After three seasons in Colorado, Brunette eyes the Wild

Bruce Bisping, Dml - Star Tribune

Andrew Brunette played a key role in Colorado's series victory over the Wild.

General Manager Doug Risebrough admits cutting the left winger was a mistake, and it's believed the team will try to lure him back as a free agent.

By MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune

Last update: June 29, 2008 - 12:09 AM

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No hard feelings.

That was the message conveyed by Andrew Brunette on Saturday when asked if he wanted to return to the Wild if it comes calling when free agency begins Tuesday.

"Most definitely," said Brunette, who put together three strong seasons with the Colorado Avalanche after being cut loose by the Wild days after the 2004-05 lockout. "I have nothing but great memories in Minnesota, and it's an organization that's real close to my heart and a place where I loved to play.

"I don't know what their interest level is. But if they're interested and it falls into place, if everything was comparable, if they were in range, definitely, that's one place I'd love to play."

Wild officials declined to comment. The Avs plan to let Brunette test free agency, but the Wild is still not allowed to talk about other teams' players until Tuesday.

But it's believed the Wild is very interested in bringing Brunette back to Minnesota.

Brunette ranks third in Wild history with 26 power-play goals and 110 assists and fifth with 164 points, and Wild General Manager Doug Risebrough has said routinely in the past few years that he erred in not re-signing Brunette after the lockout.

The Wild felt the new rules, which were designed to promote speed, would neutralize Brunette's game. He plays a cycling game around the net and admittedly is not the fastest of skaters.

But instead, Brunette flourished since the lockout, scoring 205 points in three seasons for Colorado, including a career-high 27 goals and 83 points two years ago. He also scored 17 points in 19 playoff games in Colorado, including three goals and two assists in six playoff games against the Wild.

"The playoffs, that was the hardest time for me as a player," Brunette said. "To play against Minnesota was a hard thing. The way the crowd was, it brought back unbelievable memories of [going to the Western Conference Finals in] '03."

Brunette's return to Minnesota could help a power play that at times lacked a body in front of the net and a playmaker down low. He's known as somebody who keeps the locker room loose and is a respected voice, something that could be valuable considering it appears almost certain Brian Rolston is heading to free agency.

The Wild and Rolston's agent haven't spoken in nearly two weeks.

Brunette is also tight with Marian Gaborik, which could be an aid when the Wild attempts to sign Gaborik to an extension later this summer.

And Brunette's age -- 34 -- shouldn't be a concern. Since Jan. 2, 2002, with the Wild, he's played 453 consecutive regular-season games, making him the NHL's current Iron Man leader.

"I've got a lot more to give, not just on the ice, but off, in the room. I have a couple good years left," Brunette said, laughing. "I relish games when they matter most, and the playoffs is most important to me and another chance to win the Cup."

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