RealGM

Posted: **Thu Jan 10, 2008 11:34 pm**

It has been speculated that Craig Leipold of Racine was a possible buyer for the Bucks. Supposedly he looked into it a few years ago and has looked into it again. He was the owner of the Nashville Predators of the NHL and he sold them last year, sparking more speculation that he was cashing in one team to buy another.

But today it was announced that Leipold is buying the Minnesota Wild.

I don't know much about the guy but he was a local guy that fits Kohls desire for local ownership.

Posted: **Thu Jan 10, 2008 11:36 pm**

MickeyDavis wrote:It has been speculated that Craig Leipold of Racine was a possible buyer for the Bucks. Supposedly he looked into it a few years ago and has looked into it again. He was the owner of the Nashville Predators of the NHL and he sold them last year, sparking more speculation that he was cashing in one team to buy another.

But today it was announced that Leipold is buying the Minnesota Wild.

I don't know much about the guy but he was a local guy that fits Kohls desire for local ownership.

He did say he might be interested in being part of a group to purchase the Bucks, just not the sole owner.

Posted: **Thu Jan 10, 2008 11:42 pm**

I keep telling people, when I get rich I will buy the bucks, but you guys will have to wait a couple of years...trust me

Posted: **Thu Jan 10, 2008 11:42 pm**

It's not a bad thing, I know the guy from doing business with him and he is not a good people person. I don't think he would run a team very well.

Posted: **Fri Jan 11, 2008 12:06 am**

Makes a lot more sense to buy the wild over the bucks...hockey in minnesota is huge. And I think they have a new arena?

Posted: **Fri Jan 11, 2008 1:26 am**

where's deep throat and his deep pockets when you need him?

Posted: **Fri Jan 11, 2008 1:28 am**

drew881 wrote:Makes a lot more sense to buy the wild over the bucks...hockey in minnesota is huge. And I think they have a new arena?

Xcel Center is relatively new. Leipold is a huge hockey guy...this is no surprise that he'd go after a franchise that is on the verge of doing great things. Not to mention there is obviously a huge hockey fan base in Minnesota. Even after living here for almost 4 years, I still can't get into the NHL.

Posted: **Fri Jan 11, 2008 1:31 am**

They've been selling out hockey games in Minnesota for the past 7-8 years I believe. Hockey is huge up there.

Posted: **Fri Jan 11, 2008 1:35 am**

trwi7 wrote:They've been selling out hockey games in Minnesota for the past 7-8 years I believe. Hockey is huge up there.

Well their NFL team has never won a ring, so they need something to hang their hat on.

Posted: **Fri Jan 11, 2008 1:39 am**

who the **** cares about hockey?

Posted: **Fri Jan 11, 2008 1:39 am**

aboveAverage wrote:who the **** cares about hockey?

Posted: **Fri Jan 11, 2008 1:44 am**

other than you...no one I think

Posted: **Fri Jan 11, 2008 1:46 am**

aboveAverage wrote:other than you...no one I think

WEFFPIM

Posted: **Fri Jan 11, 2008 1:48 am**

apparently there's money in hockey...

Ovechkin, Capitals agree to 13-year, $124 million contract extension

Associated Press

Updated: January 10, 2008, 6:55 PM ET

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WASHINGTON -- Alexander Ovechkin agreed to a $124 million, 13-year contract extension Thursday with the Washington Capitals, working out the details himself in negotiations with owner Ted Leonsis and general manager George McPhee.

Alexander Ovechkin
Ovechkin

Left Wing
Washington Capitals

Profile
2008 Season Stats GM G A PTS +/- PIM
43 32 20 52 6 22

The Capitals scheduled a news conference for 8:30 p.m. to officially announce the deal.

The 22-year-old Russian star was in the final season of a three-year, entry-level deal. His salary-cap number for this season, taking into account bonuses, is $3.83 million.

If he had become a free agent at the end of the season, the Capitals would have had the right to match any offer from another team. Leonsis long maintained he intended to make sure Ovechkin remained with the Capitals.

Ovechkin has led the Capitals in scoring in each of his seasons. He entered Thursday tied for second in the NHL with 32 goals, helping Washington surge from the league's worst record to the fringe of playoff race. He also had 20 assists.

The winger had 52 goals and 54 assists in 2005-06, when he edged Pittsburgh forward Sidney Crosby in the voting for the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie. Ovechkin followed that up with 46 goals and 46 assists last season.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press

Why do NHL teams give out such long contracts? Why do players subject themselves to these deals with no chance of a pay increase with greater play?

Posted: **Fri Jan 11, 2008 1:55 am**

trwi7 wrote:-= original quote snipped =-

I used to be a huge NHL fan, but my interest has wavered quite a bit, now i don't watch it except for the post season.

Badgers hockey is now the only hockey i regularly watch and unfortunately they are a drag to watch because they can't put the puck in the net. When they score two goals, it's a scoring binge for them.

Posted: **Fri Jan 11, 2008 4:27 am**

there was a guy who tried to buy the bucks and then tried to buy two other basketball teams Either kohl refused to sell t o him or the NBA league office disaproved him as a potential buyer. in his two other attempts to buy a franchise, he was beaten out by somebody else. i think he tried to buy the Cavs, Charlotte expansion team and the hornets. his name always seems to come up as the losing bidder.

the current owner of the tampa bay lightning also wants to own a basketball team. but he wants to own it in tampa. His arena is very nice and built to accomodate both hockey and basketball.

Posted: **Fri Jan 11, 2008 4:56 am**

MajorDad wrote:
the current owner of the tampa bay lightning also wants to own a basketball team. but he wants to own it in tampa. His arena is very nice and built to accomodate both hockey and basketball.

Posted: **Fri Jan 11, 2008 8:34 am**

I'm a big Blues fan

Posted: **Fri Jan 11, 2008 12:52 pm**

75totheMACCfund wrote:apparently there's money in hockey...

Ovechkin, Capitals agree to 13-year, $124 million contract extension

Not an NHL fan at all, and didn't read the article but I do know that this kid is the Shhhh. I believe he's only been in the league for a couple-few years, just about led the league in scoring and/or goals as a rookie over highly hyped fellow rookie Sidney Crosby. Yeah, the moneys there, but the strike was basically foundationed by the over inflated salaries vs. revenue intake ratio. So I'm sure the owners aren't gonna put themselves into another no win situation. And I guess if there is a couple kids in the league that you would/could build a franchise around and market to the semi-fan Ovechkin is one that you'd spend that money and years to.

NOTE: No idea why I went off on hockey there or even if I'm close to being on point, maybe Twirl can fill me in

Posted: **Fri Jan 11, 2008 4:09 pm**

Are they reading REALgm? WSSP

EDIT: Re Ovechkin

RealGM

Well we can scratch one potential buyer off the list

Well we can scratch one potential buyer off the list

Re: Well we can scratch one potential buyer off the list