Havlat happy to be in Minnesota: When Chicago would no longer give him a long-term contract, Martin Havlat turned his focus to Minnesota. He was intrigued by the Wild's hockey-savvy fans, well-regarded arena, young core players and new up-tempo style, enough that he was willing to take a little less money than offered elsewhere to leave general manager Chuck Fletcher salary-cap flexibility. "I think that speaks volumes about him. He wanted to be here," Fletcher said. Havlat, who signed a six-year deal worth $30 million Wednesday, was introduced at Xcel Energy Center on Friday. The 28-year-old right wing is similar to the player he was essentially signed to replace, the 27-year-old Marian Gaborik. Same position. Injury prone. Prolific scorer. Here's one big difference, though: Feeling spurned by the Blackhawks, Havlat is delighted to be in Minnesota. Gaborik, over several years of conflicts with the organization over contracts, injury treatment, playing time and playing style, was ready to leave the Wild. "I feel very fortunate to be here," Havlat said. "I think it's going to be a fresh start for everybody." (Updated 07/03/2009).
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 7/10/09).
Fantasy Analysis
Havlat and Gaborik exchanged well wishes after they changed teams, and Gaborik -- now with the New York Rangers -- even offered Havlat his luxury condominium in Minneapolis. "I'm not here to replace him," Havlat insisted. "Like I said, I'm here to help the team and do my best." The Czech isn't quite as efficient of a goal scorer as Gaborik, but his skills fit with the style coach Todd Richards will push his front line to play. Fletcher said ability far outweighed the injury risk with Havlat, who missed dozens of games between 2005 and 2007 due to a shoulder problem. "He's exactly what we were looking for: a big, strong player that has speed and can finish around the net," Richards said. There is always the risk of injury with Havlat, but he will still be a high-end Fantasy forward Draft Day. The fact he is heading to an offensive system should suit him well. (Updated 07/03/2009).
RW Martin Havlat's signing carries one big risk: injuries. Havlat, like Marian Gaborik, has a long list of injuries that have kept him from greatness. While he missed only one game last season, Havlat missed 137 games in the three seasons prior and has undergone three shoulder operations in his career. "I just wanted to show everybody I can play the whole year," said Havlat, who had 77 points in 81 games last season with Chicago and led the Blackhawks in playoff scoring. "It's very important. We had a great year in Chicago and a great playoff, but I'm happy to be part of a team where I'm feeling that I'm wanted and they really want me. "I want to be better every year, and I know I can be better than I was last year. There's still a lot of things I can bring to the table." 73//2009
Havlat, who signed a six-year deal with Minnesota worth $30 million Wednesday, was introduced at Xcel Energy Center on Friday. 07/03/2009
Advice
The 28-year-old right wing is similar to the player he was essentially signed to replace, the 27-year-old Marian Gaborik. Havlat played the last three seasons for the Blackhawks, leading the team with 77 points as they reached the Western Conference finals in 2008-09.
Havlat happy to be in Minnesota: When Chicago would no longer give him a long-term contract, Martin Havlat turned his focus to Minnesota. He was intrigued by the Wild's hockey-savvy fans, well-regarded arena, young core players and new up-tempo style, enough that he was willing to take a little less money than offered elsewhere to leave general manager Chuck Fletcher salary-cap flexibility. "I think that speaks volumes about him. He wanted to be here," Fletcher said. Havlat, who signed a six-year deal worth $30 million Wednesday, was introduced at Xcel Energy Center on Friday. The 28-year-old right wing is similar to the player he was essentially signed to replace, the 27-year-old Marian Gaborik. Same position. Injury prone. Prolific scorer. Here's one big difference, though: Feeling spurned by the Blackhawks, Havlat is delighted to be in Minnesota. Gaborik, over several years of conflicts with the organization over contracts, injury treatment, playing time and playing style, was ready to leave the Wild. "I feel very fortunate to be here," Havlat said. "I think it's going to be a fresh start for everybody." (Updated 07/03/2009).
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 7/10/09).
Fantasy Analysis
Havlat and Gaborik exchanged well wishes after they changed teams, and Gaborik -- now with the New York Rangers -- even offered Havlat his luxury condominium in Minneapolis. "I'm not here to replace him," Havlat insisted. "Like I said, I'm here to help the team and do my best." The Czech isn't quite as efficient of a goal scorer as Gaborik, but his skills fit with the style coach Todd Richards will push his front line to play. Fletcher said ability far outweighed the injury risk with Havlat, who missed dozens of games between 2005 and 2007 due to a shoulder problem. "He's exactly what we were looking for: a big, strong player that has speed and can finish around the net," Richards said. There is always the risk of injury with Havlat, but he will still be a high-end Fantasy forward Draft Day. The fact he is heading to an offensive system should suit him well. (Updated 07/03/2009).
Brian Burke was sick of watching his Maple Leafs get pushed around so the GM decided to change things in the offseason. The biggest catch may be Jonas Gustavsson, Sweden's top goalie last year, and Toronto isn't done yet, Wes Goldstein says.
When assessing the start of NHL free agency, Wes Goldstein says show him the money. Economics are the main factor in determining winners and losers among both players and teams.
The Rangers nab Marian Gaborik from the Wild, who sign Martin Havlat from the Blackhawks, who ink Marian Hossa. Two of those teams scored in the free-agent swap shop, Wes Goldstein says.
Scott Gomez is a now a Canadien. If he had trouble with high expectations after joining the Rangers, wait until he and his high salary hit the ultra-intense Montreal market, Wes Goldstein says.
