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If the Rangers sign him, they may have a very talented and inexpensive duo of RWs on their roster 2 years from now - that is when the Siberian Express finally finishes his contract with Avangard Omsk. 2 years is a period Jagr mentioned shortly after his team found its season wound up, referring to time he wanted to yet spend in the NHL. Perhaps they may use him as a mentor to Wheeler?

I worry about a kid who holds teams hostage before he even plays a game in the NHL. I don't see Turris spurning the Coyotes like Wheeler did.

This kid could be the next Rick Nash, but right now he's screaming "Mark Bell" to me.

If this kid is as good as they say he is than i hope the Devs really push for him...Langs, Martin, and Parise are all from Minnesota. They should all get together and take him to a newark Go-Go bar...wiggles isnt so bad

Let's hope he just had his reasons deciding no to stick with the Coyotes despite being offered a relatively high contract. Certainly his reputation took a blow when he made that decision and he'll straighten it out only by playing up to the potential he's credited for.

I think pigs are flying???!!!

Uncle Lou is going to spend some money!!! AMAZING!

Yeah, I knew it. Some do*pey GM is going to come along and reward this punk's putrid behavior. The question is: Do you really want this kind of guy on your team?

Also, somebody mentioned karma yesterday in regards to coach Crawford and his treatment of Gretzky. That was a good point! You don't mess with #99 and have a good career!

I kow it's a player's right to not sign a deal to play somewhere he doesnt want to play, but doesnt that defet the purpose of the draft? The draft is designed to help weaker teams by allowing them first crack at the top young talent. When that talent decides not to sign, it really hurts the franchise that drafted him. I hate when players do that. I think back to Elway, Lindros, Eli Manning, etc. I dont like it. I can think of a lot worse things than being a talented young player on a team filling up with talented young players...

Agreed Slakdawg, shouldn't a shot with any NHL club be enough? Maybe not if you grew up spoiled.

Like I said earlier, Kyle Turris is taking his lumps with Pheonix and keeping his mouth shut about it. I don't see why this kid didn't do the same.

Maybe it's all about the publicity. If nothing else he's ensured that his name will go down in history as the kid who had the temerity to reject Gretzky.

as a devils fan I'm not sure if I'd want a player who's already said no to the team that drafted him. still, at the same time I'm happy that we're actually going to spend.

When that talent decides not to sign, it really hurts the franchise that drafted him. I hate when players do that. I think back to Elway, Lindros, Eli Manning, etc. I dont like it. I can think of a lot worse things than being a talented young player on a team filling up with talented young players...
Slakdawg | 06/12/08, 11:09 AM

In the case of lindros, that was a GOOD thing for the Nordiques, it got them forsberg who in all aspects was the better player. Despite the hype and hoopla surrounding lindros all his talent did not get philly a cup and perhaps karmic retribution got him a shortenend career...forsberg on the other hand worked out quite nicely for that franchise...

your point about screwing up the draft is correct however...they should be forced to sign with the team that drafted them...or forced to sit out for 5 years or something.

devils romance wheeler? what are they trying to imply here?

rangers on the other hand, I could see them romancing people, but not the devs.

Can't believe a kid would not want to play for Gretzky, oh yeah he's american now I get it. Just kidding, but seriously why would you not want to play for him, especially when Gretz went out on a limb for him to draft him originally, he wasn't placed as high as #5 on most draft boards but Gretz saw something he liked. Now the kid walks away. If he walks to Boston it's ok, anywhere else he's a jerk.

that's my first born...he's got his mom's good looks...we're so proud of the little fella.

what is the bet over? LIDSTROM IS BETTER THAN BOURQUE

Evertonius ,,,,,,, I think that a pic is of Dr. Spock on steroids accelerating to warp speed! Cool!

Lou looks like his hardsell was "You'll be playing for us...and you'll be liking it real good...otherwise you'd better be liking floating in the East River"

I really hope the Rangers do not sign him....This kid THINKS he is A LOT better than he ACTUALLY is....Probably one of the most over rated players out there!!!!

Wheeler is a 1st rounder who did NOTHING in college to live up to expectations. Coyotes weren't high on him so another team is going to sign him to big $$$? NHL is a JOKE. Wheeler & Gilroy (undrafted BU Dman) will make more in their first contract than Crosby, Ovechkin & Malkin. Makes perfect sense!

one ugly freakin dude