UPDATED
The Wild tendered a bunch of qualifying offers today, while as previously reportedly, the Wild did not extend offers to Nick Johnson and Guillaume Latendresse. Both could become unrestricted free agents July 1 (Sunday), although the Wild continues to try to sign Latendresse to a one-year, bonus-laden contract before he becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1.
Asked the delay on Saturday, GM Chuck Fletcher said, "There's other significant issues that people may be dealing with, so we'll get to it when we get to it." The inference was that agent Pat Brisson has lots of clients, including a pretty decent player who is a year from free agency that the Penguins are trying to negotiate an extension with -- Sidney Crosby.
Brisson and Fletcher planned to speak again today.
The Wild is working on an extension for Justin Falk, but it's not done yet, so he was officially given a qualifying offer to retain his rights. Chad Rau agreed to terms on a two-year deal last week. Others to have qualifying offers tendered are Chay Genoway, David McIntyre, Nick Palmieri, Jarod Palmer and Carson McMillan.
Anybody QO'ed will become restricted free agents. Kris Fredheim was also let go and will become a free agent.
The Wild also QOed Cody Almond and Dennis Endras to keep their rights. Almond will play in Switzerland next year, Endras in Germany.
As I reported Saturday night, Stephane Veilleux has been signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Wild, so the team should soon announce that.
