Minnesota Wild Observer

Wild Win in a Shootout Again

2008-11-18T20:46:00.003-06:00

In a tense game in Pittsburgh the Wild improve to 3-0 in shootouts this season. Niklas Backstrom stopped all three shots from the Penguins as Marek Zidlicky's goal in the first round proved to be the game winner.

It was a nail bitter as the game remained in a deadlock at 1-1 from about the eight minute mark in the first period when mere seconds separated goals from Mikko Koivu and Matt Cooke. Both teams scrapped together a handfull of good opportunities but both tenders proved to be too tough for a second penetration. Tragically, for the Penguins, Evgeni Malkin's 13 game point streak came to an end tonight as Cookes goal saw an assist from Jordan Stahl.

In other news (aside from the brief game recap), I've been a little MIA lately, but the updates are about to return, so check back soon.

Wild Defeat Coyotes 3-2

2008-11-02T01:10:00.007-05:00

Despite a frustrating first period with the Wild consistently out-shooting the Coyotes but, as the tendency has been in recent games, being utterly incapable of getting the puck past the threshold. Bryzgalov shut down the Wild in the first period, then the Wild finally broke through in the second with goals from both Benoit Pouliot and Mikko Koivu. The Coyotes also put one past Backstrom in the second, who was playing for the first time since he was pulled two games ago in favor of Josh Harding. Both this goal and the first being scored Olli Jokinen.

In the third period Eric Belanger put in his second game winning goal of the season with an assist from Marc-Andre Bergeron. The Wild improved their record to 7-2-1 on the season, staying at number one in the division and number three in the conference. The Wild looked good again, though they were still plagued by their ability to create opportunities and not get the puck in the net.

Brent Burns participated in warm-ups and was then taken off the ice and didn't play. Marian Gaborik and Owen Nolan were also scratches.

Phoenix begins and a poll closes

2008-11-01T21:07:00.003-05:00

The Wild / Coyotes game has just begun. We are waiting anxiously to see if the Wild can stop their two game slide after remaining longer than any other team in the league with a regulation loss.

The latest poll has closed. Question: Who was the biggest loss from last year's team? (excluding Rolston)
71% Pavol Demitra
14% Aaron Voros
14% Todd Fedoruk

Interestingly Voros has still had some very positive things to say about the team in a recent interview on New York television.

Stay tuned for a new poll opening up for the next week.

Gaborik Gossip, Again

2008-10-29T00:54:00.001-05:00

Things are going so well for the Wild that I have been ignoring that elephant in my living room for the last six games. Gaborik is still out, but things are fine. The Wild haven't allowed a power play goal in their first seven games, a feat that has not been accomplish in over three decades, they are the only team remaining without a regulation loss, they have the average time in the box, and are third lowest in GAA. Not bad.

But things are questionable heading into this evening's game against Dallas. Both Brent Burns and Antti Miettinen are questionable, with "lower" and "upper" body injuries, neither practiced on Tuesday. Thought Lemaire said both are likely to play. But should Burns not be in the lineup that would hurt, not only because he is a staple of the lineup, but also because Eric Reitz stayed in Minneapolis for the road game with "flu-like" symptoms.

But back to Gaborik. In an article in the Star Tribune yesterday Lemaire said some disparaging things about Gaborik. Quoth Lemaire:

I didn't even know he was on the trip. He's out of the picture because he's not practicing with us. I was surprised to see him today. I thought he would practice, but he didn't practice.

Lemaire sounds a little more than frustrated with the situation. He didn't even know Gaborik came with the team to Dallas? He's not practicing and Lemaire doesn't seem to care? This is bad news for those who were hoping that Gabby would stay in town. If it didn't look like Gaborik was going to be leaving the team before the end of the season, there are more than enough reasons to think so now (not that there weren't before, of course), but this is one of the first times that Lemaire seems to be publicly frustrated with Gaborik, and he, frankly, doesn't seem to give a damn whether or not he's around. Though, who can blame him? The Wild have looked good without their star player for the first seven games. But how long can they continue to play this well without him, and if they can, what might it do the team when there is a line shake up because Gaborik returns from his lifelong groin injury? One can only hope that he doesn't come back at all, or that he signs, and that management can make the decision sooner rather than later.

Wild Win in Columbus, Two Polls Close

2008-10-26T16:47:00.004-05:00

Last night the Wild eked out a nail-bitter against Columbus, sneaking out with two disallowed goals in the last minute of play (one was certainly not a goal, the other one is debatable). Either way that's another win for the Wild bringing them to 5-0-1.

Last night also marked the end of two polls here at the Wild Observer:

What to do with Gaborik:
20% said give him whatever he wants to keep him
80% said trade him

The other poll asked who will be the top scorer on the team ten games deep (we'll check in on this again at the ten game mark):
50% said Mikko Koivu
50% said Antti Miettinen

Six games in here are the rankings for the team (Goals-Assists-total points)
Koivu: 1-9-10
Miettinen: 5-2-7
Burnette: 2-3-5
Bouchard: 1-3-4
Belanger: 2-1-3
Pouliot: 2-1-3
Nolan: 1-2-3
Johnsson: 1-2-3

Check back for more updates and take a look at the new poll on the right (Which Game Have the Wild Looked the Best in So Far?)

Wild's Gabby Problem Being Exaggerated?

2008-10-23T08:20:00.002-05:00

Ron Salcer, Marian Gaborik's agent, has reportedly told the Star Tribune that the talks about Gaborik's future have been wildly exaggerated. Salcer said,"The offers that have been thrown at the wall of 10 years, $85 million, $90 million and $100 million are wrong, as are what I now hear -- seven years, $70 million and eight years, $80 million. They're also wrong." He continued, "When and if they get offered something certainly may happen."

Wait a second.

Can we look at that sentence: "something certainly may happen." I'm not sure if he is inarticulate or if this is a really clever statement. I would venture to say that if the Wild offered Gaborik $1/game for twenty games as an offer than "something certainly may happen." That, there, is a definitely maybe.

Anyhow, beyond that fact Salcer wouldn't commit to anything happening even if the Wild tried to make Gaborik the highest paid player in the NHL (he cannot possibly want to sign, that should be a sign), The reports from the Pioneer Press that the Wild had upped the ante prior to the two week slump in negotiations are entirely false, according to Salcer. We have yet to see if any progress is to be had any time soon. Though, as Russo points out in the linked article, Salcer also claims that Riseborough has not asked him to talk to any other teams, which would be necessary if the Wild were seriously trying to trade their star player. (As the Star Tribune asserted through their anonymous source earlier this week was the recipient of an offer to trade from Doug Riseborough)

Gaborik to Go?

2008-10-22T07:46:00.003-05:00

With a couple days till the Wild hit the ice for game 4 against Buffalo all of the talk has been surrounding the reports that GM Doug Riseborough is shopping Gaborik to other teams. Some bloggers and columnists are talking about keeping him around until the March 3rd trading deadline, hoping to start a bidding war for Gaborik from teams that are on the cusp. But those stances fail to look at the picture for this year. Yes, they do need to pull in a big name that can help them build towards something instead of this merry-go-round that Riseborough's been working where the team is constantly "rebuilding."

But playing with Gaborik through March (that is, assuming he plays this season) is basically throwing in the towel on this season. I say, bail. Get rid of Gaborik for a solid forward and a young player coming up next year. The Wild, with this market and at this point in the season, and especially with Gaborik side-lined, will never get what he's worth from another team, but that doesn't mean it's good for the team to make the process as long as possible. Aren't the other players frustrated too? With a few solid players picking up the slack isn't it frustrating to see someone as injury prone as Gaborik demand so much money and then get injured, after putting up a doughnut in the playoffs last year. Gaborik is great, but I'm no longer going to be sad to see him go. This whole ordeal reeks of Dante Culpepper. Riseborough, make a decision, and please don't follow the general Minnesota trading rules wherein we give Santana, they give one zip lock full of shit; we give Garnett, we get a team of misfits; we give Hunter, we get nothing; we give Rolston, we get a draft pick. Make it worth your time, please.

The Same Old Problems: Can the Wild Survive a Season Plagued by Injuries

2008-10-18T11:31:00.003-05:00

In all honesty, the Wild have looked good so far. The games have been tight, but they’ve played well defensively and have been putting goals on the board at a much faster pace than is typical of Lemaire’s trap hockey. But can a team already suffering from so many injuries make it through the season and into the playoffs?

The Wild are a young team, and without a doubt they are a big question mark in the division this year. They have lost a lot of their veteran force in the off-season and are left with a team of highly talented young players who have not proven themselves yet.

The 6-2 victory in Florida on Thursday was the first test for a team that is losing forwards at an alarming pace. Playing with Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Owen Nolan sidelined due to “lower body injuries.” Both should still be out tonight, Bouchard for sure as he has been placed on injured reserve, and add Marian Gaborik and Marek Zidlicky to the list of players that will not be on the ice tonight. Gaborik is out with a “lower body injury*” and Zidlicky is still out with a sprained ankle.

Taking the spots of some of the best forwards on the team will be Cal Clutterbuck, who played in Thursday’s game against the Panthers, and Krys Kolanos is being called up for this evening’s game. In addition to pulling two players up from the Houston Aeros, defenseman Tomas Mojzis has been pulled from defense to wing, which will hopefully pay off in the same way as Lemaire's decision to make Brent Burns a defenseman when they acquired him.

The Wild performed strikingly well against the Panthers despite the injuries, and despite the offense not showing up in the first period. Tonight’s game may say a lot about how this season will go for the Wild, proving whether or not they are deep enough to make a run at the playoffs as a serious team that can pull through a laundry list of injuries. They have to be able to win in situations like this should they like to make it past the first round of the playoffs this year. You may remember that injuries was one of the reasons that the Wild, likely, struggled through last years post-season losing a a few of their best defensemen and having to pull up players from the Aeros repeatedly. If Koivu and Miettinen can continue to play as well as they have been (9 points and 7 points respectively in three games) there may be hope for the team to pull through and prove that you don't need a team of big stars to be a serious contender in the NHL.

*due to new IR regulations in the NHL, teams do not have to disclose what type of injury a player is out with. Gaborik has had chronic groin problems and has been nursing a strained quad since the preseason.

First Poll of This Season Closed

2008-10-12T20:59:00.002-05:00

Question: Who Will Be the Surprise Star This Season?

1. James Sheppard 40%
2. Benoit Pouliot 30%
3. Colton Gillies 10%
3. Antti Miettinen 10%
3. Tyler Cuma 10% (Poll started before Cuma was sent down, all votes for Cuma cast after he was sent down. Really.)
6. Owen Nolan 0%
6. Stephane Veilleux 0% (No love, really?)

Minnesota Wild Observer

2008-10-12T10:17:00.002-05:00

So, you may have noticed that the name of the blog has changed. It was recently brought to my attention that there is another "Wild Times" out in the blogspheric ether. Instead of trying to compete for the title or make life even more confusing with the wide array of Wild blogs out there, I've decided on just changing the name of the blog. The address will remain the same, so, keep coming back here to look for updates. But the title is changing. This is now The Minnesota Wild Observer.

On another note, you should hop over and check out the other Wild Times, there's some pretty solid content over there and it's worth checking out. If you don't want to do it now, I've added a link in the "Wild Elsewhere" area in the sidebar.

Season Opener 10/11/08: Boston Bruins

2008-10-11T23:10:00.003-05:00

A close call in Saturday’s game against the Boston Bruins as the Wild pulled off a 4-3 win. With a surge in the second the Wild advanced to a commanding 4-1 lead, a lead which began to slip throughout the third. With just over one minute remaining in the game Marc Savard scored his second of the game putting the game within one. The Wild wound up with a 6 on 4 situation as the Bruins pulled Manny Fernandez and Stephane Veilleux went to the box for tapping the puck out of play. Despite a nail-biting final minute the Wild pulled through with a 4-3 win in the season opener.

One of the big stories of the game was some abnormal calls from Lemaire. Prior to the start of the season he made some great decisions with the largely new lineup, putting Veilleux out front with Marian Gaborik and Mikko Koivu. Veilleux responded to this change by leading the team in goals during the preseason. This move made a lot of sense and, while not necessarily completely out of left field, it was paying dividends aimmediately. But what was most out of the ordinary was the usual fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants Lemaire was the one scratched from this game. The lines largely stayed in tact throughout the night, and the second and third lines were looking good. A one-eighty from Lemaire’s usual routine of constantly changing line make-ups throughout the game, something that has frequently frustrated players, and something Riseborough has stood close to Lemaire on. Lemaire, the prototype for the conservative coach, didn’t seem to think that any of the lines were functioning poorly, and opted to keep the make-ups fairly close throughout the night.

With goals from Eric Belanger (2), Marc-Andre Bergeron, and Antti Miettinen and assists from Koivu, Andrew Burnette, Colton Gillies, Kim Johnsson, Pierre-Marc Bouchard (2), and Owen Nolan, the supporting cast was looking more than competent. This was crucial in the opener as there were loads of question marks plaguing the start of the season. A young lineup and nine new faces, along with the big question mark of Gaborik’s contract looming over everything the Wild have done since the beginning of August. Taking the pressure off of Gaborik and making the team look like they new lineup can work together was a huge victory for a season opener, and welcome sign of things to come for friends.

Photo by Jeffery Thomas, from the Star Tribune website.

Practice Today

2008-10-07T00:48:00.003-05:00

Wild practice today was laced with grins. A 3 on 3 scrimmage saw Harding on the ice doing just fine after the close call with a scratched cornea. And Colton Gillies was the center of attention following the announcement that he had officially made the opening day roster. The Russo Rants blog is reporting that Gillies was the first on the ice and the last off, and hadn't even called home, he was so focused and gleeful after hearing the news from Lemaire. Good news all around for a Wild team that can't afford to lost a goalie at any point this year, especially any time before the season opener on Saturday.

Wild Prospects Sent to Houston (and Ottawa)

2008-10-05T21:09:00.004-05:00

Old Doug E. Fresh Riseborough announced today that a few of the Wild's premiere prospects would be boarding the bus to Houston to play for the Aeros. Justin Falk, Cal Clutterbuck, Krys Kolanos and Danny Irmen will all be suiting up for the Aeros this season. Falk and Irmen had pretty much been assigned from the start, as they seem to be prospects for the future rather than an immediate signing. But Clutterbuck and Kolanos both had the potential to make the team this season.

In an even more surprising move Tyler Cuma will be going back to Ottawa to play for junior team he had been previously suiting with. Due to contract issues (and his age) Cuma could have suited for the Wild but is not able to play for Houston if not signed. He will play with Ottawa this season and then potentially suit with the Wild next year. Should he not make the cut next season he would have the ability to play for Houston at that point. This clears up many of the question marks surrounding the 22 player roster Riseborough has promised (actually 23 but he is keeping Foster in the lineup on injured reserve).

Wild Unveil First Ever Mascot

2008-10-05T21:04:00.003-05:00

Oh boy kids. Meet Nordy.

The Wild have unveiled their first mascot, and his name is Nordy. He appears to be as vague and odd as the name Wild itself. He's so hip (check out the profile, taken from The Wild Website). He shoots "from the hip." That's so clever. It's really pretty hokey, and having never not sold out a game I'm not sure that this was a necessary move, but we have a mascot now...

Wild Shutdown Canadiens to End Pre-Season

2008-10-05T13:07:00.006-05:00

With a 3-0 victory in Montreal last night the Wild have ensured their winning record in the short pre-season, and didn't do too poorly on the road either (compared to their normal deer-in-the-headlights look after road games last season). The Wild ended the pre-season 5-2-0, with both losses coming on the road. Not a bad start as they gear up to host the Boston Bruins on Saturday for their season opener.

Niklas Backstrom shut down the Canadiens with 25 saves, helped by goals from Stephane Veilleux, Marian Gaborik, and Antii Miettinen. Veilleux has been a strong force for the Wild through the pre-season. Looking as though he is coming ready to play this season. Is it possible he is the Wild's sleeper forward this year? He made a bigger impact throughout the pre-season than he did last year. He is known for being a streaky player, but if he is a little sharper this season, with a Wild line-up full of question marks, it's entirely possible that Veilleux could be an important presence this season. Also promising has been Veilleux's hands, he's been making some moves, skating with confidence and passing the puck like someone who believes. He assisted Gaborik's game opening goal. Also tallying up some points against Montreal was James Sheppard, who assisted both Gaborik and Veilleux's goals.

Though the pre-season is the pre-season and needs to be left in the pre-season the finale against Montreal is promising for a team who has something to prove this year. After winning the division last year the Wild lost many key components and are taking some risks on a couple of vets and a host of young, untested players. Montreal is expected to, again, be one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, and the fashion in which Minnesota controlled the game can only raise their hopes as they begin their seven game break before the opener.

Gaborik's Future Even More Uncertain

2008-10-04T11:38:00.005-05:00

General Manager Doug Riseborough has confirmed suspicions that Marian Gaborik will not be signed to a contract extension by the season opener next Saturday. Initially Riseborough had asserted that Gaborik's extension would be sorted out in August, then it was by the beginning of the season. Well, September has fully passed, and after tonight's game in Montreal, the preseason will be over, and the Wild appear to be no closer to putting ink to the deal.

Speaking to the Star Tribune about the matter Risborough said they are "not making any headway...I was trying to do something before the season. It's not happening. ... It's not going to happen by the start of the season." When probed further, and asked if he would consider placing Gaborik on the trading block he said, "That, I'll have to determine."

This doesn't seem to be any great posture change from where the issue has stood for the last two months. If Gaborik doesn't sign they Wild cannot afford to risk losing him to free agency and will have to trade him in order to recoup his value. The Strib went after this and asked Risborough if he had already begun speaking with other teams about the possibility of a trade, Doug E. Fresh responded, "I'm not going to comment anymore."

The major issue with trading a star like Gaborik is that the Wild are going to get hosed. The other teams, though they certainly will desire an A-list player like Gabby, understand the situation the WIld would be in at that point and are not going to be interested in giving the Wild anything for his full value. Part of his value will then become the ability to get something back for him, at all.

The future is starting to look pretty grim if the wild can't find a way to get Gaborik on an extension, and soon. High profile players playing in the final season before free agency, without a contract in sight, often destroy the team. Who wants to team up with someone who isn't going to be around, who might not have the team's best interest at heart? This didn't do anything for the Thrashers last season.

Pouliot Scores Winner in PreSeason Opener

2008-09-26T07:28:00.005-05:00

The Wild opened up their pre-season schedule against the Columbus Blue Jackets Wednesday night with a 2-1 win. In a game marred by excessive penalties (13 in the second period) Pouliot's third period goal gave the Wild a 2-0 lead and became the game winner. A beautiful back hander putting Fredrik Norrena to shame as the wild bullied into a win in the opener. Kim Johnsson also put one in the net earlier in the game, with Backstrom stopping 11 shots in the third to clinch the win.

Pouliot appears to be Lemaire's choice for the checking line center, and only seems to be cementing that with some tough play in the pre-season already. Lemaire would not comment on whether or not the decision on Pouliot was final, but as Pouliot will be suiting up against the Chicago Blackhawks tonight for the second pre-season game, one can only imagine that it will be about as final as it gets. The Wild are likely to announce a handful of cuts to players today who will be returning to Houston to play with the Aeros.

Colton Gillies: Yea of Nay?

2008-09-26T07:14:00.003-05:00

With the preseason underway Jacques Lemaire is saying it's time for the wild to make their decision on young Colton Gillies. Gillies is a big forward and a natural leader. He doesn't appear to be the kind of guy you is going to put a whole lot of pucks in the net, but a crucial leader in the near future he might be. In an interview with the Pioneer Press Lemaire is quoted as saying he's "made up [his] mind" on Gillies but won't say what it is because the decision is Riseborough's to make. Should the Wild decide not to take him Gillies will return to his Canadian junior team and go to play for Houston.

Center Situation Still Up in the Air

2008-09-23T00:26:00.008-05:00

Three days into training camp the line situation seems to be getting no clearer in North Dakota, where the Wild are holding their camp. Moving Koivu up to Gaborik's line seemed like a logical change, and giving James Sheppard the second line slot at center seems even more logical. But with Eric Belanger at the helm in the third line and the fourth line center a big question mark one has to wonder if the Wild will surprise everyone and have one of the strongest, youngest set of centers in the league or if it will be a notoriously weak spot.

Koivu is a star of a very young Wild team, and Sheppard is certainly earning his keep at age twenty. But Belanger, a young promising center, has had a rough go of things of late. He scored only three points in the final thirty games of last season, becoming a non-factor, and certainly not helping a shaky team in the first round playoff defeat. Competing for the fourth spot will be Benoit Pouliot and Peter Olvecky two very young forwards with a lot of promise. But what if they don't work out? Pouliot certainly looked better than Belanger in the limited ice time he saw at the end of last season, but is he ready for the pressure associated with having his own line and consistent ice time, suiting up for every game? I'd think so, and I'd think he's going to be the logical choice over the largely unproven Olvecky. Though Riseborough seems content to let them battle it out at camp before making his decision.

Commenting on the big question mark in an interview with the Strib Riseborough said:

Yeah, I do, but when I compare us to everybody else, I don't think we're thin. Yeah, we could be weak if we lose Koivu, but so would Colorado if they lost [Joe] Sakic, and how would Calgary look if they lost [Daymond] Langkow?

But I do know, too, at the start of two seasons ago nobody knew what Koivu would become. We were hopeful. Two years later, he's at the top of the pile and everybody's touting him as one of the top young centers in the league.

Now, I don't know if that isn't Sheppard and I don't know if that isn't Pouliot and I don't even know if that isn't Olvecky. And if somehow these guys catch fire, what are people going to say about our center position? You know what they're going to say? Those guys are set for years.

That seems like a big risk, and let's face it, Riseborough's big risks this year don't seem to be paying dividends. He took a chance on trying to sign a few vets to the team and courted some high profile names (including Rolston who wouldn't return) but was never really willing to take a risk and go for someone. This is also highlighted by the fact that Gaborik still has not signed on for a contract extension. One can only hope that he's right sometimes, I'm not so sure yet.

Kurtis Foster makes major steps towards rejoining WIld

2008-09-12T19:11:00.004-05:00

It's been a long hard road to recovery for Kurtis Foster. Since breaking his left femur in a game last season Foster's return to the ice has been in question. After the gut twisting break last season it was never a sure thing that Foster would return at all, but, this week, Foster laced up the skates once again. Rumor has been that foster may be well enough to skate as soon as December, and this seems to indicate that he will be back sometime in the not so distant future.

For more on Foster's thoughts about his return to the ice, read the article at the Wild's official website.

Mark Parrish still homeless

2008-09-06T16:19:00.003-05:00

After having his contract bought out by the Wild earlier this summer Mark Parrish is still looking for a team. Rumors are that he has been scouted by quite a few teams, but that no one has made a substantial offer. In a recent interview with the Pioneer Press Parrish has said that he still has "a lot of hockey to play." After posting some less than stellar numbers with the Wile he has got something to prove right now as he is participating in scouting camps to prove that he is still worth the risk. No easy feat after being labeled a "buyout." Commenting on the situation Parrish said, "I worked my butt off for this, and now I have to put up with this crap. It's irritating, but that's the business."

In other Wild news, no word on the situation with Gaborik, though that is still rumored to be cleared up rather soon.

Brent Burns undergoes successful surgery

2008-09-05T08:11:00.005-05:00

According to the Wild's official website, defenseman Brent Burns underwent a successful surgery yesterday to his left elbow. The surgery was intended to remove "loose bodies" from the joint. The Wild's medical staff performed the surgery to prevent any future issues that could arise from this. Burns will only be sidelined for four weeks, and should be ready to go for the start of the 2008-09 season.

Koivu & Gabby

2008-09-01T01:29:00.006-05:00

At a press conference this past week Wild GM Doug Riseborough began to give hints as to what the lineup is going to look like over the coming season. With Gaborik's new deal still up in the air - though Riseborough did comment that he will offer Gabby the extension before the start of the 2008-09 season - it appears that the Wild are aiming to appease the Wild's all time leading scorer. Joining Gaborik's line, replacing the dropped Pavol Demitra, will be Mikko Koivu. Koivu was the second line center last season, one of his best yet. It seems logical to give Gaborik a line-mate who can help him produce. That leaves 20-year-old James Sheppard to replace Koivu as the second line center. "There's no better player than Sheppard to replace Koivu in the role Koivu played," Riseborough said during the extended press conference.

That still leaves some gaps in the lineup, and a big question mark as to where Owen Nolan will fit into the lineup. Rumors have circulated that Nolan will become the second winger on Gaborik's line, adding a veteran with some hands to a line that will be filled with speed.

Speaking on the rumors circulating that Gaborik might not be interested in resigning with the Wild, or that the Wild might consider trading their star Riseborough made reference to the press being a lot of "fiction writers." "I won't deal with fiction writers," he continued. Though, he aimed to quell fears, saying the offer would come soon, and that it would be a long deal. The delay had been because of talks with Gaborik about the future of the team and how they planned on building a team around him, Koivu, Sheppard, D Brent Burns, Pierre-Marc Bouchard, and Nick Shultz. A stellar cast of young players who could develop into a serious contender over the next couple of years. That is, if they don't lose Gaborik.

Wild to participate in 2008 Prospects Tournament

2008-08-30T19:45:00.007-05:00

Minnesota Wild Gm Doug Riseborough announced Thursday that they plan to participate in the 2008 NHL Centre I.C.E. Prospects Tournament. The Wild will feature ten prospects in the tournament. Prospects will include this years first round pick Tyler Cuma, Colton Gillies, and Cal Clutterbuck. Houston Aeros coaches Luke Strand, Kevin Constantine, and Troy Ward will coach. For the full line-up see the Wild website. This years lineup will also include new Minnesotan Maxim Noreau, Eric Doyle, and Cody Almond.

Wild to take a mascot

2008-08-30T19:24:00.002-05:00

The Minnesota Wild have announced that they will unveil their first ever mascot on Sunday October 5th. The unveiling will occur at an "exclusive Hot Tamales Wild Kids Club event at Xcel Energy Center from 3:30-7 p.m." - sure to be a very classy affair. They are asking for kids who are member of the "Hot Tamales Wild Kids Club" to submit names for the mascot.

I'm sure that's going to go very well, and result in a name that we can all be proud. Bummer.

Hull, Granato, Richter and Leetch headed to Hall of Fame

2008-08-15T16:47:00.005-05:00

The four member class of players headed to the NHL Hall of Fame is led by longtime St. Louis Blues star Brett Hull, Rangers tender Mike Richter, Rangers defenseman, and one of the greatest female hockey players to date, Cammie Granato, sister of Tony Granato.

Granato is the all-time scoring leader of the US Women's Hockey Team, with 343 points in 203 games. Hull is among the highest scoring forwards in NHL history with 741 goals, and 1,391 points over a 20 season career, including both a cup in Dallas and in Detroit.

For more on the Hall of Fame selections check this out.

Sean Hill is heading to Switzerland

2008-08-13T14:00:00.004-05:00

Now former Wild defenseman, and Minnesota native, Sean Hill has penned a one-year contract to play in Switzerland. He will be playing for Biel of the EHC hockey league.

Hill played 35 games last year with the Wild, starting 19 games late as he finished up the last of his 20 game suspension for being the first player in the NHL to get caught using performance enhancing drugs. Though Hill appealed the NHL’s decision, claiming that he has never knowingly taken performance enhancing drugs, the league overruled his appeal and suspended him anyway, starting the final game of the Islanders post season in 2006-07 year.

A 16 year vet of the NHL, it appears that Hill’s career is now over in America.

Doug Riseborough meeting with Gaborik in Slovakia

2008-08-12T09:01:00.009-05:00

WIld GM Doug Risboroough announced over the weekend that he planned to leave for Slovakia yesterday, for a two part trip. He will be attending the Ivan Hlinka Tournament for under-18 players, many of which are available in the 2010 draft (you should be taking notes Kevin McHale). After the tournament this week Riseborough will be traveling to Trencin, the hometown of Marian Gaborik.

Riseborough appears to be ready to take on the biggest contract negotiation of the summer. Following the 2008-09 season, as it stands now, Gaborik will become a free agent. This is surely an attempt to make sure that does not happen. When the Wild released winger Mark Parrish in late July it was widely seen as a sign that the team needed to clear up some cap room before negotiations began wit Gaborik.

Meeting face to face with Gaborik likely means that Wild are taking him very seriously and are going to offer him a little extra dough for becoming the franchise player, that he basically is already. Gaborik will be an especially crucial member of the team this year as the Wild management completely failed to secure any A class players to fill in the void left by Brian Rolston's departure. Management desperately needs to keep Gaborik around if they plan on trying to lure any A class players in the following summer.

Craig Weller preview

2008-08-04T14:12:00.001-05:00

This is just a little preview in case you didn't remember who Craig Weller was when the Wild signed him earlier this summer.

Shady Dealings in the NHL

2008-08-02T13:51:00.000-05:00

New Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold has found himself in a bit of hot water with the league and potentially the law. The reports indicate that he offered large loans to both the Nashville Predators and their new majority owner William Del Biaggio to secure the sale of the Predators and open the door for his purchase of the Wild. The Star Tribune is reporting that Del Biaggio filed for bankruptcy in June, shortly after his purchase of 27% of the Predators. He is now under federal investigation claiming that he defrauded lenders. Leipold and entertainment conglomerate AEG (which owns the Los Angeles Kings).

The AP is reporting that AEG lent Del Biaggio $7 million and Leipold lent him another $10 million, and also lent $10 million to the Predators at large. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is claiming that the NHL had no knowledge of Del Biaggio's financial troubles or of the large loans he procured from Leipold and AEG.

Currently AEG is taking legal action against Del Biaggio, and Leipold has declined to comment outside of an official statement from the Wild saying that Leipold is disappointed in the manner in which Del Biaggio has conducted his business. Nothing has been confirmed as far as legal action being taken by Leipold, but his evasive statement through the organization alludes that he is exploring his legal possibilities in accordance with federal bankruptcy laws.

Parrish is no longer Wild

2008-08-02T13:49:00.000-05:00

The Wild announced last night that they are buying out the rest of Mark Parrish's contract. With three years left on his five year contract the 31-year-old Minnesota native is now a free agent after quickly clearing waivers. Amid cap concerns with Wild management this moves clears up around $2.5 million for the current season, as the team will likely opt to pay the buy out over a series of six years (as is a standard option in NHL contract buyouts). A few teams have already expressed interest in Parrish via his agent, and will likely get him at a steal as the preseason is about to begin and he cleared waivers securing the need for a Wild buyout.

This move, though it makes sense with the salary concerns, paves the way for their negotiations with forward Marian Gaborik. They likely needed the room to offer Gabby a pay raise, or they may be toying with the idea of signing another C class forward to fill the hole Parrish will leave. Parrish was benched repeatedly last season and was certainly not at the top of his game. After only allowing two years of his contract to expire before deciding they no longer required his services the Wild will have room to fill, which may be taken up by a younger player from Development Camp, as there were many young players there who seem to have made a positive impression on GM Doug Riseborough.