Hello from Mankato everybody, Training Camp is underway and the first preseason game of the year is next Friday in San Francisco. Before the first kickoff of the 2012 season begins, we’d like to give you our annual projections for the initial Vikings 53 man roster.

QB-Christian Ponder, Joe Webb, Sage Rosenfels

RB-1. Adrian Peterson(currently on the PUP), Toby Gerhart,  Lex Hilliard

FB-  Jerome Felton, Rhett Ellison

WR-  Percy Harvin, Jerome Simpson(3 game suspension),  Michael Jenkins, Jarius Wright, Greg Childs, Stephen Burton

TE- John Carlson, Kyle Rudolph, Allen Reisner

OL- Matt Kalil, Charlie Johnson, John Sullivan, Brandon Fusco, Phil Loadholt, Chris DeGeare, Geoff Schwartz, DeMarcus Love,  Joe Berger, Pat Brown

DL-Jared Allen, Letroy Guion, Kevin Williams, Brian Robison, Christian Ballard, Fred Evans, D’Aundre Reed,

LB- Erin Henderson, Jasper Brinkley, Chad Greenway, Marvin Mitchell, Elimimian Soloman (ST), Everson Griffin*

DB- Antoine Winfield, Harrison Smith, Josh Robinson, Chris Cook, Brandon Burton, Chris Carr, Jamarca Sanford, Anderson Sendejo, Mistral Raymond, Reggie Jones

Special Teams- Chris Kluwe, Cullen Loeffler, Blair Walsh

*Griffin moved to LineBacker but still will take reps and play if needed at Line

The post Projected 53 Man Roster for 2012-Updated appeared first on MinnesotaSNN.

Christmas came exactly 174 days early for Minnesota Wild fans, and to be honest, absolutely nobody could say that they saw it coming. By 11:00 am on July 4th, in a move that shocked the hockey world, both Zach Parise and Ryan Suter had decided to play the next and most likely final 13 seasons of their NHL careers in Minnesota.

With Wild fans celebrating and in disbelief, GM Chuck Fletcher expressed both the excitement and gratitude of the club, “This is a great day in the history of the Minnesota Wild. We are extremely excited to add the collective skill, experience and character of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter to an already promising roster. We view this as a rare opportunity for us to transform our franchise by adding two marquee players, who are both in the prime of their careers, at the same time. I am grateful to Zach and Ryan and I am also thankful for the substantial commitment and support of Craig Leipold throughout this process. This is a huge step forward in our quest to bring a Stanley Cup to the deserving fans of the State of Hockey.”

Owner Craig Leipold also wrote a giddy letter that described the process and jubilation that the Wild went through leading up to these signings, “Having said that, when the season ended in April, I found myself wondering, perhaps as you did, how long that process might take and how we could accelerate it. To Chuck’s credit, he had an ambitious plan and today’s announcement of the signing of free agents Zach Parise and Ryan Suter marks the culmination of that plan. We now have the two most coveted free agents in the NHL to add to our veteran core, led by our captain Mikko Koivu, and our acclaimed class of young prospects. Sounds pretty good to me.” For those who haven’t seen the actual letter, rest assured that your owner knows the difference between Times New Roman and Comic Sans.

Although the Wild fans were certainly shocked, fans and quite a few self-proclaimed “insiders” were both covering their tracks and trying to comprehend what had just happened. Minnesota fans should be incredibly thankful for the reporting of Michael Russo(@RussoStrib); his diligence and incredibly accurate reporting make him arguably the best hockey reporter in the country and one of the few that never reports before his facts are 100% straight. On the contrary, here are a few examples of the “guessing” that help to highlight why you should never ever trust these frauds if they aren’t willing to put a name and a face to their theories.

Logic had it that Parise and Suter were “done” deals to Pittsburgh and Detroit respectively, and not that many people were guessing otherwise. Yet come the morning of July 3rd, Ryan Suter had invited BOTH Minnesota and Detroit to Wisconsin, where each team met and gave one last pitch for his services. As we learned from both Zach and Ryan at their press conference, the conversation between the two players began to pick up big time in the afternoon and into the early morning of July 4th. After talking over the pros and cons, Parise and Suter decided that they wanted to play together in Minnesota. They wanted to avoid the stigma and press of the $100 million dollar contracts, so both guys decided on front loaded 13 year, $98 million dollar contracts and Minnesota was more than willing to give them that. As more and more information came out after their signings, a cool thing to note was that Parise absolutely insisted that he and Suter be paid equally, in light of the fact that Minnesota had initially offered a bit more for Parise than Suter.

Parise will wear #11 and Suter his usual #20. Can’t wait for the season, whenever it starts. Expect this CBA war to dwarf the NFL’s fight. It’s going to get nasty folks.

The post Parise and Suter: Minnesota Bound appeared first on MinnesotaSNN.

After some sniping and drama over the potential offer sheet for SG Nicolas Batum, the Minnesota Timberwolves have officially signed and submitted their offer sheet for the swingman.

Just to clarify, this does not mean that you will be seeing Batum in a Wolves uniform this coming season…yet. Portland has until 10:59 p.m. Central time on Wednesday to match this offer, which they have brazenly boasted that they will do. Although the numbers have not been released, there have been numerous reports that the sheet is for four years and approximately $46.5 million dollars, with incentives on top of that. Also rumored to be in the deal is a “posion pill” in which Portland would have to pay around a 15% “fee” if they seek to try and move Batum and his contract.

Expect Portland to wait, but ultimately match this deal.

The post Official: Wolves submit offer sheet for Batum appeared first on MinnesotaSNN.

Simple free agent signing by the Wild here.

Wild announced today that they have signed center Jake Dowell. The six foot, 190 pound center originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2004 played for the Dallas Stars last season. Originally drafted out of the University of Wisconsin, Dowell is known to be very close friends with fellow Badger, Ryan Suter.

Interesting to note here that Suter and Dowell share the same agent, Neil Sheehy. Sheehy was reportedly picked up by the Minnesota Wild at his home in International Falls and flown to Madison where it was reported by numerous sources that both the Red Wings and Wild met with Suter on his farm. One is left to wonder if this is a play by Minnesota; showing they are willing to do absolutely anything to get Mr. Suter in Iron Range Red.

Sit tight folks.

Happy Birthday America.

The post Breaking: Wild Sign….. appeared first on MinnesotaSNN.

This will be a short one.

As many of you are well aware, Zach Parise announced yesterday that he was not announcing his announcement yet. I’ll let you read that one a few times.  Parise met for hours with his agent in Toronto and to the dismay of hockey fans and front offices around the NHL didn’t come to any definitive conclusion. Rumors flew that Pittsburgh had him, Chicago made a huge push, Devils GM Lou Lamoriello is undoubtedly guilt tripping Parise harder than anything, Philly is reported to have come back with the biggest offers for both Parise and Suter, Detroit is still Detroit, and the Wild front office is completely silent.

Parise has returned to his home in Minnesota(for the love of all that is good Minnesota fans, DON”T read into this. The man only wants to head home to discuss his future in the comforts of his own home with his family and fiance) and according to one of his agents, will have a decision tonight. When interviewed by Michael Russo at the Minneapolis Airport however, Parise refused to put a definitive time on when he will make his decision. All of this said, look for Parise to make his decision anytime after 7:00 pm central time.

It is curious to note how incredibly quiet Minnesota has been throughout this process however. Even looking through all of these supposed reports from team sources on Twitter leaves one glaring hole, it is impossible to find a reported Minnesota source. The Wild have gone into Fort Knox mode, which leads us to think that there is something serious going on over there. Whether that’s out of respect for Zach and Ryan, or a sign of something to come, one can only wonder.

Stay tuned folks, once Parise makes his decision, expect rapid fire signings and trades throughout the league.

The post Parise Watch, Day Two appeared first on MinnesotaSNN.

The Minnesota Wild began their foray into the depths of the NHL Free Agency period with a clear aggression to bolster depth, tenacity, and skill.

To combat the lack of “toughness” and respect given to Wild players this past season, Chuck Fletcher inked the 6’1 213 pound center Zenon Konopka to a two year deal. Konopka, an undrafted free agent originally signed by the Lightning, spent last season with the Ottawa Senators. Known as an enforcer around the league, Konopka will immediately demand and insure that the Wild’s stars are treated as such. Wild fans can also expect to see plenty of Konopka in the faceoff circle and the penalty kill, as he is surprisingly talented for an enforcer in winning draws and staying on the ice. He is set to make $950,000 per year.

To help with the speed, athleticism, and depth of the forwards on the team, former San Jose Sharks winger Torrey Mitchell signed a $5.7 million dollar , 3 year contract which will pay him $1.9 million per year. Expect to see Mitchell on the 3rd line, shifting Cal Clutterbuck to the left wing. Wild fans may be familiar with Mitchell, as he was the player who accidentally got tangled up with former Wild D Kurtis Foster that sent him head-first into the boards, breaking his leg a few years back.

Interesting to note for Wild fans clamoring over the depth chart and possible line combinations; Chuck Fletcher clearly refuses to rush the influx of incredibly young and talented forward prospects who are turning pro this coming season. This means the likes of Charlie Coyle, Jason Zucker, Zach Phillips, Johan Larsson, and Brett Bulmer are by no means guaranteed a spot in the Show; on the contrary, that they will have to do nothing short of wowing the coaching staff and front office to “play their way onto the team”. Surely Fletcher has seen the damage of rushing prospects(see Colton Gillies, Benoit Pouliot).

Expect the Parise decision around noon central time tomorrow morning, with Suter’s decision right on the heels of the announcement. The Wild have gone absolutely all-in on these guys, and as even some media types have said, there wasn’t really the belief that the Wild would be in it this long. In the final 3 of both Parise and Suter, they are clearly going for broke and the scenarios previously discussed can really only amount to the following; either the Wild pull a coup and sign BOTH Parise and Suter, or they lose both guys to the prevailing train of thought that they go to Pittsburgh and Detroit respectively. Doesn’t look like I’m going to be sleeping tonight.

The post NHL Free Agency Day 1: Recap appeared first on MinnesotaSNN.

With everybody on edge, and record contracts almost certainly to be signed, the Zach Parise and Ryan Suter Sweepstakes will come to an end on Monday, July 2nd. Word has it that over 20 teams submitted offers to the pair; a frenzy for talent that hasn’t been seen in a long time. *Update* Parise has list down to 3 teams, thought to be Pitt, Wild, Philly. Working on details but sounds like NJ is out(can’t pay nearly as much).  Suter is also down to 3 teams. Wild are also said to still be in his top 3. Detroit, Minnesota, Philly are thought to be the teams. 

Sources and reporters, more specifically the StarTribune’s  Michael Russo(@RussoStrib), have confirmed to the masses that the Minnesota Wild DO remain on the “shortlists” for both Parise and Suter. With reports that over $200+ million on the table from more than one team for both players, here are our educated guesses as to what will happen tomorrow:

1. The Homecoming.

Parise decides that he will don his home state’s Iron Range Red sweater for the next 10+ years.  With Suter’s agent stating that he will not make a decision until Monday, it seems very logical that Suter is simply waiting on Parise to make a decision. If Parise signs in Minnesota, Suter will most likely follow suit; tagging along to solidify the D and take what is rumored to be the richest of any contract received. With Parise undoubtedly being on the first line with Koivu and Heatley, Setoguchi PMB and Mikael Granlund are penciled in on the second; two incredibly scary and potent lines that would create numerous problems and goals against opposing D. Suter would then pencil in with close friend Tom Gilbert and everybody on the D would then move down a pair..creating an interesting competition for Jonas Brodin/Scandella/Spurgeon/Falk/Stoner.

2. The LeBron

Instead of taking what is rumored to be the richest deal from the Minnesota Wild, Parise opts for around $8 million a year to play on a line with Crosby and Malkin. You can’t really blame Zach if he chooses this route; who wouldn’t want the opportunity to team up with two league superstars on a Stanley Cup Caliber team; something Parise really emphasized through his agents. This would undoubtedly create a situation then, for Suter, where it would be impossible to sign with Parise for the money that he is asking. Detroit then becomes the hands-down favorite for Suter; where he would fill Lidstrom’s gaping hole at D and become an instant fan favorite.

3. Brother-ish Love

Philly has to be considered a serious contender, no matter who you are or where you live. Reportedly offering around $200 for the two, the Flyers have set themselves up for a serious run. Philly definitely mentioned in their pitch with the departures of JVR and Chris Pronger’s concussion problems, that Parise and Suter would be instant upgrades at each position and point out how lethal of a squad they could make the Orange and Black. However, Philly just doesn’t seem like a good fit for either of them, but remember, anything is posisble. Prediction: if Parise goes Philly, Suter goes Detroit.

4. The Return

Both Parise and Suter return to NJ and Nashville, respectively. Not going to happen. Keeping NJ on his list was purely political; but choosing to go to FA has definitely priced ZP way out of the Devil’s price range. With demands of around $24 million as a signing bonus on top of the lengthy contract, there doesn’t seem to be a plausible way the Devils can offer anything remotely close to what the other teams are already offering. Parise understands that image is a huge deal around pro sports(see the Lebron debacle) and how much it can affect performance, public image, etc… NJ will be a “contender” until the final 5 or 4…but I just don’t see NJ being a contender after failing to resign Parise. If anything, the decision to reach free-agency was Zach and his agents way of politely saying to NJ that we loved you, but we don’t want to marry you.  Suter has the better chance of returning to his own team, but that again becomes highly unlikely. With the Predator’s GM making a huge push to both men, and Parise crossing Nashville off of his list quite early, Suter then is left in the exact same spot as he was before. Suter wants to be the #1 D-Man, and while under the shadow of Shea Weber and a newly resigned Hal Gill, Suter is all but gone from Nashville no matter what is promised him there.

The post Parise-Suter Sweepstakes: The Possible Outcomes *Updated* appeared first on MinnesotaSNN.

After a brief presser with NFL Officials yesterday, there are a few rule changes that need to be addressed.

1. A new Article and “Rule 12″ deals with illegal hits on a defenseless player with the helmet, facemask, or shoulder. There will be absolutely no leading with the head and each violation will be a 15 yard penalty for Unnecessary Roughness. There are officially 8 types of “defenseless player” and are defined as such: QB after Pass, Receiver in the process of making a catch, WR not yet a “clear runner”, any player on the ground, the runner in the grass, the QB after a possesion change, the punter after a kick, and a player who receives a blindside block. In response to the QB after a possession change and any player receiving a blindside block, NFL Officials explained that as long as the defenseless player/QB makes no attempt to take part in the play, they can not be hit as described above. However, if the QB/Punter/Kicker/Player makes a football like move and attempts to be a part of the action, they are no longer considered a defenseless player.
2. The NFL will be emphasizing illegal launching again this season. Illegal launching was described as “the leaving of both feet and delivering a blow to the head/neck area of the player”. Moving through the hit and delivering a legal blow to the chest or lower part of the receiver however is completely legal and will not be penalized.
3. Hits to the head of the passer will now have to be a “serious or forcible blow to the head by the arm/hand”. The somewhat controversial and often “babying” of the QB when it comes to hits to the head will only come into play when such blows are serious. Grazing, glancing, incidental contact to the head/neck area of the QB will no longer be considered a foul.
4. Kickoffs will be moved up to the 35 yard line and all special teams players MUST be no more than 5 yards behind the ball. The NFL made this a huge issue of player safety, not only by giving the kickers an extra five yards, but more importantly cutting down on the head-starts that were causing serious injury.
5. Every single scoring play will be reviewed up in the booth. Although the NFL has still not completely figured out how to make this work to perfection, the basics are as follows. The rules of challenges in the last 2 minutes of each half will stay the same. Essentially apply those rules to each and every scoring play as well, and you have the basics on what the NFL is going to implement. If ruled a TD, the booth will take a quick look and either confirm or buzz the umpire and ask him to take a second look. The NFL insists that this will not have a noticeable effect on game speed/slowing the game down. Coaches will no longer have to challenge a scoring play/possible TD, the booth will automatically do it for them.
6. Facemasking will be enforced equally, an offensive player may stiff arm but can not grasp the facemask and twist.
7. Horsecollar tackles will as well be continually enforced as illegal by a 15 yard penalty.
8. Illegal Chop-blocks/low blocks at the knees of players will also be given extra emphasis this season.
9. The NFL will continue with the policy of keeping the referee out of the middle until under 2 minutes, and under 5 minutes in the 4th. There were no recorded injuries of NFL Officials on the field last season, and it gives the umpire a better vantage point minus the danger. They have admitted that although the defensive holding can’t be called as much, the statistical increase of these holding penalties was no worse than in past seasons. As well, moving them back to the middle under the 2 minutes, when teams are most likely going to be running the clock out, or advancing the ball down field with out routs and deep posts, they are in the least amount of danger there.

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