Wild signs Brodziak to three-year deal
Posted on July 23rd, 2009 – 10:29 AMBy Michael Russo
The Wild has signed restricted free agent Kyle Brodziak to a three-year deal worth $3.45 million ($1.15 million cap number), thus avoiding a July 30 arbitration hearing.
Last RFA to sign is goalie Josh Harding, who has a July 29 arbitration hearing.
Also, Wild officially signed defenseman Ryan Lannon to a one-year deal.
The team is also in the midst of making a number of changes to its scouting department, I hear. As I mentioned when Chuck Fletcher was hired, typically in GM changes, mid-July is the time scouting changes are made.
413 Responses to "Wild signs Brodziak to three-year deal"
nice call, Russo.
Hmmmm, curious though with the cap hit of Brodziak. Can’t exactly be seen as a money saving move now between him and Fritsche.
Oh, by the way. Welcome back, Russo.
I’m tellin’ ya. I’m beginning to think I may be a serial thread killer.
Bye bye Branislav
good point, Niv.
My guess is Russo’s not “back”, he and the blog are just doing a “on a break” random hook up.
As the organ-eye-zation fills out it has a bit of a Wilkes-Barre West feel. Or Pens West which isn’t all bad.
That’s a mighty big cap hit for a guy who was supposed to save us money over Fritsche. But we’ll see what he’s worth when the season starts.
Hopefully these signing are setting us up for a good trade for a no. 2 center. Not sure why else we would be signing some of them. I trust Fletcher so hopefully he doesn’t dissappoint. just my opinion.
Can’t exactly be seen as a money saving move now between him and Fritsche.
I was thinking the same thing. And I liked Fritzy.. the kid has some wheels. Hopefully Brodz proves he is worthy of the $$$.
makes you wonder if Fletch was surprised by Bro’s decision to go to arbo?
makes you wonder if Fletch was surprised by Bro’s decision to go to arbo?
I don’t think he was surprised, after all, it was his right to go to arbitration which he would be a fool to pass up. Especially going to a new team, I think he’d want to keep his options open. Plus, he got a three year deal out of it, so that’s not bad.
It’s too bad though. Fritsche did have a certain je ne ce quoi with the Wild. The new regime wants to surround itself with the people it knows, so Frits is on the outside looking in.
The new regime wants to surround itself with the people it knows
no doubt since it seems that 80% of our FA signings are people that played in the pens minor league system
The new regime wants to surround itself with the people it knows, so Frits is on the outside looking in.
yeah, that makes the most sense, IMO.
If there good player’s then who care’s where they come from.
If there good player’s then who care’s where they come from.
This is true… but I wonder if Chuck is just throwing away players he doesn’t know much about (i.e. Fritzy) just because he knows he can bring in players that he and Richards might be more comfortable with. Just because you are more comfortable with a player, that doesn’t make him the right player. I am not saying this is the case, but it feels like it a bit.
If there good player’s then who care’s where they come from.
I don’t think that’s really what we’re talking about. In a way, I have faith that the people we’re signing are good players for their respective roles.
But thinking about it, it looks like a couple of different options.
1) CF is going as low-risk as he can in the first year by building up the team with people he’s worked with personally.
or
2) CF is cherry-picking known assets from his old team that he knows will contribute to the new system.
Could be a mixture of both, but it is what it is.
I agree with both of you 
Then again there is still time to make a big move.
Maybe, Austin, but if they wouldn’t have given Fritsche a fair shot due to being less-familiar with him, then better that they identify that ahead of time and at least fill the “hole”, no?
I don’t think there’s going to be much difference between Fritz and Brodzy - that’s a pure guess but it’s not like Fritz was 1st line material for more than a shift or two a game.
Didn’t Fritz come from Pitt? My guess is CF was already part of a decision moved him, he let him go for the same reason.
I mean, lets face it: Fletch is essentially saying “hmm…should I go with the red boxers with the white polka dots or the blue boxers with the yellow polka dots?” with this Brodz for Fritche move.
we got Fritz from the Rags…though I don’t recall where he was before NY.
I don’t think there’s going to be much difference between Fritz and Brodzy - that’s a pure guess but it’s not like Fritz was 1st line material for more than a shift or two a game.
I agree with that mostly. I am just saying that it seems that Fletch is seemingly trying to stay within a certain comfort zone. I am just hoping that Fletch is not just ‘playing it safe’ by bringing in what’s familiar. Plus the fact that Brodz ended up being more expensive than Frizy. The big plus on most of Fletch’s signings so far were that he was replacing role-players with cheaper guys that can play the same role. It seems that is not the case all of the sudden. Honestly I am not knocking Fletch, it is just curious to me that’s all.
What are most 4th line centers getting paid? A million or less?
He might be overpaid this season because he will be a 4th line center but maybe in year 2 and 3 with no Belanger, he can move up to be a 3rd line center — which is about a million dollars in salary. I don’t see him moving to be a 2nd line center.
“This is true… but I wonder if Chuck is just throwing away players he doesn’t know much about (i.e. Fritzy) just because he knows he can bring in players that he and Richards might be more comfortable with.”
I would agree this is a concern. Fletch should be held accountable if this is his attitude and he’s bringing in players that work work out just because of his comfort level.
Still I get the feeling Brod has more upside than Fritche offensively speaking. Brod had 27 points last year to Fritche’s 9, and Brod has a bigger body.
I’m down with your 11:19 Austin.
“He might be overpaid this season because he will be a 4th line center but maybe in year 2 and 3 with no Belanger, he can move up to be a 3rd line center”
I agree, I think Brod will be a 3rd center though, I really think Shep or Belanger are going to be dealt.
“that won’t* work out” sorry
Word Nick.
I really don’t see Shep going any where, any way not until the new guy’s see what he can do in this new system.
Justin, thanks for pointing out the numbers.. But there is the fact that Fritzy only played 34 games, and Brodz played 79. If Fritzy played 79 it could be argued that he would have ended up with 21-ish points. Regardless of that, they are definitely similar players and we are stuck with Brodz for better or worse. I really was only worried about Fletch having a tendency to go with what is familiar.
Connect the dots:
- Signing players with connections to TL and CF
- The team is also in the midst of making a number of changes to its scouting department, I hear.
Also, as far as size goes, Fritzy and Brodz are damn near carbon copies of one another. Brodz has 1″ and 7 lbs on Fritz… that is not much difference. Fritzy is a whopping 1 yr younger than brodz. The only real difference is that it looks like Fritzy may have been rushed into the NHL because he has played in more NHL games even thuogh he is younger. But like I said before, none of this really matters… I am just pointing things out for fun now.
Brodz wins more than his share of face-offs and is good on the PK. He will be the 3rd line center sooner than later.
Almost every new GM/coach makes decisions according to comfort and familiarity especially at the beginning and as well they should it’s a smart move. Fletch knew Richards and he hired him, smart move. He knows alot of these players and he signed them, again smart move. Most importantly it’s not like he’s passing on superstars because he is unfamiliar with them. These guys are role players for the most part. There is’nt much difference between Fritsche and Brodziak other then Fletch’s previous association with him, that and he and Richrds obviously feel Brodz is a better fit in this new system. It’s not like Fletch passed on Ovechkin because he did’nt know him.(:
Indeed Tom… Indeed.
Brodz may beat out Belanger as the 3rd line center this season. You have to give Bleanger a chance in the new system but he ’s probably a 4th liner on most good teams.
I really don’t see Shep going any where, any way not until the new guy’s see what he can do in this new system.
Shep has 16, 17 years experience. hard to teach an old dog new tricks.
Yeah i forgot he started when he was 3.
That would make him a old dog would’nt it.
CF has a culture and chemistry that he wants to instill throughout the organization. It takes time to determine whether you and another person share the same ideals. When you find someone you share common ground with, you add them to your team wherever you may go so that they can help disseminate your ideals. You also then have trusted loyalists at every level who can help keep an eye on things.
CF is bringing in players that he and TR have a history with, know their talents well and know they have the right chemistry. Let’s remember they have been exposed to lot’s of players and there are many they have learned to not touch with a 10 foot pole.
It goes without saying that talent is necessary, but it is chemistry that leads to the SC.
That statement will dog Shep the rest of his career won’t it.
Kind of like Clinton saying “I didn’t have sex with that woman.”
Point taken, even so, projecting Fritche’s numbers out Fritche might have had a 15-16 point season if he played as many as Brod.
I just think this change fits more with the attitude of being more offensive minded than being any great Fletch likes his guys conspiracy. Fritche was only brought in when it became clear we needed another face-off guy. Fritche was only made available to us because he had a hard time cracking the Rangers’ lineup.
I wouldn’t cry too hard for Fritche not getting a chance here. He was brought in with the hopes of maybe being a 2nd center, but ended up a 3rd or 4th level guy on a team with too many 3rd or 4th level guys at that position.
And as we covered ad nauseum when Free agency opened.
Shep and Harding for a top 6 forward + a pick is probably a good and doable deal. But if this happens to be what Fletch is thinking also, he’ll probably wait as long as possible to pull the trigger.
I appologize if this was talked about already, but I think this a great idea, in reverse for the Wild.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/32104993
Axe Dumb and Dumber and let Kurtz and Reid do double duty.
Austin-POTD @ 11;41. Someone please update the wiki.
My guess is Russo’s not “back”, he and the blog are just doing a “on a break” random hook up.
I feel so used.
Does Belanger have any value?
My guess is Russo’s not “back”, he and the blog are just doing a “on a break” random hook up.
I think Russo is addicted. Five tweets in a matter of minutes do not a vacation make.
Belanger is probably worth brodziak to be honest.
Wasn’t he brought in to replace Todd White? Who btw is in position to get a huge increase in pay for centering kovalchuk.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed on Benny. Benny benny can’t you see? Sometimes your dangles hypnotize me!
Five tweets in a matter of minutes do not a vacation make.
Not that we’re complaining, right! 
Not that we’re complaining, right!
Oh, of course not. His tweets are one of two that I have sent to my phone. It’s pretty much my “fix”.
Its not just signing players because they are connected.
Like DR did for JL. If the coach has had success with a player in the past and that player is in flux. It makes sense to take a chance with that player to see if you can equate the move into better player perforamnce
This process Fletch is doing for Mister Richards should look familiar to you all as DR did plenty of the for JL
Yeah I know, Niv.
I just want to make sure Russo’s feeling the love so he doesn’t decide to take his ball and go somewhere else.
“I’m keeping my fingers crossed on Benny. Benny benny can’t you see? Sometimes your dangles hypnotize me!”
That’s cool man but don’t set yourself up for heart break. That kid can be insanely frustrating to watch. I’m in the club of, if he makes it that’s great but I am not sitting around waiting for him to make an impact. JMO
Also our scouting department does need a serious make over but I wonder if that starts at the top with Tommy Thompson and Guy Lapointe? Or is that just the regional scouts, etc?
Anybody see the NDSU furniture throwing story. Pretty funny. I read about 6′7″ Joe Finley throwing some elbows and talking some trash during development camp for the Caps. Sounds like he could be an interesting replacement for Brash, he seems unbalanced enough.
Like DR did for JL.
Dom Moore comes to mind…
DR: I got you Dominic Moore to fill that spot at Center.
JL: Who’s Dom Moore?
I thought the reason for bringing in Brodziak was because Fritsche would have commanded almost up to a 1M deal??? Now they’re spending more than that on the same type of player? You just had a better, faster, cheaper center and you let him go ??? Confused… Brodziak my have had more points, but he played more games…Fritsche sat out half the season w/ NYR…
Mine’s the other one, right Niv?
Kidding. I kinda love Twitter though.
Jordan, I just retweeted an interview from the Caps with Finley. The guy is just so frank with media, it’s so refreshing, even if being frank also means he comes across as an a-hole a little bit. I’ll take that over cliches every day of the week.
I’m with you Ms. C. There was this bit about how when he slashed Bucky the Badger he had to write an apology, and he basically said, “Stay away from my goalie.” I guess Bucky was sieving him right in his face.
He’s definitely a good quote. I like the Caps blog too. Decent hockey folk over there.
Yep, I could totally be a fan of that team. And Hershey’s a great (and winning) organization, too. It’s top to bottom there. Never mind the plethora of excellent goalies they have now.
BNAG @ 12:26. +100000000000
Center production by team
Minnesota Koivou 67 - Shep 24 - Bellanger 36 = olevecky 7 (134 points)
Pittsburgh Malkin 113- crosby 103 - Kennedy 35 Stall 49 Talbot 22 (322)
Vancouver Sedin 82 Kessler 59 Burrow 51 Sundin 28 Ryan Johnson 9 (229)
Detroit Datsyk 97 Zetterberg 73 Franzen 59 Kopekcy 19 Flippula 40(288)
Here is a comparison of where the Wild are at center right now. These stats are for the regualar season only
These show why the Wild should have kept the signing of Nathan Smith a secret
Mine’s the other one, right Niv?
Well, I need to add your Twitter feed as I’m sorely remiss in not having it sooner.
MKiA, those numbers are garbage when you consider that JL’s system requires the center to play high in the zone.
The JL comment is perfect, new system you will see huge production.
plus, I forget, but didn’t we trade for Mansierre, meaning we gave something up to get him? Frtiche was already paid for in that respect. So, I hope these two really aren’t just interchangeable parts, or it looks like a dumb move. I’m guessing (hoping) they see more upside with Mansierre.
“jay ferguson…Bea Arthur? I was always an Estelle Getty guy”
I’ll take Betty White. She’s the bee’s knee’s. Oooohhh what gams!
I was kidding Niv. It’s pretty boring.
“She is pretty skinny Stoned.. but she is super hot. We could go with Scarlet Johanson instead…”
I’ll take Megan Fox. I would drink her sweat. I’d eat the corn out of her…..
Pewts.
Seriously.
Take a knee.
new system you will see huge production.
Don’t get your hope too high… it will hurt a lot more when they fall.
Kind of like Clinton saying “I didn’t have sex with that woman.”
Or possibly “depends on what you mean by the word is”
Brodziak I think was signed in part because of his face-off ability–a known liability for us last year.
Brodziak I think was signed in part because of his face-off ability–a known liability for us since birth.
Fixed it for you, wood.
face-off ability–a known liability for us last year.
It has steadily increased in the last few years though. Last seasons FO stats seemed to be a lot better than two seasons ago. I have not stats to back this up… but it sure felt like we won more last year. Hopefully the (seemingly) upward trend continues.
We need a traitor to mix things up. Joe sakic coming out of retirement? Mad at the avalanche? Peter Forsberg?
hmm…
who else…
Does this mean that Gabby’s brother isn’t going to be our scout in Czechoslovakia anymore?
NiNY, I accept the friendly amendment–how true.
Jordan says:
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Anybody see the NDSU furniture throwing story.
No, but I did see the UND furniture throwing story. “alcohol was involved” Really!? Who-da-thunk?
Austin: that was my feeling as well (IIRC Mikko is becoming very strong on the dots), but then again, if I start with a nickle and you give me two pennies, I may have more money, but I sho ain’t rich.
Brodz is our future 3rd line center? Lord, please help this Wild team…..I hope he’s way way way better than what he’s shown. Jordan Staal, now that is an appropriate 3rd line center.
Mister Know it all says:
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:39 pm
These show why the Wild should have kept the signing of Nathan Smith a secret
Ok, so I wanna make sure I’ve got this straight… the numbers posted show that the Wild were way, way behind in terms of production from their centers. Obviously they should try to keep the signing of a center bound for the AHL affiliate a secret!
Mnangler says:
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Jordan Staal, now that is an appropriate 3rd line center.
I’ll defer to KiPA’s judgement, but I do believe on most teams Staal would be a 2nd. Of course that’s not to say that having him as a 3rd would be a bad thing as it would mean you’ve got two very strong centers above him…
Goody, that may be true. He doesn’t have 2nd line numbers IMO but he’s got a ton of potential.
the one thing I will say for Brodz is at least he’s played in 79 and 80 games each of the last two seasons for Edmonton. That’s a positive. His stats are a little bit of a disappointment, again just my opinion.
No news is good news sometimes Goody
Niveous yes the points should get better with Koivos and Sheppard I agree
I would say Sheppard 59 and Koivou 75. Then what Niv ?
I could think of better ways to spend a 2nd overall pick but Staal is a talented player stuck behind two of the best centers currently in the NHL.
Ryan Kesler is more of a top 3rd line center, IMO.
I’ll also defer to KiPA’s judgment, but I don’t see Staal being happy as a third line center for the rest of his career, unless they win the Stanley Cup every year this way.
I was expecting to see more complaining about Brodziak’s salary. Instead, I see rationale thoughts being posted, excluding Mister. Good work people. Carry on.
I meant rational, not rationale. But, I think that third grade teacher is gone for awhile so no one probably noticed.
Mnangler says:
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Goody, that may be true. He doesn’t have 2nd line numbers IMO but he’s got a ton of potential.
But he also doesn’t play with 2nd line wings. Throw him out there with 2nd line wings and that pass he made gets put in the net by its recipient, or maybe he gets a few more tape to tape passes setting up some goals of his own.
Just throwing this out there…
Brodz most productive season was when he was coached by TR, thus I believe that they are expecting him to be significantly better in this system. Albeit, his most productive season was in the minors, but this would be the way I’d connect these dots.
Mikko
Belanger
Brodz
Shep
no more speculation needed
I would say Sheppard 59 and Koivou 75. Then what Niv ?
Who knows? Chances are that Butch plays our 2nd center this year. Put Butch at C and pray we get a good scoring winger and he could put up 60-70 points. Taking your numbers, then we’re in range of Vancouver. Comparing us to the two teams that were in the Cup final…whatever. We’re not there yet.
Too many questions on the roster still. Brodz our third line center? Is Butch going to be a winger or a center? What’s Shep going to do this year? How is a new up-tempo system going to play in the division? Nobody knows, so stat comparisons beyond random speculation doesn’t mean anything until the season kicks off.
it will be interesting to me to see the reaction among Wild fans if CL and TR’s team doesn’t score more goals this season.
How many people (of the ilk that come on here out of the blue and only to whine for a minute) are going to appreciate the difference between more goals and more chances, if not more goals - particularly when the team is in its first multi-game losing streak (which could be very early in the season)?
It just seems like some people think the absence of JL automatically raises players’ point totals. While I’m not saying that can’t happen…what happens if Shep doesn’t produce 50 points or more this season? Or if Mikko doesn’t become Zetterberg’s twin? Who will those fans blame?
And, what happens if those points do roll in, but the team still misses the playoffs? WTF are those fans going to do then?
And, what happens if those points do roll in, but the team still misses the playoffs? WTF are those fans going to do then?
I’ve long said, pretty much from the beginning that this is going to be a tough year for the Wild. Lower scoring and/or missing the playoffs are both a possibility. It is a rare situation where a new coach and GM can implement a new system without taking a step back first.
To me the bottom line is that the team is not materially more talented than the team that beat the BJs in game 82 last season. Our “top end” talent certainly doesn’t extend farther down the depth chart than it did last season.
Now, I realize the roster today may not be the roster on opening night or down the stretch next season.
And I don’t see the foregoing as an indictment of CL as a GM to this point.
So I don’t know what a coach that espouses a more open, attacking system than the last one is realistically going to be able to get his team to do at both ends of the ice that leads to more Ws. Again, not saying it can’t happen…
I’m really not trying to be negative (I don’t feel negative about the team right now), just…realistic?
(I don’t feel negative about the team right now), just…realistic?
+1
It is definitely a safe bet to stick with the cautious optimism. It would be great if the system magically makes us the next incarnation of the Pens/Wings, but that is fairly unlikely… so staying grounded is the optimal plan. I like the team so far, but I can’t help but think this next season could be less than stellar. i will wait until the first homestand before really passing judgement though. having all those games on the road right out of the gate might make for a rough start to the season.
I expect they probably won’t take any steps forward in the standings this year, but I hope they are at least more entertaining to watch. All I’m asking for is a team that won’t make me automatically turn off the TV when the other team scores it’s 3rd goal.
NiNY,
Pour yourself a highball of Kool-Aid call Jay Ferguson in the morning.
When Fletch brings us an offensive power forward before the season starts to play on PMB’s line the complexion of this team changes. Until then this is the same team as last year, regardless of the ’system’. For the record I’m ecstatic that the system is changing.
Now back to Megan Fox…
also, before those so inclined jump me on this topic, I am not saying I don’t want them to be Cup contenders, or am satisfied thinking they’re not any better than before.
That couldn’t be farther from the truth about what I want. But I realize that what I want and what I’m going to probably get are two different things at this point, yes, until CL finds and signs that 6-6 power forward from Peru that no one else scouted, Pewts.
also, to be fair, I do somehow feel like the cupboards in Houston are more full than they were before - which is really the most it appears we could have expected from CL personnel-wise to this point given how thin the trade market has been since he took over.
until CL finds and signs that 6-6 power forward from Peru that no one else scouted
Maybe he could just slip something into Rick Nash’s morning coffee that magically makes him demand a trade to the Wild….
Nick,
CL…. or CF.
oops…CF, but really, if CL finds and signs him that’s cool with me too.
Austin, there’s probably better odds of that happening than the 6-6 power forward from Peru landing in our laps.
“Maybe he could just slip something into Rick Nash’s morning coffee that magically makes him demand a trade to the Wild….”
Even a player like Backes or Bfugly (Chicago) improves our second line dramatically.
I heard Havlat’s nephew has been hired to scout the Peru market.
Even a player like Backes or Bfugly (Chicago) improves our second line dramatically.
True… but when it comes to thing that will never happen I aim high. Kinda like the car I would buy if I won millions of dollars in the lotto…
“but when it comes to thing that will never happen I aim high.”
Come on. There’s a new sheriff in town.
I heard Havlat’s nephew has been hired to scout the Peru market.
LOL…would that be Julio, Jesus or Jaime Havlat?
Come on. There’s a new sheriff in town.
Fair point. But still… I like to aim high. 
NiNY, I think that the Houston cupboards are more full only because of two factors–one, some of our players are now old enough to play in the AHL e.g., Almond, McMillan etc and two, we have signed some career AHL’ers who possibly could help in a pinch. I don’t think the players in that latter category–Smith, Lannon, Milroy, DiSalvatore are really prospects and anything more than 4th liners and #6 or 7 D. Like you I am optimistic but realistic but also aware that we may make some further moves as teams feel cap pressure that may make me become more optimistic.
*hats off to Buehrle*
Thinking of the old Del Shannon tune, NiNY. A bit better performance than Blackburn or Perkins, eh?
“LOL…would that be Julio, Jesus or Jaime Havlat?”
I think his name is Paco Martinez-Havlat…
Just marking time until we pick up a significant player from a team in salary cap hell.
Does anyone know who all is ufas next year that is good or draft choices if we bomb the season
Is Kessel’s name still being bandied about in trade talks lately?
I’ll defer to KiPA’s judgement, but I do believe on most teams Staal would be a 2nd
Right now, Staal is the ideal third line center. Not enough offense for a top two, solid defensively, excellent PKer, even starting to hit people (156 or something last year, a number I was pleasantly surprised with.) Could be a No. 2 right now.
Had super-high expectations after 29 goals his rookie year, fell well short, bounced back with 22 this year and two of the biggest playoff goals. Gave the team great depth which was a tremendous factor in the Cup run. Definitely room to grow offensively, definitely wants to be a top two center. Definitely needs to work on his scoring touch. One writer once opined to trade Malkin and keep Staal (this was some time ago, I forget when) as Staal’s defense would prove more valuable.
For this team, yes, the No. 2 pick could’ve been better spent (i.e. Kessel.) But, again, that depth down the middle proved quite valuable.
Also, MKia, those stats you mentioned? Kennedy isn’t a center.
AustinTXWildFan said:
It is definitely a safe bet to stick with the cautious optimism. It would be great if the system magically makes us the next incarnation of the Pens/Wings, but that is fairly unlikely… so staying grounded is the optimal plan. I like the team so far, but I can’t help but think this next season could be less than stellar. I will wait until the first homestand before really passing judgement though. Having all those games on the road right out of the gate might make for a rough start to the season.
I will feel more confident about the Wild’s season if they can come out of the Carolina game (Nov. 15 at Raleigh) at least at a .500 pace.
Eight of the 10 games following that road trip will be played against teams which did NOT make the playoffs last season. That is when the Wild must show to their fans that what CF and TR are doing will take the team in the right direction. Otherwise, it will be a long, cold winter…
I didn’t like the contract #……..
I am hoping that brodz steps it up and proves himself as a third line center…..
are we supposed to be excited about this signing? gimme a break. please! the gang still needs a legit goal scorer (or three) to compete. this cat isn’t the answer.
re: hoping Russo feels the love… don’t count on him reading the comments as often as we hope he does. (Apologies to the grammar police.)
Kevin- I went to NHL.com. The reports I see show players in wrong possitions so I thought I tried to correct and come close
I was trying to figure out why KJ thought San Jose was a landong ground for Harding.
Further investigation showed Pavelski looking sexy, and is the prototype Wild player. Does San Jose trim cash and trade Nabakov and then trade Pavelski for Harding. Did Mclelan coach Harding in Houston ? Misconduct maybe you can speak to that question if your willing to speak with me for a moment ?
If Vancouver has 228 production points from centers, Pavelski could help us close that gap in a hurry
Mister: I like Pavelski too. However, I don’t know how you can call him the “prototype Wild player” when we just hired a new coach and GM. At any rate, we are not getting Pavelski, especially straight up for Harding as you suggest.
I don’t think San Jose is a likely place for Harding. I still think we will have him until a team in the running decides to change up their goalie or a goalie on a competing team goes down. Obviously, his value at that point will be higher than it is now.
Under my scenario, a team like Chicago, Detroit or Washington seems likely.
t micheal…..just to let you know, this “signing” was for a player already on the roster….so….no….you aren’t supposed to be “excited” by it…..just the same when harding is “signed”
restricted free agents nothing more, nothing less…..and no….this wasn’t for scoring depth….the trade market is still there…..we will be the recipient of some teams salary dump….at the very least breire…..who knows…..but it wont happen for another month…..so be patient…..
I peg teams like Detroit, Washington and Chicago as having enough offense to win games even with an average or below average goalie performance so it makes sense that they would think a guy like Harding would be able to take them over the hump and perform in a tight playoff game. What do I know though?
detroit hasn’t traded for a goalie in forever forest….and if they do decide that ozzie isn’t good enough, then they will turn to howard before trading for harding….
san jose is only an option if they feel nabakov has only 1-2 good years left….and if it is a trade they certainly won’t trade pavelski….they need to dump salary, not young gifted players…..marleau or cheechoo will be traded….
chicago….washington (I can’t think of any players i’d want aside from the two unatainable guys…)….philly is a certain option……maybe st. louis….maybe toronto…
….sigh…..slow week….the wild are focoused on internal changes….the vikings sign winfield (awesome), but favre is waffling like usual..at this point I think we should just call him the Great Belgian ….rubio may or may not be coming to the wolves….and the wolves traded for Q richardson’s expiring contract…which will be traded before the season starts…….
it’s been a strange week in minny…..
I agree with you argon. Maybe Detroit is due to make a change?
only if howard fails miserably
Typical change with a new GM.
Casualobserver= This team is not going to be ratically different then when DR was here. Brodziak is a prototypical Wild player as well
The team was built with a solid foundation of having the bluecollar hardworking type mentality with its players. Wes Walz, as an example. The team is like the fans that pay the money. Joe Pavelski is a 7th round pick which the wild have a few of those
I would say that Fletcher if anything going back to what the Wild were before DR started tripping.
That is why after 6 months of watching Fletcher he looks to be a younger energetic version of DR
Everyone shows me no love about Modano but you know what I would take Pavelski if we can get him with Harding type assets obvioussly
We haven’t had Fletcher for six months. You can’t tell me the Wild are the same team without watching a single game, let along a single practice run by Richards. And, if the Wild are the same, quit spouting off about winning the cup. Pavelski is a seventh round pick, ok. So what? He produces. Doesn’t matter what round he is. He has value to the team and he is a young guy. He will not be a part of a trade for Harding, should SJ even decide to pursue him. As argon correctly pointed out, SJ has other guys they will move before giving up Pavelski. Again, I like him too, but we aren’t getting him. You can continue to have these things make sense in your mind, and you can continue to repeat yourself on the blog, but it does not make anything you say more of a reality.
That is why after 6 months of watching Fletcher he looks to be a younger energetic version of DR
I am stunned at this statement. It has left me nearly speechless.
so would we mkvn…….the problem is, as I have stated, the sharks need to unload salary desparatly, and pavelski is really cheap still at 1.6 mil…..
they would trade one of these guys…
Marleau-6.3 mil
thornton-7.2 mil
Michalek-4.33 mil
Cheechoo-3.00 mil
Boyle-6.667 mil
also nabokav is only 33, and most goalies can play starter claber til they’re 37…..although nabby is an unrestricted free agent after this year, so that might make harding an attractive player for them….depends on their long term veiw of nabby…
Boyle, Michalek, and thornton probobly wont be traded…although michalek is kind of the perfect player to pair with butch……
What stuns you about that statement Niveous? The fact that Leopold announced Fletch’s hiring on May 22 and not six months ago? Or was it the part about Fletcher being a younger DR although he has only been our GM for roughly two months?
Casualobserver feed him enough so we don’t need to.
I went to NHL.com. The reports I see show players in wrong possitions so I thought I tried to correct and come close
Yep, sometimes they have wrong positions listed. I wasn’t picking on you, just setting the record straight. Kennedy’s a right winger.
Onto other subjects: As of right now, I would not count Detroit or Washington as landing places for Harding. The Wings still have a guy who’s won them two Cups already and almost a third. Are they going to dump him for an unproven like Harding? Also, I agree that they’ll check out Howard before Harding. Washington will want to see what they have in Varlamov, who definitely impressed in the playoffs.
Chicago needs a backup. The Kings need a goalie period. San Jose needs a backup. The Flyers will realize that they need a backup in December.
The Flyers will realize that they need a starter after they’re eliminated from the playoffs.
Fixed.
The Senators will need a starter if Leclaire goes down with an injury again. The Thrashers are in need of a goalie. Montreal needs a back up. Those are my goalie necessity summations. I excluded our own division. Obviously this is just my personal feel of the NHL though.
I hate to say it, Kevin in PA, but I wouldn’t exactly call Emery “fixed”. I could be wrong. I didn’t think Marc Andre was going to be good enough for the Penguins. Of course I still think that Marc Andre isn’t good enough for the Penguins. I am clearly wrong, but that’s me being stubborn.
I don’t know if you missed my joke or not…I meant to imply that neither Emery nor Boucher is a legit starter for the Flyers.
And if you don’t think Fleury’s good enough…well, so be it. I won’t bother discussing it.
Fair to say. I didn’t mean any animosity for my comments. I did notice it, but I had already replied. I do honestly believe that they’ll be asking for a goalie come December though.
No worries. I agree with you on the Flyers goalies. Don’t trust them all that much.
Here is what I would envision for forwards. I cant see Weller taking a spot and I cant envision Bellanger and Brodz handling the 3rd or 4th line centers. One of them only please. Our D and goalie are awesone
Koivou Mittens Havlat
Shep Bouchard Bruenette
Brodz Clutterbuck Boogs/Gillies
Bellanger or Modano or Pavelski… Owen Nolan Pouliot
Not to mention Shep is unproven. I like him though and think he can get us 55 to 60 points. I think Koivou can get us perhaps 80
Combined you have 135 and that is more then all the centers last year performed
Brodz 27
Bellanger 36
About 200 points total and that is counting on Shep top more then double his points from a year ago and Koivou to go up another 13 points. Nobody gets hurt as well
You see its a gamble going into the season not adding a center with some offensive abilities. You cant trade a winger because then you add another problem
KiPA…good to see you. Did Alan from Vancouver make it to the parade?
Don’t forget tomorrow night at Decoy’s.
The dreadful economy hit home yesterday. I still have a job…just a huge pay cut. Not likely to have any trips this year WRT…unless you can sneak me into your luggage.
Harding trade options (obviously may include more assets going the other way):
From SJ…Marleau or Michalek.
From Chi…Sharp
From Phi…Gagne or Carter
From Ott…Heatley or Fisher
Here’s my take on the 2009-2010 lines:
Wing Center Wing
Havlat Koivu Bru/IGoW
Power Foward TBD Butch Bru/IGoW
C-Bomb Brodz B4 hoes Gillies
I could live with that.
Ok, since I can’t post comments to HTP from my Blackberry for whatever reason and I agree with this from KiPA, I am going to post it over here for discussing.
I know this is partially beating a dead horse, and that nothing can be done about it, but I wonder if Minnesota made the right choice in signing Niklas Backstrom to an extension. If Josh Harding is as good as to be believed, Doug Risebrough should have looked into trading Backstrom at the deadline and roll with Harding as the No. 1. Maybe Risebrough tried and didn’t get anything he liked. But again, that’s in the past. I felt Backstrom was their biggest trade chip as the deadline approached, before and after Backstrom’s extension
I know everyone saw Backs as our hockey savior but this really is an excellent point & I have always like Hards better. Hards was hung out to try by the D last year when he played coupled with a whole lot rust, he also seemed to have higher then usual shot on goal against him which could help (but not completely) explain his number of loses last year. His goals against (2.21) & save percentage (0.923) were decent number. Yes, he only played 13 games so who knows how that would have changed. The year before he played 29 games, had a 2.94 gaa & 0.908 save percentage. I would also be curious to know how many of Hards loses last year came after Backs was yanked that Hards got stuck with. Some of those were his fault & some of those were Backs had already let in too many and our offense just couldn’t help them out. Ok, sorry for the rant. Just my thoughts and it is ok if you completely disagree with me, just be nice about it.
Wow, can I not type today!
Discussion, not discussing
Liked not like
Whole lot OF rust
Shots on goal not shot on goal
Losses not loses (x2)
Hung out to dry not try
And I am not trying to say that I don’t like Backs,that I think Backs is a horrible goalie, that I think Hards is a hockey savior, that if Hards had more starts last year that his numbers would have been better or that I know how either will play in the new system.
From Phi…Gagne or Carter
kj, if we could get either of them, that would be a total coup! I have to believe, though, that Carter, at least is untouchable. Unless we are trading them Koivu as well. The guy had almost 50 goals last year.
Mister Know it all says:
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Here is what I would envision for forwards.
Koivou Mittens Havlat
Shep Bouchard Bruenette
Brodz Clutterbuck Boogs/Gillies
Bellanger or Modano or Pavelski… Owen Nolan Pouliot
Interesting strategy putting last year’s highest goal scorer on the 4th line…
nolan will be on the second line, bruno the first…..nolan most certainly could end up on the third line as well, but not the forth…..
…oh well, I am tired of speculating…
Not sure if this has been discussed on here yet, but TSN reporting that Hossa may need shoulder surgery that would keep him out until December…
I think he’s having it today. If I’m Marty Havlat, I’m chuckling to myself.
I agree that Carter is probably untouchable but otherwise I like kj’s crib sheet. However, I think the Wild’s chances of landing a big time player are more likely if Fletcher can come up with a three team deal which would open up more destinations for Harding.
MKIA, I know you smoke the rock and all.. it’s the only explanation for your ramblings… but you really have to be on some heavy drugs if you think Nolan is pulling 4th line duty. He was one of the bright spots last year and he had good chemistry with PMB. Look for him on the second line for sure.
Goody- I have no order of preference on the lines.
I would suspect that Koivous line number 1- but after that Shep or Modano/Pavelski line would be second
We need Pouliot. My strategy to get him going is a proven leader and good fit for him Modano. Kind of like when you go to the horse races and you bet on a horse from the same stable, like 1 and 1a for the same price. That is my theory
Weller is is a slug, dont even waste time with him. Send him to Edmonton so he can be friends and not foes with Souray
I should say we dont have to have Pouliot but life will be better with him for the wins and losses
Hossa may need shoulder surgery that would keep him out until December…
That guy is like a combination of broken mirrors and black cats. and lol @ teh Wings. That is funny.
We need Pouliot. My strategy to get him going is a proven leader and good fit for him Modano.
That’s the funniest thing I’ve read in a while. Thanks.
Agreed, Ms.C.
Let the hockey gods decide gang. Many people dont agree with obama right now but he is a smart guy right and he is probably very right ?
I am giving it to the new gm and its right in his face. The numbers dont lie. I gave shep more then double his numbers, and I raised Koivous numbers.Still fall very short of Vancouvers numbers. Hmm, lets see did Vancouver win the division last year ??
All he has to do is make 1 move right now for a center. Yes the same move DR could not make. A BOLD ONE.
I even have showed the gm if he cant get Pavelski or equal, then look at Modano for a year. The move would likely get him going because he wants to play here. Why should I do the gms job for him ? I guess I like to do volunteer work to help people.
Austin Texas- I dont smoke crack !
Funny thing is you all like Nolan. Nolan can still play and likely will for 2 more years. I think it is reasonable to say Modano will as well.
Neither one of these two are to the point in life that destroyed Parrish and Wes Walz career. That is why age does not so much matter with in reason. Unless injuries happen of course
Modanos problem is he is need of a new look- I would say look for New Jersey or Minnesota to end up with him at some point this year
I dont smoke crack !
Are you sure? It seems like you do sometimes….
You know I am just messing with ya. I don’t me any harm.
Mean* not “me”
can we drop modano and pavelski already? Not happening. Modano retires a star and pavelski resigns with the sharks. Sorry to burst your bubble mkia.
“Dany Heatley won’t be attending the wedding of Senators linemate Jason Spezza(notes) this weekend. Just as well. Heatley would be out of place where people are making commitments.” - Off The Posts
Hilarious!
I know Austin, its all in fun
Chris in CA, If Modano retires in Dallas he will die a premature death
maybe the rumours around Scotiabank place are true…maybe Dany Heatley doesn’t want to get his lights punched out by irate husband Chris Neil.
What is this all about?
Enquiring minds want to know!
This may shed new light on the reason he wants out.
Shades of ‘Major League’?
However, this strategy did land a Cup for Chris Pronger.
been reading for a couple of days now and have to say MKIA, madano is a fairy tale story, it would be really cool to see him back in Minnesota but not the right move for fletch. Does dany heatley have many options? there was that talk with the oilers but that fell through, you’d think a star like this that wanted out would be out already… I think he’s stuck
what is it lunch?
If Modano retires in Dallas he will die a premature death
He could be dead and you’d still try to get him on the Wild roster.
So what have I missed being in the underemployed funk that I am? … anything?… ok, so not much apparently.
Does anybody know how many days till stuff starts, how bout training camp, how many days till that? I would do the math myself, but… math is hard…
My point gentleman and gentleladies is that we all know you can be flat after being on one place for as long as he has and he is not even from that climate to begin with. From Detroit I think, and he has nice lips Misconduct, but older then Crosby.
What a collection of village idiots this place is! My buddy told me to check this place out if I ever want a laugh. Well, thanks! It was fun reading…really. hahaha
Being called an idiot by someone from Vancouver is like being called ugly by Rosie O’Donnell.
What a collection of village idiots this place is! My buddy told me to check this place out if I ever want a laugh. Well, thanks! It was fun reading…really. hahaha
Oh…Alan from the dog park is your buddy? It must be saaaweeeet to see all that confetti on the street from that Stanley Cup parad…oh…that’s right…nevermind.
Being called an idiot by someone from Vancouver is like being called ugly by Rosie O’Donnell.
iAC?
iAC?
Oh know you didn’t…
“My buddy told me to check this place out if I ever want a laugh.”
what a bunch of hosers, eh?
Coo loo koo koo koo koo koo kooooooo!!
Break’s over, get back to the Elsinore Brewery bottling plant.
Ha ha, why did I type “know”?? Lawlz
No point in steering now.
iAC?
Oh know you didn’t…
Oh I went there!
MsC, the link from your blog… if we all did those, thigh master would go out of business. Ouch.
what a bunch of hosers, eh?
Coo loo koo koo koo koo koo kooooooo!!
Break’s over, get back to the Elsinore Brewery bottling plant.
This is a big heap o’ WIN.
Right, BG? It’s incredible how strong your upper legs have to be to do (what appear to be) the simplest things as a goalie. Turns out none of it is simple or easy. (Not that I’m complaining.)
it’s so dead in here even a Canuck troll can’t get people fired up. Summer apathy has come to Russoville.
I just saw on hockeybuzz a weird rumor about the wild replacing the assistant gm already? Check it out brad ratgen blog. Also work at verizon today is way slow making my 12 hour day drag way slow
It’s more like summer atrophy…
Wow that was bad grammar
I just saw on hockeybuzz monkeythrowingpooatawall.com a weird rumor about the wild replacing the assistant gm already?
NiNY, if that’s the best the Canucks can do for trolling then there’s nothing to get too excited about.
It’s like some random drunk, stumbling into a bar and yelling that he likes your ugly yellow shirt just before he leaves. Other than being bemused, you wonder what happened, why he’s there and why he’s color blind because your shirt is obviously green.
+1 ATX
LOL @ Niv
Niveous says:
July 24th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
NiNY, if that’s the best the Canucks can do for trolling then there’s nothing to get too excited about.
It’s like some random drunk, stumbling into a bar and yelling that he likes your ugly yellow shirt just before he leaves. Other than being bemused, you wonder what happened, why he’s there and why he’s color blind because your shirt is obviously green.
Well, you do have to admit that a green is a pretty hideous color for a yellow shirt! 
The Dude abides Nick.
TGIF….anyone?? Bueller?
right on, Austin. Right on.
I’d be happy it was Friday if it was about 6:00. Right now it’s just teasing me.
geez these got beers in them these big kegs?
My brother and I always said drowning in beer would be heaven. Well this isn’t heaven, this sucks.
This movie was shot in 3B - three beers - and it looks good, eh?
Nube I feel like I should respond to you.
Yes it is a fairy tale ending I agree, but this fairy tale makes sense and is based in REASONABLE LOGIC and fairy tales are not. The team wins, the player wins and the long term future of the team Wins.
After saying that, if the Wild can get a player with our one asset (Harding) that has more long range benefit like Pavelski I think that this is better. Pavelski or equal type player (Chris in CA)
Acquiring Modano would require a Bold move on Fletchers part, I agree NUBE. It is a calculated risk that would have been an easier move for DR to do then for Fletcher to do. Public Perception.
I expect everyone on here to rip Fletcher if the best he can do is bring in Nathan Smith for a center
Well what about PMB you say. Yeah what about him, you move him from winger now you weaken another area
Acquiring Modano is not bold. It’s irresponsible. Even if I venture into your fantasy land that a change of scenery will make Modano magically produce points out of his ass, we still aren’t a stanley cup team.
To your other point: We have a veteran presence on this team, and a very good one. It has yet to make our young guys produce.
I’m all about talking potential moves, but let’s be productive and talk about some things that have more of a chance of occurring than me winning the lottery. For example, Chicago making a move to get Harding.
4rest I dont believe for 1 second that we will get more then a Bellanger type player with “potential” for more. Again this is same old stuff 4rest.
Why in the hell dont they have a shot at the cup 4 rest ? I mean really, they had a good team last year
Here is what you have for lines below
You trade wingers for centerman and you take a key player from that line. The list of players KJ has mentioned on his post would most likely cost us some of our guys below. Not all of KJs guys however
KJ, A key here is if they get a winger, they say they will play PMB at center. I trust JL, PMB will not likely work in that spot. Should the Wild start the season with a bunch of wishes ?? It does not sound like good business
I wish Sheo will triple his production
I wish Brodz scores more then 27 points
I wish PMB can play center
I wish Bellanger will get more points
Koivou Mittens Havlat
Shep Bouchard Bruenette
Brodz Clutterbuck Boogs/Gillies
Bellanger or Modano or PAVELSKI or Equal… Owen Nolan -Pouliot
Decoys. Saturday night. Give kj & the guys some love.
Koivou Mittens Havlat
Shep Bouchard Bruenette
Brodz Clutterbuck Boogs/Gillies
Bellanger or Modano or PAVELSKI or Equal… Owen Nolan -Pouliot
You are an example of the downside of the first amendment. Stop spewing your idiocy here, you moron. PLEASE.
For what it’s worth, Nathan Smith didn’t look too bad in his three minutes per game on the fourth line in his 13 games in the NHL this year.
MKVN….for the last time:
Pavelski…harding for pavelski is a great trade that any one of us here would make…
the problem is san jose, because of cap reasons, needs to dump salary in the form of OVERPAID/EXPENSIVE players…of which pavelski is NITHER…
Modano….trading for him would be a great idea….in 2000! trading a valuable asset (harding or even bela…and bela isn’t even close to an asset) for a player who will retire in one or two years at the most, put up below average no. 2 center stats if that, and cost a 3.5 mil cap hit is foolhardy…especially when you consider the talent we have a chance to fleece from other teams at this point….
and furthermore….why in the world would dallas trade him? they have a TON of cap space with only two players to sign…..so they don’t have to dump him…..and contrary to what you seem to think, DALLAS LIKES HIM…. the city and team respect him emmensly, and I seriously doubt he wants to leave dallas…..(and quite frankly I don’t see them wanting it to end that way either….)
NO MORE MKVN!!!!!!
Now that this horse has been turned to glue….can we PLEASE move on?!?!?!?!?
I meant OVERPAID/UNDERACHEIVING…..clearly I botched the first one….
deal with what we got people. Drop modano. Pavelski is a warrior and and equal type player is hard to come by and again were not getting him he is a sharks lifer. Start complaining after the season is over if they suck. My feeling is this team might just suprise you.
Beast = I here what your saying but you are not understanding all of the facts I have laid out about what I am saying about bringing him in.
Whether the Wild do or not remains to be seen. What I am looking for from the Harding asset is 60 points from a centerman and someone whom can scare the competition enough to take the attention off of the Koivou line
You fail to acknowledge that rental players for short terms cost something.
If Mats Sundin wants to play hockey again at a reduced price that is another guy I would look at
Maybe looking at it this way Beast will help, forget the name of the player. It makes more sense for us to acquire a veteran stud center who can produce this year, even if only for this year.
It was best said by Wes Walz. If your not playing for a championship why bother. That is why I pay no attention to the TWINS
You bring in a stud center and that shows the men you mean business this year, not the year after
agreed Austin.
necrophagist- only ash remains
\m/
mkia say’s
You bring in a stud center and that shows the men you mean business this year, not the year after
When you say stud there’s no way your talking about modanna,when will you learn we are tired of your stupid fantasy’s about modana go away far far away please
I still don’t understand why we’d have Nolan and Modano on the 4th line then. Is this to give us a supposed three deep offensive threat? I think if our first two lines click in an offensive way we would be par.
I’m merely thinking that even if we land a decent veteran center we’re still behind Anaheim, San Jose, Calgary, Chicago, and possibly Detroit.
Why are you people still entertaining this Modo thought? It makes me think you secretly want it.
ms.c = rabble rouser
MKVN = Lou Nanne
ATXwf = drunk (at 2:09 am)
“modanna”…Now that’s funny wild1.
Wild 1, yes I am talking about him or Sundin. Who is the Highest American born scorer ever ?
Really though, you guys are not following me. If I was understanding the content I am writing like you are, I would probably disagree as well
Look at the lines below…… Take your time…….. If you pull one of your wingers out of one of those lines to acquire a center you have then created another problem. IF YOU GIVE UP FUTURE DRAFT PICKS FOR A CENTER YOUR LONG TERM TEAM TAKES HAS A PROBLEM…..
SO I SAY USE THE HARDING ASSET OR ANY OTHER DEAD WEIGHT LIKE KALUS AND USE THEM FOR ACQUIRING A CENTER “LIKE” “” LIKE”" A PAVELSKI “” BEST OPTION “” SOMEONE WHO CAN GET YOU 60 TO 65 POINTS.
THE “” SECOND “” “” SECOND “” BEST OPTION IS TO ACQUIRE A VETERAN STUD CENTER WITH YOUR EXISTING AVAILABLE ASSETS……. YES LIKE MODANO…..
I DONT WANT TO WEAKEN MY EXISTING STRUCTURE OF DEPTH BECAUSE MY DEPTH IS A WEAKNESS
DOING NOTHING IS WHAT DR WOULD DO
JL COACHED A TEAM IN THE WILD THAT HAD THE BEST DEFENSIVE TEAM SO HE COULD DO THAT
Koivou Mittens Havlat
Shep Bouchard Bruenette
Brodz Clutterbuck Boogs/Gillies
Bellanger or Modano or PAVELSKI or Equal… Owen Nolan -Pouliot
This is about winning champoinships I why bother….. Wes Walz
SO I SAY, USE THE HARDING ASSET OR ANY OTHER DEAD WEIGHT LIKE KALUS AND USE THEM FOR ACQUIRING A CENTER “LIKE” “” LIKE”” A PAVELSKI “” BEST OPTION “” SOMEONE WHO CAN GET YOU 60 TO 65 POINTS.
THE “” SECOND “” “” SECOND “” BEST OPTION IS TO ACQUIRE A VETERAN STUD CENTER WITH YOUR EXISTING AVAILABLE ASSETS……. YES LIKE MODANO…..
I DONT WANT TO WEAKEN MY EXISTING STRUCTURE OF DEPTH BECAUSE MY DEPTH IS A WEAKNESS
DOING NOTHING IS WHAT DR WOULD DO
MKIA please, STOP SHOUTING.
Thanks M 03.
We could sure use the help! The bar business has been way down this summer.
Make sure you say hiya if you come out. I’m the least talented one. On sax.
Has anyone else heard about Alex Burrows cross checking a goalie in the face at a hockey game this past week? The rumor is he was playing the game for charity too…
I don’t know if it’s true or just a crazy internet rumor but it fits Burrows.
no mkvn….I understand what you are trying to say, the problem is you overvalue Modano….Modano is, at this point a strech as a second line center…he is a third liner on a good team….I’m all for rentals if they make an impact….and don’t butcher the salary cap….but giving up harding for a one year player is just dumb…honestly I’d think about it if it was a straight up trade for modano if it was for any of our fourth line players….maybe even bela…. but that would be it
it is very likely later on chicago will have to find a goalie that is actually good…..and they will have to unload some cap…..so we are sitting pretty with that harding chip to get sharp….and I think it might be possible to get kane or towes…
you are missing everyone elses point here…..we are not saying do nothing…..we clearly want fletch to do something….is it wrong that we want something better than modano?
Also you want a seasoned vet, we have two of them in bruno and nolan, and last I checked nolan at one time was a stud first line winger…..so we are not short on vet experience….
You are harping on pavelski, but we continuously have to tell you that there is no way san jose trades him…..you want a like player….I’ll take sharp over pavelski any day…..
we aren’t so different MKVN…you and I…..we both want our team to win….the problem we are having with you right now is your unhealthy obsession with modano…and yes….this is an intervention…we are here to help you…repeat after me……no modano will not bring us the cup….no he will not even put us up into top 4 territory….
trading a couple of prospects or harding for a one year rental to bump us barley into the playoffs never works….ask atlanta how that tkuchuck trade panned out…..
this is the last time I will take the time to argue this point, and quite frankly I probobly shouldn’t have anyway……I am just trying one last effort to pull you out of whatever weird place you have put your mind in…..because clearly it isn’t reality…
MKVN…..I wish you luck with the rest of the day, and I hope you will find the light…….no…..not that one…….no mkvn…….no…..don’t touch the bug zapper!
enjoy the novel…….free cheescake with every read….(as long as you pay for it….)
I’m new to this so here is my question. Why would we not seek a trade for Bachs ( I know he has a ntc) It would seem to me he would eat up the chance to go to Chi..hards is younger and would have the chance to grow with this team. Bachs would bring a 1st line scorer. Where am I astray?
no trade clause……answered your own question….plus harding could get a first line scorer as well….maybe plus another player, but you get the drift jon…….
Thanks Argon. So Fletch is waiting for the right deal? This summer?
plus harding could get a first line scorer as well
What do you base this on?
What has Harding ever done ? The few times he has played he has looked like a quality back up, which has been his role. Unless the Wild allow him to play more games to show what he can do - I do not know how any team will trade any quality forwards for him.
KiPA…do you always have to interject reality whenever someone posts about overvaluing a Wild asset?
Perhaps under the right condition Harding could bring a first line player. Or someone that could be a first line player on the Wild. Granted, the Wild might need to add a pick, but as training camp moves closer and a team that is short a goaltender and is in cap trouble (i.e. Chi, SJ, Phi) might have to give more than they get - to dump salary.
Wild09…Harding has done exactly what has been asked of him.
KiPA…do you always have to interject reality whenever someone posts about overvaluing a Wild asset?
Sorry.
Wild 09..Are you saying that even if the Wild was offered an out of this world deal for Bachs,and he would agree to forgo the ntc, the Wild would not look as Hards as a starter? I f not why would some other team?
Sorry.
Oh jeez…
JON, IMO Harding could step in for Backs.
I think it’s become quite clear by the last few posts by MKVN that he and I are two different people. Perhaps even different species. I do not have the time to devote to such ramblings, and clearly they are getting further and further from reality.
KJ, See you at Decoys in Hopkins tonight. 99.9% chance I will be there. Look for the guy wearing the Dallas Stars #9 Modano jersey….well, it isn’t actually an authentic Mike Modano jersey since it says ‘MKIA’ on the back.
Oh jeez…
What?
Welcome Jon. To answer your Backstrom question further (besides his NTC), as of right now very few teams can afford Backys 6 mil per cap hit. Unless they are going to give us their top scorer in exchange, which would make little sense to that team. Also, as a GM you have to be VERY careful when calling other GM’s to inquire about their interest in a player you (or in this case, not Fletch but Fletch’s team) just signed to a 4 year deal with a NTC. If Fletch wants to put some feelers out to other GM’s to gauge their interest in Backy, he would in all likelyhood want to inform Backs and his agent of this first, because it WILL get back to Nik either way. And I don’t think that’s a risk you take since it would alienate the player and downright piss off the agent.
thanks for the input Evil one; Iguess I hadn’t thought of the high contract..
RET…I’ll keep my eyes peeled.
I have to see any band that plays the Violent Femmes and Green Day. Just kidding about the Mo jersey. I will say hi tonight.
I would have bet my most prized posession (a Mike Modano used mouthguard) that there was no way we would get over 250 responses to the thread ‘Wild signs Brodziak to three year deal’. We are desperate for food.
And Russo is tweeting that he’s bored. I’m seeing a certain synergy that could solve our problem AND his…
That was me twitting about boredom.
Argon- Let me put it this way
If you could get someone to get you 65 points a year and it would cost you 3 million, would you do it if only for 1 year ?? The 65 points is a sure thing ??
Sharp for Harding sounds like a good DR move Argon. It leaves you with the following wishes
I wish Sheo will triple his production
I wish Brodz scores more then 27 points
I wish PMB can play center
I wish Bellanger will get more points
I am tempted to go to Decoys
C’mon down MKVN…we can talk about Modonna and his 65 points.
I like how Nick in New York kisses Russo’s butt constantly and then kisses anyone else who chimes in with another butt kissing comment. It must be boring in New York.
Either way, Brodziak is hardly an upgrade for this team. I wonder what other Wilkes-Barre/Scranton rejects we can add to this team.
The team still needs another scorer in the lineup. I don’t think he’s going to fill that need. We’re just going to hope Antti Miettinen can be the scorer he is not.
rockyiv…..who is ready to sign at a decent price to score goals as a f/a?
riddle me this….
only tangay is the answer….and he is asking for too much money for too long of a contract at the current time (or one of the two)
maybe later, but I don’t forsee him coming here, because there are 29 other teams out there….
the trade market will be there….
The team still needs another scorer in the lineup. I don’t think he’s Brodziak is going to fill that need.
I don’t ever recall anyone saying he was going to. The team needs a Center that can score some points (I like Sharp personally)… everyone knows that.
RockyIV
so we have reject’s?
Oh i see the reject your talking about must be mkia ha ha
KiPA, Russo was *actually* tweeting about being bored. You were emailing me and calling it a tweet.
Russo was tweeting. I was twitting, which is poking fun at the whole Twit concept.
Bandgeek: First, sorry about your underemployment. Next, has the MHC done an exhibit on http://www.twincities.com/crime/ci_12887685 ?
KJ, I wish I could get out to Decoys, but I would have had to plan better. I have kid responsibilities. If I know your band locations ahead of time I can make plans better. Do you guys play at the Whiskey Junction ever ?
hate to do this to you guys but I guess someone else thinks Modano can still play and is actually ageless. I will put the link below. I placed a couple of highlights from the article below
When you put Morrow back on a line with Mike Ribeiro, the Stars have as deadly a top-line as anybody in the Western Conference. Add Modano, Richards, Steve Ott, Loui Eriksson and Thomas Neal to that group and the Stars have the components of a potent offense
With a trio of centers including the ageless Mike Modano, former Conn Smythe Trophy winner Brad Richards and the incredibly talented Mike Ribiero, you cannot overlook the team from Big D.
I hate to do this to you guys but I guess someone else thinks Modano can still play and is actually ageless. I will put the link below
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/224187-nhl-western-conference-sleeper-the-dallas-stars
Brian Burke and the Leafs are making a serious push for Vinny Lecavalier.
Lecavalier is due to make $10 million (7.73 on the cap) this next season and with only $7 million available, it puts the Leafs in a bit of a tight situation. It gives them no room to maneuver. That is why the Kaberle trade rumors made so much sense to us here at the Hockey Rumor Mill.
Very soon both Kaberle and (most likely) Blake will be dealt to make room for the big name acquisition in Lecavalier. We are certain Blake will end up with St. Louis.
The conversations have been carrying out for days now and we are only certain that a deal will happen before August.
Dallas doesn’t have a Thomas Neal (it’s James) or a Zergei Zubov…I find it difficult to lend any credibility to that article.
Having said that, I would expect the Stars to bounce back. Losing Morrow and dealing with Avery killed their season.
Ok Guys more comments about Modano and how most see his value
Mike Modano is one of 34 players who have been invited to USA Hockey’s Olympic Orientation Training Camp Aug. 17-19 in the Chicago area. The camp will provide the base of the group that wil be picked for the US Olympic Hockey team at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.
It’s a big goal to play in Vancouver, so I’m excited to get the chance,” Modano said of the 2010 Olympic Games that begin Feb. 12 in Vancouver. “But I know this is just the first step, and they’ll be making the choices based on how we play during the regular season.”
Modano, 39, has been a longtime participant in Team USA activities, including the 1988 World Juniors, the 1991 World Cup of Hockey (silver medal), the 1996 World Cup of Hockey (gold medal), the 1998 Olympics, the 2002 Olympics (silver medal), the 2004 World Cup of Hockey and the 2006 Olympics.
Comments
Posted by Sam @ 8:51 AM Tue, Jun 30, 2009
Good for him. Modano deserves it. I hope he makes the team and plays in Vancouver. I could definitely see him being a great veteran lead by example guy on that team for the younger kids. I think it would help Team USA if he was on the team. Also, I hope Bill Guerin gets a shot at it too. He obviously still has some stuff left and he showed that in Pittsburgh.
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Posted by bluliner10 in Japan @ 9:15 AM Tue, Jun 30, 2009
I agree, Mike Modano is USA hockey, and while it is realistic to understand that time works against him…he should be there, to lead the next generation. And from this fan, thanks for giving us at least one more year…I still believe..
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Posted by paul s @ 9:50 AM Tue, Jun 30, 2009
Great, would realy like to see Mo get one more chance to play for Team USA.
He still has a lot of value, brings a great deal of depth and experience which will be needed if they are going with a younger line-up.
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Posted by KevinJ @ 10:03 AM Tue, Jun 30, 2009
Hope he makes it and hope he’s named captain.
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Posted by Johnny K. @ 11:18 AM Tue, Jun 30, 2009
Good for Mo!
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Posted by Alex in CA @ 1:04 PM Tue, Jun 30, 2009
The list is posted on the website… it’s impressive. There are quite a few young and talented players on there - Parise, Kessel, Kane, Okposo, Oshie, Hainsey, Erik Johnson, Jack Johnson, Ryan Miller, and Tim Thomas among others.
Does it really matter that much to you to convince other fans that Modano is the answer?
Kevin you have heard many say injuries are not something we should use for an excuse for DR last year. We had injuries way worse then Dallas had last year. No comparison
Actually, it does not matter to me that much Kevin. Just some of the comments and trash talk has been brutal. The arguments against my business concept for the Wild have not made a great deal of sense.
The Wild lost Gaborik and Burns to injuries at various points. Dallas lost Morrow and Sergei (not Zergei) Zubov to significant injuries. I’d say the injury bug is a wash at best. Considering what else Morrow brings to the table for Dallas, I’d almost say the Stars were worse off. But that’s beside the point. Not only did I cite something other than injuries as a reason why Dallas struggled, I merely said they should bounce back.
If it doesn’t matter that much, then why do you keep bringing up the subject? All that’s going to do is create more fodder for people who don’t like you.
Kevin,
Gaborik alone - Alone. to the wild is way worse then Morrow and Burn is worse then Morrow. I think 9 out of 10 people would say that the Wild had significantly more injury problem then Dallas last year.
I cant do nothing about the people that dont like me.
“I am what I am and that is all what I am” — Author Popeye
Sid the Kid. You know the Reebok ad ? I am what I am. Reebok stoled that from Popeye
Have we heard this news ?
The Detroit Red Wings chose not to sign 2007 draft pick Zack Torquato before losing his rights in June, but the Erie Times-News’s Victor Fernandes reports that Torquato will still head to Traverse City for the Wings’ annual prospect tournament…As a member of the Minnesota Wild:
July 24, Erie Times-News: Erie Otters center Zack Torquato, 20, has signed an amateur tryout contract with the NHL’s Minnesota Wild, he said today. The Wild hold his rights until Oct. 1.
“They just had the most interest,” Torquato said of the Wild, which contacted him after the NHL Entry Draft last month. “I figured that’s my best chance to play pro next year. I thought that’s the best fit for me.”
Torquato will play in the NHL Prospects Tournament in September in Traverse City, Mich., an event hosted by the Detroit Red Wings. The Red Wings selected Torquato in the sixth round of the 2007 draft, but chose not to sign him before the June 1 deadline.
“It will be a little different,” he said of facing the Red Wings, “but it will be fine.”
Instead, he will focus on earning an invitation to the Wild’s main camp in September.
“I’m looking forward to it,” said Torquato, who will attend Otters’ camp next month. “I’m going to work hard to play my best there.”
The point is both Dallas and Wild missed the playoffs because of injuries to key players.
Nills perspective on Torquato. Again the prototype guy 6th round pick “Rocky type” You guys I think can get the point about what the prototype Wild player is
Article below- It looks like the Wilds new boy is being compared to Andreu Bruenette
Nill went so far as to say Torquato has everything going for him except skating, and hopes he’ll evolve into a player similar to Colorado Avalanche forward Andrew Brunette. Brunette, whose skating has long been criticized, was overlooked in the OHL until he scored 162 points as a 20-year-old. He has now played 706 NHL games and scored 83 points last season.
“Good hockey players are good hockey players wherever they go,” Nill said. “Brunette was never (highly regarded), but he was always a leading scorer in the OHL, and he made it all the way to the NHL.
“We’re hoping Torquato is the same way.”
This guy who talks about Modano has a point. He could be good with the Wild. He did play in MN and some fans of the Northstars and USA Hockey in general may come out to see him. But, does the owner or the large majority of Wild fans care? The best guage for this would be…DING DING DING…attendance; and…it’s a sellout again. The guy’s point runs even thinner when you think about the impact on the team of bringing in Modano (i.e. giving up a player or pick) and his overall utility. The guy is old. He has seen his better days. Even a kick in the pants and a change of scenery can only go so far, if they go anywhere at all (that’s a big risk and I don’t think I need to start listing the volume of athletes who changed scenery with no results). The Wild need young talent, or at the very least veteran talent at basement prices. Preferably young talent. The team is NOT a stanley cup team. At a minimum, the GM would have to bring in one solid center and another upper-tier forward (and even then…). Don’t expect to see the playoffs this year either. There are little to no moves to be made…moves that will not bring you a lashing from the Wild’s perpetual followers anyway. By the time other teams are willing to give up something for one of our guys, very likely Harding (duh) and/or a younger prospect, the Wild will be facing an uphill battle to even be in second in the NW. Folks, I know you’re dying to find out what will happen this season. And we should all remain optimistic, but we need to be realistic. The team is going to be so-so certainly for a year, possibly 2+. Of course, everything I have said above is common sense…any idiot can pretend to know it all.
FFyF…
A pretty realistic assessment of the 2009-2010 Wild.
All I can say to rebut your post is: 2003.
As someone smarter than me once said, “that’s why they play the games”.
The Russoville house band (100 Watt Jones) rocked out Decoys in Hopkins last night. Crowd was small, but the band was very entertaining. It was my first time seeing KJ and the guys, and I highly recommend ‘gettin your Jones on’. Check out their set list on the 100 Watt Jones web site. If you like the list (which I do), you’ll love the way they perform it. And I’m not just saying that because KJ bribed me with swag! Thanks KJ! See you guys again soon!
Ugh, enough MKiA. Enough of Modanna. Just…just stop, okay? Let me you in on what everyone seems to know except those living in this magical denial world.
1) The Wild does not need “veteran leadership” at this time. It needs players that fit into the new up-tempo system. Modanna is old and does not put up the points he used to. Last year’s campaign where he played 80 games, he put up 46 points, not the numbers you’ve been throwing around. In fact, since 2003-04, he hasn’t broken 50 points more than twice, most of those seasons sitting in the mid-40s.
2) There is absolutely NO INDICATION that either the Stars want to part with him or that he wants to play anywhere else. In fact, everything written about him this year is if he’s going to play his final year out. Why would he want to change teams from the one he’s played on for twenty years? It makes no sense. If he wasn’t playing this year for the Stars, he would retire, plain and simple. In fact, look for him to retire after this season.
3) Even if the above reasons were true, veteran players who switch teams at the end of their careers do so in hopes of getting an elusive cup. Modanna got his cup in 99. Plus, the chances that the Wild are going to be shoe-ins for the Finals are drunken speculation at best.
So just stop. All of the inaccurate stats being thrown around is maddening enough. Modanna is NOT coming to the Wild.
PS: If you’re looking to add a band member, I come highly recommended by MKIA. He says I “have everything going for me except skating….and the ability to play a musical instrument or sing”.
Fodder: I like what you have to say, and I wish I could write as good as you.
The question I have raised is simple. Koivou scored 65 points last year. Would you pay a veteran to do that if only for 1 year ?
I dont agree at all that the Wild are not a playoff team this year. I promise you that JL would say the Wild should make the playoffs this year.
I see a serious disconnect with you Wild ranters. Did OJ kill Nicole ?? Yeah, but, maybe, no I did not mean that.
Not to pick on kevin in pa, but its ok for Dallas to have the excuse they missed the playoffs last year, but its not ok for the Wild to have that excuse.
The Wild were ridiculously bad for injuries this last year. To say that Dallas was equal with injuries to the Wild is to waffle with answer did OJ kill Nicole …
That is why I go on and on and on because nobody gets it on here….
You need your blipping head examined if you think the Wild is not a playoff team this year. Everybody get your head out of the sand !!!! or get rid of the crack pipe !!!!!
I agree lets not use Modanos name anymore on here. This is a business concept that I think needs to be dealt with that way. It can be a barometer as to how the gm does this off season and his movement will define what his expectation is of the team
Would you pay a veteran to do that if only for 1 year ?
Again, you do not rent players for a year with a team which is essentially rebuilding, especially those with a 3.4 million dollar cap hit.
Please read my earlier post of why Modanna makes no sense for us. The thing is, no one knows how the team is going to react to a new system. It could be that the team fully embraces the philosophy and we storm in to the playoffs. Problem is, you have to get 20+ players to buy into it, which rarely happens. Perennial playoff teams take time to build and simply will not come together with one, overvalued player.
You need your blipping head examined if you think the Wild is not a playoff team this year. Everybody get your head out of the sand !!!! or get rid of the crack pipe !!!!!
Physician, heal thyself.
RET… MKVN cannot sing, that I know of. We aren’t ‘big’ enough to have dancers so he will have to be happy carrying Modonna’s equipment.
As our lead singer said last night, the crowd was small but mighty. Times are tough for bar owners everywhere. Sadly, if things don’t improve soon, finding live music will be impossible. I hope that doesn’t happen ‘cuz I’m not ready to retire.
Thanks again for coming out RET. You’re a class act.
MKVN… Only you would judge CF by whether he trades for a has-been. It must be familliar to you… :P.
Look to make some trades now. Marleau is a guy the Sharks want to shop and if you want to be high tempo; he is a player with tons of speed not to mention a center who can score. Tanguay is perhaps the best option right now; but Petr Sykora is not bad in a pure shooting role as well. Either way, I’d love to see what he (Marleau) could do on a line with Martin Havlat. Doug Wilson has a thing for Ottawa 67’s; trade him Cuma and perhaps Harding and see if he goes for it.
I am sure we wouldn’t have to work too hard to get a Ryan Stone or Luca Caputi which would help us add a few more Baby Penguins to this team. In fact I’m surprised we didn’t throw the bank to bring in Erik Christensen and Colby Armstrong here.
We were too busy rolling the dice on Saku, Mr. Lundgren.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Marleau. He wouldn’t be my first choice, but not a bad pick up depending on the asset(s) given up. I could see getting him in a deal involving Harding and Cuma. However, that cap hit is big on a team in the Wild’s position. I don’t think it makes sense. The sharks overpaid in his case.
Rocky 5, I like Marleu and I like Cuma. They have 3 centers that are studs I doubt they want to weaken that mix now. We have 1 center and 1 wish “Shep” and a seperate wish to have PMB play center
My argument can be broken down in a very simple way. Instead of acquiring a 40 point winger for Harding, why not fish for a veteran center that could give us something other then a wish for a center, and give us 65 points
Rocky 5 : You go for a younger center that can give you those good numbers at center and now you are talking about taking away assets from you starting crew something the team cant afford
Dont even say that this team is not ready to compete for the playoffs and beyond ?? That is simply ridiculous. They were the farthest thing from being broken before Fletcher started his job
The defense and Goaltending is as good as it gets in the NHL.
We are just talking about a center
Koivou Mittens Havlat
Shep Bouchard Bruenette
Brodz Clutterbuck Boogs/Gillies
NEW 65 POINT PRODUCING CENTER FOR 2009-10 SEASON & Owen Nolan -Pouliot
A look at the roster and the current movement of the gm would suggest he may be wishing upon a star just like the cricket I remember from Walt Disney
Gosh I hope Shep will triple his production because he only 24 points last year
Gosh I hope Brodz scores more then 27 points like he did last year
Gosh I hope PMB can play center (Gee whiz)
Gosh I hope that Bellanger will get more points then his 36 last year
Golly Gee Whiz, would not it be great if Nathan Smith would work out. I think Richards can really get the best from him
Gosh I wish MKVN had a brain.
Gosh, I wish MKVN would stop pulling numbers out of his yazoo.
Your “nameless center” has only once broken 60 points in the last six years.
The funny thing in all this Modano business is I think Dallas made sense as a destination for Harding. Except now he wouldn’t get any playing time unless they move Auld.
Fodder For your Fire says:
are you mkia?
mkia when you talk about business concept do you think you work for the wild if so get a clue go play with your modanna doll…
wild1: I know it was quite the lengthy post, but if you care to read it, you will see that no, in fact, I am not the guy who claims to know it all.
Fodder’s post was pretty well thought out and a good rebuttal to MKVN’s earlier post.
I enjoyed Fodder’s post.
a M 03 thanks to Pete and the guys at Park Service for taking care of me and my little beast (of a car) last week. Stressed thinking $$ for tire repair. Fixed. Good to go. No money. *Big sigh*
RET: heck, you got 100WJ swag? T-shirt? Speedo? Ha, had to ask. Glad to hear your review.
People - 100WJ is worth your time and listening pleasure, plus the opportunity to talk hockey with kj.
Wiki: is editor extradorinaire Mark W. included? Does Russoville have a name for him?
Yes Kevinin pa, the Fodder was an extremely charming even poetic writer. He lacks wisdom on the subject however.
Lemaire would say that this is a playoff team.
Richards on day 1 folks will have access to 4 players Lemaire had injured
(1) Burns
(2) Havlat
(3) Bouchard the last 11 games
(4) Boogaard
Lemaire did not have the benefit of the rookies that should get better and produce more this year
(1) Cal Clutterbuck
(2) James Sheppard
(3) Colton Gillies
Now Fodder….. The Wild had 40 wins and 33 losses and 9 ties last year
They missed the damm playoffs by 2 points, and your saying that Havlat, Burns, Boogaard, Bouchard could not help us make up the 3 points that we missed the playoffs by ?????????????????????????? So because Fletcher and Richards are here we need to wait 3 years for the playoffs ?????
Can you please respond to that
mkia… Your offense lines make no sense. They would not put a 65 point center on a 4th line. Also, perhaps it takes this bunch half the season to perfect the new system and they miss the playoffs again. We have to wait and see. It could go either way. We could be good and we could be bad.
Great points MKVN! If Boogie goes on another scoring streak like he has the past few years he could makes up those 3 points all by himself. I was also unaware that Lemaire didn’t have access to Havlat last year because Marty was injured. And Shep was a rookie last season? Wow, time goes by fast when I hang out all day down in the basement in my underoos….just me and my moms computer….and the lifesize latex Mike Modano doll. Does anyone have any suggestions for cleaning Mo? He’s almost 10 years old and I’ve never cleaned her…I mean…him.
As usual great stuff Evil.I believe I have answered in previous posts your questions
(1) Gaborik played 17 games. If Lemaire had Havlat and his 77 points, we all expect at minimum he will have. That is something Lemaire did not have last year
(2) I wonder how Calgary would do without Dion in the line-up ? Burns out was obvioussly someone Lemaire missed
(3) Not having PMB the remaining 11 games will hopefully be something that Richards will have to endure
(4) Boogaard was really missed last year. He can be an impact player in some games. At 6-7 when he is out nailing folks they all take notice, so if that team was on fire, they are now thinking about Boogy instead. This is huge Evil ! Why did Calgary pick up McCrackin. If Boogy was not in Minnesota they dont do that. Another way Boogy is an impact is with Clutterbuck. A coach can send a bang line out now with Brodz in the middle as well now, and then send out the Koivou/Havlat line out right after. You get them all lubed up and ready for Koivou and Havlat. So yes Lemaire missed a healthy Boogaard
(5) As for the Latex version of Modano. I have said that if the choce existed to buy a latex blow up doll at Target of either Modano or Misconduct. I would buy the Misconduct doll without even thinking twice about it
After saying all of that the fact is we missed the playoffs by 3 points and Lemaire will not have what Richards will have as mentioned below ??
(1) Burns
(2) Havlat
(3) Bouchard the last 11 games
(4) Boogaard
Lemaire did not have the benefit of the rookies that should get better and produce more this year
(1) Cal Clutterbuck
(2) James Sheppard
(3) Colton Gillies
Now I see no reason the Wild should not make the playoffs this year, and that should be the expectation this year if Lemaire was here as coach. I have no reason to speuclate that Richards wont do a good job, so I will continue with the assumption that we are a playoff caliber team and maybe more
mkia i’m sure ms.c would’nt give you the time of day so your better off getting your doll.
Take off you Hosers.
Even though TR comes from the Sharks, I wouldn’t want any Sharks players coming with him. Look at how they choke in the playoffs. Granted, Marleau is a playoff scorer (.40 GPG vs .32), but you have to wonder how deep the problems go.
Hey Bob. Good day, eh? Hop down to the local Tim Horton’s and have a cruller for me, eh?
I think I’m going to have to go back to ignoring MKiA. In light of the fact that there are a lot of players that would make sense for the Wild, he is stuck on one that wouldn’t in any sense of the word.
morning all.
I’m really curious to see what Bouchard can do in a new system. People give him a lot of flak around here, and not all of it is undeserved, but the guy is immensely talented and I think there is yet a good deal of untapped potential.
I also think it is interesting to note that it wasn’t until age 25-27 that some other undersized playmakers started to produce at a higher rate. Guys like Martin St. Louis, Ray Whitney, and Marc Savard all fit into that category. I’m not saying he’s going rise to the level of either of those guys but I think the potential is there.
You steer this thing!
Morning Nick.
I could see FSM doing a nice impersonation of Marc Savard.
That would be tremendous Nick. Personally, I see more similarity to Ray Whitney and I’d be comfortable with that kind of production.
I think it will be very interesting to see if his prior reticence to attack the net was a FSM thing alone or a JL-aided FSM thing.
Hi Dr. Nick.
I agree with MKIA on the playoff prospects. Also, us getting Modano is about as reasonable as us picking up Toews. That’s to say they are both totally absurd. If we are going to call MKIA an idiot (Which I am very comfortable with), we should at least recognize that whomever says we could get Kane or Toews is at least unreasonable.
If the Wild is going to make the playoffs sans Modano, why would it pick up a fossil at the beginning of the season for real money when it could pick him up on the cheap at the deadline? Riddle me this MKIA?
MKVN’s mancrush on Modano is rivalled only by that of KiPA on Dupuis.
We need Butch to add 10 goals on top of his 07 - 08 stats. that would put him at 23G 50A for 73pts. That would be awesome.
Jordan, not trying to pick a fight here but why is it so unreasonable to think the Wild could get Kane? Toews will be resigned by Chicago, I’m sure of that.
I could see FSM doing a nice impersonation of Marc Savard.
He has the spin-o-rama down pretty well.
While getting Kane would be a long shot, it’s certainly not impossible. He’d be a great addition to build a young core of players.
Unless Chicago can resign Kane (and all the other guys that are FA’s next year) I think we need to have the mindset that we CAN land Kane or whomever. If we want to build a club that guys want to play for some of that starts with how we view our team. Rather than thinking “hossa won’t play here, so and so won’t play here, no one wants to play here”, let’s flip it and start walking with a strut.
Sorry some of my angst this morning is because of the Twins. I don’t want the Wild to be like the Twins “Always one peice away, always looking to the future”
We could sign Kane next year. Next year being the key part of that sentence. I have seen people proposing a Harding for Kane deal. That is unreasonable in my opinion. There seems to be this feeling that Harding is worth a young player that puts up 70+ pts. a season. Sorry, not happening.
The only guy that I could see Chicago moving this year is John Madden. I can’t think of a reason to move any of the RFA’s when they don’t have to. They will be F-ed next year, but they might win a cup in the meantime. Actually, they will lose in 7 in the finals after a puck goes off Hossa’s head and ends up in his own net.
totally agree that this year a “trade” for Kane is nearly impossible, I didn’t read far enough back to understand the context, sorry about that. Harding while promising isn’t even close to enough to trade for Kane straight up. We’d have to give up a Burns and probably picks.
Maybe if Chicago had Harding he could save the puck after it hits Hossa in the head?
Guy: I will attempt to answer your question but, unfortunately, I feel as though you are beyond entrenched in your viewpoint. Thus, my explanation to you will do nothing to allow you to understand what I am saying, or to recognize the substance underlying my opinion.
First, let’s be clear. I never said the Wild would have to wait 3 years to make the playoffs. Please don’t misquote or misconstrue my words. You see, it’s a very difficult thing to do when my words are up there for all to see. Now, if there was a misinterpretation on your part, that may be my fault. Let me explain:
The Wild have been a contending team for several years. Things, however, have gone stale. It’s nice to play with a hypothetical past-season and say the Wild would have, with 100% certainty, made the playoffs if X, Y, and/or Z would have occurred. However, we can’t do that. Every team has injuries and every team has ups-and-downs. We really don’t know what would have happened with Gabby, or Y, or Z. It’s just as easy to say that we would have lost more games because some of the other guys would not have stepped up, perhaps thinking that Gabby will take care of the offense. Who knows? No one. If you want to venture into the past and reminisce about DR and JL, that’s fine. Just don’t expect me to lend any credence to what you’re saying.
What you need to do, guy, is look at the Wild as they are now. We now have Havlat. Excellent move. I’m hoping he is everything Gabby was offensively and wasn’t, i.e., willing to fight through pain and put the team first. But, even with the addition of Havlat, we need more to be a true Stanley Cup contender.
Again, let me be clear. There are playoff teams, there are strong playoff teams, and there are Stanley Cup teams. It is simply my opinion (one which I would gladly admit I was wrong to hold if I am wrong) that the Wild, as currently comprised, are not a playoff team. They may be on the cusp, but overall our competition remains steady and strong. To be a playoff team, the Wild need a strong center. To be a strong playoff team, the Wild need a center and another top-tier forward. To be a Stanley Cup team, the Wild need a strong center, another top-tier forward, and strong team chemistry and determination.
This will be a year of struggles. New GM. New coach. New staff. New players. New system. A period of adjustment is inevitable with so many new things. Therefore, guy, we will not make the playoffs THIS year unless we make some additions. You acknowledge this fact by continually ranting about adding haggard veterans on the tail-end of their careers. However, we need to be looking long term in our position. Again, the utility vs. the cost of bringing in a person from TX doesn’t add up. Look elsewhere and we may be able to talk.
I also believe we will not be a true Stanley Cup team until we add more offensive power and build team chemistry. This will take time.
I simply don’t see what assets we have to make everything work this year. Harding plus whoever will only go so far and will likely only bring in one immediate impact player. What caliber of player, who knows? Hopefully, someone young and talented who wants to commit to Minnesnowtah. Patience is required in this department.
Guy, I will gladly fill with a beverage of your choice whatever cup you construct out of household materials if the Wild win it all. The things you throw around simply don’t make sense in reality. Again, hypotheticals can take you anywhere. Stay grounded young man.
I’m really curious to see what Bouchard can do in a new system.
My guess is a triple axle.
certainly would take a lot to land kane…….if chicago doesn’t cut some salary him or towes could be poached through rfa……now wouldn’t that just irk the bowmans…..
My guess is a triple axle.
I was thinking more triple Lutz. Don’t sell FSM short.
We should have a weekly segment called “Where’s Smugdo?”.
Sorry, it’s tough not having anyone to rip.
Fodder:
*clap….clap…..clap…clap…clap*
never said the Wild would have to wait 3 years to make the playoffs. Please don’t misquote or misconstrue my words.
I assume that you are talking to MKIA here right? He sort of makes up his own reality. Your mile long post, regardless of how well written, falls on deaf ears.
The things you throw around simply don’t make sense in reality.
Again… you are new here aren’t you?
kj…..clearly MKVN is ready to take that throne…..
Hi Dr Nick- Jordan
(1)Your view of what I am saying is as shallow as the minnehaha creek right now.
(2) The business concept that speaks about bringing in a veteran like Modano/Sundin does not have any life if you think that this team has no shot this year. You only bring in a guy like this if you think you are a playoff team. I am under the assumption we are a playoff team as you can see above in my posts. I think I give very good reasons why we are.
(3) This is the argument so you understand in more depth JORDAN. We have an asset due to the fact that DR made a good move with Backstrom, so now we can get rid of Harding for something.
The trade that I keep hearing on here is we go for a winger/prospect that scored 40 points, and then make wishes about the center position. Maybe some butterfly kisses for the center spot. See above
My business concept is that we use the Harding asset to trade or exchange for a player that in return would get us a veteran center VERSUS the guy who is 1 40 point winger. Harding could be traded for other assets that could be delivered to a team that meet the needs they have. Its called a 3 WAY TRADE. Its not a new concept
(4)The only veteran center that makes sense is a guy that has STATED he wants to play here. As you know Nik/Jordan not many hockey players that are stars wake up in the morning and say I wish I was a Wild player today
(5) It is true that if Tom Hicks the owner of Dallas was not willing to trade for any reason, then Evil should send him a latex doll of Modano and not me. I have a latex doll in mind for me, and its not Modano, I can assure you.
To say that Toews and Modano or equal in tradeable scenarios is Very retarded obviously. I dont know if Modano can be got or not, and neither do you JORDAN
Look at as a business concept
I hope the Cunucks hire MKVN as a gm…..it would be fun to see him turn them into a laughing stock!
the panthers would roll into town and say: “wow, these guys suck!”
I can’t blame anybody that doesn’t read the earlier posts. Especially when they are at least half-filled with softcore Modano stories.
I for one am very excited about this team. I think that we can guarantee at least one of the following, expect two, and hope for three.
1. Burns returns to Norris-type play
2. Butch moves to center and fulfills ATXWF’s wish and puts up 70+
3. The 18th year of hockey is lucky for young Jimmy Sheppard and he breaks out
4. Cal pots 20
These are all pretty exciting unknowns IMO. None of them happened last year and we almost made the playoffs. There is no reason to expect some growth. Should be a fun season. Now we just have to make it through August…
MKVN…we have looked at your “buissiness concept”
really even former enron employees are laughing….
we really need a new post.
Russo we miss you.
it would be fun to see him turn them into a laughing stock!
You mean they aren’t one already?
and now I will stop…..
I had to get that out…please forgive me for feeding the troll….I know now that I was wrong, and it shall never happen again…..
actually it probobly will, but I will attempt to bite my tounge…..
oh no not the business concept again mkia go away PLEASE!!!!!!!!!
touchee austin……..touchee
….hmmm….I’m thinking I may have spelled that wrong……
Jordan i agree
If he wasn’t here, we would be talking about bike lane etiquette, goalie pads, video games or Mike Comrie. I’m not saying that talking about Modano is better. I’m still trying to figure out his crack-addled “business plan” actually. Probably not worth it, but the alternative is just as bad.
I think his “business plan” is Modanna.
Jordan, out of your 4 possibilities, I would imagine that #1 or #4 are the most likely. I would hope that #2 happens too… but we will see.
what’s wrong with video game conversations?
long winded video game conversations saved me from being unemployed….
I think MKVN just wants willa ford hanging around the X…..
I wouldn’t blame him if that is the case
Argon: I busted out R-Type for the Master’s System last night. I haven’t lost a step. It’s one of those things that get imprinted so deep you can’t forget them.
I have yet to move into the new generation of vids though. I broke my feet last summer and beat GTA for the 360, but then my roommate moved out and took it with him.
I’m getting married at the end of August, would it be inappropriate to register for that stuff? When my fiance asked me where I wanted to register, the first thing I said was Twin Town and Willie’s. Apparently guitars aren’t something you are supposed to be registering for. 
I would like the team to be selfish for the team of 2009 & 2010 Jordan, which means you may have to trade an asset for a player that may only play for you one year. I have never said throw away the future, but just trade Harding with this year in mind instead of giving us butterfly kisses
A look at a snapshot between Detroit and Minnesota this year shows that now that Hossa and Hudler are gone the Wild are right with them except at center. The Wingers average .56 points per game and The Wilds wingers average .51 per game. Our Defense does not take a back seat to them at all. We have better Goaltending
Defense
Rafalski - Burns
Lidstrom - Johnny
Kronwall - Zidlicky
Lilja - Schultz
Stuart - Zanon
Lebda - Hnidy
Goalie
Osgood - Backstrom
Wingers Detroit
Maltby/ 28 pts 78 games .35 points per game
Kopelky/ 19pts 79 games .24
Smauelson 40 pts 81 games .59
Cleary 40 pts 74 games .54
Hollstrom 37 pts 53 games .74
Zetterburg 73 pts 77 games .94
Wingers average .56 points a game
Wingers Wild
Bruennete 50 pts in 80- games .62
Bouchard 46 pts 71 games .64
Nolan 45 pts 59 games .76
Mittens 44 pts 82 games .53
Clutterbuck 18 pts 78 games .23
Havlat 77 pts 81 games .95
Wingers average .51 points per game
You can register for what ever you want that’s not saying you’ll get it and also congrat’s.
would it be inappropriate to register for that stuff?
Definitely not. When I got married the Wife and I spent 2 hours at Target registering for crap. After about 30 or so items that we actually wanted/needed we started registering for things like Board Games, Video Games, Movies, Surround Sound Systems, etc. Registering gets boring fast, so you gotta throw in some of the fun stuff too. I say get registered at Best Buy!
Fodder, excellent post. Pretty much sums up how I feel about the team.
Jordan…for the sake of your future marriage, unless your fiance is a gamer, do not put it on the registry. Be sneaky, ask for cash.
I agree Austin it does get boring so you have to throw in some fun stuff.
Ahh… I’ve finally got to the point where I simply just skip over mkia posts. It’s improved my enjoyment of this blog one hundred-fold.
Ahh… I’ve finally got to the point where I simply just skip over mkia posts. It’s improved my enjoyment of this blog one hundred-fold.
What’s your secret? Selective reading? Some trick of the eye or an amazing technology that you plan to sell for many ducats?
Register for whatever you want. Just let her register for stuff she wants that you wouldn’t necessarily pick too. Balances it out a bit.
yes….defenately best buy!
I say get a ps3 if you want a blu-ray player……it is an upconverting dvd player with an hdmi cable (update needed of corse…free and easy)….also you can make photo almbums on it too (great feature if the misses is getting cold feet..)
if you don’t need a blu-ray player…you can get netflix on a 360 and rent the movies straight to the system, and watch it there (again….pandering to the female perspective if she isn’t a gamer…)
next gen systems are awesome…they may seem expensive (and they are), but they can do a lot more than your master systems, and regular nintendos….
wall shot….I’d do it in a second if I wasn’t such a glutton for punishment….
p.s…….black tie protection on the system….don’t forget!
I may be merch, but the sales floor never goes away……
p.s…….black tie protection on the system….don’t forget!
I may be merch, but the sales floor never goes away……
oops….sorry for the double post….
wall shot….I’d do it in a second if I wasn’t such a glutton for punishment….
You can do it man. Just walk toward the light…
Thanks for the tips. I got my share of stuff in. We registered at REI for all that overpriced stuff that I would covet, but never get for myself.
REI: Where suburban disposable income goes to die.
Would you register for a red KitchenAid stand mixer and send it to me? Not that I cook, but I like my kitchen to look like I could if I wanted to.
I have to read MKVN posts.
It’s like the scene of a crash where no one gets hurt.
He could do stand-up. Foster Brooks comes to mind.
Plus, I like reading science fiction. Well, junk science anyway…
“Would you register for a red KitchenAid stand mixer and send it to me? Not that I cook, but I like my kitchen to look like I could if I wanted to.”
This is the best one i’ve heard today way to go ms.c your awsome:)
It’s like the scene of a crash where no one gets hurt.
I don’t know. At first it was funny, in much the same way that watching some idiot fall on his face might be, or otherwise make a foolish spectacle of himself. But after a while, it just wasn’t funny. The same thing, over and over and over…
rei….ikea….and best buy…..
they all fall into that category jordan….
if I had an unlimited shopping spree to two stores……it would be in these:
1: best buy- I swear almost everything I currently covet lies within these walls…….I need the stuff but can’t afford it…..and worse off I see people buying stuff I want every day…..seroiusly……shopping spree in bb is like heaven…
2: games by james- probobly would only play the games like three times…..but every time i have been in one of these stores, I am constantly going “ooohhh….that would be fun!”
It’s like the scene of a crash where no one gets hurt.
there is an entire ward in the mayo clinic designated for injurys sustained by mkvn posts……so I would disagree with you…..
1st post
wild1 says:
July 27th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
“Would you register for a red KitchenAid stand mixer and send it to me? Not that I cook, but I like my kitchen to look like I could if I wanted to.”
This is the best one i’ve heard today way to go ms.c your awsome:)
OMG.
atx….your already drinking white russians?
it’s only 2 o’clock!
That’s not me argon… if it’s me it will be “The Dude”… proper.
ok…….then thedude needs a new name for his second post……sorry man…these are the rules…
OMG
What? I’m not awesome?
Never mind. Don’t ruin the fantasy.
Two o’clock or not, I could sure go for a Caucasian.
ms.conduct says:
July 27th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
OMG
What? I’m not awesome?
Never mind. Don’t ruin the fantasy.
I wouldn’t know, I’ve never been to Texas.
Haha! Nice.
kj: As I acknowledged early in my post that is a treatise, I know the guy claiming to know it all won’t understand what I am writing. However, he requested a response from me, so I gave the guy my response.
My error. My 2:38 p.m. post is directed to AustinTXwildfan. My apologies, kj.
Fair enough Fodder.
Geez, I go to Grand Marais for the weekend and miss all the big team and blog changes. O’ wait, nope. Looks like just a barrage of MKVN posts, and the team is still deep in the dead news portion of the summer. Not much has changed after all.
I hope I didn’t miss any LotR references, though.
MKVN’s mancrush on Modano is rivalled only by that of KiPA on trading Dupuis.
Fixed.
Also, Chicago won’t let Kane go. They’ll trade Sharp or someone first before they let Kane get away.
At least, that’s what they would do if they knew how to run things, but I’m not so sure they do.
I agree, Kevin. Kane is too important for them to let go.
Anyway, if Kane was going to be traded, Minnesota does not seem a likely trade partner. They just don’t have the assets.
I would be happy to take Sharp off their hands.
Gosh, slow day.
I am able to admit when I am wrong, when I am Fodder. Your post speaks like we are in year 5 of the organization. Sorry if an open looks at the posts above he or she can see that the evidence is strong that it is reasonable to have expectations to make the playoffs this year.
I am saying that it is reasonable to expect that Fletch make a Bold move and finally get us some help at center under the conditions I have laid out
Your argument was well writen Fodder, but lacked the facts
Just when I am about to leave Austin comes on with I want Sharp. Our wingers are fine its the centers Austin, dont you see that ? You can see how we compare against Detroit and we are right there G
Sharp can play center.
Sorry for the confusion. I am in fact AustinTXwildfan! (nobody will believe you ATX. I’ve got you now!)
I’m going to stop and pick up some back bacon on the way home from the Elsinore Brewery tonight.
Damn! My identity has been stolen! Sman you thedude!!!
Kevin… I head a rumor once that said Sharp could do that. I had no idea it was actually true! Seriously though… I will gladly take Sharp from the Hawks. Anyone who thinks that would not be a good move is probably a close relative of MKIA.
*Damn… not Sman!
sharp can play center….and butch can play center as well…..
if butch can’t win faceoffs, then have a winger (like nolan) take faceoffs, and swap as the play goes along…..imo set positions can help some players, but it can hurt some players as well…..if you can play fluid on offense and defense, and not have posisional lapses on defense (and that is the tough part), you will have a really good team…..
By the way, whoever said Chicago might look to trade John Madden to free up space: They just signed him this summer to replace Sammy Pahlsson. I find it highly unlikely they try to trade him. (Although I can’t believe they gave him over 2.5M.)
*whew*
I thought Sman was a cool insider web reference that was over my head.
Agreed. Dumping Madden would be a MKVN move.
Fodder at 11:04 am.
I think we agree
We need one strong center to be a sure playoff team.
We need one more top tier player, plus the strong center to be a Stanley cup team.
Am I understanding your points right ??
I think my business concept Fodder is getting older vets with a strong past of scoring points to accomplish what you are saying. This is the only way you can accomplish what you saying this year…
Sman me? NO SIR, SMAN YOU!
Dear KJ,
I dont feel the love anymore. You never answered me when I asked what your schedule was for your band ? I have some of my south mpls Posse that could attend with me. The Whiskey Junction might be fun.
Actually I would love to have a round table discussion with you and the Fodder. That would be the ideal scenario for Mister Know it all. I think we can help Mister Flecther make the most of his very important decisions he has coming up
because we here in russoville always have direct say in how the wild are run…..
p.s. sox vs. twins ……big series for the year, plus you get to see alexi ramirez ss for the sox….aka the crack head space alien…..
Since everone is discussing Mike Modano on here, I thought that it might be of interest to read a fresh article written about him in Dallas. Maybe mkia is right and he does need a fresh start after being in Dallas several years. Up and down motivation is usually the sign of a player that needs a fresh start
Mike Heika/Reporter
Let’s start out the summer player profiles with the star of Stars, Mike Modano
Not surprisingly, this year’s entry is going to read a lot like last year’s entry. The key to getting the most out of Mike Modano is controlling his mental energy level and finding ways to tweak his motivation level. I know a lot of you don’t like to hear that, but it’s really been the case throughout his career.
You can get frustrated with it and say he should be able to motivate himself, but as I said last summer, I just think that’s not his strength. Some people are physically stronger than others. Some people are mentally stronger than others. Modano is a wonderful athlete who simply needs someone to help him keep his focus.
As a reminder of just what kind of athlete Modano is, just look at last week’s Lake Tahoe celebrity golf tournament. Modano finished seventh overall (Brett Hull tied for 11th, by the way). Even at 39, Modano stuns trainers and teammates with his skill and the fact he has not broken down as much as other athletes have at his age. He has missed just two games the past two seasons, and the bottom line is he is a guy who can pretty much get you 50 points as a third line center.
There aren’t a whole lot of third line centers out there who can do that.
But as much as Modano still is the face of the franchise and can help sell tickets, he can’t be the driving force of the team. So if you are going to ask him to play on a checking line, you can’t also demand that he be one of the better offensive players.
But I think new coach Marc Crawford is walking into a good situation with Modano. My guess is this is the final year for him, so there is that motivating factor. I believe he will be a part of Team USA at the Olympics in February (he is a favorite of coach Ron Wilson), so you have that motivation. And, I believe Modano is one of the players who really feeds off of the energy provided by captain Brenden Morrow, so the healthy return of Morrow should have a positive effect on Modano.
So what should our expectations be? A lot will depend on how the chemistry falls. If Modano plays with kids like James Neal and Fabian Brunnstrom, I think we’ll see him play with jump and excitement. If he plays on a line with Steve Ott and someone like Ray Sawada, he will be more reserved.
I think what the Stars would like to see from Modano is a season like Neal Broten had in his first year in Dallas (1993-94). Broten was younger at the time (34), but he was an offensive star who had been pushed down the lineup by Modano and Dave Gagner. Broten played 79 games, had 17 goals and 35 assists, and provided a nice steadying force for a team that was still in development.
My guess is Modano will see his power play time decrease this season. He still can work the half wall pretty well and is always a candidate to play the point, but the No. 1 unit will probably feature Mike Ribeiro and Brenden Morrow at its core, and probably needs Jere Lehtinen to hunt the puck. That would leave Brad Richards at the point running the show and either Stephane Robidas, Trevor Daley or Matt Niskanen at the other point. Modano would probably be used on the second unit, depending on what the vision is for Crawford and how the power play will attack the net.
Remember, with that first unit, you’re still leaving Loui Eriksson, James Neal, Steve Ott and Fabian Brunnstrom out of the picture, and those players need to slip in there somewhere. If Eriksson supplants Lehtinen on the first unit, then maybe Modano and Lehtinen could try to strike some old chemistry on the second unit. Either that, or Modano will play the point on the second unit.
Personally, I prefer to see him on the half wall, but he has to be out there with some guys who will go to the net (Ott, Lehtinen or Neal?)
The bottom line is Modano needs to play fewer minutes, and his energy needs to be monitored closely. If he indeed plays in the Olympics, he will probably need a break afterward. As I have said before, I think just scratching him for a few games here and there would help. If the injury situation is like last season, that won’t be possible, but I can’t stress enough that they need to be able to keep Modano hungry throughout a long season.
So what’s your take on Modano and what he can add to the team next season? While many will say he needs to be pushed, Ken Hitchcock used to subtly “pull” him into competitive situations. That may be something Marc Crawford will be able to do, as well.
MKVN…
I have nothing but love for your ridiculous posts. You have a magical way with words…it’s your ideas that are flawed. Especially where the Wild and hockey in general are concerned.
The band has a website. My name links to it. On ther you will find our schedule. I don’t want to test Russo’s patience with my plugs for 100 watt jones…
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