Risebrough's Comments Turn Tide in Fan Support Over Gaborik
by Chris Thompson

Sunday October 12, 2003

The very day newspapers reported Doug Risebrough's side of the Wild/Gaborik standoff, fan sentiment had already taken a huge swing to the side of the Wild. At the home opener Friday, fans voiced their frustration that Wild management hadn't opened up the checkbooks and done what was needed to get Gaborik on the team. This frustration was no doubt fed by the season opening 1-0 shutout loss to a meek Chicago Blackhawks squad.

However, after reading Risebrough's remarks, many Wild fans changed their tune Sunday. Fans on the glass before the game held anti-Walsh signs and clearly voiced their support of Wild manangement.

One sign read:

Weasel Agents Lead Stars to Hold-out

Another read "Fire Alan Walsh"

In a battle that has been waged more in the headlines than in face-to-face meetings, Minnesota's unusally open public move has clearly caused a number of Wild fans to shift their support to the side of Wild management.

Here's a quick rundown of the two sides again:

Gaborik's agent Alan Walsh believes his player has established himself as a premier player in the league. He points to the million the Wild raked in during the playoffs last season and argues that Gabroik was directly responsible for much of that money and therefore deserves a significant raise because of it. He is looking for a three year deal that would average $6.5 million, far larger than any contract ever given to a fourth year player.

On the other side of the table is Doug Risebrough and the Minnesota Wild management team. Risebrough based his offer on other players in the league coming off their initial three year contracts. An inital offer was made in June that was comparable to contracts signed by other budding young stars like Vincent Lecavlier and Marian Hossa. However, in August Brad Richards was signed to a deal that raised the bar. His three year deal for $9.25 million created a need for Wild management to increase their offer. They stepped up to the plate and did just that, offering a three year deal for $9.45 million shortly before the beginning of training camp. The offer was quickly shot down by Walsh.

What's so unusual about this holdout is the manner in which the two sides have negotiated. Walsh has repeatedly made public comments about his contract proposals, directly contacting local beat writers to put pressure on Wild management. It's interesting to note that when Risebrough decided to use the same public forum to express Minnesota's position, Walsh took exception to it and stated it would further hinder negotations. Did somebody get caught playing their own game? Is Walsh taking his puck and storming home so he can pout in his room? It sure seems like it.

What is clear is that Minnesota has made a very competitive offer to Gaborik based on other contracts signed by similar players. Walsh is looking to set new standards in the free egency system before the new CBA is worked out. While it's certainly his job to look out for both his current and future clients by negotiating the best deal he can, nobody is being served by Walsh's crusade to single handedly rework the free agent system.

What's also painfully clear is that both sides are firmly entrenched and battle lines have been drawn. If Gaborik chooses to stay with Walsh despite the outrageous demands being made, it is almost certain that he will not play for the Wild this season, and possibly ever again. Such a scenario hurts both the Wild AND Gaborik, who is still early in his development stage and needs to continue to improve on the ice. And the ones really left holding the bag are Wild fans, who pay good money to see their favorite team and their favorite players. If Gaborik ever returns, it will be interesting to see what kind of reception he gets from the home crowd.