scored Marty Havlat out of the mess makes it that much sweeter…
SotB, I am not saying that was anything but the excuse that could be used to attempt to justify what has been in the works for a while. But saying that the fact that Tallon took the blame for the RFA screw up shows what a stand guy he is, is I thnk a little wrong-headed. Of course, he should take the blame. He was the supervisor and the screw up happened on his watch–and it was a major screw up that forced the Hawks to have to prematurely sign Versteeg and Barker.
Paying him for two years to do nothing is just a thinly veiled attempt to stick it to him and shut him up
More like a saftey net for the younger Bowman. He is sick, and may not be around very long. But if I were Tallon I would tell McDoughnut and the elder Bowman to shove it. He could EASILY get a job elsewhere. Ego’s are no fun to work with.
Havlat and his agent negotiated for 3 months. You wake up on FA day and they have signed Hossa. When you are led to believe you are an important part of the team and then find out you are just being lied to, I can see where you might get a little touchy.
That is “stand up guy”
Even if Marty knew that Tallon was on the way out, absolutely NO WAY he discusses it on Twitter, Myspace, Facebook, etc, etc, etc, etc. if he is the one that gets the big dollars and not Hossa. That’s why he looks petty. He is p!ssed about not getting “respect” from the Black Hawks and now wants to talk about. He isn’t doing it if he just signed an extension with the team. Happy that it worked out this way, though, because considering what was available on the UFA market to replace Gabby, I think CF did a good job.
—More like a saftey net for the younger Bowman.—
I thought he was pretty sick, but then why would you alienate Tallon if there was the chance you needed him? I can’t see them coming back to DT for help if young Bowman gets too sick or dies. I bet DT doesn’t even have an office anymore.
Agreed on Tallon taking the blame. Its ultimately his responsibility.
why would you alienate Tallon if there was the chance you needed him?
Yeah I can’t see Tallon hanging around after all this. I am sure we see his regisignation from the Hawks organ-eye-zation at some point in the near future.
—Even if Marty knew that Tallon was on the way out, absolutely NO WAY—
Immaterial. He would have never signed an extension. If Havlat had known Tallon was on the way out and that McDonough was the one pulling the strings on the “no offer” to Havlat, he wouldn’t have bothered negotiating because he would have just opted for FA.
Havlat didn’t figure out he was being misled until they signed Hossa. He thought he was negotiating in good faith with Tallon when all along there was no chance because of McDonough.
I don’t think that he would be quiet because of the money DB. I think that he would be quiet because he would be part of the organization and could deal with this internally. He can’t, so he stuck up for Tallon the best way he can. This doesn’t seem petty to me. He has nothing to gain by this loyalty.
I am ecstatic that Gaborik’s replacement seems to have a passion for… well anything, much less a loyalty to a class guy.
I am ecstatic that Gaborik’s replacement seems to have a passion for… well anything
Come on now… Gaby was passionate about his F1 Simulator!
can’t we all just get along!
ATX beat me to the F1 Simulator but Gaby was also passionate for Slovokian Showers and hating on Smug and TooL
I am liking havlat more and more…..
He is a loyal guy, and I always like loyal players…..
……now if a team would just dump some salary now…….
Good job on the wiki, just signed up so I could see it. Don’t forget COMC and RIAC. Another nickname for me has also been KG or kg in case someone is a basketball fan & would mistake it for a former Timberwolves player reference. I actually relearned a couple of things that had slipped my mind.
Good call kgopher… I will head on over and add RIAC and COMC.
While MyTwitFaceTM may not be the most ideal medium for broadcasting his displeasure, it does allow fans to get Marty’s thoughts straight from the horse’s mouth. It gives fans another perspective rather than seeing the PC answers that the new management will give, or the “taking the high road” answers from the gracious Tallon.
I often see fans complain about the athlete’s lack of loyalty to their teams, teammates, and fans in general. It seems that Marty has that loyalty, and is sticking up for his friend and himself when he felt they were misled and got the raw end of the deal. I like that.
It is noteworthy anytime a pro athlete has something to say other than the standard company line.
It appears that Marvelous Martin Havlat will be good for Russoville…
AS a player, he scored some really sick
goals in Ottawa and Chicago.
First line of;
Havlat-Koviu-?
Who will round out the first line?
oldtyme, my guess is Nolan or Bruno with Mikko and Havlat.
I’d say Bruno, or possibly FSM if we can find a #2 center.
it’ll be bruno, unless we can swipe a first line winger….
bruno-koivu-havlat
???-Bouchard-Nolan
Mittens-Sheppard-Clutter
Boogie/weller-Bela-Broz before Brodz
it all depends on who we trade for and what we give up……so line specualation at this point, while fun, is rather pointless…….
it’s kind of like a MKVN post, except less excruciating…..
On the possitive side of things, we have 6 third liners on this team….so that can be good for depth….the problem is one of them is on the second line….preforably we can trade for two front line players…..one top line winger….and one second line winger/center….
the question is can we afford it?
Who will round out the first line?
Available forwards are
Belanger (L)
Boogaard (L)
Bouchard (L)
Brodziak (R)
Brunette (L)
Clutterbuck (R)
Gillies (L)
Mittens (L)
Nolan (R)
Pouliot (L)
Sheppard (L)
Weller (R)
Havlat and Koivu both shoot Left. I would think that they may want a R shot somewhere in there. Certainly it isn’t impossible to have three L shots on one line, but it is good to have a variety.
Lunch-time dessert posted above.
Clutterbuck would get 20 on their wing.
Sasha Baron Cohen is playing on a line with Koivu and Havlat. I didn’t know he could skate.
Sorry, I get confused when I see ‘bruno’ references now.
Blackhawks President John McDonough was on 640 The Score in Chicago this morning for just the most balanced interview ever…
So, they played a few innings of softball then?
El Gato says:
July 15th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Sasha Baron Cohen
When did we acquire Parros?
- Thanks for the update Russo
- If CF does not add another player for the top 6 I will be disappointed but since we know he actively works the trade market I do realize you can’t always get the right deal. Trying to make a trade is a step in the right direction post DR.
The the chickens have large Tallons?
NHL couldn’t find a better opponent for the Dead Wings in Sweeden than the Blues? Not exactly high profile for opening up in Sweeden.
man, I the day before the Don goes away feels like the last day of vacation to us, his loyal subjects….
Safe travels, Don Russo. You’ve certainly earned that vacation.
No surprise that Taveras opens up against STK and the Champs.
Deep, maybe they wanted to ensure a Swedish National Team win?
Flyers and Bruins in the Winter Classic at Fenway. Nice matchup.
I’m glad the NHL is trying to market the game, but let’s get real on this “big announcement” at Fenway. We all know they’re going to play the Winter Classic there. I think the production surrounding this announcement has gotten ridiculous now. Airing it on NHL TV? Whatever.
Picture of Fenway as they get ready for the announcement today. Notice the Flyers and Bruins flags over the Green Monster.
You just kill me, Russo. “… and it’s very interesting.” Dang you, man.
NHL couldn’t find a better opponent for the Dead Wings in Sweeden than the Blues?
If it is a Blues home game then I am sure they will get a better return at the gate than a typical game in St. Louis.
My english may not be the best but even I can smell back peddling and spin doctoring from McDonough. Something is going on and I hope Russo gets the exclusive.
Added Franchise to the wiki page……..
Think Nash will be in uniform at the “X” for the Sept 18 exhibition? I would doubt it.
NHL couldn’t find a better opponent for the Dead Wings in Sweeden than the Blues?
A) Ain’t no party like a Patrik Berglund party!
B) After the ‘Hawks finish imploding, the Blues are the next best option for overtaking the Wings in the central IMO.
C) New color guy Panger loves the Sweden.
Philly V Boston at Fenway.
Detroit V St. Louis in Sweden.
Looks like the league is getting very ’70’s on us this year.
Haven’t had the pleasure of the wiki page yet, but is it safe to assume that there is ample space provided for a 5mb, high-res, color picture of RIAC?
Whoever is in charge of the Wiki (Wafer according to the Wiki), I hope you don’t mind I added a “Former Personnel” section and added TooL and “Lord Groindemort”
Also, I am not an expert on all of them, but someone should be in charge of putting all of MKiA’s suspected aliases
Are there hookers or blow involved in the rest of the story? I think that’s what I’m looking for.
So, what’s “a long time” exactly? *sigh* Have a nice vacay, Mike.
Thanks ms.c. There should be a new mandate from the StarTribune director of blogs that the words “hooker” and “blow” appear in every post 
Geez Ms. C, that’s pretty blunt.
Hookers, blow, and now blunts.
Cue Derek and the Dominoes…
New color guy Panger loves the Sweden
Did not know Panger bailed on the desert - does the wiki know if D&D are entering their final year of their latest contract?
Havlat was supposed to call me this morning, but Dale Tallon has begged him to stand down since the TSN story. So I don’t know if he’ll give me permission to write what he’s told me, but I can tell you his big beef has not yet been made public and it’s very interesting.
Now you’re just being a tease.
I give Panger about seven seconds into the first period of the first game before he realizes how much better he had it with Strader than with John Kelly.
Maybe, in the Don’s absence, Wollmann can talk to the editors of some of the other beat writers to see if we could get the occasional “View of the Wild from an opposing team’s beat writer” post…if nothing else just to keep comment counts down?
Thanks to whomever removed the “Complete Idiot” from the Jargon page on the wiki site. That was uncalled for.
Also uncalled for is referring to Twitter as a derogitory slang term for the female anatomy. I expected more from Nick. That word is just about as bad as the ‘C’ word and children do read this blog. You may have your issues with the site but to use that word on here is disappointing to say the least.
*for the record, Women of the Board doesn’t speak for moi*
And on that note:
Geez Ms. C, that’s pretty blunt.
Hi. I’m Ms.Conduct. Nice to meet you!
ms.conduct says:
July 15th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Are there hookers or blow involved in the rest of the story?
Uh, not that I’d have any knowledge of such, and hopefully this doesn’t offend anyone.
Or? Don’t you mean ‘and’? Those two go together like peanut butter and jelly, like apple pie and ice cream, like Siegfried and Roy… ok, bad example but you get what I’m saying.
WotB,
Is that you MKVN?
The wiki exists for everyone to contribute.
PROTip: Don’t be stupid and vandalize it because then I’ll know your IP address.
The sensitivity police, aka Women of the Board, are out today. First, twat is not derogatory; it is simply slang. The “C” word you speak is most often used in a derogatory sense. Second, it’s not just Nick that uses the term. There are women on here who also use the term, so let’s not single out the guys. Third, “tweeted” just doesn’t sound as cool as “twatted.” Finally, you can’t police the internet. Good parenting starts at home, with you. Nick is not a role model.
I meant or, Goody. I figured I’d look greedy if I wanted the story to involve hookers AND blow. I can’t believe this is getting through moderation, BTW.
Children read this blog? If they do, they are now going to look up the “C” word. Here’s a hint for you kids, it rhymes with bunt and is the nuclear bomb of the verbal arsenal. Beware of its power and it will treat you well.
LMTO Jordan.
WotB:
I respectfully disagree. If I walk into the house tonight in a bad mood and call Mrs. Deep Breath a “C-word”, I will be sleeping on MKIA’s couch. If, however, I call Mrs. Deep Breath a “Twitter”, she will give me a brief, confused look and then continue to prepare my meal. Big difference.
casualobserver says:
July 15th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Nick is not a role model.
You just totally un-made my day. Now who am I going to look up to?
And I am not a parent but I still find the word offensive and I’m not the only one either. To each his own I guess. This board has sort of gone to the ugly side anyway. It used to be clean but now seems like a high school boys locker room.
Thanks to whomever removed the “Complete Idiot” from the Jargon page on the wiki site.
You are welcome.
It’s going to be tough around here with Russo gone isn’t it?
Nick is not a role model.
He ain’t Charles Barkley, either.
Third, “tweeted” just doesn’t sound as cool as “twatted.”
I second this motion. Can we get WotB approval so the motion can pass?
Goody, a king without a sword; a land without a king.
Anyone else think Belanger looks a little like Dracula? I mean, you shave his chin, give him some pointy teeth, and I’d be scared sh!itless if I met him alone at night.
Guys locker rooms are SOOOOO much worse than this. SO much worse. The stuff that comes out of my teammates mouths…
Nick is not a role model.
That’s right. Me and Sir Charles.
However, as someone who’s played the “offensive” card in the past, I apologize for offending anyone. It was absolutely not my intent, though I realize intent is difficult to convey in writing.
ms.c: I agree that locker rooms can be a bit harsh, but you should be on a construction site for a few days. Makes Red Foxx sound like Bill Cosby.
I find the word offensive too. I find lots of things more offensive than “bad” language though. The intent is what makes a word bad, and most of the people on here seem to think that “twatted” is funny, not because it is degrading. If there was misogynistic intent, I would think that the same people that are riling you up (myself included) would call them on it like we did to Chris in CA (or Germany 1941).
I just watched this thing on Lenny Bruce and other comics that were considered vulgar. The fear of what would happen if the Smothers Brothers were allowed to attack the status quo or use risque innuendo has been shown to be a crock. Our society is in the pits not because of the “C” word or vulgarity, it’s because we are too concerned with trivial BS to notice the real causes. Sorry for the tome. This is a subject close to my heart.
This board has sort of gone to the ugly side anyway. It used to be clean but now seems like a high school boys locker room.
Uh… when was that again?
I have to admit, I don’t recall a time when this board was ever “clean” in the anti-back of the bus way.
I do think there are far more “dirty” corners of the internet, though.
Can the women of the board please tell me exactly what it is they do expect of me, though? I’d hate to think that I’m consistently disappointing anyone.
And right on, Jordan.
Jordan, you nailed it. I 100% agree.
I have to admit, I don’t recall a time when this board was ever “clean” in the anti-back of the bus way.
I agree. It’s like asking when politics got dirty.
WotB, et al, RE: the past tense of “to tweet”–Like with most things, it comes down to the futility of effecting the internet (unless you’re Rick Fn Astley) and the abundant opportunities to avoid unpoliced cesspools of public opinion. Feels pretty homey to me, though.
I have no vote on whether or not it’s offensive to women.
I will point out that it has made an appearance in a Mel Brooks movie, where it’s more-universally-held-to-be-worse “nuclear bomb of the verbal arsenal” (which was brilliant, Jordan) cousin has not.
FWIW.
Uh, with all this talk of offensiveness, nobody has any issues with RIAC?…..Right?
Havlat sounds bitter more than anything.
Move on, Havlat, move on. It will all come out and you don’t need to be the babbler. No good will come out of it for you other than you looking like a bitter person.
“It used to be clean but now seems like a high school boys locker room.”
Hello!
Too soon?
twating is funny….pure and simple….
and quite frankly there are far more offensive things to call a womam (don’t think it was ever used to refer to a woman…..)
the english language is a strange and wonderful place….we should be free to use it freely…..as long as we are not attempting to insult/attack anyone…
clearly one persons greatest insult is just a common term to another….
I’ve been on all of these blogs in the tribune, and I have to say this is the first blog I have ever seen that seems to have a sense of community, which is bizzare to say the least…..
the good thing about it is the trolls get weeded out pretty quickly, and some trolls even morph into citezens of said community, and become regular folks discussing issues rationally…..it is a great thing……
if this comes with the occasional off color comment, or word that may or may not be pc…..I’d say I can live with it….
p.s….I’ve seen many a child say things that would make ms. c blush…..so havlat’s twating is the least of our problems…
Austin: that nhLOL…should we start calling Milan “Lucimodo”??
“and I’d be scared sh!itless if I met him alone at night.”
And the follow up…
I’m scared Twat less each time I see him take the ice.
ATX - Maybe I missed something but how was that a Fletch reference?
*steps off of soap box*
what was raic again?
MJ……good stuff
By the way, 10 pts to the one who put this on the Wiki:
“Dom Moore - Who?”
nobody has any issues with RIAC?…..Right?
Oh, somebody (I’ll let you figure out who) has got issues all right… Deep seated ones for sure!
I’ll take those 10 pts Gunslinger. Thank you!
food!
Maybe I missed something but how was that a Fletch reference?
“mooooon river”
That should be all I need to say. But just in case, I’ll add this:
