An excerpt from Russo’s Rants/Minneapolis Star Tribune (Michael Russo):

Wild is busy working on its restricted free agents and getting ready to make Marian Gaborik a long-term extension offer, probably in the neighborhood of $8.5 million per season.

Another big thing to pay attention to is Pierre-Marc Bouchard. I’m not convinced the Wild wants to commit to him long-term at a price that would be equivalent to taking someone’s unrestricted free-agent status (he’s restricted this summer, but one summer from unrestricted free agency).

Habster:

Only a few weeks ago, there were tons of rumours circulating throughout the NHL that Gaborik was available and being shopped by Doug Risebrough. Whether they were factual or not, the Minnesota Wild need to add more offensive talent, not trade it away. Signing Gaborik to a long term deal only makes sense and should be a priority for Risebrough. The Wild weren’t terribly busy signing any big UFA names when they signed lower budget players like Andrew Brunette and Owen Nolan so keeping Gaborik is important.

As far as Pierre-Marc Bouchard is concerned, it would appear that Risebrough isn’t in a rush to give him a long term contract at the money he wants. Bouchard had a career season (63 points in 81 games) and probably wants to earn substantially more than the $2.6 million he earned last year (probably in the $4.5-$5 million range). When you consider Kristian Huselius signed a 4 year/$19 million deal with Columbus and had very similar numbers (66 points in 81 games), it’s not hard to understand why Bouchard’s agent would be pushing for the same type of contract.

If Risebrough can’t get a deal done with Bouchard before they go to arbitration, then look for the Wild to trade him during the upcoming season as Bouchard is eligible to become an UFA next summer. Could Montreal be a possible destination for the Sherbrooke, Qc native?……..you never know??!!