[Signing] Wild sign Ballard. 2 years/1.5 M per

[OILFAN #81]

As reported by Jim Matheson.

Ballard to Minny. 2 years/1.5 M per.

[Erick Estrada]

Good value signing for the Wild. I like what they have done so far this offseason.

[$ven27]

Nice signing, has potential to be a bargain.

[djsFlames]

Why couldn't we do this?

Instead we're stocking up on 2 rosters worth of forwards..

[Jacks]

Heck of a lot more reasonable than his last contract. Seems like a good signing.

[Oling_Roachinen]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

Why couldn't we do this?

Instead we're stocking up on 2 rosters worth of forwards..

Ballard had a choice in the matter...He's from Minnesota and probably realizes the situation Calgary is in.

[dissentowner]

Good deal until he wacks Backstrom in the noggin after they get scored on.

[BACKCHECK!!!]

That's a good ending to this episode for everyone involved.

Van dumps a bad contract, Ballard cashes a big pay cheque, Minny gets a home town guy on a reasonable contract.

[Badgers Nose]

Thats a bargain. He has something to prove and will look good in that system.

[blankall]

Minny brings in another player to play in their hometown...who would've thought Minnesota would be such a draw that their guys would keep coming back?

[robertsfan]

Originally Posted by blankall

Minny brings in another player to play in their hometown...who would've thought Minnesota would be such a draw that their guys would keep coming back?

I visited last Summer and again in January (brr!) but I really liked the arts and culture scene in Minneapolis / St. Paul. Thought St. Paul was a very nice place in particular. Looks like a good place to raise a family.

Pretty much shattered the stereotype I had in my head that everyone was going to be like the movie Fargo.

Fishing there was good too.

[Bertuzzied]

Looks good on paper but Ballard kinda sucks. Even at $1.5mil.

[BACKCHECK!!!]

$1.5m doesn't get you much in the NHL these days unless its an ELC.

[FAN]

Great signing.

[d_phaneuf]

ya I think he plays 18-20 solid minutes a night for them

great value

[Stay Golden]

More in line what he is worth. VAN sure got taken for a ride by Ballard

[Cheerio]

Awesome value for minny

[Poe969]

Minny is going to be a way better team in the next couple of years (not only because of this). I think they'll find a way to get rid of heatley and a couple others and improve the team even more.

I think they have a decent team