Minnesota Wild will likely spend to salary cap, GM Doug Risebrough

05/07/2008 03:07. The Minnesota Wild, general manager Doug Risebrough said, are not cheap. Those who believe otherwise, he said, "I would describe as ill-informed people."

The Wild wrapped up their free-agency period Thursday with a relatively inconspicuous move, signing right wing Antti Miettinen to a three-year, $7 million deal. But Risebrough and his staff had a lot of irons in the fire.

Most notably, they tried signing Marian Hossa, the top player in this year's free-agent class, to a deal that would have exceeded the $7.4 million he accepted for one season in Detroit. But you don't need to know that to know Minnesota is spending money, Risebrough said. Just look at the numbers.

"People should look at how much (salary cap) room I have... // Pioneer Press