Happy Havlat checks out new home in Minnesota

By DAVE CAMPBELL
AP Sports Writer

ST. PAUL, Minn.(AP) — When Chicago would no longer give him a
long-term contract, Martin Havlat turned his focus to Minnesota.

He was intrigued by the Wild’s hockey-savvy fans, well-regarded
arena, young core players and new up-tempo style, enough that he
was willing to take a little less money than offered elsewhere
to leave general manager Chuck Fletcher salary-cap flexibility.

“I think that speaks volumes about him. He wanted to be here,”
Fletcher said.

Havlat, who signed a six-year deal worth $30 million Wednesday,
was introduced at Xcel Energy Center on Friday. The 28-year-old
right wing is similar to the player he was essentially signed to
replace, the 27-year-old Marian Gaborik.

Same position. Injury prone. Prolific scorer.

Here’s one big difference, though: Feeling spurned by the
Blackhawks, Havlat is delighted to be in Minnesota. Gaborik,
over several years of conflicts with the organization over
contracts, injury treatment, playing time and playing style, was
ready to leave the Wild.

“I feel very fortunate to be here,” Havlat said. “I think it’s
going to be a fresh start for everybody.”

Havlat and Gaborik exchanged well wishes after they changed
teams, and Gaborik – now with the New York Rangers – even
offered Havlat his luxury condominium in Minneapolis.

“I’m not here to replace him,” Havlat insisted. “Like I said,
I’m here to help the team and do my best.”

The Czech isn’t quite as efficient of a goal scorer as Gaborik,
but his skills fit with the style coach Todd Richards will push
his front line to play. Fletcher said ability far outweighed the
injury risk with Havlat, who missed dozens of games between 2005
and 2007 due to a shoulder problem.

“He’s exactly what we were looking for: a big, strong player
that has speed and can finish around the net,” Richards said.

Havlat played the last three seasons for the Blackhawks, who
went to the Western Conference finals this spring. He posted
some critical comments on his Twitter account toward Chicago’s
front office the night he signed with Minnesota, and the
Blackhawks gave Marian Hossa a 12-year contract, but Havlat
declined on Friday to speak in detail about any subject other
than the Wild.

“I feel that everything’s behind me, and I just want to look
forward now,” Havlat said.

Earlier, he tweeted this:

- June 28: “Everyone should know I am only thinking about
signing with Chicago. It’s where I want to be.”

- July 1: “Excited to be in Minny where I was welcomed and
appreciated by management. The real story about what happened in
Chicago to come out. … There’s something to be said for
loyalty and honor.”

Havlat confirmed those were his words, but maintained his focus
on the future.

“I was really happy there and the fans were great and they were
supportive those three years and the team guys were great too,”
he said, “and I can say only good things about them.”

The Wild signed defenseman Shane Hnidy to a one-year contract
Friday, adding a nine-year veteran to their third blue-line
pairing and giving Fletcher three acquisitions – defenseman Greg
Zanon was also signed on Wednesday – over the last three days.

“They wanted to be here, and they gave us numbers that allowed
us to have them here,” Fletcher said.

Saku Koivu would fill out an unquestionably productive foray
into free agency. The Wild were still in the running on Friday,
but Fletcher sounded confident in alternatives at the center
position if Koivu chooses to sign elsewhere.

Trading is possible. Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Benoit Pouliot
will probably move from the wing and get looks at the pivot
during training camp. Eric Belanger and Kyle Brodziak are also
on the roster behind stalwart Mikko Koivu.

“We’ll see what transpires here and then readjust accordingly,”
Fletcher said.

Richards also finalized his coaching staff on Friday, retaining
Mike Ramsey and hiring Dave Barr to be his assistants on the
bench. Goalie coach Bob Mason is staying, too.