Wild adds some goalie insurance; Preseason schedule released; Wild needs new video coach
Posted on July 17th, 2009 – 11:15 AMBy Mark Wollemann
The Wild signed free agent goalie Wade Dubielewicz today as insurance and depth at the position.
GM Chuck Fletcher told Michael Russo this is “possibly” to provide insurance if the Wild is able to trade Josh Harding, “but it is always nice to have a quality, experienced third goalie in any event.” Harding’s club-elected arbitration hearing is scheduled for July 29.
Dubielewicz, 30, has 40 career NHL appearances (29 starts) with the Islanders and Blue Jackets during a five-year NHL career. He’s 17-15-1 with a 2.65 goals-against average and a .916 saves percentage. He played three games last season, two of them starts, for Columbus.
He is best known for filling in for Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro in the final week of the 2006-07 season during which time he won four straight games to lift the Islanders into the eighth and final seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Also, Russo talked with agent Ben Hankinson yesterday, and Hankinson says the Wild made a legitimate run at former Gopher Jordan Leopold. But at the end of the day, Leopold turned down the Wild’s offer because he felt that with the Wild’s established top-five on the blue line, there would actually be a better opportunity for him to get ice time in Florida.
The Wild has also signed forwards Duncan Milroy and Jon DiSalvatore to two-way contracts to replace Krys Kolanos (Philadelphia Flyers) and Corey Locke (New York Rangers).
2009-10 MINNESOTA WILD PRESEASON SCHEDULE*
DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME (CT)
Tuesday, Sept. 15 at St. Louis Blues Scottrade Center 7:00 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 18 Columbus Blue Jackets Xcel Energy Center 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 20 Chicago Blackhawks Xcel Energy Center 5:00 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 21 at Columbus Blue Jackets Nationwide Arena 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 24 St. Louis Blues Xcel Energy Center 7:00 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 25 at Chicago Blackhawks United Center 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 29 at Philadelphia Flyers Wachovia Center 6:00 p.m.
Russo Update: As I reported a month ago, Matt Shaw was going to be the likely replacement for Todd Richards on the San Jose bench because of his relationship with Todd McLellan from Houston. Shaw wanted a new role and to actually be on the bench. Since that didn’t happen in Minnesota (Richards retained Mike Ramsey and hired Dave Barr), Shaw got out of the final year of his contract. Trust me, this is an enormous loss to the Wild coaching staff.
Now, the Wild must hire a video coach. Darby Hendrickson, who would make a great coach, might be somebody to consider for this job.
394 Responses to "Wild adds some goalie insurance; Preseason schedule released; Wild needs new video coach"
Dunno who Wade Bubielewicz is, but it’s always good to backup your backup! maybe Fletch is getting some nibbles on Harding now??
Thanks for the update Mark!
Hope he looks good so MsC has someone to drool on till we **shudders** trade Hards, and bring this guy up as a number 2.
ATX, (from last thread) maybe it came up with Canada Only, because TSN thinks only people in Canada care about hockey. Giant Dooshes, the whole fat lot of them (not Canadians, the people at TSN who wouldn’t let ATX watch the video I only hate one Canadian and he’s an ex so I have every right to… I’m babbling now aren’t I… I’ll just go stand over here in the corner…).
He backed up Steve Mason and before that DiPietro.
TSN is in Canada and they do block some videos. Try youtube or blackhawks.nhl.com. I am sure the Blackhawks have it up on their site.
He backed up Steve Mason and before that DiPietro.
Contrary to popular belief, I actually can read. Thanks for clarifying that though sunshine… 
I don’t enderstand why they would allow me to watch some, but block others… that is the stupidest thing I have ever heard. Thanks for the backup bg!
Fletcher: Sheppard and Harding to Chicago for Sharp and Crawford.
Then let Crawford and Dubielewicz fight it out for the back-up spot.
I dont really want to see Sheppard go, He could surprise in the new scheme.
ATX: If you can read, then why ask? 
I’m with Wildfan on that one. I think Shep could surprise some people, even if they’d rather take some shots at him.
As Russo said…
…now that the pre-season Flyers’ game has been finalized, we can now begin planning our lives for the next 9-10 months!
(Enjoying vacation, Michael?)
He played for Denver University. He was a stud. Maybe one of the bests goalies in the WCHA over the last 10-15 years.
He was quite impressive in the WCHA. Pretty acceptable back-up. A good 3d goalie signing.
He was really only good for one year in the WCHA, that being 01-02 when he went 20-4. He fell off in 02-03, and was decent in 00-01. But, he did rip it up his first year in the AHL. Looks to be a sound back-up. Hopefully, we can move Harding.
solid move……
now onto trade partners…..
come on, no wammy…..come on, no wammy!!!
Hey I hear he was really good in the WCHA….
And has played decently as a back-up in the NHL
Hey I hear he was really good in the WCHA….
So was Brian Bonin.
But Bonin didn’t do much in the NHL!
[…] Dubi signs with Wild […]
For all the armchair GM’s out there (including myself), check out NHL 2010 and their new GM Dynasty Mode. It sounds pretty cool if I do say so myself. NHL 2010.
Seems to me that having this solid 3rd goalie before trading Harding may have an effect on CF’s trade leverage. Might another GM take a sight advantage at the fact that we might now be more desperate to move a goalie than they would be desperate to get Harding? Maybe I’m worrying too much; the real issue may be who wants Harding and how badly.
Hey Wafer, nice job on the wiki but surely you know, as a Minnesotan, where my name comes from–my favorite bird to hunt.
That’s sick, ATX! Darn EA to heck for playing to my many weaknesses!
Anyone seen terms on the deal?
Just gives CF the ability to trade Hards because we do have someone who can step in as the back-up whereas prior to this we didn’t. Plus, you have a back-up who is content to go to the AHL to start the season.
I think this likely foreshadows the end of the Josh Harding era in Minnesota. Just a hunch. Doesn’t seem like a guy you pick up with the idea he’ll be in Houston all season. It just makes sense, too. Harding is too good to be getting 11 starts a season. It’s really not fair to him to be stuck as a backup at age 25. He deserves an opportunity to become a starter, and it just wouldn’t be likely to be with the Wild anytime soon. Regardless of how it plays out, I’ll always be a Josh Harding fan.
Hey woodcock, that was me that put your name on teh Wikia… I didn’t know what it was in reference to so i just made something up. If you don’t like it feel free to edit it! 
Encrimson’d… I am in that same boat. I have NHL 09 already and I wasn’t planning on getting 2010 right away, but that new GM mode sounds really in depth. I might have to add yet another game to my list of preorders…
Also, woodcock and toivo, CF probably really wanted Wade but doesn’t know exactly when the eminent Harding trade will happen. It’s less risky to pick Wade up sooner than later. Plus, it could light a fire under Harding to know there’s a guy ready and waiting to replace him. Harding playing well will ultimately increase interest in him. It could kinda be like he’s playing in a contract year. I’m not worried now. Good move by CF, IMO.
ATX, I’m a sucker for “needing” to upgrade each season for NHL. I play online enough so that’s it’s an issue for me. EA knows that I know that I must keep up with the Jones’. :\
And even though it’ll be $60, trust me: I definitely put enough time in to the game so that eventually the game is paying for itself. With 09, I did a full season of Be a Pro, full season of Wild, and three full seasons with a created team %100 filled with created players (rubes I know). That’s not even including online play. 
Ecrimson’d I am right there with ya. I have definitely milked $60 plus a bunch more out of that game.
So, Shaw gone, Darby possible replacement…
I thought Shaw filled in on the bench during Ramsey’s eye related absences last season and said something to the effect that he didn’t like it. Maybe (probably) I’m misremembering.
Darby - well, as a video coach he could probably wear his hair however he liked. Not sure I’ve ever thought of him as a possible coach, though he did bunk Shep in his basement that first year… I wonder how much that had to do with Shep’s OK first year vs his atrocious second year (living on his own).
I haven’t upgraded in years (game or system for that matter). Still got NHL 2K7 going on the PS2. I’m in my 61st season (playing about 15-20 games per year).
28 years with a created team
22 years with the Wild
1 year prospect team (boring so I quit)
4 years with created team
6th year with Wild (again)
I’m still having a blast, so I may not upgrade now either.
Holy carp, Karlis. I’d be more impressed if you had that kind of devotion NHL 94, though. :p
In one of the late 90s seasons, I played an entire season using four created teams in the same league.
I made everyone for each team (I think something like 80 players or so) consisting of rubes I know and celebrities that would make intesting line combinations, like my Bruce line: Bruce Willis, Bruce Wayne, and Bruce Campbell; and Arnold Schwarzenegger centering Conan the Barbarian and Conan the Destroyer. My favorite defensive pairing, though, was Odin and Thor.
Best. Season. Ever.
Someday this nerd will leave me alone and realize there’s a great big world out there waiting to be explored. Complete with real people to interact with, sunlight, smells, tastes, etc.
Someday…
And you just posted that on an internet blog about hockey in the off season. :p
My friends and I still play NHL94 and are having a tournament soon.
What’s NHL 94?
NHL94 is the sequel to NHLPA’93. The reason the name changed is that both the NHL and the NHLPA endorsed ‘94 and up.
It has upgrades like one-timers and checking into the boards and benches. However, they took out the fighting and blood so playing Bob Probert was awkward. Fighting only came back in ‘96.
Oh and there’s nhl94.com, home of the online version.
I destroy people in 09. I will carry the torch into 2010
‘10 is supposed to have some new changes in it like scrums after the whistle. It’ll interesting to see what they do to the skill stick controls.
Anyways… The Devils signed dman Cory Murphy to a two-way contract for depth. This most likely means Skoula won’t be there. So Skoula is now officially adrift.
I thought we inked Skoula through the next season?
No, Skoula became a free agent this summer.
Thedude, are you trying to incite a riot?
Well, Congrats to “Stoned on the Breakaway”…This quote he left Thursday in the blog, made it to the Star Tribune today..inside the front page, 2nd page of the Tribune in 2 days 2cents, readers comments section. And it is a good one at that.
Stoned on the Breakaway says:
July 16th, 2009 at 11:07 am
—Makes me a little nervous.—
The guy has spent his whole life in training to run an NHL team. He managed to make his way through Harvard. He has come in and been assertive, strategic and methodical. He just came from a team he helped build that won the SC.
Anyone who is nervous about CF at this point simply has no clue as to what it takes to create a strategic vision for a business and implement it. This is not a flippin’ video game where you just hit the reset button if you don’t like the way its going.
You tell ‘Em Stoned!
OOPS! Second page of SPORTS section, NOT front page…I’m still waking up.
Agreed. SotB owned that one and helped quell yet another brewing round of unrest amongst the trolls and Debbie Downers.
Holy carp–if you’re bored and need to kill a lot of time fast, this site should help:
So since The Dude showed up last night, I’m thinking ATX was drinking White Russians.
Whoever put together the Russoville wiki thingy forgot my official title: Director of the Russoville Historical Society. Not that I mind, I’m just clinging to a title that my job can’t yell “Budget Cuts!!” and then steal from me.
I’m bored. Is it hockey season yet?
Skoula to the KHL?
DA!
Agreed. SotB owned that one and helped quell yet another brewing round of unrest amongst the trolls and Debbie Downers.
+1 - if you can’t assign some level of hope to CF and TR at this stage you might want to consider other ways of spending your free time. I hear sewing can be therapeutic.
BG, it’s a wiki; you have the power!
WRT, is that official?
I am a bit offended that I am not included on this wiki site. I would add myself but that is one of the things I didn’t learn while out on Thunder Island.
Supposedly Preds and Jackets looking at Tanguay.
Holy carp–if you’re bored and need to kill a lot of time fast, this site should help:
*crosses fingers*
Please let Phoenix move to Hamilton just so they can re-use those 1923-1924 Tiger uniforms…
Gun, seeing those jerseys made me wonder if PHX were to move to Hamilton (or if an expansion makes it there in the future), would there be a big chance of the team taking on the old Tigers name? I forget if Balsillie preemptively picked a name in case his master plan came to fruition.
The first version of Ottawa was around for 14 years; it makes some sense that they took the old Senators name. The Tigers, however, were only around for five years. I’m all for paying homage and whatnot, but maybe a little originality would be cool instead.
Encrimson’d: Not from work I don’t have power. I can read things, but when I try to do more than read on wiki from work it blocks me. I guess some people at some of the other sites and in the main offices where playing around and got in trouble, we now have several sites that are blocked. As long as I can still access Russo I’ll be fine but if they ever block this I’d be very sad. Then I’d have to actually do the work they expect of me. Although with the highly reduced hours I don’t have much motivation to work any way. Is my shift done yet, can I go home now?
Brutal, BG. We’re kinda in the same boat, though your work restrictions seem more… restricting. :\
Here are my possible Harding suitors:
Washington,
Chicago,
Detroit,
Colorado (unlikely),
Buffalo (unlikely).
nhl 09…best sports game ever….seriously…..
karlis…..upgrade…..the game is ridiculously fun……
destroys 2k……seriously…..
now they are adding fantasy draft…..
all they need to do is add more options to the create a team mode and you have perfection…..
p.s. nhl 94 used to be the gold standard befor 09 came out…..and quite frankly…it was pure fun….great times…..
can we trade harding/shep for kane?
i’d like to try it before going after sharp…..the wait is killing me!
encrimson……you forget about us people who have no computer skills….
I can’t edit the wiki……It feels like doing taxes to me….I tried editing the wiki once….it ended with me being huddled in a corner in the fetal position….
I for sure thought St Louis was gonna bite on the harding bait.
Who would give Harding the reigns to their team right off the bait? I don’t think Washington would be like, “ok harding, you’re our guy”
they did it with varlamov….
and after varlamov comes back to earth…who do they have…..
that nhljersey site is awesome….but they need to make the jerseys less “digitized”
got to check out those awesome lightning/coyote jerseys they had for two seasons…..they were quite busy….but I am a fan…..unfortunatly the “digitized” look kind of kills the details…..
p.s. norm green sucks….
2K7 for the PS2 cost $20. 61 seasons at 15-20 games per year = 915-1220 games. That is some incredible value. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Tyler Bozak and I salute you.
“karlis…..upgrade…..the game is ridiculously fun……
destroys 2k……seriously…..”
I’m sure that 09 is better than 2K7. And 10 should be as well. That’s not the issue. Use your brain. Remember I said I was playing on the PS2. That means I have a PS2. I’ll slow down to make sure you are still following. Okay, here we go again. Upgrading would mean upgrading to a new system as well as a new game, which would cost a ton of money that I don’t want to spend.
Since I don’t play other games on consoles (I do play Ootp and EHM on the computer), every cent I spend would be for one game. That is horrible value. Especially when the one I have is still fun.
I’ll salute you right back Mr. Ferguson.
No scenario could exist that would allow the Wild to trade Shep for another center and expect the other center to be more productive. The owners in Chicago would have to be smoking crack for them to cut a deal like Harding and Shep for Kane
What team has a top tier center that you could trade Harding with ? That is the question.
Of course that’s the question Mister Know It All. Doesn’t take a know-it-all to realize the Wild need a center and that we no longer need Harding.
More than likely, Harding will be around for the first half of the season. Then, teams like Detroit, Chicago, and especially Washington that over the past few seasons have tended to have goalie issues (yes, I know they all made the playoffs, but you know those teams have to be thinking about the goalie let-downs they all had)will come knocking. Who knows, maybe a team in the hunt has their top goalie go down for a while (think NJ last year) and they won’t feel comfortable having their current back-up in net (don’t think NJ last year, Clemmer was great), or their current back-up goes in but doesn’t produce.
I think that the question is whether harding=top tier center. Right now, he dosent. Even harding+ isn’t quite worth it. However if the market changes hardings value will increase. I agree for, expect harding to be around and probably get some quality starts to increase said value.
We need Skoula back. Harding for Skoula. It’s not that often that you get to correct a mistake…
4 rest
Nobody cares or is willing to give up anything for a Bellanger. That being said he is playing in the last year of his contract which means you might get some additional points from him, so he may be sexy to Fletch to hold onto.
You cant trade Harding and get a top tier guy that is going to be like 29 and have like 3 years left on a GOOD NHL contract so you only have 3 other options that I can think of.
(1) Convince Mats Sundin to play in Minnesota if he WANTS to play. If you get Mats Sundin your covered for the start of the season. 4rest says keep Harding as a back up until you can make a trade. I Likey ! You now have leverage with another team
(2) Do nothing, and 4rest says keep Harding as a back up until you can make a trade. Risky because your coach is not Lemaire anymore
(3) Present an offer to Dallas with Harding or a 3 way deal to get the player neccessary to get Mike Modano out of Dallas
(4) Trade Harding for a center that can be pulled out of college early that looks ready or pull a guy from europe.
Todd Richards is not Lemaire and will need more tools with what he will be trying to do
sorry….missed the ps2 part….
you are ok then…..I was just going by my own experinces….nothing was meant to be negative in any way….
I remember playing 2k6 or 2k7, and being in love for about 3 months, until the franchise holes/game holes ticked me off to the point I sold it and never looked back……
ps3-x360 are the systems for the nhl games now…as the ps2 versions reached the peak….so yes it will cost some money there certainly ways to upgrade for not that much, but won’t go into sales man mode…….
Just wanting people to play the best to get the most of life my friend….nothing else…..
at least you are playing nhl, and not nfl 2k…….most overrated game ever….Yeah…..I said it!
mkvn….your 4 points are horrible…..
epic fail……sundin won’t come here, and quite frankly we don’t want to pay 10 mil a year for him….
keeping harding is anything but risky….it gives us a safety valve, and I guarantee you at least one team in the league will be desparate for goaltending.
why trade harding for a possible prospect when we will be able to use him for an excellent nhl ready prospect….
MKVN…..you’ve been making strides recently, but that post just knocked you back into clown town….
harding for modano is an absolutly horrible trade…..why trade a peice of that caliber for a center who will be around for 2 years at the most….
Mister: I don’t know where you got the Belanger idea, or the idea that I said we should do nothing and keep Harding. I’m saying, at this point, we no longer need Harding; let’s move the guy. However, I understand his value may not be up there at this point. Hence, my comment that we will likely have him until mid-season when things happen. I never said we should hold him because I think we should move him as soon as we can get a reasonable value out of the move. And, how is it risky to hold onto Harding? And, how does that have anything to do with the coach? I’m normally confused at your comments but this one is particularly confusing. P.S., your options for the older guys is still a poor idea. Definitely risky bringing in a guy on the decline. The other ideas are poor as well and not worth a comment.
I still like Washington, Chicago, and Detroit as potential suitors.
trade for prospects. Save our money for the bidding war on unrestricted Ilya Kovalchuk next summer.
Beast and 4Rest
Listen- Trading player for player like Shep for Kane wont happen, but I still see posts that suggest it.
You have Harding and you need a center, and POSSSIBLY even one more addition.
Follow what I am saying here. Management said they might keep the team as is. Lemaire could do something with the team as is but dont look for Richards to do something with the team as is, especially if you intend to involve the defense with the offense
Richards likely wont overachieve like JL so I am saying you better not stay put with the players you have currently
Now I hope I have cleared this up, but if it is still not clear See below
(1) Convince Mats Sundin to play in Minnesota if he WANTS to play. Nobody will throw 10 million at him anymore. 4 - 5 million tops. I say if he WANTS to play jump all over it
(2) Do nothing, and hope for an injury to a goalie and then you have LEVERAGE to trade Harding for more value
(3) Present an offer to Dallas with Harding or a 3 way deal to get the player neccessary to get Mike Modano out of Dallas
Why- This buys you time as an organization to develop your players without giving up all assets. Modano would be proud to play here and he will obvioussly get you 60 points and stay healthy. THIS TYPE OF AN ASSET HAS VALUE
(4) Trade Harding for a center that can be pulled out of college early that looks ready or pull a guy from europe.
I AM SAYING HERE. TEAMS OWN PLAYERS RIGHTS, SO YOU COULD TRADE HARDING FOR A CENTERS RIGHTS
Mister Know it all says
do you love modano dude or what?
mister how do you know modano will 60 point’s,he could have a bad year then what are u gonna say.
obviously the wild need one or two more top line players…..holding onto harding is a good move at this point because teams are still hopeful to get something from the salary dump they will be forced into later on….
yes there are going to be some top line players available later on with about 6 teams close/over the salary cap, that need to dump some players….
no one knows what will happen once the season starts…..and no you don’t have a crystal ball…and no…madano is NOT WORTH IT!!!!
he is a 38 year old, third line center at this point….let…..it……go….
now let us leave this rotting corpse of a horse alone……please……my shoes are starting to stink…..
appearently colorful terms for dead horse are moderated on here…..
X-CEL-ent Wild Fan
Thanks for the heads up on the Strib post. Mom & Dad would have been proud to see their progeny finally get published.
Deleting the “Take a valium.” softened it a bit in my opinion, but I can’t argue with the rationale behind it.
And thanks to Wildfan for inspiring me enough to rant on the subject.
What kind of a nickname are we going to come up with for Dubielewicz.
Dubielewicz = Doublemint
How about Dubie (not original, saw it on ms. c’s blog)? I call d & d the Dumbermint twins on occasion so doublemint might confuse me.
“Trade Harding for a center that can be pulled out of college early that looks ready or pull a guy from europe.”
I recommend Mike Carman of the Gophers. He’s a 1/2 a point per game center at the NCAA level and has the upside of a number 4 center in the NHL. He’ll fit right in.
Wild 1- Nobody knows how a player will do from year to year its calculated risks. Just like Martain Havlat
I really think that Richards needs a bit more help. I could roll the dice on Lemaire as the coach, but I mean no disrespect to Richards, you just cant expect him to do that well his first year with what the Wild has for the current roster. The Wild just need 1 or 2 guys and like I say they need to be creative with how they do it
Heya kids. Back from Kansas City and ready for… October. *sigh*
No clue what’s going on with my Aeros and these new boys. Made it through hockey tonight without nutting anyone. All is well.
And Facebook is recommending Pouliot as a friend to me since we have so many common friends. I’m gonna say that maybe that’s not gonna happen.
Dubielewicz = Doobie Wah
Classic Frampton Comes Alive.
Pouliot has a Facebook page? How many NHL GM’s are on it?
“Geez, now that the Wild have cut me in training camp, can I come play for you? Huh? Huh?”
Mister Know it All - I doubt Dallas is going to take Harding in a trade. They already traded for Auld this year as their back up, and Turco is still the clear #1 goalie there. Auld is probably good enough to spell him, and maybe even push his performance a little.
DooBeDude.
Or, if you’re a Dead Head, DooDah Man.
Fast-forward to Sept please.
Welcome back, Ms.C. All you missed on the blog, unfortunately, was a lot of crickets and Dubie. I hope those two new cute things for the farm turn out, though.
What is it about Harding, I wonder, that has so few GMs seemingly interested in him? Or is Fletcher’s asking price just too high?
I was in Chicago all weeknd and missed the video game conversation.. so I jsut wanted to add this. For those that like the classic NHL 94 style game, there is a website out there that keeps all the rosters current. The run leagues and tourneys for the game and whatnot too. It’s pretty awesome. It’s just http://www.nhl94.com/.
Can you believe I haven’t even gone to look at their pictures yet, Crim? WTF? I’m off my game.
Speaking of online leagues - anyone interested in joining a PC league for NHL09? Normally, we migrate to the next game in the series each year, but it looks like there will be no NHL10 for PC.
I would Wallshot but I am a console guy. I play 09′ on the M$ Xbox Tresixty.
Does the Xbox version yet have an online Season function like the PC?
Half the fun for me is all the GM stuff, talking trades with other GMs, signing contracts, drafting players, etc. Actually playing the games tends to get a bit tiresome late in the season, even if you win most of your games.
I love it when people use M$ instead of microsoft……it is so true!
ps3 baby……the only way to go!
I know that NHL10 is supposed to have that new GM function, where you can do a lot of that, which seems pretty cool and all but that’s just not as fun or as frustrating as dealing with real people.
I love it when people use M$ instead of microsoft……it is so true!
ps3 baby……the only way to go!
Because Sony is definitely not interested in money…
agreed wallshot……I almost never make it to the end of a season….I get my team to a point to where they are too good, and I want to start from scratch again……
I am fairly certain there is, but not 100%
they are…..just not at M$ level
Wallshot, i think they do have online leagues. I have never done them because I don’t know enough people that play. Agreed on the GM thing too. It can be easy to fool the computer into taking an unfair trade.
I know they added the ESAHL thing in 09… I am not sure how it works. But the ‘Be A Pro’ stuff is awesome. I just hope in 2010 you can keep gaining experience for your created guy. I didn’t like how you capped out after becoming a ‘ledgend’. I don’t think you should be able to level up so far that you can have all your stats up to 99… but I should be able to level up more than 4 times, or whatever it was in 09.
agreed wallshot……I almost never make it to the end of a season….I get my team to a point to where they are too good, and I want to start from scratch again……
This is one thing that makes the online leagues worthwhile. You’re always playing against human opponents, so the competition is much greater. And usually you can’t make your team too good either, because everyone else is trying to do the same thing.
That should be EASHL…
No NHL 10 for PC? That’s brute.
I have the same problem as austin…..don’t know enough people to run a season…..
they should have fantasy draft/ 20 seasons for 16 teams online….
think about how loaded those teams would be (keeping all players in the draft pool).
I certainly would make an effort to play it then!
I do like that they have a fantasy draft in 2010 now. I don’t know if that will carry over into the online leagues or not though…
I am stoked for the fantasy draft……excited beyond words……it pretty much guaranteed I will be shelling out $60 in september/october…. even if the fighting mechanic turns out to suck (which while it sounds cool, has a large chance of backfiring)
Yeah, I don’t know enough people really, either. Our league has 27 guys from all over. Canada, US, Sweden, Russia, we even had a guy from Australia at one point. Always easier to find players on the internet than your neighborhood.
You couldn’t do the fantasy draft before? That’s been available on PC for years.
Doobie Wan?
Yeah Wallshot, they used to have a fantasy draft but they took it out for some reason. It’s coming back in 2010. I actually perfer the be a pro stuff. I like leveling up my player and all that stuff. There are some good gampeplay videos on IGN.com. If you watch teh All Star Game one you can see an after the whistle altercation that leads to a fight. Some gets facewashed and doesn’t like it ;). The fighting looks a bit goofy IMO… but then again, I thought the fighting in 09′ lookd silly too and it turned out to be great fun. So we will see.
fantasy draft was taken out in the next gen build…..
they still need more create a team logos/name options/jersey options/stadium options…
If I want to create the hartford whalers, complete with that song playing all of the time, then dang it….let me do it!!!
da da daaa da da dada duhhhh….dada daa da da dada daaahhhhhhh!
Hmm. Milroy and Zingo aren’t too shabby.
SotB, “Doobie-Wan”: You know my vote will always be for a Star Wars reference.
ATX, Be a Pro and therefore Online Teamplay are my favorite elements of NHL 09. OTP, however, can be problematic depending on server congestion and dooshbag congestion. Still, though, more often than not its potential for greatness makes the pains tolerable. I just hope the downsides are addressed in NHL 10.
argon, I would love to see a sweater creator similar to the paint job creator in Forza Motorsport 2 (and soon to be 3)(Here is a paint job I didn in Forza 2) The end results of that would be insanely awesome. You could make any jersey you wanted if you just put in the time.
Encrimson’d, the doosh level on XBL is always high. If people are being too dooshy then I just unplug my mic. I really love playing NHL 09 online when I get a group that really wants to play as a team. You can shout “Point!” and they will actually pass it back to the point. Then they crash the net for a deflection as you rip it from the blue line… I love it. Too bad it rarely happens that way.
the paper across the river has a TR feature (TR talks, Sany listens).
Just thinking Leopold won’t have to pay any state income tax on the money he earns playing in Florida. I wonder how much of a factor that is to those guys. Dallas would also be a tax haven.
ATX, if you ever wanna play with a teammate who skates like he’s drunk, goes the wrong way, and likes to hit stuff and get lots of penalties, I’m free for a game.
Already got my order in with my EA friend for NHL10.
Nice ms.c… I assume your gamertag is msconduct??
ms. c….i’d take that offer up, but only if we turn the penaltys off……slap shot….eat your heart out….
Bandgeek & others: the MN Wild have a few jobs posted including team content writer, warehouse type…
ohhhh……m 03….you need to post a link on that sucker….
I’d love to do it, but I’ll let those without jobs in first…… I wish you guys luck with that one most certainly….
Oh, you can turn penalties off? Sweet.
No, I use DH’s gamertag because we’re too cheap to have two. *eye roll*
ms. c….that is why you need a ps3…..free online……
you can if you are on the same system….not sure about online…..I am sure you can somehow, I haven’t spent much time online fiddling around though…..
I wonder which of the regulars here posts as MKIA for laughs?
here it is argon, bg & others:
http://wild.nhl.com/team/employment_0910.htm
Argon, we’ve got 2 Xboxes and a Wii… in one room! I think we’re gonna stay put with the consoles.
There’s probably no way to propose this without sounding like MKIA asking people to “break bread at Subway” with him, but if anyone’s down for some NHL 09 (and 10 in the future) OTP, my gamertag is Masonloft. I probably take too many high-sticking penalties but I’m defensively responsible and can quarterback the powerplay.
SotB, I think taxes definitely play a part with players. Andrew Brunette’s aunt told me that he’d love to live in the states (permanently) so he wouldn’t have to pay Canadian taxes. Maybe Florida or Dallas should be on his radar.
Is NHL10 going to be available for the wii? We tried the 2K9 I think and couldn’t figure out and hence didn’t like it.
I probably take too many high-sticking penalties but I’m defensively responsible and can quarterback the powerplay.
Andrei Zyuzin?
That Managing Editor posish with Wild sounds like heaven. One of the hardest duties would probably be the one about contacting media websites about getting wild.com links on their front pages. I bet it’d get pretty tiresome to have to constantly remind ESPN that there is in fact an NHL team in Minnesota, and no Modano doesn’t play for it.
Ms.c know what you mean on the whole standing pat on systems. The Mr. would love a PS3 but we have 2 PS2s, a wii, 2 nintendos, an n64 and a sega master system. The wii is the only one currently hooked up.
Oh, good ol’ Zyuzin. First name looks like a drunk spelling of Andrew; last name sounds like a drunk pronunciation of Susan. What a mess.
I wonder which of the regulars here posts as MKIA for laughs?
If someone can misspell like that on purpose then I have to tip my hat to the prankster even though the Modano thing has gotten old - Bring back GoW!
The most impressive thing about MKIA is the ability to misspell a names three different ways in one post (though it does appear he’s got Modano’s name down just fine). I agree that it’s too awesome to be a faked.
Ugh. The grammar irony strikes twice. :\
re: managing editor position - someone skilled will get that position. A Russoville resident landing that gig would be amazing.
I’d love to know how many people end up applying for that job. Hundreds, I wager. I’d apply, but I want someone better than me doing that job.
Encrimson’d, I sent you an XBL Friends Request. I am KID A26. We will have to get a game going sometime.
and a sega master system
Wow. That is a relic.
someone skilled will get that position. A Russoville resident landing that gig would be amazing.
That seems a bit harsh don’t ya think?
So, ms.c, will you be a KC resident soon?
Yep, I think may be a master system II actually. Got it after my brother got his nintendo. Haven’t tried to play it in a long time so not sure if it still works or not.
I would definitely hang onto it kgoph. It could end up in a museum one day
Master Systems are the bee’s knees. R-Type tournament at my house.
Looking like maybe not, WATX. It’s complicated though.
I plan on it. I really do like to play Alex Kidd in Miracle world. The master system version of tetris wasn’t bad either. I got to use wii points to get Streets of Rage, the mr. got altered beast, both cheesy old games but fun. I need those simple kind of games. Although any one with a wii should check out Rayman’s Raving Rabbids TV party. That game is weird but fun. It is fun when you have the balance board because some of the games you play while sitting on the board.
It always is complicated. Well, keep us posted (and good luck)!
. R-Type tournament
Hell yes.
Streets of Rage, the mr. got altered beast,
I miss the side scrolling beat-em-ups… I loved Final Fight too. Altered Beast was super hard, but very fun.
They don’t seem as hard now with more complicated games but they are still fun to play. We played altered beast Friday night for quite a while.
Penguin Land is a personal favorite, but R-Type is the only game that keeps me coming back. In a late-night and inspired moment of gaming, I came so close to beating it. Hands down the hardest video game I have ever played.
Hands down the hardest video game I have ever played
I won’t argue that it is difficult but if you really want to experience a difficult game give Ikaruga a try. Holy crap… that game is insane.
I just looked at the job openings. I’m happy. Mine wasn’t on there, although give nearly any breed of primate 8 hours training and it could do my job. I think with 16 hours of training MKIA might even make it through the probation period. Anyhow…..In response to the question from above about players and taxes, just my personal opinion, because I have not asked, but I do not think it plays a big part in deciding where a player wants to go. Remember, the player has to pay taxes in the city he is playing in that night, not his home city. So that reduces the factor by 50%.
—the player has to pay taxes in the city he is playing in that night, not his home city.—
Understood. Can you imagine tax time for a guy who is a Canadian citizen, living in MN playing in the NHL and having to file taxes in 20+ different states?
Although football related, did anybody read the article about Bernie Kosar, his divorce, bankruptcy proceedings and broken body?
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09194/983561-66.stm
A smart guy, with a big heart who trusted too many of the wrong people.
I got to use wii points to get Streets of Rage, the mr. got altered beast, both cheesy old games but fun.
I downloaded, and played about 4 hours of, Blades of Steel this weekend.
Video game bliss…
I miss the side scrolling beat-em-ups… I loved Final Fight too. Altered Beast was super hard, but very fun.
You can download emulators for Nintendo, Sega, and just about every system old system. I think they even have PS1 emulators. Then you can play those old games right on your PC. All you’ll need is a controller for the old console feel.
Blades of Steel! That game was stupid, but awesome at the same time. You get into a fight and the loser gets knocked out and dragged to the penalty box while the winner skates away with the puck! LOL
That editor job sounds interesting. Too bad I am a ornery curmudgeon who does not play well with other children, has no passion for anything work related and will not be disappointed if I never again set foot in an airport. Plus I put my watch in a drawer and never take it out so my time management skills are shot.
I think I will just stay here. Doesn’t pay as well, but then we’re not working on deadlines.
Somebody send in an app for MKIA.
I loved that the loser of the fight got the penalty!
I also loved that when someone “checked” you, you bounced from somewhere near the offensive blue line to the top of your defensive circles before you started skating forward again.
Best.Hockey Game.Ever
Has anyone here landed or worked for the Wild Organization. How are the internships provided because they seem pretty cool…
Best.Hockey Game.Ever
That was one of few games I could beat my older brother at in those days. I took great pleasure in smoking him 12-0 or 11-1 every time we played.
There was definately a skill needed to understand that when the other team got close to your goalie, you could no longer try to move your defenseman in on the shooter because you moved your goalie too.
At that point, you need to just focus on saving the shot(s) and hope a rebound bounces out to your guy.
You either got that, or you didn’t. I loved not being the guy who didn’t.
I also loved that when someone “checked” you, you bounced from somewhere near the offensive blue line to the top of your defensive circles before you started skating forward again.
Oh yeah, and defense consisted entirely of covering the moving arrow with your goalie until the puck eventually bounces back to one of your players. What it lost in realism, it gained in fun though.
I remember having similar fun with the Tecmo Bowl games on Nintendo too.
The last video game I owned was Atari Pong. Have the games improved since then?
And now for your fake twitter:
http://twitter.com/MGabby10
http://twitter.com/Koivu9
Fake twitter for ya. I mean, if you’re gonna fake it, at least make it funny or believable but not neither, right?
having similar fun with the Tecmo Bowl games on Nintendo
Ahhh the old endzone-to-endzone pass. Montana to Rice… money every single time.
No way, Walter Payton in the first one. And I think I liked the Bills in Tecmo II
ATX, awesome. We’ll have to terrorize some Dmen sometime.
Sounds good Ecrimson’d. I usually play on the wing, and I love to crash the net. I am pretty good at screening the goalie too. I think my guy is a sniper iirc. It’s been awhile since I have played.
my goodness……a tecmo bowl/old video game conversation broke out with out my help……..I am so proud of you guys
and as long as we are on systems relics, I’ve got a super nintendo and a regular nintendo…….
tecmo hard copy….booya…..p.s. no one here can beat me on tecmo……not a one!!!!
ice hockey > blades of steel imo…..have ice hockey for nintendo….and blades for wii VC…
am I the only one here with a ps3…..geez….oh well…..
kgoph…..rayman is always fun…..I got the first one at launch…(the only launch game for the wii that was good imo……)
tided me over nicely until Zelda came out…..(best games ever…..zelda games kick a$%)
p.s. no one here can beat me on tecmo……not a one!!!!
Bring it on sucka.
am I the only one here with a ps3
Nope. I got that too.
So we all love video games eh?
Mr.C is like a little kid playing the new NCAA right now.
So we all love video games eh?
Apparently… who knew?
Did anyone ever play Boogarman on the Sega Genesis?
I’ve told my nephews about it and they don’t believe me.
ms. c…..you need to try the new create a team online……sounds awesome…..
let me know if you want me to make one for you if you don’t want to……just need things you are looking for in a team…..
I think we have broken with video game discussion before on slow days, just has never reached this level.
I forgot we have Sega Dreamcast as well. I love House of the Dead II for that one. Tried it for wii but got mad because I didn’t have the rapid fire/rapid almost automatic reload feature. Made it too hard. I am really bad at video games (even simple ones) but I really do love to play.
Link, Argon?
Have NBA2K for the dreamcast, created my own player. Is my height & was my weight at the time, so he is 5′3″ and 120 lbs but he can slam dunk a basketball really, really well. It is pretty funny to see him. Haven’t played that game in a long time.
I never liked basketball video games, except NBA Jam. I still rock Blades of Steel on Gameboy though, so that about says it all.
http://www.easportsworld.com/en_US/ncaafootball/create_a_school
this is the guy ms. c!
Oh, for NCAA… I don’t play the football games. Too many buttons. Looks like fun though, but I couldn’t invent a better team that my Texas Longhorns.
So, will it become Gamers Rants when there is a lull in Wild news? I think I prefer MKVN and Modanos Rants.
We play at Decoy’s in Hopkins on Sat, so now it has become 100 watt jones Rants.
Oh…M$ may be evil to most of you, but their products (and my mad programming skillz) keep me in Wild tickets.
I plan on making one for russoville…..lay claim to your positions now!
what ncaa game you talking about?
10 is what he’s playing.
I’ll take Kicker!
numbers also if you have a preference
10, natch
name ideas?????
russotans..
wild pucks….
fighting bloggers…..
I need some ideas here!!!!!
clearly the coach will be don russo, and we will play in russoville, Minnesota…..
any and all comers!
Don’t want to play but how about the Russoville Ranters?
Or the Boogiemen
Fighting Pucks (kinds dorky)
Wild Things (ok, that one bad but oh well)
Odd Men Rush
Blueliners
Will quit now
kj, Decoy’s is more or less in my neighborhood (SLP, anyway) yet I’ll be up in Grand Marais this weekend. Have a good show and let us know how the venue treats ya (always gotta keep my eye out for new places to play).
K Goph…..ranters wins…….that is beautiful!
using a centurian helmet…..I think it makes us tougher than we really are!
kgoph….pick a position……and you can have it….aside from kicker of course!
eat some ribs kj…….good stuff when done right!
I don’t play online games and I really don’t like football, I will pass. Just was having fun helping name the team. I will be a towel girl or some other such position that doesn’t involve playing.
oh well……
Argon…ribs are indeed tasty. Especially slow smoked.
No MKVN, not your kind of smoke..,
cancel the team…….hate the logo options/computer savylessness has gotten the better of me…….CURSE YOU LOGOS!!!!!! CURSE YOU TO HELL!!!!!!!!!
*raises fist and shakes at computer screen*
That’s probably better than what you’re usually shaking at the computer screen this time of night eh argon.
ohh and austin……I’d take that challenge, but my controllers don’t reach to texas……
……i’ll never tell…..
Boogerman: A Pick anf Flick Adventure. Great stuff! It paved the way for raunchy games like Conker’s Bad Fur Day.
argon, I’ll be in MN for Xmas. The challenge is on.
If anyone wants to get a beat down in Fight Night on 360 let me know. I am a beast of a Middleweight.
kj, don’t worry. The game talk won’t last forever. We truely do need some hockey news. I think my news of NHL 2010 got the game talk rolling. My bad.
You should be the Jay Fergusons.
Thanks Austin, I was starting to wonder if I inhaled too much second hand smoke when I was younger and made the game up in my mind.
Stoned on the Breakaway says:
July 20th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Can you imagine tax time for a guy who is a Canadian citizen, living in MN playing in the NHL and having to file taxes in 20+ different states?
Something tells me that the average NHL player doesn’t do his own taxes.
You should be the Jay Fergusons.
Ever heard the saying: “too much of a good thing”?
One word for everyone…Decoy’s.
Oh yeah…ATX…no worries.
Tonight Coach Richards on am 1500 MT radio show (I think) between 6-7pm.
Something tells me that the average NHL player doesn’t do his own taxes.
I’ll bet Veilleux does…
—Something tells me that the average NHL player doesn’t do his own taxes.—
Do ya think!? But somebody has to do it. And for a guy making league minimum where half of his income is split up among 20 different states; what a nightmare.
So, apparently Russo got himself another gig:
http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=eventDetail.FightCard&eid=2225
Half way down. You’ll know it when you see it.
Russo can take him.
Is it sick to be willing to pay to see this?
“The Insane 1″ in a first round KO. Sorry Russo…
Jake, the “camera shy” icon for his photo is great. It’s like they use on the Humane Society sites when they have a kitten too scared to take a picture. I’d be too. :\
Stoned on the Breakaway says:
July 21st, 2009 at 10:21 am
Do ya think!? But somebody has to do it. And for a guy making league minimum where half of his income is split up among 20 different states; what a nightmare.
Well, what’s league minimum? Like $450K isn’t it? That’s still a pretty hefty chunk of change. I have no idea what professional accountants charge, but I’m guessing someone making $450K/yr can probably afford one.
Plays of the year up at NHL.com. I have only watched the first two ‘best goals of the year’ so far and I felt compelled to share.
I vote for the ‘Jay Ferguson’s’ team name.
I can see Vellieux doing his own taxes. Relentlessly scrapping for every loophole. Never quitting. He’s the kind of tax filer that IRS agents admire.
the video game blog of the last 24 hours has made me long for some in-depth goalie equipment analysis/discussion.
….I read it though so what the hell….carry on.
kudos: the RR wiki including the updates & NiNY’s piece on why Mr. Russo is so darn good. Thanks.
I think in the end Mister Know it all is going to be right. I was looking online at the possible deals the Wild can make at center and I keep going back to Modano. It truly is the only deal that makes any sense at all
I like the team and what they have in place except at center. A trade for player for player just does not make any sense at all, unless some team is wanting to dump money for a top center and take PMB, I dont see it ! Maybe the crafty Evil one knows ??
I was watching some mindless movie with my wife we picked up at Red Box last night. Mister Know it all could easily watch the movie and navigate the Dallas Stars website right ? That is what I did
You know Modano is not even on any of the website pictures ?
Here is the problem with the logic some of you come up with about Modanos age. You fans just watched Owen Nolan who was injured half the year score 25 goals. Modano has showed he can stay healthy where Nolan has not
Other reasons pointing to Modano leaving to Minnesota
Tom Hicks the owner of Dallas Stars has financial problems
The Dallas Stars a not a contender and the Wild are. Why would Modano want to play for a team that is not contending ?
Benny would have the most ideal mentor that he could ever get. Benny plays a similar style with a dynamic speed like Modano
Beast said Dallas does not have need for a goalie like Harding because they have Auld. Well MR Beast here is what you can do. Just do a 3 way deal, some other team I am sure has a player Dallas would want
Hmm, Brett Favre to the Vikings and Mike Modano returns to Minnesota. That is what entertainment is all about
Fridge on his way to FL… it’s beginning to look like a Wild reunion team down there.
Good to see Russo’s vacation is only from the Blog and not from Twitter:
Fridge to Bolts
Russo apparently has seen the new 3rd jerseys and likes them. They should be unveiled during Training Camp.
mkia not the modano crap again why don’t you go stare at your life size poster and STOP POSTING crap!!!!!!!!
ATX, Goals of the Year: All delicious goals. I’d rearrange the top three or four a bit, but almost all of them prove that creativity + hardwork vs. laziness = highlight.
I’d even say that Hagman’s is the goal that really has it all since the defense wasn’t necessarily making it easy for him. But the fact that it was scored against the Cats probably hurt its overall rank.
wild1: Teh best advice I can give about this blog–keep scrolling down when you see…
Mister Know it all says:
Encrimson’d - I’d almost venture to say that anyone, at this point, actually commenting/replying to MKiA is probably one of his alter ego’s.
If that is not the case, people have not yet learned their lesson.
Mister Know it all is still trying to sell us the Modano nonsense?
I heard the Herschel Walker trade was his idea too.
MKIA, I like the Benny mentor idea, and he could only make the team better. But I truely believe he will retire after this season.
From Icethetics.com:
…Russo went on to tell Josh that, based on the pictures he’s seen, the new sweater will, in fact, be green with a “cursive” script across the front that reads “Minnesota Wild.” In other words, NOT what previous “leaks” would have you believe.
I dunno if I like the sound of that but I guess I’ll have to wait and see.
Wrong web address…
icethetics.info
MUDslinger
I dont know anything else to say on here at the moment. Speculation as to who the Wild will trade for is the only thing I can think of.
WallShot= I think the Wild will end up giving up peanuts for a guy that can get you 60 points. Those guys dont grow on trees.
Chris in CA, Modano could mentor Benny, very similar skill sets. If Benny is curious he has someone to help him be better
The Reality is people, the Wild are a serious contender this year
DR was right, you cant sacrifice your draft picks and your future to win in the moment.
The Wild need to get someone who can be an impact without taking too much from the depth to do it, so were looking for a + player
I say Modano because I cant see anyone else that you could pull this off with that would be an impact guy… Please tell me if you know of any
Ms. C thanks for the link on your twitter to Backs new mask. That boy is just not real creative, but that is ok. It still looks nice.
i got on the radio show but Richards says we have a 2nd line Center already, i’ll believe it when i see it
Encrimson’d i know i should just ignore mkia but sometimes he’s just so stupid
but i will not talk to him any longer and then maybe he’ll take his troll butt back under the bridge
It suits him, I think, kgoph… Steady Backy.
Mister: You previously ranted that the Wild will lose more games this year because of the new system and new regime. I recall you asking all of us to close our eyes and imagine leaving the X…Sounds like you’re backtracking now. I also like your quote “I think in the end Mister Know it all is going to be right.” You sound surprised that you might actually be right, for once. You won’t be, but it’s funny how you said it. I also like how you were looking at potential trades “online.” Is there a site dedicated to potential Wild trades OTHER than this sweet site? I’m sure you meant that you surfed Modano’s website and oogled his picture. To each his own.
Lastly, Mister, I don’t know why it has taken me so long to realize this, but you would love the Minnesota Twins. They consistently sign guys who have little to nothing left in the tank. They must think a change of scenery will make these guys magically produce; it never happens, but they try.
Sorry gang, I have been with holding information from you. I have searched the internets long and hard and narrowed down the identity of MKIA to either Russo’s evil twin or Dan the wannabe guru. I will report back once I have reached a final conclusion.
Many of you guys think that MKIA has alter egos.
Don’t you ever wonder if maybe he is another regular poster’s alter ego that just likes to get you guys riled up?
Don’t care one way or the other, frankly. My skipping MKIA posts policy has extended to also skipping posts in response to MKIA. Which has really cut my reading time down here. Mainly I just skim for my name at this point.
MKVN…
What the Wild will contend for is a playoff spot, not a Stanley Cup. Under that scenario, adding a veteran of Modonna’s ilk is not how to run a team. They (unless 2003 is re-created) are more than one player away.
No one is buying what you’re selling so move on. DR did. JL did too.
—I’m guessing someone making $450K/yr can probably afford one.—
Have you ever filed anything beyond a 1040EZ? That’s why you spend your youth busting your butt to become an NHL hockey player. So you can pay accountants/agents/lawyers $250 an hour and up or 5+% of whatever you make to file 20+ tax returns. Yeah, they have the money, but there are sure better ways to spend it.
Interesting little tidbit I heard from a credible source was that the Wild (Smug and/or JL) weren’t interested in Zach Parise as a player. I don’t know if that was at draft time or a later date when he may have been available.
Makes for an interesting scenario if it was Parise’s new coach, JL.
Looking at stats, I just noticed that Parise has only missed 2 regular season games in his four seasons.
kj: Decoys. Which night? Belated anniversary wishes.
Did anyone catch the TR gig on the radio? A summary? Thanks.
M 03…Decoys on Saturday.
It’s about time we get a Saturday. I am tired of being tired on Fridays…
Ms. C is does suit him, that is why I said I liked it. Just as Hards over the top ones fit him. Although I will say, I really didn’t like his Rascal Flatts one that much (probably because I am not much of a country fan). I did really like his one from last year. I like this year’s of Backs better then last year. It will be interesting to see what Hards comes up with for this year.
Marked my calender for October 6th, hopefully I can get a good seat.
KJ,
I am not understanding why we cant consider the Wild a Stanley Cup contender. I think speculation is part of the attraction of being a fan. I honestly would like to move on to a better idea, but none that I can think of makes sense. I have said for someone to come up with another idea but all I get is NHL video game chat
I think A fan could get excited about Bennys potential. Can bringing Modano in make Benny better, I suppose in a perfect world that would make the gm a genius and set the Wild up for the cup, because you would then would have Modano, Benny, Shep, Koivou and yes Bellanger I suppose as the 5th wheel
we are not a stanley cup contender and that kind of speculation is a waste of time, mkia. All this team has proved is that they are extremely inconsistent. Some guys give there all every night but most are just collecting a paycheck. Benny has potential but you dont need modano to show him work ethic. Maybe with this new system guys will buy into it and we wont be inconsistent every other night. This team is a bunch of underachievers. Ill tell you one thing richards and fletch are going to light fires under all these guys and if they dont respond they’ll be gone.
Stoned on the Breakaway says:
July 21st, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Have you ever filed anything beyond a 1040EZ? That’s why you spend your youth busting your butt to become an NHL hockey player. So you can pay accountants/agents/lawyers $250 an hour and up or 5+% of whatever you make to file 20+ tax returns. Yeah, they have the money, but there are sure better ways to spend it.
Actually, yes I have. Any yes, I agree it would probably be a pain to have to file that many different forms, but you know what? It is their choice. They could quit hockey and file in only one state if it was such a huge hassle. Contrary to popular belief, you have the option of not paying taxes. All you have to do is not make any money. Sure, that’s not a very attractive option, but it is an option none the less.
Just watching the “Hits of the Year” and… WOW, not the good hits themselves, but that a few of them were included as “good hits”. In #7 Pronger goes high with what appears to be an elbow (elbowing anyone?). In #5, Ballard goes low and takes out the legs (intent to injure anyone?). #4 is he catches the shooter from behind (checking from behind anyone?). So, out of 10 “Hits of the Year” roughly 1/3 of them could have easily been called as penalties? Are you freakin’ kidding me!? With 1230 games to choose from last season, they couldn’t come up with 10 unquestionably clean, legal hits?
MKVN…
If your idea of fun is idle speculation, why not fantasize about trading Harding and Sheppard to Washington for AO? It’s less far fetched than what you are thinking.
Modonna has zero chance of being traded to the Wild. Fletcher wouldn’t make that deal. He is not DR or Bob Gainey.
I have forseen it.
Harding will go to a team that could use a goaltender at a decent price. And it makes the most sense that the team he goes to is in cap trouble. The Wild would receive a scoring forward (and his cap hit) in return.
Possibilities?
San Jose
Filthedelphia
Ottawa
Chicago
Wait for it to play out. The closer we get to camp, the more anxious and desperate teams will get.
Ok, shootout goals of the year: Interesting that 4 of the 10 played in the WCHA (3 fairly recently). Sucks that the #1 was Datsyuk vs. Harding, but it was a nice goal.
Man, we really must need hockey news if we’ve resorted to arguing with MKVN!
now posted 7/21 - Todd Richards: http://www.am1500.com/ondemand/od_mattthomas.shtml
Goody, I was disappointed that Backs didn’t get one of the saves of the year. Didn’t he save one with the shaft of his stick last season? I looked for a video of it, but I can’t seem to find anything.
scanning, I see lots of MKIA-borne angst….do I need to read it?
WATX…I’ve always tried to engage MKVN. Perhaps he will string together a coherent post. Perhaps I am a masochist.
Why would anybody trade me? Ive played since I was like 3.
No, Nick.
AustinTXwildfan says:
July 22nd, 2009 at 9:08 am
Goody, I was disappointed that Backs didn’t get one of the saves of the year. Didn’t he save one with the shaft of his stick last season? I looked for a video of it, but I can’t seem to find anything.
I look at that as a good thing for a few reasons. It could indicate that he didn’t have need to make spectacular saves as maybe he’s always in position and/or doesn’t give up bad rebounds and/or his team mates help to the point he doesn’t have to. Some of those spectacular saves were necessary due to defencemen not doing their jobs. Some of them were necessary due to the goalie not being in position.
If I were asked, I’d have included at least a couple of saves from the cup finals made by players other than the goalie.
I thought it was 2 Shep…
Why would anybody trade me? Ive played since I was like 3.
FTW
I’d have included at least a couple of saves from the cup finals made by players other than the goalie.
I agree. Some of that stuff was incredible.
just coming off four straight days just me and the kids…is it bad that I’m psyched to be back at work?
No. I’d say that’s pretty normal, Nick. Welcome back to the land of Adults. We’re not as cute, but we’re not as sticky either.
No. I’d say that’s pretty normal, Nick. Welcome back to the land of Adults. We’re not as cute, but we’re not as sticky either.
‘Cept MKVN of course.
Thanks for the link M 03 - a good “get to know the new coach” interview.
but we’re not as sticky either.
funny you should mention…the 2 year old “found” a bottle of honey and experimented with it for a good 5 minutes before I got wind of it.
Let me tell you, a kid can do a llllllllllootttttttttt of damage in that amount of time with a bottle of honey.
I have skipped reading for a while since we don’t have any news. Slow time. I suppose I have to focus on work. Headed north this weekend–think we will work on Dark ‘n’ Stormies.
I’m guessing Wife in NY thought that was pretty damn funny.
Ms.C, kgoph: I tried searching Ms.C’s roiling sea of tweets but couldn’t find a link to Backs’ new mask. Anyone have a link?
Also, that photojob of Cal on the cover NHL 10 s’awesome.
On hockey buzz the Wild writer is talking about a Wild Third Jersey…
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Brad-Ratgen/Wild-3rd-Jersey-Coming-in-September–Looks-Sweet/78/22237
Hope this link works!
http://goaliepro.com/fi/uutiset/2009/w10toimitukset_heina2009.php
Yeah, whoever did the Cal thing does some cool stuff.
Back to trade talk. If we are to use Harding a piece in a trade, what seems most likely?
SJ has cap issues, but no need for a goaltender. LA has questions, but seems likely to give Quick and Ersberg a longer look. OTT claims to have what they want in Leclaire. STL seems like a possibility, but are they just waiting for Ben Bishop to emerge? TOR looks like they need a long term solution, but doesn’t seem to have what we are looking for.
So I keep coming back to Philly. Major cap issues. Abundance of offensive talent (particularly at center), and a weakness in net. Seems to me their future is to have Richards/Carter as 1 & 2 centers, making Briere the likely trade bait.
What would it take to get Briere? And what would we be willing to give up?
The cap hit is pretty high ($6.5 mil for 6 years, or until age 37), but he has shown that he can be a quality top line guy capable of playing both center or wing. If the Wild are truly going to play more up-tempo attacking style, here is a guy who excels in that type of play.
Do we really want Danny? I mean we already have one injury question mark with Havlat, do we really want to add another? I mean, if they are both healty it would be fantastic. But is it worth that risk? At a 6.5 cap hit for 6 years… I dont think it is.
Thanks for the link! The first shot of the side with the circular wild logo… meh. But I freagin’ <3 the side with the old growth tree above the tree line! Far better than the last one, IMO. Seems like goalies lean on the some-kind-of-animal-on-the-helmet crutch way too much.
Goody:
—And yes, I agree it would probably be a pain to have to file that many different forms—
Thank you. That was my original flippin’ point.
My new favorite goalie mask is Braden Holtby, who will likely be with Hershey next season. He has chocolate bars and hershey’s kisses on one side of his mask. As if he wasn’t delicious enough…
http://capsinpictures.blogspot.com/2009/07/washington-capitals-development-camp_18.html
Briere had issues last year, but I don’t think he has a long history of injuries. Compared to Havlat or Gabby, he’s Iron Man. I understand the concern though. My main concern is the last couple years. Will he remain as productive?
There’s risk there, but you won’t get too far not taking risks either. Cap concerns might be somewhat alleviated when noting Johnsson’s contract comes to an end next year. This would provide additional room to devote to guys like Koivu and Burns in subsequent years.
I don’t know if Briere is the answer, but he seems a likely, and interesting possibility, at least.
Year GP
—- –
98/99 64
99/00 13
00/01 30
01/02 78
02/03 82
03/04 82
05/06 48
06/07 81
07/08 79
08/09 29
Sure, not bad… but not great either.
Stoned on the Breakaway says:
July 22nd, 2009 at 10:27 am
Thank you. That was my original flippin’ point.
Sorry, I guess my point was that quite a lot of people (including me) wouldn’t mind having that problem so much provided the income came with it.
Two injury-shortened seasons out of 7 doesn’t seem like a problem. Prior to that he was spending time in AHL, so I don’t know that we can hold that against him.
Briere:
Cap hit - Could be good if it motivates Philly to move him for less than his production could demand. Could be bad in that it is long term and many scenarios must be considered as far as re-signing current players (Koivu & Burns).
Injury - Worrisome yes. I’d feel better if somehow the trade could go down and we could retain an ‘extra’ center to fill in if needed rather than calling one from Houston. I’m thinking Shep or PMB possibly - rather than shifting Belanger up, Brodziak up, and calling up the Pool Boy.
My other question is, if Briere isn’t your taste? What else is out there that seems realistic to pursue?
Wallshot.. Honestly, there isn’t much. The players I really want are unattainable. I just worry about Danny and his contract. I do like his point production though…
Honestly, I think if we can get Sharp from CHI I would be happy. He is younger than Danny and you wouldn’t have to give up nearly as much to get him IMO. Plus the Hawks are likely going to have to move someone before the season starts so they could be shopping him around. You don’t get the same production from Sharp as Danny, but you might get to hang onto a key prospect/young player that you otherwise would have to give up if you dealt for Danny.
Plus, if I’m remembering correctly, Sharp is cute!
Plus, if I’m remembering correctly, Sharp is cute!
yeah, I guess I can see that
I am completely confused at you people. I am taking off the gloves now !
Fletch would not bring in Modano… I am completely baffled… Am I in need of that much self reflection here ?? Let me think ….. I dont think so
And yes I do think we should argue about this. How many times have I been right on here ? It can be argued my speculation is dead on with most stuff
I seriously cant believe that nobody can possibly understand the rational of having Modano in a Wild uniform ? This completely, completely is unreal to me
—Sorry, I guess my point was that quite a lot of people (including me) wouldn’t mind having that problem so much provided the income came with it.—
I kind of figured that was what you were trying to say.
I am of the opinion that the life of a professional athlete isn’t as glamorous as it looks. Yeah, there are the guys making the big bucks with long careers, but they are the lottery winners that the rest dream of being. Most never make it out of the minor leagues at best. Then you may become a journeyman or even an above average player. You play a few years making way above average money that gets taxed at 50% or better after paying off agents and the like. If you are lucky, your career isn’t ended by an injury. But either way, by the time you hit your 40’s all those hits are making it tough to get out of bed and make it up and down the stairs. And if all you’ve ever done is play hockey, what are you going to do for the rest of your life? And of course, how many 20 somethings making several hundred thousand or more a year know enough to salt it away.
I know there are differences between the NHL and NFL, but an article I read the other day said that 70% who have played in the NFL are bankrupt or in financial distress within 5 years of leaving the league.
MKIA:
—This completely, completely is unreal to me—-
That’s because the sky in your world really is a different color.
What was that dated? Dec 01 or 03. Modo’s got a few miles on him since then. But what I really want is to be able to search the back issues and get that “Sex Toy Review” article.
How many times have I been right on here ?
Your March 2009 “Cup winner - Wild” post comes to mind.*
* I resisted responding directly to an MKIA post for at least a month, time to get back on the wagon.
My Point
KJ, Point number 1
If Fletch waits to the trade deadline to acquire playoff push support what will it cost him then ??
A reminder for you about the cost of him doing that
The deal is Nashville will trade Scottie Upshall & Ryan Parent plus a 1st round pick & a 3rd round draft pick for Peter Forsberg.
Say the Wild recieved a second round draft pick for Harding (like they paid for him ) and sent the pick to Dallas for Modano
Which deal looks better to you KJ ?
SotB, While generally you are right on your points I think the problem is a little less pronounced for NHL players. First, I don’t think they are quite as plagued with the injuries from earlier days as NFL’ers are. The number of ex-NFL’ers suffering from serious problems from concussions, etc is astounding–guys with dementia at 50. I also think they don’t generally have as many serious knee etc problems as ex-NFL’ers. Second, I think you have at least a few more hockey players who went to good colleges and are able to leverage that than in the NFL. I also think that on average (generalizations are wonderful aren’t they) that not as many hockey players are as crazy with their money as NFL’ers are–clearly many exceptions on both sides. Also, I think football and basketball players on average have been fawned over more in their formative years than hockey players and so more people have “taken care” of them over the years. This leaves them unprepared for what happens when the cheering stops and they are yesterday’s news. However, no doubt much of what you say does hold true for many former hockey players. I always wonder about the players who go the major junior route and often don’t get college educations.
I did say most stuff five? I may have thought the Wild would have a few less injuries.
I still think to this day its amazing that the Wild had Lemaire here that long and did not cash in. That is why I made the prediction. I still cant believe it and that is why DR is gone
Sharp is slap-my-azz-and-call-me-spanky HOT.
Briere is part Hobbit.
I think there’s a clear winner.
Briere is part Hobbit.
That made me lol.
It’s funny cuz it’s true.
Gopher hockey has had a tough four years but I don’t think Big Joe Finley would have helped those teams - http://www.startribune.com/sports/51401092.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUZ
This is considering Josh Harding as our tradeable asset
KJ, I looked at your teams rosters that you think Harding will go to and below is what I came up with
Philadephia= has no centers that make any sense unless they have an unproven prospect they can deal that the Wild may have high hopes on
Ottawa = has no centers that make any sense unless they have an unproven prospect they can deal that the Wild may have high hopes on
Chicago= David Boland= He might be a guy that offers us some good value for Harding that could perform better then our existing 3rd and 4th line centers
San Jose= Joe Pavelski
David Boland and Joe Pavelski would be good centers for Harding. I have my doubts whether someone is willing to roll the dice on Harding for a proven young productive center
Note Joe Pavelski is a player that the Wild might certainly be interested in. He is the kind of player that fits the current make up of this teams roster
Am I in need of that much self reflection here ??
Absolutely!
And yes I do think we should argue about this. How many times have I been right on here ?
You’re a 1%’er!
MKIA *hearts* Modo
LMAO
Mister Biskers ! one of my favorites, deres no doubt
I dont heart Modano Mister Biskers. Would I have find his entertaining in a Minnesota uniform again / Your Damm right ! And it makes sense too Mister Biskers.
KJ, KJ, KJ,
I think KJ may have found the player the Wild might could be looking at.
This is a possibility indeed. Josh Harding and Eric Bellanger for Joe Pavelski might get it done and that would no doubt improve the Wilds centers
Nice Work KJ….
Am I off of my Modano kick ? if they can get Pavelski I think I may drop his name on here until the trade deadline approaches and we are in need of a player for the push
Pavelski is exactly the type of player the Wild look at for this team so I would watch him closely
And yes I do think we should argue about this. How many times have I been right on here ?
I’m still waiting. I’ve seen you claim to be right after the fact, but that’s about it.
ATX, Ms.C RE Briere’s hobbitage: If I may interject, I’d say Briere hails from the riverfolk from who Gollum descends. But hobbits, riverfolk… It’s a matter of splitting dorky hairs.
The real question, however, is if Briere is hobbit, what the F is Tie Domi?
With 4 kids and the last in college, I realize that most campuses are unhinged from reality, but UND is in a world of its own when it comes to distractions from the educational process. That place is way off kilter.
is if Briere is hobbit, what the F is Tie Domi?
North Dakotan?
Somehow I knew you would chime in on that Ecrim.
My claims are never after the fact Wallshot. Evil knows
question for ya says:
July 21st, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Many of you guys think that MKIA has alter egos.
Don’t you ever wonder if maybe he is another regular poster’s alter ego that just likes to get you guys riled up?
————
You are about 200 posts too late. I already suggested it.
I was on my lunch break at McDonalds and I noticed you were getting bashed again son, so I felt I should come to your rescue.
I have seen you have been right on the rant plenty. The fact that you are able to come to a conclusion that Modano or Pavelski will be the next Wild center, I think is truly briliant !
You are a terrific armchair gm. I am so proud to have such a genius for a son
Hey Derek, Are you Boogy ?
I wouldn’t mind seeing Pavelski in a Wild uniform, but I don’t think SJ would likely move him. They need to dump salary and his salary is low. They also don’t have much need for a goalie, so it would have to be something other than Harding.
If anyone goes on SJ, I think it will likely be Marleau. My guess is they’ll pick up a cheap veteran (they currently have only one forward over 30) and probably some draft picks.
And I thought my bus was short.
ATX, you know I can’t resist. But FTR, Ms.C started it. :p
I’d love to see the Wild get a guy like Marleau, but I doubt they’re interested Harding since they have Nabokov. I wonder what it would take from us?
Does he appeal to you, ATX? Only a salary hit for one year, no injury history. But… at what cost?
Wallshot: Marleau is a guy I was looking at as well. KJ was talking about San Jose so I looked at them. The problem is he is worth his 6 million dollar salary but only has 1 year left on his contract
I think adding Marleau to the list is smart being that Richards former team is San Jose
Marleau makes sense
Modano makes sense
Pavelski makes sense
Naturally it may cost the Wild more then just the asset of Harding for Marleau
I can’t believe I had to go find a picture of Briere all on my own. What, no link?
Defined you have
Harding asset can buy you
Modano
Harding asset alone cant buy you
Marleau
Pavelski
Wallshot- just becasue San Jose or Dallas dont need a goalie, you can always trade Harding for a player or pick from another team and transefer ownership to Dallas or San Jose
Does he appeal to you, ATX? Only a salary hit for one year, no injury history. But… at what cost?
Yes he does. As for the cost, that is the million-dollar-question now isn’t it? Imagine a line with Havlat/Koivu/Marleau though… that would be gravy.
If you could get him for Hards, Benny, and a pick… maybe? maybe two of those three? I honestly have no clue what it would take to get him.
Only 1 year left on the contract though… That would make me more hesitant to give up too much.
I agree that is a risk having him only guaranteed for one year, just like having someone like Briere for several years is a risk. There is a negative to every possible move, but if the price not unreasonable, I would love to see the Wild take a run at Marleau. I’m sure Fletch would open up contract negotiations immediately if he made a move to get him, so there’s certainly reason to believe he may be retained for longer than that.
What makes the whole Modano scenario seem like a bad idea to most, Mkia, I think is not necessarily because Modano is a bad player or even that he wouldn’t produce this coming season is that there is no indication of any future benefit beyond this season. Harding is an asset that will likely add a benefit to a club for several years. Maybe you’re just jerking our chain, but if you’re serious - perhaps you can understand why people object to trading a long-term asset for a 40 year old center.
WATX, sorry. I didn’t think it was possible to forget what Briere looks like: a hobbit/riverfolk Paul McCartney mashup.
Only 1 year left on the contract though… That would make me more hesitant to give up too much.
Is there anything that doesn’t make you hesitant?
Don’t become an armchair DR now.
Wallshot that is why I am not a GM! I am not gutsy enough. I tend to weigh the negatives far more than the positives.
I agree that is a risk having him only guaranteed for one year, just like having someone like Briere for several years is a risk. There is a negative to every possible move, but if the price not unreasonable, I would love to see the Wild take a run at Marleau.
To me the lesser risk is always the shorter term. If he works out and we show him the love (as an organization) maybe he stays. Not too many hockey players have come to Minny and left saying their family didn’t like living in the Cities.
Ms.C started it
If I had a dollar for every time…
there is no indication of any future benefit beyond this season.
Exactly.
It’s kind of like all those dorks that quit their job and sold their house in 1999 and moved to the mountains, because they thought the world would end when the clock switched over to 00:01, 1/1/00.
Sure, if that’s your concern, then you did the right thing in the short term…but boy oh boy did you blow yourself up if you were wrong and this old rock kept on spinning into Y2K.
Which it did, I might add.
To me the lesser risk is always the shorter term. If he works out and we show him the love (as an organization) maybe he stays. Not too many hockey players have come to Minny and left saying their family didn’t like living in the Cities.
Right on right on.
Nick in New York says:
July 22nd, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Which it did, I might add.
COPOTD
Captain Obvious Post Of The Day
Yeah, I prefer Sharp. NO contest.
Still a hobbit.
Here is a funny one for Danny B. Be sure and read the caption below the photo.
he is pretty Hobbity…in related news, I happened to be watching some of the earlier Harry Potter movies recently and the kid they found to play Viktor Crum should absolutely be cast as Gaby if they ever do a movie about him.
(”It’s a Groinderful Life”?)
Crum? Krum?
IDK.
It’s Krum. I think he would need more splotchy facial hair though.
Still a hobbit.
I don’t get hobbit from Briere. I pictured them much differently in those books. I get more of Pop vibe from him.
From Russo’s Twat:
Russostrib: Sources say Wild has signed Nathan Smith, a depth center who’s played a handful of games w VAN & PIT; played for Richards in W-Barre #nhl
That guy.
Where, O where did he forehead go?
From Russo’s Twat:
This sort of phrasing makes me hesitant, ATX…
ATX, please please please let the trolls understand that Smith was picked up for Houston, and please please please let this not start another Fletcher flaming tirade.
I dunno, I’m kinda bored…. maybe some troll bashing could be kind of fun?
Smith clearly is a Houston pickup–former #1 draft choice of Canucks–23rd player selected that year. NHL record–17 games, 0g, 0a.
By the way, I cite Smith’s record in part to remind us that picking in the first round past the first few players is definitely a crap shoot.
This sort of phrasing makes me hesitant, ATX
Really? I wouldn’t know why…
In all fairness, Smith is exactly the kind of player DR liked to sign. Former 1st rounder, career stalled (or maybe in neutral), etc. And, as long as I’m being fair, I never had a problem with DR signing these guys.
You are so giving.
He’s for Houston, behbehs. No worries. I don’t think he’d be a DR reclamation project. Doesn’t score enough even at the AHL level. But he’s captainy, so that’s good. Can’t have enough captainy guys who will run around naked on a dare.
So far my favorite FA signing…
NiNY, except it seems (to me at least) that DR would sign them expecting them to play 2nd line…
Ok, maybe DR wouldn’t expect that, but he did seem to push the “was a 1st rnd pick - see, I’m doing a lot” angle didn’t he? Dunno, to me it seems he was always trying to sell the players as something they weren’t.
Just out of curiosity, how many more spots need to be filled in Houston? These kind of updates don’t even seem newsworthy. Perhaps that’s why it was just tweeted at this point.
Goody: fair, but then again, that’s not an unreasonable expectation for most first rounders.
Perhaps that’s why it was just tweeted at this point.
that and Russo and the blog are “taking a break” in their relationship.
Well, then again perhaps this move is really just to secure enough depth so we can trade Koivu, Sheppard, Belanger, and Harding for Modano.
Well, remember Russo is on “vacation”…
We’ve also signed Ryan Lannon, an AHL d-man. Man, we’re full up with good d-men. This is great.
Wall, you can read more about the Aeros roster here: http://thethirdintermission.blogspot.com/2009/07/aeros-roster-shaping-up.html
I need to update it with the new boys.
MKVN…when I have time tonight I shall enlighten you to oh so many trade possibilities that you have overlooked…
Nick in New York says:
July 22nd, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Goody: fair, but then again, that’s not an unreasonable expectation for most first rounders.
True. I don’t know, just thinking though that it seems that DR was always trying to appear to do a good job rather than just doing a good job.
Anyway, what does it matter now? NADA - hooray! Can’t wait for camp to start… Fly by August, fly by.
kj: it’s cool you’re going all “Miss Kinnian” on MKiA, but who’s going to put flowers on Wally’s grave (staying with the theme here, not literally) after MKiA gives up the ghost and bails?
that and Russo and the blog are “taking a break” in their relationship.
Yeah, I guess I was just thinking if anything big hits someone from the Strib will update here. RUSSO PROMISED!!!111oneone
Is there an official Number 2 for the blog these days or do we just get whoever currently has the least to do?
it’s cool you’re going all “Miss Kinnian” on MKiA,
Obscure Literary Reference POTD
Wallshot: my second choice was Private Joker, but that evoked a rather more graphic end game.
Well, I had to google Kinnian, because I think I read that book about 20 years ago.
yeah, it was one of those books that has stayed with me, obviously.
—> In all fairness, Smith is exactly the kind of player DR liked to sign. Former 1st rounder, career stalled (or maybe in neutral), etc.
In fact, he likes those players so much he drafted one for his very own.
Make that 2.
Is that book you guys are talking about called “Flowers for Algernon“? I had to look it up… it sounds extremely depressing.
WALLSHOT COMMENT:
What makes the whole Modano scenario seem like a bad idea to most, Mkia, I think is not necessarily because Modano is a bad player or even that he wouldn’t produce this coming season is that there is no indication of any future benefit beyond this season
MISTER KNOW IT ALL RESPONSE
The deal is Nashville will trade Scottie Upshall & Ryan Parent plus a 1st round pick & a 3rd round draft pick for Peter Forsberg.
Wallshot: The value to Modano is he only has 1 year left as we likely need the money after this year for Burns and others
Yes Harding has value but this team is ready now Wallshot. So if you bring in a Modano or Marleau this year and that is all you keep him for, the Wild have to give something up.
I am ok with a player that does not take furure picks or assets we need from this team and helps us this year. You see what Nashville paid for Forsberg
Even if Marleau was here 1 year could be his max and he costs 6 million
That’s the book. I don’t recall whether it was depressing or no.
Foodz.
Sharks wont trade Pavelski, he is the hardest working player on the team. Marleau is over the hump and we have enough old guys as it is. Briere is out of the question, more so than that idea of Marleau. We’ll wait and see what happens with teams that have cap issues and get the best young player we can get.
[…] The Wild have been shopping Josh Harding, their best expendable asset, all summer with no takers as yet. But to maintain continuity if he does get traded, they signed Wade Dubielewicz to a two-way contract. […]
[…] for Harding: The team signed Wade Dubielewicz as a potential replacement and has a team-elected arbitration hearing with Harding later this month. Even assuming a trade from the Wild, consider that the goaltending jobs have dwindled to backup […]
[…] for Harding: The team signed Wade Dubielewicz as a potential replacement and has a team-elected arbitration hearing with Harding later this month. Even assuming a trade from the Wild, consider that the goaltending jobs have dwindled to backup […]
[…] for Harding: The team signed Wade Dubielewicz as a potential replacement and has a team-elected arbitration hearing with Harding later this month. Even assuming a trade from the Wild, consider that the goaltending jobs have dwindled to backup […]
[…] Wild has signed Wade Dubielewicz to backup Niklas Backstrom and Josh Harding. They will most likely deal Harding when the right offer comes […]
