Does Zherdev make sense for the Wild?
Posted on August 6th, 2009 – 9:21 AMBy Michael Russo
Maybe. Maybe not, and probably leaning toward the latter.
Nikolai Zherdev, the 24-year-old winger and former first-round pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets, is suddenly an unrestricted free agent after the New York Rangers on Tuesday walked away from his $3.9 million arbitration award.
Zherdev scored a career-high 27 goals with Columbus in 2005-06 and a career-high 61 points with Columbus in 2007-08. Last season with the Rangers, he scored 23 goals and 58 points but disappeared in the playoffs and was largely criticized for a perceived lack of drive and determination. Zherdev can be maddening at times because he is so talented and goes through streaks of ineffectiveness.
At some point the Wild must make another move in my opinion, but the above red flags and one other has me thinking the team will stay away from him.
Zherdev would always be a risk to just bail for the Continental Hockey League (KHL) mid-contract. The KHL would undoubtedly be interested in him and as the league keeps proving with guys like Radulov and Hudler, it’s willing to take NHL players without regard to whether they’re under contract.
According to the New York Post’s Larry Brooks here, Zherdev was seeking $4.75 million in arbitration. As you can read in Larry’s column, he does an interesting analysis of that contract desire. According to Larry’s research, 22 wingers under contract next season will earn as much as $4.75 million, and 13 of those came when they were signed as UFA’s or pending UFA’s. Of the remaining nine, only three are under 25 and they are Alex Ovechkin, Jeff Carter and Corey Perry.
As Larry writes, Zherdev’s not in that league.
If it were my decision, I’d just pass on Zherdev and continue to look at the trade route.
GM Chuck Fletcher has been patient because he’d love to add a No. 2 center or scoring winger via trade, whether it’s before the season or inside the season. But another reason he hasn’t made a stopgap signing with an inferior player is in case something unforeseen happened, like this.
But as has been written here before, once your money’s spent, it’s spent. So since Zherdev’s such a huge risk, I think Fletcher will remain patient and continue to rely on the fact that the teams at or near the cap will at some point be forced to trade players.
In other words, if at some point you truly believe you can somehow trade for a Jon Cheechoo or a Patrick Sharp or a Phil Kessel or another upper-echelon player, then you’ve pretty much got to pass on Zherdev. Remember, if you sign Zherdev to anything close to the lucrative deal he wants long-term, you’re taking yourself out of the game for anything else.
Fletcher declined comment on Zherdev. Zherdev’s agent hasn’t called me back yet.
But like I said, I don’t think the Wild’s interested and will continue to wait. What that means is if Fletcher makes what he’s been calling his “play,” it’ll almost certainly go into training camp (or beyond) because the league typically (unofficically) shuts down in August. You’d be hard-pressed to find any GM’s in the office these days.
In other news, Washington goalie Simeon Varlamov has changed the spelling of his first name to Semyon. Deal with it 
OK, I’m still on vacation and leaving town for some time. If any news breaks, the paper’s got you covered.
1201 Responses to "Does Zherdev make sense for the Wild?"
Okay, I’m sold on no Nik.
From Larry’s article as posted by Russo above:
“Zherdev’s own submitted arbitration number of $4.75 million is testimony to both a mercenary streak that is not needed on Broadway and an inflated sense of his own worth that borders on the delusional and also is not a particularly welcome character trait. “
Couple thoughts.
1. Wow…granted it’s Larry Brooks (his sparring with Johnny Torts is epic) and it’s the NY Post, but way to not pull any punches, Lare!
2. If, once you strip off the Larry Brooksian/NY Postian hyperbole, there’s still elements of “mercenary, inflated sense of self-worth, delusion” attached to Zherdev, then not only is that something they don’t want on Broadway, that’s something we really don’t want in St. Paul.
3. Gaby better pray his Gaboriks hold up, and that he scores - in bunches - when they do.
Thanks, Russo. Wise, objective views are what best cure silly speculation.
(from last post) NiNY, lol. I was speaking generally, of course. And also for the record, I don’t even have a smart phone. At best, my phone takes the short bus to school and gets chained to a desk in the remedial classroom.
ATX, it’s gotta be your bull.
I don’t care if you have an iPhone - they’re great phones.
are they though? it seems as though they are used for everything but phone calls, mostly farting machines or lite sabers.
can’t believe he wanted 4.75 mil……
a player with his drive issues should be paid 3 mil at the most, and for short term……
the guy make gabby look like freaking mark messier!
it’s gotta be your bull.
Not from the same movie, but still damn funny. I love Tommy Boy.
I am with Russo… No thanks on Zerdiva.
Pewt, my trombone player said the other day something along the lines of “I love the fact that I’ve had all the latest phones like two months before anyone else.” Not saying he’s a doosh, since he’s a good friend and a good bonist, but that quote certianly “exhibit(s) doosh-like qualities.”
Green*, you best not be hatin’ on lightsabers!
don’t forget the app that allows you to make street fighter sound effects with arm movements!
SHURUKEN!!!!!!
G*: I am surrounded by iPhones (my old man is one of the worst perpetrators of the iPhone App Geek Out disease of which I spoke earlier) and have used them quite a bit to see what the fuss is about. I have to admit they work great from a “make a call” perspective and are very easy to use/get used to. I’m a Blackberry guy myself, but I like the iPhone as a phone.
The farting machine/lite saber thing is true, but if people want to drop a hundge-plus a month for a farting machine then I guess they’re supporting the economy if nothing else…
makes not make
Encrim: it’s cool. I’m more of a judge, lest ye care about being judged kind of a guy, anyway.
don’t forget the app that allows you to make street fighter sound effects with arm movements!
Do want.
I have an iPod touch… does that make me a doosh?
Austin: depends on how often you touch it in public.
no austin….it just makes you a little more cool than the rest of us……
personaly I have no need for a touch or phone, when I do get an ipod it will be for the classic…..so I can listen to one of 30,000 songs……
I think I am about half way there, so I need to go on a music spending spree…..if only I had the money….
“good friend and a good bonist”
Heh heh, you said bonist.
I would so want a phone that doubles as a light saber!
Ughghghghghghgh….. so how many days till training camp begins? Seriously, I am so so so bored. And with the Twinkies doing a good impression of a roller coaster this summer I don’t have anything to keep me distracted.
lolz
Austin: depends on how often you touch it in public.
it’s time to play the one liner game…..best response to this one gets potd status!
it’s time to play the one liner game…..best response to this one gets potd status!
where’s ms.c when you need her!
Pewt, I had originally typed “he’s a good boner” but I thought I should censor myself. I forgot, though, that I was talking to Russoville’s “That’s what she said” guy, and should’ve known it would be just fine.
thats what she said???
but I like the iPhone as a phone
my buddy was one who camped out for the 1st gen iphone and couldn’t send or receive a call when inside his house. it’s gotten better since then but that would be a buzzkill for me.
I’m a Blackberry guy myself
i’ve just upgraded to one myself a month ago.
but if people want to drop a hundge-plus a month for a farting machine then I guess they’re supporting the economy if nothing else…
are the plans really that much? my BB plan is about $65 after a 20% corporate discount. I have BIS since my corp don’t let us sync with email, which helps.
Don’t do it! Fletcher…you heard me.
encrim….everyone here is a “thats what she said” guy….even the gals….you should have known better
that was for you jordin…..and remember, most gay people I have met in my life are anything but lame….so….ease up buddy….
seriously, I wonder how many Twinkies/Vikes/T’Wolves/Nux fans wander in here on a day like today, read our “conversation” and think to themselves “yeah, that’s what I thought. What a bunch of weirdos.”?
Hey, Russo, when you changing to Mychel?
Ok so Pewter can make comments about bonist’s. And yes I know I just said bonist. But I get moderated for saying I want a phone that doubles as a light saber? Weak, really friggin’ weak.
Sorry, angry and frustrated Bandgeek has taken up residence in my head. Job hunting not going well, and hockey still not close enough to starting.
….don’t know….hey marty….fill us in, I see you on the t-wolves board all of the time, how often do you find your self here in this place just shaking your head?
hey bandgeek….if you are desparate, bby is hiring right now……that goes out to all unemployed folks out there….
I try not to touch it too much in public. I use it mainly for music. I will play games on it sometimes, but only on a plane or something. I am glad that certifies me as a non-doosh. *whew*!
I try not to touch it too much in public. I use it mainly for music. I will play games on it sometimes, but only on a plane or something. I am glad that certifies me as a non-doosh. *whew*!
wow……..I hope everyone reads that one with their mind in the gutter like I did!
ATX, you just reminded me: I’m out this weekend for the wife’s family gathering at a cabin; better charge the DS. :\
I will play games on it sometimes
like parchisi?
couldn’t send or receive a call when inside his house. it’s gotten better since then
I thought that was as much an AT&T problem as an iPhone problem, no? I could very well be wrong about that.
that would be a buzzkill for me.
Good point.
are the plans really that much?
maybe an actual iPhone user can weigh in on this, but AT&Ts site is listing the following for the plan:
data plan $30/mo
smallest minutes (450) $40/mo
smallest text plan (200) $5/mo
So you’re talking $75 per just to get in the door, but the longer minute/more txt plans go up to a total of $120/mo….with corporate discounts maybe you can get in for under a hundge.
Might have to look into that argon. The discount would be nice come Christmas time….
like parchisi?
I was thinking more along the lines of “Tiddly Winks.”
I thought that was as much an AT&T problem as an iPhone problem, no?
could be but then, because iphone is exclusive to ATT then isn’t that iphone problem via transitive property?
OK, NHL Numbers has the Wild at a cap hit of 53.675… the cap is 56.8… the math doesn’t work even if they DID want Nik.
Or am I missing something?
i also think the device does have something to do with phone connection. my BB is an improvement over that brick they called the Dare but not as good as the old Nokia i had 4 or 5 years ago.
transitive property
geez…if I’d known you were going to get all technical on me…but, all kidding aside, I guess you’re right.
Nick in New York says:
August 6th, 2009 at 9:51 am
seriously, I wonder how many Twinkies/Vikes/T’Wolves/Nux fans wander in here on a day like today, read our “conversation” and think to themselves “yeah, that’s what I thought. What a bunch of weirdos.”?
My opinion only, I sure do! But weirdos would be replaced with another adjective. This has got to be the lamest bunch of do nothing with their lives cyber-people I’ve come across. No offense. I’m outta here. (don’t bother replying, I’m not taking the bait)
I remember how fond you were of your Dare.
My wife and I both have BB Curves. The reception on hers stinks, but I never have problems - even in the same location at the same time. Not saying that’s definitive, but…
I’ve become addicted to what the Mr calls train wreck tv. It’s like crack or ummmmm……. crispy creams. Yep addictive light crispy creams, which are addictive because they have crack in them (that’s what the Mr says anyway).
Ecrim, if you have a DS make sure you look up a game called “Scribblenauts”. It looks amazing. It comes out next month.
I was thinking more along the lines of “Tiddly Winks.”
That’s just a low blow.
At least s/he knows what “adjective” means.
I remember how fond you were of your Dare
it was fun for a while but then turned into a steaming pile of berturdzi. i’m don’t with touch screens. if i had a dime for every time i hit ‘a’ and it registered a ‘d’
jumped on the Tour bandwagon. has the loose battery cover but i have it in a gel case so it isn’t a bother.
now only if i could get it to fart…
Does anyone else cry and hug their dogs when they see the ASPCA commercials?… Anyone? I suppose not.
if i had a dime for every time i hit ‘a’ and it registered a ‘d’
what’s an “aime”?
now only if i could get it to fart…
Feed it some White Castles…
G* you could create some sort of air pocket in the gel case that when you push on it, it sounds like your phone farts. Would that be close enough for you?
what’s an “aime”?
exactly
by the way, if anyone is interested in an LG Dare for the verizon wireless network. I’ve got one with charger for a nice price.
NiNY, actually, didn’t s/he screw that up, “weirdos” being a noun? Unless he was calling us weirdo weirdos, which would be pretty accurate. Then again, he’s a “cyber-person” saying that other “cyber-people” are lamer than him. Oh well.
TwinsFan says:
August 6th, 2009 at 10:07 am
This has got to be the lamest bunch of do nothing with their lives cyber-people I’ve come across.
Sweet, apparently we’d win the Stanley Cup of internet time wasting. I’ve always wanted to be good at and win a trophy in something!
I personally am holding out on buying an i-phone until they make a model with and electric shaver and toothbrush.
Rule #1: If you post on a message board you are a lame nerd.
Rule #2: If you post on a message board to tell someone how nerdy/lame they are, then you are a bigger nerd/doosh/lame-o than any of the people that have no qualms about posting on an internet blog.
Nick in New York says:
August 6th, 2009 at 9:59 am
data plan $30/mo
smallest minutes (450) $40/mo
smallest text plan (200) $5/mo
So you’re talking $75 per just to get in the door,
Uh, unless I’m missing something wouldn’t it be $40 to get in the door? Sure, all you’d be able to do is use it as a phone for that price, but…
Bandgeek says:
August 6th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Does anyone else cry and hug their dogs when they see the ASPCA commercials?… Anyone? I suppose not.
I just change the channel.
I try that Goody, doesn’t always work. It’s particularly bad with the newest one that they used the Willie Nelson song for.
“Uh, unless I’m missing something wouldn’t it be $40 to get in the door? Sure, all you’d be able to do is use it as a phone for that price, but…”
No, the data package is mandatory.
Gotta love the first mover premium.
As long as people are still willing to camp out overnight to be the first to get a phone that they can buy later the same day, that premium ain’t going away.
Now when VZ, TMo, etc. start carrying the phone, we’ll begin to see more aggessive rate plans.
Encrim: I stand corrected. You are right.
I need to be more judicious with my compliments.
Now when VZ, TMo, etc. start carrying the phone, we’ll begin to see more aggessive rate plans.
TMo maybe but I don’t see VZ anytime soon. Would require a new version of the phone to work with CDMA networks, wouldn’t it?
NiNY, may I suggest rephrasing your philosophy to “Judge not, lest ye be judging a dooshbag.” That should get rid of those pesky compliments.
Now when VZ, TMo, etc. start carrying the phone, we’ll begin to see more aggessive rate plans.
That will be a long time, I think. AT&T knows they have a captive market on the iPhone, just like T-Mobile has with the myTouch. In fact, the myTouch may be my next phone.
It may indeed require a re-phrase (”Lest” is giving me some trouble) but I’m basically trying to say I fine being a judgmental jerk because I don’t mind being judged by others.
There’s always the Jitterbug.
“Would require a new version of the phone to work with CDMA networks, wouldn’t it?”
I’d be willing to bet that this work is already done and VZ is just waiting to get access to the iPhone. VZ and Apple both win if VZ can sell the phone so they’ll figure out a way to make it work.
Zherdev is a move that for sure meets my criteria for a perceived risk for a new manager in a new position to take risk on.
Even if DR was here and had Lemaire, this player does not sound like Wild material as we have known it to be
I want to clarify something. Shep has the ABILITY to become the second center on this team. I fully expect him to have a good year. I don’t think it is reasonable to think he can do it over an 82 game season. I expect Shep to get 50 points at center, now that may not be great, but I say he is going to be a factor in SOME games this year, and he will be our second center in SOME games. “Dere no doubt”
Now after saying that, a veteran center that you could trade without breaking the bank for like a Modano, could do a great job as a 2nd center SOME of the games as well. With his age it would be right to play him 70 games instead of 82… “Deres No Doubt”
With a fresh start and his return give Mike an easy 55 to 60 points
Pouliot- I think will be a factor this year and you will see him perform as the 2nd center in a FEW games this year…. ” Deres no doubt”
In closing: A Modano trade could cause Fletch to pee his pants so CL would have give permission
It’s the same old song and dance…
I have been watching the blog for a while now. I want to defend what I think mkia is saying.
He is saying that a veteran scorer can compliment our existing centers until they develop into the teams true second center.
I don’t think he is saying to do it if you can get a better long term solution elsewhere.
My husband is on here and he is one of the guys bashing poor mkia
I just want to point out that it took him 12 whole minutes to log out, come up with the “Lucy” handle, log in and type that all up.
Twelve minutes.
Tell us about playing ping-pong in China again, MKiA!
AustinTXwildfan says:
August 6th, 2009 at 11:15 am
It’s the same old song and dance
You are absolutly right sir!!!!!!!
Sigh.
Wow ! Misses Biskers ! You are right !
Modano is a creative solution to a problem that has not been solved as of yet. If Fletch can do it and make more sense doing it then a veteran center then great. Misses Biskers, I am providing this service free of charge, in other words I am volunteer providing a community service
Wow only Twelve minutes.
Folks- I have no knowledge of Lucy. She is a new Ranter
Russo is the best sports beat writer in the Twin Cities. Period.
To quote The Royal Tenenbaums, “How bizarre; how interesting.”
I swear Russo is posting as MKVN just to mess with us.
Maybe we should call him
Mister Lucy Biskers69 Know it all.
Almost forgot, ATX, thanks for the DS recommendation. I’m sure it’s no Doki Doki Majo Shinpan, but I’ll keep my eye out for it. 
A new ranter, like Beaver, and Good Old Wally and etc. etc. etc.
I remeber the time MKIA forgot he was Beaver and agreed with a comment by Beaver saying he was Good Old Wally, yet he was still logged in as Beaver. When you have that many personality they get mixed up (just ask multi-mike).
I’ll back mkia w/ an affirmative to sign Zherdev. We need scoring and its worth the risk to this team. He may get a little fired up w/ the “new start” of the Wild.
Zherdev is a move that for sure meets my criteria for a perceived risk for a new manager in a new position to take risk on.
=
an affirmative to sign Zherdev
Honest to God I had no idea.
with corporate discounts
I don’t think there is such a thing. They’ve got quite the racket going on.
I have a hunch that the iPhone is going to be opened up to other carriers in the near future.
full disclosure: I like to sit on the can and play sudoku with mine. 
toivo says
“I like to sit on the can and play sudoku with mine”
You can do that?
I don’t think there is such a thing. They’ve got quite the racket going on
i certainly get a corp discount on my service. VZ or T. no discount on cost of physical iphone device though.
I have no knowledge of Lucy. She is a new Ranter
And my real name is Mike Tyson.
The last thing we need is another drama queen like Gaborik, if we’re going to pay for a skill player he needs to be out there mentally and physically every night.
Just as long as you don’t drop it in, yes you can!
toivo, TMI buddy, TMI
Ecrim, I am sure wiping the sweat of anime girs is quite fun… but not as fun as bringing anything you can think of to life. Scribblenauts is going to be awesome
Hmmm… I guess my corporation sucks then.
On the other hand, at some point Fletch needs to push the talent level of the organization. At least Zherdev can score, not another 6 goals, 8 assists guys. If they can get him for a one year contract for 4 mil and let him prove him self it might make sense. Waiting for a trade IMO is risky, esepcially the seeming plethora of goalies out there. Your not really gonna get that much for Harding - maybe a second round draft pick.
PASS! This is NOT what we need right now, a person who “PLAYS” when he feels like it or could want out mid-season.
zherdev scored 23 goals last year, thats one less than our leading goal scorer. korolev scored more than 20 goals last year. yet people label them as “not-motivated” and “mentally not there”. half of our team last year was in that criteria but yet no one seem to care and rather they take it out on players who are not even on our team. look at miettenen, he had one good month and then went absent, but everyone is looking at the complete season stats. same can be said for pmb and koivu. the reasons for not going after korolev (too late) and zherdev do not overweight the reasons for going after them. sometimes they play very well and sometimes not?? riiiight. korolev would be best player on our team, and at least represent one player from the world champion team. with korolev gone, it makes sense to offer zherdev a two year contract in 2 mil/range, he might want to show everyone, rang and khl that he is good. after 2 years he can walk. just an opinion.
If he’s asking for $4.75 mil in arbitration, I’m pretty sure we’re not getting him at $2 mil per.
a couple tweaks and you’re right in the Russoville wheelhouse, alexjack.
On the other hand, at some point Fletch needs to push the talent level of the organization.
This is true, but why should Fletch shoot his load this year? Cap uncertainty next summer, probably not going to be a contender anyway this year…better to keep some powder dry and see what shakes out. Who knows, maybe Mike Modano will demand a trade to the Wild?
At least Zherdev can score
True, but goals he scores for Magnetigorsk (sp?) don’t count for the Wild.
If they can get him for a one year contract for 4 mil and let him prove him self it might make sense.
They can’t take on $4M in new contract without getting rid of someone else. Just FYI.
Waiting for a trade IMO is risky,
Perhaps, but given the preceding, it’s a limited downside risk, no? Again, it’s not like we’re one player away from a Cup run, most likely. And if they surprise this year and overachieve, Fletch can use any saved cap space to trade for the right player instead of shooting in the dark right now. We don’t know how our players will react to TR.
esepcially (with? considering?) the seeming plethora of goalies out there.
Really? nhlnumbers.com lists The Fern, Kolzig, Legace, CuJo, Weekes, Denis, Schaefer, Krahn and MacDonald as the remaining UFA goalies. I think we’re closer to a dearth than a plethora.
Your not really gonna get that much for Harding - maybe a second round draft pick.
Now you’re talking like a true Russotan. Verily, those that have learned at the foot of the Don speak thusly.
rangers walked away after arbitration ruled 3.9 mil, so that will further minimize his future earnings, it may not be as low as 2, but never hurts to try.
I think Zherdev would go to the KHL, but don’t you have to have a current NHL contract to do so?
Just sayin’…
ATX, The Kraken vs. God = S’awesome. Definitely getting that one.
kj, yeah I don’t know if you can retire from being unemployed.
I wonder if LA make a 1 year bid at Zherdev? I’m pretty sure they are well under the cap and they were pretty quiet durng free agency.
Nick in New York says:
August 6th, 2009 at 11:19 am
I just want to point out that it took him 12 whole minutes to log out, come up with the “Lucy” handle, log in and type that all up.
Twelve minutes.
Please stop showing your ignorance people. You do not need to log out and log back in to have multiple personalities. You simply change your name in the “Name Required” field. Sheesh. Everyone know dat. And no, this is not mkia.
were not showing ignorance were talking about mkia,you must not have read any of his post’s or you would understand the comment.
ATX, The Kraken vs. God = S’awesome. Definitely getting that one.
Indeed. I have it reserved already. I have to support any game that lets me summon the Kraken. Cthulu is in there too. There is a video of God riding a skateboard while weilding a shotgun battling Cthulu. In the words of Peter Griffin: “Freakin’ Sweet!”
Zherdev’s award will only make him more determined to make at least that much.
WildNights: I believe we all know that you can simply change your name in the field. The point was that it took him 12 minutes to come up with the name and change it in the field. And, you furthered the point about how ridiculous it is that it took 12 minutes when you pointed out how simple it is to have “multiple personalities.”
Well sanjose, philedelphia, and chicago need to dump some salary….and they certainly have some decent players that could cost about the same as a zherdev and kovalev were asking for, and put up better, more consistant numbers….
i.e. sharp/cheechoo/sturm (bos is close too)
mittens was a complete waste of a signing, thank goodness dr didn’t sign him to a 5 year as opposed to the 3 year deal he signed……
were not showing ignorance were talking about mkia,you must not have read any of his post’s or you would understand the comment.
WildNights comment went right over your head dude.
“toivo says:
August 6th, 2009 at 11:59 am
Just as long as you don’t drop it in, yes you can!”
So then where does the dookie go??????
Ooooohhhh, don’t drop the iPhone in.
argonbeast0034 says:
August 6th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
mittens was a complete waste of a signing, thank goodness dr didn’t sign him to a 5 year as opposed to the 3 year deal he signed……
I’d have to disagree with you there. Perhaps the displeasure with him is that he was originally playing a role for which his skill level is not suited (1st line). As such, perhaps some expected him to excel in that position all year.
He ranked 5th on the team for pts, played all 82 games and costs a $2.333M cap hit. While not an elite player, in my opinion he is a good depth guy.
I was going to comment on playing iPhone games on the crapper.. but I knew it would lead to nothing good… yet here we are anyway. Way to go toivo.
WildNights: I believe we all know that you can simply change your name in the field. The point was that it took him 12 minutes to come up with the name and change it in the field. And, you furthered the point about how ridiculous it is that it took 12 minutes when you pointed out how simple it is to have “multiple personalities.”
This point assumes that he/she was actually thinking up his response/new personality the entire 12 minutes. He/she could have gotten up to take a duece while looking at his iphone, no?
My point I was making is there is no ‘logging out’ and ‘logging in’ as a logical person would interpret those words. Assuming, of course, that if one is on the Internet now, you know what those words mean……….
I know. I know. In my defense I’m usually not the one that leads us all down the path of bad taste.
ATX…toivo is good for ‘that’ kind of post.
Perhaps the displeasure with him is that he was originally playing a role for which his skill level is not suited (1st line). As such, perhaps some expected him to excel in that position all year.
Not only that, but DR was trying to sell him as a scoring forward who would do much better offensively under JL than in Dallas.
Oh my GAWD you guys have been chatty today!
Yes, BG, I do hug my dog when those ASPCA commercials come on.
You joke about the Jitterbug… That’s pretty much what I have. I need to do a post about the Ghetto Phone sometime. It’s legendary. I refuse to even learn the number. I have to look it up on the phone every time.
I’m with Goody RE Mittens. You can’t say he’s been a waste since he’s matched his career numbers. He’d be a waste if he came in and did worse than his previous numbers would indicate as his worth.
Ms.C, I love how the Jitterbug has “Tow” and “911″ buttons (as if dialing 911 wasn’t easy enough!), but considering the phone is for old people I’m surprised there isn’t a “Help I’m being attacked by robots who are fiends for my pills!” button.
This point assumes that he/she was actually thinking up his response/new personality the entire 12 minutes. He/she could have gotten up to take a duece while looking at his iphone, no?
Yep.. WildNights wins at the internet. That made me lol at my desk.
“Help I’m being attacked by robots who are fiends for my pills!”
Classic. I love that clip.
Poodle here, long time reader, first time poster.
I think this blog devotes entirely too much time to giving mkia the time of day. I bet he loves it.
I don’t think anyone here is convinced MKiA is capable of comprehending anything he does not himself/selves post. :\
Couldn’t agree more Poodle. Woof.
Never seen that Robot thing before. Hilarious.
Welcome to Hell Poodle. Enjoy your stay. And +1
- I think Zherdev would go to the KHL, but don’t you have to have a current NHL contract to do so? -
Nope, you can just be washed up too.
That’s a LOOONNNGGG vacation Russo but I agree PASS!
Cite Larry Brooks as a credible source at your own risk. He and Zipay in Newsday have done a fine job of getting out Cablevision’s spin on this whole thing.
Zherdev was the leading scorer on a team that couldn’t score, and until Renney was fired didn’t practice the powerplay - seriously. None of this character assassination of Zherdev came out until after the season, so either they were lying to Ranger fans all along or it’s been a nice smear campaign.
And if you’re looking for another recent example of Cablevision’s reversible spin cycle, look at Sean Avery. He was a great guy until he wanted to get paid, and then he was a cancer. As soon as Sather got him at a discounted rate he was back to being a folk hero.
Rangers will miss Zherdev, no doubt abuot it. Walking away from him over less than $700k is another example of how Sather’s arrogance provides the “direction” for the organIzation - that same vision that has led to the Rangers winning two playoff rounds in 10 years.
Darn ASPCA commercials, why do they play them so much on this channel… oh … it’s Animal Planet… question answered.
Wouldn’t it have been (slightly) more than $700,000 if arbitration said $3.9 and he wanted $4.75?
Who gets to be on vacation for a month at a time and repeatedly says he’s “going to be out of town”. Geez Russo
…plus, he wears a bad azz tinted visor, don’t he?
Getting a guy that scored 23 goals last year couldn’t be all that bad, could it? Everyone has their opinion about certain players but if we could get him at a discount for a year, he’d be top 5 in scoring on our team! Put him on Line 2 and he might increase that to 24-25 goals…who knows! I think we have far too many poosies on this team that might get us 6-10 goals. Time to up the ante, and that might mean an attitude to go with it. We can’t have our cake and eat it too can we?
That’s far too many posts for a new guy but I’m starting to come around on this guy, at a discount from $3.9 of course!
We need SOMETHING. Right now we have basically the same team, and no more scoring that we had last year…and look how that worked out for us.
Did I really just say that Modano will demand a trade to the Wild and there was no response from MKiA?
Modano, he’s the answer. A veteran center, which the Wild clearly need, at a discounted price. He brings cup experience to an inexperienced team. I’m with MKiA, we should at least pursue it and see if it could work.
Welcome, Poodle.
Summer’s a rough time of year to drop your first……line….in Russoville because “off-topic” is pretty much de rigueur.
But, we’re always happy to meet new people.
I highly doubt a guy who was arbitrated for a 3.9 mil contract would back down from it, not unless a lot of teams passed on him. We’re more likely to be passersby before he’d be willing to go low enough for it to be realistic for us. And by then, Dynamo or Magnitogorsk would make it worth it to defect and the point will be m00t.
And as Wolvy might ask, what’s a Magnitogorsk?
NiNY, that was a test, right?
When is the next Russoville get together?? I’d love to meet some of you people. You have the same passion for the game that I do. I love this team but want to see it get better. I know it takes time under a new regime too.
NiNY, de rigueur, thank gawd for Google! Good one.
Time for performance contracts
Magnitogorsk is what Russian men do after seeing nudie pictures of Maria Sharapova?
I’ll be in MN for the fair this year… but I doubt I’ll have time for a get together. Perhaps over Xmas we should get together down at McGovern’s like a few of us did last year.
I
Take it easy Poodle, just because you’ve made your first post doesn’t give you the invite to the Russoville parties. Remember, I’m the big fish in this pond, everyone goes through me first.
think Kessel is 21. If we mess up a chance to pick him up because Zherdev ate up all the remaining cap it would be a mistake. But is that just a pipe dream??
I think someone has stolen Nick’s identity… that or he’s laying the sarcasm on extra thick. I am voting for the prior.
Kessel is no Modano, that’s a fact.
ATX, glad you’re picking up on my sarcasm cuz eh I’ma layin’ it on pretty thick.
Nick- To answer your question about Modano making a request to come here.
His need for a change should be recognized by his leaders. Lou Nanne confirmed on radio that he felt it made sense. I feel good that you agree with me Nick. Nice to hear someone reason on here.
I don’t think making a request from management to trade him is his style and something he would do. I think Mike is the type of guy who is willing to put himself out before he would disappoint the fans or the owner Tom Hicks. But as you know, if you put yourself out just to play, your hardly motivated
I would say that the way management behaves in Dallas, it sounds like they are planning his life for him, from the way Nanne speaked about it.
I believe if the Wild called Joe the GM from Dallas he would be open to a trade. He is a guy in the last year of his contract so to get some compensation for him would be good I would think.
Craig Leopold would need to talk owner to owner with Tim Hicks because Joe the GM will say his hands are tied.
I am speculating which is the best I can do here. Should the Wild pursue him Nick? I think so
For once MKiA, we’re in total agreement. I just don’t see the Wild as having another viable option that makes as much sense or fits as well in to our team structure as this Modano idea.
For the record- I say that if the Wild have options to get someone like a Kessel with busting into the savings account, I say that is the way to go rather then Modano. I am on record. Modano is a band aid
Modano is a creative alternative for a player that could flourish for your team.
The other option is do nothing at center
Kessel is a pipedream. Boston will retain him.
Modano while a band aid fix for the next two seasons is worth it, IMO
The Wild will be one and out from the playoffs again this year.
NiNY — can you stop with the sarcasm bit? It’s been a rough day (layoffs of staff in my office) and you agreeing with MiKA is making me queasy…
Nick… I don’t think I can take much more of this.
Ah! I’ve been hijacked. Apparently MKiA has been have a bit of unadulterated fun at my expense. Fellow Russovilians, hear my cry, I do not support Modano nor do I support MKiA (at least not openly :))
Sorry couldn’t resist
Wow.
I’m guessing any of NiNY’s posts that contained a comma-splice were not his. That was my clue; is that wrong?
Funny, someone hi-jacked Mister Know it all and Nick from New York
Mister Know it all did not make this statement below
Mister Know it All says:
August 6th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Sorry couldn’t resist
Funny, someone hi-jacked Mister Know it all and Nick from New York
God, I hate summer.
I guess even a blind pig will sometimes find an acorn.
I know someone is having fun with mkia, but his post here does provide good reason.
I want to clarify something. Shep has the ABILITY to become the second center on this team. I fully expect him to have a good year. I don’t think it is reasonable to think he can do it over an 82 game season. I expect Shep to get 50 points at center, now that may not be great, but I say he is going to be a factor in SOME games this year, and he will be our second center in SOME games. “Dere no doubt”
Now after saying that, a veteran center that you could trade without breaking the bank for like a Modano, could do a great job as a 2nd center SOME of the games as well. With his age it would be right to play him 70 games instead of 82… “Deres No Doubt”
With a fresh start and his return give Mike an easy 55 to 60 points
Pouliot- I think will be a factor this year and you will see him perform as the 2nd center in a FEW games this year…. ” Deres no doubt”
In closing: A Modano trade could cause Fletch to pee his pants so CL would have give permission
This has taken a turn for the worse. I preferred the crapper talk. I am outta here!
I give up.
He’s the Lamar Odom of hockey.
And I have now added another name to my “autoskip these posts” list.
22 wingers under contract next season will earn as much as $4.75 million, and 13 of those came when they were signed as UFA’s or pending UFA’s. Of the remaining nine, only three are under 25 and they are Alex Ovechkin, Jeff Carter and Corey Perry.
I guess this is nitpicking at this point, but I haven’t been home all day, but I’m 95% certain Carter is a center.
There’s no real point to this post. Carry on.
Je pense donc je suis.
I comment therefore I am MKIA?
Que?
How do you tell real from MKIA alias?
I tell you guys, no one can waste an off day like me…..seriously…..where did this day go?!?!?
Mittens wouldn’t be a waste if he wasn’t overpaid by a mil…..he was just filler last year….he had 1 good month and disapeared….not worth a 2.33 mil hit…..obviously this is just an opinion, but it is one in a long line of dr blunders that contributed to his canning….
he is what he is….a solid third line checking center with a little offensive upside…..clutterbuck is worth 2.33 mil…..as he has that offensive upside along with some fiestiness that lifts the team up…..
bon tempz….I think the rule is if the post attempts to make the poster look like a god like figure who knows everything, and lacks any semblance of intelligence…..we usually lump that poster as MKVN until further notice….especially if said poster agrees with him whole heartedly and reposts said post.
a day off….not an day off……
appearently my brain took the day off as well….
How do you tell real from MKIA alias?
If the post seems psychotic, we assume it’s MKIA.
My prior comment is probably not going to show up because I said the F-bomb and used the S-word. It’s not even a funny thing to hijack someone’s screen name. It’s actually very, very pathetic for a middle-aged man to do something like that. Am I the only one that gives a S*** about the rules? We can’t condone that behavior and play it off as “oh, that’s what retard Mister does.” That is unacceptable. This is not the first time you’ve done that Mister. It better be the last.
And, yes, I know the lame-ass will do it again. Whatever gets you off Mister. In your case, Mike Modano and acting like an idiot on this blog.
It’s just because Russo is gone. Cat’s away.
It’s just because Russo is gone.
Indeed. MKIA knows it’s wrong, but unfortunately there is no “real” mederator on this blog. It would be nice if they had someone that could track the ip addresses and ban people accordingly. I would love to wield the ban hammer on this blog. MKIA would be walking on eggshells.
Ah. Merci for clarifying.
Do you have any idea how hard it is to walk 65 lbs of mixed breed dog and eat a blizzard. It was all melty before I could finish it because of that mutt. But he’s to cute to stay mad at.
Tony Perkis just sent Kyle Okposo into the infirmary with a nasty fungus on his neck. I think I’ll let Lars deal with it.
Lars Eller?
This team was left a mess by D.R./J.L. The facts are at this point the Wild will not make the playoffs. What did they get so far this summer? Trade-Off Gabby for Havlik. At best a toss-up. They added two D that are just fill-ins. The point is they better add some more depth, but how. This team was left in poor shape by the two great ones and they have not much help in the system. Good luck trying to in the playoffs with the current team. Here are the teams that are better on paper. Wings, Hawks, Flames, Canucks, Ducks, Sharks, Blue Jackets. So here are the wild trying to battle for 8th spot
Havlik? Havlicek? Who?
Austin complaining about Mister Know it all and his supposed aliases. I was the one that was hi-jacked today, and I am still the lightning rod on here.
From the threads on here it looks like someone named Lucy is got a thing for Mister Know it all. Its not me ! Yes Good old Wally and the Beaver were me, but this is not.
Mister Know it all was being manipulated today by someone who hi-jacked Nick from New York. I am the victim.
Cool article on Roenick below
Jeremy Roenick To Retire
Star-divide
Mike Modano (75 points) in Minnesota, Jeremy Roenick (66) in Chicago, and Rod Brind’Amour (61) in St. Louis were at the top of the rookie scoring race all season. (Russian veteran Sergei Makarov won the Calder with 86 points at age 31, eliciting the creation of an age maximum for the trophy in future years.) Within a couple seasons, add Sergei Fedorov to Detroit and the Doug Gilmour trade from the Smythe’s Flames to the Norris’ Maple Leafs, and suddenly the balance of power was shifting in the 1990s then-Campbell Conference.
The Oilers won their last Stanley Cup that year, but the next season Chicago and St. Louis finished 1-2 overall in the league, while the cindarella North Stars skated past both of them plus the Oilers to make it to the Cup finals. The next year, Roenick’s Hawks went to the finals only to be swept by the defending-champion Penguins.
Anyway, I can never think of Roenick, Modano or Brind’Amour without remembering that 1989-90 rookie scoring race, which I followed each week in The Hockey News (a little print doo-hickey that predates this here Internet). Given their starts, it’s surprising to think that of the three, Roenick is the one who never won the Cup. In fact, that 1992 season was his lone appearance in the finals.
In my mind, his decline began with the Bill Wirtz Blackhawks’ steady dismantling of that squad (go win Cups elsewhere, Chelios; you too, Belfour) and sending of that great NHL market into hibernation. After the hilariously Wirtzian trade for Alex Zhamnov, Roenick had a fantastic first season in Phoenix (along side league-leading goal scorer Keith Tkachuk) in 1996-97, but suffered a gruesome knee injury in Game 6 of the thrilling 7-game Coyotes-Mighty Ducks playoff series that year. He came back the next year to have a good playoff (another first-round Jets/Coyotes exit), but the Coyotes never looked as dangerous again and the injury bug would stalk the once-dynamic Roenick for the rest of his career.
As a partisan fan of two loyalties (I’ve got Blues blue and Islanders orange in my blood and my upbringing), I was in position to hate Roenick for much of his career, in both conferences. But part of me later grudgingly appreciated his skill, his speed and his Brett Hull-esque frank foot-in-mouth tendency. If I step back and look at this league as a whole, I can say it’s a shame he never lifted the Cup. Because you know he would’ve given us one helluva celebration
At least they put up a sexy picture of him. That is one attractive man. He makes AO look like Brad Pitt.
Jon Cheechoo or Patrick Sharp instead of Zherdev???
Yeah, just what we need, to waste $3.5 million on a guy that provides half the offensive production (the former), or to pay a guy $4M that’s four years closer to washed up and maybe as productive at present (the latter).
Your reasoning is stupid, Russo, like always. You have your likes and dislikes, and you allow them to cloud your judgment.
If a guy like Richards can’t get a player like Zherdev to play at full throttle all the time, perhaps Richards isn’t fit to coach in this league.
Sign the kid, then put him on the first line with Mikko and Havlat. The kid’s by far the best option for the Wild at this point.
Or, are Terry Ryan and Billy Smith running this team now?
Interesting article. I know its a slow news day so I am trying to help
Top 7 game breakers of all time
1. Wayne Gretzky—Scored a total of 91 game winners, 12th overall in the NHL, but it’s the Great One’s 73 short handed goals that separates him from the pack. Down a goal or down a man, Gretzky put the fear of God into every NHL player alive. Gretzky had 12 career game tying goals as well.
2. Jaromir Jagr—Leads the NHL with 112 game winning goals. Jagr’s 20 short handed goals and 11 game tying goals prove without a doubt that Jagr was more than just the one-dimensional player that many thought he was.
3. Mark Messier—“Moose”, as many of his teammates referred to him, had a total of 92 career game winners. His 63 short handed goals are second to only Gretzky on this list, while his 15 game tying goals ranks him right up there with the best of the best.
4. Brett Hull—With 110 career game winners, none of them bigger than the one he scored against the Buffalo Sabres to win the Stanley Cup for the Dallas Stars. Hull finds himself in the shadow of only Jagr in career game winners. His 23 short handed goals are low, but who is kidding who, Hull didn’t get a ton of action on the penalty kill! Hull also netted 12 game-tying goals.
5. Brendan Shanahan—Surprised to see Shanny here? Don’t be. Shanny had 109 career game winners and 23 short handed goals. His hard work around the net is what earned him most of those goals. Shanahan had 15 game tying goals.
6. Steve Yzerman—Noticing a trend here? A) There sure are a ton of Canucks on this list, B) There are a lot of teammates on this list too. Stevie-Y had 94 career game winners and 50 short handed goals to boot. His 12 game tying goals puts him right there with the best.
7. Mike Modano—90 career game winners, 29 career short handed goals and 15 game tying goals, not bad!
Typical wild fans on this blog. They can’t discuss hockey with any depth, or insight. Get a room, or sign up for facebook, either way, grow up and find another site to play highschool.
the wild dont need anymore decent players, they need a star. i say dont sign anyone longer than one year then next year throw the kitchen sink at
Kovalchuk.maybe they can trade gilles, shep and harding for 1 legitamate prospect this year so i dont have to watch shep and gilles on the ice again.
Yes Good old Wally and the Beaver were me, but this is not.
Holy mother of pearl… he admitted it. I am in shock.
OMG, finally someone who makes sense.
Thanks (wtf) ur making sense.
If a guy like Richards can’t get a player like Zherdev to play at full throttle all the time, perhaps Richards isn’t fit to coach in this league.
Add Stanley Cup champion coaches John Tortorella and Ken Hitchcock to guys that are not fit to coach in this league.
Retry:
If a guy like Richards can’t get a player like Zherdev to play at full throttle all the time, perhaps Richards isn’t fit to coach in this league.
Add Stanley Cup champion coaches John Tortorella and Ken Hitchcock to the list of guys that are not fit to coach in this league.
Wild 1 says:
August 6th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Interesting article. I know its a slow news day so I am trying to help
Top 7 game breakers of all time
that was not me(wild 1) i was off the computer at that time it must have been mkia again dammit!!mkia leave me out of your crap.
Sigh, it would seem we now have more than one poster who is hi-jacking screen names or using multiple names. In my not so humble opinion, that makes the ‘discussion’ almost unreadable. Worse than trolls. At least with trolls one knows which posts to skip and which might actually contain something interesting.
Now I’ll be humble and respectfully request that any of you who may be hi-jacking screen names (or using multiples) to knock it the F off.
Of course I expect ironically, I’ll probably be the one reprimanded for using that capital f and not the hi-jackers.
I know for a fact i was not on here last night at 10:33pm i was actually trying to get my grandson’s to go to sleep.
looks like I missed an exciting finish to the day yesterday. FTR, my last post was the one at 3:31.
Agree with Goody, et al, about the hijacking. I’d love it if the Russo’s Rants gatekeepers could follow through on Russo’s original decree to have banned the IP of anyone doing that crap.
I also see the doldrums of summer (and the discussions therein) trapped another Serious Hockey Poster in its gnarly maw.
bdk: settle down, bro. It’s August.
good morning niny,there should be a way they can find out who’s hi jacking people’s name’s this is getting crazy.
my last post yesterday was at 1:28 pm
after that i had 2 grandson’s to watch that mean’s no time for the computer.
I have to go to the dentist today, I’m very sad about that.
sorry:( is it that bad?
Not bad, just a check up. But I was very hard on my teeth in my youth so something is always wrong. I wonder if they’ll tell me I need another crown?
just hope you don’t need a root canal.
Yuck, I really hope not.
well good luck,and hope it’s just a check up with no surprises.
A friend just texted me that rumors are flying around twitter of possibly Tanguay to the Wild…
Wall I don’t know that I trust stuff off twitter… having said that Tanguay would be more of an improvement than Zherdev. Does any one know what his cap hit would be?
I’m not saying I trust it either. I don’t even know how I’d feel about if there is any truth to it.
I just wanted to share what I heard.
Thank’s for the info.
Actually, it might be more believeable because it’s not on Eklund’s site, as far as I can tell…That’s usually a good barometer.
Supposedly it’s between TB and Minny, but I don’t know - it doesn’t really fit in with what Fletcher has said about his plans to wait for a trade, etc. Could very well be nothing.
Bandgeek - Tanguay is a free agent. His cap hit would be what ever we sign him to. I agree, Tanguay would be a better option than Zherdev.
Twitter > Eklund
As far as hockey rumors go. The percentage has to be higher anyway.
Tanguay would be a nice pickup. Not exactly a big splash for a FA, but I’ve never had a beef against him. Good player, but don’t expect to see any high point totals without an absolute stud on his line (like he had with Iginla).
Tangs is known as having high-second-tier skillz, and playing a soft game.
I would prefer to see him on a line with a good C&B type “power forward” who gets low and creates space by abusing defenders.
I’m not sure we have that guy, though perhaps IGoW might work? Bruno? IDK.
I think I’d be fine with Tanguay–if we could fit him. Seems like we’d be pretty close to the cap with him. but you have a good point, Wallshot, about this rumor seemingly going against what we’ve been told is the general plan. Wait-n-see, I guess.
Regarding Zherdev and coaching - don’t forget Tom Renney couldn’t get anything out of the kid either. Considering we already have Pouliout, I’m not sure we need another talented, but enigmatic, forward who was drafted 4th overall and plays when he wants. We have enough, thanks. If Zherdev is really such a great option at $4M, why hasn’t anyone signed him?
If Zherdev is really such a great option at $4M, why hasn’t anyone signed him?
Exactly.
We should certainly know what Tanguay’s capable of. As an Av coming into our zone, he wasn’t as frightening as, say, Sakic and Foppa, but he’s got to be up like 3rd or 4th on the Avs Wild-Killer list.
$4mil is too much for just about anybody, but I’d take that salary.
I guess I’d be ok with Tanguay, but I’d prefer to see just a one year deal.
he also visited some pain on the Wild whilst wearing the flaming C, IIRC.
It goes back to him playing with studs, though: Sakic, Foppa, Hejduk, and the world tree Jerome Iggsdrasil. Maybe he could do some thangs with Koivu and Halvat?
There is a cricket in the office… he must DIE.
When do the Wild 3rds get announced?
Poor wimpy multi-mike is feeling left out again so he hijacks names. Loser.
ATX, Icethetics has nothing new to report since Russo’s tweat a few weeks ago. Still just projected to be during camp. Hopefully they’re s’awesome and they give me a good reason to get a Koivu jersey.
Just looking at cap numbers and noticed the Wild have to take .928 cap hit for Parrish until 2014!? GROSS.
Is Parry still on carried by an NHL team? Maybe he’ll retire and let us off the hook…
When does camp start? I am too lazy to look it up.
Oh, and RE the cricket: just take a nap like it’s a soothing chorus of crickets outside. Or take a flamethrower to the place.
NiNY - Parrish is a free agent. He signed 1 year deal with Dallas last year.
lolz. I was just reading the comments on the Icethetics piece about the upcoming jersey. Someone wrote: “That’s a classic look that looks very modern.”
Err…
Chris: hmm…if no one wants his services, time to hang ‘em up!
ATX - Camp starts August 8, I’m pretty sure…
Oh, and RE the cricket: just take a nap like it’s a soothing chorus of crickets outside. Or take a flamethrower to the place.
If I had a flame thrower it would be on. But I don’t so I took the more peaceful route and just put on some headphones. Listening to Andrew Bird in preperation for ACL.
Thanks Wallshot. So not much longer now. It will be good to get some updates again. Can’t wait to hear how the guys look in camp.
I would agree. We could put that $.928M to much better use on our cap.
Parrish would be a great addition to a bar league team at the Bloomington Ice Garden.
I mean, if we’re going to pay him $928 just to sit on his duff at home, I’d almost rather see if he’d be willing to come in for that amount and try to make the team.
Almost.
This would never happen, but what if Parrish did come back? What happens to to that $928?
**SQUEE!!!!****
Sorry girly moment, If camp starts Aug 8 like Wall said that means HOCKEY!!!!! TOMORROW!!!!! That means ice and skates and pads and sticks and pucks and stinky goalie gear and mmmmmm…. sweaty hockey players….. I’m so happy.
Can’t wait to hear how the guys look in camp.
I’m sure we’ll get full reports on how they play and how they look, from a select few Russotans.
mmmmm….sweaty Mikko…….
Maybe September 8… They don’t do 2 months of camp.
They should, the lazy bastiges.
Don’t ruin this for me MsC! The dentist looms and I need the joy to get through that.
I thought everyone would know I wasn’t serious. Training camp does not start tomorrow. Sorry Bandgeek.
I know Wall but like I said.. the dentist looms. Don’t go harshing my buzz. CAN”T HEAR YOU LALALALALA!!!
I thought that seemed a bit soon. More summer drought… in more ways than 1… rain damnit!! We need rain!
It’s raining here today ATX. We’ve needed rain bad. even the weeds in my yard were brown.
They’re training now for sure. But informally. Tomorrow IS Brusty’s birthday though, so it’s an important day. He’s only 8 years younger!
it’s raining hard here by downtown.
Which downtown? It’s steady sprinkles for South St. Paul.
Wow. Super slow day if there’s a weather discussion. :\
So I know this might be a non-traditional topic for this blog but I’d like some opinions. My friend works for the Wild and was told that no one is getting raises (non-players) this coming season. I know the economy is bad but we’re talking about one of the most profitable franchises in the NHL. I find it hard to believe they can’t give raises to the support staff?
I love the Wild but this actually has me pretty upset with the team.
did they raise ticket prices? I don’t remember.
Could be that corporate sponsorships are down, and I would guess ticket sales might be down, too. It is a for-profit business so they’re going to make business decisions to ensure that they continue to be profitable during difficult climates. Every company does it.
Your friend should be grateful to be working where no raises is the worst of it. Most places are laying people off, having hiring freezes, etc. on top of no raises/bonuses and reducing benefits.
MSE’s non Wild business ventures have been impacted quite a bit by the bad economy (a friend of mine works at 317 in catering). So it’s probably a reaction to that. Kind of a balance, I think the Wild part of MSE is the only part making money right now. At least that’s how it sounded to me.
Send that rain down here guys. We need it as badly as Rosie needs her Twinkies.
I am so jealous of you Austin dwellers. I love ACL. How does it work ATX? Do you just show up early and get in or do you buy tickets? I can only imagine the line… Yikes. Well, with SXSW there maybe you’re used to it.
There’s lots of that going on with my job too: no raises nor bonuses. Thankfully no one’s been laid off, but no one’s replaced if they leave. They even took away the plants. I mean… the plants? C’mon!
Wow. Guess you didn’t need that life-giving oxygen, Crim.
Jordan, you have to buy tix way in advance for ACL. And they are a bit pricey. this will be my first time going to ACL, so it will be a new adventure. I have gone to sxsw the past two years. sx is easy. You don’t need tickets unless there are some bands that you really HAVE to see. I usually just go downtown and go to as many free shows as possible. A ton of shows for sx are free. It’s awesome. You should come check it out, it’s a fun time.
so it is raining……that would explain the giant sleep I had this morning….
recessions suck…..plain and simple…
the more I think about it, the more I am confused by us releasing parish…..he only has a .728 cap hit, or is that half of what it was……..that isn’t too bad for a fourth liner, so I am wondering if it is possible to bring him in using that cap hit already on the team….not exactly privy to that portion of the cap rules…..someone get on that one stat!
We’ve frozen salaries and the bonus structure at last year’s rates, and yesterday some of the staff is laid off. I much preferred the salary freezes to yesterday.
They even took away the plants. I mean… the plants?
Did TooL land at your place of employment Encrimson’d?
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wild/45266302.html?page=2&c=y
this teams cap situation is quite nice after this year……
zidlicky’s cap hit goes to koivu and his re-signing…..with probobly a little bit left over….I’m thinking koivu gets a 5.5 (I can only hope) or 6 mil cap hit on his re-signing…..
that means we have kimmy’s and nolan’s contract expirations, that can be used to sign anyone we want….7 mil can sign 99% of the league…and I do think we can snag kolvy if he is a free agent with that price…..(he has never played on a line with as much talent as havlat/koivu)…..
kovy is the only person of that caliber that will reach free agency (if he isn’t resigned) any time soon…..
on an side note, do you guys realize oveckin is signed until 20/21? now that my friends is a long term contract!
my totally ignorant thinking would be that he would have to agree to a contract for $0 and just play for what we’re already going to pay him this year.
Hopefully someone with actual knowledge of this can help us out in the Don’s absence.
El Gato says:
August 7th, 2009 at 10:02 am
Parrish would be a great addition to a bar league team at the Bloomington Ice Garden.
I’ll take one for the team and offer my team as a possible destination. ghey smilie alert <-there it is!
MNangler says:
August 7th, 2009 at 10:54 am
My friend works for the Wild and was told that no one is getting raises (non-players) this coming season.
I love the Wild but this actually has me pretty upset with the team.
Be upset if you want, but your friend (like me and many others) should be happy they still have a job. A job which presumably they enjoy and which presumably has not yet ‘offered’ them a pay cut.
This being the off season, it might be a little hard to predict exactly how much money will start rolling in once the season starts. If they are making money hand over fist then and still no raise, then I can possibly see reason for being upset.
argonbeast0034 says:
August 7th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
this teams cap situation is quite nice after this year……
Two D and one forward are gone and you want to replace them with one forward and give a raise to another forward. How do you propose the holes at D be filled?
argonbeast - kovalchuk is the only player reaching UFA status, but there are many players reaching RFA status that will be traget’s as well. I do agree, kovalchuk would be a fantastic addition, and we would have the cap space to go after him. The only question is if he would want to come here.
Goody - Cuma could probably fill one hole.
Anyone get a virus popup when they clinked on the NY Post link that Russo included in the article?
Cuma could probably fill one hole.
Goody - Cuma could probably fill one hole.
Come on Chris, this is a family-friendly blog!
ATX: I have a bunch of friends that went down this year and had a blast. Hopefully, I’ll be playing there in a few years. Our public radio station the Current brings down a pretty fair sized local contingent, not to mention the acts that play outside the “official” festival. Doesn’t seem too hard to play, just super hard to get any attention among the hundreds of other bands there.
I heard a funny/semi-tragic story a while ago about a band called 12 Rods that went to play a huge showcase and had their equipment sabotaged before they went on. They had no choice but to play their time slot and bombed. All the major label interest they had evaporated. I think they ended up making an album in Hawaii with a hammered Todd Rundgren on production, so at least they got a story out of the deal.
I would rather see this team go after Marleau.
Send Ottawa Johnnson, Mittens and a draft pick or Gillies
Send San Jose Harding
San Jose gets Heatly
We get Marleau and Erhoff.
you also get bela/boogards cap hits off as well…..that should be about 5 mil from those two, and the left over from zids/kimmy after the kovy/koivu signings/extentions…..and who knows how much of the 4 mil from this year will be left after that……..so I’d say we are in good shape
cuma should be ready by then….and that is also where the minor league depth comes into play……if we still have any…..
we should still be able to get a solid d-man to replace zid’s contributions, and you also have, hopefully, shultz and burnsie becoming true 1-2 d-men….
decent cheap help is a lot easier to find than the kovy’s of the world….that is for sure……
ottawa wouldn’t do that trade…..
Ms.C, you didn’t even have to comment on the Cuma line, eh? Just quote it.
zidlicky’s cap hit goes to koivu and his re-signing…..with probobly a little bit left over….I’m thinking koivu gets a 5.5 (I can only hope) or 6 mil cap hit on his re-signing…..
Really? 5.5-6 mil for a defensive center? Hahahahahaha! God you guys suck ass. That is what you want to spend precious cap money on. Ha!
Guys making that cap hit:
Sedin Twins - 6.1
Zets - 6.083
Elias - 6.0
Cammi - 6.0
M. Richards - 5.75
You can have Koivu at that price!!!!!! Hahaha. Typical Minny morons overpaying for their 2nd tier players! A 20 goal scorer, WOW!
Is Vancouver really that boring in the summer? I can’t remember the last time I checked out a blog about opposing teams unless it was gameday.
Cuma is capable of partially filling a hole this year, But John Scott is filling that hole completely as the 7th Dman, so Cuma will need an injury, or for the Wild to go with 13 forwards instead of 14 forwards. Deres no doubt that John Scott is big and they will need his size along with Boogy to take care of business
I think it depends on how bad Ottawa wants to get rid of him. After all that is gone so far I think it would be a pretty uncomfortable situation to bring Heatly back. I could be wrong. Also there isnt a whole lot of demand out there for him. Really it is 2 or maybe 3 teams. So I find it hard to beleive Ottawa is really going to get what they are hoping to for him. Kind of like we never get what we think we should for our players. San Jose wants him but needs to move money. Maybe we can talk San Jose into sending Someone else to Ottawa like Cheechoo and we send Mittens or Belanger to San Jose.
I guess all I am saying is if I was Wild managment I would be on the horn with San Jose not Zherdev or Comrie.
mkia get lost you hijacker we don’t care about what you think.
Cuma is capable of partially filling a hole this year, But John Scott is filling that hole completely.
Where’s Pewt when you need ‘im?
[…] • The Minnesota Wild are waiting to make a significant move on offense, and Michael Russo looks at whether bringing in Nikolai Zherdev might be that move. [Russo’s Rants] […]
so who’s really filling the hole?
AG I’d go for that deal minus Erhof!
I’m gonna short out if you guys keep talking about Cuma and Scott filling holes.
[…] • The Minnesota Wild are waiting to make a significant move on offense, and Michael Russo looks at whether bringing in Nikolai Zherdev might be that move. [Russo’s Rants] […]
sorry ms.c i was just asking who’s filling the hole?
My Wife looked at what I wrote and asked me to apologize for my actions.
To be truthful with everyone on here. It would take us trading Bobby Lou and both Sedins to get Mikko in a trade from Minnesota.
I am jealous of Minnesota if you guys sign Modano. Your trio of centers will simply be to powerful for my squad if that happens.
Lets face it, he likely is the missing piece to the puzzle for your squad
Again, I am sorry for my actions and being rude. This is how we behave in Vancouver. Our culture is players like Bertuzzi, Burroughs, Cook and Ohlund. Our players match the culture of our people
i was just asking who’s filling the hole?
Which hole are we filling now?
Hey VanCanWin - Kind of like paying Henrik Sedin that much money for his whopping 22 goals scored last year?
Oh, and I’m glad I can provide some humor around here. Makes me feel good.
Has MKiA taken to hi-jacking troll identities now?
sound’s like mkia has hijacked VanCanWin, that post sound’s alote like mkia to me what do you all think?
What I think is that if MKiA continues to hi-jack other people’s names, someone should bring this to the attention of the blog police (i.e., Russo).
Our public radio station the Current brings down a pretty fair sized local contingent, not to mention the acts that play outside the “official” festival.
yeah Jordan, we actually stumbled into a place two years ago that was playing only MN bands. We saw Cloud Cult and Kid Dakota there. It was pretty awesome.
Back from the dentist! All good, just the usual you need to floss better, and we should get that tooth crowned. So maybe a crown in my near future but no big right? It’s not a root canal. Now that the dentist is done I can face the fact that there is still a month until training camp… 
But when it does, we get to see sweaty Mikko….and Cal… and Scotty (who was super nice at Summer bash)… and Boogie!!
word to sound dental hygiene, band.
ATX, Jordan: My favorite ACL show was Wilco (on DVD or something–not live).
I gotta get in good with the Current to get any of my three measly bands down to play SXSW. It’d be sick. The funk band almost got a chance to play 10,000 Lakes Festival this year but a bunch of us were out of town. :’(
as long as we’re freeloading…my new project is set to make our official debut next week. Two guitars, one singer, one percussionist, lots of fun.
I don’t think we’ll be rocking ACL anytime soon, though.
I have that slightly gritty feeling in my mouth from the tooth polish, always hate that part of going to the dentist.
If I ever get a job that doesn’t get reduced at the start of a new fiscal year… yes I’m bitter… ACL is on my list of things to do. Along with Wild road game, Ben and Jerry’s factory (ice cream is my cryptonite, second only to potatoes), and an Aeros game (either in Houston or Des Moines). The list is longer but those are at the top.
glad all went well at the dentist.
What are the names of said bands?
NiNY, believe in your dreams!
BG, good to hear, especially about the ice cream and potatoes.
Greil, my bands? The funk band’s name is Hip Replacement; the indie-electrono-sphere name is The Map & The Territory; the alt-country band has no official name, but affectionately refer to it as Loud Drunk Band.
Ben & Jerry’s factory is pretty cool. Only gripe is that you only get one small (~1oz) sample of free ice cream at the end. Not like the Coca-Cola factory or most (all?) brewery tours.
encrim: I’m a recovering music major. I was smart enough to choose “real world job” over living-off-Ramen-while-trying-to-make-it-in-NYC-as-a-working-musician about 12 years ago after I graduated. Playing music for me now is like playing hockey: it’s all about the beer leagues and having fun.
There isn’t a team in Des Moines anymore BG… Milwaukee is probably a good bet though. Or Manitoba, if you want an actual hockey atmosphere.
I’m eager to hear the name of the band, Nick. Sneak preview? Just for your pal, Ms.C?
Sorry gang, perhaps I’m just to close to the situation. I definately can admit to that. Here’s my beef with the “no raise” thing for Wild staffers, the team has been making money “hand over fist” for the last 8 seasons. As it stands right now, the Wild have the exact same number of season ticket holders for the 09/10 season as they have had all 8 previous season. Season tickets constitute a huge portion of revenue for the team. So in my opinion it hardly seems plausible for them to hide behind the “resession” excuse. You have trainers and medical staff that make 45k a year!!! You pay the people that take care of your 50+ million dollar product 45k a year???? I just don’t agree.
Again, just my opinion. I’m done ranting about it promise.
Hip Replacement makes me laugh. Though really you should be a Tragically Hip cover band with that name.
Darn it! When did the Chops fold MsC? I hadn’t heard that one.
ms.conduct: hint….it’s the last three words of a relatively well-known palindrome.
and, no, it’s not “A Canal, Panama”
Ms.C, we could find a fitting TH cover if ever you’re in the audience. We’re pretty proud of the pun in the name, mostly because the pun is in the Hipness rather than being an old joke.
You can probably imagine how much confusion surrounds such a name and the type of person who might mistake it for something else. We’ve received numerous emails from old ladies seeking cheap, government-aided surguries. Band’s are great for getting chicks and all that, but that’s not exactly what we were hoping for.
Point taken, MNangler. I would think that is low for those jobs, esp if folks have several years of experience (which I hope they do).
I think there are some things you give up for the “glamour” of working in professional sports. I’m willing to bet it’s not all that glam, but I’d guess that plenty of people with the same skill sets would love to be in their shoes at 45k to be able to work in a pro sports environment.
Kinda reminds me of software programmers. I’ve known plenty who will work for a lot less money to be on the video game side of the industry rather than the business software side, even though companies like EA are big time sweatshops.
Seriously? Sweatshops
Sorry, trying to figure out what word in my post is angering moderation.
glamour
Well, anyway, MNangler, I had more to say on the subject but I can’t fathom what is ticking off moderating.
BG, this summer. They weren’t paying the Ducks like 6 of the 7 million they owed them. Oops.
You’re giving me a brain cramp, Nick.
Cool, Crim. I will have to try and make that happen. Fireworks!
It’s okay Ms. C, it’s time for me to move on from it anyway.
Well I suppose, have a great weekend all.
Hey everyone have a nice weekend i’m off to the lake.
Wait… what happened to the Chops? They didn’t even play a season yet did they?
Yeah, they played one season. We crushed them. I’ll miss those pigs.
Ana’s players are mostly going to be in San Antonio so let’s all hope that Foxy Drew Miller doesn’t make the big club. That would make me very happy.
Is this Foxy Drew Miller worth the drive down to San Antonio, ms. c? Oooh, or wait! We’ll just have to go see the Austin Stars when San Antonio plays here!
Exactly! Though he spent a good bit of the end of the season with the Ducks, so he may make the big club out of camp. Fingers crossed he doesn’t.
Though others don’t seem to see it, but here’s my post about why I like him. You can judge for yourself. http://msconduct10.blogspot.com/2009/02/mmm-mmm-miller.html
Is skoula still available? I’m starting my own NHL team.
“Which hole are we filling now?”
Nurse Julie from Heavyweights.
So the Chops are gone. I guess that won’t help Stu Bickel. He could barely get on the ice for his own team’s farm team. How is he going to play for someone else’s farm team?
ms.conduct says:
August 7th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Hip Replacement makes me laugh. Though really you should be a Tragically Hip cover band with that name.
The old house band back in the North Stars days at the Met Center was the Hip Checks. We called them the Hip Replacements way-y-y back then. The keyboardist from that band is today’s Xcel Center Wild organist, Palmer Harbison, still missing every 5th-6th note, just like he was back then…
taking into consideration that eklunds only right 2 percent of the time, i hope he is right about the miracle of Heater coming to the wild. As for Kovie, he will resign in atlanta if the team makes progress this year. If they dont, i see us making a run at him but being outbid. His salary will be at least 8 per.
I read and reread the EK rumor. I found it hard to believe particularly seeing he talks of further interest in Tanguay. There would have to be 2,3 OR MORE TEAMS INVOLVED AND i DON’T SEE THE CAP ABILITY TO PLAY WITH huge $$$ without a overhaul of the entire team ..maybe
I came across a solid rumor that says Vinny Prospal will be signed by the Wild in a few days. I am sure fellow countrymen Havlat would like the company. The Wild have only 1 Czeck and its Havlat.
So Fletcher may be thinking that Prospal may be motivated in this situation to play. His age is 36 so one can assume that motivation is the reason why he was bought out
What is Tampa doing is the question ? They signed this guy to a 4 year contract last year and then buy him out a year later. Do you get the feeling that Tampa may be a little shaky ???
Here is the link. I forgot to change my Van Can handle
I see vaclav is listed as LW…however in other lists he is a C. So now I’m hearing Tanguay,Heatly & Prospal. What are the odds that any of them are real and/or possible????
Any chance we can get rid of Kim Johnsson for someone in return? I have never been a fan of the guy quite frankly hes highly overrated and overpaid. PS does anyone else think Nick Schultz needs to start scoring or take a pay cut?
Johnsson is overpaid..the comments .have been that the previous style of play hampered his offense…His record in the past is not that great. Schultz is not there to score. He is a shut down defender and a very good one. I think Kim is in his last contract year.
Well that would suck if Johnnson breaks out with some big offensive numbers this year in the new system then wants more money in the offseason. My point with Schultz was hes getting paid alot to just play defense his cap hit is more than that Zidlicky guy from transformers… hopefully he can step up and score a few goals occasionally this year and in the next 5 that hes under contract for.
JON
Heatley has 0 chance of happening- it does not make sense. It is a lateral move in a sense because of what you have to give up.
Tanguay- Yes maybe, but at what price ? I have heard of no rumors that Tanguay is coming here
Prospal makes sense- Increases your Goals per game average and now your talking about putting another Czeck on your team giving Havlat a feeling of comfort in a sense
I disagree with doing anything with Johnson. Leave him alone for 1 year and let him play out his final year of his contract and bring him back at a more reasonable price if his offensive production gets no better this year
Prospal also is a score if you think he is ready to play for the reason Tampa Bay is paying part of his salary. Minnesota may get him for a 1 year deal and under a million.
I also would not give much credibility to what happens with Tampa Bay and them not being able to work things out with this player. They are a mess
Ek last nite had a rumor that the Wild were talking to Tanguay.I was’t saying give Johnsson away. I meant if he figured in a trade Go but I agree keep him for his contract…I would think there will be stronger Ds available next year…or he would have to be 2.5 or under..
I would hope we pick up Prospal instead of Tanguay. Not just the money aspect of it but the fact we need someone who can win faceoffs and Prospal would be that guy…and why only one year if you can get him for cheap why not 2 or 3 hes a better version of Belanger who will be gone after this year?
WRT…Hip Replacements is classic. I remember you saying that the first year we sat there.
NiNY…I had no idea you were a music major. I am getting old so the memory isn’t what it once was.
Multiple MKVN has always behaved like that. It’s part of the schtick. Kinda like my ghey smileys. Or calling Gho$t, Gho$t.
Tanguay…no thanks.
Modanna…no thanks.
CF is under no ‘win now’ mandate from CL. Short term help isn’t on the agenda. Me thinks CF is targeting two years from now to have his cup contender assembled.
It doesn’t mean they aren’t trying to improve. But this years team will not contend for the cup by adding a player that fits the available cap space.
So, they go to camp. Try to improve through players stepping up and adapting to a new system. And, if the cap casualties land in MN through a trade, all the better.
KJ,
Think of Modano and Prospal as a business concept. I have spoken about this from day 1. You bring veteran players that have a history of scoring for the short term to boost your teams scoring problems. This gives you the team you want for the STYLE you say you want to play. We all know this team needs additional players besides the addition of Havlat if were going to score more goals
Prospal is smart and we need another. I say smart assuming Fletch has a gut instinct it will work for a player that has been bought out
Business proposition?
Did you work for Enron? Skank of America? General Motors?
Keep the retreads off the roster. Save the cap space for a trade option. Adding either of them prevents taking a player in trade from a team looking to dump salary.
Talent wise I think he would work, but at what price?
Any chance we still bring Bergeron back? I mean if were trying to mold into more of an offensive team I would think he would be a guy we want? I guess I’m just too hopeful sometimes though…
I think the heatley trade doesn’t neccesarily mean we have to give up a lot
It was proposed as a three way deal sending harding to the blues.
Therefore u could send a say harding to blues for a 2nd or first to ottawa plus a D and a prospect from minny for heatley. Especially if they are running out of suitors
Adam; If his buyout is adequate maybe he signs for 1m for one yr.Win win if he regains his game we could up the ante for future yrs. If not he still has his buyout. A 1m cap hit shoudn’t prevent a trade this year.
atticusz; I sure hope that happens . We are due a break.
As it gets closer to camp murray will get desperate.
Plus u never know what could happen? Fletch and murray used to work together
It would appear to me we are short a scoring right winger and we don’t have one coming up out of the organization anytime soon…why not try one last time at a Heatley trade and if that they don’t bite give a try at signing Zherdved for around 3 mil?
KJ,
Yes they are older players. You and I are not the ones that said we were not going to play defense first anymore like we were.
What we would be looking for is ADDITIONAL players NOT a trade that eliminates our young prospects. Do you agree with me here KJ ?
You have to play the game that is there. That game is PROTECTION of the young assets you currently have and adding players to give you additional scoring in the present without breaking your savings account
That is why I say add veteran scorers to do the job and throw your ham and eggers away so you can play the STYLE you want to play.
That is why the Prospal rumor does sound legit.
Heatley has not listed Minnesota as one of the teams he wants to go to anyway
Ok mister know it all obviously you don’t see what I am getting at there… If you look at our roster it is somewhat unbalanced on the the right side. Our only real goal scorer who shoots right is Nolan and he is scheduled to be gone next year. We should really address this situation now before it gets out of hand… I think Heatley is out of options and if the right trade is proposed maybe he would reconsider playing here…highly unlikely yes but i can dream :P. And you never know a new situation could change this Zherdev kids mindset as he grows older and matures.
I thought Minnesota was one of the few teams Heatly had on his list
Doubtful but you never know with that guy…. anywho I take back what I said before we should save our money for next year and sign Blake Wheeler to a big offer sheet and hope Boston can’t afford to take it.
That list was out b4 free agency. Things could of changed
wheeler wanted to go to boston, and to stay away from minny…(he wanted a “change of scenery”….no official word on if he meant it as different place, or if he meant more offensive system with a chance to play…)
heatly trade would be awesome, but…as we have covered before, it is doubtful that we have either the assets to get him, or the depth to withstand losing said players to get him….
prospal is only intriguing if he is 1 mil or less…….I doubt he would take that deal though…..zherdev is also intriguing at 3 mil or less….but again, doubtful he would take that one….
at this point waiting out san jose/chicago/boston/philly seems to be the best option at this point….
all of those teams HAVE to make a move (except chicago, they have a year to play with)
and who knows what teams due to the economy have to cut even lower than the cap to save money….
possibly:
buffalo: small market, but not sure if they are losing money…..they have a lot of cash tied up at forward…hecht seems like the likely casualty
carolina: up to the cap…lots of older wingers in the 2.5-4 mil range
Florida: maybe stillman…..
San Jose has screwed themselves up a lot with the cap….they might need to get rid of both marleau and cheechoo….
.9 mil for 6 players!
pouliot/mittens/bela/shep
for marleau/cheechoo
we have 2 mil to get 3 forwards (fritzy anyone?) and they don’t need to be top liners….
san jose then has 4 mil left for 4 players….which is actually atainable…..plus they get a good prospect in shep so it isn’t a total loss for them…..
the islanders cap space is epic…..they could take on oveckin’s crosby’s contracts and still have enough space to sign a couple of decent role players!
I guess that is what happens when your team decides to not try anymore…..
it would probobly take another team to get done……as that puts us a little too close for comfort…..
I’ve been reading this blog for the past month or so to kill offseason time and I see some good comments but mostly idiotic statements. Why is this person with the screen name Mister Know It All allowed to use multiple screen names to make his point? This seems to be against the blogging code. If you have something to say, don’t hide behind faux names. That is stupid and immature. From what I’ve read this man is…well… a grown man. He admittedly signed in as different people and even stole identities. Immaturity and stupidity should not be rewarded. This guy should be banned. Period.
On a hockey note, which is what I thought this blog was about (you’d never know from the band, cell phone, video game, sex comments), I’d say Wild should avoid Zherdev. The best and really only reasonable option at this point is to hope a team needs Harding to make a playoff run. The Wild aren’t a playoff team this year, and there is not…I repeat NOT…an option out there that would change it. I won’t write the season off but I will remain realistic.
close to the cap I mean…..
last post for a couple hours…I promise
Gootersmith - Your right I did not understand but you cleared that up. I don’t see your concern to big the biggest of the roster concerns or decisions to be dealt with.
Dreamer: I am Mister Know it all. Every once in a while I mess up, but most of the time I am right on.
I wont grow up ever and I am proud of that. Your comment about my immaturity is a compliment.
You might want to take a walk over to the mirror and take a few minutes to reflect about what is stuck in your craw and why you care
About the screen names, I don’t make it a habit of stealing somebodies screen name. I have gone under a few different names but I have settled on Mister Know it all because I think it best describes me
Both Nick and Mister Know it all had our identities stolen this week and neither of us are crying about it
Yes I did steal VanCans ” A vancouver canuck fan” identity for 1 time because he was talking smack
You sound a bit uptight Dreamer
mkia you stole my screen name and Lucy Biskers69’s and i think you also are the one that used nick’s so stop your bs and go away leave the real wild fan’s alone.
So just to clarify.
you guys have “handles” or “names” on this wildblog that you use.
And these are your “identities”
and someone stole these “identities” ?
No some have used different multiple identities. It is generally considered the wrong thing to do to steal someones owned identity, Or a name that one uses as their own :)”/>
Hopefully that helps thedude :)”/>
BG: can you file for unemployment due to reduction of hours? (reduction in hours should qualify)
whoa… sorry for the composition of the previous post…
Always worth the chill it sends up the spine
I usually refrain from not talking sports on a sports blog but lol thedude is a sweet name. I wish my mother didn’t name me gooter….
[…] • The Minnesota Wild are waiting to make a significant move on offense, and Michael Russo looks at whether bringing in Nikolai Zherdev might be that move. [Russo’s Rants] […]
Mister Know it all says:
August 8th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
some have used different multiple identities. It is generally considered the wrong thing to do to steal someones owned identity, Or a name that one uses as their own :)”/>
When you say “some have used” you really mean you have used other people’s.Don’t try to blame other blogger’s you a$$.
Truth be told WIld 1.. I have nothing to do with these happenings you think are me doing. This is why I have come forward and told the people on here what identities I have used. Good old wally and beaver. I have used Van Can Win this last day.
Bottom line… People that are were mean and nasty with Mister Know it all have had their identity stolen on one occassion
Five Forward: ONCE for being mean to Mister Know it all. Describing me as a bimbo with horrible grammar. Writing Santence instead of sentence
I wont steal anyone’s identity as long as every one is kind and respectful like Mister Know it all
I will let it slide that you just called me ass WILD 1
Believe me when I say that I think it is important for everyone to have their identity on here, and I respect that
mkia do you even know what the truth is?
Maybe you should just go dream about your Modonna some more.
Wild 1- I missed one of your posts. Nick in New York will say that I had nothing to do with that and Misses Miskers I know nothing of. She is a brand new ranter
Dont be mean and Malicious to Mister Know it all and no problems will ever exist
wow now you make threat’s.
wow mkia you are the man ha ha ha.
Well that would suck if Johnnson breaks out with some big offensive numbers this year in the new system then wants more money in the offseason.
In the post-DR world I don’t think we are going to have to worry about the GM not trying to re-sign a player he wants during the season.
Hey guys&gals; In the illustrious words of Rodney King “Can’t we all just get along?” Lets make up things about hockey.
Chuck Norris wears Hockey pajamas.
You are right JON we should all just get along,
I just watched Stephane Veilleux makes fun of Cody McLeod 4/15/2008
man that’s funny.
I hope this isn’t true.
My guess is that you will hear that Patrick Kane was not the leader in what happened in the cab. It sure sounds like that would be his jealous brother
wow……..um……so……think kane has some pr cleanup to do?
Josh Harding and a 3rd round pick for Kane, take it or leave it
If Patrick and not his cousin was to blame, it is very likely he would not have been charged with the robbery itself. The other charges yes, but not the robbery. And, if I am wrong, you will see the prosecutor drop the robbery charges shortly for lack of evidence, which would mean he/she would not be able to carry the burden of proof. However, I think the police talked to the cabbie who told the police that both cousins roughed him up. Again, if this is not true, the prosecutor will shortly drop the robbery charge.
Patrick Kane was recently spotted working out with Derek Boogard. It’s all coming together.
lol…..d.t.g.
that was clasic!
So, if the stories are correct, the whole incedent is over .20?
Unbelieveable.
We’ll see how it plays out but if he’s guilty…what a punk.
KiPA: wow, just wow.
kj: +1. Gig next weekend?
encrimson’d, NiNY: when are your next gigs? Gotta acknowledge & support all the Russovile house bands.
Russoville. darn it.
Way to go Kane. Way to get yourself into a heap of trouble.
M 03…Fruedian slip???
Aug 15th @ Arizonas.
Let that be a warning to any waitress that serves young Mr. Kane.
If there is a quarter on the seat that he has just left, please wait until you see him leave the premises to pick it up.
We all make mistakes…some of them we really regret…it appears like this is such a time for one Patrick Kane. I wish him the best as this incident should not…affect his career.
[…] Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Trubune says he’d pass on Nikolai Zherdev if he were Chuck Fletcher. The last thing a rookie NHL head coach needs on his […]
What do people think of THN placing the Wild at 13th in the western conference, only leading the lowly Yotes and Aves?
Seems awfully low to me after looking at the standings last year and the changes in the meantime.
it’s too low, but then again, minnesota teams are underrated 85% of the time so…..we are used to it by now…
Lord, I hope that’s too low. How depressing it would be to have another season like that.
Though frankly, right now, I don’t even care. I just want hockey. I had so much fun watching my team play tonight, and I realized how much I just miss watching the game being played by pros. It’s just beautiful.
Intoblivion says:
August 10th, 2009 at 1:50 am
What do people think of THN placing the Wild at 13th in the western conference, only leading the lowly Yotes and Aves?
Seems low to me - hopefully it really is. I can see why they might rank them there given that the changes this offseason leave a lot of question marks.
Will TR be up to the task of being an NHL head coach?
Will returning Wild players be able to adjust to a new system?
Will CF have filled the holes which needed to be filled?
There are just to many questions. Sure, we are all hoping that the players will adapt quickly and play well, but realistically, it could just as easily go horribly wrong.
Sadly, because of all the changes, prognosticators will rank the Wild low. Like Goody said…too many questions.
Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll be correct.
After all, we all remember what happened in 2003. I bet the Nuks and Avs fans do.
Good morning.
Training Camp begins 32 days from today! (Sept. 11)
Nolan Schaefer signs with CSKA Moscow of the KHL…
Oops! My mistake…that was LAST week. Sorry about the last post…
We all make mistakes…some of them we really regret…it appears like this is such a time for one Patrick Kane. I wish him the best as this incident should not…affect his career.
Just because he is an athlete you want him to get away clean. That is stupid. He should be punished just like any average schmo if he actually did beat up a dude because he didn’t give him 20 cents. I hate this standard we give athletes. Ruining a hockey career because of doing something stupid would be bad, but if some construction worker did the same thing we wouldn’t even blink if his life was ruined by an act such as this. It’s bullsheet. I hope he goes to jail and misses some games so he will learn his lesson. IF he is GUILTY that is.
Kane wanted to one up the Toews boys for off-season stupidity.
We don’t even know the full story yet. I’m not trying to say it is ok to beat up a cab driver, but we don’t know if it was his cousin that flipped out and started smacking the cabby around while Patrick pulled him off. For Patrick to punch a cabby in the face over $0.20 seems odd to me, feels like we’re not getting the full story. Patrick doesn’t strike me as the tough guy type.
Lucky, that is why I said “IF he is GUILTY”. If he didn’t do it, it’s no big deal. But I just hate when people say crap like MSCB said. If he did it, punish him… just like a *gasp* NORMAL person!
For anyone punching a cabbie over .20 is just plain idiotic.
Twenty Cents doesn’t even buy you a phone call anymore.
I am seriously doubting that a cab driver would start a fight with two (potentially inebriated) dudes.
Although, it could be an MKVN plan to nullify the Harding to Hawks deal (by making Sharp indispensable) so his man-crush Modanna can come to St. Paul.
(1) Chicago is the enemy so its good to see them have any problems
(2) THN has a prediction that the Wild will finish 13th and they don’t even have a final roster. The 13th place is a slam at Richards if anything. I see no reasons why the Wild does not make the playoffs for reasons already given. The surprise upside is the few Wild players like Shep and Pouliot. Johnny is his last year of his deal, may come out smoking… etc
(3) What about the rumor that has Vaclav Prospal coming here. It seems more believable then the Comrie rumor
the particulars don’t really matter - as long as the cabbie didn’t just make the whole thing up.
This is not the kind of thing the NHL needs to get on SportsCenter for.
Any predictions that have the Wild not making the playoffs is a Direct shot at RICHARDS. The team thus far has improved themselves over last years team. No reason should exist for this team to fail unless you think the coach is bad
Kane doesn’t have 25 cents!
M 03: Hip Replacement, sans hockey organ, has a gig this Thursday (Aug 13th) at Lee’s Liquor Lounge. Our sax player has the shingles so his solos might be a bit itchy.
Wild @ 13th: It seems kinda low. I agree that the projection directly reflects the uncertainly of so many changes within the organization. But hey, I’d rather be projected low, overachieve, and own the naysayers than to be wrongfully projected high and fail to live up to the hype. Or would it be worse to be thought of as mediocre and end as mediocre?
Any predictions that have the Wild not making the playoffs is a Direct shot at RICHARDS. The team thus far has improved themselves over last years team. No reason should exist for this team to fail unless you think the coach is bad
No, it’s not unusual for a team that goes through a huge shakeup with a new GM and coach and is also changing the fundamental style of how they play to not be rated highly. All it really says is “we don’t know how they’re going to do but past teams haven’t made the jump over a summer.”
Changing the whole face of the team is not going to happen in a couple of months. If we make the playoffs this year, I guess that’s good. I’m not holding my breath.
Is it really that low? I am not sure outside of Havlet that this team really has a 30 goal scorer yet. Just becasue you switch to an offensive system doesn’t mean all the players automatically score 10 more goals each. If this team signs Prospal and goes out and gets Heatley then it is a completely different story. First 2 lines would be sweet.
Bruno Koivu Heatly
Havlet Prospal Nolan
I am just not sure we are going ot see that much of an upgrade out of the Belanger’s, Miettnans, Sheppards and Pouliots. I think PMB could see the biggest jump in numbers of all of them but in order to get another top forward we are probably going to have to include either him or Johnsson in that deal to clear salary.
“Our sax player has the shingles so his solos might be a bit itchy.”
*rimshot*
Kane doesn’t have 25 cents!
That made me LOL at my desk. That is an awesome clip! “I don’t have 25 cents!!” haha. Good stuff Ecrim.
heatly won’t come here……that being said, according to the espn rumor mill the wild are “eyeing elite forwards”
I don’t have insider, so I don’t know what that means……but you have to figure it will be one of these folks:
Briere-(a little over paid though)
Marleau-(top notch scorer….a little light on the disire, but zherdev would make him look like a freakin’ crab fisher)
Cheechoo-(solid power forward…him or marleau would be easy to get…)
Sharp-(I still don’t see chi town giving away kane, cabbie beatdown aside)
cabbie beatdown sounds like a crappy rap dance/song…..where’s soulja boy when you need him!
For those that were in my Fantasy Football league last year, it is open again if you are interested. You should have an email for the registration info. I am giving it about another week until I just start inviting other people to fill the empty spots.
when is the draft atx?
I’m not on the road this year, so I actually may have time/consistant internet access to do it this year…..
good ups on the hulk clip……the best part of it was the shattering of the fake phonebooth….
I don’t recall atm argon, but it will likely be on a Sunday around lunch time just before the season starts.
dang…would’ve loved to join….but unless lunch time is 2 I will be working…..stupid ad set……luckily I will be off at noon starting with the first sunday of the season…..
We will see what works out Argon. i will post info here in about a week or so if the people from last season don’t rejoin. I just need responses from KIPA, Sunshine, and Lemmiwinks.
AG; If PMB& Johnsson could be packaged it would free up $8,000 incap space or enough for a Heatly..
The 4th period says that Fletch is after Tanguay on todays post……
I think if Heatley had to choose between here and Edmonton he would come here. I could have sworn that I read, I think even on this site that MN was one of 4-6 teams on his list.
If you beleive any rumors since about 99% of them are just that and never pan out to much, it doesn’t sound like there are too many teams interested in Heatley’s salary.
What’s the 4th period?
Me need hockey. Me need hockey now!!! ME NEED NHL10!!!
September 15th, thedude.
So I assume Mr.Kane will be greeted with the chant “Twenty Cents” each time he steps on the ice.
how funny would it be for every rink he plays in this year to do a “Pat Kane Cab Fare Collection” booth for him.
and then, late in the third period, have the PA guy announce something like “Fans, the [insert team name] is proud to present Chicago Blackhawks’ player Patrick Kane with seventeen cents, two napkins, one ketchup packet and one empty condom wrapper, as donated by you, the fans!”
“So I assume Mr.Kane will be greeted with the chant “Twenty Cents” each time he steps on the ice.”
Black Hawk fans have some pretty funny photoshop pitcures with Kane dressed hip hop captioned “Twenty Cent”
Oh man. He might ever live down “Twenty Cent” if that nickname sticks.
*never
maybe it’s a Blackhawks by-law that all employees and players must be tight wads - in honor of “Dollar” Bill?
close to the end of the page there is a good “20 cent” pic. It’s pretty funny.
Click Me
The most disturbing thing is that when Kane’s on the clock, he gets paid Twenty Cent for just one chomp on his mouth guard. At that point, whatever allegedly happened was less about principle and more about exuding power over someone else. It’s like gang wars errupting over scuffed sneakers, only maybe more messed up.
ATX, the whole league had better watch out for that thug. He’s for realz.
He should get more grief for ‘clubbing’ in Buffalo, NY. (Yeah, I know that’s where he’s from, but come on.)
I bet the phrase ‘Don’t you know who I am’ came up at least once during the scuffle.
Aside, the hockey knowledge from sports ‘reporters’ in this town is frighening. This story came up on 93X and Randy Shaver stated that Kane is probably the ‘highest’ paid player on the team.
That’s called “journalistic integrity,” El Gato.
I bet the phrase ‘Don’t you know who I am’ came up at least once during the scuffle.
I watched the local news clip and the cabbie said that they were yelling that at him. Pretty hilarious. Way to go Kane, you are a classless young bastard.
In other news: Sources tell TSN Theoren Fleury is attempting a comeback and wants to play in the NHL again.
Fluery is a nutjob, but damn he was fun to watch. I would be very interested to see if anyone gives him a shot at 42 years of age.
ATX, I didn’t even know there was a clip out there. That is funny, in a sad way.
so is it official…..
20 cents first single “cabbie beatdown” hits pop staitions everywhere october 24th…….this years #3 halloween costume…20 cent…right behind ghost, and miley cyrus….
the music video creates a dance craze that sweeps the nation…..until it is outlawed by the gov’ment after a series of copycat crimes…..all mid teens wannabe white upperclass hockey players (with limited skill) trying to “be like 20 cent yo” (insert fake gang sign)
the chorus goes
“pull em out, by the colla’ and curb that M@!#@%% F@#$%%!!!!!
the chorus goes
“pull em out, by the colla’ and curb that M@!#@%% F@#$%%!!!!!”
G* if you’re around, check out FRE today if you haven’t already.
sorry about that double post
If the NHL lets Theo back in, would that be his 3rd or 4th 2nd chance? I’m all for forgiveness all that altruistic shet, but even though he’s got five years of sobreity to back up that this time he means it, at 42 is it going to amount to much more than a kind gesture by the league? I guess there are worse things that they allow to happen.
Austin, send an invite to my hotmail account if you please. I think the email I used before no longer exists.
Cherepanov investigation just won’t….die? (too soon?)
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601079&sid=a.fF.exjCFwc
Kevin it should be on it’s way.
wow nick…..just…..wow….
Wild 1; The 4th Period is About.com thenTFP it is still showing….
PotD, NiNY.
Its never too soon.
NiNY, a bit to soon maybe.
So I’m bored and reading the Blackhawks board about the Kane incident. Apparently (and as expected), the whole thing has been blown out of proportion.
I did particularly like this quote though:
“It’s a dispute over the cab fee and unfortunately Mr. Radecki didn’t recognize Mr. Kane and just thought they were a couple of college kids.
Because it makes a difference if he was a pro-athlete or “just” a college kid…
That lawyer sounds like a class A doosh.
Redundancy, ATX. Tsk tsk!
(JK to all our lawyer friends here!)
Would be fun to see who could win a battle of the doosh with this guy and TooL
Kane should just embrace his new image and change his jersey number to 20. If I had money to throw around, and the rivalry was something like Stars-Hawks of the 80s, I’d just make one of those up and wear it when they came to town.
As for the Wild at 13th… seems a bit low, but that hardly seems like anything to worry about. I think it has more to do with a lot of unknowns. Were these players any good, or was Lemaire only able to conceal their weakness enough to keep them competitive? I don’t think that’s correct, but I do think a lot of the THN staff is probably thinking something along those lines. Did Dallas, Los Angeles, Edmonton, Nashville all jump past the Wild this summer? That seems like a stretch. Did Columbus and St. Louis (not to mention Vancouver and Calgary) both solidify their positions above the Wild? Maybe, but my hunch is that the Wild will be slightly better this upcoming season and make the playoffs.
But then I did have a little nip of Kool Aide with my lunch today.
Theo Fleury let see he is….. 3 years older then Modano. I like his chances to get on a team and play. 5 6 and light is a benefit for him to comeback. Those kinds of guys dont age as fast. Folks, he is a center
Patrick Kane is invited to Thunder Island. If he accepts, you will never see him again.
Do do do
do do do
do do do do do
He disappeared down on Thunder Island.
I think Twenny Cent will never be forgotten.
Secord what?
Here is an article I found from Roenick. I thought mkia would like it… cheers
“You made me a better hockey player,” said Roenick, who called Modano the best American-born player of all time. “You were who I tried to be.”
Lucy,
Thanks. Yes, I don’t think any doubt exists Modano is the best american born player.
Roenick saying he wanted to be like Modano ??? Roenick had his own style, and his best hockey was played in Chicago. He sounds stupid saying he wants to be like Modano
If nothing else, the off season hasn’t been dull for fans of the Blackhawks.
Anyone find it interesting that none of the charges seem to address the alleged assault itself?
“wild1 What’s the 4th period?”
on Russo’s twitter sources, Dave Pagnotta is http://twitter.com/TheFourthPeriod
Hey all, does DP have website, blog etc? Any assessments on the journalistic integrity? My assumption is if Russo follow DP on twitter, it must past his standards. (i.e. not Eklund)
adding to the previous comment: http://www.thefourthperiod.com
Here is a list of available free agent names for the Wild and Sundin speculation
Mats Sundin,
Alex Tanguay,
Todd Bertuzzi,
Mathieu Schneider,
Manny Fernandez,
Mike Comrie,
Robert Lang,
Miroslav Satan,
Maxim Afinogenov,
Petr Sykora,
Jason Williams
Michael Peca
Mats Sundin to Columbus
Of all the teams in the NHL, I think that the Columbus Blue Jackets could use Mats Sundin the most.
Why is that?
Well, they need a top-line center. I may sound crazy to still be giving such a title to Sundin, after his stint with the Canucks, but I truly believe a fresh start could bring him to his old form (or close to it) for one more year.
Other centers on the team include Antoine Vermette, R.J. Umberger, Manny Malhotra, and Derrick Brassard (only played 31 games due to a dislocated shoulder). The highest scorer of these players was Umberger, who scored 26 goals, and finished with 46 points in 82 games.
If Sundin were to become a Blue Jacket, and left winger Rick Nash (who scored 40 goals this past season) were placed on a line, the results could be spectacular.
Sundin’s playmaking skills combined with Nash’s natural goal scoring ability could make for enough offense to not only make it into the playoffs, but to actually win the franchise’s first playoff series (or playoff game, for that matter).
Partial RT from ATH & T Reali: Cowlishaw wrote a personal column on Josh Hamilton today. Check it out http://tinyurl.com/nwoas8
I just read it … tough and completely worth your time.
okay next up a filibuster by UknowWho
–Mats Sundin to Bluejackets–
Let’s have a remedial geography lesson. The Bluejackets currently reside in Columbus, Ohio. Sundin can barely work up the ambition to leave the homeland for a few months and many millions of dollars to play in a hockey town. And you think he is going to want to spend them in Columbus, Ohio?
I get it. The Don pays you to post inane ideas while he’s gone just to keep people coming back to the board to view car wreck posts.
I did not post it. Rumor mill
Mister Know it all says:
August 10th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
Stop saying words.
Wow. POTD at 12:55 am. That’s good work, folks.
AustinTXwildfan says:
August 10th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
That lawyer sounds like a class A doosh.
No kidding, from the article in the paper today:
“I think we should be able to work things out,” he added.
Hmmm, “work things out”. I can almost hear Mr. Lawyer thinking ‘Ka-ching!’ while saying that.
WildinATX says:
August 10th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Because it makes a difference if he was a pro-athlete or “just” a college kid…
I get what you’re saying, but it does matter. If cabbie dude has a history of being stiffed for fares by college kids in Buffalo, he’s probably going to be a little careful about when and how he gets paid by someone who looks like a college kid.
If cabbie dude had recognized him, maybe it wouldn’t have been such a big deal for him to wait while Kane went to get change or something. Regardless of if he’s Patrick Kane or Joe-Blow other recognizable guy the cabbie could positively identify to the cops if he got stiffed.
Perhaps also the claim of ‘didn’t recognize him’ could be a result of the cabbie being accused of recognizing him and provoking an attack looking for a payday.
well, but there’s a difference, Goody, between not getting recognized and getting upset and indignant for not getting recognized.
Why should not getting recognized give Pat the right to be a schmuck (I know you’re not saying it did)?
Plus, it’s on the cabby to go make change. Technically, Pat OVER-paid him. If anything, repeat IF ANYTHING, Pat could have gotten frustrated in the “dude, you can’t find two dimes rolling around this garbage heap?!” sense.
This isn’t about the cabby looking to get paid. He did. The is about Pat (roid?) raging over not being able to get twenty-mother-loving cents back from the guy - after not tipping him a measley buck-twenty.
Any cab I’ve been in, particularly when I’ve had a few cocktails previously, the hack’s a little wary. If I handed over $15 on a $13.80 fare and demanded my full change back (indicating no tip) I think the hack has almost a right to be frustrated. If Pat took that frustration as some kind of slight to his manhood/celebrity then Pat’s the problem - not the hack.
And, if I hand over $15 on a $13.80 fare and demand my whole change back (indicating no tip) and the dude is frustrated, and I come back with “do you know who I am?” the hack’s answer better be something along the lines of “do I give a sh!t?”
If such an answer/attitude earns the hack a beat down/robbery, then Buffalo is one tough place.
Nick in New York says:
August 11th, 2009 at 8:07 am
well, but there’s a difference, Goody, between not getting recognized and getting upset and indignant for not getting recognized.
I understand this, maybe I don’t have all the facts (does anyone really) but I didn’t realize it was a case of the latter.
It has been alleged that he tossed around some “Do you know who I am” crap…and reported on local sports radio where I am (the Sabres are the closest NHL team to me) that he is sort of known for that attitude.
he is sort of known for that attitude.
MFTHF said the same thing. He basically said he his a self entitled little punk. Pretty much the polar opposite of Towes.
big fish in a little pond syndrome I would guess. Though I have absolutely nothing to back that up.
G* if you’re around, check out FRE today if you haven’t already.
I was chasing Tiger yesterday so I didn’t see it until well after close.
very nice.
I breezed over some cheechoo talk. He doesn’t excite me much. Production has seriously declined since high water mark of 05-06.
did you ever buy FRE?
bought some in sept of 08 and then double down in june.
Nikolai Zherdev signed with Yulaev Salavat in the KHL.
I’m glad that ends ANY speculation that heartless empty sweater could sign here.
Lala72 says:
…
If a guy like Richards can’t get a player like Zherdev to play at full throttle all the time, perhaps Richards isn’t fit to coach in this league.
So with Zherdev in the KHL I guess Lala72 thinks none of the coaches in the NHL are fit to coach in this league
5FS, you’ve been just waiting and waiting to post that one, eh?
It wouldn’t have taken precognition rivaling that of Elrond’s to foresee Zherdev retiring to the KHL. What’s weird is that it wasn’t one of the bigger teams (though they do have some championships).
BTW, I hear it’s lovely this time of year in… Bashkortostan.
Why would you even respond to Lala, she has proven time and time again she knows less than MKiA. She also just says things to be a beotch.
5FS, you’ve been just waiting and waiting to post that one, eh?
Pretty much a yes to that. I bet Lala72 has some fairly decent hockey opinions I just wish she/he and some others could check the over the top rhetoric at the door, especially during the honeymoon period with the new regime. Perhaps Lala72 is on MKIA’s level and should be relegated to my ignore list - a crush on an older player who used to play for the North Stars or even Fighting Saints would do the trick
Fletcher has a team that has never really just picked up players because they are super talented. The Minnesota North Stars did however. I don’t know if any of you remember Kent Nielson ? He was a guy that was very entertaining but the player had too many downsides, kind of like Zherdev.
The North Stars made quite a bit more random signings then they should have
The Hhl if they have the money to continue to pay would be good for guys like Zherdev and Hudler. Hudler was constantly being abused in Detroit, so you cant blame these guys for taking money elsewhere and getting less abused. Makes sense to me and Lala
What? No love for the Moose?
To answer Five Forward
I am playing gm here. No options exist here to make big trades. End of story
So What, What now ?
Ok
Sharp for Harding is not happening
So what, What now ?
I am the only one on here who has offered up a creative solution
If Mats Sundin came out and said he wants to play in Minnesota. I know you guys have your zippers down with a jar of vaseline close by.
Stoned on a Breakaway would not know what to do with himself. He would have that vaseline everywhere. Oh Boy !. He would be on the phone with his great granddaddy etc etc
MKVN…where in the NHL General Manager’s Guide to Hockey Operations does it say your roster HAS to be complete on August 11th?
There is ample time to tweak the roster with a top 6 forward. Give the retread signing just for the sake of signing talk a rest.
Your solution is not creative. It is tired, worn and nonsensical - just like most of your ramblings to date. Creativity implies some sort of thought process. You’ve flatlined your whole time posting here.
If Mats Sundin came out and said he wants to play in Minnesota. I know you guys have your zippers down with a jar of vaseline close by.
No tank u. I is not keen on teh buttsecks wit thees Sundeen u speek uf.
mkia,so are you now LaLa to?
I was wondering if we should start up a “BOOGIE gets a goal” pool. Everyone gets to pick the game they think Boogie will finally score in. The winner (if there is one) gets a year’s supply of IRR Kool-Aid and a copy of Benoit Pouliot’s new book: “Success through Self-Motivation”
This seems like a good point in the season to bring it up…Thought people here would have some ideas. Does any one know of a keeper league or just a good fantasy league to join? I have been playing on sportingnews.com for a few years and looking for more. Thanks.
can we win something better then Benoit Pouliot’s new book: “Success through Self-Motivation”.
I, for one, would pass on Sundin. First of all, I don’t want to wait until after Christmas to see if some guy wants to grace our team with his presence. Secondly, how effective can you really expect the guy to be at 38 this season? Here’s the line of a player at age 37: 82 games, 23G, 67A, 90P. Same player at 38: 70 games, 9G, 53A, 62P. Anyone want to guess who the mystery player is? Third, the money it would cost just to have him come here would be outlandish.
If I was the gm, I would remain open but The team is what it is. There better then last year. Dream trades dont exist like Heatley.
It looks to me like a guy like Sundin or Modano would be just what we need at center. So I say spend some energy investigating whether they make sense. What star has ever said, I wish I could play in Minnesota ?
I am aware of the challenges, but investigate.
I know that Fletch will do something. Modano would be great for more then just the team, he would be good for the fans as well as he was drafted from Minnesota and he is the number 1 scoring American of all time
mkia why do you think he would be great for the fan’s? I think what you really mean is he would be great for you because your in love with him.
Chris in CA, Fletch would know if Sundin wants to play. Sundin has a solid reputation and he will land somewhere if that is what he DESIRES. If you can get Sundin and not give up anything…. Well nothing more needs to be said
Wild 1, Pouliot can be helped, but not with books
Forget Modano, let’s bring back Gretzky! I hear he was a pretty good scorer once too.
Also, Modano carries a $3.5M cap hit which eliminates us from any other deals and puts us close to the cap.
Yes i agree with you Wallshot Gretzky is better then modanna will ever be.
Wild 1, please that is shallow thinking. I am not in love with guys, I am a married man for cripes sake. We just lost Gabby, from a marketing point of view Modano would be dreammy.
The Wild don’t have the right kind of leaders for the young players currently, oh sure Nolan (cowboy) Koivou is unestablished (age) Brunnete (He would be a captain by now if that is who he is)
Lets use your imagination when thinking about making deals…. We offer Dallas a second round pick we get for Harding or a 3rd round pick we get for a Kalus for instance, and we ask Dallas to pay part of the Modanos salary
Dallas is going to make a splash sooner or later and there money may become tight
Everyone should just agree with MKIA so he won’t continue to ramble on and on about the same topic. That’s all he really wants anyway, as is evident by his responses to himself. Just agree and move on. Maybe he will too? No?
MKIA, how do you know that Fletch isn’t investigating these topics you continue to spew about? Is it because he hasn’t told you? Seriously dude…I don’t think he’s sitting back content with where this team is at. Buy a clue.
Benoit Pouliot’s new book: “Success through Self-Motivation”.
LMAO
MKIA - The Stars have $10.5M to use up in available cap space. If they wanted to make a splash, they could take on any contract in the league. They aren’t going to spend any money though because their owner is practically broke and is looking to get out.
Mister Know Nothing, please desist your incessant, rebarbative comments. I try to skip over your nonsense but I keep reading them on accident.
They aren’t going to spend any money though because their owner is practically broke and is looking to get out.
I thought Norm Green already sold the Stars
Yes Chris, That is the moment. So why would Modano want to stay in an organization that is in flux ? Yes Poodle Loosey Goosey- Your spewing suggests you disagree with American blogs, so take it up with you local congressman
Wallshot - you cant be wrong if you never say anything
ok everyone just skip the post’s by mkia and maybe he’ll leave us all alone.
Nah, I’m sure you can still manage to be wrong if you STFU. Don’t worry.
Now Wilds number 1 fan, you should not exclude others from playing, did not your parents teach you that ?
DFtMKiA.
“can we win something better then Benoit Pouliot’s new book: “Success through Self-Motivation”.”
I’ll throw in a trip to Thunder Island.
jay ferguson says:
August 11th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
“can we win something better then Benoit Pouliot’s new book: “Success through Self-Motivation”.”
I’ll throw in a trip to Thunder Island.
I’ll take that bet.
Lucy Biskers69 says:
August 11th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Now Wilds number 1 fan, you should not exclude others from playing, did not your parents teach you that ?
What ever mkia.
It wouldn’t have taken precognition rivaling that of Elrond’s
Well played, sir. I enjoyed that.
LOLCAT says:
August 11th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
meow
That’a awsome.
Thanks, KiPA.
The lo0nger this Heatly thing goes it seems like we may have a chanceor am I just wishful thinking/dreaming????
Who knows JON. Who knows. I am still not a fan of Heater… but he would bring scoring.
I’ll guess that MKIA wife’s name is Sybil?
Alright, here’s a question for all of the people who like to make serious posts: Taking into account the cap, who would you like to see the Wild sign/trade for. First person to suggest Modano gets booed.
We have talked that to death.. but common names thrown around are Sharp, Kessel, Savard, Marleau, T.J. Oshie, and others I probably can’t think of at the moment.
I’m just curious if there is an overall consensus.
Kovalchuk! (probably spelled it wrong, I always do.)
Oh yes. And Kovie. And if we are talking pipe dreams here, Nash!!
There has not really been a consensus on the issue Chris. But basically it boils down to someone who can score, is not afraid to get his hands dirty on occasion, and is not a huge doosh/primadonna. Honestly… I’d take two out of those three criteria.
Now there’s reaching for the stars! He might actually be available this year, so bonus points.
So, Kane is still on your list then (assuming he doesn’t meet criteria #3).
I would like to trade MKVN to the Siberian Huskies of the KHL….or any other Russian League team where the chances of him having access to electricity, much less a computer, would be greatly diminished. In return, I’ll be happy to accept 1 loaf of black bread (50% sawdust) and a Northland or Titan goalie stick (circa 1983) from said KHL team. I’ll pay the shipping and handling. For MKVN.
I dunno RET. That’s asking for kinda a lot in return for just MKVN.
And if we are talking pipe dreams… Yzerman.
Consensus? Here? Now that’s a definitely a pipe dream.
Not a chance Chris ;). According to MFTHF he is a spinless assclown on the ice as well as off. Really he only meets one of the criteria… he can score.
oh and RET… that was golden. Well played sir.
RET…I heard that either Vladivostok or Yakutsk we’re looking to get rid of their troll Господин не знает фактически ничто.
Maybe we can swap…
Well I don’t think you count out getting any Hawks because of their situation and Mcdonagh is unpredictable. San Jose could use a goalie, perhaps Marleu comes here. I could see him going to Montreal for Halak as well. But Fletch will make something happen, we’ll get someone if this team can’t perform during the season.. Heatley will be dealt before camp, there is no way he is coming back to Ottawa, all his teammates have moved on. I doubt it will be the Sharks because they apparently aren’t willing to give up a guy like Seto in a deal. I’d love to see Heater here by some magic but I’d also like to see him play with Gabby in NY. Im also glad Jerry signed in the KHL, sick of speculation and Modano still talked about in here is just getting sickening now. Cheers to Yawny coming off the book afer this year, i’ll drink to that.
I’ll take Kaner for .20 cents worth of a bag of pucks.
Hey all, just got back from Thunder Island. The bathrooms were very clean.
And really, this place is the Salvador Dali of hockey blogs.
I’ll pass on kane if he is really that much of a douch……it is hard for teams to win championships with players that self centered….although it has happened before..
ottowa does need to get under the cap, so certainly it is possible, but only if they are getting no bigger offers…..which I doubt that 28 other teams can’t match a pouliot/kimmy/shep based trade…..
I’ll take Kane if he agrees to wear number 20.
briere is also an option….if the flyers are willing to put in giroux….taking that contract is like saying “sure…I’ll take that katana to the skull now thank you!”
6.5 mil til 14/15 is pretty high for a player of his calaber…(he should be paid 5 mil even….)
You also could say taking on that contract is like saying “sorry patrick…I don’t think I will give you back your change….”
well his cousin will take all the blame. Who knows what really happened.
kj: darn you are sharp. russovile. russoville. A typo on my part, a clever twist to another.
RET: did your twin take you on vacation?
M 03…that typo belongs in the wikia.
Another day closer to camp.
A flute without holes is not a flute. And a donut without holes is a Danish.
Good morning.
That’s deep Ogre.
/facepalm
That would be ‘That’s deep, Ty,’ kj.
kj: 100WJ’s gigging sched is not convenient to my MN travel sched, sadly (for me.) You guys ready for Saturday?
(My new vehicle, Potato Pan Otis, is making our debut Friday nite here in Roc City.)
^That was a scoop for you, Ms.C
Nice NiNY…thanks for saving me from shameless self-promotion! We’re ready as we’ll ever be. Should be lots o fun as well.
I actually meant “That’s heavy Ogre. Dog.” from Revenge of the Nerds II - Nerds in Paradise.
One more month of wasting time…
Oh yeah…make sure you give me a heads up when you’re in town…I’d even let you buy me a beer!
Mornin’ fellas.
Man, toivo was on a roll there. Also, M 03, I freagin’ love your typo, because I love lame things like typos.
NiNY, kj, have good shows, throw bottles at hecklers, autograph anything and everything in sight, and if you must trash something on stage in a rocker tantrum just don’t trash the drumset unless the drummer is already biting his cymbals.
Encr…backatcha. Just remember to play “Stand By Your Man” when all else fails…
autograph anything and everything in sight
Especially bare-chested ladies.
kj, we’re playing at Lee’s Liquor Lounge, so that cover might be appropriate.
Oy. It’s going to be another slow hockey day, isn’t it? Unless you’re into pulling teeth or seeing ex-Wild prospects making progress. Oh well. Back to the pandas.
Just remember to play “Stand By Your Man” when all else fails…
THE Golden rule of gigging.
kj, we’re playing at Lee’s so we’d probably be stealing that cover from another band playing after us.
Oy. It’s going to be another slow hockey day, isn’t it? Unless you’re into pulling teeth or seeing ex-Wild prospects making progress. Oh well. Back to the pandas.
Hockey season is still so far away.
Hmmm… Toronto traded their top prospect and goalie Pogge for a conditional draft pick. Guess he was expendable after they got The Monster. Still, for the hype around the kind you would have thought they could get more than a conditional. How much is Harding worth?
Ugh. I think I’m being moderated–I swear I kept it clean!
kj, I wouldn’t want to steal a cover from a band playing after us.
ATX, beware bear-chested ladies, though.
“Oh we’ve got both kinds of music here; country and western.”
Nice, NiNY. That’s pretty much the vibe I get going into every gig.
Just remember to play “Stand By Your Man” when all else fails…
THE Golden rule of gigging.
Play it in A. Good country key.
Encrim: you may need a new manager…
[My attempt to actually discuss hockey for once] Ryan Jones re-upped for 2 years with the Preds for just under 1mil/per. Anybody get a good look at him last year? I hope he doesn’t turn into another one that got away like Patty O seems to be turning into. :\
Need A manager.
1.21 Gigawatts!
Ryan Jones had 7g,10a,17pts and 22pim.
He got those 17pts in 46 games, and was a +1. It took Shepp 82 games to get 19pts and a -14. Ugh.
Ergo sum, Ryan Jones has been playing hockey since he was 1?
Ryan Jones also didn’t play in the big leagues until age 25. He’s a decent player, but I don’t think he’ll be a star.
Doc, will Shepp be a star? I ask you since you seem to have that whole time travel chestnut down pert good.
“what’s my destiny, mama?”
And if we are talking pipe dreams…Vanek!!
And no, not just because he used to be a Gopher!:)
Seriously, though, I wouldn’t mind seeing either a Sharp or Kessel on our squad (in that order) if it could be worked out through a trade. I think CF may wait a while to see what some of the young guys, i.e. Pouliot/Shep bring to training camp.
Not that I put a lot in to what he says, but I saw that Charlie Waters wrote that the Wild & Lightning are supposed to have interest in Tanguay.
P.S. Just wanted to say there is absolutely no relation between me & Lucy Biskers69!!!
“Ryan Jones also didn’t play in the big leagues until age 25. He’s a decent player, but I don’t think he’ll be a star.”
I completely agree with this. I think Jones will be a poor man’s Ryan Smyth.
I’m not trying to make excuses for Sheppard but he was thrown in to the NHL at 19 and ended up getting more playing time then expected. It was supposed to be on the job training, he was never expected to win the Calder…
Like I’ve said a thousand times now, Koivu and Burns didn’t exactly wow people at the age of 21 but most people on this blog would have a melt down if either was traded now.
Potato Pan Otis. Love it.
I’m not trying to make excuses for Sheppard but he was thrown in to the NHL at 19 and ended up getting more playing time then expected. It was supposed to be on the job training, he was never expected to win the Calder…
Should I step in and say the same thing about Jordan Staal, except he was 18, and scored 29 goals his rookie year? Nah, I won’t. Carry on.
Not that I put a lot in to what he says, but I saw that Charlie Waters wrote that the Wild & Lightning are supposed to have interest in Tanguay.
Walters also wanted Pierre Page to replace JL. Wait, I just figured it out: MKIA is Walters!
Regarding Ryan Jones being 25 and just getting to the NHL. Ryan Jones starred in college and unlike most “student” athletes, he actually stayed and played all 4 years IIRC.
Is he the next Crosby/Ovie/Toews, etc? I highly doubt it, but at the same time, I think he is a guy that the Wild still wish they had in the system. I think he will become a solid 20 goal a year scorer with some grit on the ice. I think our 3rd & 4th lines could certainly use that.
Heck - our FIRST line could use that!
As far as gifts ideas for the “Boogie Gets His Goal” Pool, besides the Trip to Thunder Island, years supply of IRR Kool Aid, and a SIGNED copy of Benoit Pouliot’s book ” Success Through Self-Motivation”. I wonder if my fellow Russotans can come up with some other potential gifts.
Perhaps “The Code” - autographed by Burrows & Cooke?
or
an autographed Glamour Shots portrait featuring Tyler Kennedy of the Penguins? (sorry KIPA)
GAWD I need either NHL hockey or the archery season to start soon.
an autographed Glamour Shots portrait featuring Tyler Kennedy of the Penguins? (sorry KIPA)
I don’t get it. What’s this about?
“Is he the next Crosby/Ovie/Toews, etc? I highly doubt it, but at the same time, I think he is a guy that the Wild still wish they had in the system. I think he will become a solid 20 goal a year scorer with some grit on the ice.”
Word.
But at least we got Zidlicky, doh.
After this post I’m done crying over that spilled milk.
the “Boogie Gets His Goal” Pool
Put me down for the 5th of Never. Maybe he’ll even score two.
“or the archery season to start soon”
Random, but ok.
Wild ranked 19th in completely worthless pre-season rankings by Yahoo; better than 26th by The Hockey News:
Tyler Kennedy looks like Batboy.
Ryan Kennedy looks like Batboy.
I mean, c’mon: http://2.media.tumblr.com/BrsGETKNSksj8dpzqZ4sRhjto1_500.jpg
or the archery season to start soon.
There’s an archery season??
It’s always archery season.
“But at least we got Zidlicky, doh.”
Meh, I’m just looking forward to getting that 2nd round pick by trading Zidlicky away either before the start of the season or at deadline. Too bad it won’t be as high as the one we gave up.
If you like archery, give this game a try.
Encrimson’d says:
August 12th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Ryan Kennedy looks like Batboy.
Perhaps you mean Tyler Kennedy?
And yes, yes he does.
AustinTXwildfan says:
August 12th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
There’s an archery season??
I assume he means for the hunting of deer.
Mister Know it all is in the house. Interesting rankings. For me if Lemaire is coaching this squad expectations would be top 12 for sure. Richards is an unknown.
The decision that Fletcher made to bring in Richards could be compared to the decision Brad Childress made to make TJACK the starter
Oh. Well, make fun of that all you want. I don’t care what he looks like. Just keep scoring key goals.
” I’m just looking forward to getting that 2nd round pick by trading Zidlicky away either before the start of the season or at deadline.”
What are we giving up in addition to Zid to get a 2nd round pick?
“There’s an archery season??”
It culminates with the Renaissance Festival.
S-N-A-P
Oh no he didn’t.
GAWD I need either NHL hockey or the archery season to start soon.
In the immortal words of Tom Petty,
“The waiting is the hardest part”
Should I step in and say the same thing about Jordan Staal, except he was 18, and scored 29 goals his rookie year?
Um no, there’s no need. Sheppard’s been playing since he was like 3. And what size skate does Staal wear, huh? HUH???
Not sure what size skate, but he’s 6-4 and 220 so I’d imagine it’s not a small skate.
What’s with Shep’s skate size anywho? I see some call him bigfoot… does he have Shaq feet or something?
Is there anyone here that is interested in joining a fantasy football league just for fun? I think I might have a few spots to fill.
Austin: yep. Both he and Skoula (RIP) have huge….dogs…IIRC.
KiPA and WRT you both have mail.
Goody, thanks, my bad. I knew a guy named Ryan Kennedy, and ever since then I tend to butcher anyone else’s Kennedy name. Also, Batboy likeness aside, I think Tyler Kennedy is a fine player. He really impressed these last two post seasons.
Latest rumor has Heatley going to San Jose
I see it reported on wikipedia and other possibly questionable sources that “James Sheppard wore number 15 for the size of his shoe/skate”
Nice job, Goody. I knew I remembered something like that. Or at least, I knew I wasn’t remembering something like that.
I’m not really sure how any of the things in that article “point to Heatley wanting to be a Shark.” I thought they pointed more to him not wanting to be an Oiler…
Sorry, I must be bored if I’m reading anything linked to on here. Only 1 month until the boys report to training camp….
I’m not surprised Shep’s feet are so big…afterall he’s had them since he was born!
An now I’m stealing argon’s ellipsis trademark. Nice.
Whoever did the power rankings for Yahoo! obviously did not research it very closely. It mentions Shane Hnidy among the role players signed by Boston this offseason.
They said Boston signed them?? Heh.
ms.conduct says:
August 12th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Nice job, Goody. I knew I remembered something like that. Or at least, I knew I wasn’t remembering something like that.
Google is my friend. He/she/it can be your friend too, I’m not the jealous or possessive type.
afterall he’s had them since he was born!
And he’s been using those giant feet to play hockey most of that time, too!
You know what they say about big feet
I’ve already used up my google for today.
Is it beer time yet?
Is it beer time yet?
Always, ms.c. Always.
Yay!
Mmmmm Beer… good thing it’s bowling night tonight! I love to bowl and drink beer. It makes me happy.
good to see the ellipsis usage is catching on……it’s only a matter of time until they TAKE OVER THE WORLD!!!!
Muaaa haaa haaa haaa haaa haaa haa….*cough,cough,cough*….
ahem….sorry…where was I?
oh yeah….
Muaaa haaa haaa haaa haaa haaa!!!!!
To bowl beer sounds painful.
For those of you reluctant to face the coming fall, please scroll down. For those of you are perpetually looking forward to the next beer season (and, I suppose, who also reside in MN), Summt’s already released their Octoberfest in Autumn Sampler 12-packs. I didn’t get my first fall cravings this year until I saw it there in my favorite beer store cooler, smiling up at me.
Coincidentally, I think the others in the sampler are Pilsner, Great Northern Porter, and (of course) EPA.
I don’t suppose Summit’s planning a gluten free beer any time soon…
Or a shipment to TX.
I’m just drinking beer. Minus the rental shoes. Not yet though.
Did DR go to Chicago? http://tinyurl.com/owhaax
“You know what they say about big feet”
Big socks?
“Mmmmm Beer… good thing it’s bowling night tonight! I love to bowl and drink beer. It makes me happy.”
Two of life’s simple pleasures. I’m picturing ATX standing in the lane in his one piece jumper, polishing his ball (that’s what she said) John Torturro style (Big Lebowski).
i’ve alway’s heard big feet mean’s Big Lebowski, if you know what i mean:)
that certainly would explain sheppards big head……….
man…..slow day huh….
if anyone is the mood for a laugh….check out rottentomatoes.com, and go to the reviews for district 9…
then search out the only “rotten tomato” review by a aarmond white….it was astoundingly horrible….I mean…third graders could write better reveiws….
the comments (after you skip the idiot who decided he would be an ignorant racisit…that guy was even more of a tool) are hillarious….just fantastic bash after bash….
his record for movie reviews is particularly hillarious…..clearly he was hired to drive veiwers to his website by being a horrible reviewer….and it worked….
in all actuallity, district nine might be the first movie I see in a theatre in years……I’m that pumped….
Encrimson’d: What time is the gig Thursday night? Cover charge? Does your band do the McFish song? JK.
mkia, i noticed you mentioned me earlier mistakenly. I am not chris, i am chris in ca only on here. Lmao at Doc 10:23. Those yahoo rankings make no sense. How can we be ranked 26th now when we have obviously improved this offseason.
I heard on the radio driving in to work that Theo Fleury want ot get back in the NHL. Here’s a link.
I heard on the radio driving in to work that Theo Fleury want otwants to get back in the NHL. Here’s a link.
It’s too early…need coffee…
Aaaaagh………
“How can we be ranked 26th now when we have obviously improved this offseason.”
Gaborik for Havlat is a wash (at best)
the new defenseman do not appear to be game changers. I remember last off-season when MAB and Zid were the answers to our offensive prayers.
I’m not seeing the “obvious” improvement. Please assist.
M 03: There’s a $5 cover; Hip Replacement plays first at 9:30, with two bands to follow. No promises that we won’t play Stand By Your Man.
Twenty Cent goes to Grand Jury? Seriously? Good lort.
Pewt: On healthy paper Dead Horse and Havlat are a wash (and that’s being a tad generous to Havlat), but I think argon might be considering that DH barely played last year, and Havlat had a monster season.
That being said, though, citing both of their knacks for injuries, DH could easily have a Pierre Mcguire season and Havlat could be the one salting the popcorn.
(That should take care of my daily metaphor quota.)
Maybe it HAS to go before the Grand Jury in order to proceed? I, not being a lawyer, don’t know.
Agreed with Pewt on “obviously improved.”
Safe to say we’re obviously different, but the jury’s still waaaaaaaaaay out on whether or not we’re improved.
NiNY, probably. Seems a little ridiculous that it takes a grand jury to decide whether or not the charges are valid. If they decide there are, does it then go back to People’s Court?
I love that he had to cool his jets in the slammer for a couple hours.
What a tool.
Is it Hockey season yet?????
It’s archery season first, then hockey season.
I think preseason football is starting soon… that’s gotta count for something right?.. uhh… right?
To answer the question is it hockey season yet. In two weeks Russo will begin to announce the NHL players training at St Louis Park in the mornings in preparation for training camp.
Mister Biskers on Theo Fleury= I would be the first in line to have him tryout for us. We need a center as of today. I have offered suggestions to Fletch, but as of today were not close on any deal. I for one would want to see what he can do.
A little guy would have an easier time coming back especially if he has low body fat and is in good condition.
Again the ability to be motivated to play is key for a veteran player in his age category to play.
I would not roll the dice and see if your centers beyond Koivou can do the job or not. Somebody will take a chance on Fleury.
To answer the question is it hockey season yet.
Really? You feel the need to answer THAT question?
And Fluery is a RW.
Austin: I know, hilarious.
Apparently, every old, washed-up player is a center in MKVN’s eyes.
For Austin Texas Wild Fan = He will have to wait a wee bit longer for hockey season then the rest of us. Unless he decides to take a drive.
mkia why don’t you take a long drive off a short peer:)
Uh oh. MKVN is trying to get snarky again.
snarky?
Crimson Tide= The uses for a veteran center may not equal a whole season but neither does Colton Gillies or Pouliot equal a full season.
Fleury-Modano- Sundin- These guys are star offensive performers- Like Havlat and Owen Nolan……
We have 2 guys that have the ability to perform that way
BIG QUESTION: WHAT IF THE WILD HAD THE BEST POWER PLAY IN THE NHL ?????? would we still be predicted to finish 19th or 26th ???????????
Yes these veterans make a power play, and they give your club threats so the other teams have to pay attention to someone other then your top line
So yes- taking a veteran player and keeping your assets makes sense
Russo says
But like I said, I don’t think the Wild’s interested and will continue to wait. What that means is if Fletcher makes what he’s been calling his “play,” it’ll almost certainly go into training camp
wait wait wait wait wait wait—– Hmm, to me it sounds like DR
His moves may come and go with all of that waiting.
He trades during the season and now players are not settled and their loved ones are in other places. It makes for a mess for the player.
“His play” will define how he did this off season by the general public. If he does nothing else substantial and the team loses more then it wins then expect him to be under fire….
I am fine with what he is doing thus far. I think he is an energetic DR.
DR ended up being good for the Wild organization IN HIS DAY
Anyone catch Cal’s article today? His hit record is really intriguing. He delivered 356 (official) hits in 78 games, a 4.5 hits per game average. Though obviously possible, it’s hard to imagine that the record will broken soon.
Cal played darn near an entire season due to good health and being effective enough in categories other than physicality to warrant the ice time.
It seems to me that a player who concentrated on hitting more than Cal wouldn’t be as useful in other aspects, and would consequently see less ice time.
A player with a higher offensive upside might concentrate less on hitting. Dustin Brown had the previous record, and most likely falls into the higher offensive upside than Cal. Is Brown the only one who could contend for the record–or at least his type of play? Is Cal even capable of breaking it?
I guess I’m wondering if Cal’s record isn’t the product of luck + the ideal skill set for the job. How long do y’all think his record will stand?
Fleury-Modano- Sundin- These guys WERE star offensive performers
Fixed!
I agree with what you are say about how the public will define the job Fletch did during the off season mkia.
If he does nothing else substantial and they lose, fans will be angry.
As for your question about power play. If the Wild were ranked in the top 3 on the power play, I would imagine they would be in the top 10 teams in the league.
wow mkia is talking to himself now that’s funny.
Wallshot: WERE is BS. If the players have the RIGHT mindset and they have no major injuries they can help your team by giving them one more big threat, especially on the power play. This is fact !
Fleury could outperform any of our centers on the power except Koivou maybe. All he needs is a month on the ice in the NHL again. Providing he is healthy like he says he is, and he has the correct mindset.
Mister know it all would love to see Fleury or Modano here because it would definitely bring us a cup. There’s a possibility we may not beable to get them
If we cant get them maybe we could get Mark mesier or Joe mullen out of retirement. they are proven leaders and scorers
Yes, I was talking about the archery season for whitetail deer. My freezer is empty and need more venison. Plus there is NOTHING better in the world than spending a crisp fall morning in the relaxing woods. No boss, no work, no car horns, no rap music driving by, just nature and its beauty. “calgon take me away”
As far as Tyler Kennedy, if you ever get a picture of him, the guy is an absolute pig-faced mutant. He actually is scary to look at. Can he play hockey? Oh heck ya, but him as a poster boy would be a disaster …thus my sarcastic “Glamour Shots” reference.
Fleury or Modano = Stanley Cup? Ugh.
Mister Know it all says:
August 13th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Mister know it all would love to see Fleury or Modano here because it would definitely bring us a cup.
Do you really think so???????????
Have you been drinking the kool aid.
Crim, I’m excited to see how Cal will evolve in his sophomore year under the new regime. Love to see him become a Dustin Brown or even Brendan Morrow type of guy, though I’m told that’s asking a bit much. I figure, shoot for the moon.
Mister Biskers on Theo Fleury= I would be the first in line to have him tryout for us.
Of course you would. Because who doesn’t want a 42 year old player tossed out of the NHL for multiple substance abuse violations and who hasn’t seen NHL ice in years.
Mister know it all would love to see Fleury or Modano here because it would definitely bring us a cup.
…of old hockey player kool aid. Or a dixie cup with their pills in it. Your choice.
wait wait wait wait wait wait—– Hmm, to me it sounds like DR
Nah, Smug has us waiting still, and he’s another Ghost.
Mister know it all would love to see Fleury or Modano here because it would definitely bring us a cup.
Of coffee. At Mickey’s Diner.
on Cal: it’s awesome that his first fishing excursion came A) in Minny and B) with Hrbie.
I am also stoked to see how Cal handles his second season. That video of Cal’s “Greatest Hits” on Wild.com is pretty awesome. I love how about half of his hits end with Cal on the ice along with the guy he checked. He is fun to watch. I would put money on the fact that he scores a few more goals this season. I still firmly believe that he can be a consistient 20 goal scorer. Maybe not this next season… but who knows.
Remember in the Police Academy suite of fine feature films, the one kid whose whole family were boxers and they’d sit around the dinner table punching heck out of each other…that’s sort of how I picture the Clutterbucks sitting down to dinner…only with Canadian accents.
Oh and MKiA, I only have to drive 20 minutes to see an AHL game this fall… and about 3 hours to catch an NHL game. I won’t be waiting very long. Plus there’s Center Ice.
Don’t hold your breath for that type of production, Ms. C. I like Flutterpuck too but does he have that kind offensive upside in him?
so apparently Dumb, Dumber, Quasimodo and Darby stepped into the batters box to stare down a Blyleven curve ball last night? Did anyone see this?
Hrbie
Nice.
I see someone added “20 Cent” to the Wikia Well done.
NiNY, I’m sure that would’ve been broadcasting gold. Wish I had seen it.
Man, I really hope Cal doesn’t go through the accurs’d sophomore slump. :\
I did some digging during my lunch
08-09
Team had 89 points and needed 92 points for playoffs.
We were 10 points shy of Pitt who won the cup
Fact: The Wild were screwed major on injuries. EVERYONE will say that the Wild would have 5 more wins minimum if Gaby was with the team
Last year key stats
5 on 5 the Wild were worst in the league
penalty killing 2nd
goals against 2nd
power play 9th
lowest in penalties 3rd
So what do the stats mean ? Coach Lemaire deserves a medal of honer
It shows all the team needed to be was healthy and they would have won
Now the key to those stats… The Wild will be pushing to improve the team 5 on 5 and that is there said goal.
An argument can be made for not changing a thing and just add a couple of missing pieces. That would be good for Lemaire but not good enough for Richards who coaches a different style
Coach Lemaire deserves a medal of honer
Is that a special medal that one gets for honing the skills of average palyers to make them appear better than they actually are?
apparently Tiger is completely non-plussed by all those long holes at Hazeltine.
That’s why I said shooting for the moon, Wall. That’s my dream for him. But if he never changes a single thing about his game, he’s still my favorite player in the league, hands down.
I’d just love to take away the “but he doesn’t put up the points” argument from hosers who try to downplay his awesome.
hands down.
heh…that’s what she said?
“hands down.
heh…that’s what she said?”
You reached a little bit for that one, but nice hustle.
I threw that in there just for y’all.
apparently Tiger is completely non-plussed by all those long holes at Hazeltine.
Don’t quote me but I think 7 and 15 run the same direction and are down wind today. That helps.
if they play 15 from the tips and it is into the wind, they might not reach it in 3. it is a beast. all you see is sand traps from the tee.
you’ll notice, if not appreciate, the question mark, Pewt.
he played the four par-5s at -3 today.
Kid’s pretty good at that golf thing.
nice, G*…are you going to any of the competition rounds?
birdie on 12 is picking up two strokes. par 4’s shouldn’t be 520 yards long
whoa…Justin Rose is having an adventurous round.
Starting on ten, he has gone:
par
par
bogey
double
par
par
par
par
bird
OUT +2
bogey
bird
par
bird
bird
bird
bird
bogey
(no score yet on 9)
He’s -1 through 17 holes. Crazy.
“you’ll notice, if not appreciate, the question mark, Pewt.”
word
are you going to any of the competition rounds?
not this time. was out there monday and walked the course with a buddy and his buddy who is a member.
ms.c i love that y’all.
I’m with you on the cal thing i hope he has a awsome year and if not i still love the guy.
I want to define what you are saying Lucy.
I agree with you
What made the Wild effective in 2008-09 was was goals against and Lemaire.
In 09-10 : Richards and Fletcher style
They will have to get 1.86 goals per game 5 on 5 like Chicago last year (4th in the league) The Wild last year were 1.52 goals per game
Keep power play the same or a little better
Goals against- Last year the Wild had 2.4 goals against. This year they will have to keep that no worse then 2.6 which was where Vancouver was at last year (7th in the league)
This will tell the story. How bad does your goals against suffer when you increase your 5 on 5 production. On paper we are at what Chicago was last year on offense for player personal
I hear that Tiger Woods has been playing since he was like 3.
Mister Know it all says:
August 13th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
I want to define what you are saying Lucy.
I agree with you
So let me get this,your actually agreeing with yourself?
MKiA,
If you are not clinically insane (big if), I must say your perseverance/tenacity is commendable.
With that said please give the Modano rant a rest. Your sociopathic tendencies are really starting to show.
Plus there is NOTHING better in the world than spending a crisp fall morning in the relaxing woods. No boss, no work, no car horns, no rap music driving by, just nature and its beauty.
Amen to that.
I hear that Tiger Woods has been playing since he was like 3.
Yeah, but how big are his feet?
NiNY,
I saw the “batting” last night. It was pretty humerous. I don’t know the guys’ names, but the chubby one was behind the plate for most of the AB’s. I don’t know that he caught very many, but it was fun watching him try. Lot’s of pretty horrific swings. Good times.
nice JMP…my old man said Terhaar in particular looked like he thought Bert was going to go all Big-Unit-On-John-Kruk on him.
A blogger on EK’s page says that Heatly talks are/or have bee on and they feature Burns on the Wild end..anybody else seen this ????? I don’t see any risk in giving Fluery a try out. Stanger things have happened.
Boy I’ve got to look at where my fingers have strayed..
Mister Know it all says: NOT MISTER KNOW IT ALL. ITS EVIL up to his Evil tricks again
August 13th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
I did not say those things. I am guessing that Evil is trying to make Mister Know it all out to be a silly willy. Not happening
I hope everyone knows I would not make a foolish statement like the one below. I suspect the one that calls himself Evil is after Mister Know it all
August 13th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Mister know it all would love to see Fleury or Modano here because it would definitely bring us a cup. There’s a possibility we may not beable to get them
If we cant get them maybe we could get Mark mesier or Joe mullen out of retirement. they are proven leaders and scorers
ek’s page?
Why yes, I have been on several lengthy vacations this summer, although none of these involved my twin. Ever since that time he told me to meet him at the Super 8 in Gary, Indiana, for our family reunion…..and nobody showed….I have been a bit reluctant to go on vacation with my brother. But I am looking forward to Michaels bachelor party in Kabul next weekend, followed by the wedding in Murmansk. I hear Afghanistan is beautiful this time of year.
Yeah, that’s me. Out to get MKVN. I have alot of idle time right now, and nothing brings me greater pleasure than hanging out here and convincing others that MKVN is a silly willy. Even my Modano blow up doll enjoys this.
For the record, I have never posted under any other name than RET. I kinda have a life.
MKVN got me thinking. I had never given much thought to the idea of “All it takes is for the player to have the right mindset” and then that player can come out of retirement and be successful. He’s right. If there is will, there is a way. First thing tomorrow we should tender contract offers to Brian Bellows, Neal Broten, Scott Bjugstad, Dino Ciccarelli. And who needs Zach Parise when you can get J.P. Parise for league minimum!
Nick: Ok, woke up on the couch last evening to find the Twins game over and Darby trying to hit off Bert. A little surreal, but he did manage two hits (and he was barefoot). Dumb and Dumber both hit as well. Since I was half asleep I couldn’t figure out which one was asking what would happen if Bert hit him with a pitch, I think it was Terhaar, there was something about goalies in that conversation. I was awake enough to see Bert buzz one right in close at hip height and see which ever one it was jump just in time to avoid getting hit. If I remember right Coomer told him to shake it off and jog to first base if he got hit. Gorg was the catcher. And Berts dressy shoes kept making him slide around on the mound. Also Darby’s hair looked better last night than it had in a long while.
“A blogger on EK’s page says that Heatly talks are/or have bee on and they feature Burns on the Wild end..anybody else seen this ????? I don’t see any risk in giving Fluery a try out. Stanger things have happened.”
If “EK” is Eklund I wouldn’t waste my time with his rumors. JMO
But it has been confirmed several times that Murray and Fletcher discussed trade options for Heatley. We had our package of players/picks on the table and Murray wouldn’t back down from centering the deal around Burns going to Ottawa and Fletcher isn’t willing to trade Burns for Heatley.
I was going to ask if anybody knows what players/picks we did offer? All I ever heard was Murray wouldn’t stop asking for Burns.
atx…twas me…..getting better with practice I guess….
on the baseball thing, blyleven’s curve is still amazing….could fool most major leaguers still…..the guy should be in the hall of fame for sure….
I love that he even threw a heater just behind one of the “batters” just to intimidate him a little…..great stuff….
if murry wants buns, he’s going to have to give us heater, spezza, picard, lee, and a pick. we’d give burns, zids, and butch
Anyone going to that golf thing in Chaska? skoula still without a team?
RET: what? Your twin brother on vacation without you?
Yep, Skoula’s whereabouts are unknown.
However, some reports are saying that nine teams are interested in Marc-Andre Bergeron.
Lastly, other NHL teams are releasing their Traverse City Prospect Tournament rosters. The Wild should have theirs out shortly.
But wait, ‘93. As soon as DR lands in Sunrise, Fla., Marty S. will have a home. ;P
Nine teams can afford to waste a roster spot on Bergeron? Nine teams??
We need fresh food, gang. Zherdev’s already gone to the KHL…
Evil, I think that you know that those fat boys you are speaking of cant play anymore.
I speak of mindset this way. A player with kids who is older in age is a bad combination for playing when he is old. Family guy types will mature at a faster pace then will non family type guys. I am guessing that Owen Nolan fits that category of a non family guy type. So Nolans hockey days will last longer.
Modano I believe has no kids, but just has a hot wife. He is healthy and would qualify for a player that could stick around longer.
It is logical to think that if Fleury still thinks he can play, he is still thinking like a kid. That is a good thing for a player
Evil,
I bring up the fact that these veterans are what the Wild need for 1 reason.
Richards is not likely to come close to Lemaires goals against average from last year that allowed the Wild to have a decent season.
So lets say the Wild drop to 10th in goals against to 2.75 goals per game
Providing they maintain the power play at 9th in the league like last year
Providing they maintain the Penalty kill and penalties against where they were last year
The Wild can make up the increase in goals allowed by moving up in the goals scored 5 on 5 column. They would be safe at 1.9 goals for per game (5 on 5)
That gives the Wild 156 goals scored 5 on 5, up from the leagues worst last year
The trade off for higher goals against with the new coach is 5 on 5 goals for
Remember last year when we gave up a 3rd round pick to get Bergeron because dealin’ Doug said there was noway he would have lasted on the open market. Here we are mid August and Bergeron still doesn’t have a new home. Hmmmm… I’m never going to miss that bumbling dunce.
Hockey’s Future has updated top 20 prospects. Volshenko is finally off the list!
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/11369/wild_top20_prospects_fall2009/
Kalus? REALLY? Augh.
Saw Darby and D&D trying to hit Berts curve ball last night. Darby was barefoot. And it was Greenlay that Bert almost hit with the heater. Right about hip height, would have left a nice bruise if he’d actually gotten hit. Greenlay was asking about getting hit by pitches so Bert tried to demonstrate. Darby did get a couple hits that would have maybe been base hits, and Greenlay actually got some distance on one. Terhaar looked like a tool as usual, only one he made contact with went foul. Gorg was the catcher. I don’t think he actually caught more than one or two that got past the batters, the poor camera guy standing behind him where the ump stands had to move out of the way a few times. And yes, Bert should be in the Hall of Fame.
Well technically Kalus came back to North America and will be playing for Houston next season so we do have to call him a prospect. The fact that he is top 10 shows you our pool is still shallow. Scandella a D man that is defensively sound? I thought the gripe with him was he played like power play specialist? Puts up points but plays defense like Zidlicky and Bergeron did.
I knew they looked familiar……now I wish bert actually hit him!
just a bruise of course…
argonbeast0034 says:
August 13th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
I knew they looked familiar……now I wish bert actually hit him!
just a bruise of course…
That unfortunately would render him unable to continue to appear in front of a TV camera?
Is Gordie Howe still in game shape?
Kalus? REALLY? Augh.
You’d certainly know better than I, but if everyone else on the roster got a new lease on life (as a Wild or potential Wild player) why not him too?
better than me…sorry…too early for English apparently.
The reality of a second chance (third, really) is different from putting him in the top 10 of the rankings. Prove me wrong, Petr.
I prove you wrong. I show all you how skate fast I am.
Take it for what it is worth - Hockeybuzz is reporting that the Wild offered Koivu, Cuma, and Schultz for Heatley+
Thoughts?
Only negative thoughts, Chris.
Petr’s so skate fast that his name skips a second E.
I will break you.
That’s pretty much what I thought. There would have to be something awesome packaged with Heatley for that package. Take Koivu out and I would say maybe.
ms.c: so you don’t think he’s talented enough to warrant that high of a ranking, is that what you’re saying? (I’m in no position to disagree, FTR.)
If Fletch even though about offering that for Heater I’m going to be extremely put out.
Wouldn’t that have been some kind of somethin’: if Skoivu had come here and then Mkoivu gets traded for Heater.
I don’t believe that you offer up Koivu, who is most likely our future captain and one of the hardest working two way players on this team for Heatley, a man that has twice demanded a trade. For the record I would LOVE to get Heatley to Minnesota but that offer doesn’t sound realistic. Change the name Koivu with Sheppard and I would believe it. Though I don’t know if Ottawa would bite, that’s one veteran in Schultz and two prospects.
Ratgen, I know you post here every once in a while. I can’t believe you really wrote that as though it were at all legit.
Utterly ridiculous.
NiNY - to be fair, Ratgen didn’t come up with the idea, he just reported what others were saying. Still, I say there is no way that the deal happens as is.
Gimme that fish.
What if we go with my updated proposal? Sheppard, Schultz and Cuma for Heatley. What do people think?
Well, Nick, it’s the classic Pouliot conundrum… talent without the focus and discipline to put that talent to use is…. what? He’s talented but the proof has been in the pudding for a couple of years now. Ineffective in Houston, ineffective back in Europe. Sure you want to give a guy time to develop but you also want to see progress.
And re: Hockeybuzz… That’s like reading the Weekly Word News in line at the grocery store and wondering if the 3 headed alien monkey baby might be real. Just stop it!
Chris: the problem isn’t that he tried to make it out like it was his idea, IIRC, he did cite whatever it was that he was, er, citing. The problem is that he A) reported it at all (I know, I know, it IS Hockeybuzz) and B) didn’t really try to question the validity of it as a legit offer.
Lucky - I like that idea more than with Koivu, but the only problem is both proposals short us at Center. I would hope we can get more from Ottawa than just Heatley. They have a couple of good C prospects that could come back the other way to help us at that position. I would be OK if Sheppard, Schultz, and Cuma landed us Heatley though. Now, he would still have to waive his No Trade Clause.
Sheppard, Schultz and Cuma for Heatley
Done - plus it paves the way for Skoula’s return to the Wild
“This paper contains facts. And this paper has the eighth highest circulation in the whole wide world. Right? Plenty of facts. ‘Pregnant man gives birth.’ That’s a fact.”
Skoula’s return to the Wild??? I think I just threw up in my mouth a little.
the 3 headed alien monkey baby might be real.
wait…it’s not?
I like the idea of Heatley the talent…but I think there are serious questions about his character.
I know we need scoring, but do we really want the hockey version of Randy Moss?
This really comes down to whether or not you’re comfortable with the thought that the team will spend the next couple seasons “rebuilding.”
If you are comfortable with it, then I think trading all that for Heater chafes.
If you’re not comfortable with it, then trading for a Heater is more desirable.
Honestly, if there’s anything to the character issues, I’d rather have Modano than Heatley. And I have zero interest in Modo.
Hey, I never said Hockeybuzz was legit…I know it’s not…but I was curious what people thought of the package.
NiNY, don’t say the M-word. You know what happens when you say it three times.
My concern, rebuilding or not, is that I’m not sure Heatley is the type of player to get us to the next level. Sure, we would have two great top line forwards with Heatley and Havlat, but we still have other weaknesses that this trade does not address. Are we a better team with Heatley? Probably. Are we an elite team with Heatley? Probably not.
We would be better served by acquiring talent and strong drafting and development than by putting all of our eggs in the “Heatley as a savior” basket.
3 headed monkey baby not unusual in Russia, especially by Chernobyl.
“Sheppard, Schultz and Cuma for Heatley. What do people think?”
I was walking my unicorn through the shire one lazy afternoon when we stumbled upon a hobbit….
For anyone who has NHL Center Ice, I really want to drop awful Comcast cable (honestly, the only TV I watch is the Wild), and NHLCI seems like an alternative, but I know local broadcasts are blacked out.
What’s the haps on viewing other regions’ broadcasts of Wild games? Is it reliable? I absolutely have no problem with “missing” Dumb & Dumber, but missing Wild games altogether is not an option; I watched 77 Wild games last season.
It’s important that if I get NHLCI that I’ll be able to see a lot of enemy broadcasts. I feel bad enough that I missed any games last season, including the 1-0 shootout victory against Tampa on my wedding night.
“but I was curious what people thought of the package.”
*drumroll*
No, too easy.
Eklund follows up the “buzz” with a tweet:
Absolutely nothing to Heatley to Wild trade being imminent or any deadlines being real
Nick, Modano is maybe the greatest class act in the NHL.
We have a pretty intense group of players in place. He would compliment the group of players we have.
Fletchers has signed players he feels will do better with the coach and the team for various reasons. I say Modano will perform better in Minnesota.
Like I say if Fletch can do better do it. I have given him a player he should look at
“I was walking my unicorn through the shire one lazy afternoon when we stumbled upon a hobbit…”
Care to elaborate?
Ottawa agreed to a trade with the Oil for Cogliano, Smid and Penner(aka salary dump).
Just curious why this is so farfetched?
Pewt, I totally appreciate any and all LotR references, but official canonical diligence demands that state FTR that there are exactly zero unicorns in Middle-Earth.
“Just curious why this is so farfetched?”
1) Sheppard is a possible bust. (Yes I know he’s young, but he showed zero improvement from yr 1 to yr 2. And yr 1 was NOTHING special. I’m not saying we cut him but I don’t see why he’d have much value to someone else)
2) Shultz brings zero offense and zero physical presence. He is smart and disciplined but not much else.
3) Cuma is a complete mystery. The pro game is night and day different from the juniors on every level (speed, skill, smarts, and so on). On top of that he folded his knee last year so we have no idea how he’ll recover.
IMHO
NiNY - You were commenting about Ratgen reporting on this…in the comments he said if he were the Wild he would offer Bouchard for Heatley, straight up.
Encrim: As I understand it, if you live in the Wild blackout zone you can’t get the other team’s broadcast. That’s how it is for me when the Wild plays one of the NY teams anyway - I can’t get the Wild feed on CI.
“Sheppard is a possible bust”
Yeah I stopped right here.
Chris: I suppose that’s a little better. But why not amend your article instead? Lame on his part, IMO.
We have a pretty intense group of players in place.
I know I shouldn’t reply, but how the F would you know that?
You have no idea what you’re talking about. We know you want Modano on this team. Move on.
““Sheppard is a possible bust”
Yeah I stopped right here.”
Again, I’m not saying we cut him but what has he shown on the ice that makes you think he’s so valuable to another team.
If he puts up another year like the first two, the B word rears its ugly head. By his third year he needs to show signs of life. He’s had plenty of ice time so that’s not an excuse. I’m not saying he puts up 20 goals. Just some signs of life. Some creativity with the puck. Some physical presence.
Clutterplunk is the same age as (9th overall) Sheppard and I consider C-Bomb (72nd overall) twice as valuable to the team.
I don’t get the love affair/sympathy for Sheppard. Show me something soon Bigfoot.
Furthermore, Fletcher has no obligation/attachment to Sheppard. DR put him out there to justify his decision to draft him #9. I would not be at all surprised to see Pony Boy’s (my new nickname for Sheppard. Don’t know why but it just feels right) ice time fall off precipitously if he comes out and plays the same game he’s played the last two years.
“Don’t taze me” Brodz might start looking like a better option to Richards.
Pewter- I think
Shep - too soon to say black or white. He shows he has talent and he has big feet which MISCONDUCT approves of
Cuma- is a flat out a slam dunk
Schultz is your top 4 shutdown guy - good skater you can even put out against SID
Clutterbuck was allowed to develop in juniors and the AHL. Sheppard was drafted, played another year of juniors and was thrown in to the NHL because Doug insisted that’s how you develop players. You know because nothing builds confidence like playing limited minutes and playing against opponents out of your league.
On top of that Clutterbuck played wing for Lemaire and Sheppard played center. Wayyyyyyy more responsibility for the Centers in Lemaire’s system.
I agree Sheppard has disappointed for an NHL player, but put most of the blame on the shoulders of Risebrough.
For Ms.conduct
“Schultz is your top 4 shutdown guy - good skater you can even put out against SID”
This may be. I will admit I probably don’t appreciate the little things he does night in and night out.
“Cuma- is a flat out a slam dunk”
I hope you’re right, but how can you be so sure? And why would a GM give up a 50 goal scorer (which don’t grow on trees) for a couple place holders and a prospect coming off knee surgery?
NiNY, thanks for NHLCI insight. I wouldn’t mind getting watch endless hockey, but when you aren’t guarenteed to watch the only hockey that really matters to you, it might not be worth it–unless I convince the wife to keep the regular cable for Wild viewing.
The only other thing about Cuma in the deal…Ottawa drafted Erik Karlsson who is supposed to be a phenomenal D prospect (rated higher than Cuma).
Because that 50 goal scorer publicly demanded a trade and when a trade was packaged he refused to waive his no trade clause.
Even when Heatley demanded a trade I said Ottawa would still get fair market value but then Heatley refused the trade to Edmonton. Seems like training camp is fast approaching and you are going to have some players and fans in Ottawa that want answers.
The only thing I’ll say in the previous regime’s defense of how they handled Shep was that the same mentality worked out okay for PMB and Burnsie. At least better than it has for Shep so far.
Maybe, just maybe, there’s something to Shep specifically (his attitude, perchance?) that has ALSO contributed to his lack of success to this point.
“The only other thing about Cuma in the deal…Ottawa drafted Erik Karlsson who is supposed to be a phenomenal D prospect (rated higher than Cuma).”
Cuma plays for the Ottawa 67’s. It’s like us getting a top prospect that plays for the Gophers. And we all know around this blog that would make the prospect much more valuable
Ugh. Modano again. Keep it up and pretty soon Ek will be posting it.
NiNY…Ratgen is a ‘commentator’ on HB. Of course he’s going to be an Ek lackey.
I, on the other hand am a commentator on nothing. And do not have a shred of credibility. I should be treated as such on all things hockey related.
That disclaimer would keep a lot of bloggers out of trouble.
kj: that’s a good idea…lets see if we can get someone two write on HB that the Wild are looking at trading for Modo.
that would be awesome.
oops…”to write” not “two write”…iiieeeee think that means I should go get some lunch now.
When trading a top player, you will never get a fair trade back. It will be quality for quality or quality for quantity. Let’s face it, how many pure goal scorers are Heatley’s equal…2, 3 tops? Ottawa won’t be able to pry those players from their current team so you have to take a package of decent to good players from a team. Factor in the NTC and they will get a 1st, top prospect and a solid NHLer.
It always boggled my mind that Bouchard got a free pass from Lemaire on playing any kind of defense. Anyways.
Bouchard played wing not center for Lemaire. Lets not kid ourselves Burns did not hit the ground running. People complained about him just as much as they do with Sheppard now. Burns was drafted in ‘03 and thrown in to the NHL, he didn’t start pulling everything together until the end of the ‘06 - ‘07 season.
Lucky: that’s fair, but then we can’t be judging Shep yet, can we?
That’s pretty much my whole point.
Schultz, Sheppard and Cuma for Heatley, I think would actually be a nice trade. It won’t happen unfortunately, because that would put the Wild over the cap by about $3 million.
“but then we can’t be judging Shep yet, can we?”
That’s what I’m trying to say. I’m not trying to come off as a Sheppard apologist but I don’t feel like fans are giving him a fair look.
Wall,
If I understand correctly the $4Mil bonus paid by Ottawa on July 1st comes off his cap hit for this year, so for this year anyways his hit would be something like $3.5Mil. We already have $3Mil open and Sheppard and Schultz would come off the books.
***If I’m understanding the bonus to cap hit situation that is.***
Nevermind, I guess the Wild wouldn’t be that far over, but they’d be right up against it.
I’d still be in favor of such a deal though. Heatley-Koivu-Havlat? You can punch my ticket to see that right now.
Wallshot - CapGeek.com says it would leave the Wild with $1M in cap space. http://www.capgeek.com/trade_machine.php
Lucky, the cap hit is 7.5 million. It doesn’t matter what his salary is, cap hit is always the average of the contract value over the length. Anyway my math was wrong, they wouldn’t be that far over it, but they would still be hamstrung because they’d have no room to make adjustments due to short term injuries.
How about PMB+schultz for Heatley and a salary dump.
Hmmmm… I guess I misunderstood the bonus. My apologies.
I’d rather get rid of Sheppard than PMB. He may have been playing hockey since he was 3, but he still sucks at it.
The Sheppard debate is always clouded by his ability to put that size 15 skate squarely in his mouth.
His career thus far seems to be a Pouliot in the making. Decent skills. But, he (judging from biased JL comments) doesn’t seem to have the work ethic needed to continue to progress into a NHLer playing regular minutes.
I think that singular reason is why many people would like to dump him…even at his young age.
I really don’t see it that way KJ… after watching both guys, though Pouliot quite a bit more. Shep has a natural inclination toward toughness that Pouliot doesn’t have and that I believe is required to succeed in the NHL. A willingness to take hits to get to the net.
I have plenty of hope left for Shep, though if he got traded in a fair deal, i wouldn’t sweat it much. I think he still has a lot to prove, but I don’t lump him into the Pouliot bucket at all.
I don’t really get why people are so eager to throw him under the bus (other than some misguided comments… but geez, he’s a baby still!) Give him another season or two. He’s not a liability (and maybe that’s the difference for me with Pouliot, who can single-handedly suck the life out of a PP or 5 on 5) and he just needs to get some experience under his belt. Well, so to speak, anyway.
Didn’t PMB also get the extra benefit of playing in the AHL during the lockout (which I’m thinking came directly after his first NHL season)? If Shep was forced due to circumstance to play in the AHL last season, he might have had more confidence in the upcoming season as well.
I’m only willing to hang him on that one assinine comment. Otherwise, I am in no hurry to move him unless Fletch can clearly win the trade - which I don’t see happening.
“Lets not kid ourselves Burns did not hit the ground running. People complained about him just as much as they do with Sheppard now. ”
Agreed, that’s why the verdict is not in on Pony Boy yet. This is a critical season….stay golden.
“Lucky: that’s fair, but then we can’t be judging Shep yet, can we?”
We can judge his development or lack thereof. He doesn’t get a free pass forever.
The simmering pot is starting to boil Pony Boy.
that sounded better in my head.
Eklund is just full of it.
I just got off hockeybuzz and sure enough, he’s talking about us and Zherdev, clearly because he saw this article.
BUT, I do remember hearing from a more reliable source that at one time that the Wild’s offer was Bouchard, Zidlicky, and a 3rd rounder next year for Heater.
That’s a deal I would be 100% ok with.
In a perfect world if this worked out, I see our top 2 lines being
Nolan-Koivu-Heatley
Bruno-Bouchard-Havlat
As sexy as it looks to have a havlat-koivu-heatley line, I think it’d work better to have some behind and around the net guys paired up with them. That way it looks like we have some more depth too
ms.conduct says:
August 14th, 2009 at 9:44 am
3 headed alien monkey baby
Can he skate? 3 pairs of eyes would come in pretty handy in hockey. One to watch where you’re going, one to watch the puck, and one to watch for checkers!
I say you make him a goalie, Goody. Can’t have enough eyes on the puck.
Hmm, he would take up approximately 2 more square feet of net than a one headed goalie.
BUT, I do remember hearing from a more reliable source that at one time that the Wild’s offer was Bouchard, Zidlicky, and a 3rd rounder next year for Heater.
That’s a deal I would be 100% ok with.
In a perfect world if this worked out, I see our top 2 lines being
Nolan-Koivu-Heatley
Bruno-Bouchard-Havlat
Mitch, that would be a good trade. Except you lineup is now missing that # 2 center.
You’re right on that.
I meant as in, any trade for Heatley, maybe my mind was SO adverse to the idea of Sheppard at No. 2 that I couldn’t handle typing it in.
Leave Butch alone you bastards.
BUT, I do remember hearing from a more reliable source that at one time that the Wild’s offer was Bouchard, Zidlicky, and a 3rd rounder next year for Heater.
That’s a deal I would be 100% ok with.
In a perfect world if this worked out, I see our top 2 lines being
Nolan-Koivu-Heatley
Bruno-Bouchard-Havlat
Did you just agree to trade Butch and then put him on your “ideal” second line?
Sorry, I now see that was already pointed out. And I’ll second Mr. ATX on the leave Butch alone call.
I saw it earlier posted by someone else, but District 9 looks like a can’t miss movie.
Also, I wanted to point out that I am not ready to give up on Sheppard either.
His career has a Pouliot quality to it only that he has not progressed anywhere near as expected. Although, Poultine’s draft position makes him a bigger fail.
Did I hear that someone’s trying to taint my Bouchard? Grr…
Sitting at work a little bored today.
Has anyone ever wondered what would happen if Bouchard made Boogy nad?
sorry…mad..
No, but gimme that fish.
I’m guessing Boogey would make it abundantly clear exactly how he feels about Bouchard making with his nad.
Perhaps Sheppard and Poultine need to enroll in the Doug Risebrough School of Expectation Management.
but District 9 looks like a can’t miss movie.
Unless you are THIS GUY.
Don’t mess with Bouchard’s taint or Boogey’s nad.
I would say that I don’t read critics, but then I’d be a hypocrit for hanging out here all day. Oh!
*hypocrite. sonofab
Man we need food. Or the season to start.
Anyone see TR’s first pitch? Was Morneau playing catcher & goalie? Gawd a faaaar stretch to offer up some almost hockey talk.
perhaps for the wikia: suggestions / definitions of Russovile.
That guy would appear to be a major doosh.
They shouldn’t send their opera critic to review s movie, but I guess the cutbacks have hit them too.
Encrimson’d: how was the gig?
kj: ready for the gig?
Did This is Spinal Tap have exploding drummers? sorry, random thought.
Sheppard, Schultz, Cuma for Heatley = win Wild.
Koivu, Schultz, Cuma for Heatley = slight edge Ottawa on the heels of Minnesota having no legit, NHL-ready centers after the trade.
Wow, Russo needs a new post!
I will disagree with you Kevin. Heatley is not a sure thing. Asking to leave your team is not a good quality under the circumstances he is doing it.
Dumping Cuma, I no likey. I really dont like trading Schultz and Sheppard either.
Doing nothing when the Wild have a glaring need for another key scorer, and preferably a center
Whenever I hear people on here talk about trading these key players for our future I end up liking my ideas better. I don’t think it is necessary to give up these players
I came up with the idea of Modo for patching our obvious need at center.
Pro’s
(1) Still a dangerous offensive player obviously
(2) Solid special teams player
(3) Could help specifically Pouliot
(4) Solid community guy who is very well spoken
(5) Improves the power play
(6) Out of all the veterans who are stars he is the most attractive to Minnesota because he would be highly motivated to do what he did for Dallas. Help Minnesota win the cup
Cons
(1) His plan to play on the olympic team would likely tire him and require him to rest and miss games. If he is here it would make sense to have him miss the olympics. If he is in Dallas it don’t matter because they have a crappy team anyway
(2) Would a star want to give up his jersey number 9
From the management point of view
This deal may cause Fletch to wet his bed perhaps
For whatever reason the ranters on here don’t speak to the majority of the fan population. He would be good for marketing
MKVN’s last post…
Pros:
Koivu, Schultz, Cuma for Heatley = slight edge Ottawa
Once I stopped laughing, I realized that you must have been kidding. Koivu + Schultz + Cuma is a little too much for a giant effin head case like Heater. Schultz and Cuma I am okay with parting with (Go ahead and throw in Shep or Pool Boy too I suppose). The only way I let Koivu go is if the trade inilvolved anyone named Malkin, OVechkin, Nash, and perhaps a select few others. Okay, so maybe I am overvaluing Koivu a tad. But we call him “Franchise” for a reason. Koivu is not going anywhere.
Just for the record, I do believe that KiPA overvalues players that are in the Eastern Conference and tends to undervalue players in the Western Conference. I know, it may be disputed (and I hope so, we need something to talk about).
Overvalue Staal, undervalue Kopitar. Or other western conference player that perhaps he has actually bothered to mention. That’s his style.
M 03: The gig was pretty good! I was very pleasantly surprised with the turnout, especially considering it was a Thursday night gig and absolutely NO ONE goes to Lee’s without a really good reason. Our modest following represented well, and the other bands brought in impressive numbers (for Lee’s) as well.
kj: Have a good gig! I’ll be recording all night with band #3–but one of these days!
When is Nick’s debut?
Ms.C, I thought it was either last night or two Fridays ago.
The Wild edition of NHL.com’s 30-in-30 is up today. There’s a lot of attention placed on Kalus, somehow, probably much to your chagrin, Ms.C, and no mention whatsoever of the ellusive Euro and hopeful Aero Eero Elo.
over 800 hundred posts huh? Russo better be back from vacation soon, I’m getting tired of slogging through the posts. Maybe one of his lackies could put up some food that just says No new news from the Wild, just so we get a new thread.
How many more days till the season starts. I went into hockey giant yesterday just to get a fix. Spent 15 bucks on a new puck handling ball and some stick tape. I need a summer hobby.
I find my down time is best spent cruising other team’s blogs and being an ass.
Bandgeek, sounds like you need to join St. Louis Park Street Hockey League (SLPSHL). We’re rubes and need water breaks every ten minutes, but it’s good fun.
That sounds cool but would be a long drive for me. I’m to lazy to drive across both downtowns.
Wow. Why the hate, Austins?
Overvalue Staal? I’m on record saying he’s a third-line center.
Undervalue Kopitar? When have I ever done that? I love that guy and I love what the Kings are doing.
Heatley is one of the game’s premier scorers. Say what you want about his personality. Koivu is a fine two-way center whose offense may yet take off in a new system. Cuma is a prospect. Prospects are unproven. Schultz is a stay-at-home defenseman. Ottawa is giving up the best player in that trade, that’s why it’s not a huge win for them. You don’t subtract a 50-goal scorer and improve your team. All anyone seems to be looking at with Heatley is his trade request. In a down year, he still scored 39 goals.
It would be a silly trade for the Wild to make.
Other Western players I absolutely love: Iginla (maybe the best in the game), Getzlaf, Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Corey Perry, Bobby Ryan, Nash, Dustin Brown.
Eastern players who are overrated: Spezza, Drury (these days), Gomez, Antropov to name some just off the top of my head.
Actually, forget it. Think what you want. It doesn’t matter to me.
Enjoy the rest of the offseason, Wild fans.
Allan Muir on SI has us rated 21 in his pre-season power rankings altho he says it is hard to be sure where we will be. One of his comments is:
“The loss of Marian Gaborik was potentially offset by the signing of Martin Havlat, but new blueliners Greg Zanon and Shane Hnidy are ill-suited for an uptempo passing game.”
It’s not hate KiPA, it’s consistency.
Wild fans are always ‘overvaluing’ Koivu in your opinion. That would be like us accusing Pit fans of overvaluing NBC. Sure, NBC is a much better player than Koivu, but in each case, they are the best player on their respective teams.
I’m assuming that the last post you made was ‘cuz you were pissed. I suspect this blog will continue to have activity - even without your expert opinions.
Hmm… I thought the Hockey Future’s article was more interesting than the NHL’s 30-in-30 one.
Oh, and check out this late 80’s NHL video on huge hits. You can bet the whole arena felt the impact of them.
Encrimson’d: sounded like a great gig!Keep posting the gigs (date, venue) and more people will check it out. It is how I got my buddies out to MMC for kj’s gig.
The paper across the river has a B. Brothers article on coach TR.
BTW…southwest metro tonight. Arizona’s by Canterbury.
Should be a busy nite with the PGA nearby.
C’mon down and say hiya.
NHLPA’93;What is Hockey Futures and where is it found .. A blogger on EK’s page has a fantastic solution to the Heatly debacli. Funny..Funny
This is what Hockey Buzz is reporting. My goodness what that be bad. How could Hockey buzz even write it
Rumored Trade: Koivu, Schultz, Cuma + Draft Pick for Dany Heatley
I don’t think anyone would feel good about trading away that much for Heatley.
Or even Shep in place of Koivou is very bad. Heatley is not exactly a great character guy. Demanding to be traded ! Even Gaby never said that.
What if you did that and Heatley got hurt ? Your out all of those guys
Keep in mind injury is something to be concerned about when you play Calgary and Edmonton. Remember Pat Quinn was always in trouble in Toronto when he was there
That is why I say we have to stick to addition not subtraction when we think of trading.
Jon, Hockey’s Future is a site that tracks every NHL prospect. It’s a good tool to see where the farm system’s at. http://www.hockeysfuture.com
Encrimson’d,
What’s the name of your band? Have you heard Umbrella Bed? They have a horn section with a swing/ska sound. Weird combo but they pulled it off. is your band at all like them?
“Heatley is one of the game’s premier scorers. Say what you want about his personality. Koivu is a fine two-way center whose offense may yet take off in a new system. Cuma is a prospect. Prospects are unproven. Schultz is a stay-at-home defenseman. Ottawa is giving up the best player in that trade, that’s why it’s not a huge win for them. You don’t subtract a 50-goal scorer and improve your team. All anyone seems to be looking at with Heatley is his trade request. In a down year, he still scored 39 goals.”
Amen. KiPA please continue to follow this blog. Your in-depth hockey knowledge with zero home town bias is invaluable.
It is Saturday night. Everyone needs to get off the computer and get a life. Including me..
-Full Disclosure-
The last Pewterschmidt was Mrs. P, not me.
I do know Umbrella Bed. A friend is in it. But, went to see Yonder Mountain String Band at the Zoo tonight. Great but ended early because of the lightning.
Yonder Mountain String Band rocks!
Amen. KiPA please continue to follow this blog. Your in-depth hockey knowledge with zero home town bias is invaluable.
Come back, KiPA…. please?
I would not like to see Koivo or Burns leave However if one has to leave to obtain a Heatly.So be it. If the belief is that a name like Heatly along with Havlat would entice other good/winning players to come to the Wild. We will not ever begin to build a team that is Cup worthy without those role playing Pros that would move,and even take -$$$, for a chnce at the cup.. I read that Heatly sees himself as a Captain able provide leadership for a leaading team. A trade of Koivu would open that possibility..I humblely stand prepared to take the slings and arrows..
I think that that rumor of all of those players has SOME truth.
As much as I want Heatly if I am the new GM of this team if would still be inclined to tie the future to the leadership of numbers 8 and 9. If San Jose can’t get in a position to get Heatly then I plan to use my rights as a fan to hold out hope there is a Heatly deal possible that does not involve Mikko or Burns.
five forward system; I agree that I would like to build on 8&9 I think we have to offer a more acceptable landing place for those that have shunned us..I don’t see a way for that to happen with our present roster. After 8&9 who else can bring a big name???
Do the Wild need to blow up the roster to get Heatley when there are so many unknowns heading into the season?
A lot needs to settle into place. With the system changes, Heatley might not make a big difference. Especially with what would have to be given up.
Sure, CF wants to add a legit scorer. But at what price?
But at what price?
I think it is clear CF will not trade Mikko or Burns short of Malkin or the like suddenly coming on the market. If he was willing to trade #8 or #9 for Heatly he could have done that at the draft I think. As for JON’s concern about attracting free agents, the perception has already changed now that JL (unfairly) and Doug Smugsborough (fairly) are gone.
Koivou, you know what your getting.
If you want to discuss what would make sense for the Wild in a trade for Heatley, I would say the following
I would take Heatley for Havlat & the Harding asset valued at a 1st or 2nd round draft pick- This would knock 4 million off of Ottawas cap this year.
So it reads Havlat and 1st or 2nd round pick for Heatley
I would do that. Messing with anything else feels like trouble
Yep, trade away your marquee UFA signing.
That would certaily attract more UFAs, wouldn’t it?
Sheesh.
I will mention one more thing. PMB would be better to part with them Havlat but I am assuming that they wont do it with PMB
Like I have said. Goals against is very likely to get worse. The one thing the Wild have going for them is they have a nice defense. You dump Schultz, I no likey 1
I was estimating a reasonable increase in goals against by saying the Wild would go from 2nd in the league, to like 10th
If your are trying to make the one man campaign for Modano look less dumb, throwing out the idea of trading a top 5 UFA before he plays a shift for the team does indeed do the trick. Now back to MKIA ignore mode.
KJ, good point. I did not think of that. I would take Heatley obviously over Havlat as anybody would likely do.
So our only play is PMB, because I agree with KJ. Fletch is probably waiting to see what will happen in Ottawa as they are up against the cap . Maybe the Wild can dump PMB and a 1st or 2nd “Harding asset” to get Heatley .
Ottawa makes 4 million on the cap that way
Five,
I am not suggesting doing the deal at all period ! It does not make sense. A Havlat for Heatley is all I would do. Yes KJ and now you have stated that the deal has some backlash, so I would agree not to do it.
I am not changing my mind on the Modano concept. I think he makes perfect sense if you are able to have a REASONABLE discussion with Dallas, If not wait till the trading deadline. I will tell everybody this, I feel very strongly that Modano will not be with Dallas the last year he plays hockey
no touch list:
Koivu
Burns
Backs
Havlat
Schultz
that is what is on there…..imo you don’t trade shultz at all…..he is locked up, long term on a really solid contract (DR’s best move aside from drafting Koivu/signing rolston)
plus he is almost ready to be a top line defensivemen…..(pair him with burns and you have a really good top line d) maybe even now…..
heatly is still a guy who has asked from both of his organizations, the sens players/fans have already washed their hands from him, and he clearly has washed his hand from them, and the teams he have been on (althogh atlanta didn’t help much) haven’t really done anything in the playoffs……I don’t know if he helped much in the 07 playoffs for the sens.
I don’t think ottawa will get as much as what they would have gotten from the oil…if other teams were clamoring to get him, he would have been gone by now…
and quite frankly san jose will give us marleau for less than what heater will cost, and cover almost the same level skillwise….(It has been well documented they need to cut salary asap…)
although they are still hopeful that marleau can net them heatly (the only trade that I have seen that rivals the oil trade, but if I remember correctly marleau was going to a third team…..
man I wish this would end…..some one just trade these guys already!
the best we should offer is shep/kimmy/cuma/second round pick
they get an up and comer to replace ficher when his time comes to leave as a second line center….(plus they need another center to keep up with the penguins of the world…)
a great d prospect to give them some depth there, which ottowa has lacked since chara and redden left (isn’t it amazing how they lost two great defensiveman, and suddenly they couldn’t win…..who could have predicted that!)
plus kimmy to hold the fort til their two great d-men coming up
I also wouldn’t mind giving up a second pick, future 1st or 2nd…..harding at worst could fill up a second round, and fourth round picks…if not a couple really good prospects to make up for the lost pick.
if someone pays more….so be it.
I can see spezza moved to wing, and shep could center him and alferedson…..why you ask?
because shep hasn’t played with that much skill ever, and if he did, he’d score points galore…..
we could also trade butch instead….tell me the front office’s eyes wouldn’t light up when confronted with a butch, alferedson, spezza line…
Beast,
Trade
PMB or Havlat ( We get a bad rap if we touch Havlat, I know) I am just saying these are two guys that make sense to trade for Heatley.
I say you make sure you have all of your draft pics next year first of all
Leave Cuma and Shep out of it Beast. Leave all our picks in place for next year
The HARDING 1st or 2nd rd asset and PMB
They get to reduce there cap hit by 4 million
10 days without any news makes for a pretty pathetic blog. Can’t I hook anyone with “Gimme that fish”.
ms c & others: RT Game-Worn AHL Jerseys on #NHL Auctions. http://tinyurl.com/lfldn6 (AUCTIONS)
7:07 AM Aug 14th from CoTweet
wood: you tried. I noticed. Must be vacation mode or other stuff.
889!
Yep, I saw that M03. Nobody I’m interested in though. I do love love love my Aeros goalie cut practice jerseys though. They have such a nice weight to them, and they’re all marked up and stuff. And, you know, Barry wore them at some point, so double bonus.
Russo needs to come back. I gotta know who is practicing in St. Paul this week with the Octagon group.
*cricket*
*cricket*
*tumbleweed*
*cricket*
Russo promised that if anything broke while he’s at Wally World, the paper would have us covered. I guess the good and the bad news is that nothing has broken.
Other than TR hates the prevent defense. That’s good news.
Russo warned all that not much would be happening in August. That’s why he’s off and CF/TR are attending Twins games instead of tweaking the playing roster.
On the bright side: Blackhawks single-game tickets go on sale this morning at 10 AM…
On the bright side: Blackhawks single-game tickets go on sale this morning at 10 AM…
I wonder which game they’ll select for “Cabbie Appreciation Night”?
All cabbies get in for only 20cents and a punch in the face by members of the Kane family, who will be stationed at all entrances.
Dec. 11th at Buffalo, 7 PM start…
“Buffalo Taxi Association Driver Appreciation Night”
Variable Pricing: Gold Level (Tickets start at $58/each, same level as for Montreal, Ottawa, Pittsburgh games)
Special: 20-cent soft drinks (because that’s what they should have been drinking that night…)
Pewt (from the 15th): the band’s name is Hip Replacement (I drum). It sounds oxymoronical, but we play original 70s funk.
I haven’t heard of Umbrella Bed, but from your description we’d be a good match for a show. I wouldn’t call us swing nor ska, but we’d be in the same ballpark which always makes for a better show than identically-styled bands. Thanks for the recommendation; I’ll definitely keep my eyes and ears out for ‘em.
RE trading Koivu: I would be the grumpiest poster for indefinite period of time were that to ever happen.
I think we all agree that these rumors cant be true.
Bleacher report is coming out with the most craziest rumors. Why would they do that ? Are these just a bunch of college kids trying to draw hits to there site so they can eventually build it up to sell it ?
The Examiner- What is that ? Same thing- What is the motive for these guys
NEED FOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Modano news out of Dallas for mkia, it looks like his buddy has to beat out some studs for a spot on the olympic team.
And he mentions he is likely playing next year. I will agree with mkia, he will finish here
Modano is expected to battle with Paul Stastny, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez and Tim Connolly for one of the center spots
Modano, 39, said he hasn’t discounted playing NHL hockey beyond this season, but that he definitely believes this will be his last chance to wear Team USA colors as a player.
Would be nice to get some kind of update, are we kicking around the idea of adding a Commrie or Tanguay for cheap or are we still waiting it out for trade options.
Also I have to admitt I am shocked that both Tommy Thompson and Guy Lapointe still have jobs. I thought for sure the entire scouting staff would be goners.
FOOD!!!!!
Don’t tease.
I’d be surprised if Modo makes the US team. It’d only be a kind gesture on Burke’s part considering the players he’s up against–and Burke definitely ain’t known for kind gestures.
Produce your own food guys. The poor guy is likely out womenizing and your food equals his food at the moment.
I looked at what Wildfan posted. I told you the guy will be here. Next year or trading deadline. It could happen sooner
Come on, admit it, I nailed you STOOPS!
Hahahahaha!!
The Sedin Twins will eat your brains this year!! Hahahahahahaha
“The poor guy is likely out womenizing and your food equals his food at the moment.”
Ummmmmmmm…..what?
VanCanWin,
Take your passion for red headed man-love somewhere else, you hoser.
of course he is playing next year…..for the Dallas Stars
why did I just feed MKVN again?
it has been boring….
I hope the quotes glazer used of viking players saying favre would be here by the third preseason game are just viking players pulling a prank on the media…..certainly espn would have some crow to eat…..
if it is true, then the vikes have their first belgian in a while…..
van can….I don’t know….it seems unlikely…..I mean, they have never really shown the hunger needed to eat ALL of our brains…..
VanCanWin- please- try to stick around a little longer ehh
Pewter- No news equals no food- Russo who is likely out womenizing would have to fabricate news. You have the news that has been fabricated by Bleacher report and the Examiner
Now you could say Mister Know it all fabricates but I DO NOT
I still say there’s way better talent out there then modanna and younger to.
Hard deck my A$$, I nailed you son’s a b*tches!!
-Maverick
I would bet against it Mister Beast. Do you realize he played pro hockey in Minnesota, Mister Beast.
I do think as it stands Vancouver will be tough for the Wild. I think that the Wild could have a brighter upside with some of the guys who bring more offensive potential that are not using it currently. We have a better D then Vancouver, and they currently have better more proven centers
Maybe so Wild1. Let Fletch produce it then
All of this news of nothing is maddening, but not as much as either the typos/grammar of what I’ve seen this morning.
Quick English tip for everyone:
they’re/their/there
(also there’s/theirs)
to/too/two
Please learn the differences. It’s not that hard. Friendly tip from your local grammar-Nazi.
BTW, saying there’s food when no food is to be found is mean.
Ok, so here’s my problem with trading for Heatley — Say we trade Koivu, Schultz, Cuma + Draft Pick for Heatley. Then maybe 2 years down the road something happens and he (again) asks for a trade. Maybe he doesn’t like Richards. Maybe he he had an affair with one of the player’s wife. Maybe we didn’t make him captian, whatever. It’d sort of be like a much bigger version of O’Sullivan-for-Demo regret at that point (more talent leaving, bigger star coming, but still in the end all for nothing).
He might not be a headcase, but that is a pretty big risk to take IMO.
I thought MKiA has already copped to being VanCan?
Dude, you’re a pathetic idiot. Can’t you find something shiny to play with instead?
Niv: as long as we’re going there…
…ending a statement in which you are trying to profess indifference for the subject matter by saying “I could care less” is counter-productive to your attempt to make that point.
For example: “Matt Cooke is awesome, and I could care less who agrees with me.” = FAIL.
“Matt Cooke is awesome and I couldn’t care less who agrees with me.” = non-fail.
ok….first off watx:
I am in total agreeance with you on that trade especially……koivu+schultz shouldn’t happen unless we get sidney freakin’ crosby, or alexander freakin’ oveckin….
especially if the guy coming back has (as previously stated) asked to be traded away for a while…..
I would bet against it Mister Beast. Do you realize he played pro hockey in Minnesota, Mister Beast.
what? he has? no way!
what crazyness do you speak off MKVN?!?!?!? This is madness!!!! Give me proof of this fabled time! I don’t belevie this….next you’ll tell me that he was on a fabled team that played for a couple s-cups here in minnesota! Then you’ll tell me that they played their games next to what now is the mall of america!!!
STOP WITH YOUR LIES!!!!!!!!!!!!
“Matt Cooke is awesome and I couldn’t care less who agrees with me.” = non-fail.
fixed it for you NiNY…..
WATX: ya fer sure.
Again, I like Heater the talent. Just not what appears to be Heater the ‘tude/nutjob.
If we could get him for a much smaller package, great. But every GM would feel the same way about that fantasy.
Unfortunately you can’t trade for his talent in a vacuum.
crap….that was supposed to strike the non part…..
Awesome prank Farva.
Oh Shat, I got you good, you fockers!
-Rod Farva
argon: quoi?
testing testing 1-2
I was trying to say that saying cooke is awesome still makes that sentence a fail
oh irony! No, we don’t get that here. See people ski topless here while smoking dope so irony’s really out of the question. No, we haven’t had any irony here since the run to the Western Conference Finals in ‘03 when I was the only practitioner, and I quit because I got tired of being stared at all the time…
Nick in New York says:
August 17th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
I thought MKiA has already copped to being VanCan?
Dude, you’re a pathetic idiot. Can’t you find something shiny to play with instead?
Ummm…hello? I’m MKIA? NOT! HAHAHAHA. Nope, that moron hijacked my handle just like he’s done to most of you on here. I’m just a “hoser” from Vancouver that played a joke on you and you can’t handle that YOU GOT GOT
Oh yeah, I do have a shiny toy I play with, it’s called the Internet and I got you Nick from who cares where!
NiNY, I’m on board with ya.
VCW…that was a joke? Oh, I’m sorry. Were we supposed to laugh. Normally I find Canadian humor funny and whimsical, but must be a bit different in BC, eh?
Must be Niv, must be. Don’t be a hater, and if you can, avoid gators…
-VCW
It’s called a practical joke, ever heard of ‘em, Niv? I must have got you too! By my count, that’s at least 5 big fish in the boat with NiNY being the biggest monster reeled in!
Fishin was good today boys! WOOOOHOOOO!
Wild suck.
This is pathetic.
Big fish? I’m not even on the jargon list. Funny must be different “up thar in dose nortern climes”.
I’ve got an eight year old nephew who enjoys practical jokes like yours, except they mostly involve farting.
Gah, need food. I usually don’t try to feed trolls.
VanCan: prove to us you’re not MKiA.
This is pathetic.
Word.
VanCan: prove to us you’re not MKiA.
How, by saying Modano sucks and should retire? No way, I want you saps to pick up that old fart. And trade your only tradeable asset for someone that will probably only play one year! Then you’ll suck even worse! Hahahahaha
Nick, prove to me you live in NY. Wait, I could care less. :()
MKIA really has you stoops in his kitchen, doesn’t he, eh? You’re like his little pawns.
I never expected this little foray into Russo’s Rants to produce such a winner today. Thanks guys and Ms.C.
It was a fruitful day trolling for keepers…
I’m going to need a ruling….can POTD be awarded to a post in which there are no letters, not to mention words?
yep…VanCan’s MKiA, alright.
Only if the link can be transferred to the wiki as well, Nick!
well, the legal department has weighed in on the item…I turn it over to Wafer (or someone else of equal or greater internets skillz) to pick it up from an operational standpoint. If that can happen, then Austin gets a POTD nod from me for his 12:42.
Austin, that was awesome! I’ve saved that to my Fav Pics. Thanks… I’ll have to show that to my boys. Let them know how I started up a small shat storm in Minny. Must admit though, it wasn’t difficult today for some reason. Ya’ll must need to recharge your troll meter batteries or somethin…I even got Nick to respond all the way from NY. He’s like the National Record keeper…
I’m full now from all the feeding provided here and I caught my limit for the day so, till next time!
Where’s KJ? Bet I got him too…
NiNY: regarding POTD - absolutely.
… just drove past the MN state fair grounds, crews were working on the entry gate, can almost smell the mini donuts…
yep…VanCan’s MKiA, alright.
there’s no way there could be two people that stupid,now we should all stop feeding the troll’s.
It’s said what happens to seemingly normal hockey fans in August.
Beast: I dont speak lies
Russo: Could post Octagon practices and he could post if the Wild have anybody going to scout the Team USA tryouts
VCW, Dont hold your breath on your squad. Tell us the news on Mats Sundin ? please say something constructive like Mister Know it all
VCW, Dont hold your breath on your squad. Tell us the news on Mats Sundin ? please say something constructive like Mister Know it all
Trolls don’t say anything constructive. Our sole intent is to rile up people using a keyboard. I succeeded today, bigtime. Stop hijacking my handle, that leads to banning ya know…I firmly believe my squad will win the Northwest again this year. Who got better? Edmonton? Bawahahhahahaha! Calgary maybe but definitely not the Wild. No competition there this year. Willie will be facewashing your little timid forwards the entire year.
Now, I’m really out, unless there’s desert coming from someone…
dessert NiNY, I know.
Todd Eichards has found a house finally. I will say this, he will stop bringing it up during interviews now about his house hunting as I doubt he wants to advertise location. I wont say
If you look on here Vancanwin. Up and down the dial you will here constructive hockey talk from Mister Know it all
Tell me what you hear about your hero Mats Sundin ?
constructive hockey talk from Mister Know it all
I would hardly call “Modano, Modano, Modano!! Ohh, I got an idea! Let’s get Modano!! Ohh, oh, oh, *orgasm in pants*” constructive…
How bout I serve you a hot glass of shut the h e l l up about Mats Sundin. You have the Internet, you can read about him.
How about you apologize to me for stealing my handle? Forget it, I don’t care.
…..still don’t know what the joke is but…..um….ok…..
MKVN….the world would be a much more simple place if your words were in fact lies…..but now I have to explain to my future childeren about “special people” and the proper way to treat them….
austin has more potd’s than everyone on here combined…..congrats buddy!
p.s. calgary will win the division this year…..
Is that for real or for fake, Argon? I can’t effin’ tell around here anymore.
… just drove past the MN state fair grounds, crews were working on the entry gate, can almost smell the mini donuts…
awesome.
I can’t wait!
the calgary thing…..for realz ms. c….
they now have the best d tandem in the league with bowmeester/phenuf, which looks exactly like pronger/neidermyer and chara/redden….couple that with the second best forward in hockey (take that crosby!)
the key for them is their depth stepping up (biggest ?), and kipper returning to form….. if he is close to as good as he used to be the flames will be amazing this year…..
After the off-season Calgary had, this year they’ll be super defensive and make it impossible to generate offense boring and frustrating.
they should sign afenigenov to a 1.7 mil deal…..it gives them some speed and scoring depth (that is their weakness), and still gives them 1.7 mil cap space for injuries…..
Err… yeah something like that. :\
Hey Nick, you going to the fair this year? The wife and I will be there too. Just for a day though.
bow can create some offense….so can iginla…..it’ll be more exciting than the wild put out the last two years!
all this fair talk is making me hungry…..or could that be the fact that it’s past lunch time…..either way…
I can see CGY for the division. Their lack of scoring depth isn’t new, and their defense and defensive forwards are both outstanding. Regardless, I think it’s Calgary and Vancouver fighting for the division with the Wild and Edmonton battling for 3rd and Colorado fading by the start of February.
austin…I’ll shoot you an email.
Iginla pretty much has the Wild’s number, kinda like Sakic did. Scary how good that guy is.
I wonder which of the Flames or Nux will have more Olympic participants?
Could you make the argument that the team with the fewer number of Olympic players has the edge going down the stretch?
Could you make the argument that the team with the fewer number of Olympic players has the edge going down the stretch?
Depends if you believe that it’s better for a team to rest or stay on a roll with excellent play. I usually go for the teams/players that didn’t have a week or two off.
Argon, I screwed my message up. I only meant that it’ll be impossible to generate offense against them. Yeah, they lost some offense, too, but like NiNY wrote, they’re pretty familiar with winning games with tight scores.
Could you make the argument that the team with the fewer number of Olympic players has the edge going down the stretch?
Maybe. But with the Olympics in Vancouver this year, there won’t be a travel lag like in 06, so it might fall to the teams that go deep in the pools will have the most tired players.
That and the fact thatthe Nuks has some wicked roadtrips to make time for Olympic preparations, and I think the Cows have the edge over the Nuks. But I still wouldn’t rule out the Wild, because you never know when Mike Keenan will implode and start trading his best players for beanie babies.
NiNY, Niv: Also depends on how the team was playing leading up to the break. If they were in a big rut, a long break might be exactly what they need.
keanan doesn’t have that much power….sense…you know…..he was fired….
Mike Keenan??? What does he do for Calgary these days? I must be out of it?!?!?
since….not sense…..
van can…didn’t you hear?
the nuks hired him as a consultant!
*luongo craps pants*
I can see a post-Olympiad let down for Canucks players especially, though. It’s going to be unreal to be a Canucks player playing at “home” for your country. How can there NOT be a let down after that?
Oh, I forgot. Well, my point still stands, except now you never know when Cows players start having flashbacks of when Keenan was coach and the players just lose it and start sitting along the dashers whimpering and sucking their thumbs.
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=287979
Now Van has their own FSM!
Wasn’t one of our draft picks this year planning on matriculating-to and playing for Harvard this fall?
I see the Gophers have a home series with the Crimson…Messers Leddy and….that other guy in a H2H for a Future Wild look-see?
Kane’s apology:
“Because I’ve put myself in being in the wrong position at the wrong time, I’ve caused a lot of pain for my family, my home town of Buffalo, the city of Chicago, the Chicago Blackhawks and obviously, the great fans we have here in Chicago. And for that part, I sincerely apologize.”
Is this just not wanting to risk admitting culpability by saying “I’m sorry for that the whole thing ever happened” or does he really not get it?
CCHA denies Alabama-Huntsville’s application to join when the CHA dies after this season.
That sounds like the typical non-apology: “I’m sorry that you overracted and got all sensitive over what I said, which was harmless in and of itself”
‘zakly, Wafer. Now, since the grand jury has not yet decided whether or not his case will proceed, I have to wonder if that wasn’t why his “apology” was written that way. But, to my mind, it doesn’t help him come across as repentant for the right reasons - regardless of whether or not he is.
NiNY said:
CCHA denies Alabama-Huntsville’s application to join when the CHA dies after this season
Why? Because they play ‘Dixie’ as their fight song or ??
NiNY, Wafer: My problem with his apology is that he claims he put himself in the wrong position at the wrong time. What? No, it wasn’t a wrong posish wrong time situation at all. That phrase is typically used to describe situations that have everything to do with luck and little to do with choice.
Kane’s was just the opposite; he chose to beat up a cabbie up over 20 cents. If anyone, the cabbie was in the wrong posish at the wrong time. The second he says “I put myself into…” the rest is contradictory. Just apologize for realz, please.
I wish I could beat someone up and then write a half-assed apology to make it all ok. What an a-hole.
I wish I could beat someone up and then write a half-assed apology to make it all ok. What an a-hole.
LOL
ATX, actually, we’re probably giving way to much credit and arguing too much semantics. There’s no way that 1) Kane wrote anything, and 2) that a 20 year-old kid who’s playing a sport for a living is going to elloquently express his thoughts after such a bone-headed decision.
lol! There’s your irony for today, NiNY. That should be “eloquently.” Heh.
True Encrim.. maybe it should read more like this then:
I wish I could beat someone up over 20 whole cents and then have some PR person write a half-assed apology to make it all ok.
better, Austin.
kj is really busy working…
Hecks, you should be his PR person!
I could do that job.
I think he paid half-assed PR person .20
My .02.
NiNY, Fallstrom is headed to Harvard.
ATX, at heated press conferences you could be like, “Lemme handle this one, 20 Cent; you just sit back and take a smooth. Look, people, Mr. Kane doesn’t need to come up with his own half-assed apology–that’s why I make the big bucks. So he’s kinda sorry that more people don’t carry an extra twenty cents in a special Patty K pocket just in cast they do business with him. He’s kinda sorry he may have commanded his thug cousin to allegedly throw punches. He’s kinda sorry an old cabbie’s face was allegedly struck with some of those punches which possibly may have never been thrown. So I think we’re all done here, and Twenty Cent and I may or may not hit up a Starbucks on our way to allegedly accidentally cause a hooker’s death… maybe.”
perfect Encrim. I like it.
Encrimson’d says:
August 17th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
ATX, at heated press conferences you could be like, “Lemme handle this one, 20 Cent; you just sit back and take a smooth. Look, people, Mr. Kane doesn’t need to come up with his own half-assed apology–that’s why I make the big bucks. So he’s kinda sorry that more people don’t carry an extra twenty cents in a special Patty K pocket just in cast they do business with him. He’s kinda sorry he may have commanded his thug cousin to allegedly throw punches. He’s kinda sorry an old cabbie’s face was allegedly struck with some of those punches which possibly may have never been thrown. So I think we’re all done here, and Twenty Cent and I may or may not hit up a Starbucks on our way to allegedly accidentally cause a hooker’s death… maybe.”
Somebody quick, get this to the wiki! This one officially takes over for ATX’s picture post IMO. Hurry.
Fallstrom is headed off to Harvard.
Haula is the future Gopher but he is putting in a year of junior hockey first. I’m actually happy they took a chance on this kid in the 7th round instead of the normal grinder or goon pick we would have normally seen.
Olympic News flash below for team USA.
CC: Mkia
U.S. camp report: Modano lone mainstay from Team USA’s glory days
Monday, August 17, 2009 | Feedback | Print Entry
WOODRIDGE, Ill. — One by one, the cherub faces came out to meet the media Monday as the U.S. Olympic orientation camp opened in suburban Chicago.
It was astounding to witness firsthand just how young these guys really look. USA Hockey will save on razors this week.
But then, a grizzled face emerged, battle-scarred and all. It wouldn’t be a U.S. hockey team without Mike Modano.
“When I first started in MINNESOTA, they were all getting born,” the 39-year-old jokingly said of some of his newest camp mates. “There’s a little bit of a generation gap, there. What was fun and exciting for me as an 18-year-old is different than what’s fun and exciting for these guys.
“Still, it’s the love for hockey and to compete at the highest level.”
Patrick Kane wasn’t even born when Modano was the Minnesota North Stars’ first overall pick in June 1988.
“Especially for me, growing up in Minnesota, watching him play for the North Stars, he’s somebody I really idolized and looked up to,” said 25-year-old Zach Parise.
The majority of these players here this week were pups in September 1996, when Modano, Mike Richter, Keith Tkachuk, Chris Chelios, Tony Amonte et al delivered the most important hockey victory in this country since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.” The Americans beat Canada in a best-of-three series to win the tournament.
“Great memories that will always be there,” Modano said wistfully.
But Modano is the only one left standing here this week from that great U.S. hockey era. Veteran hockey columnist Michael Farber of Sports Illustrated suggested to him Monday that he was now the Lone Ranger.
“Beginning to look like that,” said Modano. “But it was great to get the call from Brian and come here.”
For Team USA GM Brian Burke, there was no hesitation. Yes, there was an onus on the changing of the guard and all that, but Modano still had a place in the mix.
“If you ask people to identify the greatest American player ever, if he’s not the first name, he’s going to be the second name,” Burke said Monday. “He’s one of the greatest players we’ve ever had in the NHL. His role has changed. His ice time has diminished. His power-play time has diminished. He’s accepted that gracefully and he still performs at a very high level. He’s here legitimately.”
Modano, a three-time Olympian, had 46 points (15-31) in 80 games last season, the bulk of which he didn’t play in an offensive role with the Dallas Stars. The days of the being a No. 1 center, or even a No. 2 center, are over.
“Some days, you feel like you’re 28 or 29, but other days, you do feel like you’re 38 or 39,” said Modano. “It does vary. The hardest part to let go is your responsibility and your role and how it fits on the team. There’s always younger and quicker kids that come along. Eventually that transition happens.”
Still, Modano’s pride surfaced for a second when asked about taking on a checking role for the Olympic team.
“You hope it has a little two-way involved in there,” Modano said with a hint of steely resolve.
Translation: He doesn’t think he’s just a mucker despite his age.
“Mike is the face of USA Hockey, in my opinion,” said winger Jamie Langenbrunner. “He’s the all-time leading goal scorer and he’ll be breaking other records. The fact that he’s still here, he was drafted before a lot of these guys were even born. It’s quite amazing. It would be great for him to get another opportunity.”
Modano nearly ruined any chance at playing in a fourth Olympics when he famously put USA Hockey through the meat grinder following the last game at the 2006 Torino Olympics, where the U.S. posted a disappointing seventh-place finish.
“You get caught up in the heat of the moment. I was frustrated,” said Modano. “First people you see right after the game is the media and you don’t get a chance to calm down and take a breath. Obviously, my first reaction was to lash out and say some things that I wish I wouldn’t have said a couple of days later when the smoke settled.
“You still feel lucky and fortunate to be here.”
I’m lucky #1000, I would like to thank the little people that got me here Weeman, Mini Me, Tattoo, my aipff grade teacher Mr. Smalls, and of course my shrink.
Holy carp. 1000 comments. New record?
Ya i think it’s time for a new post from Russo.
Oh gawd does the season need to start soon. I just skipped about 500 posts from a total of just 3 people.
Bryan Murray needs to take a deal already and trade for young promising nhlers and prospects. Ottawa is not going to win a Stanley Cup anytime soon. It’s a waste of money to have expensive players on your team when you are nowhere near a cup contender. Rebuild your team, sign good players to put you over the top at the very end..
Damp, but were those three people the same person?
ouch….encrim just owned……
1000 posts is a lot but I’m pretty sure we almost crashed this puppy on trade deadline 2008. Or as we shall call it “Chris Simon Day”. This place went nuts. Hell all Wild fans lost it!
I defend DR and the Chris Simon move. At the time the Wild were trying to get more physical to catch up with Anaheim, especially in time for the playoffs.
Calgary just battered Gaby during those times.
Yes I understand why he picked up Chris Simon and I defend it. I don’t if he could have improved the Wild in a deal at the deadline or not. I was pissed he did not do a deal as well at the time, as the team really needed him to do something
YEAH!
Holy carp. 1000 comments. New record?
Nah. I think we had over 1000 by 3pm at the trade deadline when Riser picked up Chris Simon. That was a “fun” day.
Dampland, Encrimson’d, WATX: agreed.
hockey story from a local news station: http://wcco.com/findingminnesota/minnesota.old.timers.2.1131120.html [I’ve been skating since I was … ]
We really need food fast 1011 comment’s this is getting crazy.
I thought Leddy was fit for the maroon and gold as well? Or is he going to the USHL first?
NiNY, link for Leddy?
Calgary just battered Gaby during those times.
But then once we picked up Simon… Calgary still just battered Gaby during those times.
Old-Timers, eh? Now those are some dudes I might be able to compete with.
Third para:
http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38855&SPID=3322&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=204776468
Well, he’s listed on the Gophers roster. http://www.gophersports.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&SPID=3322&SPSID=38856
I had never heard that Leddy was ever USHL bound……
Thanks. They must give special permission for guys to skip town for the tourney. Hope he makes the team, but I hope he doesn’t miss too much time from the Gophs. It’s pretty lame to say, but because of Leddy’s future with the Wild I’ll definitely be making a more decided effort to follow the Gophers this season.
Man, so many comments! Soon, it will be over 9000!
Favre is coming, Favre is coming, Favre is coming - http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/53567387.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aU1yDEmP:QMDCinchO7DU
FFS, 5FS!
Five Forward System says:
August 18th, 2009 at 10:11 am
Favre is coming, Favre is coming, Favre is coming
This is as bad as mkia talking about modanna.WHO CARE”S
Nothing against you ffs i’m just tired of hereing about modanna and favre.
Unless it’s to play wing for the Wild, I couldn’t care less about Favre, and, frankly, would prefer it if he didn’t sign here.
The Vikings have proven over and over again during my short 34 years that the only thing they do with elevated expectations is NOT deliver on them.
Come to think of it, if Bert Favre does sign with the Vikes, maybe T-Jack would consider switching to hockey…he’s the better athlete, right arm notwithstanding.
This is as bad as mkia talking about modanna.
Hey, at least the Fvare saga existed in the relm of reality but sorry for going all Favre on you all.
wild1, while I don’t disagree, there’s a big difference. Farva coming to the Vikes has been an ongoing, factual possibility which now appears to be headed for fruition. Modo coming to the Wild has always been nothing more than MKVN posting his fantasies with no fact, thought, nor tact to support its likeliness.
Regardless, thanks for the scoop, 5FS. Because of you, I knew about it before my football friends, which they’ll never be able to get over.
Encrimson very good point.I hope all this talk about Favre is all bs I just can’t cheer for a former cheese head.Thank goodness i’ll have hockey to watch.
4 4
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A Hattiesburg television station reported today that Favre boarded a plane this morning at the Hattiesburg Laurel Regional Airport. The plane was headed for St. Paul. Sources said Favre boarded by himself and commented, “We may know something by dinner.”
http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/53568572.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aU1yDEmP:QMDCinchO7DU
There hasn’t been any mis-reporting on this stoy, has there?
I just can’t cheer for a former cheese head.
I suppose I can’t blame him for even belatedly realizing that Minnesota is the Cadillac of the upper midwest, wild1. As Lyle Lovett says, “even Moses got excited when he saw the promised land.”
Plus, he’s had some of his best games in Minnesota….
*slaps self silly*
wild1 says:
August 18th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Encrimson very good point.I hope all this talk about Favre is all bs I just can’t cheer for a former cheese head.Thank goodness i’ll have hockey to watch.
So, I assume you booed Sharper on all those interceptions he returned for TD’s and I further assume you boo Longwell everytime he lines up to kick. Got it.
What a doosh. Who gives a flying f*ck where a player comes from. Does he improve our team. I think that is a resounding YES.
/rant
Since my large 4 failed, I pinky swear that was my last Favre post!
Can’t we do better?
So you really think he’s worth 10-12 million for 1 year and will take us to the super bowl ya doosh. If you think that your on crack.You must be related to mkia.
5FS, I had a feeling that’s what it was. Valiant effort. I once crafted an ascii “Dont’ feed the trolls” sign that when tested was an epic fail. You’d think a guy could throw up a giant 4 without being reformatted. :\
It’s not my $10-12 million and yes, he’s a definite upgrade at QB, our only gaping hole in the lineup. So, yes, he gives us a much better chance to reach the promise land than Sage or TJack.
You’re a real hard ass aren’t ya, Wild1? I’m not cheering for him, he played for GB. I’m taking my toys and going home. Nice.
It’s not my $10-12 million
You’re not a consumer of the team at all? You don’t buy tickets or beer/soda/food at games or buy jerseys for yourself and all the little Can’t we do betters running around biting your ankles? If you’re not then fine, you’re right it’s not your $10-12M.
For the record: I don’t spend a single dime on that team, though they’re still the only NFL team I could possibly root for.
I always liked Farve. He is being kinda assclownish with this whole ‘do I retire or not?’ crap… but he’s always been a pretty decent human being. If he increases the Vikes chances of success then I don’t care where he played previously. As long as Mike Vick stays out East I’ll be Happy.
My favorite line about Vick so far (heard it in a bar the other night): “Well, Philly’s the City of BROTHERLY Love, they don’t say nothing about no dogs!”
Hey I’d have preferred Vick to Farva.
Nick, no, I don’t buy tickets or go to games. I watch them in HD on my 52 LCD. The dome sucks and I save my sports spending for the Wild and Twins.
I don’t care how much it takes to sign someone if they give us a better chance to win. But, I must say, I’m not following your argument about beer/soda/food. Are you saying they’ll increase these items solely because they signed #4? I find that one tough to swallow, if that is your argument.
Why is it that MN fans are so worried about what billionaires spend or don’t spend? Haven’t we suffered enough with all the budget ball played over the course of our lifetime? Now, were going to complain about an owner that will actually spend money to improve the team? Not me!
ATX, couldn’t agree more.
No i’m not a hard ass i just think favre is way over rated and he’s all about me me me who need’s that crap,if the vike’s had a real coach we would have a better team and better QB.
Can’t we do better? says:
Now, were going to complain about an owner that will actually spend money to improve the team? Not me!
You call Favre an improvement.
Ab-so-focking-lutely Favre is an improvement over TJack (third stringer at best) and Sage (career backup).
Might I remind you he’s a first ballot hall of famer?!?!?
Yikes, you just lost.
Seeing it’s a slow hockey news day…
I’ll admit, I’m not a Favre fan at all, so I’m a bit torn about this for the Vikes. QB was a big question, but I still don’t think that Favre is the answer. I don’t like his waffling about retiring, not a big fan of watching him play.
I remember years ago when he was playing someone and he threw a pick, he came off the field smiling and laughing about it and John Madden gushed about “how much he loves this game”. It’s just crap. Brett Favre love Brett Favre, and I don’t really think he cares about the game at all.
like it or not, favre is an improvement but he is no HOSSA which means he does not guarantee the queens a lombardi trophy
It sound’s like “Can’t we do better?”
feel’s about favre like mika feel’s about modanna.
That’s all I was saying GreenStar…he’s an improvement, whether Wild1 likes him or not. Peyton Manning and Tom Brady would not guarantee a SB trophy either. Nothing is a guarantee, #4 gives us a better chance. That’s all.
CWDB, I think NiNY’s argument was only questioning whether the $10-12mil is “your” money. If you don’t spend any money on the team at all (cable subscription is debateable), then you’re right: it’s not your money, so there’s nothing wrong with not caring about how others’ money is spent.
Back to hockey a bit: Am I the only one who doesn’t understand all the disrespect towards Marleau? Or at least the lack of credit he seems to get?
Where will Favre grocey shop in the Twin Cities? Traitor Joe’s
the good thing is when the wild go 4 and 15 while adjusting to the new firewagon style of hockey, only us fans will know because the local scribes will be too busy following #4 around.
wild1 says:
August 18th, 2009 at 11:31 am
It sound’s like “Can’t we do better?”
feel’s about favre like mika feel’s about modanna.
Typical response from a narrow minded person. He’s confident in his opinion so he must be MKIA. Stop being so passive aggressive. Own something in your life. I believe #4 is an upgrade. You don’t like him because he played for GB. Get over yourself.
JL and/or DR stole G*’s handle
so there’s nothing wrong with not caring about how others’ money is spent.
it’s really ziggy’s money. if they don’t spend 10 mil on favre it ain’t going back to the ticket buying public but into ziggy’s vault
You call Favre an improvement.
You can’t be serious… we are talking about Sage Rosenfels and T. Jack here… Farve is waaaaay better than the two of those guys.
G*, I briefly had an image of Zig swimming in a moneypit.
It goes back only in a very indirect way: owner supplies the players necessary to bring a championship to the fans.
Your wrong i don’t like him because he only care’s about himself not the team
and there has to be a better QB out there that could help the team just as much as favre would,and i do own alote of thing’s that has nothing to do with this.
there has to be a better QB out there that could help the team just as much as favre would
Name one. One that the Vikes could actually get. Take your time… I’ll wait.
AustinTXwildfan says:
August 18th, 2009 at 11:54 am
there has to be a better QB out there that could help the team just as much as favre would
Name one. One that the Vikes could actually get. Take your time… I’ll wait.
Do you have a 4 ever?
I also always liked Farve. And he is an improvement, if nothing else but in confidence and leadership, which I must say neither TJ or Sage seem to have.
And I like going to Vikings game in the dome. The building itself isn’t great but it’s LOUD, which is good for games.
Do you have a 4 ever?
My point exactly.
Encrim @ 11:35: rev’rend!
CWDB: Look I am a Vikings fan. I hate it, but I am. I always WANT them to win, they just never win enough. Absolutely without a doubt Favre makes the team better. My problem is simply that the increased expectations that will come along with that will make it that much easier for the Vikes to pull a Vikes and break our hearts again this season. I’d love it if they prove me wrong, but until then…
I have to say, though, that following up “You’re a real hard ass aren’t ya, Wild1?”
with
“Typical response from a narrow minded person. He’s confident in his opinion so he must be MKIA. Stop being so passive aggressive. Own something in your life. I believe #4 is an upgrade. You don’t like him because he played for GB. Get over yourself.” is pretty hypocritical.
Finally “Why is it that MN fans are so worried about what billionaires spend or don’t spend? ” is incredibly myopic.
Those billionaires spending or not spending their hard earned pennies DOES have an impact on your life. Don’t forget your tax dollars have paid for some of the playhouses of their teams. The Vikes didn’t want to play nice(r) with the Twinkies and Gophers (not saying they should have, necessarily) so both get new buildings. Was that free to you? How about the light rails that will service at least two of them (IIRC) if not all three? Was that free to you?
Now, I’m not saying all those rich guys should have to shell out 100% of the funds to build a new tree house for their team. But to think their decisions have no bearing on your life is dangerous.
Settle down Nick. I think you are taking it a bit far. I’m happy zygi will spend his money to improve the team. I don’t care where that improvement comes from. Wasn’t that a big discussion in previous rants here? The ‘ol we need more MN born guys?
I’m not going to sit here all day and argue with you, my issue isn’t with you. You are coming in and sticking up for Wild1’s incredibly myopic point of view. He doesn’t like Favre because he isn’t nice and he played for GB. You want to turn this into taxes and light rails! For crise sakes, who cares???? Zygi’s money is zygi’s money in this case. G* said it, if they don’t spend it on Favre, it goes back into his pocket.
Stop trying to solve the world’s problems Nick. Leave this one between me and Wild1.
This was an A and B conversation, C your way out of it.
How about the light rails that will service at least two of them (IIRC) if not all three? Was that free to you?
LRT is not here because of the stadia. not sure if you are saying that but it kinda sounds like you are.
he only care’s about himself not the team
Yeah, that was fully displayed when he started every game, even while injured or under severe emotional stress (death of father, anyone?). Sure. Only thinks of himself. You’re going to have to work a little harder to convince me of that.
the increased expectations that will come along with that will make it that much easier for the Vikes to pull a Vikes and break our hearts again this season. I’d love it if they prove me wrong, but until then…
Nick, we’re Vikings fans. We all know that they are going to break our hearts. They would have done that with or without Farve. It’s just one of those reliable things. You know, like death and taxes.
the increased expectations that will come along with that will make it that much easier for the Vikes to pull a Vikes and break our hearts again this season. I’d love it if they prove me wrong, but until then…
almost sounds like you’d want them to be bertuzzi instead of try to secure the tools to win a championship?
he only care’s about himself not the team
i actually think this i something the team might need right now.
Bertuzzi to return to the Wings - http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=288074
G*: You’re right, LRT is not there b/c of the stadia, but it A) is there and will be used by stadia-goers and B) wasn’t free. That was my point.
CWDB: First, thanks for putting me in my place. On second thought, though, I think I’ll just continue to say what I feel like saying - just like you - okay? Thanks.
Second, you’re going to tell me to settle down? You ripped a guy for disliking (ex-)Packers! Sacre violet!
Third, I am not sticking up for anyone.
Fourth, don’t obfuscate. You were being a hypocrite and got called on it, and then you showed your butt with your own ignorance and got called on it again.
It’s okay to be frustrated with me. But pinning that frustration on Wild1 - whom I infer by your comments you hold in contempt, so it’s sort of pathetic to allow him to frustrate you, no? - is pretty silly.
almost sounds like you’d want them to be bertuzzi instead of try to secure the tools to win a championship?
To quote GreenStar: “Didn’t say that.”
G* on LRT: isn’t one of the proposed lines supposed to run by the new Gopher gridiron stadium? I honestly don’t know: was that a coincidence?
I’m surprised Bertuzzi didn’t follow Uncle Burke to Toronto.
In all fairness to all involved in the Favre discussion, wild1 has said some pretty silly things.
Nick - it’s sort of necessary. If you look at the Central Corridor, there’s not much of a choice to go near the U. I think there was some impetus from the U to have a stop at least somewhere near the stadium, but as for the rail itself, like I said, not much choice.
There’s been a lot of kvetching from/at the U on the LRT issue.
Burtuzzi is a doosh.
there’s not much of a choice to go near the U.
Er… what I mean is there’s not much of a choice to not go near the U. You kinda hafta to do it.
Austin +1
Wafer: okay, so it is a coincidence, or at least it wasn’t because that’s where the new stadium is going to be. I’m a little hazy on the exact grid layout down there, as you can see.
I will not say any more about the favre deal that way i’m not saying anything silly.
Burtuzzi is a doosh.
In the immortal words of Leroy Jethro Gibbs: “You think?“
Fourth, don’t obfuscate. You were being a hypocrite and got called on it, and then you showed your butt with your own ignorance and got called on it again.
Now I’m the hypocrite? Um, OK. Boy you really got me there Nick! Way to put me in my place!
A hypocrite in this discussion is someone that says they can’t cheer for a cheesehead but does so when two other former packers do well, (e.g. Sharper, Longwell). That would be hypocritical young man.
YOu want to take my comment that it’s not my money being spent by bringing taxes into this? Last time I checked I have no choice but to pay taxes and if my tax dollars are going to help my local sports teams, I couldn’t be happier. You think bringing light rail into this is calling me out? I beg to differ youngster.
You’re 34, you have no idea what life is yet sonny. You spend your day policing Russo’s Rants and arguing with a guy that calls himself Mr. Know it All. I spend my days laughing at how important and smart you think you are. Your act is tired. Extremely pompous individual you are Nick.
There, there’s your ass just handed to you.
What does IIRC stand for?
I know it has nothing to do with Rosie or her chaps. It also doesn’t seem to stand for Iron Range Red.
if I recall correctly, Pewt.
RIAC - Rosie and her chaps
IRR - Iron Range Red
IIRC - If I recall correctly, it stands for If I reall correctly.
Can’t we do better? says:
August 18th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
…
Good lord, you sound like a Hot Topic t-shirt: u laugh at me bcuz i’m different. i laugh at u bcuz ur all the same.
Oh dear God! Russo…..please come back SOON! You’ve been gone so long that your MN Wild hockey blog has sunken to the point that they now only talk about video games and….football?
I’m picturing in my mind the scene from The 10 Commandments when the people made several golden images and were dancing drunkenly when Moses was gone on the mountain too long….
We need you to return and throw some stone tablets around…..please bring some updated Wild news while you’re at it!
NiNY…there are two suggested corridors for the LRT through Dinkytown. Not sure if they both go past Gopher Nation.
Would there be outrage amonst Wild fans if somehow they went out and acquired noted Wild-Killer Jarome Igninla? Phaenouf? Cooke (oh, btw…he has a ring)?
Granted, they have different personalities, but the underlying theme here is getting a player that will help them win games.
This is a no-brianer move for fans. If he wins for them, we get a Super Bowl parade. If he doesn’t, it should mean Squidward’s (Childress) demise.
Cooke help win games? Now we’re really getting silly.
Thanks for digging through the hyperbole Enc…
CWDB: So wait, just to confirm, you’re saying it’s NOT hypocritical to mouth off about someone being “a real hard ass” and then call that person names and tell him/her to “get over (him/her)self”…is that right?
Are you really incapable of understanding that there might be more than just your umbrage at wild1 saying he wouldn’t root for an ex-Packer going on here? Really? I never said Wild1 wasn’t being hypocritical. Since I don’t believe he/she replied to your line about Sharper and Longwell neither of us really knows, now do we? I did, however, say you were being hypocritical. And you don’t seem to be able to counter the allegation. If the shoe fits, I guess, eh?
You seem like you’re pretty hung up on age. Why is that, do you think? What are you afraid of?
By the way, you absolutely have a choice about paying your taxes. You could move to Canada. They even have football (and hockey) up there.
It is worth pointing out that you are now saying you “couldn’t be happier” that your money is supporting your team after you initially said it wasn’t. Is that hypocritical or just contradictory? For an old guy you sure do know how to talk your way into a corner!
I spend my days laughing at how important and smart you think you are. I don’t think I’m any more important than anyone. But if you think that’s funny, then okay I guess. We could all use more levity in life. See the difference between you and I (despite, apparently, our age) appears to be that I don’t care what you think about my “online personae” yet you very clearly care what we think about you.
I admire your spirit though! It’s so tough to see the elderly when they’ve just lost that zest for life.
WIWF - Are you kidding? We’re about to reach synergy on the blog. When that happens, we cease to exist as humans and all the bloggers become one and exist only as an energetic force inhabiting the Excel and menace the enemies of the Wild.
When is the next Russoville get together that Nick is going to attend? This old man/former marine that has served his country twice in harms way would like to personally hand him his ass to his face. Bet he wouldn’t be so mouthy towards me then, eh?
kj, the hyperbole was pretty deep, but I sloughed through OK. I think I lost a flippy-floppy, though. :\
NiNY FTW. The funniest part of the whole discussion was that you both agreed at the beginning.
Wafer, for some reason your last post made me think of this Mitch hedberg quote:
My friend said to me “I think the weather’s trippy.” And I said “No man, it’s not the weather that’s trippy. Perhaps it is the way that we percieve it that is indeed trippy.” Then I thought “man, I should have just said ‘yeah’.”
Actually, I’ll be in town next week.
In fact, I’ll be at the Fair probably both Thursday and Friday. Tell you what, I’ll be wearing a red t-shirt that says “BUSHWOOD CC” on it, you know, to make it easy for you to identify me.
(While we’re on the topic, where’s our MMA instructor who doesn’t understand that it’s rude to stand up in his seat during play from earlier this summer? He, too, promised me he would kick my butt. Might as well get them all out of the way at the same time.)
In which conflicts did you serve, CWDB? I have a massive amount of respect for all veterans, including, of course, those of the United States Marines.
I am honored that you served (and, maybe, fought?) to protect and ensure, among other things, my ability to be so mouthy towards you, and your ability to threaten to inflict bodily harm upon my person.
So, if you see me wandering around the Fairgrounds, feel free to come on over and beat the snot out of me. Heck, I’ll even buy you a pronto pup when you’re done.
If stadiums didn’t exist, people would still ride LRT. and it stil would be subsidized by county, state and federal gov’t.
Heck, I’ll even buy you a pronto pup when you’re done.
i’m a corn dog guy myself but i think i’ll give pronto pups another chance this year.
The Whiskey Rebellion of 74 and The American Revolution of 75-83, sonny.
G*: see I gotta go with the Pronto Pup. To each his own, though, right?
I’ve heard that the breading on prontos is more gauze-like than on corn dogs, which will come in handy after CWDB teaches me my lesson.
here’s our MMA instructor who doesn’t understand that it’s rude to stand up in his seat during play from earlier this summer?
I think he was a New Yorker, Nick. So probably not at the MN State Fair.
typo, should be 94 not 74.
Boy has this deteriorated. Well, I don’t care about Favre or football or the Marine who wants to kick NiNY but maybe some hockey news. Maybe this has already been reported but I don’t think I feel like scrolling through the stupidity here. Bertuzzi signs with the Wings and Marleau stripped of his captaincy with the Sharks.
And why does it always come down to beating the snot out of one another? Granted, this is (at least supposed to be) a hockey blog. So maybe it’s that.
WATX: I thought he was a Wild STH…well, in any event, you know who you are…if you’re at the Fair next week just remember: red “BUSHWOOD CC” t-shirt.
MPR reporting the Farva deal is done, terms not disclosed.
If, you know, anyone cares.
Not “each other” WATX. I’m not about to impugn the dignity of a US Marine by claiming to be able to beat anything out of him, physically. Or, for that matter, a MMA instructor.
And we’ve hung out, WATX, so you know how ripped I am.
woodcock, earlier (amidst the Farva shenanigans) I linked to TSN’s story about Marleau (5FS linked Bert’s signing). I don’t understand the Marleau snub (who’s going to “step up” now?). Bert in Detroit is a bit of a mystery, too. Though the price is definitely right. At least he’s not an over-paid doosh, being back at the regular doosh rate.
NiNY…two words:
“Miss it.”
CWDB. Dude, this is just a blog. It’s not mySpace or anything.
Oh I see Nick.
Anyway, about the hockey news, I think the whole Marleau thing is more about trying to shake things up in Shark land. They’ve done pretty much everything else they can to try to break their post-season curse, so I guess this is the next logical option to try. Aside from completely blowing up the team, of course.
Maybe Mister Know it all and Atx from Houston Texas should have it out at the fair as well since we have had words a couple of times. This reminds of the North Star Black Hawk games.
I should not just limit just atx, I am sure others want a piece of me as well. Maybe the fair is a good place to get all the frustrations out before the season starts
kj: nnnnnnnnoonan
i’m a corn dog guy myself but i think i’ll give pronto pups another chance this year.
What’s the difference between a Pronto Pup and a Corn Dog? They look the same to me.
MKiA, first off I don’t live in Houston (hence the AustinTX part of my name). Secondly, I am a grown up now, I don’t fist fight mentally challenged people.
You are very angry ! It sounds like fighting might make you feel better. Calling Mister Know it all a retard is not exactly a nice friendly thing to say so maybe you should reconsider
Judge Smails (sp?) says:
…and there’s no gambling at Bushwood.
…how about a Fresca?
…you’ll get nothing and like it Spaulding.
Judge Smails (sp?) says:
…and there’s no wagers (g word was moderated) at Bushwood.
…how about a Fresca?
…you’ll get nothing and like it Spaulding.
FWIW, my money is on Nick. Goalies are crazy SOBs.
But for once, I like MKIA’s idea of just having it out. Russoville Fight Club-style. Let’s all get Three Wolf Moon shirts and do this thing. I’ve got some FF miles to burn.
Austin: un-scientifically, I feel like prontos use a smoother batter while corn dog batter is more, corn meal-y…? Does that make any sense?
Let’s all get Three Wolf Moon shirts and do this thing.
POTD.
MKiA — he didn’t call you a retard. He called you mentally challenged.
On a happier note, and since we’re clearly bored, what food is on everyone’s “can’t miss at the fair” list?
WATX:
Chocolate.
Covered.
Bacon.
You are retard? That’s very nice. My brother is retard too.
1st rule of Russoville Fight Club:
The guy with his lips wrapped around a Subway and tinfoil on his head, is MKiA
I am a Pronto Pup kid all the way.
And the ‘about a foot long’ stand by the arcade.
NiNY: be the ball
Most. Random. Russoville. Day. Ever.
Wafer when I read taht I read it in the Hangover Zack Galafanakis (sp?) style.
I am not angry MKiA, and you are the one who came out and challenged me to a duel. How about we have a footrace instead? Or a game of chicken in our 1966 Chevy Novas? Or how about a good old fashioned game of ro-sham-bo (I’ll go first).
anything on a stick(it’s easy to eat)
Pewt - You’re giving MKIA a lot of credit by assuming he gets the tinfoil on his head by himself. What with the padded helmet, toddler leash and all.
I’ve started dreaming about the cheese curds. And the corn fritters always make it high on my list.
MMmmmm… Corn Fritters… with Honey Butter…
I don’t get to go to the state fair but I’d really like to try fried cheese curds. I hear you people do that well and I like cheese, and I like fried stuff, so… you know…
You can keep your chocolate covered bacon though. *urp*
I’ve always been a fan of being around the milk barn with a bucket of cookies, but I’m weird like that.
Corn fritters? I’ve heard of apple fritters, but corn? You gotta know what a cumpet is before you know how to play cricket!
Oh, the milk barn is a must. As is a milkshake from the dairy barn.
Yes, all the milk you can drink for a quarter. +++++1
Especially with Sweet Martha’s Cookies.
Yes, all the milk you can drink for a quarter. +++++1
Isn’t it a dollar now?
WATX…I haven’t been there for a while…
Seriously, I think it is a buck, but I’m not exactly known around here for fact-checking!
but you are known for teh ghey smilies.
Looks like 20 Cent is probably getting out of it the easy way. The biggest surprise, though, is ATX didn’t have to bail him out with his PR skillz.
So you think the cab driver get’s a pay off?
Hmmm, there is that.
any one know what it cost to get into the fair this year?
For Patrick Kane, 20c and a punch to the nose.
Imagine all the hilarious (and lame) signs in the crowd he’ll have to ignore at every arena in which he plays.
Corn dogs, french fries, cookies, cheese curds, and fresh pulled taffy!
You have to love the state fair.
All that awesome food. I tried alligator one year.
any one know what it cost to get into the fair this year?
We eat corn fritters during the year. They are good.
Austin: un-scientifically, I feel like prontos use a smoother batter while corn dog batter is more, corn meal-y…? Does that make any sense?
i’ve always described them as corn dogs were dipped in a corn meal batter where pronto pups were dipped in pancake batter.
i’ve always described them as corn dogs were dipped in a corn meal batter where pronto pups were dipped in pancake batter.
Maybe we’ll have to get one of each and do a side-by-side comparison this year!
WATX: french fries (with a diet soda?!), cookies, cheese curds. My buddy J will be working for a Fajita stand and her description of those food items might just be my incentive to attend this year!
State Fair Food…personally, I like the Australian battered potatoes.
Corn Dogs are dipped in corn meal, and Pronto Pups are dipped in batter (pancake? I doubt it, but close; in any case, it’s a wheat batter).
Other favorites: Pork Chop on a Stick, Fresh Lemonade, and Italian Ice.
OMG do we need some Wild news on here…
I never enjoyed the fair…..too many people……maybe I’d like it now that I’m a little older though….
“I defend DR and the Chris Simon move. At the time the Wild were trying to get more physical to catch up with Anaheim, especially in time for the playoffs.”
I am so glad your buissiness plan isn’t in effect MKVN!
on favre…..I was at work when I saw the chopper footage…..it was like the oj police chase all over again….only a lot slower….
I have been laughing the whole day….great stuff….
but don’t worry guys…..I haven’t let favre bloat my expectations of this team….so…….when the super bowl parade comes to town, any folks coming out for that?
someone earlier said favre wasn’t hossa, so we won’t be winning any championships…..
I thought this was funny as well!
fun day overall…..oh and the ps3 drops price by $100 dollars tomorrow…..get’em while they last!!!!
Beast my best memory of the Wilds situation at the time is the following…..
Remember the movie ice castles, where the girl is out ice skating and falls into the chains and cracks her head ? Ok…. Calgary was kicking the skates out from underneath Gaby and he nearly fell on his head on two occasions.
When playing Calgary it was abusive how bad they were punishing Gaby and PMB.
Now Mister Beast, do you stand by and watch your team get beat up ? Of course not Beast .
I was not happy that DR did not find any deals at that trade deadline. I had no problem with the Simon pick up. It hurt nothing !! Your players cant play if they are getting abused…. Teachers cant teach when students act up Mister Beast
Mister Know it all stands by that move. It was fun for many and the media from a GM standpoint I would have made that move at the time as well
mkia Looking forward it is my hope that we build a team that immediatley drops gloves and goes to aid of a teammate. The behavior of this team for some years has been almost cowardly. Cohesion is required to be champions. The perfect combination of skill determination and grit is found on winning teams. If Simon was an attempt to obtain that he and you are correct.
yes we did need toughness…..but we also needed scoring….
the trade he should have mad was for a gritty power forward….not a washed up enforcer who just tried to kill a guy on the ice (a little over the top, I know….but still…..)
yes grit was severely needed….but simon didn’t add grit…..he just added another forth liner who wasn’t on the ice to protect gabby…..
your head is certainly in the right place MKVN…..I will give you that….but your connecting the dots all crooked like….
made…not mad
Also the simon trade was horrible because it was the only trade dr made…..and again….simon was public enemy no. 1 at that point….
if he had gotten that solid power forward as well, the simon trade wouldn’t have been so crappy…..
just another in the long line of dr gaffes that cost him his job….
Wow. Looks like a crazy day in here today. Russoville needs hockey season to start ASAP.
SKOL VIKES!
RT: Five NHL players whose careers ended too soon: http://www.versus.com/nw/article/view/82102/?tf=nhl_article.tpl
CC: mkia
Mike Modano, will toss out the opening pitch at the Chicago White Sox-Kansas City Royals game at U.S. Cellular Field on Tuesday evening.
the The Kings traded forward Pavol Demitra to the Minnesota Wild for Patrick O’Sullivan and the 17th pick in the draft. was worse.
Ok, Ok, Ok….This board has gone rancid. You want food? I’ll give you just a bit of cheese to nibble on. Starting the 2009/2010 season, the Wild will no longer have goal judges behind the nets at ice level. The Wild were one of only 5 or 6 teams left last year that still had goal judges in those positions. The league has determined they are no longer needed and slowly teams have eliminated those positions. The goal judges will now work from up top, I assume in the same room as the other NHL off ice guys(in the pressbox). I have mixed feelings about this. I’m kinda old school and like to see those guys in their black NHL suits sitting in the box behind the nets, turning on the red light above their head when a goal is scored. I guess time stands still for no man. Except MKVN.
Blink 182 swears alot.
that’s all I got…..for now.
say it aint so…I will not go….turn the lights off….carry me home….
RET: The technology has finally caught up to the goal judge. Now with digital HD replay of goals, and the Toronto ‘War Room’ concept of viewing disputed plays off-site, the goal judge sitting behind the net has kind of become anachronistic. They will be near the popcorn machine (a.k.a. the Martin Skoula memorial) in the press box.
True that WRT, but just like the guys that they’re replacing, they still get them wrong.
they ought to try moving the refs to the skoula memorial. would remove two bodies from the ice and may be easier to call penalties.
The goal judge was such a wonderfully quaint vestige of days gone by in hockey, though. Isolated in that little box…wearing a sport coat and a tie…seemingly impervious to the often-times fever-pitched insanity transpiring around him.
Sometimes technological advancement robs us of our humanity.
NiNY,
That sh!t was deep maaaaannn.
Big John N. was goal judge at Met Center. He was a teacher I had for a study hall in HS.
NiNY…they were encased in glass for their safety. They was already robbed…
You don’t really even need the HD stuff. The technology exists to eliminate the need for the goal judge entirely. Plant a chip or chips in the puck, and put sensors on the goal and when the chip crosses the plane of the goal, a goal is registered. Allow teams to challenge situations where they think the technology got it wrong, and then send it to the Toronto War Room.
Wafer…I thought Peter Puck was retired.
Haha. I’m not talking about the christmas tree puck thing. You could easily add something that’s invisible to the player and doesn’t affect the physics of the puck or (heaven forbid) light up on TV.
That’s too bad for the goal judges. Even they, however, would have to admit that they’ve held on to one of the coolest, however obsolete, non-player NHL jobs a lot longer than necessary.
That seat is about as front-row as it gets, and their responsibilities over the years have dwindled to simply turning on the red light if the puck goes over the line. And even if it does, the ref’s call is what dubs it a goal or not. Really, they should be called Red Light Judges instead of Goal Judges.
Alas, more tradition and lore lost to the technology monster. :\
May as well have robots playing the game too, with chips in their bodies that will accept messages from the chips in the ice and the puck when a goal is scored.
May as well have robots playing the game too, with chips in their bodies that will accept messages from the chips in the ice and the puck when a goal is scored…so they know when to rock the robot dance celebration.
for4rest - they had that. It was called Mutant League Hockey for Sega Genesis.
for4rest - they had that. It was called the Elsinore Brewery hockey team in Strange Brew.
Pewt - those were brainwashed mental patiends (MKVN’s extended family, I’m sure). Not robots.
Elsinore Brewery hockey team in Strange Brew.
Elsinore Brewery hockey team in Strange Brew.
No goal! No goal! He was in the crease!
Mister Know it all agrees with Evil. I would rather have goal judges because I think it may cause more problems and debatable situations in the game
yeah, I’m bored.
Mutuant League Hockey was pretty sweet. And, for the record, I was half-kidding. I don’t think you will ever be able to take the controversy out of sports calls. Even with technology there will always be issues. How do you line up the goal crease paint with the chips? Where will the chip in the puck be? It would have to be around exactly on the outer edge I would imagine, so you would know exactly when the entire puck crossed. But, what if part of the vulcanized rubber sticks out because a skate cut it? It happens quite a bit. Anyway, you get my point. I’m all for the video replay but that’s as far as it should go in my book.
ATX, I freagin’ love the Stormtrooper hockey gear. There are not enough Star Wars/Hockey cross overs to be found. Also, I was just watching that same NHL blopper reel the other day. The empty net non-goal is the best ever.
I am sure NHL GM’s everywhere are excited to have Burke as the gm in the olympics. Promising physical play. Somethings should not change
Here is an article about Brodziak out of Edmonton
http://www.edmontonsun.com/sports/hockey/2009/08/19/10510286-sun.html
How a little Russoville meeting at the fair when the Wild unveil their new 3rd jersey?
Sunday, Aug. 30th at their booth.
I’m 6′6, so I can help with security in case anyone else on this board wants to pair off and “drop the gloves”….
Wonder if it’s green, or if it’s “wheat”..?
lj mckay, that is a great idea… too bad I don’t get into town till after that. Oh, and I hope it’s Wheat. I hate the Green.
The best jersey site around has a couple rumors and clues that we’re probably looking at a mix of both green and wheat, green being the dominant.
And that’s no fair, ATX: the Aeros peeps have had a derivative of the green jerseys the entire time; my green jerseys disappeared when RBK came around. :p
The best jersey site around has a couple rumors and clues that we’re probably looking at a mix of both green and wheat, green being the dominant.
And that’s no fair, ATX: the Aeros peeps have had a derivative of the green jerseys the entire time; my green jerseys disappeared when RBK came around. :p
Ecrim, I have a Green #10 jersey and I just don’t like the way it looks. I would perfer a more matte style of green. IF they make the new 3rd green, I hope it looks more like the IRR style fabric and not a silky style like the one I currently have is.
Food, for real.
the popcorn machine (a.k.a. the Martin Skoula memorial)
Shouldn’t that be the Mark Parrish Memorial?
