After the Minnesota Wild signed Stephane Veilleux and Pierre-Marc Bouchard, it seemed like all they had left to do this season was to give Marian Gaborik an attractive contract extension, and the team would be ready to start their season on October 12 against the Boston Bruins.
Well, as we've recently learned, when it seems like there's only one thing left to do, it's probably more reasonable that certain things are being played close to the vest. And that's why, with the new acquisitions and contracts, it was probably only a matter of time before news like Mark Parrish's hit the internet.
For those that haven't heard, Parrish was placed on waivers by the team. Like Veilleux, Parrish was unclaimed by the rest of the league. Unlike Veilleux, the Wild seem to be working on buying out the remainder of the Parrish contract, making him a free agent and allowing him to start somewhere else from scratch.
Honestly, this seems like a bit of a shocking move by the Wild, but it also makes sense. Parrish has been injured a lot in his couple of Minnesota seasons, and he's also been one who's often been flagged by coach Jacques Lemaire as not putting in sufficient effort. By buying out his contract, the Wild are accepting that there was a mistake made in the original numbers, and they're giving him a chance to get a fresh start elsewhere. This will also give the Wild some room to call up prospects and have some cap room left over for emergencies.
It will be sad to see Parrish go, but, quite honestly, he wasn't able to contribute for the Wild what his contract required. Here's hoping he gets that fresh start and makes the most of it.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Locking up variables
A little over a week ago, the Minnesota Wild were staring down the possibility of heading to arbitration with two of their players from last season. Now, as we're a mere couple of months from the start of the season, we know what happened with both Stephane Veilleux and Pierre-Marc Bouchard.
For those that missed it, Veilleux signed for another season, prepping himself for unrestricted free agency next year, getting a nice little raise out of it. Sure, it's nowhere near the ridiculous amount the New York Rangers gave Aaron Voros, but it gives Veilleux another season with a familiar system to prove that he belongs in Iron Range Red.
As for PMB? His arbitration was scheduled to start today. Over the weekend, the Wild locked him down for 5 years. Rumors also exist that the Wild are making a verbal commitment not to trade him for the first two years of that contract. This is pretty major for a player one year away from UFA status, especially for someone that was being thrown out there as bait to try and lure Olli Jokinen from Florida during the off-season.
Locking up these players leaves one major variable, and he wears number 10. Obviously, the Wild are going to want to give him a multi-year extension (he's got one season remaining on his current contract) and he's going to be able to command close to Crosby-type numbers, even with his disappearing act in the playoffs. The question is will the Wild be able to lock him down? Tossing the right kind of money his way, and ensuring a long contract, could keep the Wild star in a red sweater. But he needs to know that the team is dedicated to building around him for a Cup run, and the losses of Brian Rolston and good friend Pavol Demitra could keep him guessing.
And let's not discount that Gaborik hears from people every year how much more scoring he could do in the Eastern Conference. If the Wild don't sign him to an extension before the season starts, it wouldn't be surprised to see Gabby playing somewhere out East (maybe Buffalo, or joining the offensive power in Pittsburgh), both to answer the questions about his goal-scoring, and to minimize his impact on playing against the Wild. Our best guess, though? Gaborik already has one hold-out in his career, and he seemed to be quite happy to be able to get back to hockey afterwards. If the Wild makes a move to keep the "C" on his chest, there's a good bet that Minnesota won't be searching for a new top gun.
For those that missed it, Veilleux signed for another season, prepping himself for unrestricted free agency next year, getting a nice little raise out of it. Sure, it's nowhere near the ridiculous amount the New York Rangers gave Aaron Voros, but it gives Veilleux another season with a familiar system to prove that he belongs in Iron Range Red.
As for PMB? His arbitration was scheduled to start today. Over the weekend, the Wild locked him down for 5 years. Rumors also exist that the Wild are making a verbal commitment not to trade him for the first two years of that contract. This is pretty major for a player one year away from UFA status, especially for someone that was being thrown out there as bait to try and lure Olli Jokinen from Florida during the off-season.
Locking up these players leaves one major variable, and he wears number 10. Obviously, the Wild are going to want to give him a multi-year extension (he's got one season remaining on his current contract) and he's going to be able to command close to Crosby-type numbers, even with his disappearing act in the playoffs. The question is will the Wild be able to lock him down? Tossing the right kind of money his way, and ensuring a long contract, could keep the Wild star in a red sweater. But he needs to know that the team is dedicated to building around him for a Cup run, and the losses of Brian Rolston and good friend Pavol Demitra could keep him guessing.
And let's not discount that Gaborik hears from people every year how much more scoring he could do in the Eastern Conference. If the Wild don't sign him to an extension before the season starts, it wouldn't be surprised to see Gabby playing somewhere out East (maybe Buffalo, or joining the offensive power in Pittsburgh), both to answer the questions about his goal-scoring, and to minimize his impact on playing against the Wild. Our best guess, though? Gaborik already has one hold-out in his career, and he seemed to be quite happy to be able to get back to hockey afterwards. If the Wild makes a move to keep the "C" on his chest, there's a good bet that Minnesota won't be searching for a new top gun.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
All clear
So it looks like Stephane Veilleux has cleared waivers. This brings him back to the Team of 18,000 for another season (after all, they've got an arbitration hearing on Monday) for at least one more season.
But what will that season hold? Will Veilleux play at the same level next season, after possibly having his feelings hurt by the Wild for putting him on waivers in the first place, and by the rest of the league for not picking him up? Will he improve, wanting to show that he deserves the big payday he's looking for?
And, if he'd been put on waivers a week ago, or still had an agent, would he already be preparing to play at the Xcel Energy Center as a visitor this season?
But what will that season hold? Will Veilleux play at the same level next season, after possibly having his feelings hurt by the Wild for putting him on waivers in the first place, and by the rest of the league for not picking him up? Will he improve, wanting to show that he deserves the big payday he's looking for?
And, if he'd been put on waivers a week ago, or still had an agent, would he already be preparing to play at the Xcel Energy Center as a visitor this season?
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Bye bye, Veilleux?
Well well well. Things are certainly getting interesting for the Wild as they continue their negotiations with past players. The team has made it clear that the big three that they're focusing on this off-season are Marian Gaborik, Pierre-Marc Bouchard, and Stephane Veilleux. Nothing new has been floated on the Gaborik angle, and PMB seems destined for an arbitration contract, and then trade-bait throughout the season.
As for Veilleux? The little fire plug with 11 goals last season? Shortly after it became public knowledge that he had fired his agent and decided to go it alone in contract negotiations, the Wild have placed him on waivers.
Now, before people start panicking, this move actually makes a ton of sense from the Wild's standpoint. Without an agent, it's entirely possible that Steph was asking for a pretty high number. In fact, with signings of other players of his caliber around the league (including Aaron Voros in New York and Todd Fedoruk in Phoenix), it's almost ridiculous to think that he wasn't looking for close to a $1M payday.
While he bring a spark to the team, and plays with intensity, hate to say it, but Veilleux is not worth $1M at present. Maybe in a couple of years, if he keeps improving. Right now? No, and it would be foolish for the Wild to spend that money.
So why the waivers? Well, this way, the Wild can float Steph out there for other teams. If they bite (before noon Eastern time), then there's a good chance that Veilleux will get what he's looking for. If nobody grabs him, he returns to the Wild, with a better grasp of his overall value in the league, possibly even speeding up negotiations. Sure, there could be a delay and he could join PMB in arbitration (again, this is just our suspicion... we don't actually know if Bouchard will head that way or not), but we just can't see that happening.
By placing Veilleux on waivers, the Wild are giving him a chance to get the contract he wants (which may be high) elsewhere, or have the ability to sign him long-term for a more reasonable rate.
And, if Veilleux goes, expect to see Clutterbuck or Gillies making the NHL squad.
As for Veilleux? The little fire plug with 11 goals last season? Shortly after it became public knowledge that he had fired his agent and decided to go it alone in contract negotiations, the Wild have placed him on waivers.
Now, before people start panicking, this move actually makes a ton of sense from the Wild's standpoint. Without an agent, it's entirely possible that Steph was asking for a pretty high number. In fact, with signings of other players of his caliber around the league (including Aaron Voros in New York and Todd Fedoruk in Phoenix), it's almost ridiculous to think that he wasn't looking for close to a $1M payday.
While he bring a spark to the team, and plays with intensity, hate to say it, but Veilleux is not worth $1M at present. Maybe in a couple of years, if he keeps improving. Right now? No, and it would be foolish for the Wild to spend that money.
So why the waivers? Well, this way, the Wild can float Steph out there for other teams. If they bite (before noon Eastern time), then there's a good chance that Veilleux will get what he's looking for. If nobody grabs him, he returns to the Wild, with a better grasp of his overall value in the league, possibly even speeding up negotiations. Sure, there could be a delay and he could join PMB in arbitration (again, this is just our suspicion... we don't actually know if Bouchard will head that way or not), but we just can't see that happening.
By placing Veilleux on waivers, the Wild are giving him a chance to get the contract he wants (which may be high) elsewhere, or have the ability to sign him long-term for a more reasonable rate.
And, if Veilleux goes, expect to see Clutterbuck or Gillies making the NHL squad.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
So Long, Pavol
Well, it's official. Pavol Demitra is no longer a member of the Minnesota Wild. Admittedly, this doesn't really shock anyone who was following the team, as they made (at least publically) absolutely no move to try and keep him around. If there is a surprise, it would be where Demitra has landed, and even that is tempered.
See, after the attack on Mikko Koivu last season, it may surprise people to think of anyone wearing the Iron Range red sweater last year playing this season with the Vancouver Canucks. An even bigger shocker would be Matthias Ohlund coming to play for the Wild, but we know that just isn't going to happen.
But, something to keep in mind. Demitra's former (we assume) agent is now employed by Vancouver. That alone may have swayed his decision as to where to head.
What does this mean for the Wild next year? Well, they're trying to replace Rolston with Nolan, and it seems like the Brunette pick was softening the blow of Demitra's inevitable departure. A bigger question might be what does it mean for Marian Gaborik. He seemed happier the last couple of seasons playing with his friend and countrymate. How will he respond to Demo lining up against him this season?
And is this all foolish speculation? If the Wild don't hammer out a contract for Gabby soon, we could easily see him being dangled (along with Bouchard) as trade bait. It would be an attractive offer for other teams, especially anyone looking to make a concentrated Cup push.
See, after the attack on Mikko Koivu last season, it may surprise people to think of anyone wearing the Iron Range red sweater last year playing this season with the Vancouver Canucks. An even bigger shocker would be Matthias Ohlund coming to play for the Wild, but we know that just isn't going to happen.
But, something to keep in mind. Demitra's former (we assume) agent is now employed by Vancouver. That alone may have swayed his decision as to where to head.
What does this mean for the Wild next year? Well, they're trying to replace Rolston with Nolan, and it seems like the Brunette pick was softening the blow of Demitra's inevitable departure. A bigger question might be what does it mean for Marian Gaborik. He seemed happier the last couple of seasons playing with his friend and countrymate. How will he respond to Demo lining up against him this season?
And is this all foolish speculation? If the Wild don't hammer out a contract for Gabby soon, we could easily see him being dangled (along with Bouchard) as trade bait. It would be an attractive offer for other teams, especially anyone looking to make a concentrated Cup push.
Monday, July 7, 2008
The Wild beef up
It's been almost a week since the flurry of activity that marks the beginning of the NHL's free agency period. The Wild made their bids to bring in high profile players, including Marian Hossa, Olli Jokinen, and an attempt to keep Brian Rolston, and they watched their wishlist going to other teams (in the above cases, Detroit, Phoenix, and New Jersey, respectively). Meanwhile, they were busy correcting a past mistake with Andrew Brunette, and adding some toughness with Marek Zidlicky and Craig Weller. After adding Antti Miettinen, it looked like Minnesota was done, and were going to move ahead with the team they had, maybe looking to make a trade or two in the regular season.
And then they made a big splash, and pulled an established veteran from a division rival. They grabbed someone who's got grit, talent, and an All-Star pedigree. The Wild grabbed a guy who once called his shot to give himself a hat trick, picking his spot on Dominic Hasek, no less.
The newest Minnesota Wild player? Owen Nolan.
Nolan could be a catalyst for this team, and it could help them get past the loss of Brian Rolston. While Nolan will most likely never see 40 goals again, the fact that he's got some of the grit and puck skills that he does will surely help the Wild, plus his years of experience are bound to pay dividends in the playoffs. Will he stay healthy, especially playing as hard as he does at 36? Wild fans will have to hope. Especially since the forward ranks look a little thin, especially for a coach that likes to rotate through four lines regularly.
Now, pending any other surprises, the Wild have to settle down to the business of resigning Stephane Veilleux and Pierre-Marc Bouchard, all while dealing with the elephant in the room. That elephant, of course, being the contract for the guy who wears number 10, and is the only original Wild player left.
And then they made a big splash, and pulled an established veteran from a division rival. They grabbed someone who's got grit, talent, and an All-Star pedigree. The Wild grabbed a guy who once called his shot to give himself a hat trick, picking his spot on Dominic Hasek, no less.
The newest Minnesota Wild player? Owen Nolan.
Nolan could be a catalyst for this team, and it could help them get past the loss of Brian Rolston. While Nolan will most likely never see 40 goals again, the fact that he's got some of the grit and puck skills that he does will surely help the Wild, plus his years of experience are bound to pay dividends in the playoffs. Will he stay healthy, especially playing as hard as he does at 36? Wild fans will have to hope. Especially since the forward ranks look a little thin, especially for a coach that likes to rotate through four lines regularly.
Now, pending any other surprises, the Wild have to settle down to the business of resigning Stephane Veilleux and Pierre-Marc Bouchard, all while dealing with the elephant in the room. That elephant, of course, being the contract for the guy who wears number 10, and is the only original Wild player left.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Free Agency Meat Market
Today, at noon Eastern, the NHL floodgates officially opened, as the free agent market could finally be dabbled in again. For those watching for Rolston reports, nothing got done with Tampa, but he hasn't signed anywhere else yet. There've been some big shake-ups, including Edmonton making a swap with Carolina, Pitkanen for Eric Cole. The Oilers could be making a big push for next season in the Northwest. So could Calgary, who added Rene Bourque today, picking him up from Chicago.
As for the Wild, while they can still chase Brian Rolston, they seem to be focused in other directions. Rolston is not going to take a smaller contract, and would probably ask for more than 3 years and $7M, which is what Minnesota is giving to Andrew Brunette. Yes, you saw that right. The man who helped us succeed in the playoffs in '03 and then helped knock us out in '08 is going to be back on the Wild next year. He's a player that the Wild has admitted was a mistake to let go, so his return could spell good things for the team.
Also coming to Minnesota is Predator defensemen Marek Zidlicky. The Wild seems determined to add offense to their blue-line, and Zidlicky (and earlier acquisition Marc-Andre Bergeron) will help in that aspect. If Burns can keep turning it up like he did this season, the Wild defense could be a serious threat. The Wild gave up Ryan Jones (a decent prospect who's probably a couple years away from the NHL) and a draft pick to grab Zidlicky.
But it hasn't all been gains for Minnesota. Todd "Fridge" Fedoruk has left for Phoenix (that's a lot of "F" sounds in one sentence). With Simon also being gone, is the Wild maybe looking to get away from playing "tough guy hockey", since it didn't work as well as they were hoping last season?
As for the Wild, while they can still chase Brian Rolston, they seem to be focused in other directions. Rolston is not going to take a smaller contract, and would probably ask for more than 3 years and $7M, which is what Minnesota is giving to Andrew Brunette. Yes, you saw that right. The man who helped us succeed in the playoffs in '03 and then helped knock us out in '08 is going to be back on the Wild next year. He's a player that the Wild has admitted was a mistake to let go, so his return could spell good things for the team.
Also coming to Minnesota is Predator defensemen Marek Zidlicky. The Wild seems determined to add offense to their blue-line, and Zidlicky (and earlier acquisition Marc-Andre Bergeron) will help in that aspect. If Burns can keep turning it up like he did this season, the Wild defense could be a serious threat. The Wild gave up Ryan Jones (a decent prospect who's probably a couple years away from the NHL) and a draft pick to grab Zidlicky.
But it hasn't all been gains for Minnesota. Todd "Fridge" Fedoruk has left for Phoenix (that's a lot of "F" sounds in one sentence). With Simon also being gone, is the Wild maybe looking to get away from playing "tough guy hockey", since it didn't work as well as they were hoping last season?
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