Feature Story

Catching up with Craig Leipold

 

Let’s Play Hockey recently sat down with Minnesota Wild owner Criag Leipold and got his perspective on the upcoming season and the future of the Wild.

 

LPH: Do you have a lot of flexibility within the salary cap of $56.3 million?

Craig Leipold: We do not have much flexibility at this point. Our team is our team. We made our big run in July free agency with Martin Havlat. Also, with the addition of Greg Zanon, Shane Hnidy and others, we are very comfortable with our team going into Wild training camp.

 

LPH: With the new style of play anticipated, do you expect players like Bouchard, Johnsson and Schultz to significantly increase their points?

CL: Yes, I do, along with Brent Burns. With the up-tempo, more offensive style these players have the ability to increase their production.

 

LPH: Can you maintain the current streak of sellouts in this economic condition?

CL: We certainly hope to continue the sellout streak. But we recognize that in the upcoming season, there will be a couple games that will be a challenge for our organization. Our franchise will continue to work hard to provide a safe and fun entertainment experience for our great fans. We have been affected by the current economic conditions, but not to the degree that some others have been in their businesses.

 

LPH: Would you be excited to see one or two roster additions prior to the start of the season?

CL: It would be hard to do that because of the salary cap. We would have to change the complexion of our roster. But, I like the team. It is a good balance of youth, scoring, goaltending and veterans. The young players are a year older and that will help. We like this team for years to come.

 

LPH: Will you continue your commitment to the community?

CL: Absolutely, no question. We are actually looking at doing more. We are redesigning the Wild Foundation and will be more active with our charity work throughout the Upper Midwest Region.

 

LPH: Have you ever thought about buying the Minnesota Timberwolves?

CL: No, it is not in our thought process. We wish the Timberwolves nothing but the best this year!

 

LPH: Is there any news on the NHL expansion to Europe?

A- None. There have been no discussions in the past 12 months.

 

LPH: There have been media reports of a possible lockout/strike when the current CBA expires which stems from the unrest within the NHLPA ranks, what are your thoughts?

CL: We have a great relationship with their union. There may be some unrest within the NHLPA. The NHLPA cannot do anything for two years when the existing CBA expires. The current issues with the Players Association have nothing to do with the current CBA or ownership.

 

LPH: The Phoenix Coyotes’ situation seems to be ever changing, do you believe they will play in Glendale, AZ all season?

CL: Yes. I believe they will be playing NHL hockey in Glendale, Arizona, this year.

 

LPH:Any news on the National TV front?

CL: The NHL and VERSUS made a commitment to each other. The NHL likes VERSUS. Other opportunities may come up in the future and we will take a look at those broadcast opportunities at that time.

 

LPH: How do you think the Olympics will play out in February and how will the United States do?

CL: It will be great to showcase the NHL players, with the games being in North America and a good portion of the hockey games in prime time. I am very excited and will be attending the Winter Olympic Games. The Olympics will be good for everyone. As far as the U.S. team’s chances, I have confidence that General Manager Brian Burke and Associate General Manager David Poile will assemble a great team. It is hard to say how they will do. There are a lot of great teams that have a chance of winning the Gold medal, like Canada, Russia, Finland, Sweden and the Czech Republic. It is going to be exciting!

 

LPH: Any plans for an outdoor game in Minnesota?

CL: We would love to host an outdoor game in the future. We are talking with the NHL. This would be a great market to host a game, while showing the NHL what the Twin Cities and the State of Hockey have to offer. We have a good track record after hosting the 2004 NHL All Star Weekend, and it was an exciting event which we hope will help our chances.

 

LPH:  How was the third jersey received?

CL: It blew us away with the fantastic response. Sales at the Minnesota State Fair were well beyond what we anticipated. At our retail stores (The Hockey Lodge at Xcel Energy Center, Maplewood Mall and the Mall of America), they are selling like crazy. The fans just love the new look, and we hope the momentum continues throughout the season.

 

LPH: You have now been in the Minnesota a little over a year, is there anything that has surprised you about this market?

CL: I knew this was a great hockey market coming into the area. But, it still amazes me of the deep roots hockey has in this state. From the Wild, to college, to high school hockey, both boys and girls, on down. Everyone talks about hockey and has a connection – from the cab drivers to restaurant staff to hotel employees – everyone has a hockey story. There is nothing like this in Wisconsin. This is truly why it is called the State of Hockey!

 

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