Minnesota Wild

Marian Gaborik is officially a free agent. The Minnesota Wild's cornerstone forward had his contract expire when the NHL's offseason formally began Wednesday. Gaborik is the only remaining player from their original team, and was their first draft pick nine years ago. Gaborik wanted to t...

DRAFT PICKS OF NOTE: --Nick Leddy, 5-11, 180, Eden Prairie (High school), first round, 16th overall -- A dynamic defenseman whom assistant GM Tommy Thompson called a better prospect at his age than former University of Minnesota defenseman Keith Ballard. Leddy will attend Minnesota in...

Those who pick the winners and losers after NHL drafts are kidding themselves. The reality is when you're drafting 18-year-olds, there are few sure things, so you never know if it was a successful draft until two or three years down the road. But Chuck Fletcher accomplished what he promised...

The Minnesota Wild held an introductory press conference on Monday for a player who needs no introduction in the state of hockey. The Wild made the reigning Minnesota Mr. Hockey - Eden Prairie High School defenseman Nick Leddy - their first-round draft pick on Friday. It's just the second ti...

The Wild have acquired center Kyle Brodziak (brohd-ZEE-ak) from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Minnesota's fourth and fifth round picks in this year's draft. Minnesota Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher says Minnesota also got Edmonton's sixth-round pick in the deal announced...

The Minnesota Wild added some depth to their checking lines on Saturday, shipping the 99th and 133rd picks in this year’s draft to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for center Kyle Brodziak and the 161st pick overall. The Los Angeles Kings meanwhile shipped center Brian Boyle to the New York...

First overall picks failing to blossom into stars has happened before.  1980 first overall pick Doug Wickenheiser was rushed into action by the Montreal Canadiens and struggled to play up to heightened expectations. He would eventually last over 500 NHL games with the Canadiens, St. Loui...

Minnesota Wild winger Marian Gaborik – like Bouwmeester, eligible for UFA status on July 1st – has been the subject of trade speculation linking him to the LA Kings, NY Rangers and the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins. Yes, Penguins/Rangers fans, Gaborik/Heatley could be the pe...

Minnesota Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher plans to hire a new coach by the June 26 draft. Fletcher spoke on a conference call with reporters Friday. He has been meeting people in the organization and plotting strategy with team scouts about the draft and free agency in the two weeks sinc...

 MN Bongarts/Getty Images file) It's unclear whether the Minnesota Wild would consider Pierre Page, the classy former North Stars coach, to succeed Jacques Lemaire. But Page has been a big success in Europe, and he worked for Fletcher's father, ...

The Minnesota Wild has 14 free agents heading into this offseason. I am ranking them from 14 on down to one. The No. 1 free agent in the countdown is unrestricted free agent forward Marian Gaborik. The 27-year-old was the Wild's first ever draft pick ...

 MN And the parent Minnesota Wild called up their best players a long time ago. Yet the Houston Aeros, top farm club of the Wild, have advanced to the American Hockey League's Western Conference finals. They got there by winning two grueling seven-game ...

 CA I am a fan of the Tennesse Titans, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Timberwolves and anything Longhorns and North Dakota State Bison. Steve McNair,Chris Johnson, MJ, Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Kirby Puckett, Marion Gaborik, Kevin Garnett, ...

The Minnesota Wild, who got an early start on their offseason to do list, are apparently only weeks away from making a very important decision regarding the direction of their team... by Gouche 7 reads Sports The Minnesota Wild, who got an early start on their offseason to do list, are apparen...

  USA Minnesota Wild - When the Minnesota North Stars were shipped to Dallas in 1993, it appeared as if Minnesota wouldn't see another hockey team for a while. But in the year 2000, after years of fans demanding a new team, the state was rewarded with the ...

  Canada Tim Thomas of the Boston Bruins, Niklas Backstrom of the Minnesota Wild and rookie Steve Mason of the Columbus Blue Jackets were named finalists for the NHL's top goaltender award on yesterday. But Miikka Kiprusoff of the Calgary Flames and perhaps Cam ...

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Josh Harding, Minnesota Wild. The re-signing of Niklas Backstrom in February has cast Harding's future with the Wild into question. He appears ready to step up and play more but barring injury to Backstrom he's not going to get that opportunity with the Wild. It's quite possible he could be d...

The New York Rangers as expected claimed controversial forward Sean Avery off re-entry waivers from the Dallas Stars. He was awarded the Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award (Best save percentage) and the William M. Jennings Trophy (Lowest goals-against) in the 2006-07 season.

By Ross McKeon The 30-year-old Finnish goalie had all the answers on Tuesday night. Backstrom stopped all 28 shots the Bruins fired his way to make one goal stand up for a 1-0 victory on the road. This wasn't any old shutout. Backstrom handed the league's top-scoring team its first blanking of the season, an...

By Greg Wyshynski • Dave Pagnotta and I discussed this over on TFP's radio show this afternoon, and Mirtle agrees: The Minnesota Wild might be better off letting Niklas Backstrom walk, keeping Josh Harding and spending well-saved money elsewhere. [From the Rink]

By Greg Wyshynski • Dave Pagnotta and I discussed this over on TFP's radio show this afternoon, and Mirtle agrees: The Minnesota Wild might be better off letting Niklas Backstrom walk, keeping Josh Harding and spending well-saved money elsewhere. [From the Rink]

By PJ Swenson(jon@sharkspage.com) Minnesota (18-16-2, 4th Northwest) was a franchise in trouble. Dropping 10 of its last 13 games and losing franchise right wing Marion Gaborik to a nebulous injury, passionate Minnesota Wild hockey fans have reduced themselves to booing their own team. Often.

By Greg Wyshynski With the game tied 1-1 in the third period, a Calgary shorthanded clearing attempt was knocked down near center ice by Brent Burns of the Minnesota Wild. Suddenly, Nystrom swooped in between two Minnesota players with a burst of speed, collected the puck and deked goalie Josh Harding onto...

By Greg Wyshynski • Mats Sundin is making Vancouver Canucks fans feel like winners, buy Sundin jerseys and (gasp!) dream about a Stanley Cup. All because he promoted Internet poker? [Province] • Colin White will miss the New Jersey Devils' next game. [Fire & Ice]

By Greg Wyshynski Pittsburgh Penguins Buffalo Sabres Philadelphia Flyers Boston Bruins Edmonton Oilers New York Islanders Chris also writes that the Calgary Flames and Minnesota Wild will have thirds next season. Color us intrigued about the Wild; last time they tried one, it became an instant classic.

By Greg Wyshynski The Devils forward had four points, including three on the power play, in New Jersey's 5-1 win over the visiting Ottawa Senators. His two goals came with the man advantage, and one of them was a back-breaker at 19:06 of the second period to make it 3-1 Devils. He's been a bit under the radar, but...

By Greg Wyshynski Preview: Anaheim Ducks at Edmonton Oilers (9 p.m. EST; TV: KDOC, OPPV). Yes! Ducks and Oil! Kevin Lowe and Brian Burke their pride on the line in a battle of ... sigh ... we sort of miss this rivalry already. Does it carry over to the Leafs or not? Jonas Hiller vs. Dwayne Roloson tonight, as per Goalie Post.

By Greg Wyshynski Preview: Anaheim Ducks at Edmonton Oilers (9 p.m. EST; TV: KDOC, OPPV). Yes! Ducks and Oil! Kevin Lowe and Brian Burke their pride on the line in a battle of ... sigh ... we sort of miss this rivalry already. Does it carry over to the Leafs or not? Jonas Hiller vs. Dwayne Roloson tonight, as per Goalie Post.

By Greg Wyshynski Preview: Calgary Flames at Minnesota Wild (8 p.m. EST; TV: TSN, NHLN). It'll be interesting to see (and hear) how Marian Gaborik is received in his first game back on home ice after his lengthy time on the sidelines. Think Wild fans are skeptical? Check out how Minnesota Wild Times greeting the...

By Gann Matsuda RECAP: Behind another strong effort, the Los Angeles Kings moved one game above the .500 mark with a 3-1 win over the Minnesota Wild at Staples Center on Saturday afternoon; features post-game audio interviews. Defenseman Brent Burns scored the lone Minnesota goal on a late third period p...

By Dave Nichols Washington's comeback started at 14:43 of the third when Matt Bradley slid a backhanded shot, his third of the season, past Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom. Alex Ovechkin notched his ninth a minute later utilizing his patented delay shot, using a Minnesota defender to screen the normally r...

Niklas Backstrom stopped 24 shots in the loss for the Wild, who had a three- game winning streak stopped. Backstrom still has great numbers at home, going 5-1-1 with a 2.12 goals against average in seven games at Xcel Energy Center this year. Overall, he is 11-4-1 with a 1.99 GAA in 16 games this y...

By Greg Wyshynski • Bruce "Malkin to the Kings" Garrioch continues to feed the flames of the Ottawa Senators' interest in Vancouver Canucks defenseman Mattias Ohlund. Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis and assistant Lawrence Gilman were listed as scouts at MSG for last night's loss to the Rangers. [Ottawa S...

By Sean Leahy Whatever happens to both Gaborik and Backstrom, this is a very important season for the Wild franchise. They have their superstar player and superstar goaltender both on the verge of big raises. Minnesota has $37 million committed for next season, but with eight soon-to-be unrestricted...

By Melissa Grissom WESTERN CONFERENCE 3. Calgary Flames: No. 3 in the western conference, No. 1 in the Northwest Division 11. Vancouver Canucks No. 11 in the western conference, No. 3 in the Northwest Division 14. Colorado Avalanche: No. 14 in the western conference, No. 5 in the Northwest Division

By Greg Wyshynski • So, in summary: Peter Budaj may have saved his job with the Colorado Avalanche because Jason LaBarbera sucked worse last night for the Los Angeles Kings. [Denver Post] • The New Jersey Devils are preparing themselves for the Dallas Stars and Hurricane Avery. [Fire and Ice]

By Greg Wyshynski • Alexander Radulov writes in a letter that he wants to remain in the KHL and not return to the NHL or the Nashville Predators. Perhaps the KHL will remember this strongly-worded letter if it ever stops running away from arbitration like a frightened squirrel. [Tennessean]

By Greg Wyshynski Nashville Predators Boston Bruins New Jersey Devils Anaheim Ducks Edmonton Oilers Calgary Flames 0.41 0.39 Colorado Avalanche 0.39 San Jose Sharks 0.39 Los Angeles Kings 0.39 Dallas Stars 0.38 0.38 0.38 Vancouver Canucks 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.37 0.36 0.35 0.34 Minnesota Wild 0.33 0.31 0.31 New York Rangers

By Theresa Ferries The Wild lineup tonight was as follows:  Marian Gaborik, Eric Belanger, Mikko Koivu, Andrew Brunette, Stephane Veilleux, Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Owen Nolan, Antti Miettinen, Colton Gillies, Benoit Pouliot, Derek Boogaard, Martin Skoula, Kim Johnsson, Nick Schultz, Brent Burns, M...

By Greg Wyshynski Patrik Elias (New Jersey Devils, LW, Round 6/Pick 98) Milan Lucic (Boston Bruins, LW, Round 10/Pick 170) David Perron (St. Louis Blues, LW, Round 12/Pick 206) Fabian Brunnstrom (Dallas Stars, LW, Round 14/Pick 242)

By Jennifer Conway Brust is a journeyman goalie who saw NHL action in eleven games for L.A. and currently plays for the Houston Aeros behind Nolan Schaefer.  He had decent numbers, going 24-16-3 in 43 games with a 2.27 GAA.  He spent the summer in Minnesota training primarily for speed. He lost some weight and feels...

By Greg Wyshynski Risebrough blows a gasket when asked such questions. "I've never had anybody tell me ever they don't want to play for Jacques Lemaire," Risebrough said. "In fact, players tell me all the time, 'Jacques Lemaire made me the player I am today, Jacques Lemaire resurrected my career.'"

Ryan Malone's big enough to lift the Cup now  MN - Minnesota is also his offseason home; he lives in Plymouth, not far from Minnesota Wild winger Mark Parrish. Malone approaches the series with a unique ... Pittsburgh Penguins: We Are the Youth Gone Wild Bleacher Report

A costly turnover by the Blues (an errant drop pass that was missed) was scooped up by Minnesota Wild forward Marion Gaborik and a two on one quickly developed. Gaborik looked pass the whole way and roofed the puck past Legaces right shoulder to give the Wild the 3-2 overtime victory. Just out...

By PJ Swenson Also noted from the latest AMSP bulletin (American Society of Media Photographers): Minnesota Wild team photographer Bruce Kluckhohn (brucekphoto.com) was featured as one of the best sports photographers. He has been shooting the Wild ...

By bigg knasty As was mentioned above, it's cold here in Minnesota, and, in wintertime, it snows here. Which is why the arena in the Twin Cities (there are two, the Target Center in Minneapolis, where the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves play, and, for our purposes here today, the only arena in the Twin Citie...

By HockeyGuy I ask why the Minnesota Wild cut down its fans in its "PondCast 169"? I would never cut the fans down but I guess when your the Wild you can do what ever you want. so send your complaints to info@wild.com and let them know you do not like being cut down! Music is by Chris Hawkey and the Power Play Band

By HockeyGuy Mikko Koivu signs one year deal with the Minnesota Wild. Music is by Chris Hawkey and the Power Play Band http://www.ChrisHawkey.com

By HockeyGuy So you think your a WILD HOCKEY FAN! Well so am I, I started to do the very first Minnesota Wild Podcast last season, them the Minnesota Wild started their own show, I quit at the end of the year, but I started to miss it, so I said I was coming back for this year! I am back, but now I am on PODSHOW!

record for goals in a season and Brian Rolston added a short-handed tally to lead the Minnesota Wild past the Calgary Flames 3-1 in the NHL on Tuesday night. ... NHL: Minnesota 3, Calgary 1 Monsters and Critics.com NHL: Minnesota 3, Calgary 1 Pittsburgh Tribune-Review