Kaptain Koivu Signs, NHL Fans Lose Their Minds
by BReynolds on Jul 15, 2010 10:38 PM CDT
260 comments
What should be a banner day for Minnesota Wild fans has turned into every writer I can see defending the contract, and defending the player. Never in my life have I seen so much to-do over a player signing in Minnesota. Well... OK, Mauer and Favre over shadow this, but you get my point, I hope.
The range of responses on Twitter were everywhere from multi-orgasmic Minnesota fan explosions to those outside the Minnesota fanbase calling for pitchforks and torches. Neither one seems to get it, to be honest with you. As with everything, there are two sides, and then there is the truth of the matter.
Let's see if we can't look at this rationally, while allowing Wild fans to have their day in the sun, shall we?
(This gets a bit lengthy, so get comfy.)
To start, let's present the case for those who think this is a contract that is inflationary and wrong.
On Twitter I was inundated with two sides, both opposed to the deal. The first believe that Koivu is a 70 point scorer who just landed a deal that puts him above such players as Nicklas Backstrom in Washington (6.7), Pavel Datsyuk in Detroit (6.7), and Patrick Marleau in San Jose (6.9).They keyed in on the points. We'll call this the "Oh my god, what the hell were they thinking signing a 70 point scoring nobody to a $7 million deal?" group.
The other side, still opposed to the deal, was angry because they say I was defending the deal on numbers alone. We'll call this the "Don't throw stats at me, you monkey headed doofus. Koivu doesn't deserve this contract because he just flat out isn't good, and don't give me any of that linemate garbage" group.
For the first group, Koivu will have a cap hit of $6.75 million next season. That puts him in a group with those guys listed above, along with Paul Stastny (6.6), Patrick Kane (6.3), and Jonathan Towes (6.3). A fairly elite group of players, right?
The similarities in the players end with the dollar figures.
Nicklas Backstrom: The guy plays on a line with Alexander Ovechkin. Hell, I could put points on the board skating with Ovechkin. I'm not saying Backstrom is a slouch, I'm saying that having a teammate such as Ovechkin allows Backstrom to show what he is really capable of.
Patrick Marleau: This guys has Joe Thornton as his center, and Dany Heatley on the right wing. I think Jonathan Cheechoo could put 80 points on the board with those guys. Again, not belittling Marleau. He is a great player, one of the best in the business. I would kill to see him in a Wild sweater. Do I think he is better than Koivu? No I do not.
Stastny, Kane, and Towes: We'll do all three of these guys at the same time. All three are in their second contract. This is Koivu's third, as far as I can tell. They will get their money, trust me. It's coming, and they will, repeat will, make more money that Koivu does now.
Pavol Datsyuk: Here's where I got into trouble. You see, I don't buy into Pavol Datsyuk being the end all be all of hockey players. He has some sick moves, he is responsible in his own zone, and fierce in the face off circles. Sounds like someone else we all know, doesn't it? You know what Datsyuk has that Koivu doesn't? Henrik Zetterberg. The Wings have the ability to score from every line, at anytime.
Another difference here? Datsyuk signed his deal three years ago, and he signed it with a team that is famous for low cap hits on elite players. Henrik Zetterberg for just over $6 million per year? Are you kidding me? Open market, the guy gets $8 million+. Datsyuk? Move over Ilya, Pavol's taking your money. Both players were under the so called "Lidstrom rule." No one on that team was allowed to make more than Nik Lidstrom. Ask Marian Hossa about that.
Now, I used the linemate argument so let me clarify. Hockey is a team game. Ilya Kovalchuk is nothing without someone to get him the puck. As a fantasy hockey player, it is amazing to see what happens to these star players when a linemate gets hurt. Even Ovechkin's numbers drop. The point I am making is not that Mikko Koivu is better than any of the players listed above. I am not even trying to say he is as good as any of them. All I am trying to say is exactly what Chuck Fletcher said on the conference call tonight:
"How do you know?"
The point is, you don't. No one does. Koivu has never had a legitimate scoring winger on his line. Once or twice a year, Marian Gaborik got to skate with Koivu, but never for very long. It was always explained as "creating a secondary scoring threat."Right now he has Andrew Brunette, who Koivu makes into a 60 point player, and Antti Miettinen, who despite Koivu, is still a 40 point player.
Look at Marleau. He, Heatley and Thornton all topped 80 points. Datsyuk and Zetterberg both hit 70 this season (in a very down year for them). Both Ovechkin and Backstrom topped 100. Is there really a belief that this is by accident? It takes great players to be able to play with great players. Backstrom has to be a great center to play with Ovechkin, etc. Koivu has never had another great player.
What was really happening is that Koivu was (and of times still is) out against the opponent's top line. It makes it more difficult to score when you are slated with preventing the other team from scoring. The top line for the Wild serves as a scoring /checking line. Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau are not out to shut down Sidney Crosby when he visits, but Koivu and Brunette are.
Oh, and his point total has gone up every season except the Mathias Ohlund cheap shot stick chop season.
Got it? To re-cap: Koivu has been hosed his entire career, and yet still puts up 60-70 points. Put him on a line with another great player. Then, and only then, can you tell me he doesn't stack up with those other guys. Put the other guys on a line with Bruno and Mittens and let's see how many points they put up.
Aaaaaannnnndddd.... breathe.
Now, as for why he is worth it, even without the points. Why that is is difficult to explain to people outside of Minnesota. It takes watching the guy play for 82 games a season to see why. It's those pesky intangibles. The leadership, the steady presence, the battles in the corner. It's the little things that few people in the league do as well as he does, but that don't show up in the stat sheet.
Sure, lots of guys have the leadership. There are 30 captains and 60 alternates in the league, right? Lots of grizzled vets like Owen Nolan out there to provide that element. Plenty of centers have face off win % above 50%. More than a fair share of players have 70+ points a year.
But how many have all of it?
There's your answer. There is the $6.75 million answer.
I'm not quite sure why it falls to me to justify the contract. I'm not even sure why I took the time to do so. As I said on Twitter: People outside Minnesota don't understand how good he is, and people inside Minnesota think he is better than he is. All I am trying to say is that you can't judge him by the points he puts up, and unless you watch him play all 82 games for the past five seasons, you have no idea, and it cannot be explained so I won't even try.
Is he as good as Sidney Crosby? Nope. Is he as good as Alex Ovechkin? Not even close. Is he as good as the guys listed above? I have to say he certainly could be. It should not be a stretch of the imagination to think he could be.
There you have it Wild fans, and non-Wild fans alike. There is your justification for $6.75 million per season, and the counter argument to your belief that he isn't. Do with it as you will. For those wanting to call the contract stupid, over-paying, or whatever else you want to do, feel free. You don't get it, and you never will.
As for Wild fans: live it up. THis is your Joe Mauer or Brett Favre signing. This is a super-star staying in Minnesota. Enjoy it.
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I'll post this again
- Koivu became the Wild’s true #1 center since the 08/09 season so his 05-06 (21 points) and 06-07 (54 points) is him being a 2nd-3rd liner
- Until 09-10 season, Wild played Lemaire style trap where centermen are suppose to hang back and be the 3rd defensive player. Koivu scored 42pts in 57 games and 67pts in 79 games.
- 09-10 Wild struggled to change from trap style to offensive style. Koivu scored 71 pts in 80 games with a team struggling to understand the team system…
- He is the Wild’s captain
- He’s our #1 center
- He’s our #1 PP center
- He’s our #1 PK center
- He’s our #1 5-3, PP or PK center
- Logged #1 TOI for a Wild forward
- Best faceoff % for the Wild
- Most shots by Wild player (246, 2nd place is only 175)
- Tied for 1st for Wild forward in shots blocked
- Scored only 8 points on PP, meaning 63 points he made during regular minutes
- Linemates were Brunette (one of the slower players in the NHL) and Miettinen (who should only be a third liner)
- #1 center for Finnish national team
- Kills 7 UFA years.
What other roles besides #1 defenseman and starting goalie can Koivu not fill?
Koivu’s offensive numbers is expected to increase. Next year, no idea. Within those 7 years, definately. So as Koivu gets better wingers, the offense gets more spread out and as the team grasping the idea of an offensive style better, I think Koivu’s norm of 70pts should increase as the team gets better.
Great article and fully agree!
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by circulartheory on Jul 15, 2010 10:52 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
+1000
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twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 15, 2010 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions
He just does everything
He’s our captain
He’s our scorer
He’s our playmaker
He’s our checker
He’s our PP, PK specialist
He’s our faceoff specialist
….
He’s our waterboy?
Front page writer for Hockey Wilderness!
by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 12:05 AM CDT up reply actions
He’s our heart
He’s our soul
He’s our hero
He’s our courage
He’s our grit
He’s our determination
He’s our everything.
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 12:07 AM CDT up reply actions
We really need to post this worldwide so that naysayers can shut their traps about Koivu being overpaid, which he very clearly isn't
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 12:15 AM CDT up reply actions
By ''this'', I mean pretty much everything that has been written about it on this post and comment page.
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 12:15 AM CDT up reply actions
Glad to see that he’s staying. Love the move. I was reading about it on HF Boards and they’re having a field day with it, many saying “it’s huge overpayment,” “he’s not worth that much,” “terrible deal,” etc. Of course, many of them probably just look at point totals and rarely watch Wild games to begin with.
by Call of the Wild on Jul 15, 2010 11:13 PM CDT reply actions
Attaboy Bryan! Let me join you and show you what I wrote on facebook a couple of hours ago:
Anyone who thinks Koivu’s new 7 year, 6.75Million per year contract is too high, think about this: What other team needs a guy like Koivu more than the Wild? Sure his contract is higher than Datsyuk’s, but Datsyuk isn’t as valuable to Detroit as Koivu is to the Wild.
Detroit reached 100 points despite missing guys like Holmstrom, Franzen and Zetterberg for parts of the year and Datsyuk posted very ordinary numbers.
What happens when Kaptain Koivu’s not playing? We don’t win. It’s as simple as that.
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
Awesome defensively, one of the best 2 way players in the game, doesn’t get any recognition at all from the average fan, nor the respect he deserves. He never takes a shift off, plays his heart out from start to finish. Offensively, he put up more points than the “savior” Toews this past season with average wingers in Bruno and Mittens. Give the guy a sniper and he can put up 80+ points. Outsiders fail to realize just how good Mikko really is.
by Call of the Wild on Jul 15, 2010 11:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Wanna know who's getting overpaid?
Guys like Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta, who caught lightning in a bottle with those good seasons they had. Koivu’s getting better every year in every aspect.
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
Couldn't agree more!
Long time reader, first time commenter – Loved the article and I couldn’t agree more! Koivu brings everything to the table. Koivu is, and will continue to be, the cornerstone that our Savior (Fletcher) continues to build his masterpiece around. I hope Bouchard makes a full recovery so he and Mikko can finally unleash the offensive power that we all know they are capable of. I’ll be the first to admit that the process is far from over – so long as Sh*p is still on the roster – but the Wild are making all the right moves to become a legitimate contender year after year! In Fletcher We Trust!!!
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Really, His Base is 5.4 mil, yes the average is 6.75
But because he is getting a bonus ever other year, its really 5.4. 1.85 mil Bonus and the last bonus is double. so in that final year of the deal he will get 9.15 or something like that.
So look closer, its only 5.4. Bonuses are paid differently than base pay.
Great Job in getting him signed.
I don't give a rip about $$; too much for whatever, blah, blah, blah. Who cares!?
At this point, it is going to be EXTREMELY important for this team to have some stability. What better place than to maintain that stability than at the TEAM’S CAPTAIN. There is still an amazing amount of rebuilding to be done. He wants to be here, the team wants him (and needs him) here. End of argument in my book.
Let's Go Twins!
Minnesota Wild Off-season: In Fletch We Trust.
Fletcher is an absolute magician.
wish we could have brought him here earlier
"Brian Cardinal left Purdue being the only Boilermaker to receive both the "Mr. Hustle" Award and the "Courage" Award four years in a row"
+1
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 12:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Agreed
Outsiders just can’t seem to understand any of the points you just made redheadzeb.
by Call of the Wild on Jul 15, 2010 11:37 PM CDT reply actions
Datsyuk = Jesus on skates. By far the best hands in the league. The things he can do with the puck never cease to amaze me. This speaks for itself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pkx1dUK7Tek&feature=related
by Call of the Wild on Jul 16, 2010 12:15 AM CDT up reply actions
Of course, but I will NEVER buy that he's better than Koivu
I refuse. We’ve got everything to prove it. Just because Datsyuk’s flashier doesn’t mean he’s better. This year, with all the injuries the Wings suffered, we all saw Datsyuk revert to being a mere mortal. Koivu’s always kept a high level of play with clearly inferior linemates and a clearly inferior team than Datsyuk.
I will take this argument to the grave, NO ONE will ever convince me that Datsyuk is better than Koivu.
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twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 12:18 AM CDT up reply actions
That being said...
Datsyuk is hella fun to watch.
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twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 12:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Yep
LOVE watching him play. He’s awesome. Since you said you’ll take it to the grave, I won’t try to convince you then haha. Like both of them, both fun to watch. Koivu isn’t out of Datsyuk’s league at all, either and he deserves every dime he’s getting.
by Call of the Wild on Jul 16, 2010 12:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Datsyuk vs Koivu
I dunno. Datsyuk is one hell of a player…
But the arguments made that Koivu is WAY out of his league and doesn’t deserve his money is ridiculous…
Its not even an argument of who’s better. Its an argument if Koivu deserves his 6.75mil, which he does
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by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 12:24 AM CDT up reply actions
You can’t give up hope! Never give up hope! Sometimes you’ve gotta keep hoping and stick your fingers in your ears and yell LALALALALALALA
Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)
by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jul 16, 2010 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Even with PMB on the wing with Koivu and Bruno
Koivu should AT LEAST break the point per game barrier.
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twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 12:05 AM CDT up reply actions
All I hope for next season
70 Pts, and him doing everything I listed above for the Wild.
However, in 2-3 years, I hope for around 80pts and him doing everything I listed above for the Wild
In the end, he needs better linemates, and that isn’t going to happen right away.
Front page writer for Hockey Wilderness!
by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 12:07 AM CDT up reply actions
Just that we don’t have the assets to trade for Bobby Ryan. I would love it if we got him, don’t get me wrong, but doing so would cost quite a bit via trade. We’d have to offer sheet him and hope the Ducks don’t match, and the only way they don’t match is if it’s big time overpayment. If they did that, we’d have to give up picks as compensation, and that is something that we can’t do.
by Call of the Wild on Jul 16, 2010 12:29 AM CDT up reply actions
No no I understand, It would be real tough to get him, very unlikely. I just meant if Koivu has an actual scoring winger, he can put up some points…
I hear ya. Everyone here wants it to happen, but it would be tough. Kovalchuk wants a hella ton of money (and there’s no way we can get him, unless the miracle of all miracles happens), there are risks involved with Frolov (character and the fact that his point totals have gone down every year for the last 4 years), and that’s where it goes downhill as far as forwards go. Neal and Setoguchi are other RFA options, but almost guaranteed that both of their teams would match any offer sheet for either of them, and no idea how much we’d have to give up in order to acquire one of them.
by Call of the Wild on Jul 16, 2010 12:41 AM CDT up reply actions
If we compare Koivu to Brian Campbell....
We made a hell of a bargain!
Seriously though, we could’ve paid him 10Million per year, and it would have been worth it nonetheless. Crippling maybe, but worth it. He’s the Wild’s everything. He IS the Wild
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I don't know about that...
Both are centers.
Not really a one-two punch, when they’re on different lines…
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by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 12:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Well, Crosby and Malkin are considered a one-two punch despite being on seperate lines...
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by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 12:12 AM CDT up reply actions
True
My bad
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by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 12:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Let's just call it a first-second punch instead! ;-)
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twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 12:14 AM CDT up reply actions
MMMMMMMM....
Actually, we could very well see that as early as 2011-2012, because Granlund is almost NHL ready… but 3-4 years would be playing it safe of course
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by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 12:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Just wondering Wild fans, and for the record, I like the player, and I don’t mean this to troll you guys…but…
Is no one concerned at all with how the agent got everything he asked for? It sounds from the stories I have read today that he drove the bus in this deal.
People talk about comparables, and say this guy makes Koivu overpriced…or this guy is a better player, but thats not my point either.
My point is that your GM did not use the main comparison that could have saved him some money.
Both came in around the same time. Both had the same sort of progress. Both are fierce two way centers with offensive talent that kill penalties and play on the power play.
To me, that is an accurate comparison. Kesler signed for 5 mil. I get that Wild fans may feel he is worth it, and you all sound happy.
That’s great.
But why not bring it up? Or is Kesler that much underpaid?
;-)
I think Kesler is slighty underpaid
But at the same time, think of what Koivu’s agent would have said:
“Unlike Kesler, Koivu carries a team. Your team. Kesler can kill penalties and play PP but Koivu does that AND plays #1 line minutes.”
And we all know, the longer we wait, the higher the price will get but no one is thinking Koivu is going to have an offyear. He is either going to stay at where he is or get better, and I rather have the team locked him up at the price they were asking for than waiting for a season to go on and then have them to ask for more.
Kesler is a good player, he really is. If Kesler was with the Wild, he could possibly do just as much as Koivu, but the point is, he hasn’t done that yet with his respective team because they are deep enough to not to put all that burden on one player. Wild aren’t and Koivu has proven to be able to handle that amount of workload, upping his asking price.
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by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 1:03 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah…that’s not why I brought him up.
He is as good as Koivu. He has done “it” already with his team. He is an alternate captain, and in addition to special teams, has produced at the same level as Koivu throughout is career. The only reason he doesn’t “get #1 minutes” is we have the Twins. thats a good problem to have.
Everything else, he has done the same. Look at the numbers. Their points are almost identical. Kesler did that with second line and PP time.
He would be the same type of player for the Wild. Kesler does carry our team…just has others to help with the lifting.
The facts are…just numbers wise, Fletcher should have brought up Kesler because he is THE comparison as far as value.
I get what you are saying about the relative value. Koivu is so valuable to your team, he is the captain.
He got what he could, and it sounds like Wild fans are happy. That’s great.
But they could have gotten him a little cheaper is all. That was all I was getting at.
I understand your argument, its a valid one, don't worry, not upset lol
But I think its about whats proven and whats not. Kesler is a very talented player but has he proven he carries a team? If the Nucks lost Kesler to injury, would losses be racking up? IMO, I don’t believe so just because the Nucks are just so talented, they never had to put so much responsibility on him.
However, Koivu has proven he can carry the Wild. He has been their #1 guy in every aspect, besides fighting, goalie and defense.
Point wise, yes, but as everyone knows, its not all about points. With the Nucks, the opposing team knows they need to shutdown the Sedins. Thats number one. Next is to shutdown Kesler, Raymond and Burrows. Wth the Wild, shutdown Koivu first, then Latendresse 2nd. Afterwards, theres nothing left but a loss for them. Yet, Koivu can still put up the points.
Skill wise, they could be even. Stat wise, could be even. But just the fact that Koivu has had to lift a team all by himself while Kesler has people to help him out, raises Koivu’s asking price by a good amount. With that said, I think Kesler is slightly underpaid, so the gap really shouldn’t be that big.
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by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 1:37 AM CDT up reply actions
And Kesler has decent linemates to help him in points anyways
Koivu has slow Brunette and 3rd liner Miettinen…
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by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 1:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Its all good my friend.
Actually, I was bringing it up because it seemed…a bit like throwing money around for a team fairly close to the Cap.
The Wild are now in that realm of teams paying close to the cap. When a player that aches for the comparison ( and maybe they did bring it up in talks…WTF do we all know about all that right? ) gets 1.75 less, its a fair question.
That’s one up and coming winger, or a young defenseman…or three minimum contracts.
Its all good guys.
Well...
Well, you have to pay a player for what he’s worth, even if it is close to the cap. You cannot use the team’s cap situation to dictate a players salary, you’ll just have to fit it in.
Koivu and Kesler do make a fair comparison. I think its quite fair that if they reversed roles, Kesler would be making 6.75mil with the Wild and Koivu 5mil with the Nucks, as Kesler would have shown he could carry a team while Koivu is buried behind talent.
And if we did have one up and coming winger, or a young defenseman, GM Fletcher would have made room…
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by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 1:52 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree, but there's one thing on my mind...
If you’re going to compare Koivu to Kesler, then it’s not O.K. to compare Kesler to Plekanec, because Plekanec cannot be compared to Koivu. Not at all. Plekanec was overpaid and being the Habs hater that I am, his contract fills me with glee!
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by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions
It seems like throwing money around to everyone but Wild fans.
We understand perfectly that this had to be done as soon as possible. What if he has a 90 point season this year? His extension would’ve likely been much,much higher. If all naysayers could look at the first comment of this post, they would be that much closer to understanding…
I’m not saying that you’re one of them vancitydan. While you say we could’ve gotten him for less, at least you’re not saying it’s a horrible contract, which it really isn’t.
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twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Exactly. Your point about the 90 pts is very valid too.
Hey, I have no problem with it. Like I said above, it seems Wild fans are happy…the rest of us can go hang right? (jk)
My only problem with it was that I saw that Kesler, out of any players in the NHL ( and Plekanec could not hold either of their jockstraps! ) is the closest possible comparison to Koivu. One need only look at some of the great battles both players have had against one another.
In that sense, I thought if Gillis got Kes’ for 5 mil, 6.75 seemed a little steep. Not an overpayment, just at the upper end of the scale.
6 mil and I wouldn’t batt an eye.
But yeah, he is a good player, and you have him locked for 7 years…
Bonus Money
I think it’s also important to remember that the guaranteed money that Koviu makes is $5.4 million. The bonus brings him up to $7.29 every other season. The average is then $6.75, but that’s not a fixed number every season. His base pay is actually comparable to Kesler.
Except that does not matter. I don’t know Kes’s contract intimately. Maybe he gets paid some bonuses too.
I do know that the only number that matters is overall compensation divided by number of years. That is the only number that matters.
Well, I’m going to have to disagree with your statement that the only number is the average. Take Marian Hossa’s contract for instance…
It goes from paying him $7.9 million to $750,000. That drop off is huge. The average for his deal is $5.23 million per season, but only one year is that relatively close to what he’ll actually get paid. So while I do agree that the average is important, it’s also important to note what his price per season and his base pay is.
by oni_link_04 on Jul 21, 2010 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions
I would kill for Kesler. Great player. All star caliber. Stuck behind Hank, so doesn’t get the love. That’s why Kes makes 5, and Mikko makes 6.75.
As for why Mikko got everything he wanted, sometimes the two sides come up with the same starting point, you know? If both sides think he can get 7 on the open market, and both sides feel 7 years is solid term, why not just give it to him? There is no reason to be confrontational just to be confrontational. If Mikko come out with and over of 7 years at 6.75 per and the Wild counter with 6 years at 6.5, is anything really solved? I don’t think so.
Mikko has always made very fair deals with the Wild, and they have always proven to fit right where he should in the comparable areas. It certainly is rare for a player and team to come up with the same numbers, but in this case, I think it happened.
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Rule #17: You may not impersonate representatives of Hockey Wilderness and handout NHL themed wrist bands.
Nice.
Great signing by Fletch. I feel no need to defend it at all. I just wonder when we’re going to get that scoring winger.
After all, we should feel extra lucky, you know what he who shall no longer be named would have done? Let him walk next year for nothing, and then resign Chis Simon.
I’m just happy the Rangers got us out from under that Boogaard contract so we could sign Koivu.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jul 16, 2010 9:28 AM CDT reply actions
First time poster, but long time reader
First things first…I am a Red Wings fan (please don’t eat my face off) first, Wild fan second. Born in Detroit, but lived in MN/WI for the past 13 years!
So I wanted to say that Mikko is definitely worth this money. I love the guy, and he really represents the team. Also is their only real outstanding talent, outside of Backstrom. People that say he isn’t worth the money are people who probably JUST look at stats. I guarantee you that they’ve seen Mikko play less than 3 times per year if they say ‘overpaid’. PLEASE get him some legitimate wingers…anyone? Anyone?
One thing I wanted to clear up real quick, is that Datsyuk and Zetterberg hardly play together at all the past couple years. They played maybe 10-12 games on the same line this season (and about 25-30 games on the same PP unit). Year before that, it was about 3-5 games on the same line. Datsyuk played with Hossa for about 50 games, and Franzen for the rest (although they’re no slouches either). I agree Mikko could probably be a 85-90 point guy with some quality wings. Nothing against Brunette.
Well I’ll be posting here more often now…so please don’t kill me, guys =D
No promises! ;)
Nah, don’t worry! It’s always fun to have more fans posting on here and since you’re also a fan of the Wings, we can have some Wings fan perspective for when moves are made that bring Wings to the Wild. Don’t you dare gloat when the wings beat the Wild though! ;)
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twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions
Psss...
Should we tell him that we hate Wings fans?
Front page writer for Hockey Wilderness! Follow me at: http://twitter.com/CircularTheory. I will make prospect updates!
by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Well, yes we do, very much so in fact!
But he’s part Wild fan too, so that’s O.K.!
Also, as long as he doesn’t troll on here about the Wings, he’s fine with me!
Bryan might bite his face off though!
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Hey now. We don’t hate ALL WIngs fans. Just some of them.
Hockey Wilderness
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Rule #17: You may not impersonate representatives of Hockey Wilderness and handout NHL themed wrist bands.
LOL thanks guys. No worries, I’m not a trash talker!!!
by plopperrawr on Jul 16, 2010 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions
plopperrawr = my new best friend lol
Wild and Wings are my 2 favorite teams as well. High five!!
by Call of the Wild on Jul 16, 2010 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions
SM123
Wasn’t Koivu put on a line with Havlat? He WASN’T good with Havlat? If you can’t play on a line with playmaker Havlat, what makes you think just having a good player to play with makes Koivu a better player? Havlat was on a line with Bolland/Ladd on the BHawks (not stars) and that line was golden, so stop making excuses for Koivu!!
He’s got a lot to live up to the next few years, lets hope the pressure doesn’t choke him
Koivu did not play with Havlat, no. They are both playmakers…it doesn’t make a lot of sense to put two guys who will just pass back and forth to each other.
Well wait. Havlat was on the point on the PP for awhile…so yeah…Koivu probably played like…100 minutes with Havlat this year? Less maybe?
by plopperrawr on Jul 16, 2010 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah but Mittens?
Koivu NEVER had good linemates, ever! And the first line was also golden thanks to Koivu, who made Bruno into a 60 point player and Mittens into… well… an undeserving 1st liner.
And you make it seem like Havlat was a 80 point player with Bolland and Ladd, which he wasn’t.
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twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions
I would love for you to show me film of Koivu skating with Havlat. They did not show chemistry, and Havlat moved to the second line. Not because Koivu couldn’t get the puck to Havlat, but because Havlat could not seem to keep up with Mikko. In come Lats, and Havlat had his finisher.
Two playmakers on a line does not make goals without someone to shoot the puck.
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Rule #17: You may not impersonate representatives of Hockey Wilderness and handout NHL themed wrist bands.
big money
I didnt know that they had that kinda of money to throw around..
where was this money when Marion Gaborik needed to be signed?
get mad at me etc. but..
I’d rather have Gabbys goals!
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 10:37 AM CDT reply actions
Wow.... -1000
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twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Didn't we offer him 8mil a yr?
Rather have the guy who is just as important as Gabby but is willing to play for us at 6.7mil for practically his entire career
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by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Koivu's way more important than Gabby IMO
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twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
Indeed, the Wild did offer 8 million per season. Gaborik told them to shove it, because he wanted 9. He then settled for 7.5.
If you’re going to go the Gaborik route the Old Timer, you best be prepared to bring it, because that’s one of my areas of expertise, and not something I am fond of reliving.
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42 goals last year..
sure woulda been nice to have those 42 goals on our team
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 10:40 AM CDT reply actions
I prefer having the best player to ever wear the Wild jersey for another 7 years
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twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Oh and fat lot of good those 42 goals did the Rangers
They couldn’t even trust him in the shootout because he’s terrible at them and it cost them a spot in the playoffs. Koivu is our best shootout taker, can be trusted with EVERYTHING
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twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions
koivu 22 goals, and a minus 2..
gabby 42 goals and a plus 15
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 10:44 AM CDT reply actions
You can't just look at the stats
Koivu does it all for us.
Gabby couldn’t backcheck, he just stayed there waiting for the pass. He also didn’t care about this team enough to even watch the games while he was injured
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by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions
Also
Gabby can’t win faceoffs
Gabby can’t play PK
Gabby can’t shutdown opposing lines
Gabby couldn’t handle his groin (immature giggle)
Gabby can’t play physical
Gabby can’t be captain
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by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Marian "The Cancer" Gaborik
Dude, the old GM offered The Cancer a 10-year, $80 million dollar contract. The Cancer did not want to play here. He was hell bent on leaving Minnesota. Why would you want a player like that around if he doesn’t want to play here?
Also, he went and had surgery the last season he was here to cure pain. It was actually medically impossible for him to hurt his hip more. We finished 2 points out of the playoffs, and had The Cancer actually sucked it up and played the season out instead of just 13 games, we would have for sure made the postseason, possibly challenging for another Northwest Division title.
The Cancer needed to go because, well, he’s The Cancer.
well. for the money Koivu’s getting……
he better play like Steve Izerman!
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 10:56 AM CDT reply actions
At current times..
I’m sure Izerman (hehehe) would have made more than 6.7mil
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by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions
By the way...
Yzerman. With a “Y.” One of the best players to ever play the game. Get it right.
Hockey Wilderness
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yeah, dont make a typo…… ever..
you will be corrected..after all. people live for that..LOL
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions
Typo should be least of your worries
Might start thinking your statement about Yzerman making 6.7million at these times. Ridiculous.
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by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions
I was saying Yzerman was way better than Koiuv ever will be……
and…..YES Id give a player like Yzerman the money.
Not Mikko
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Yserman would be making
8-10 mil right now. Yes, Yserman is one of the best to ever play the game. Give Mikko some time and better line mates, see what he does then.
For God sake, Yserman had players like Hull, Federov, Shanahan, Luc (cant spell his last name) He was surrounded with Hall type players, Koivu has none of that.
Yzerman was a heckava skater, passer, playmaker…
and played on a broken knee in the playoffs.
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions
So if Yzerman is better than MK, and would be making around 9mil
Is 6.7mil for MK that far off?
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by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions
I make typos all the time. I’m a writer. You seem to do it like it’s your job to make typos. And you write in stanzas. I’m not quite sure what your aim is.
Hockey Wilderness
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Rule #17: You may not impersonate representatives of Hockey Wilderness and handout NHL themed wrist bands.
OTHG
Since you seem insistent on doing this.
Gaborik last year had 42 goals, yes he did. After missing 154 games for the Wild over the course of his 8 seasons with the Wild, including missing 65 games in his contract year. He did absolutely nothing in the playoff runs the Wild did have, never bothering to show up when the pressure was on. He held out of camp when he didn’t get the contract he wanted the first time around.
Last season was his second 80 point season. 2 seasons does not make a superstar. 2 seasons does not prove anything. He gets hurt again in his career, and NYR fans will have his ass in a sling. He was offered a deal by the team that drafted him, developed him into the player he is, and then bolted after pissing off every fan with a brain, and pissing off the organization as well.
Gaborik is a joke. He is another in a long line of Kovalchuk, Lebron James, Letrell Spreewell type players. You want to cheer for them, go ahead. Move to New York. They love players with big personalities who overshadow the team. They love players who think they are the team. They love players who demand the big money yet never win anything.
You want to cheer for those types of guys? Go ahead. Lots of people will cheer along with you, since they don’t understand just what a guy like Gaborik is. You want to cheer for the on-ice, points in the boxscore, give me my god damned money type of guy. Feel free. The rest of us will be over here cheering for the guys who want to be part of a team, and who play in both ends of the ice.
Enjoy your Rangers next season. They’re going to be really solid with Gaborik and Boogaard.
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Rule #17: You may not impersonate representatives of Hockey Wilderness and handout NHL themed wrist bands.
My real reason to stop by was this:
Justification from Russo in almost the exact same terms I used. Enjoy that.
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Rule #17: You may not impersonate representatives of Hockey Wilderness and handout NHL themed wrist bands.
yeah
I can see the Wild are trying the Twins “little engine that could”.. plan….
try to go bigtime with average players who will hopefully overachieve..
It hasnt been working…….
this fall I will be focusing on college hockey..
because its more fun to watch anyways…
and they have a band!
Is there a possible NHL strike ahead?
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 11:03 AM CDT reply actions
That was DR's style
Getting guys like Mittens and Brunette to play with Koivu, average players who will hopefully overachieve.
Now, we’re bringing in Havlat, Cullen, Latendresse. Alot better than guys Nolan, Miettinen and Belanger, wouldn’t you agree?
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by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions
lets not rip on Nolan
He was brought in for his grit and low style of play, not first line mins.
I mean, I like Nolan, and he does his job
But wasn’t DR expecting alot from Nolan, like with Miettinen and Belanger?
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by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Do you like altercations?
If you dont like the Wild, then why are you here posting?
Koivu deserves this contract, have fun with Gabby and his glass hip.
unlikely that the NHLPA would have a strike but you might see a lockout.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jul 16, 2010 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions
G-Lat and Cullen are good adds for the team
Is this the wild butt kiss blog??
do we always have to agree and drink the purple koolaid?.
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 11:13 AM CDT reply actions
No...
But when you say we “bigtime with average players who will hopefully overachieve”, would LOVE to know who you’re referring to, because I don’t know what it is.
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by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions
No we don’t all have to agree, but you have made a science out of bitching about everything the team does. You want to do that, go to the Wild message board. Lots of folks that will help you do it.
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Ha ha. Nah. Easily irritated by stupidity. No anger. ;-)
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since the franchises inception..
theyve drafted poorly
it going to take time or moves to change things
James Sheppard for one
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 11:18 AM CDT reply actions
Thats all DR's moves.
This is now Fletches team, give him some time.
Sheppard was drafted to be a good player, not to be an average overachiever
So its not like we saw an average player and decided we wanted him.
Anyways, that was DR’s move. So that doesn’t really support your statement
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by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions
DR when in CAlgary,
Took a decent team and ran them in to the ground, got fired and Calgary came back to prominence, DR came here, had a couple good drafts, then lost his way, Now let Fletch continue working to improve the team, it will take a while.
when a team isnt competive they deserve to be ripped!
This is the State of Hockey.
they have a flag saying so hanging in the rink!
tired of being out coached and out managed
by teams like florida and atlanta……….
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 11:20 AM CDT reply actions
Your right! You are 100% correct!
So we fired our GM
We let go our Assistant GM Tom Lynn
We let go our Assistant GM Tommy Thompson
We let go our Head Coach
We let go our Assistant coach Mike Ramsey
We let go our Assistant coach Mario Tremblay
We let go a bunch of our scouts
All in one season.
I would call that a big rip. Wouldn’t you agree?
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by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions
Out coached? I seriously doubt it
Atlanta don’t even have a postseason win yet if I’m not mistaken and well… Florida’s GM has done amazing work this year, but so has CF
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twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions
they’ve scouted better than we have!
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 11:24 AM CDT reply actions
Correct again!
Therefore!
So we fired our GM
We let go our Assistant GM Tommy Thompson
We let go a bunch of our scouts
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by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Can't think of anything left to do...
But fire our mascot?
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by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions
Or fire the cleaning lady...
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by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions
with all the hockey wisdom in this town..
its embarrassing that we dont know what players to pick……
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 11:25 AM CDT reply actions
Ive been following the Wilds drafting since 2001
do I need to bring up Wanvig instead of Cammelleri debacle…..?
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions
Ive been scouting amateur hockey since 1976
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions
So comment on CF's draft, not DR because DR is of the past
What did you think of Granlund pick? IMO, great pick.
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by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions
hes got a lot of potential..
hopefully will be the shot in the arm this team needs
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions
So why are you still upset about the Wild?
All measures have been taken to change everything. New everything. Shouldn’t you be more optimistic? 2010 was the first draft done by the new staff and you like Granlund…
So I’m confused…
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by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Maybe he was pissed we
passed on another Dman.
yeah I wanted to take the Big Tinordi D guy..LOL
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Hey! Don't diss the big guy ;-)
In all seriousness, good prospect.
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by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions
Mark Tinordi’s kid!
Mark was the toughest s.o.b ive ever seen on the ice..
His kid is 6’5 +
probably will be the next derian hatcher
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions
What the hell were we even arguing about?
How did we end up talking about Tinordi?
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by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions
oh, you were talking about granlund..
i thought you said Tinordi was a good prospect..
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions
He did
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by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions
If you have been scouting since then,
You of all people should know that draft picks are not guarantees.
and since when is Drafting part of Coaching…. C’mon…
draft is potential.. coaching gets them to act it out on the ice
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah,
But the Coach is at the Mercy of the GM, DR wanted players like Pouliot and Shep to learn the game here, on 4th line roles, KILLING them developmentally wise.
I dont think Fletch will make that same mistake.
hopefully we will build up our prospects in the minors..
and have some options available..
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions
That's why almost all of CF's moves this off-season were to build depth in Houston
He’s letting a lot of DR’s prospects that haven’t hacked it go, and you’ll see that for the next few seasons.
There have been several drafts where
players didnt pan out. I would say the best team draft wise is the Red Wings, and the draft is a crap shoot anyways.
That is all DR, Not Fletch.
Fletch will make it right, give the guy some time.
I wanna see the cup
Hey,
I wish the Wild well…..
after all.. its all for winning the Cup!
hope to see us win it someday……
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 11:28 AM CDT reply actions
We all agree
But you have to understand, its not going to happen overnight.
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by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Ive been waiting for the Cup since the 60’s when the Northstars came here
Been waiting a long time…..
and seen teams like Florida win the cup before us..
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions
And DR screwed that up, no one is arguing that
But now, the Wild have done everything possible to find a fix for that. Pretty much fired the whole hockey management staff and replaced them.
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by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions
ok so it was the Tamba Bay Lightning..in 03-04
still.. Tampa wins the cup before Minnesota????
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions
Jeebus, in 03-04, the Wild was 4 years old, give them a chance!
How long did it take Tampa to win the cup? Also, they had to suck for a while before becoming good. Drafting VC, being extremely lucky signing Marty St-Louis, an undrafted player (Could Wellman be the next St-Louis? They’re kinda similar.. let’s hope so!)
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twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions
hahahaa :)
We’re right though, you can’t build a winner overnight. Hell the Pens still finished dead last in Crosby’s rookie year where he scored 100 points
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twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Exactly
The Wild have taken a decidedly different approach to the way they are structuring this team from top to bottom. To overlook what Chuck is doing for this franchise is a total lack of understanding of what this team is going to be capable of in the coming years. Let him dump some more of the bad contracts that DR signed and get some able bodies to put alongside Koivu. Then, if they don’t perform, the criticism we’ve heard here will not fall on deaf ears. Most people here are of the mind that the current roster makes us a bubble team, but I expect between now and the trade deadline for some significant changes to occur that would improve our odds of putting us in the playoffs.
That being said, the fans here expect this team to be in the playoffs and to compete at a high level, so we can’t blow up the roster and do like Edmonton and build around their trio of young guns Hall, Eberle, and Paajarvi-Svensson. The Wild don’t have the depth for it right now, so we have to rebuild on the fly. I expect CF to try and move our upcoming UFA’s Miettinen, Kobasew, and Harding to clear up some cap space. And I also wouldn’t be surprised if Schultz, Burns, or even Backstrom got traded either to help in that effort. Then we would be able to add an elite talent to put alongside Koivu.
Expecting that this team should make it to the finals is just naive. Again, CF has been here for a year, and has made some impressive changes to this franchise. If given the time to build it, I am sure he will produce a winner in his tenure as our GM.
Clap...clap...clapclapclap *Standing ovation*
So much fun to see people make sense like you do nemo :)
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twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions
NTC
Not trying to stir up the hornet’s nest, but Backstrom has a No Trade Clause until the last year of his contract, so it makes it that much tougher to move the dude.
The Wild were in its 4th year in '03
do you really expect them to be a championship team within that amount of time?
yeah!
a new team.. gets best draft picks..
best chance to build winner
we gave DR the keys to the Cadillac and he drove it into the ditch..
im so pissed at him, still!
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Best chance to build a winner?
You mean getting leftovers via the expansion draft and getting a 3rd overall pick and a 4th overall pick in the 9 years DR was in ’’control’’. I hardly call that ‘’the Pittsburgh Penguins’’ package where they won the Crosby lottery and drafted Malkin, Staal, Fleury…
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twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions
I wish to see you use the reply button someday. -——— ^^^^
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jul 16, 2010 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions
I fully agree with you about Koivu, and...
First, here’s my piece:
http://www.behindthenethockey.com/2010/7/16/1572592/minnesota-wild-sign-mikko-koivu-to
One quibble: “Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau are not out to shut down Sidney Crosby when he visits, but Koivu and Brunette are.”
Actually, Todd McLellan changed their roles from what Ron Wilson had them doing. That is exactly what Marleau and Thornton are supposed to do.
Thanks Hawerchuk
And as I commented on your piece, it’s nice to see someone outside of the Minnesota fan base acknowledge that this deal makes sense.
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Thank you for setting me straight on that. Honestly. I don’t watch them, so I made the biggest mistake… I assumed. ;-)
Hockey Wilderness
Assistant Editor:SBN Minnesota
Rule #17: You may not impersonate representatives of Hockey Wilderness and handout NHL themed wrist bands.
Wow, I leave for about 20 minutes and hell as broken loose!
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
hahaha
I was thinking the same, although I’ve been gone a couple hours…
*has
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
OTHG... Really?
First off, since you likely don’t read the replies to your comments, let alone know how to reply directly to them:
1. Simple question – why do you write in stanza? This isn’t poetry class, full sentences are allowed.
2. Watching the Gophers and a couple high school games every year does not count as "scouting." Scouts fly to the far reaches of Canada, Europe, Russia, where ever the players are, they don’t wait for the players to play in front of them. Tuning your TV to FSN twice a week doesn’t count. You’re not a scout anymore than I am Russo.
Also, no one cares that you have been "scouting" since 1976. 99% of the readers here weren’t even born in 1976, including the people who write here. It’s 2010. The game has changed, and you apparently missed it. Did you know they wear helmets now?
3. As for your "typo" on Yzerman. Amazing that you Accidentally typed it out phonetically.
4. We do not all have to agree. However, the people who stop in and all they do is bitch about everything the team does will be criticized. If you read the blog with more than a passing glance, you will see that we rip the team more than most Wild blogs do. You would carry a lot more credit if you didn’t bitch over everything they do and somehow tell us that this is going to fuck the team yet again.
5. You continue to pick apart the drafting. There is a new GM. Shut up about how bad they are at drafting. The guy has drafted two classes. That’s it. You have a problem with the old guy, say so, but don’t continue to blame Fletcher for the mistakes of other people.
6. The Wild are not the North Stars. You have an issue with the Stars never winning a Cup, call Norm Green and the Gund brothers. This is not the same franchise, and it is not the same ownership. Nothing, absolutely nothing, is the same about the two franchises, except that they both played in Saint Paul and have the word "Minnesota" in their name. This is not a blog about the failures of the North Stars franchise. You want that, start one. I’ll bet all of the guys who have been "scouting" amateur hockey since 1976 will jump right in. Just as soon as they figure out how to turn on that new fangled machine their kids bought them.
Hockey Wilderness
Assistant Editor:SBN Minnesota
Rule #17: You may not impersonate representatives of Hockey Wilderness and handout NHL themed wrist bands.
I think....
“owned.” sums this up quite nicely
he dont own shit..
Ill still blow you off the rink any day hot shot!
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Again, what does THAT have to do with anything?
You don’t make it seem like you’re the older one here you know…
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions
what a bunch of condescending crap
Sorry I haven’t taken typing classes recently..LOL I generally scout high school games here in Minnesota. Seeing what prospects we have here in our state. My father was the one who played . with a leather helmet. the game has changed yes. A lot of guys don’t have those little skills you learn from being a rink rat. but the raw talent is still noticeable. skating stride, passing, position play are a few things we look at. I haven’t disagreed with everything the Wild have done.
but If you insist on making an enemy out of me, fine. Ring the bell I’m ready!
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions
haven’t disagreed with everything the Wild have done.
Really? Are you intoxicated?
but If you insist on making an enemy out of me, fine. Ring the bell I’m ready!
Ding, ding.
Hockey Wilderness
Assistant Editor:SBN Minnesota
Rule #17: You may not impersonate representatives of Hockey Wilderness and handout NHL themed wrist bands.
your insulting
and your hishonor your elders
very classy bunch here..
piss all over the guys who helped minnesota hockey
voulunteering time to coach, flood rinks..
buy equipment, shovel the rink..
ungrateful bunch of …&%(#%$
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 1:13 PM CDT reply actions
dishonor
and I know Buddha might seem angry…
but he didn’t do any of those things u just listed.
he was criticizing the way you post and your approach, nothing about you as a person…
Front page writer for Hockey Wilderness! Follow me at: http://twitter.com/CircularTheory. I will make prospect updates!
by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Geez OTHG, you have to realize that the bitching you do makes you look like you're an ignorant troll
Your arguments never make sense! What does ‘’dishonoring our elders’’ have anything to do with the fact that you want an all-Minnesota team + Gabby to play for the Wild, which we all point out makes absolutely no sense!
You’re the odd man out for a reason when it comes to everything that has been said here!
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions
so we just agree.. pat each other on the back and kiss each others asses here?
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions
..... WHAT?
Could you explain what you just wrote?
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions
No
If you have an opinion, its fine. But alot of times, when you post, you post sentences of “shouting” and thats it. You’re not offering opinion, you’re….not sure what to call it.
Front page writer for Hockey Wilderness! Follow me at: http://twitter.com/CircularTheory. I will make prospect updates!
by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Well
Congrats for helping out and stuff. You know how many thousands of people do those same things all over north America? I dunno what you want….I leave thank you letters for the people who take care of the outdoor rink I skate at. But I would have an argument with them same as anyone else. Don’t make this a sob story
i just said that.. not for recognition..
for Respect!
some of the replys are disrespectful and insulting..
especially if you dont drin k purple koolaid
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Right, we're all some kool-aid drinking cult trying to get you!
You want respect? Earn it the right way! Telling us you’re ’’better’’ than us because you’re an elder and calling us classles is just the kind of thing that makes you LOSE respect.
We’re not telling you to agree with us. We’re telling you to stop arguing everything the Wild does just for the sake of arguing. Just because YOU don’t like the moves doesn’t make them bad or stupid. Live with that
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions
But remember
you can stick here all you want, its your thoughts and ideas. Just don’t think many of us will follow you. we’re not banning you, we’re not kicking you out, we’re just not agreeing and you have to understand, you ideas are not very popular.
And its harder to agree with you when theres not much explanation besides lines of thoughts, as if we were reading your diary.
but if you truly believe in your ideas and opinions, continue. just don’t expect many of us (if any) to agree. I would post alot of my own stuff, and not everyone agrees, and its fine, as long as I believe in it and try to explain why I believe it. Thats where alot of us have a hard time understanding you, your ideas lack explanation, which will be very welcomed
Front page writer for Hockey Wilderness! Follow me at: http://twitter.com/CircularTheory. I will make prospect updates!
by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions
OTHG
The way you belittled the Wild is insulting, Crabbing about the old Regime and Criticizing the moves made by Fletch with out taking everything into perspective. If you would pay attention, we agree that the old regime was Horrible. Yes we Believe that our team should win, and win now, but we also realize that that’s not going to happen with this Roster. Keeping Gabby would have meant no Havlat, probably no G-lat (maybe).
Fletch is making this team better, one day at a time. The Problem with our team is that we were too competitive too quickly. So we lost out on great picks. Just because you were around watching hockey and scouting in the 70’s doesnt mean that you have more hockey smarts than people on here. Doesnt mean your not smarter either. Hockey and scouting in the 70’s is different than it is now. Players, with the internet and you tube, are Highly Visible.
Not once did I see anyone on here:
“piss all over the guys who helped minnesota hockey
voulunteering time to coach, flood rinks..
buy equipment, shovel the rink..
ungrateful bunch of …&%(#%$”
Personally, I have tons of respect for our founding fathers. But Times are a changing.
If you want to rip the Wild, Rip with Class, instead of asking why Koivu is better than gabby, Why dont you tell us why Gabby is better than Koivu, State your Opinion, not a one liner that pisses people off.
Draft threads
You should’ve seen the draft threads. Epic stuff there haha.
by Call of the Wild on Jul 16, 2010 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Game threads can also get quite hectic
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions
And with the WMBs dead...
It’ll be even more hectic this year
Front page writer for Hockey Wilderness! Follow me at: http://twitter.com/CircularTheory. I will make prospect updates!
by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Usually liven up a bit when I stir the pot. You should have been here for the A2Y debate. ;-)
Hockey Wilderness
Assistant Editor:SBN Minnesota
Rule #17: You may not impersonate representatives of Hockey Wilderness and handout NHL themed wrist bands.
Dishonoring my elders?
Really? No one simply gets my respect. It is earned, and you are far from earning it. I will disrespect anyone and everyone I choose to. One of the benefits of being here, in this grand country of ours. Also, a key benefit in writing for HW is that I get to belittle anyone I want. Makes it worth it, you know?
As for flooding rinks, coaching, shoveling rinks, buying equipment… man. I can respect that. Also why I do the same, so I’m unimpressed. As for "building Minnesota hockey" I am going to have to call bull shit on this one. I’m fairly in tune with Minnesota hockey, and I have no idea who you are. Yes, I know your name, and no, I have never heard of you. Lou Nanne built Minnesota hockey. Herb Brooks built Minnesota hockey. You didn’t build anything. Maybe a dog house, but certainly not Minnesota hockey.
If you are insulted by the replies, then I encourage you to reflect on just how easy it is for you to be insulted, buy a new pair of big boy pants, and suck it up. This is nothing compared to when we get really riled up. If you are insulted by what has been said here, by the time we’re done, you’re going to be soaked with your own tears.
As for you could skate circles around me on the ice… very "my dad can beat up your dad" type stuff. I quiver in my skates simply by being in the presence of your greatness, sir.
Hockey Wilderness
Assistant Editor:SBN Minnesota
Rule #17: You may not impersonate representatives of Hockey Wilderness and handout NHL themed wrist bands.
stirring things up
its fun to be a lightning rod for abuse!
seeing you all get pissed..lol
I like to say controversial things that need to be said..
and im not afraid to say them.
instead of tickling ears like some writers do…
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 4:03 PM CDT reply actions
Well I just got schooled
Sooo…all that stuff about being old. And the kool-aid. That was all necessary? Got it!!!!!!
evidently if you disagree, be prepared to be assauled with words.. mercilessly..
“and get used to it” is the message I got..
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Welcome to consequences resulting from your actions. You and my two year old could take the class together.
Hockey Wilderness
Assistant Editor:SBN Minnesota
Rule #17: You may not impersonate representatives of Hockey Wilderness and handout NHL themed wrist bands.
are you teaching him figure skating?
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions
That would be funny, if it wasn’t quite so laced with homophobia.
Hockey Wilderness
Assistant Editor:SBN Minnesota
Rule #17: You may not impersonate representatives of Hockey Wilderness and handout NHL themed wrist bands.
Actually the lesson is..
To explain your points instead of one sentence criticisms. Please.
Front page writer for Hockey Wilderness! Follow me at: http://twitter.com/CircularTheory. I will make prospect updates!
by circulartheory on Jul 16, 2010 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Who is pissed? Are you in my head now, too? I love when people tell me I am pissed, despite never having met me. All emotion you conjure up when reading is a reflection of your own feelings. If it helps you to think I am angry with you, so be it. Truly, I feel sorry for you. The comments you make seem to indicate that you really want people to agree with you, and they don’t. That must be very frustrating.
If you said controversial things, that would be one thing. All you do is disagree with everything the team does. You never propose a solution, except to sign all Minnesota born players. You have yet to post anything that is controversial. Controversy would be to suggest that the Wild are purposely signing unneeded contracts, and presenting the evidence to support it. What you do is get on your fancy shiny internet box and type in a couple of lines about how shitty the Wild are doing, that they will always suck, and that if they would just listen to you, everything would be OK.
That’s being a crackpot, not being controversial.
Hockey Wilderness
Assistant Editor:SBN Minnesota
Rule #17: You may not impersonate representatives of Hockey Wilderness and handout NHL themed wrist bands.
oohh boy
glad we got that cleared up..lol
You seem to know everyone and everything so well..
The double standard is hilarious
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Did I tell you
what your emotions
are?
No. I
did not. No double
standard to be found.
Hockey Wilderness
Assistant Editor:SBN Minnesota
Rule #17: You may not impersonate representatives of Hockey Wilderness and handout NHL themed wrist bands.
or would that be tickling eyes..lol
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 4:08 PM CDT reply actions
This Caps fan thinks the Wild did just fine with this contract, and congratulates you. Over at Japers’ we were kinda looking at Mikko on the UFA centers list, and thinking…
But we’re glad you signed your franchise player, and even happier that Backstrom signed up for ten more with us.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Indeed. I bet a few of you were drooling over ol’ Mikko. I, too am glad Backstrom signed with the Caps. Keeps my fantasy squad in relevance.
Hockey Wilderness
Assistant Editor:SBN Minnesota
Rule #17: You may not impersonate representatives of Hockey Wilderness and handout NHL themed wrist bands.
Can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!
The best thing about this “controversy” is how much attention the Wild are getting. Ever since the DR/JL regime I feel like the Wild have been largely written off as a boring, unexciting team.
With the attention of this contract hopefully the Wild may be able to shake the stereotype.
Koivu, FTW!
Not only is everyone disagreeing with you on this post OTHG...
They’ve disagreed with pretty much everything you’ve written on HW, and it’s for a reason.
We’re not all just ‘’Ooooh everything CF does is magic’‘, it’s because he’s donig a genuinely good job! Those who can’t see that will feel the wrath of HW IF AND ONLY IF their view is as flawed as yours.
You’ve given no other reason for why Gaby deserves more than Koivu than: ‘’Koivu 22 goals, Gaby 42 goals’’ or whatever. That’s comparing apples and oranges! Don’t you know that
A) Koivu’s not a sniper, he’s a playmaker, you know? Someone who makes everyone around him better (Bruno and Mittens serve as proof). Gaborik on the other hand IS a sniper, you know? Someone who waits for the puck to be given to him by a playmaker so he can score. So of course Gaborik’s going to score a lot more goals, but that doesn’t make him better or more important than Koivu.
B) Koivu’s got leadership, can play excellent two-way hockey, has stunning strength and vision and gets better every year. Gaby on the other hand didn’t care about the Wild, can’t play in his own zone to save his life, is as fragile as a mirror being thrown off a flight of stairs and the only reason his points go up is because he plays more games than other years, so we can’t really tell if he’s gotten better or not.
You see? If you offer a clear explanation to your opinion as I have just done, there’s no reason for us to be hard on you or ‘’insult you’‘. All we can do if we disagree is give you our way of thinking in the same matter. The way you do it is just state that you’re right while everyone else is wrong, so no wonder everyone’s trying to set you straight!
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
*same manner
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
I want the Wild to win the Stanley Cup! Does anyone disagree? I’d love to see a larger quantity of Minnesota players on the team. The Minnesota list I had posted was to show how many good players from Minnesota are in the NHL now. Not that we should sign them all. The assistant editor likes belittling people here. In fact he’s posted that for everyone to see, including the Wild management. It this the type of behavior we are to expect?
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 6:58 PM CDT reply actions
On the Minnesota list, you made it seem as though you wanted to sign that team to play for the Wild, and that would be the way to the Stanley Cup. Maybe I misinterpreted the entire thing, but that is the idea you gave out, and it is the idea that everyone else seemed to get as well.
The assistant editor likes belittling people here.
Only people who cannot support their assertions, or continuous bag on the team for decisions they make, or contracts they sign. Or those who continue to blame Chuck Fletcher for the mistakes of HWSRN. Or those who blame the Wild for the failings of the North Stars…
In fact he’s posted that for everyone to see, including the Wild management.
I’m guessing Chuck Fletcher doesn’t spend much time reading Hockey Wilderness. If he does… hey Chuck… I am fairly certain he, like most of the PR staff, enjoy the work we do here at Hockey Wilderness.
It this the type of behavior we are to expect?
Indeed, it is.
Hockey Wilderness
Assistant Editor:SBN Minnesota
Rule #17: You may not impersonate representatives of Hockey Wilderness and handout NHL themed wrist bands.
Im sure they wouldn’t like the TONE you take with their fanbase……
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 9:12 PM CDT reply actions
And I'm sure they wouldn't like the way you think CF should do things!
Besides, Bryan has been hard on YOU and only YOU, for good reason
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions
You are not
the only one who is the “fan base” on this site, which is dedicated to fandom of the wild. BReynolds only took to mocking you after many posts that unfairly critisized the Team (you are espousing fandom of) with out citing any reasons of why those actions by the team are deserving of critisism.
This site (and BReynolds in particular) have critisized the team in past aritcles but when they have done so, the critisism was backed with logical arguments that supported those critisisms. after all HWSRN was given that nickname on this site as a critisism of the way he led this team. so there is no blanket homerism on HockeyWilderness. but whent here is critisism the standard for what is acceptable has been set.
Will the Real Thor Please Stand Up ... ?
by the Real Thor on Jul 16, 2010 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions
+1000
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions
I tell you what. You go ahead and contact the Wild and let them know that I’m being mean to their fanbase. I’ll wait here for there response, OK?
Hockey Wilderness
Assistant Editor:SBN Minnesota
Rule #17: You may not impersonate representatives of Hockey Wilderness and handout NHL themed wrist bands.
now is this where you threaten me with violence and i ask if you have lawyer on retainer?
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 9:26 PM CDT reply actions
no one
and I repeat, no one, threatened you with violence. Although you are the one who asked for a boxing match, so what ever.
Again, what are you responding to, and where is the logic based defense of whatever position you where trying to take? still trying to figure it out since you haven’t given any yet.
Will the Real Thor Please Stand Up ... ?
by the Real Thor on Jul 16, 2010 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions
I think...
he just wants attention since he may or may not have gotten enough of it as a child. The stuff this guy is saying makes little to no sense at all.
by Call of the Wild on Jul 16, 2010 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions
The answer to the first part is no. There has been, and will be no threat of violence. Not sure where you even got that from. The answer to the second part is yes. Indeed, SBN has lawyers on retainer.
Hockey Wilderness
Assistant Editor:SBN Minnesota
Rule #17: You may not impersonate representatives of Hockey Wilderness and handout NHL themed wrist bands.
dude you need to take a pill and figure your shit out
seriously, if you had argued in a coherent and understandable manner, people wouldn’t be all over your business. But you really brought this on yourself. I’m reminded of a quote, “what you’ve just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.”
Now should be a time for introspection for yourself, try to understand why we are responding to you in this way and then maybe you’ll be able to grow as a person.
keep talking big mouth, you’ll stick your foot in it
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 9:33 PM CDT reply actions
Just what the hell are you rambling on about? How about acting your own age a little bit?
The squabble’s only continuing because you let it continue! Bryan’s done dealing with you, stop provoking him and then crying when he’s mean to you! You’re acting like a 5 year old!
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 9:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Sorry I missed the Fireworks
This is one of the most entertaining threads I’ve seen in a while. I’m surprised that the signing of our team’s best player and captain did not elicit anything but joy. This is a great signing and demonstrates a commitment to the team that we have not seen…EVER. HWSRN sign Rolston? Nope. Gabby, I hope you like spit in your face. Fletcher is turning the corner on the past and moving this franchise into the future. Deal with it. Also, your tears sustain me.
I want to spin the wheel of justice!
Not sure here but..
Don’t you mean ‘’did not elicit nothing but joy’’?
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 9:47 PM CDT up reply actions
In that case...
Should it have been ‘’ellicited anything but joy’’ ?
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions
I suppose
I was merely trying to comment on the surprising level of outrage towards what should be viewed as a good, if not great, thing for the Wild.
I want to spin the wheel of justice!
The way I see it...
did not ellicit anything but joy would mean everyone was feeling joy…
but hey, we know what you meant, so who gives a fuck about my nitpicking! ;-)
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 9:53 PM CDT up reply actions
No Worries
I am just happy that we can now have confidence that our team’s management will do everything in their power to retain our best players instead of ruining relationships and letting them walk for nothing. Koivu’s contract represents a true changing of the guard and shows that management’s ego won’t get in the way, and we, the fans, won’t be asked to manage our expectations ever again.
I want to spin the wheel of justice!
It's so refreshing
To be able to trust in the Wild’s management for a change. If (or when IMO) the Wild make the playoffs this season, Fletch will have pulled off a hell of a tailspin on this franchise with success. The next step will be to build a contender from within now that we actually have some promising prospects to invest in
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 9:59 PM CDT up reply actions
No kidding
I was secretly hoping for the Wild to tank last season, but I was convinced that Fletcher knew what he was doing when he traded Pouliot. He has only made on questionable move, trading for Kobasew, where I believe he overpaid. Aside from that I think he’s done a pretty good job. After Kovulchuk signs and the market starts to shake out, Fletcher will really have to prove how good he is by dumping a contract or two. Regardless, it is awesome to see us moving in the right direction. I still can’t believe how quickly he restocked our prospect pool, and with people that might actually pan out. (Read: Wellman, Prosser, Broda).
I want to spin the wheel of justice!
well
To be fair, I was against the Leddy selection over Schroeder, and who knows what will happen with Barker out of it. But Schroeder is likely going to be more productive than either.
Proprietor of Hockey Wilderness - We take Minnesota hockey WAY too seriously.
On Leddy.
i definitely wouldn’t disagree about Schroeder. I always got the impression that Leddy was picked as a result of the Thompson’s Scouting Department, rather than Fletcher. I really liked the Leddy trade. Barker seems to have a good amount of talent, which is obviously what we need now. If he could figure out his footwork, he would be a good shutdown guy.
I want to spin the wheel of justice!
And we didn't get a chance to see the real Cam Barker
Think about it, he was traded from a team that eventually won the Stanley Cup, to a team that couldn’t make the playoffs. I don’t know about you, but I would be depressed about that situation, and I know my performance would suffer.
Not to mention that he was injured pretty much from the start of his Wild career. He had to contend with a bum ankle that affected his performance on the ice.
I think Barker will be much improved next season and will challenge Zids for team lead in d-man points.
It was actually just one person who thought Gaby would've deserved it more than Koivu
The outrage came from us trying to make him see that he’s just plain wrong and it exploded into this, which is a real shame since it tarnished the whole thread
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 9:54 PM CDT up reply actions
haha wow... must've took a while..
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 9:57 PM CDT up reply actions
I emailed Eide the manager here. I don’t want to be a part of this “Hockey Wilderness”
good bye and good luck
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 9:46 PM CDT reply actions
While Nathan would probably never be quite as vocal...
I’m pretty sure he would agree with us here…
JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!
twitter: BubbleWild48
by BubbleWild48 on Jul 16, 2010 9:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Well,
since it is pretty evident that you were trolling any way, good luck in your future endevears and thankfully they won’t be here.
Will the Real Thor Please Stand Up ... ?
by the Real Thor on Jul 16, 2010 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions
hey.
I’m just a guy who likes Minnesota hockey..
grew up with the game
the brotens, housley….
some of my best memories..
1980 gold medal USA
I want our team to succeed
and a lot of times I havent agreed with the Wild’s decisions..
I want us to win the Cup as bad as anyone..
just misunderstood
by old time hockey guy on Jul 16, 2010 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions
And that's perfectly fair
But you seem to be holding the choices made by the previous administration against this administration, which is unfair. Sure, I would’ve loved to have seen Gaborik re-sign here, but it was clear when he declined on a more lucrative offer from the Wild than he ended up receiving on the open market that he wasn’t going to, no matter what the offer, so we have to let it go. It’s certainly not Fletcher’s fault for that.
But frankly, I haven’t seen anything here from either side that seems to be crossing the line
Proprietor of Hockey Wilderness - We take Minnesota hockey WAY too seriously.
Hey boss! Glad you could join us.
Hockey Wilderness
Assistant Editor:SBN Minnesota
Rule #17: You may not impersonate representatives of Hockey Wilderness and handout NHL themed wrist bands.
I will lighten the mood up a bit…
Check out this rosterbation.
-Harding, Brunette and a 2nd for Carter
-Burns, Clutterbuck and Gillies for Perry
FORWARDS
- J. Carter ($5.000m) / Mikko Koivu ($3.250m) / * C. Perry ($5.325m)
Guillaume Latendresse ($2.500m) / Matt Cullen ($3.500m) / Martin Havlat ($5.000m)
Antti Miettinen ($2.333m) / Pierre-Marc Bouchard ($4.080m) / Chuck Kobasew ($2.333m)
Eric Nystrom ($1.400m) / Kyle Brodziak ($1.150m) / Brad Staubitz ($0.575m)
DEFENSEMEN
Marek Zidlicky ($4.000m) / Nick Schultz ($3.500m)
Cam Barker ($3.083m) / Greg Zanon ($1.933m)
Nate Prosser ($0.650m) / Clayton Stoner ($0.550m)
GOALTENDERS
Niklas Backstrom ($6.000m) / Anton Khudobin ($0.660m)
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS
(these totals are compiled using the bonus cushion)
ROSTER: 20; CAP:$59.4m; PAYROLL: $57.751m; CAP ROOM: $1.649m; BONUSES: $0.000m
Corey Perry?
lol, there is no way as much as I would like to see it happen that Bob Murray would let Corey Perry go to this team. Besides Vancouver, I would say Anaheim is our biggest rival, and I seriously doubt that there would be any sort of amicable deal between the two teams (even with CF’s connections with the Ducks).
Besides Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry is the heart of that team. If the Ducks trade him away, even for a Herschel Walker type deal it would be foolish. Perry-Getzlaf-Ryan make up arguably the best line in the NHL. They combined for 209 points this season. I’m sorry, but that deal would not fly at all.
The Jeff Carter deal has some merit, however.
He is in a contract year so it will be imperative to get him signed to an extension as soon as possible. I am a big Carter fan. He is the type of scorer that Koivu would flourish alongside of. I know Philly is asking a lot for him, but I feel that a viable goalie, Brunette’s 60+ points and a future starter are enough compensation for arguably the strongest team in the East.
-Burns, Clutterbuck and Gillies for Perry.
No way this happens. Ducks already have depth at forward and they wouldn’t need 2 more. Perry is part of the heart of the Ducks, as nemo1107 said.
-Harding, Brunette and a 2nd for Carter.
Would probably do this in a heartbeat. Flyers get a goalie who is better than Leighton, and Bruno would put up similar points as Carter if he went to Philly. Carter gives us a top line winger for Mikko, which is something that we badly need.
Antti Miettinen ($2.333m) / Pierre-Marc Bouchard ($4.080m) / Chuck Kobasew ($2.333m).
IF Bouchard can play right away, which we have no clue as to whether or not he will (good chance he won’t). Would rather have PMB/Brodziak on the 3rd & 4th lines than Brodziak/Sheppard (if he makes the team out of camp).
Niklas Backstrom ($6.000m).
Only thing I don’t like about Backs is the $6 million. $3.5-4 million would’ve been a lot better imo. We know who to blame for that haha.
by Call of the Wild on Jul 17, 2010 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions
Backstrom’s cap hit is definitely way too high. It’s too bad we traded our second round pick in the Kobasew deal. There are a lot of cash strapped teams struggling to make offers to some of their RFAs. James Neal and Patrick Hornqvist are prime for offer sheets given the budget constraints of their teams.
I want to spin the wheel of justice!
I know Perry was very unlikely I just didn’t want a line of Carter-Koivu-PMB. That’s way to soft of a line, as big as Carter is he doesn’t throw his body around. That Carter trade makes sense for both teams, Carter would fit great here. Maybe somebody like Clowe from San Jose? Plus they would be interested in one of our Dmen. ..
A top line of:
Clowe-Koivu-Carter would be nasty.
See, Bryan doesn't bite... :-S
Front page writer for Hockey Wilderness! Follow me at: http://twitter.com/CircularTheory. I will make prospect updates!
I made the mistake of reading comments on other NHL blogs about the Koivu signing...
wow. I didn’t realize the extent of shit talking on this contract that you guys have been talking about.
One person’s comment was: “he’s garb.” Yea, someone said garb.
Now to my point: thank you BReynolds for your insight and subsequent ass-ripping of anyone that doubts this contract. I hope that you will wage war on all ignorant shit talkers from here on out.
Keep doing what you’re doing, it’s much appreciated.
It’s my national pastime. Count on it.
Hockey Wilderness
Assistant Editor:SBN Minnesota
Rule #17: You may not impersonate representatives of Hockey Wilderness and handout NHL themed wrist bands.
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