Wild signs Sykora; Wild-Columbus lineups for Friday
Posted on September 17th, 2009 – 11:46 AMBy Michael Russo
(updated)
The quickest “tryout” in NHL history came to an end this morning when the Wild signed winger Petr Sykora to a one-year contract for $1.6 million.
“I’m shocked,” Sykora said sarcastically. “I guess my practice yesterday made them sign me.”
Basically, and this is where sometimes you wish you could write everything you knew for some time, but in these type of things, there are all sorts of immigration hurdles that have to be done. So Sykora was on a “pro tryout” until I’s could be dotted and T’s could be crossed when it comes to a work visa. So that’s why I had to be very clear a few days ago that Sykora WAS NOT signed.
But Sykora didn’t give up tax-free dough in Russia for a lot more money just to fly to the U.S. for a tryout. After rejecting a couple contracts last week and it looking doubtful that he’d come, he realized he was just 32, wanted to continue to play in the NHL and if he ever wants to play in Russia, those type of contracts would be there for him.
He’s given up, when you consider taxes, substantially more than half the money to play for the Wild this season.
I should have put up another YouTube clip this morning — Sykora calling his shot in Game 5 of the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals to my pal Pierre McGuire. Here is the clip.
So, what does this mean? The signing leaves the team $800,000 from salary cap ceiling with 24 players — one more than the maximum, meaning it’ll be much harder for forwards Colton Gillies and Andy Hilbert, and maybe even Craig Weller, to make the team. Or, at the end of the day, maybe Benoit Pouliot doesn’t prove himself and the team just risks putting him on waivers to get to Houston?
This all obviously depends on any future moves — i.e. trades (Wild kinda have too many centers, and you have to wonder where Eric Belanger fits) — or injuries.
By the way, contrary to reports, the Wild IS NOT in on Phil Kessel anymore.
Also, the Wild isn’t scrimmaging today.
Tomorrow’s Wild lineup: Belanger, Boogaard, Bouchard, Brodziak, Clutterbuck, Gillies, Hilbert, Irmen, Kalus, Miettinen, Pouliot, Sheppard, Burns, Lannon, Rogers, Sifers, Stoner, Zidlicky, Backstrom, Harding.
Tomorrow’s Blue Jackets lineup: Raffi Torres, Derick Brassard, Kristian Huselius, Jason Chimera, Samuel Pahlsson, Fredrik Modin, Trevor Frischmon, Jared Boll, David Liffiton, Grant Clitsome, Jonathan Sigalet, David Steiner, Fedor Tyutin, Dylan Reese, Rick Nash, Matt Calvert, Jared Aulin, Rostislav Klesla, Steve Mason, Kevin Lalande
126 Responses to "Wild signs Sykora; Wild-Columbus lineups for Friday"
I am a-ok with this signing. Does this mean the Wild are done? Or is there still the possibility of a trade happening at some point?
from previous:
Heck of a try-out… 1 day? 
From previous: re: Backstrom.
Wasn’t there an analysis that normalized goalies against the system I saw a while back? I seem to recall one and Backs actually turned out to be damn good, even when you consider he played in a defensive system.
I mean, if it was just the system then why wasn’t Jamie McLennan a $6MM goalie?
Micheal - any rumblings around the arena about this rumor of us in on Kessel?
Re: Backstrom
Regardless of the system, I don’t think anyone here can argue against the fact that the guy is as positionally solid as any goaltender in the league. That alone should show he’s still a top goalie. If he works on 2-on-1s this summer as well as he worked on breakaways/shootouts last summer, I don’t think we have anything to worry about.
I don’t know how we could possibly be in on Kessel. We have no cap space and Boston has no space to take salary back. Can’t happen.
I think Sykora is a great addition to the team. Anyone think he could bring back the days of the PMB to Rolston hook-up?? Putting PMB alongside a true scorer is a pretty big threat.
Russo, do you think the Wild are done for right now? If so, do you see Fletch making a trade at the trade deadline for anyone else?
Wafer - from previous, puck prospectus did an analysis on Backs. He doesn’t face a lot of shots and the shots he does face aren’t that high of quality. He’s pretty good, but he has to earn his keep this year.
KJ, Wild road tripper asked me to give him the roster and your busting my chops. Irmen is the number 15 forward and Cuma is the 8 Dman. Thanks Mister Beast for correcting me on Cuma going to the AHL, that just means to me that the Wild have a tough decision to make. READ MY LIPS…. No chance he goes to Juniors again
Johnny is not going anywhere Mister Beast. I would not be surprised if he retires here. He is my neighbor and he is quite settled in Minnesota
KJ, it would be rude of me to ignore a friends request
Wild Road Tripper asked me to provide him with who I thought would make the opening night roster. I almost forgot to do that for him
All 14 starting forwards below Wild Road Tripper
Wingers
1 Benny Pouliot 1A Owen Nolan- Because Nolan will be hurt half the time and Pouliot wont mature fast enough - You need to count 2 for 1 position
Bruno Havlat
Mittens Sykora (If he has the zest to play)
Clutterbuck Boogy
Gillies Butch
Centers
Shep- Koivou- Bellanger- Brodziak-
Wild Road Tripper, Brodz and Butch will swap positions sometimes
Your Defense
Burns
Johnny
Schultz
Zidlicky
Hnidy
Zanan
Scott
Any injuries in camp to a player could lead to Irmen or Cuma playing. For sure Cuma plays with the squad when a dman goes down
I think Misconduct will see less of Irmen and Cuma in Houston this year
Signed: Mister Know it all
On top of facing few quality shots, the defensemen were discouraged from joining the rush and centermen were required to stay back so they could act as a third defensemen. Backstrom received help in every way possible.
Very happy for my Stoner and Rogers to get to play tomorrow!
From last thread, no I don’t think Backs himself will be less of a goalie, but I think his numbers might suffer. Though if they can make up for it at the other end, it doesn’t matter.
I tend to think of Backs they same way as Chris Osgood. Is Osgood a good/great goalie, or does he get a lot of help from the strong team and defense in front of him? I think that’s the same situation we are in. Except Osgood makes about $1M a year.
The Wild have to be done, barring a trade or injury. If a trade occurs, it will be to free up cap space for another team’s cap casualty.
Only CF knows if he is still persuing trades. My guess is that he’s not going to acquire Kessel. Too much $$$ for too little history.
Oh, and how about the Gho$t! He may not skate until the season starts…
I hope Groin-ick misses about 50 games this year, and would love to watch the NY fans and media just shred the guy.
He really makes me puke.
Your lineup forgot about Weller, MKIA. Are you saying we put him on waivers and send him to Houston? Or does Pouliot or Gillies not make the team? One of those three is going down unless we can trade away a forward, and I bet that whichever one goes down is also the first call-up. So forget about Irmen.
I think it is a no-brainer that the best thing for GILLES is to play the season in Houston. The kid will get tons of ice team in all situations, and I really think it is the best step for him towards the NHL next year.
Then add in the cap flexibility he allows, and I just don’t see any reason why he doesn’t become an Aero.
When a call up is needed, bring up Irmen or one of the top older guys …this will keep Gilles hungry, and also reward the guys who never will make it full time to the big show.
[…] Full Story Here […]
Why isn’t Koivu playing? What did I miss?
Guess Sykora realized the KHL would be a lot of travel cold Mcdonalds and games across the river from the steel mill were everyone in town works or he just likes paying taxes.
Your lineup forgot about Weller, MKIA.
MKIA.
I think I found your problem, Rob.
To expound, just ignore MKIA. He has no idea what he’s talking about. In fact, I’m half-convinced he’s either Russo himself, or another regular just messing with us by posting inane stupidity.
I’m half-convinced he’s either Russo himself
You know, I was thinking this recently as well, but I am pretty sure Russo does not have the time to spend this much energy attempting to stir the pot.
I’m half-convinced he’s either Russo himself
I don’t think Russo would spend that much time trying to piss off the people who actually enjoy reading his work.
Maybe it’s time to think about jettisoning Boogaard.
Wafer/Gun…I know MKVN. He is neither, although, I am sure he posts as all kinds of other Russoville transients…
Maybe his BFF’s inability to sign on somewhere and too many Minnesota winters have caused him to develop MPD and he doesn’t even know he’s posting as MKVN.
This is great signing by Fletch, and bodes well for FA signings in the future.
No way does DR convince Havlat or Sykora
to play here.
Imagine a PP unit of Sykora-Koivou-Havlat with Zidlicky-Burns on point.
Ah. Never mind. MKVN = kj.
Hey guys I am new when it comes to watching hockey but how good is Sykora. Will he be a good replacement for Gaborik?
Wafer…although I am tempted to post as him (since he has posted as me) I am not him.
I just couldn’t ‘dumb it down’ that far… 
Yeah, DR wanted Hossa when we actually had a chance of winning, instead who did he land? A slow dumb thug. Hossa went to Detroit.
Sykora won’t spell Gaborik. Havlat will spell Gaborik (minus the tendergroin, of course).
Sykora is just a little more icing on our cake.
kj, I’m just messing with you
Murry read the book! Like it?
Gilles -> to Houston. It’s for the best.
Belanger -> to Devils. Lemaire would love him, and they need a center.
Weller -> waivers to Houston. He’ll clear.
Pouliot -> Wild. But short leash.
Kalus -> Wild. Even shorter leash. Weller will replace if he can’t cut it.
Hilbert -> Wild. Safety pick if Pouliot or Kalus need to be cut down the road.
3.4 million leaving. About 1.4 coming in. That’s another 2 million cap space on top of our 0.8 for a total of 2.8m in cap space. Plenty to deal later in the season.
Russo seems to be alluding to the possibility of trading Belanger, but if history is any indication, the Wild should keep him for the first 25 games and trade him after that. He’s always great early in the season, and then terrible by the middle of the season.
from Russo’s post:
“Wild kinda have too many centers,”
Arguably the biggest load of Bertuzzi that’s been posted in a long, long time not to come from MKIA.
The Wild has one center and one center only.
I agree with your thoughts BoS, with the exception of two things.
#1 - Hilbert won’t be with the Wild…maybe Houston.
#2 - Weller will be traded or cut (No Houston)
Havlat-Koivu-Bruno
Sykora-Brodziak-PMB
Clutter-Shep-Nolan
Kalus-Bela-Mittens/Poolboy/Boogie
Deep Breath - The Wild have one QUALITY center. We have a high QUANTITY of centers. Whether we have good players at the position or not is debatable…but we do have players who play the position.
What is your prediction on the wild this year boys? Do you think they make the playoffs?
Wafer - http://www.puckprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=247
Here’s the article I referenced earlier about Backstrom. Lot of stats…bottom line, the Wild do a great job of limiting shots from the dots and in to the net. Give up a majority of shots from the perimeter and back towards the blue line.
You boys settle down I think you need this sexy chick to kick some ass.
how are the wild NOT interested in a 21 year old kid who scored 36 goals last year and is a local product, that doesnt make sense to me
Or, at the end of the day, maybe Benoit Pouliot doesn’t prove himself and the team just risks putting him on waivers to get to Houston?
If that’s a motion, it’s got my second. All in favor say “aye”
“The Wild has one center and one center only.”
Word. Belanger and Sheppard are not #2 centers. Sheppard showed zero development in yr 2, so I’ll beleive it when I see it. After Russo’s comment about Brodz not being very skilled I’m not going to hold my breath. He sounds like he’s destined for PK’s and key faceoffs. This is why I’m hoping PMB moves back to center and re-discovers his offensive ways (see Juniors)
Chris - Yeah, and I think that bears out my point that it’s not just the system. As they say, Backstrom is both an exceptional goalie and a beneficiary of the system.
Like I said before, if it was only the system, Jamie McLennan would be our starting goalie. 
bruinfan who is the 21 year old stud? Who does he play for now?
“You boys settle down I think you need this sexy chick to kick some ass.”
That’s what she said.
MEEEOOWW!
Sheppard showed zero development in yr 2
I honestly think a lot of that falls at the feet of JL. He both expected Shep to score more goals and take more of the load of production, and at the same time, maintain the development of his defensive game. I think it was too much to swallow at once.
I’m also starting to like FSM at center. And Sykora can play center as well (he did in NJ). But yeah, cut Belanger loose by trading him to a team that needs a center. I hear the Rags might need one too, if Dubinsky keeps holding out.
how are the wild NOT interested in a 21 year old kid who scored 36 goals last year and is a local product, that doesnt make sense to me
Russo didn’t say the Wild didn’t have an interest. I am guessing they just don’t have enough to offer to Boston to make the deal.
Oh, and Kessel is not a “local” product.
pewter settle down or you will be the first to get you but kicked.
Wafer I agree with your comment if you replace “JL” with “DR” in the first sentence. Can’t blame JL for playing the hand he was dealt.
“pewter settle down or you will be the first to get you but kicked.”
You all heard it. I’m first.
Yes, they “say” he’s both exceptional and a beneficiary of the system. Actions speak louder than words.
How much more development can we expect from Shepp? I heard somewhere that he’s been playing since he was 3. Probably hit his peak by now.
Can you guys give me a prediction on how the wild will do this year?
Jennifer - My guess is between 8th and 11th in the Western Conference.
I predict the wild will finish 4th in the west as long as havlat stays healthy, if he goes down long term it will be a fight for 8th.
Chris-why so negative?
Arguably the biggest load of Bertuzzi that’s been posted in a long, long time not to come from MKIA.
Not true. We do have a lot of centers. It’s just that they are of the 3/4/no line variety that’s the problem.
and is a local product, that doesnt make sense to me
Your argument would have been stronger if it hadn’t involved this part.
how are the wild NOT interested in a 21 year old kid who scored 36 goals last year and is a local product, that doesnt make sense to me
Huge gulf of difference between “interested” and “possible”.
Deep Breath,
Welcome back man. You take the Summer off from hockey talk?
With Sykora on board, maybe a chance for the eighth slot in the West if they can stay healthy. Otherwise, 10th in the West.
Let me head off Jennifer and state that the reasons for me are the Wild are playing with a new coach and new system with a number of their players built for a different style of play. Still need more scoring on our top two lines, though I’m liking our blue line much better than last year.
The big question mark is if we’re close, can CF pull the trigger on a significant trade to bring help? I think he may have the tools, but would it be better to blow up the team and reshape for next year? It’s a possibility, but right now, just a guess.
I think they will struggle early on this year. The season is compressed with more game sin the first couple of months due to the Olympics. It will be hard to claw back if we are trailing by then.
Main reasons why I am negative.
1. I’m not convinced that Backstrom is the elite goalie we signed him to be. I would guess he is above average, but I don’t think he will steal us a lot of games.
2. We play in a tough division, except for Colorado. The remaining 4 teams will spend a lot of time beating up on each other. Outside of the division champion, I don’t think anyone from the NW division will place higher than 5th in the conference.
3. The Central division. Detroit and Chicago will still be dominate. The division winner will be no lower than 2nd in the conference, the other team will be 4th. St. louis, if healthy, can easily take a 5th spot. Nashville and Columbus were bubble teams last year. Columbus is improved with Brassard being healthy, and Vermette signed longer term. Nashville is one of the front runners for Kessel which helps them. They could easily be playoff contenders.
All of this ignores the fact that Anaheim is better, San Jose will still be good, and LA could very well improve.
The Wild did a good job of maintaining despite losing Gaborik, but some of the other teams that were ahead of us are as good or better than last year. Some of the teams behind us are also better.
Why so serious?
I am liking the team more with Sykora added. The Top 6 is more well-rounded.
I think our success this season depends upon guys like Shep and Butch having good seasons. And, if they make the roster, Pouliot and Gilles.
If these guys light it up, we have a good shot at making the playoffs. If they don’t, we’re definately off the map.
Chris, I wouldn’t go so far to say that Backstrom is only above average. I’d say he’s considerably above average, and a proven commodity if you consider his SM-Liiga championships.
I agree with you that he benefited from JL’s system, but again I ask you, if the system makes the goalie, then how come Jamie McLennan didn’t stick around? If it was just the system, then Josh Harding would be as good as Backs. Unfortunately, this simply is not the case. The system helps, but you still need to goalie who can play a good, sound game. Look at how he outclassed Fernandez.
I probably wouldn’t put him in the same class as Luongo or Kipper, but he’s a damn sight better than a lot of the other goalies in the league.
As much as it pains me to say it, you may see Calgary in the SC Championship this year. Physical team with probably the best defensive core in the league, and Chuck Norris’ mentor: Jerome Iginla…
I think everyone else in the NW, including the Wild, will be fighting for the 7th/8th spot
If we are fighting for the 7th/8th spot this year I will be thrilled!! We have a completely new management and new Coach. Expecting them to make the playoffs this year is not fair IMO.
Get rid of shep before gillies. How fricken stupid are they if they dont see that. Shep is a joke out there and gillies is ready to play hard. Not hard to figure out there!!!!
Puckit
By just forcing Gillies in the lineup you are going to have the same results that Shep had. Gillies has a lot more flexibility then shep does and the wild might as well use that to their advantage. Send him to Houston, let him develop and use him when we absolutely need him. He is still very young. Shep, imo, has a chance to make up for last year. He also is very young and still has a chance at being a decent 2nd or 3rd center.
Lucky:
Gone alot with youth hockey. Funny that we travel more during the summer for youth hockey than we do in the winter.
Anyway, looking forward to the new “identity” of this organization.
In terms where the team finsihes in the West, it will come down to injuries, as it does for all teams. If FSM goes away again for a stretch and IJ gets dizzy spells and Marty can’t keep his shoulder in place, this is a 10th place team, at best, in the West. If they can remain relatively healthy, I do think they can be in the mix for home ice in round one. They were slaughtered a year ago with injuries but still managed to hang around.
Oh you lucky Wild fans. Pittsburgh’s loss is your gain. Sykora is a treat to watch - and a heck of an awesome dude.
I like the Wild’s playoff chances from where we’re sitting here in September. I’ve said this all before, but personally, I think the new coach and system will end up being a net positive. Nothing against Lemaire, but I think it was time. He felt it, too. Maybe he was tipped off that DR was going to get the ax and jumped ship before that could happen, but he also did say that he felt like his relationship with the players was getting a bit… stale.
Second, I think the roster is better. The two best players on the team, Gaborik and Burns, were pretty much AWOL all last season. And they finished three points off of 8th. If Burns is back on track, he’s as good all around as any young defenseman. Really, the sky is the limit for him. Gaborik is replaced with Havlat which is, IMO, roughly a push. The other losses are insignificant. Skoula, MAB, Veillieux. Not a big deal. They’ve brought in more grit on the blue line and now Sykora. I think it’s a good mix. It’s not a perfect roster, but then no team is solid from 1-23. They’ve got decent depth up front, a nice mix on the blue line and solid goaltending. X-factors are Richards and the kids like Sheppard, Pouliot, Gillies, Kalus. If any of those guys can make a step up, I think we’ll all be pretty happy about this season.
Of course the West will be tough with Detroit, Chicago, San Jose and Anaheim, Vancouver and Calgary, not to mention St. Louis and Columbus moving up and possibly Dallas bouncing back after an off year. Still, enough things go right for the Wild, and they could be pretty good.
Then again, I’m always optimistic in September. Talk to me again in January.
Why is there always speculation about certain players not making the team that doesn’t include Boogaard. He adds no value whatsoever to the team. Why doesn’t the Wild put him on waivers and if they lose him, they lose him. I would miss the one goal every 3-4 years, and the time-out power turns. But it results in someone with skill and/or potential, I am all for it.
There is not a single player still on the pre-season roster that is worse than Boogaard.
I was asked to provide you with my take on some of the young guys’ chances at the roster, so here it is:
Cuma, good but not NHL ready this year. Best spot if it were possible would be Houston because he should be one of the first call-ups.
Gillies, keep him in the oven for a year and he will be golden next year. Solid potential. Don’t need another Sheppard mistake
Irmen, I’ve never been impressed and I hate everything Gophers so I refrain from commenting on him, except to say that I’ve never been impressed and he doesn’t look NHL ready.
Kalus, like the aggressiveness but we already have the best head hunter in the league. Get some offensive skills son. Not NHL ready.
Pouliot, he must make a mean batch of kool-aid because he is not worthy of an NHL team. Too risky. That said, we have dumped a lot of resources in development. He shouldn’t make the roster but if he does, he’s gone after he makes a completely stupid pass to the opposing team that leads to a goal.
All others not mentioned = juniors or AHL.
Weller: cut him write it off as a mistake. Sorry dude. Size needs to be paired with skill.
“and the time-out power turns”
Don’t forget the cross ice runs that end with him missing the target and smashing the boards. I’m a Boogie fan, but between his injuries and being a non-factor while the pucks in play it’s hard for me to pull for the guy.
Oh you lucky Wild fans. Pittsburgh’s loss is your gain. Sykora is a treat to watch - and a heck of an awesome dude.
Comments like that make me happy. I am glad Sykora liked Fletch enough to want to come to Minny.
As much as it pains me to say it, you may see Calgary in the SC Championship this year.
How many times in the past has that phrase been said? And how many times have the Flamers made good on that? *cough* *cough* *ack* I need the Heimlich Maneuver quick!
Why is there always speculation about certain players not making the team that doesn’t include Boogaard.
IMO, cuz like it or not, he puts butts in the seats. I know my wife for one is pissed when he’s not playing in the games we attend. The guy is pure entertainment if you ask me!
Well it’s not really a manuver yet … more of a gesture, really.
As much as it pains me to say it, you may see Calgary in the SC Championship this year.
Yes. Theo Fleury should really help them get over the hump…
Wafer,
I know you weren’t talking to me about Lemaire’s system and Backstrom, but I think I can bring another point to the discussion…
I agree with you that Backstrom is an above-average goalie. He is tough mentally and is very sound positionally. The question I have going into the season is can he be an elite goalie facing better scoring chances/odd-man rushes? If he can, then his positioning is probably the best in the league. The reason I say that is because I don’t feel he is the most athletic or acrobatic of the goaltenders that are near the top.
So, point is, I feel that Backstorm is a great goalie but is/was unbelievable behind a defensive system because the shots aren’t as good quality, nor are there many odd-man rushes.
I hope he proves me wrong.
Wafer - With the exception of victories, Harding and Backs have very similar save percentages last year. I agree than he Backs is a good goalie. You make the point yourself about Mclennan. You need an above average goalie for the system to benefit you. He was not. Backstrom is. The question is going to be how far above average is he. Enough above average than the loss of the supportive system doesn’t hurt? Who knows.
Well it’s not really a manuver yet … more of a gesture, really.
I knew I could count on you.
I did not forget Weller. Weller is a …. I wont say it
I think of Gillies as SRVs replacement
I cant see how the Wild can keep him on the roster. Yes to Houston he will have to go because nobody wants him.
Does anybody know if Weller plays in Houston whether he still counts $ 600k towards the cap or not ??
Give Weller to Misconduct
“I think of Gillies as SRVs replacement”
Normally I wouldn’t bite but that is insanely insulting to Colton Gillies. Ish…
Some good talent at tomorrow nights game. It should be a test to see how many odd man rushes the Wild gives up
I will give the over and under for odd man rushes by Columbus a 10 for this game
Mister Know it all will take the over. This means that Columbus will have over 10 odd man rushes against the Wild
KJ - You and I will count- Over or under KJ
Colton is good for a bakers dozen during a hockey year and so is SRV. Whats better about Colton is his size and skating
Louisiana Wild fan says:
Maybe it’s time to think about jettisoning Boogaard.
Are there still standing waters from Katrina down there? If not, the muffled sound your voice is making is due to the fact that your head is jammed past your rectum. Remove it post haste.
Boogy stays. At least for a year. Don’t like it? Living in the bayou automatically qualifies you for an nhl expansion. Get your own team sans Boogy.
I dont understand why its so hard to let Boogaard go…he does absolutely nothing! No one really wants to fight him anymore, we have other players who are willing to step up and fight and once again he just skates in circles and often misses checks. I say let Boogaard, Wellar go send Gillies to the AHL and keep Pouliot, Kalus on the Big Club. Forwards would be Brodziak, Belanger, Bouchard, Clutterbuck, Havlat, Koivu, Brunette, Nolan, Miettinen, Sheppard, Sykora, Pouliot and Kalus. Also, Why is John Scott on a one way contract and Stoner isnt…beats me
I dont understand why its so hard to let Boogaard go…he does absolutely nothing! No one really wants to fight him anymore, we have other players who are willing to step up and fight and once again he just skates in circles and often misses checks. I say let Boogaard, Wellar go send Gillies to the AHL and keep Pouliot, Kalus on the Big Club. Forwards would be Brodziak, Belanger, Bouchard, Clutterbuck, Havlat, Koivu, Brunette, Nolan, Miettinen, Sheppard, Sykora, Pouliot and Kalus. Also, Why is John Scott on a one way contract and Stoner isnt…beats me
“Why is John Scott on a one way contract”
SOTL
$800k away from the salary cap…WITH THIS LEVEL OF TALENT. Dang, someone overpaid for a bunch of players…it goes beyond the terrible signing of Johnsson to that huge contract.
MKVN…
An odd man rush is something you should be very familliar with.
An odd man rush can be defined as 5 on 4, 4 on 3, 3 on 2, 2 on 1 and any number on 0.
I would bet that the best defensive teams in the NHL give up around 10 of those per game. Your betting line is skewed. And worthless.
I think the problem with letting Boogard go is that he will most likely get picked up by another team, and then it’s us on the receiving end. And we don’t really have other players who want to or should be stepping up to fight (as has been discussed in detail before).
And please, stop putting Kalus with the big club.
colton will score more than 13 once he is settled in….I do see him as being a perfect third center/pk ace, that puts up about 17 goals per year…(bump that up if he is on the pp..)
vacation time…..5 days of paid lounging…..pure bliss…..
now if only I could buy nhl10 for this week….
we need boogard until we have a good enforcer in the wings….and no, clutter isn’t an enforcer.
do we have to play him every game?
heck no….the boogie man will be our second back up winger….when you play really physical teams, you need enforcers to keep them a little honest….if not, you get absolutly pummeled.
you can find productive tough guys, but it is difficult, so boogard will have to do for now.
and think, it is either keep boogard, or keep weller. At least boogard is (was….if his back doesn’t heal) one of the best fighters/enforcers, Weller is….well….you know.
I agree with dropping Boogard and Weller off the team, sending Gillies to Houston for one more year, dumping Belanger for a 3rd or 4th rd pick and seeing how Shepp and Butch work out at center this year…also, why is the MN Wild forum offline? When is it coming back?…
argonbeast0034 says:
September 17th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
we need boogard until we have a good enforcer in the wings….and no, clutter isn’t an enforcer.
I agree I like the boogie man he does sell seat’s and jersey’s.
KJ- Turn your frown upside down. You bring a good point up. Over and under of 10 for odd man rushes for Columbus. This means a clear 3 on 2 or 2 on 1. That defines a odd man rush for the 10.
As stated I will take the over for Columbus
I will be at the game tomorrow KJ.
Also does Boogy have a dancing partner
Leave. My. Boogie. Alone!
mkia where you sitting
MKVN…
I will be there too.
In that context, I will take the under. You cantry to teach an old dog new tricks, but you can’t make him drink.
The Wild will still be responsible defensively.
Wild Cap: $800k remaining
Cut Weller: Gain $625,000
Trade Mittens for a pick: Gain $2.5m (way overpaid)
Trade Boogie for a pick: Gain $1.25m ( 50 games and nobody will fight him)
Projected Wild Cap: $5.175m
Trade Harding and Shepp for Sharp & Byfuglien and a pick (2nd or 3rd).
The Wild get Sharp who’s a stud, Byfuglien to bang around in front and an extra pick for Fletcher.
Chicago gets their future #1 goalie, a young talented Center with an attitude problem and about $5 million in cap space that they’ll need next year to sign Toews, Kane, Ladd and Duncan Keith.
Wild Line-up:
Havlat-Koivu-Bruno
Sykora-Sharp-PMB
Nolan-Brodziak-Kalus/Poolboy
Clutter-Bela-Byfuglien
All theory of course. Thoughts?
Backstrom is a goalie that is well above average and did not benefit from the system as so many people think. All it takes to see that is looking at the fact that he had to play roughly 20 minutes a night with Martin Skoula on the ice. Any goalie that can still maintain Backs’ stats with Skoula playing those minutes is well above average, any way you spin it.
Schmitty…
The trades you mentioned are as delusional as an MKVN post.
Mittens is overpaid…so who would take his contract?
Boogaard for a pick…in the last year of a contract?
Chicago wouldn’t trade Sharp all by himself for Harding/Sheppard.
Other than that, it might work.
Trade Harding and Shepp for Sharp & Byfuglien and a pick (2nd or 3rd).
Pass me what you are smoking! Flip that pick over to the Wild and maybe that pans out…. maybe.
Schmitty,I’m with you. Get on the phones and get that done.
I read schmidty’s post, then said aloud to myself everything that kj said. Then saw kj’s post. Yep, get that one done!
Hot Rod Goon: The Wild message boards have gone to the new format. Go to ‘Message boards’ in the Fan Zone section on the Wild.com homepage. Then, bookmark it so you can get back there easier.
kj: When did the Wild declare tomorrow as ‘MKVN Troll Night?’ I must have missed that announcement…
Nick at 7:42 PM: +1. Skoula and South Florida deserve each other.
@WildinATX @ 3:53.
Oh, well played sir. One of my favorite comedians and one of my favorite bits.
Do you have a flag?
I’ll take the heat KJ and WildATx…. but let me ask this, what kind of “deals” do you think Fletcher is waiting on? In a normal world where the cap wasn’t going down next year the Chicago trade may seen nuts, but with ALL those players to sign AND the cap going down…. are you saying that after signing Toews they will end up letting go of Kane, Ladd and Keith?
Remember, Chicago got stuck signing a bunch of $3m dollar guys due to the contract screw-ups. There any other teams out there that would offer Chicago $5m in cap space?
That’s my reasoning. I’m ok if you don’t like it… but I think those are they types of deals Fletcher is looking for. When good talent gets sold on the cheap to make cap room this year or next.
Thankfully we have Johnnson’s WHALE of a deal to save on cap space when his expires.
Is Skoula even going to make the Panthers? I’m not so sure.
toivo: wrt’s influence is omnipotent.
The new forums suck, I can’t even log-in from my Blackberry…I’m not even sure I want to with the horrible layout they have going on there…the NHL can “streamline” all the team message boards, yet they can’t get decent national TV contracts so regular schmoes can watch hockey…thanks a lot NHL management…
boogie sells seats and jerseys and he is a great personality. i really like the guy. but i think the team would be better with somebody else in his roster spot. Also, weller seems like a good guy too…but in this case, better to cut him. And the guy from the islanders.
Well, Kyle Okposo got his medicine served tonight.
http://puckcentral.blogspot.com/2009/09/dion-phaneuf-destroys-kyle-okposo-video.html
Tough break for the Islanders. Gotta feel for them.
Maybe if he would have stayed at the U he would have learned to keep his head up in the neutral zone. You don’t dangle a hit like that in front of Phaneuf, the D-bag is merciless. And, coincidentally, a giant coward.
To not drop the gloves after that is gutless. That guy went to all the trouble of coming off the bench. They play Saturday right???
The video wasn’t quite clear but was it an elbow to the head?
Hard to tell IMO. Close enough to hate Dion just a little more.
Wow, Neon Dion crushed him. WHy hit like that in preseason? THat is just a dick move.
Boogaard does sell seats and jerseys. But it also makes the so-called informed Minnesota hockey fan look ill-informed! What is does is not what one would call hockey.
Back in the “day” (last year), there were not too many choices for fans in terms of getting a player’s jersey. That has changed significantly this year IMO. Anyone who gets a new Boogie jersey this year would be out of there mind, because he will be gone anyway next year. But I think the process speeded up.
Also, making assessments about Gillies being in Houston is a little premature, and seems based upon what he did last year. Other than team/coaches, there is absolutely no one who knows how his game has progressed, or is matched with Richards style of play. Who cares what he did under JL, he’s got a new coach.
Dost mine eyes deceive me, or did we have our first Eddie Izzard pull in Russoville history?? Outstanding!
Le chat et sur la branche.
This team would not notice a single ounce of drop off without Boogaard. Yes, he’s one of the few true enforcers left in the game. But, as a result, NO ONE FIGHTS HIM. He had the 36th-most fighting majors in the NHL last regular season (according to hockeyfights.com.) He’s essentially been too good - to the point that no one’s willing to go with him anymore.
He can’t skate fast/well enough to keep up with the play, or to either get in on the forecheck in time to do something out it, or, when he does get in there, he’s too slow to get back and help out if/when the other team heads back up ice.
Who cares if he ends up on another western conference or even NW division team? We all know how easy he is to neutralize. First you don’t dress your heaviest-weight guy. He fights by the code (read: not below his weight class.) Second, “ole!” out of the way when he’s trundling at you on the ice so that he misses you and slams into the boards. Third, when he cross checks you and gives you that smirk you just skate away and he goes bye-bye for 2. Heck, I’d LOVE it if he ended up on the Avs or something. That’s one dressed player we don’t have to worry about defending that game.
No doubt, great personality, love that he’s willing to shill for the team, yadayadayada…but kj’s got a great personality, and I’m sure he’d be willing to shill for the team too if we want to sign him…..and - ADDED BONUS - other team’s goons might not be afraid to fight kj!
The final piece for me: that pesky $950k cap hit! We’re going to pay a guy a mil to sit on his duff either making popcorn or opening the door on the bench? We’re super tight on the cap right now. I’d rather have more cap space than have Boogey taking up space warming the end of the bench.
The problem is: at that much coin, who else is going to trade for him? I think SOTL/SODR is going to saddle us with the big man for this season until his contract runs out.
