Sykora coming to Minnesota on “tryout”
Posted on September 14th, 2009 – 8:45 AMBy Michael Russo
I’ve been sitting on this for a couple days for a variety of reasons, but it’s starting to get out there now and not in an accurate way.
As I reported here Sept. 4, the Wild was interested in signing Petr Sykora. After back and forth negotiations last week, Sykora said no. Now Sykora will indeed fly to Minnesota on Tuesday.
But if he passes his physical, he’ll be placed on a pro tryout like unsigned free agent Andy Hilbert. He is not signed, and GM Chuck Fletcher made it very clear to me just now that there is no guarantee to sign him.
He’s got to make the team. Of course, the assumption is that if Sykora is still Sykora (one of three active NHLers to score 20 or more goals for 10 straight seasons), he’ll eventually be signed.
The Wild, with $2.4 million of cap space, last week offered him a contract of $1 million. It upped its offer about $250,000, but Sykora wasn’t giving in because he had an offer from Russia around $3 million tax-free. But the reality is Sykora’s Sykora. He wants to play in the NHL, and you know what, those Russian offers will always be there for him.
Originally, Sykora said no. Now he’s had a change of heart and is willing to give it a try. But at this point, for a lot of reasons, the Wild wants to see him in camp on a tryout rather than signing him.
Eventually, I’m betting he will be signed. But he IS NOT signed yet and HAS NOT agreed to terms.
But he will be in Minnesota tomorrow, and if he signs, this changes camp for a number of forwards, including second-year Colton Gillies and Hilbert. It’ll be a lot harder for them to make the team.
By the way, if you didn’t read the below post, read it. I didn’t write all that hockey 101 mumbo jumbo for nothing, haha.
50 Responses to "Sykora coming to Minnesota on “tryout”"
Sounds like Fletcher is making a good move. Risebrough would have either thrown $3M at him or said he tried but nothing worked out.
More Gillies for me. I like it. Go Sykora Go (sorry, Colt).
Wafer, yes, Kalus does have offensive upside, if he’d focus on that!
It’s like on American Idol when people dress in some kind of gimmicky outfit for their auditions, when really, only their voice is going to get them to Hollywood. The alligator costume might get you 5 minutes of attention you wouldn’t have gotten otherwise, but it won’t get you to The Show.
NHL94…you stole my post! Anyhow, good one…and even better on CF’s part.
Sykora on the cheap will definitely help scoring - here and in Houston.
iiinteresting…
I wonder what the immigration rules are on this? I wonder if that’s why Russo’s been sitting on it? I can’t believe Sykora would be here for a tryout if he didn’t think there was a pot of gold at the end of that rainbow…anyone here work in the State Department?
With all due respect to my child’s favorite Disney Channel star, it’s the best of both worlds for Fletcher. He gets a chance to evaluate how a known commodity fits with his new team while his options remain open if a no-brainer trade opportunity falls into his lap.
Unbelievably smart move. Gotta love Fletcher for this decision.
Risebrough would have either thrown $3M at him or said he tried but nothing worked out.
This.
I wonder what the immigration rules are on this? I wonder if that’s why Russo’s been sitting on it? I can’t believe Sykora would be here for a tryout if he didn’t think there was a pot of gold at the end of that rainbow…anyone here work in the State Department?
Maybe he, you know, enjoys playing in the NHL and isn’t just in it for the money. I know, given some of our former players, it seems revolutionary, but try it on.
Now that the details of the offer are revealed, anyone get the impression that Fletch is trying to get Sykora in for a salary equal to what it will net putting Gilies in Houston and cutting ties with Weller (about $1.6m)? In doing so, it still gives Fletcher that $2.4 million in cap space to make a trade later in camp or in the early part of the season.
I just get the sense that Fletch is really wanting to pull the trigger on a deal and as long as Sykora was willing to come in at a price that would allow him to still do that… he’d take him.
If that’s what he’s doing, I love that train of thought and think it’s a great move.
Potential lines:
Bruno-Koivu-Havlat
Butch-Bordziak-Skyora
Clutter-Shep-Nolan
(Kalus/poolboy)-bela-(Mittens/Boogie/etc)
If Fletcher pulls a trade to add another winger we will add some nice depth to this club.
Wafer: since we can’t get up to $3M (before taxes, we REALLY can’t touch the taxable equivalent of $3M) then I think it’s clear Sykora’s NOT just about the do-re-mi. And I agree that’s awesome.
My question is: if both sides are amenable, then why the pas-de-deux?
With brunette koivu and havlat on our top line who is on the 2nd with him and bouchard?
I’m really torn on this whole Sykora issue.
If we can pick him up at the right price and not restrict our options of making a trade in the near future, I think it’ll be a smart move by Fletch. From what I’ve seen so far I doubt he’ll be throwing a boat load of money at Sykora in a DR-esque move, but that thought it still in the back of my mind.
Anyone going to the X for scrimmage today that can provide updates/thoughts?
I think a Sykora/FSM/Mittens line sounds like a “solid” 2nd line on paper.
…”on paper” being the key term
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update, Kanye West interrupts Obama’s speech http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxKIcrDsJAs
I wonder whether Sykora actually knows what the terms are. His agent sure makes it sound like it´s a done deal (in Czech media).
Can’t we get beyond the “DR would have done this” syndrome. This is a new season and a new group. I hope they do well–but let’s wait and see–but yes I am excited about the hockey style changes.
I think when we go with old forwards (and old quarterbacks) we tend to mortgage our future. Some kids need to be developed.
Woodcock: I think we have a right to compare new management style to old.
NiNY: Wouldn’t Sykora’s work permit last until at least the end of 2009? Besides, last time I looked, the Czech Republic was not on any restricted list for immigration (Skoula excepted, of course.) 
Sykora may have seen the reports (as we all have) about the lack of medical care in the KHL, and saw that what he had was a lot better than what was offered. It wouldn’t be the first time that has come into play in hockey history. There’s also something about playing in Siberia in winter…
…the REAL one, not here…
Playing in Russia is definitely a step down in terms of how well the players are “taken care of” by the ownership. There’s a great book, called “King of Russia” about the Russian professional leagues.
If Sykora makes the team and signs, I’d have the following:
Bruno-Koivu-Havlat
Sykora-FSM-Mittens
Buck-Shep-Nolan
Boogey/Weller-Belanger/Broziak-Pool Boy
I am excited that Sykora will be trying out, but I still think we need another center, I feel we are way to weak in that area.
Can’t we get beyond the “DR would have done this” syndrome.
But the Smug jokes are just so easy.
I might be in the minority, but I think IF Sykora signs, he’s on the Havlat line.
Countrymen + linemates in the Olympics = no brainer. Instant chemistry.
B-B-B-Benny and Sheppard may have a little more intensity after seeing that Kalus already has a leg up on them after 1 day in camp.
Man, this year is going to be entertaining. Just in systems changes. A real forecheck. Hell, they might even be able to change lines without a 2 minute penalty!
Good stuff!
I am heading to the scrimmage in about 45 minutes so will be back this afternoon to try to give some more feedback.
I absolutely LOVE the tidbit about Gabby being out already on the first day of camp with his trademark “sore groin”. Seriously, this guy must strain his “groin” taking a whiz. Either that or he just doesn’t like being in training camp, because supposedly all his troubles were behind him after his wonder-surgery last year. Now, on the first day of camp…AGAIN…he has another “sore groin”. Best of luck to the Rangers with ‘ol Sugar Groins on Broadway this year.
Also heard yesterday from a reliable source that Demitra is out for 4-6 weeks in Vansnoozer with some sort of injury. Maybe he bumped into the towel boy in the tunnel, or something serious like that. Of course for him, a hangnail would be about a six-weeker, so…..
As to both of those guys, I think the Wild should say “good ridence to bad baggage”.
Re: Kalus,
I’m not going to hold my breath on this guy. Given his history and the present facts(hammering shultz in scrimmage, full arm tattoo, “probably yeah”) he sounds like the JR Rider of hockey minus the pop can pipe.
After watching Kalus yesterday, I was impressed. He was the fastest skater out there (I know not everyone was going full) and had some good acceleration. If he plays like he did yesterday, I think he has to make the club.
Wafer: You are really high on Mittens around you? I think he’s a bust and falls in line with the Dupuis/D. Moore guys who had the talent or was in the right spot but could never get the job done. He’s one guy I’d like to see go as he is holding up a roster spot for a young guy to develope (ie Kalus)
“He gets a chance to evaluate how a known commodity fits with his new team while his options remain open if a no-brainer trade opportunity falls into his lap.”
Word. A patient and calculated move. Now this is change I can believe in.
Sorry for the mis-spells/grammar… the cold medicine is killing me.
Weller’s cap hit is $600k (salary $625k)if I’m reading the nhlnumbers site correctly.
Still, if we can swap Sykora for Weller we should do it. Weller’s only contribution is tiring out the other teams fighter.
…Throw out Belanger ($1.75M cap hit) and Weller and add Sykora and this team improves AND keeps its powder dry for an end of camp pick-up.
Anyone picking up NHL10 tomorrow?
As a Penguins fan, I hope things work out for Sykora and the Wild.
One thing with Sykora though is injury problems. When he is hurt, his production is non-existent. If he is healthy though, he can still fill the net.
Wafer: You are really high on Mittens around you?
Who else can you put there? You don’t want FSM out there with Nolan and Sykora/Brunette, since he’ll end up at the opposing goal line before those other guys hit the offensive blue line. Clutterbuck might work, but I like the idea of a bang line with Clutterbuck and Nolan teaching Sheppard at center hoe to hit. Or you could put FSM on the wing and have Shep or Brodz center the line, and I’m not too jazzed about that idea; I’d rather keep FSM at center.
I wouldn’t go so far as to call him a bust. He’s got speed and he can spell defense. if you let FSM loose with Sykora, you’ll want some defensive responsibility on that line. But I agree that if another player breaks out, waive/trade him.
“I like the idea of a bang line”
That’s…naaaahhhh.
Another thing about Mittens is that in the new system, you can’t just write him off. Yeah, he’s been somewhat of a disappointment, but I think SODR applies there. He was sold as a scorer and he’s more of a grinder. Let’s see what he can do in the new system.
keep in mind it sounds like you need someone who’s willing to get in and pound a defenseman on the D&C. I don’t see either FSM or Sykora doing a whole lot of that. So maybe that gives a guy like Cal (or Kalus??) a more legit shot at the 2nd line??
“He was sold as a scorer and he’s more of a grinder.”
Gotta disagree with this. I think he is a scorer in the Euro/No Contact sense. A grinder implies that he’s a physical and/or up-tempo player. I’m not sure he’s either.
Grinder was the wrong word. Mea Culpa on that. I should have said he’s more of a defensive forward rather than a scorer.
Scoring grinding and banging. You boys are on a roll today. I love hockey.
Mittens was sold as a checking line winger with upside, enough speed to add physicality to a scoring line when needed. I think a lot of fans convinced themselves that he was a scorer after he got off to that crazy start last year.
I would do the following, not that my opinion means squat, but its fun to write down on paper. This assumes they start Gillies in the minors and cut Weller.
Bruno - Koivu - Havlat
Sykora - PMB - Mittens
Nolan - Shepp - Clutter
Kalus - Bella - Brodziak
You get Nolan to further mentor Clutterbuck, and Sykora and Bruno can rotate between the top 2 lines if needed.
Oh ya and CUT POOL BOY or send his arse straight to Houston (sorry MsC)
Helmet,
I agree 100% on the top three lines. I hope PMB gets a long look at center and pairing him with a finisher (Sykora) is the right thing to do. They could even rotate Nolan and C-Change through the second line to mix things up.
I disagree on line 4. I think they brought in Don’t Taze me Bro to play center.
According to the Wild’s RSS feed, they teams are on the ice warming up! Man I wish I would have played hookie today.
Does any one know who #19 was He was on a line with Brodziak and Nolan, I think. He look good but was not listed on the camp roster.
[…] • Michael Russo explains the intricate details on Petr Sykora’s(notes) tryout with the Minnesota Wild when he has a $3 million offer from Russia on the table. [Star Tribune] […]
I think the addition of Sykora but who could we get ride of. I could think of a couple but i rather keep my mouth shut lol.
[…] • Michael Russo explains the intricate details on Petr Sykora’s(notes) tryout with the Minnesota Wild when he has a $3 million offer from Russia on the table. [Star Tribune] […]
Sykora gave Pens fans some of the most electric goals in the past two years (see SCF 2008, Game 5, 3OT). Game-winner. If you get him Minnie, love it. He will be missed in Pittsburgh. Might be enough to make me buy a Wild Jersey!
