It's Me Or Him?

1) That is apparently the Power Play that is occurring behind the scenes with respect to the negotiations between the Minnesota Wild organization and star forward Marion Gaborik. The 'him' is long time coach Jacques Lemaire. From what we have been told by more than one source the Gaborik camp is making is less than subtly clear that their client is not keen on signing a contract if the current coach is going to be there as well.

2) Its well known that offensively gifted players have butted heads with the team defense-first approach that has been the Lemaire trade mark for over 15 years. (Its ironic since Jacques was a tremendously gifted play maker in his own right, so one would think he'd understand the thought processes of forwards.Playing his entire 12-season NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens, Lemaire won eight Stanley Cups and tallied 366 goals and 835 points in 853 career games.) Also, one can't argue against his past success, including a Cup in NJ, an widely given credit for making 'the trap' into a curse word among NHL fans. Our sources within the Wild organization are said to be furious about this demand. One told us privately " Who the Fuck does that asshole think he is, Wayne Gretzky?" Sorry, we don't recall even Wayne having the balls to try to force out a coach!

3) Marion also does NOT want to go directly public with this 'demand' but would prefer that the team give him assurances that LeMaire will be replaced at some point before next season begins. The Wild recently put a huge 6 year 60 million dollar offer on the table, only to have it ignored by Gaborik's team. Therefore its clear money is not the prime motivator for Gaborik here, who he plays for is. Team officials were very tight lipped about all this. They don't want to embarrass any of the involved parties (go public) now. That could change if talks continue to drag/not look fruitful. There certainly would be no shortage of teams interested in the Slovak sniper. We have also recently been told that he (and his agent) think they can force a move with a ridiculous demand. We have heard from more than one source that this demand is a 10 year 10+ million dollar deal. Our point person in Minnesota tell us "there is no way, no how this happens."

4) Our opinion in all this would be to trade his ass as soon as possible. This will only drag on and become a significant distraction through out the season. Doug Risebrough needs to get a good deal done before Thanks giving; probably dealing Gaborik to an Eastern Conference team (Florida-?) and getting back a few quality assets to help the team this season and beyond. We'd cut bait now. We don't see Marion as a player worthy of Ovechkin/Crosby type money. Risebrough better also trade the oft injured Slovak sooner rather than later because an injury would reduce his trade value. Getrdone Doug now! Trade the primadonna!