2019-2020 Wild Season

[bearpaw28]

Geez, it sounds like some of you guys have a man crush on Boeser.

Well, it’s always nice when a 1st round draft pick turns into a 30 goal per year scorer from day one of hitting the NHL like a Boeser. The last (of that caliber) #1 picks the Wild drafted was Gabby

[frozen4champs]

Geez, it sounds like some of you guys have a man crush on Boeser.

Well, it’s always nice when a 1st round draft pick turns into a 30 goal per year scorer rom day one of hitting the NHL (aka Boeser). The last (of that caliber) #1 picks the Wild drafted was Gabby

But Boeser has never scored 30 in a year yet. He scored 29 once.

[bearpaw28]

Geez, it sounds like some of you guys have a man crush on Boeser.

Well, it’s always nice when a 1st round draft pick turns into a 30 goal per year scorer rom day one of hitting the NHL (aka Boeser). The last (of that caliber) #1 picks the Wild drafted was Gabby

But Boeser has never scored 30 in a year yet. He scored 29 once.

LOL rounding

[J22]

Yep, expecting them to score like say...Boeser isn’t realistic

Just like expecting Boeser to be able to play a two-way game or defend anyone is a bad idea. 5 Greenways on the ice against 5 Boesers would be an absolute murder of Boeser.

LOL..How about 3 Greenways & 2 Boesers LOL? So you’re saying you wouldn’t trade one Greenway for one Boeser even up? Got it

I'm shocked that you're not smart enough to figure this out. Let's see if we can dumb it down enough for you.

I think most people would say that Brock Boeser is a better hockey player than Jordan Greenway. I think that most people would prefer to have Brock Boeser on their team over Jordan Greenway. However, each player has to fill a certain role on the team because like I said above, a team of Jordan Greenway's would destroy a team of Brock Boeser's just like Jordan Greenway playing on a line with Elias Petterson and JT Miller would outscore Brock Boeser if he was playing on a line with Joel Eriksson Ek and Luke Kunin.

Kind of similar to how the Wild's core of defensemen is miles better than Vancouver's but you would never be able to tell because one of those groups has to play in front of Alex Stalock and Devan Dubnyk.

Long story longer- replacing Joel Eriksson Ek with Brock Boeser on this team changes absolutely nothing because a guy who stands in front of the net and taps in rebounds is not what the Wild are missing.

[bearpaw28]

Yep, expecting them to score like say...Boeser isn’t realistic

Just like expecting Boeser to be able to play a two-way game or defend anyone is a bad idea. 5 Greenways on the ice against 5 Boesers would be an absolute murder of Boeser.

LOL..How about 3 Greenways & 2 Boesers LOL? So you’re saying you wouldn’t trade one Greenway for one Boeser even up? Got it

Long story longer- replacing Joel Eriksson Ek with Brock Boeser on this team changes absolutely nothing because a guy who stands in front of the net and taps in rebounds is not what the Wild are missing.

If Vancouver offered Boeser for Erik Ek straight up Guerin would make that trade in a HEART BEAT...nuff said But by all means, keep digging your hole deeper, maybe you’ll find Pominville along the way

[Bladepuller]

Paging Brandon (I got a fresh batch of $20s) Bochenski.
You have a call from Stillwater holding on line #1.

[Cowgirl]

Bochenski bucks!

[gopher6]

What was the issue with Suter?

[frozen4champs]

What was the issue with Suter?

According to Russo on the talk north podcast, he was hit in the ankle (foot) with a shot. It was the same ankle he had surgery on before, and hoping this won't be an issue going forward.

[glenhogan21]

Yep, expecting them to score like say...Boeser isn’t realistic

Just like expecting Boeser to be able to play a two-way game or defend anyone is a bad idea. 5 Greenways on the ice against 5 Boesers would be an absolute murder of Boeser.

LOL..How about 3 Greenways & 2 Boesers LOL? So you’re saying you wouldn’t trade one Greenway for one Boeser even up? Got it

Long story longer- replacing Joel Eriksson Ek with Brock Boeser on this team changes absolutely nothing because a guy who stands in front of the net and taps in rebounds is not what the Wild are missing.

If Vancouver offered Boeser for Erik Ek straight up Guerin would make that trade in a HEART BEAT...nuff said But by all means, keep digging your hole deeper, maybe you’ll find Pominville along the way

Handful of teams would rather have Erickson Ek vs the guy they drafted in 1st round In 2015. With that said if I couid re-draft that 1st round, I take Konecny not Boeser.

[YoungEagle]

Yep, expecting them to score like say...Boeser isn’t realistic

Just like expecting Boeser to be able to play a two-way game or defend anyone is a bad idea. 5 Greenways on the ice against 5 Boesers would be an absolute murder of Boeser.

LOL..How about 3 Greenways & 2 Boesers LOL? So you’re saying you wouldn’t trade one Greenway for one Boeser even up? Got it

Long story longer- replacing Joel Eriksson Ek with Brock Boeser on this team changes absolutely nothing because a guy who stands in front of the net and taps in rebounds is not what the Wild are missing.

If Vancouver offered Boeser for Erik Ek straight up Guerin would make that trade in a HEART BEAT...nuff said But by all means, keep digging your hole deeper, maybe you’ll find Pominville along the way

Handful of teams would rather have Erickson Ek vs the guy they drafted in 1st round In 2015. With that said if I couid re-draft that 1st round, I take Konecny not Boeser.

I think Aho was taken in that draft too. Little later but he’s been lights out for a few years.

[bearpaw28]

NHL teams should Draft the best player they view as available...that’s obviously a given. Just DON’T intentionally pass on a local kid simply because he’s a local kid...all other things being equal.

[frozen4champs]

Better get this in before someone wants this thread closed down since the season is over

[Karlsson]

Yep, expecting them to score like say...Boeser isn’t realistic

Just like expecting Boeser to be able to play a two-way game or defend anyone is a bad idea. 5 Greenways on the ice against 5 Boesers would be an absolute murder of Boeser.

LOL..How about 3 Greenways & 2 Boesers LOL? So you’re saying you wouldn’t trade one Greenway for one Boeser even up? Got it

Long story longer- replacing Joel Eriksson Ek with Brock Boeser on this team changes absolutely nothing because a guy who stands in front of the net and taps in rebounds is not what the Wild are missing.

If Vancouver offered Boeser for Erik Ek straight up Guerin would make that trade in a HEART BEAT...nuff said But by all means, keep digging your hole deeper, maybe you’ll find Pominville along the way

Handful of teams would rather have Erickson Ek vs the guy they drafted in 1st round In 2015. With that said if I couid re-draft that 1st round, I take Konecny not Boeser.

I think Aho was taken in that draft too. Little later but he’s been lights out for a few years.

Yeah, Aho was in the second round.

[gopher6]

Wild not going to commit to goalie
https://www.nhl.com/news/minnesota-wild ... -318376626

[grothm01]

Any thoughts about who might be available at #9, in the draft.

[Bonin21]

Look for defensive forwards ranked in the 25-45 range, preferably that put up 5-10 points "against men" last year, and it could be one of those guys.

[J22]

Any thoughts about who might be available at #9, in the draft.

Marco Rossi
Anton Lundell
Alexander Holtz

One of those 3 would be my guess

[fightclub30]

Any thoughts about who might be available at #9, in the draft.

Marco Rossi
Anton Lundell
Alexander Holtz

One of those 3 would be my guess

Anton Lundell seems like Koivu 2.0, everything I've read about him anyway. All they talk about is his 2-way game.

Jack Quinn?

[J22]

Any thoughts about who might be available at #9, in the draft.

Marco Rossi
Anton Lundell
Alexander Holtz

One of those 3 would be my guess

Anton Lundell seems like Koivu 2.0, everything I've read about him anyway. All they talk about is his 2-way game.

Jack Quinn?

Lundell's numbers this year compare very favorably to Anze Kopitar's at the same age, but he is considered to be more of the 2way O'Reilly, Toews, Bergeron type of center.

Quinn is another guy that is considered a top 10 option.

[Beauner]

Here comes another left shot defenseman. Probably the UND commit.

[Gopher99]

Could definitely see us going the defenseman route in the draft

[Slap Shot]

So it is written...

[Beauner]

Pronman had the Wild taking the Russian goalie Askarov at 9 in his mock. Says he's currently signed through 2022 with SKA in the KHL. First time I'd seen that name linked to the Wild (granted I just started looking into mock drafty things after they got knocked out).
Is the league not very high on Kaapo? I thought he looked real solid up here in his brief stint and he just won AHL Goalie of the Year.

[fightclub30]

Pronman had the Wild taking the Russian goalie Askarov at 9 in his mock. Says he's currently signed through 2022 with SKA in the KHL. First time I'd seen that name linked to the Wild (granted I just started looking into mock drafty things after they got knocked out).
Is the league not very high on Kaapo? I thought he looked real solid up here in his brief stint and he just won AHL Goalie of the Year.

From what I've read, most scouts don't project Kaapo as a true #1 goalie. People have been wrong before, hopefully they are here.

Goaltending is so bizarre and weird in the NHL. I don't think you use a first round pick on a goalie, especially when I don't see any goalies linked to other teams. Maybe if we get Pittsburgh's first round, then think about, but even then I wish they wouldn't. At #9 we can hopefully find a forward, or defenseman that will be playing in the NHL in 1-2 years.

Not that I think we shouldn't be upgrading the goaltending. Clearly, we need to. I just don't think drafting a goalie (seem to be bigger guesses than players) who is 3 years, at best, away isn't the best idea. But maybe that depends on where Guerin thinks the team is too. Are we 3-4 years away from competing?

Can we possibly poach one of Columbus' goalies? (doubtful right now).


Most interesting (to me):
Robin Lehner is going to want to get paid, and is 28. While an intriguing option, can the Wild A) afford him and still upgrade other positions? B) Compete in the next couple of seasons with that big contract?

Do we take a chance on former Wild goalie Anton Khudobin? Has had a few solid seasons in a time-share in Dallas. Could be in a timeshare here with Kaapo? Might be able to be a starter if needed. Would probably have a reasonable cap hit. I don't know that he would be an Elite goalie, but should certainly be an upgrade. He is 34, so I wouldn't want a long term deal, but might be a nice bridge option to see if Kaapo can be a starter or not.

Thomas Greiss has had some good seasons in New York. Struggled in 17-18, but other than that been relatively solid in a time share. He is also 34, and could be another "bridge goalie" option.

Caution (for me):
Cam Talbot; 33 coming off a strong season in Calgary. Bounced around a lot, was fantastic for Edmonton in 16-17 both regular season and playoffs. Maybe could be another Dubnyk where we catch lightning in a bottle.
Matt Murray; 26 and coming off a tough season. I am afraid of his likely cap hit and contract length. Looks to have lost the starting job in Pittsburgh...
Holtby; 30 put up Dubnyk numbers last season (.897 sv% and 3.11 GAA), will he sign a reasonable deal and regain form? Does he look for one final big payday on a long term contract since he is 30. Is he on the tail end of his career and continues a downward trend?
Markstorm, 30. To me, he didn't look great in the recent playoff run, but looked pretty good regular season. Vancouver likely in the mix to re-sign him as well.

No way:
Corey Crawford is 35 and has a colorful injury history, no thanks.
Craig Anderson is 39, I hope he can enjoy retirement and some time with his wife.
Jimmy Howard was the only goalie worse than Dubnyk last season, and is 36, no thanks.
Mike Smith, 38, on his way out.

[Vegoe]

Pronman had the Wild taking the Russian goalie Askarov at 9 in his mock. Says he's currently signed through 2022 with SKA in the KHL. First time I'd seen that name linked to the Wild (granted I just started looking into mock drafty things after they got knocked out).
Is the league not very high on Kaapo? I thought he looked real solid up here in his brief stint and he just won AHL Goalie of the Year.

It was interesting that Pronman ranked Robson ahead of Kaapo as a 'Legit/chance bubble' player who has pro attributes that should translate right away. Whereas Kaapo was more of a 'Has a chance' player who 'has a unique stance especially as a 6-foot-2 goalie with a significant deep crouch while keeping his hands high' and 'quickness isn’t all that amazing.' Then he had Hunter Jones as the same 'Has a chance' tier... 'good toolkit, as he has a 6-foot-4 frame and good athleticism' and 'knew several NHL scouts who were big believers in him but he didn’t impress me much.'

Wheeler didn't put either in his overall top 10 NHL goalie prospects...

As FightClub30 was just suggesting, I don't know if any of the UFA prospects are worth pursuing. Markstrom or Lehner probably hurt their cap future with Fiala, Brodin, Kaprizov and Eriksson Ek contract decisions looming.

https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/wild

I think that the best way to manage the cap is to cycle through your prospects and see if you have one that can play. Can't be too much worse than what they've put out there the last two years and seems like they have three or four potential players in the system as options.

https://www.thecapspace.com/articles-li ... -structure

Seems like the right time to play those prospects too, all the right age to see if one of them can be an NHL starter.

[fightclub30]

It was interesting that Pronman ranked Robson ahead of Kaapo as a 'Legit/chance bubble' player who has pro attributes that should translate right away. Whereas Kaapo was more of a 'Has a chance' player who 'has a unique stance especially as a 6-foot-2 goalie with a significant deep crouch while keeping his hands high' and 'quickness isn’t all that amazing.' Then he had Hunter Jones as the same 'Has a chance' tier... 'good toolkit, as he has a 6-foot-4 frame and good athleticism' and 'knew several NHL scouts who were big believers in him but he didn’t impress me much.'

Wheeler didn't put either in his overall top 10 NHL goalie prospects...

As FightClub30 was just suggesting, I don't know if any of the UFA prospects are worth pursuing. Markstrom or Lehner probably hurt their cap future with Fiala, Brodin, Kaprizov and Eriksson Ek contract decisions looming.

https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/wild

I think that the best way to manage the cap is to cycle through your prospects and see if you have one that can play. Can't be too much worse than what they've put out there the last two years and seems like they have three or four potential players in the system as options.

https://www.thecapspace.com/articles-li ... -structure

Seems like the right time to play those prospects too, all the right age to see if one of them can be an NHL starter.

That is why I think the "Bridge" goalie might be best. Get a guy who wouldn't take offense to being in a Time share with Kappo to "ease me in" to a starting role, and see if he is worth it. But the bridge goalie also being decent enough that it wouldn't be a disaster if Kappo flops and you need him to start full time. That being said, I don't know if it would matter or not? Hopefully the team is good enough that it does, but there is a chance that it won't.

That is an interesting article, thanks for sharing, I had to give pause when it talked about Gibson needing an extension, then I noticed it was a a slightly older article, but all the information still very much applies.

I thought we would be fine with Dubnyk for longer than we were. In 2016-17 I thought he was fine and did enough to give us a chance in the playoffs. We just forgot how to score and Jake Allen looked like the 2nd coming of Dominic Hasek for a round and it was all over pretty quick. I'd take what he did that regular season and playoffs every year if given the choice. But he started to taper off, I thought it was maybe one bad year and he'd bounce back, clearly not and he was abysmal last season.

But it seems like just about any goalie can tank (Carey Price had a horrendous season recently) and destroy your season regardless of the price you pay (Bobrovsky, not looking great in year 1 of mega-contract in FLA). And any goalie can catch fire for a short period of time - look at Hamburglar in the playoffs for Ottawa a few years ago. Came out of nowhere really, and ends up back in the AHL a short time later, even bounced around the Wild's system.

Let's see what we have in Kappo and Robson. If they don't, Hunter Jones is next but is 2-3 years away yet. I have no problem using a 3rd round pick or later, heck maybe even a 2nd if a bigger name is there, on a goalie. Just don't use the first round on someone who is a bigger what-if than Kappo or potentially Robson right now, especially when we have other issues to address.

I am okay with spending $5-$6M on average NHL goaltending if that means having money available to upgrade other positions. I just look at what FLA and MTL are paying for goalies (and not always getting the quality needed) and think how it is going to hamper them to build a team to round that out. Especially now with a flat cap next season, and who knows for how much longer.

We have to ride out the contracts of Parise and Zuccarello for a little bit yet. (I know Parise might LTIR, but probably not for another 2 more seasons at least) So do we have enough to compete? Or does Guerin view this as a rebuild? In that case, take the goalie at #1, give him 3 years to develop, and then as we do worse, use the higher picks on more impact forwards and/or D who are closer to NHL ready than goalies typically are viewed.

My 2 cents, I know others will likely disagree, which is perfectly fine. Good to have varying viewpoints on here.

[Bertogliat]

It was interesting that Pronman ranked Robson ahead of Kaapo as a 'Legit/chance bubble' player who has pro attributes that should translate right away. Whereas Kaapo was more of a 'Has a chance' player who 'has a unique stance especially as a 6-foot-2 goalie with a significant deep crouch while keeping his hands high' and 'quickness isn’t all that amazing.' Then he had Hunter Jones as the same 'Has a chance' tier... 'good toolkit, as he has a 6-foot-4 frame and good athleticism' and 'knew several NHL scouts who were big believers in him but he didn’t impress me much.'

Wheeler didn't put either in his overall top 10 NHL goalie prospects...

As FightClub30 was just suggesting, I don't know if any of the UFA prospects are worth pursuing. Markstrom or Lehner probably hurt their cap future with Fiala, Brodin, Kaprizov and Eriksson Ek contract decisions looming.

https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/wild

I think that the best way to manage the cap is to cycle through your prospects and see if you have one that can play. Can't be too much worse than what they've put out there the last two years and seems like they have three or four potential players in the system as options.

https://www.thecapspace.com/articles-li ... -structure

Seems like the right time to play those prospects too, all the right age to see if one of them can be an NHL starter.

That is why I think the "Bridge" goalie might be best. Get a guy who wouldn't take offense to being in a Time share with Kappo to "ease me in" to a starting role, and see if he is worth it. But the bridge goalie also being decent enough that it wouldn't be a disaster if Kappo flops and you need him to start full time. That being said, I don't know if it would matter or not? Hopefully the team is good enough that it does, but there is a chance that it won't.

That is an interesting article, thanks for sharing, I had to give pause when it talked about Gibson needing an extension, then I noticed it was a a slightly older article, but all the information still very much applies.

I thought we would be fine with Dubnyk for longer than we were. In 2016-17 I thought he was fine and did enough to give us a chance in the playoffs. We just forgot how to score and Jake Allen looked like the 2nd coming of Dominic Hasek for a round and it was all over pretty quick. I'd take what he did that regular season and playoffs every year if given the choice. But he started to taper off, I thought it was maybe one bad year and he'd bounce back, clearly not and he was abysmal last season.

But it seems like just about any goalie can tank (Carey Price had a horrendous season recently) and destroy your season regardless of the price you pay (Bobrovsky, not looking great in year 1 of mega-contract in FLA). And any goalie can catch fire for a short period of time - look at Hamburglar in the playoffs for Ottawa a few years ago. Came out of nowhere really, and ends up back in the AHL a short time later, even bounced around the Wild's system.

Let's see what we have in Kappo and Robson. If they don't, Hunter Jones is next but is 2-3 years away yet. I have no problem using a 3rd round pick or later, heck maybe even a 2nd if a bigger name is there, on a goalie. Just don't use the first round on someone who is a bigger what-if than Kappo or potentially Robson right now, especially when we have other issues to address.

I am okay with spending $5-$6M on average NHL goaltending if that means having money available to upgrade other positions. I just look at what FLA and MTL are paying for goalies (and not always getting the quality needed) and think how it is going to hamper them to build a team to round that out. Especially now with a flat cap next season, and who knows for how much longer.

We have to ride out the contracts of Parise and Zuccarello for a little bit yet. (I know Parise might LTIR, but probably not for another 2 more seasons at least) So do we have enough to compete? Or does Guerin view this as a rebuild? In that case, take the goalie at #1, give him 3 years to develop, and then as we do worse, use the higher picks on more impact forwards and/or D who are closer to NHL ready than goalies typically are viewed.

My 2 cents, I know others will likely disagree, which is perfectly fine. Good to have varying viewpoints on here.

This is more like $1.25.

[YoungEagle]

Would be nice if they could move Rask. His salary is an anchor for his production. I’m also interested to see where Taylor Hall goes, no way he comes here right?

[YoungEagle]

Dumba In the final 3 for the King Clancy Award. I think that’s the humanitarian one.

[team22tank]

Could definitely see us going the defenseman route in the draft

What makes you think that?

If all things are equal I see them adding another potential C into the pipeline.

[HockeyBum]

Apparently Brennan Menell (one of the Wild's top D prospects) signed a 1 year contract with Dinamo Minsk of the KHL a few weeks ago. Not sure if it's because of the uncertainty of the AHL season this year? Or Money? Whatever the case, he has 5 points in 3 KHL games so far.

He's had 2 great seasons for Iowa in the AHL. Made the All-Star team, and I believe finished 2nd in the league in scoring by a defenseman last year. Was called up to the Wild for 5 games last December when Spurgeon was injured.

What I don't understand is apparently he's still under team control. If that's the case, how can you sign with a KHL team to begin with?

[J22]

He's under team control as far as if he wants to play in the NHL, the Wild still hold his rights. The Wild can't keep him from signing in other leagues

[frozen4champs]

I pray that he can stay healthy

[Beauner]

If he can stay healthy, a conditional 7th rounder seems phenomenal.

[Snowcool08]

That’s a huge if. He gets banged up all the time. The Pens had huge hopes for him to be the 3rd line center. He wasn’t very good there and on top of that couldn’t stay in the lineup. It’s a pure salary dump by the Pens.

[frozen4champs]

That’s a huge if. He gets banged up all the time. The Pens had huge hopes for him to be the 3rd line center. He wasn’t very good there and on top of that couldn’t stay in the lineup. It’s a pure salary dump by the Pens.

Pitt will retain 50% of his salary, so I think it is worth the risk.

[trixR4kids]

That’s a huge if. He gets banged up all the time. The Pens had huge hopes for him to be the 3rd line center. He wasn’t very good there and on top of that couldn’t stay in the lineup. It’s a pure salary dump by the Pens.

He wasn’t bad when he actually played, he just wasn’t healthy all that often. Advanced stats were alright (I’ll admit it didn’t always look pretty), I just wish we would’ve tried him on the PP with his shot and with Kessel’s right handed shot no longer an option.

Why we gave him up AND retained half his salary is more the question. He was a serviceable player and it’s not like there are any cheaper options to fill that slot and now we just have dead space for no reason. A lot of what Rutherford has done recently doesn’t make a ton of sense and he has a pretty lengthy history of bad moves so I guess I’m not shocked

[Butters Stotch]

That’s a huge if. He gets banged up all the time. The Pens had huge hopes for him to be the 3rd line center. He wasn’t very good there and on top of that couldn’t stay in the lineup. It’s a pure salary dump by the Pens.

He wasn’t bad when he actually played, he just wasn’t healthy all that often. Advanced stats were alright (I’ll admit it didn’t always look pretty), I just wish we would’ve tried him on the PP with his shot and with Kessel’s right handed shot no longer an option.

Why we gave him up AND retained half his salary is more the question. He was a serviceable player and it’s not like there are any cheaper options to fill that slot and now we just have dead space for no reason. A lot of what Rutherford has done recently doesn’t make a ton of sense and he has a pretty lengthy history of bad moves so I guess I’m not shocked

You sound as if your a Penguins fan.

[gopher6]

That’s a huge if. He gets banged up all the time. The Pens had huge hopes for him to be the 3rd line center. He wasn’t very good there and on top of that couldn’t stay in the lineup. It’s a pure salary dump by the Pens.

Pitt will retain 50% of his salary, so I think it is worth the risk.

He has one year left on the contract then he is a unrestricted free agent

[Goldy77]

That’s a huge if. He gets banged up all the time. The Pens had huge hopes for him to be the 3rd line center. He wasn’t very good there and on top of that couldn’t stay in the lineup. It’s a pure salary dump by the Pens.

He wasn’t bad when he actually played, he just wasn’t healthy all that often. Advanced stats were alright (I’ll admit it didn’t always look pretty), I just wish we would’ve tried him on the PP with his shot and with Kessel’s right handed shot no longer an option.

Why we gave him up AND retained half his salary is more the question. He was a serviceable player and it’s not like there are any cheaper options to fill that slot and now we just have dead space for no reason. A lot of what Rutherford has done recently doesn’t make a ton of sense and he has a pretty lengthy history of bad moves so I guess I’m not shocked

You sound as if your a Penguins fan.

Or he’s part of the team? A lot of WE

[trixR4kids]

Most people talk that way when referring to the team they support ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Slap Shot]

Most people talk that way when referring to the team they support ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I never use "we" and when did you live in Pittsburgh?

[trixR4kids]

If WI had a team I’m sure I’d be cheering for them. I appreciate your dedication to the Wild, it’s not for everyone

[Slap Shot]

If WI had a team I’m sure I’d be cheering for them. I appreciate your dedication to the Wild, it’s not for everyone

You somehow think that's a slam. How cute. I'm not actually a big Wild fan - my passion for the NHL left with the North Stars and I didn't become a front-runner when they left.

[trixR4kids]

I’m not slamming anyone, just as an outsider I gotta imagine it’s frustrating to be a fan of this franchise. And I started cheering for the penguins when Chicago and Detroit were the front runners so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Fandom is mostly arbitrary if you don’t cheer for a local team but feel free to go on moralizing who people should cheer for, it’s cute

[Slap Shot]

I’m not slamming anyone, just as an outsider I gotta imagine it’s frustrating to be a fan of this franchise. And I started cheering for the penguins when Chicago and Detroit were the front runners so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Fandom is mostly arbitrary if you don’t cheer for a local team but feel free to go on moralizing who people should cheer for, it’s cute

Yes I'm sure and yes I will.

[Thirty-Four]

I’m not slamming anyone, just as an outsider I gotta imagine it’s frustrating to be a fan of this franchise. And I started cheering for the penguins when Chicago and Detroit were the front runners so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Fandom is mostly arbitrary if you don’t cheer for a local team but feel free to go on moralizing who people should cheer for, it’s cute

Yes, and try stomaching when your out of town team wins a Cup and the bitter Wild fans accuse you of front running when you recall cheering for your bottom dwelling team to be saved by Erik Johnson...

[Vegoe]

https://theathletic.com/2063545/2020/09 ... an-miller/

I'd really like to see the Wild find a way to bail Vegas out of cap trouble so the Golden Knights could sign Pietrangelo and the Wild get an asset. I mean... Wild get Fleury, a pick or prospect and Vegas can sign a top pair defender.

[bearpaw28]

Wild desperately need a competitive, competent goalie & Trading for Fluery would accomplish this. Dubbs at his peak was nothing more than a serviceable regular season goalie, who let in bad goals during the playoffs.

[Slap Shot]

Wild extended Brodin to a 7-year for $42M.

[fightclub30]

Wild extended Brodin to a 7-year for $42M.

With NMC, that kicks in immediately, for first 4 years. I imagine this just about ensures Dumba is traded...

Unless they protect 8 skaters... Which would be I imagine;

Suter (NMC)
Spurgeon (NMC)
Brodin (NMC)
Parise (NMC)
Zuccarello (NMC)
Fiala
Dumba

Who else? Who else is "off limits?" I can't really find anyone on the roster currently. (Kaprizov is exempt)

So hopefully the #1C they find this offseason would be added... Everyone else very expendable.

[frozen4champs]

[fightclub30]

I must be missing something? This trade makes zero sense

[YoungEagle]

Wonder if he has something else in the works?

[glenhogan21]

https://theathletic.com/2063545/2020/09 ... an-miller/

I'd really like to see the Wild find a way to bail Vegas out of cap trouble so the Golden Knights could sign Pietrangelo and the Wild get an asset. I mean... Wild get Fleury, a pick or prospect and Vegas can sign a top pair defender.

I agree!! Fleury would be solid performer and has been really good for team culture/leadership. Vegas has some intriguing prospects that would make it a great move

[DreamLoss]

I must be missing something? This trade makes zero sense

Yep, I'm at a complete loss for this one. There has to be something else lined up for this to make sense.

[DreamLoss]

LOL we've gone from 1 top-6 C to 0.

[bearpaw28]

LOL we've gone from 1 top-6 C to 0.

Are you sure you’re not J22 reincarnatied?

[bearpaw28]

I actually like this trade. Johansson is a good player & 6 years younger than Stall. And Staal is no longer a top 2 Center at this point of his career. I llike the moves Billy G is making.

[DreamLoss]

I mean, yes, that's 100% true Mr. Guerin, but this wasn't the move.

[DreamLoss]

LOL we've gone from 1 top-6 C to 0.

Are you sure you’re not J22 reincarnatied?

I can assure you that I have no affiliation to Stillwater hockey.

[fightclub30]

I actually like this trade. Johansson is a good player & 6 years younger than Stall. And Staal is no longer a top 2 Center at this point of his career. I llike the moves Billy G is making.

Good player? Yeah on my rec league team. What's your definition of a Good NHL player? I don't see it...

[media]dom luszczyszyn (@domluszczyszyn) Tweeted:
A *very* strong move for Buffalo.
Eric Staal is older, yes, but he is also $1.25M cheaper and well, a lot better than Marcus Johansson. He's still a top six calibre player that can drive play well, while Johansson has declined significantly over the past few seasons. https://t.co/ojaIQDFRJQ [/media]

[bearpaw28]

Sorry Dom...Staal is no longer a top 6 player on any top end NHL team & will be 36 years old in a month. He had a good run here, we got our money’s worth out of him, but like Mikko, time has past him by, he’s a SLOW skater, nuff said.

[fightclub30]

Staal is no longer a top 6 player on any top end NHL team & will be 36 years old in a month. He had a good run here, we got our money’s worth out of him, but like Mikko, time has past him by, he’s a SLOW skater, nuff said.

But this is not an improvement... AND costs more money. Even if he is doing something else, this only hurts us. It's a move for the sake of making a move and a bad one at that.br

And most teams he wouldn't be top 6, but our centers aren't exactly good let alone elite.

[bearpaw28]

Agree to disagree, I think Johansson still has something left in the tank. And don’t get all bent out of shape when Billy G trades Dumba, that’s gonna happen after signing Brodin long term. Johansson likely will be a wing on the Wild, probably on the 3rd line.

[team22tank]

Staal was in his final year and wasn't going to be resigned after this year and he alone won't be the difference between the Wild doing something big or not. Even Staal fans have to admit his skating is really slowing down.

Guys like Sturm and Erickson Ek are part of this decision as well. They are going to be given bigger roles.

Johansson no question is a better skater and faster than Staal.

[Slap Shot]

The problem is the Wild don't have a roster right now that can take advantage of Johansson's skill set. Sure more moves are on the way but as of right now this move is very underwhelming.

[team22tank]

The problem is the Wild don't have a roster right now that can take advantage of Johansson's skill set. Sure more moves are on the way but as of right now this move is very underwhelming.

Whether Johansson’s plays Wing or Center, putting more speed around Fiala and Kaprizov is not a bad thing. This is their team now, certainly offensively.

It will be interesting to see what happens with Dumba. Sounds like the Canucks and Jets could be very interested.

[Vegoe]

I only think the Wild moves Dumba if they can get a top six center... having one of the best top four D in the NHL is what makes them good. Based on what's happening, be ready to see Parise move back east. Looks like the buyout window is six days after the cup gets awarded and then the NHL draft Oct. 9/10. Probably a busy first week of October ahead.

Kaprizov-Johansson-Fiala
Zuccarello-Bjugstad-Dontato
Greenway-Ek-Kunin
Foligno-Sturm-Hartman
Rask

Suter-Spurgeon
Brodin-Dumba
Soucy-Hunt
Belpedio

Kahkonen
Stalock

[YoungEagle]

I only think the Wild moves Dumba if they can get a top six center... having one of the best top four D in the NHL is what makes them good. Based on what's happening, be ready to see Parise move back east. Looks like the buyout window is six days after the cup gets awarded and then the NHL draft Oct. 9/10. Probably a busy first week of October ahead.

Kaprizov-Johansson-Fiala
Zuccarello-Bjugstad-Dontato
Greenway-Ek-Kunin
Foligno-Sturm-Hartman
Rask

Suter-Spurgeon
Brodin-Dumba
Soucy-Hunt
Belpedio

Kahkonen
Stalock

With the money they need next offseason potentially with some of the future of the club needing contracts. I’d be shocked if they buyout any of their players. Trades seem more likely. Russo has said as much too.

The Winnipeg/Laine situation is very interesting. That roster has been shuffled quite a bit in the last year and change.

[Bonin21]

Good to hear they'll finally get (at least some of) the big contract for the Whioux off the books. And adding a Gopher fan favorite is nice, too.

Laine would be great, but look at that center lineup. That's brutal. The Dumba trade HAS to be for a center, as mentioned.

[bearpaw28]

I only think the Wild moves Dumba if they can get a top six center... having one of the best top four D in the NHL is what makes them good. Based on what's happening, be ready to see Parise move back east. Looks like the buyout window is six days after the cup gets awarded and then the NHL draft Oct. 9/10. Probably a busy first week of October ahead.

Kaprizov-Johansson-Fiala
Zuccarello-Bjugstad-Dontato
Greenway-Ek-Kunin
Foligno-Sturm-Hartman
Rask

Suter-Spurgeon
Brodin-Dumba
Soucy-Hunt
Belpedio

Kahkonen
Stalock

If the Wild can trade for a top 2 line C that Billy G likes, Dumba is GONE, although to get a really good one, they’ll probably have to throw in someone like Greenwsy too. I’m starting to fear Greenwsy is afflicted with Charlie Coyle disease (not how he’s played for the Brukns, but how he played as a member of the Wild) The symptoms are “built like Tarzan plays like Jane”

[J22]

I only think the Wild moves Dumba if they can get a top six center... having one of the best top four D in the NHL is what makes them good. Based on what's happening, be ready to see Parise move back east. Looks like the buyout window is six days after the cup gets awarded and then the NHL draft Oct. 9/10. Probably a busy first week of October ahead.

Kaprizov-Johansson-Fiala
Zuccarello-Bjugstad-Dontato
Greenway-Ek-Kunin
Foligno-Sturm-Hartman
Rask

Suter-Spurgeon
Brodin-Dumba
Soucy-Hunt
Belpedio

Kahkonen
Stalock

If the plan is to go into the season with Johansson and Bjugstad as the top 2 centers? Then Leipold should do himself a huge favor and fire Guerin now before he makes it worse.

I think the Staal trade wasn't much more than taking the best asset he could get. Clearing out the "old guard" is the real objective. Hopefully Parise follows close behind.

[J22]

I only think the Wild moves Dumba if they can get a top six center... having one of the best top four D in the NHL is what makes them good. Based on what's happening, be ready to see Parise move back east. Looks like the buyout window is six days after the cup gets awarded and then the NHL draft Oct. 9/10. Probably a busy first week of October ahead.

Kaprizov-Johansson-Fiala
Zuccarello-Bjugstad-Dontato
Greenway-Ek-Kunin
Foligno-Sturm-Hartman
Rask

Suter-Spurgeon
Brodin-Dumba
Soucy-Hunt
Belpedio

Kahkonen
Stalock

With the money they need next offseason potentially with some of the future of the club needing contracts. I’d be shocked if they buyout any of their players. Trades seem more likely. Russo has said as much too.

The Winnipeg/Laine situation is very interesting. That roster has been shuffled quite a bit in the last year and change.

I will be very surprised if Dubnyk isn't bought out