2019-2020 Wild Season

[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

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

I think Duby's ship has sailed... I think the Wild basically move Parise for Ladd for compliance buyout purposes.

Maybe they can do somthing similar with Vegas, getting Fluery and then LV buys out Duby.

[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

I think Duby's ship has sailed... I think the Wild basically move Parise for Ladd for compliance buyout purposes.

Maybe they can do somthing similar with Vegas, getting Fluery and then LV buys out Duby.

Fleury has about as much value as Bjugstad did. Even Dubnyk for Fleury is a bad deal for the Wild unless Vegas is willing to eat some of that contract.

[bearpaw28]

So who are the best options to pursue as Wild starting goalie next year? Because Dubbs is done & we know (J22) that you loathe Stalock. Fleury has two years left at $7 million per. I’d be willing to pay that for a competent starting goalie, which Dubbs obviously isn’t, I agree with Vegoe on this point

[00xtremeninja]

Koivu not re signed, fans demand his number be retired. Jfc wild fans want all their favorites to have numbers in the rafters because they liked a player

[Slap Shot]

[Greyeagle]

Koivu not re signed, fans demand his number be retired. Jfc wild fans want all their favorites to have numbers in the rafters because they liked a player

For the Wild franchise I still haven't decide which move was dumber, retiring #1 for the 'fans' before they ever hit the ice or introducing Nordy.

[00xtremeninja]

Koivu not re signed, fans demand his number be retired. Jfc wild fans want all their favorites to have numbers in the rafters because they liked a player

For the Wild franchise I still haven't decide which move was dumber, retiring #1 for the 'fans' before they ever hit the ice or introducing Nordy.

That number 1. By far the dumbest move. Just pandering to the fan base of "hey the Stars got moved and that sucks, we will show you we are committed to you fans by retiring number one for you! Because you are all number 1 in our eyes!"

[Beauner]

Koivu not re signed, fans demand his number be retired. Jfc wild fans want all their favorites to have numbers in the rafters because they liked a player

Not that he has a lot of competition but he's been one of the best players in franchise history, played 15 years, and was a captain for a lot of them. 709 pts in 1028 games and was an undoubted team leader. For a young-ish franchise, those are jersey retirement numbers, IMO.

[davescharf]

Agreed - there should be no question on retiring his number. He deserves to be the first

[Jupiter]

I was just never a Koivu fan... I wanted to be, but Geezus he sure liked to disappear in the post season just like Joe Mauer always did for the Twins. So I just could not in to Koivu much.

[Maize]

I'm a casual fan at best, granted, but I honestly couldn't even remember what Koivu's number was. That said, it would be very on-brand for the Wild to retire a number for a guy nobody outside of Minnesota has ever heard of.

[D2D]

I'm a casual fan at best, granted, but I honestly couldn't even remember what Koivu's number was. That said, it would be very on-brand for the Wild to retire a number for a guy nobody outside of Minnesota has ever heard of.

Pretty sure hockey fans in Finland have heard of him.

[NYC Gopher fan]

I'm a casual fan at best, granted, but I honestly couldn't even remember what Koivu's number was. That said, it would be very on-brand for the Wild to retire a number for a guy nobody outside of Minnesota has ever heard of.

Pretty sure hockey fans in Finland have heard of him.

After spending time in Finland I can confirm he’s one of the most famous people in the country

[DreamLoss]

I'm a casual fan at best, granted, but I honestly couldn't even remember what Koivu's number was. That said, it would be very on-brand for the Wild to retire a number for a guy nobody outside of Minnesota has ever heard of.

Pretty sure hockey fans in Finland have heard of him.

After spending time in Finland I can confirm he’s one of the most famous people in the country

I did have to laugh during Eric Staal's presser with the Buffalo Sabres media today when some guy from the Associated Press asked him his thoughts on the confirmation that Saku won't be resigning with the Wild.

[Maize]

After spending time in Finland I can confirm he’s one of the most famous people in the country

Then let them retire his number.

[bearpaw28]

I was just never a Koivu fan... I wanted to be, but Geezus he sure liked to disappear in the post season just like Joe Mauer always did for the Twins. So I just could not in to Koivu much.

In his heyday, Mikko was an effective two way second line C. The problem was the role the Wild had him playing was that of first line C. Accordingly he never measured up to that, especially offensively & particularly during the playoffs.

[team22tank]

Koivu not re signed, fans demand his number be retired. Jfc wild fans want all their favorites to have numbers in the rafters because they liked a player

Huh?

Like who?

[frozen4champs]

Koivu is the leader in so may categories for the Wild. Like him or not, they will retire his number in the next couple of years, unless he goes Garnett on them.

[00xtremeninja]

Koivu not re signed, fans demand his number be retired. Jfc wild fans want all their favorites to have numbers in the rafters because they liked a player

Huh?

Like who?

Go look at replies to wild Twitter

[fightclub30]

With King Henrik being bought out... Any chance he would come here on a reasonable one year deal to see what we have in Kahkonen?

He is coming off some down years (2 in a row), but is (was?) a good, veteran goalie, who might do better in front of an older, experienced, defensively sound team like MN...

His stats last year aren't great, but his High-Danger sv% was still reasonable (.836%) and saw 262 High Danger chances in 30 games.
As compared to Dubnyk who saw 186 High Danger chances in 30 games with a .737% high danger sv%.

Henrik's overall Sv% was only .905 (below league average) but NYR was going with a young team, and not known for their stout defense.
Henrik's stats were still reasonable while tailing off, where-as Holtby's have fallen off a cliff and he was worse (if you can imagine) than Dubnyk this past season.

Henrik is also a free agent with no huge term or money on a current deal (like Fluery who was listed as a possible option). Other younger goalies, some unproven, are likely to get big term and/or big money - Markstrom (likely to stay in Van), Lehner (likey to stay in Vegas), for example.

If he gets 2/3s the remaining value over twice the remaining term, that is $1.5M from NYR the next 2 seasons already. Would he take a $5-$6M one year deal to be a 1A in MIN for one season (two seasons MAX)? At 38 and declining I am not sure any team is going to commit big money or term to him. He is coming off a 7 year $8.5M-AAV deal. Interesting option, to me at least, but I am biased as a big HL fan.

[J22]

With King Henrik being bought out... Any chance he would come here on a reasonable one year deal to see what we have in Kahkonen?

He is coming off some down years (2 in a row), but is (was?) a good, veteran goalie, who might do better in front of an older, experienced, defensively sound team like MN...

His stats last year aren't great, but his High-Danger sv% was still reasonable (.836%) and saw 262 High Danger chances in 30 games.
As compared to Dubnyk who saw 186 High Danger chances in 30 games with a .737% high danger sv%.

Henrik's overall Sv% was only .905 (below league average) but NYR was going with a young team, and not known for their stout defense.
Henrik's stats were still reasonable while tailing off, where-as Holtby's have fallen off a cliff and he was worse (if you can imagine) than Dubnyk this past season.

Henrik is also a free agent with no huge term or money on a current deal (like Fluery who was listed as a possible option). Other younger goalies, some unproven, are likely to get big term and/or big money - Markstrom (likely to stay in Van), Lehner (likey to stay in Vegas), for example.

If he gets 2/3s the remaining value over twice the remaining term, that is $1.5M from NYR the next 2 seasons already. Would he take a $5-$6M one year deal to be a 1A in MIN for one season (two seasons MAX)? At 38 and declining I am not sure any team is going to commit big money or term to him. He is coming off a 7 year $8.5M-AAV deal. Interesting option, to me at least, but I am biased as a big HL fan.

Lundqvist is 38 so I can't see any team offering him anything but a 1 year deal. Also can't see him getting anything over $3M. He is best buddies with Zuccarello so I could see the outside chance that he comes to Minnesota. I would rather have Lundqvist than bringing in Fleury.

[fightclub30]

Lundqvist is 38 so I can't see any team offering him anything but a 1 year deal. Also can't see him getting anything over $3M. He is best buddies with Zuccarello so I could see the outside chance that he comes to Minnesota. I would rather have Lundqvist than bringing in Fleury.

in 2017, Craig Anderson signed a 2-year deal at 37 for $4,750,000/yr
in 2018, Pekka Rinne signed a 2-year deal at 36 for $5,000,000/yr
in 2012, Brodeur signed a 2-year deal at 40 for $4,500,000/yr
in 2019, Mike Smith signed a 1-year deal at 37 for $2,000,000 + bonuses for up to $3,750,000.

That's why I was thinking $4-$5M. Is he worth that, not sure, but that is probably in the ballpark of what he gets.

I completely forgot about him breaking down and not able to answer the question about Zucc getting traded to Dallas.

When Backstrom hit 35 with the Wild, he took a really bad downward trend. But Backstrom isn't a potential hall-of-famer either...

[J22]

Lundqvist is 38 so I can't see any team offering him anything but a 1 year deal. Also can't see him getting anything over $3M. He is best buddies with Zuccarello so I could see the outside chance that he comes to Minnesota. I would rather have Lundqvist than bringing in Fleury.

in 2017, Craig Anderson signed a 2-year deal at 37 for $4,750,000/yr
in 2018, Pekka Rinne signed a 2-year deal at 36 for $5,000,000/yr
in 2012, Brodeur signed a 2-year deal at 40 for $4,500,000/yr
in 2019, Mike Smith signed a 1-year deal at 37 for $2,000,000 + bonuses for up to $3,750,000.

That's why I was thinking $4-$5M. Is he worth that, not sure, but that is probably in the ballpark of what he gets.

I completely forgot about him breaking down and not able to answer the question about Zucc getting traded to Dallas.

When Backstrom hit 35 with the Wild, he took a really bad downward trend. But Backstrom isn't a potential hall-of-famer either...

Rinne signed his deal coming off of a Vezina win. Anderson and Brodeur both signed theirs coming off of Finals appearances.

[Vegoe]

Lundqvist is 38 so I can't see any team offering him anything but a 1 year deal. Also can't see him getting anything over $3M. He is best buddies with Zuccarello so I could see the outside chance that he comes to Minnesota. I would rather have Lundqvist than bringing in Fleury.

in 2017, Craig Anderson signed a 2-year deal at 37 for $4,750,000/yr
in 2018, Pekka Rinne signed a 2-year deal at 36 for $5,000,000/yr
in 2012, Brodeur signed a 2-year deal at 40 for $4,500,000/yr
in 2019, Mike Smith signed a 1-year deal at 37 for $2,000,000 + bonuses for up to $3,750,000.

That's why I was thinking $4-$5M. Is he worth that, not sure, but that is probably in the ballpark of what he gets.

I completely forgot about him breaking down and not able to answer the question about Zucc getting traded to Dallas.

When Backstrom hit 35 with the Wild, he took a really bad downward trend. But Backstrom isn't a potential hall-of-famer either...

If someone had the time, then it'd be fun to have them post all the contracts signed by players who were complicance buyouts... I'd wager it's less than a $4-$5M AAV

[frozen4champs]

Sounds like the Dubnyk trade talks are heating up.

[team22tank]

Need a reminder did the compliance buyouts around the Vegas expansion happen before or after Vegas got to pick their team?

If there is another compliance buyout and it takes place before Seattle expansion picks their team I would think it’s a no brainer to keep Parise and then buy him out at that time.

[J22]

Need a reminder did the compliance buyouts around the Vegas expansion happen before or after Vegas got to pick their team?

If there is another compliance buyout and it takes place before Seattle expansion picks their team I would think it’s a no brainer to keep Parise and then buy him out at that time.

There weren't any compliance buyouts linked to expansion. The last compliance buyouts coincided with the last strike/CBA negotiation.

[team22tank]

Need a reminder did the compliance buyouts around the Vegas expansion happen before or after Vegas got to pick their team?

If there is another compliance buyout and it takes place before Seattle expansion picks their team I would think it’s a no brainer to keep Parise and then buy him out at that time.

There weren't any compliance buyouts linked to expansion. The last compliance buyouts coincided with the last strike/CBA negotiation.

That’s right.

Wouldn’t be a surprise if there is another one at some point given how last year went and highly doubtful 2020-2021 will be anything close to normal in regards to attendance.

[J22]

Need a reminder did the compliance buyouts around the Vegas expansion happen before or after Vegas got to pick their team?

If there is another compliance buyout and it takes place before Seattle expansion picks their team I would think it’s a no brainer to keep Parise and then buy him out at that time.

There weren't any compliance buyouts linked to expansion. The last compliance buyouts coincided with the last strike/CBA negotiation.

That’s right.

Wouldn’t be a surprise if there is another one at some point given how last year went and highly doubtful 2020-2021 will be anything close to normal in regards to attendance.

I doubt it. There are a lot of teams trying to cut their losses in any way they can. They're not going to agree to a buyout that gives a serious advantage to the handful of rich teams.

[YoungEagle]

Trading Donato to SJ for a 3rd.

[SkiUMahLaw]

Trading Donato to SJ for a 3rd.

Seems like we are stockpiling draft picks for next year. Not a bad idea.

Not sure trading Donato for a third is good value. He is one of the few Wilds that actually goes to the net hard and isn't afraid to shoot. He's a coaches kid who plays like it. No, he isn't going to grind like Greenway, but he isn't anywhere near as big as Greenway either. I see him as an effective second/third line player.

Maybe that is why he can't stay.

[Butters Stotch]

Dubnyk & a 2022 7th rounder to San Jose for a 2022 5th round pick.

**Wild also retaining about 1/2 of his salary for next season.

[Bonin21]

Lol tough sale apparently

[Slap Shot]

Um....

Donato was young right? And that DD trade seems awful.

[fightclub30]

Um....

Donato was young right? And that DD trade seems awful.

Donato was young, and wasn't going to fit here given the players in the top6 ahead of him. Was never going to work as a 3rd line guy, and I think, deserved better than 4th line minutes.

Dubnyk trade was cheaper than the likely buyout that was coming. His buyout wouldve been $2.67M cap hit this year, and a $833,333 cap hit next year and $1.67M in cash. This trade means the wild pay him $1.25M in cash and a $2.17M cap hit this year, nothing next year. So the owner saves $420,000 in cash, the Wild save $500,000 in cap hit this year and are free and clear next year. Seems like a win, he jumped at the first team willing to take him for something. ALSO this likely takes SJ out of the market for signing an available goalie giving us one less team to bid against in either trade or FA. I'll take it.

I am just fearful of going after Holtby or Fluery. I'd like one year of Lundqvist, but I realize I am in the minority there. I think Greiss is interesting (if he hits FA), and Talbot at the right price and term (not long) could be interesting. I also wonder what Columbus would take for one of their 2 goalies? Dumba? I dont think Markstrom hits the market.

My logic for not taking most of the other goalies is that they are too old. So the rational part of my brain says no way on King Henrik, but part of my thinks it would be awesome. We aren't winning the cup next year anyway, and he probably has 1 more competitive season in him like Brett Favre... Lets take one year on a wing and a prayer, haha.

[fightclub30]

If someone had the time, then it'd be fun to have them post all the contracts signed by players who were complicance buyouts... I'd wager it's less than a $4-$5M AAV

You asked...
COMPLIANCE BUYOUTS
Team - Player – Signing Age - Term - AAV (Term remaining when bought out)
BUF - Ville Leino – 27 – 6 years - $4,500,000 (3 years remaining) #
BUF - Christian Ehrhoff – 28 - 10 Years - $4,000,000 (7 years remaining)
CGY - Shane O'Brien – 28 - 3 Years - $2,000,000 (1 year remaining)
CHI - Steve Montador – 32 – 4 years - $2,750,000 (2 years remaining) # *deceased*
CHI – Rostislav Olesz – 23 – 6 years - $3,125,000 (1 year remaining) #
DAL – Aaron Rome – 28 – 3 years - $1,500,000 (1 year remaining) #
DET – Carlo Colaiacovo – 29 – 2 years - $2,500,000 (1 year remaining)
DET – Jordin Tootoo – 29 – 3 years - $1,900,000 (1 year remaining)
EDM – Eric Belanger – 33 – 3 years - $1,750,000 (1 year remaining) #
FLA – Ed Jovanovski – 34 – 4 years - $4,125,000 (1 year remaining) #
MIN – Tom Gilbert – 25 – 6 years - $4,000,000 (1 year remaining)
MTL – Scott Gomez – 27 – 7 years - $7,357,143 (1 year remaining)
MTL – Tomas Kaberle – 33 – 3 years - $4,250,000 (1 year remaining) #
NJ – Johan Hedberg – 39 – 2 years - $1,400,000 (1 year remaining) #
NJ – Anton Volchenkov – 28 – 6 years - $4,250,000 (2 years remaining)
NYI – Rick DiPietro – 24 – 15 years - $4,500,000 (8 years remaining) #
NRY – Wade Redden – 31 – 6 years - $6,500,000 (1 year remaining)
NYR – Brad Richards – 31 – 9 years - $6,666,666 (6 years remaining)
PHI – Daniel Briere – 29 – 8 years - $6,500,000 (2 years remaining)
PHI – Ilya Bryzgalov – 31 – 9 years - $4,653,333 (7 years remaining)
SJ – Martin Havlat – 28 – 6 years - $4,250,00 (1 year remaining)
TB – Vincent Lecavalier – 28 – 11 years - $7,727,272 (7 years remaining)
TB – Ryan Malone – 28 – 7 years - $4,500,000 (1 year remaining)
TOR – Mike Komisarek – 27 – 5 years - $4,300,000 (1 year remaining)
TOR – Mikhail Grabovski – 28 – 5 years - $5,500,000 (4 years remaining)
VAN – Keith Ballard – 25 – 6 years - $3,300,000 (2 years remaining)
VAN – David Booth – 24 – 6 years - $4,250,000 (1 year remaining)
WSH – Jeff Schultz – 24 – 4 years - $2,750,000 (1 year remaining)

# = Never played in NHL again after buyout

28 Contracts – Avg Signing Age = 28.6 – Avg Length = 5.89 years – Avg AAV = $4,100,157 – Avg Term left = 2.4 years

[Bonin21]

You didn't pull what he's asking for.

And yes, the next contracts they sign are not gonna average anywhere close to 4-5MM. I'm not sure I even saw a 4+ one in there.

[Vegoe]

You didn't pull what he's asking for.

And yes, the next contracts they sign are not gonna average anywhere close to 4-5MM. I'm not sure I even saw a 4+ one in there.

I still appreciate the effort though! Makes it easier to look for the next deals and maybe I'll do that part.

[Bonin21]

Easiest thing I found is to go here: https://www.capfriendly.com/buyout-history
Check the year of the buyout, then click on that player and check their next contract

[fightclub30]

You didn't pull what he's asking for.

And yes, the next contracts they sign are not gonna average anywhere close to 4-5MM. I'm not sure I even saw a 4+ one in there.

I still appreciate the effort though! Makes it easier to look for the next deals and maybe I'll do that part.

Sorry, I see what you were asking now. I wonder if the difference is compliance or not. I think some of those guys may not have been bought-out had the compliance factor not been there... but obviously I dont know for sure.

Lundqvist wasn't a compliance buyout, but clearly NYR is trying to rebuild and has a goalie waiting in the wings ready to go who is MUCH cheaper and Lundqvist was on a decline. So I think they threw him a lifeline to help them both; we want to move on, you want one more crack at a Cup. Mutually beneficial.

Some of those compliance deals were bad deals to bad players, and/or teams looking for a free out because it was available.

Lecavalier was a great player, still played a few more seasons. Signed a 5 year deal at 33, played all 5 seasons for $4.5M AAV
Briere was a really good player, still played after. Signed a 2 year deal at 36 for $4.0M AAV.
Brad Richards was a pretty good player, still played after. Signed 2 separate 1 year deals for $2.0M AAV at 34 and $4.0M AAV at 35.

I don't care what Tom Gilbert, a mediocre at best, defenseman went on to do. Or that Rick DiPietro never played again. Because it isn't comparable. What some mid-20s average NHLer signed after a team realized they over-paid him isn't the same.

I am looking at a great goaltender in the twilight of his career, praying for one competitive season let in front of one of the most defensively sound teams in the league. I think it is an least intriguing.

**As much as I want to see him here, I realize A) it probably isn't the best for this team and B) pretty unlikely to happen. I am also aware a 38 year old goalie is not a 33 or even 36 year old forward.

[Vegoe]

I just think that those players getting the buyout money sometimes have a tendancy to take less money for a better situation.

Yep the Lacavlier, Richards and Briere deals came to mind.

Also thanks to the Bonin link... these other ones stood out.

Perry signing for $3.25M AAV after making $8.625M AAV.
Giradi signing for $3M AAV after making $5.5M AAV.
Bryzgalov signing for $2M AAV after making $4.65M AAV.

Feels like there is still some value out there for Henrik or some of the other players being brought up after they get bought out, if they sign for $2M-$3.25M.

[Bonin21]

HL is going to sign with WSH

[gopher6]

HL is going to sign with WSH

Who is that?

[Bonin21]

Lundqvist

[bearpaw28]

I think Billy G. did Donato a favor, traded him to a team that wanted him & we get 3rd rd pick tomorrow in return. As far as a Dubbs, if trading him & retaining half his salary cost the Wild less in cap hit/ than buying him out, makes sense financially for the Wild & Dubbs goes to someone who wants him too, plus we got a 5th next year instead of a 7th. That’s better than trading him for a bag of used hockey pucks

[Bladepuller]

I think Billy G. did Donato a favor, traded him to a team that wanted him & we get 3rd rd pick tomorrow in return. As far as a Dubbs, if trading him & retaining half his salary cost the Wild less in cap hit/ than buying him out, makes sense financially for the Wild & Dubbs goes to someone who wants him too, plus we got a 5th next year instead of a 7th. That’s better than trading him for a bag of used hockey pucks

The pick is in 2021 according to The Athletic.

[bearpaw28]

I think Billy G. did Donato a favor, traded him to a team that wanted him & we get 3rd rd pick (in 2021) in return. As far as a Dubbs, if trading him & retaining half his salary cost the Wild less in cap hit/ than buying him out, makes sense financially for the Wild & Dubbs goes to someone who wants him too, plus we got a 5th next year instead of a 7th. That’s better than trading him for a bag of used hockey pucks

The pick is in 2021 according to The Athletic.

You are correct - FMP

[JWG]

Happy 20th MN Wild...

[Snowcool08]

Bettman says they are committed to a Jan 1 start date for next season. I wonder what that does for the Winter Classic?

[fightclub30]

Wild take Marco Rossi at #9

[team22tank]

Bettman says they are committed to a Jan 1 start date for next season. I wonder what that does for the Winter Classic?

I can’t imagine there is a Winter Classic this year.

[YoungEagle]

Wild take Marco Rossi at #9

Marco is a good hockey name. Hope it works out.

[Bertogliat]

Bettman says they are committed to a Jan 1 start date for next season. I wonder what that does for the Winter Classic?

They could move the Winter Classic to the pond behind my house now that they can’t have any fans at the game. Free of charge.

[Vegoe]

Boy... had to be nervewracking for Judd to hear Bill say they weren't moving up to grab Rossi. Got their guy, but sounds like they would have been fine getting whoever fell to them. Thanks Buffalo for taking Quinn!



Seems like Rossi is the perfect fit for the Wild. Dominating 200-foot center who was nearly 60% on draws, has put in the work during the off-season to get his body ready for pro hockey and hockey IQ that makes him an elite PP guy off the wall. Let's just roll with it and put him in the lineup right?

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

Suter-Spurgeon
Brodin-Dumba
Soucy-Hunt
Belpedio

Kahkonen
Stalock

[JWG]

It appears that a MN team drafted well? That's outstanding.

[Bonin21]

How many players in the last ten years have come in and become a 1C right after being drafted?

[00xtremeninja]

Kunin traded to Nashville for Bonino

[Bonin21]

Crazy. So is Bonino the 1C?

[Bonin21]

Russian Center at 37

[YoungEagle]

He might be for this year. Guerin is sure going to have some serious $ to spend next year.

[YoungEagle]

Ryan O'Rourke as described by Elite Prospects -- "On the puck, O'Rourke is mean, nasty, violent -- everything one wants from a durable, robust stay-at-home defender. His battle-level is unbelievably high. He never takes a moment off, never mind a shift, and much less an entire game. O'Rourke is a capable puck-mover, too. He consistently makes good decisions with the puck and boasts an absolutely lethal slap shot. -EliteProspects 2020 NHL Draft Guide"

I like him already

[00xtremeninja]

God i love reading Twitter comments

Kunin traded = "this team is trash, not renewing season tickets, im a fan of soccer now!"

O'Rourke drafted = "hell yeah powerhouse team baby, dynasty in the making!"

[Karlsson]

Ryan O'Rourke as described by Elite Prospects -- "On the puck, O'Rourke is mean, nasty, violent -- everything one wants from a durable, robust stay-at-home defender. His battle-level is unbelievably high. He never takes a moment off, never mind a shift, and much less an entire game. O'Rourke is a capable puck-mover, too. He consistently makes good decisions with the puck and boasts an absolutely lethal slap shot. -EliteProspects 2020 NHL Draft Guide"

I like him already

I like their description of Khusnutdinov as well:

“He plays the full 200-feet of the ice, with one of the best motors in this class. He'll relentlessly backcheck as play transitions towards the defensive zone, and his ability to track developing plays while he's skating at full speed really impressed us over the year. Khusnutdinov is also proficient at carrying the puck into the offensive zone.”

[Bonin21]

Are there EP descriptions that are negative for top 50 draft prospects?

[Karlsson]

Wild trade the 132nd and 70th picks to Detroit for pick 65, use said pick to draft Moose Jaw Warrior defensemen Daemon Hunt.

Edit: “HOW COULD THEY NOT TAKE BIONDI??!?” responses have begun quicker than expected.

[J22]

Crazy. So is Bonino the 1C?

Bonino allows them to see if Eriksson-Ek can be a 2nd line center

[Bonin21]

Edit: “HOW COULD THEY NOT TAKE BIONDI??!?” responses have begun quicker than expected.

Two MN HS forwards have been taken already before Mr Hockey.

[bearpaw28]

Bonino Is 32 yrs old

[Bertogliat]

Bonino Is 32 yrs old

Thanks.

[Alby22]

Bonino Is 32 yrs old

Shouldn’t matter, he’s a stop gap for now in the last year of his deal that can be moved at the deadline if need be. My guess is BG is going the 8-1 route for the expansion draft and felt he needed to get something for Kunin instead of losing him to Seattle. Not sure Kunin would ever be more than a bot 6 guy so I don’t mind it, add bullets to the chamber with those pics and free up money after this year for extensions to Fiala and KK. This team is a few years away and need as many picks as possible.

[team22tank]

Crazy. So is Bonino the 1C?

Bonino allows them to see if Eriksson-Ek can be a 2nd line center

Bonino will be fun to watch with Kaprizov and or Fiala.

The Wild’s prospect pool has never looked anything close to this. Kudos to Guerin picking up where Fenton left off.

[team22tank]

Who is the next Captain?

[Butters Stotch]

Boy... had to be nervewracking for Judd to hear Bill say they weren't moving up to grab Rossi. Got their guy, but sounds like they would have been fine getting whoever fell to them. Thanks Buffalo for taking Quinn!



Seems like Rossi is the perfect fit for the Wild. Dominating 200-foot center who was nearly 60% on draws, has put in the work during the off-season to get his body ready for pro hockey and hockey IQ that makes him an elite PP guy off the wall. Let's just roll with it and put him in the lineup right?

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

Suter-Spurgeon
Brodin-Dumba
Soucy-Hunt
Belpedio

Kahkonen
Stalock

No Parise?

[frozen4champs]

I thought the Wild really liked Robson, but they did not tender him.

[Beauner]

I thought the Wild really liked Robson, but they did not tender him.

I assume that means Guerin has something in the works that he is confident about for another goalie. I doubt he wants to go into next season with Stalock and Kahkonen as the only two goalies with decent experience as a pro.

Assuming he signs or trades for a goalie with a year or two left, then runs with Kahkonen and Jones in Iowa?