The Wild's in on a lot of defensemen right now and Matt Cullen. Also other things. More soon.
I am told Wild are entrenched in Cullen talks. "Right in the middle of it," says source close to Cullen
Paul Martin unsigned as of now. I got an email from impeccable source Pittsburgh and the L.A. Kings were the two hottest teams after him (30 minutes ago). ESPN's reporting Martin to Pittsburgh. They get Michalek and Martin. Good tradeoff of Gonchar, I'd say. Still awaiting for confirmation from Martin's people. Now confirmed via email. Five years, $5 million per.
Derek Boogaard's people are calling teams saying he's got a four-year deal worth $1.65 million on the table. We'll see soon if that's true. I am being told it's the Rangers. Risebrough, Gaborik, Rock star on Broadway, Jody Shelley's gone. Makes sense
I've written for awhile, Boogaard could get bigger, longer deal on open market than Wild was willing to offer. I am told Boogaard's peeps called Wild for one last chance to sign him, and it was a no thanks at that number.
Here's official offer sheet compensation. Again, without its original 2011 second-round pick, it's impossible for the Wild to tender an offer sheet in most of these scenarios:
OFFER COMPENSATION
$1,020,348 or below None
Over $1,020,348 to $1,545,981 Third-round choice
Over $1,545,981 to $3,091,963 Second-round choice
Over $3,091,963 to $4,637,944 First-round and third-round choice
Over $4,637,944 to $6,183,925 First-round, second-round and third-round
choice
Over $6,183,925 to $7,729,907 Two first-round choices, one second- and one
third-round choice
Over $7,729,907 Four first-round choices
Some deals so far:
Manny Malhotra, three years to Vancouver
Colby Armstrong, three years to Toronto
Zbynek Michalek, five years to Pittsburgh
Sergei Gonchar, three years to Ottawa
Alex Tanguay, one year to Calgary
Antero Niittymaki, two years to San Jose
