Heatley For Havlat As Sharks And Wild Deal Again

((HT: CSNBayArea))

When San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson found an opening to trade post-season-offensively-challenged forward Dany Heatley, Wilson found a dance partner in an old flame- Minnesota Wild GM Chuck Fletcher- the guy whom he just had enough fun with in his Burns-for-Setoguchi deal.

So, now Wilson gets speed in exchange for a confusing amount of talent and head-scratching ineffectiveness...

“Marty is a player that we have had an interest in for a long time,” Wilson said via press release. “He can play either wing and brings creativity and breakaway speed to our group of top-six forwards. We are excited about the versatility he adds to our lineup.”

This comes two years after Heatley demanded a trade out of Ottawa, and before that, the chance for Heatley to start anew leaving Atlanta after all the Dan Snyder ghosts chased him

Here's, what turned out to be, Heatley's exit-exit interview at the end of the season...

2011 NHL Entry Draft Day One: Go Jets Go!

((HT: NHL on TSN/NHL/JHendrix70))

First, here's what unbridled enthusiasm sounds like...

This is how the official announcement came in from the True North folks on their new nickname...


Not that there isn't any coolness with bringing back the Jets or anything like that...

And, then, we go to pick 15 and the New York Rangers...
An absolutely class move by the Rangers in recognizing the late Derek Boogaard with his brother Aaron on stage...
((HT: Versus/TSN/NHL/youtube))


The draft continues today with Rounds Two through the end...

Boogaard Family Donating Brain For CTE Exam

((HT: MyFoxTwinCities))

The New York Post reported Saturday that Derek Boogaard had been receiving counseling in the NHL's substance abuse and behavioral health program in the weeks prior to his death, but there is no indication there were any immediate problems.

According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Boogaard's family has now signed paperwork to send his brain to researchers at Boston Univiersity, where research is being done at the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy.

"They just felt like this is something that needed to be done," said Michael Russo, hockey reporter for the Star Tribune. "Brain trauma is big in pro sports. ... Derek had a season-ending concussion and multiple in his career."
Here's the update...

Family to Donate Boogaard's Brain to Docs: MyFoxTWINCITIES.com

Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that Boogaard suffered any syptoms that would lead to CTE.

MO\ore when we know more...

Rangers enforcer Derrick Boogaard found dead in his home

Derek Boogaard/Courtesy: thehockeynews.com

The 28-year old popular hockey player was found dead in his Minneapolis apartment around 6 p.m Friday night. An autopsy is planned as authorities have no idea what led to Boogaard's death.

Though known as a tough guy on the ice, Boogaard was one of the most respected and well liked players in the game. He started his career with the Minnesota Wild before signing a 4-year, $6.5 million contract with the New York Rangers in 2010.

From the Rangers Website: “Derek was an extremely kind and caring individual,” said New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather.  “He was a very thoughtful person, who will be dearly missed by all those who knew him.  We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.”

More from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune RIGHT HERE

While many wonder about why Hockey needs people with the unofficial job title "Enforcer", it's a part of the game. The violence may be questioned at times, but the role is primarily to protect and make sure nobody takes cheap shots at the "Stars" on a given team. It was a job that many considered Derek Boogaard the best at.

Boogaard was known by many as "The Boogeyman" because of his propensity for scaring his opponents. He only played in 22 games this past season for the Rangers because of a severe concussion, a concussion severe enough that he apparently struggled to deal with the sunlight. The question now is, how much did that affect him?

Here's some video of Boogaard doing what the job he was paid for (Courtesy: Hockeyfights.com):

Isles Gillies Heads To The Principal's Office

New York Islanders Trevor Gillies has an in-person hearing with the NHL in Toronto tomorrow.

Gillies was ejected from Wednesday night's game against Minnesota for a hit from behind on Wild winger Cal Clutterbuck. The hit came just a few shifts into his first game back after serving a nine-game suspension for his head hit to Pittsburgh's Eric Tangradi last month.

It was in the blowout game where the Isles won 8-3...
((HT: FSPittsburgh/NHL/youtube))


The league requests an "in-person" hearing so the league can suspend a player longer than five games if they're so inclined.

Here's the incident in full...
((HT: Wild TV/NHL/Fel0096))


Here's analysis from the Versus guys... Bill, Jonesy, and Milbury...
((HT: Versus/PuckDaddy))


Hockey analyst Matthew Barnaby thinks Gillies should be gone for ten games...
((HT: ESPN))


The HQ is inclined to agree...they should be so inclined...
"Get back in your cage..."

We would like to know the inherent redeeming value of Trevor Gillies at present...

4th Grader Interviews For Vacant Minnesota Wild Head Coaching Position

Sullivan Casey, a 4th grader at Horace Mann Elementary School in Minneapolis was interviewed for the Minnesota Wild head coaching position by team owner Craig Leipold. The interview starts at 1:30 (Thanks NHL Network Online)



Congrats Sully, you made the first cut.

A Wild GM Search

((HT: Rogers Sportsnet))

The Minnesota Wild have started their search for a new general manager and have targeted former Leafs Pat Quinn and John Ferguson ((pictured, thanks Dave Sanford/Getty)), as well as Pierre McGuire according to a Toronto newspaper report.

In Monday's Toronto Star it was reported that McGuire is expected to be interviewed by Wild owner Craig Leipold either Monday or Tuesday, and interivews will also happen wtih Quinn, Ferguson, Chuck Fletcher, player agent Neil Sheehy and others. Also being considered is Sportsnet Hockeycentral analyst Doug MacLean.

The Wild fired Doug Risebrough in April after 10 years as general manager. Head coach Jacques Lemaire resigned as well.

Quinn has been out of the NHL since leaving the Leafs in 2006, while Ferguson is currently a scout for the San Jose Sharks since being fired as Leafs GM in January, 2008.

Fletcher, son of former Flames and Leafs GM Cliff, is currently an assistant GM with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

McGuire meanwhile has experience in NHL management (Hartford, Ottawa) and coaching (Pittsburgh).

Risebrough Out As Wild GM

((HT: MyfoxTwinCities))

Less than a week removed from head coach Jacques Lemaire stepping down, the Minnesota Wild announced today that President and General Manager Doug Risebrough will not return next season.

Team owner, Craig Leipold, announced today that the organization will not renew Risebrough’s contract.

“The entire Minnesota Wild organization is forever indebted to Doug for his substantial efforts in establishing this franchise’s solid foundation and winning tradition,” said Leipold in a media release. “The positive impact of Doug’s service will be felt for many years to come. We wish Doug the very best.”

The move marks a continued move towards a new direction for the team which will have a new head coach, and also faces the reality of losing star forward Marian Gaborik.

Team Assistant General Manager Tom Lynn, will act as General Manager until a replacement is found.

Lemaire Leaves Wild... Montreal Next...?

Sid Hartman of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune caught up with Minnesota Wild GM Doug Risebrough after Jacques Lemaire announced he was resigning his post as Head Coach. Risebrough was surprised with Lemaire's decision and the way it came about.

The team is scheduled to have a Monday afternoon presser to formally announce the deal and discuss their future head coach and franchise direction...

It should not have been a surprise to see Jacques Lemaire step down as Wild coach. He did it before in Montreal after the 1984-85 season, and after the 1997-98 season at New Jersey, when he led the Devils to the Stanley Cup in 1994-95.

But Wild president Doug Risebrough said he was surprised in the way Lemaire quit, telling the Wild beat writers after a season-ending victory in Columbus that he wasn't coming back next season.

Risebrough expected that he and Lemaire would wait a couple of weeks, then have a meeting as they have done after other seasons.

"I did not know Jacques was going to quit; he did not say anything to me," Risebrough said. "I had a feeling that he had made up his mind, as he said [Saturday] with the media.

"... We had had no discussions about this. We didn't talk about it, because Jacques is all about the team ... and doing the right thing, and it wouldn't be the right thing to talk about this stuff before. But the fact that he said he had made up his mind started me to think that he knows the right time.

"I've always said this, Jacques is not only the brightest hockey mind I've ever worked with, he's maybe one of the smartest individuals. And I knew he would know when the right time was going to be. And, I've just got to say, I am so appreciative of Jacques staying as long as he did. I think it was the right thing."

Risebrough said he hadn't been looking ahead to who would replace Lemaire.

"But I can tell you, I've got a great, great perspective on what coaching is, [and who] the next coach should be, because of Jacques Lemaire."

Following Saturday night's 6-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets 6-3, the only coach the Wild has ever known confirmed he won't be back.

"There comes a time when you know it's the right time to go," Lemaire told reporters. "And I know this. I had a great time here. I had eight great years."

"I think it's time for the players to get a new coach and myself to look for other stuff," Lemaire told the newspaper on Saturday following a 6-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. "I always said there'll be a time. There comes a time that you know it's the right time to go, and I know this."

"I don't know what I'm going to do. I want to stay in the game, but I don't know what I'm going to do."

When asked if he would remain with the Wild in another position, Lemaire said he did not believe that would happen.

Lemaire, a former player and coach with the Canadiens, was asked by the Star Tribune if he would be interested in coaching in Montreal again, he sidestepped the question.

"I won't start to mention any teams because I'm still under contract in a way," Lemaire told the newspaper. "But I'll be looking for a job. I don't know what type. But I'll be looking."
While Lemaire has a reputation of being one of the finest coaches in the National Hockey League, there have been rumblings of tension with players.

The team has reportedly been upset regarding road practices after traveling and lack of off days.

According to the Star Tribune the assistant coaches have been running most of the team's recent morning practice sessions and at one point last week a veteran player voiced his displeasure with the Lemaire in a team huddle.

Lemaire To Retire...? Talk Starts Again

((HT: CP))

Last summer, the Minnesota Wild talked Jacques Lemaire into returning as coach. This time, they might have to be more persuasive.

This has been a trying winter and spring for Lemaire ((pictured, thanks Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI-Getty)) and the Wild, who entered the final weekend of the regular season with a faint hope of reaching the playoffs but haven't put together a three-game winning streak since before U.S. Thanksgiving.

They've been hampered by injuries to important players, slow development of recent first-round draft picks, and persistent inconsistency that frustrates the discipline-driven coach like no other flaw.

Not only is the future of star forward Marian Gaborik in question with free agency looming in a few months, but the only bench boss this franchise has ever had is not guaranteed to be back for training camp next fall.

The 63-year-old Lemaire, in the Hall of Fame for his eight Stanley Cups won and 835 career points as a player with Montreal, has taken three teams to a total of nine playoff appearances plus one championship as a coach. The man, whose penchant for proper positioning on the ice helped spawn the frequently emulated neutral-zone trap, will assume his usual off-season routine.

He'll assess his feelings, his energy and his enthusiasm for the job in consultation with his family and Wild general manager Doug Risebrough, a former Canadiens teammate who hired the Quebec native to guide the club when it entered the league nine years ago.

A few weeks after Minnesota was eliminated in the first round of the NHL's post-season tournament last April, Risebrough flew to Florida to convince Lemaire he was still the coach who could best motivate and maximize the abilities on the roster. Until their talk, Lemaire wasn't so sure.

This year, Lemaire's resolve has been tested as much or more. Gaborik missed 65 games. Owen Nolan has missed 23. Defenceman Brent Burns and forward Pierre-Marc Bouchard have both been out down the stretch due to lingering post-concussion symptoms.

"It's been a little frustrating," the coach said. "Because of the injuries, we never had a full team. Maybe a couple of games and that's it. And when it happens to your key players, then it's hard to get the players having a good feel about the group."

Risebrough declined an interview request, preferring to wait until after the season.

"I haven't thought about it, honestly," Gaborik said, asked whether he has wondered if the only head coach he's had in the pros will retire. "I don't know what they're going to do, so it's out of my control. I'm just focusing right now on playing."

Though Lemaire is considered a strict, demanding coach, and some of his more-skilled players have balked at his insistence on a cautious style, he has a well-respected presence around the arena.

"With what he's done for this franchise, I think he's in position to have it be up to him" on whether he'll be back, forward Andrew Brunette said.

After some games, Lemaire has been beside himself with anger and frustration.

On other days, he's been upbeat: making quips about the sport, the team and life in general in that distinctively French Canadian accent of his, or with a mischievous smile cryptically offering guarded answers to questions he'd rather not entertain.

During one practice last month, when the oft-injured Gaborik had returned to the team after his rehabilitation was finally complete, Lemaire excitedly skated over to the glass near the assembled media with mock astonishment at Gaborik's presence on the ice and jokingly posed for cellphone pictures with his best player.

Even Gaborik had to grin.

Despite being four decades older than the majority of the guys on his roster, Lemaire has a knack for reaching his players.

"He's tough, but he's not mean," said centre James Sheppard, one of the youngsters who hasn't performed up to his potential this season. "I guess strict is a good word for it. He wants the young guys to learn, and once you learn you kind of can have some more freedom. He wants us to be in shape. He's always wanting us to be energy players and stuff like that. So, yeah, I think he's strict. I don't think he's mean. He wants us to learn the game."

Lemaire has been humbled, too.

"We're trying to prepare them so we get them to play their best, and then they have a responsibility to get prepared," he said. "So we have to do our job. They have to do their job. That's how it works. Part of it us. The other part of it is them. And I'll take some of the blame, because I'm not perfect."

So assistant coach Mario Tremblay, another ex-Canadiens teammate, will wait on his friend's decision - just like everyone else.

"We will see how it is," Tremblay said. "At his age, it's year after year. He's old enough. He knows what to do."

Boogey Man Gets Five For Elbow

The NHL has come down hard on Minnesota Wild tough guy Derek Boogaard as the veteran enforcer was handed a five game suspension Saturday for an elbow to the head of Flames' forward Brandon Prust.

With just under two minutes remaining in the third period, the 26-year old Boogaard blindsided Prust with an elbow to the side of the head. Prust left the game and did not return. At Flames practice Saturday, head coach Mike Keenan suspected that Prust had been concussed on the play.

One of the most feared heavyweights in the league, the 26-year old Boogaard has three assists and 85 penalty minutes in 47 games this season.

Here's the elbow no longer in question...
((HT: Sportsnet))

NHL Looking Into AEG

What would happen if you owned more than one franchise at once...?

That scenario almost happened when Anschutz Entertainment Group ((AEG)) dropped a $7-million loan, and Craig Leipold sent $10-million into the pockets of "Boots" Del Biaggio to make sure his Forecheck Holdings could pick up 31-percent of the Nashville Predators when Leipold wanted to leave and buy the Minnesota Wild.

Got all that...?

Had this all gone down AEG would have had pieces of the LA Kings and the Preds. Leipold would have had pieces of the Wild and the Preds. Del Biaggio admitted, in his prospectus for possible Forecheck investors, that he thought after two seasons there would be enough of a loss to move the team from Nashville. He also admitted Kansas City had shown interest in gaining a tenant for its Sprint Center ((pictured- Isn't it pretty??)). "Boots" also admitted NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman didn't perform standard due diligence research on his finances to a California business associate Doug Bergeron. Bettman disputes Bergeron's version of events.

By the way, guess who owns the Sprint Center...?
Yup... AEG...

Larry Brooks work in New York City at the Post going over all this is hyah
Current Wild, and possible current-partial owner of the Preds, Craig Leipold is now "disappointed" in learning Del Biaggio is chasing bankruptcy protection in the St. Paul Pioneer-Press;

"Mr. Leipold is disappointed to learn of these developments regarding Mr. Del Biaggio. Mr. Leipold has been pursuing his legal remedies, and he will continue to assert his claims against Mr. Del Biaggio in accordance with the applicable bankruptcy court procedures.

"In deference to the judicial process, Mr. Leipold prefers not to comment on the pending litigation against Mr. Del Biaggio at this time."

Leipold failed to address the idea of loaning Del Biaggio the money...
Shocking...