Risebrough did confess he received a call from the agent of a high-profile player he declined to identify. He said the player did not fit into the team's plans, leaving the rest to wonder.
"Let's just say it was a flattering call," Risebrough said.
What kind of GM brags about turning down high-profile players?
I bet it was Modano. This team really ticks me off with their "we have a plan" crap. This team makes money hand over fist and hardly any of that money gets spent on good players....
Probably some 35+ former star looking to go out in style. It's hard to commit to youth if you bring in a lot of vets - with White and Nazarov on board, that's probably enough.
That's who sprung to mind for me. Too bad, but it sounds like Modano is probably looking for a 3-4 year deal worth serious bucks. I'm not surprised DR would say "Thanks, but no."
My hope is that leaking information like this makes some of the younger, better guys consider the Wild. Guys who may not be at the point to demand big money and who are looking for a team where they can really contribute. Pipe dream, I'm sure.
I gotta tell you, I will be extremely pissed if we don't sign a bigger-name player than White or Nazarov. It feels like Christmas right now in Columbus, Atlanta, Calgary, Edmonton- all those teams are very comparable to the Wild. So why do we get a pair of old, sewn up socks for Christmas, when we want TOYS, TOYS, TOYS!!!! Do you hear me DR, WE WANT IT TO FEEL LIKE CHRISTMAS TOO!!!!
For what he's asking I'm glad we're not going after him, but it'd be nice just for once to see a rumor that the Wild are going for overpriced aging vet X. Fine, they can stick to their guns, but there's nothing wrong with testing the waters. Give fans something to be excited about.
That article seems to imply that the Wild refuse to pay a FA more than Gaborik ($2.679 million). So once all the 4-5 mill guys getting signed now dry up maybe we'll see some action.
I'm not sure I agree with limiting your FA signings to contracts smaller than Gabby's. Normally, I think I would, but this is sort of a unique situation. There's a lot of talent redistribution that may happen over the next few days. I'm sure it's not as black-and-white as that article makes it out to be; I can't believe the team wouldn't seriously consider making a more significant move if the right deal came along and it was for more than Gaborik's contract.
Honestly, I agree with what the Wild are doing. There are a lot of teams trying to compete with eachother to spend money right now, within a couple of years these teams will be in serious trouble cap wise. Don't forget, if revenues come in low this year the cap will go down next year. The Wild have some good young players, but I don't think there is any 1-2 players they could sign that would make them contenders this year. They should work on developing their players and sign a couple of veterans after things settle down and they can get some bargains.
I'm with you there kasper11 - I'm glad the Wild are sticking to their plan of building a team from within. It will take a long time, but when they get there, they will have sustainable success. Running around spending millions on aging stars and rent-a-players is no way to build a TEAM. The players the Wild have added have qualities that compliment their philosophy: good skating, responsible 2 way player, unselfish and team-oriented. You can see from their high level draft picks that they are building on this base, and once the transition from Dowd/Laaksonen/Hendrickson types to O'Sullivan, Pouliot, Gaborik types is complete, you'll have a hell of a team.
Patience, patience. No need to try to jump start the process when you are already winning.
One last note: Rolston's signing looks pretty good to me right now.
I agree with Monkey and Kasper. I would, however, like them to pick up a #2-3 D-man. We need someone with more experience than Mitchell or Kuba to guide Burns, as well as Thelen & Stoner in the near future. But, there is still plenty of time left.
I think a good powerplay point man would be nice to have. Not superstar good, just decent. Someone with some experience in the role.
We did manage to do ok in 02-03 going up against some pretty loaded teams, and at the end of 03-04 things were looking up, too. I think we'll be better off this year than we were then.
Honestly, I agree with what the Wild are doing. There are a lot of teams trying to compete with eachother to spend money right now, within a couple of years these teams will be in serious trouble cap wise. Don't forget, if revenues come in low this year the cap will go down next year. The Wild have some good young players, but I don't think there is any 1-2 players they could sign that would make them contenders this year. They should work on developing their players and sign a couple of veterans after things settle down and they can get some bargains.
Well played...
...that being said, I'd still like to see a top tier free agent signed to help develop our top prospects. Someone to take the pressure off these young guys and let them taste success early on. Might go a long ways in their development.
Even someone middle of the road...I can't help but think a guy like Marty Straka would've looked great, interchanging on lines, keeping up with the speedy youngsters, making things exciting... He'll be doing that in New York instead of here.
I guess growing pains is something we will see more of.
Boy you guys are sure trained well by the Wild management. They sellout every game and have a 6,500 wait list. They have no motivation to spend money, they didnt lower tickets and its embarrassing. half the teams in the league lowered tickets or they went out and spent some real money. The Wild have NO EXCUSE to be a bottom 10 payroll team and take revenue sharing. They make good money every year and now this year they will suck and make more money then usual. I think its a joke, at least resign your players like Park and Brunette. Oh well, I will be at the X cheering for the Oilers and Flames and watching them climb above the Wild in the standing again.
