Wild Offseason

[10,000 Casts]

And it sounded like Harding kicked a wall after an altercation with a teammate so no accident but I haven't seen any facts.

Bryzgalov told reporters today that he hasn't been on the ice in 4 months??!!?? Wow.

[CaptainMusky]

Bryz was studying the universe! Lol

[PierBridge]

My point was we dont have the worst goal tending and softest defense in the league.

Not even close imo.

No matter how hard you think the forwards are back checking...

[OnAFly]

Apparently Bryz was much sharper last scrimmage. Maybe if he looks stellar over the preseason he comes in and backs up Backs (pun intended ) and Kuemper sits in the AHL to think about what he's done. Honestly, the way things have gone with that kid so far, the team should send a harsh message to him. You want to play hardball, fine, we can play hardball. Have fun in Iowa. Good luck with your next contract.

[CaptainMusky]

Yeah I wasnt too happy with the negotiations with Kuemper either. I was ready to move on from him, but Harding getting hurt really put the Wild over a barrel.

The conspiracy theorist in me is thinking that Harding really hasnt been looking as good as the reports make them to be and he isnt as healthy either. Thus, this kicking the wall was a way for him to gracefully bow out while not hurting the wild too much more. Plausible? Yes, Probable? Not sure. Something to think about though.

[Bear55]

Agree....but everyone working up front sure helps. My guess is they will be looking for a Dman early on to toughen things up a bit...don't panic yet! Maybe will will be able to win a bunch of 6-5 games with all that fire power

Our team D can makeup for any lack of star goaltenders, although it would be nice for our goalie to steal a game from time to time.

There is really no reason to worry, we have 4 "capable" goalies and an underrated defense. Best team the Wild has ever iced, lets just enjoy the ride and kick some butt. Can't wait to see our new toy (Vanek) along with some improved and experienced kids.

[PierBridge]

So you guys are blaming Kemp for what he did?

Come on man/guys!

[CaptainMusky]

Yes I am. He has played 32 games in the NHL he hasn't deserved the right to push his weight around. There is a reason he didn't file for arbitration this summer because it wouldn't have favored him period.

[bbfenatic]

So you guys are blaming Kemp for what he did?

What did he do..you mean for not being that good? Can't really blame him for that except he might have worked a little harder at it. He is still young, has time to improve and hopefully he does...my guess is he'll see plenty of time this year.

[OnAFly]

He has proved nothing, but negotiated like he was an established NHL player. Basically, he put himself in front of the team. Word is, he did the same thing on his entry level contract. Honestly, I'd be OK with trading him if we can grab another competent goalie. Who knows what he'll demand in 2 years.

[PierBridge]

Quote:

He has proved nothing, but negotiated like he was an established NHL player

No he didnt...

Im pretty sure players hire attorneys to handle the finance end.

He makes a million dollars a year and wanted a 1 way contract....lol....big dealio

Imo its crazy to blame Kemp for not sighning BEFORE the season started.

Also if the Wild didnt see the obvious upside in Kemp they would have signed Briz the seive before hand.

To blame Kemp or to want him demoted or traded is just plain crazy imo.

You are entitled to that opinion rest assured though..

[CaptainMusky]

How many guys who played 32 games in the NHL held to their guns and threatened to "take their talents to the KHL"? Not many. A one way deal IS a big deal to the wild. This means if he plays in Iowa he gets paid the same as if he is in the NHL.

Having the attitude he showed proves he is about himself and not the team. He was a [PoorWordUsage] on his rookie deal too. The kid has talent but also had injuries there are no guarantees and he isn't owed anything. Sure he has an agent but he has ultimate say in the deal.

[10,000 Casts]

Our "team defense" makes goalies look better than they really are.. In the Friday scrimmage Kuemper gave up 5 goals and he isn't playing tonight. I know it's early but what's up with that?

Now lets look at the Wild Goalie stats over the last 3 years.

Backstrom - 21 games played last year and went 5-11-2, 42 games played 2 years ago and he went 24-15-3, 46 games played 3 years ago and he went 19-18-7

Kuemper- 26 games played last year and he went 12-8-4, 6 games played the year before and went 1-2.

Harding- 29 games last year and saved our bacon 18-7-3, 5 games played the year before and went 1-1, 34 games the year before and went 13-12-4.

Welcome to the Wild goalie Carousel..

Quote:

My point was we dont have the worst goal tending and softest defense in the league.

Not even close imo.

No matter how hard you think the forwards are back checking...

I like your positivity but we have 4 goalies who can't seem to stay healthy and our goaltending is a wildcard at best this year. So start praying now that someone stays healthy and can get us through the season.. I know I am.

[PierBridge]

Yeah I agree our defenseman and overall defense arnt the softest in the league.

And yes im saying many prayers regarding Backs and Kemp to stay healthy this season.

[PierBridge]

How many guys who played 32 games in the NHL held to their guns and threatened to "take their talents to the KHL"? Not many. A one way deal IS a big deal to the wild. This means if he plays in Iowa he gets paid the same as if he is in the NHL.

Having the attitude he showed proves he is about himself and not the team. He was a [PoorWordUsage] on his rookie deal too. The kid has talent but also had injuries there are no guarantees and he isn't owed anything. Sure he has an agent but he has ultimate say in the deal.

Im ok with a select few fans being upset with him.

Good news is we have professionals running and playing on the team.

There will not be the least amount of animosity or repercussions between the players, management and Kemp over this non issue that happens everyday in the sports business world.

Imo you are over dramatizing it 10 fold.

[CaptainMusky]

Pier, if I were in the locker room with him it wouldn't affect our relationship. But I'm not, nor are you. So we don't have to agree with how he handles situations.

If there isn't animosity in the locker room ask harding why he kicked the wall.

[bbfenatic]

Bryz gave up 2 goals on 6 shots last night, slightly better than Kemps would have done. Backs was quite good giving up no goals.

[CaptainMusky]

In other news, Heatley scores 48 seconds into the Ducks first game. Have the Wild pulled a "Twins" by letting Heater go? LOL

[RK]

I think I can live with the risk that Heately has a career year with the Ducks

Nice to hear hockey on the radio again last night, although it's still the preseason for the broadcast crew too - at one point Kurtz's play by play call had a Wild player dumping the puck over the Vancouver blue line so the Canucks had to go get it... It was pretty funny.

Other than just being happy to hear some hockey, not a lot to take from a game with 3 NHL skaters in the lineup, although it was good to have Backstrom get off to a good start. Surprised Bryz was as good as he was having skated all of three times since last spring.

Tell you what though, my Lord does the Central division look like a murderer's row this year. Yeesh.

[10,000 Casts]

#50in14!!!!!!!!!!! LOL

but in all seriousness if he can get his legs back, he could be a servicable winger but that's a big if.

[CaptainMusky]

LOL

I wish him the best too decent guy but the speed loss was terrible especially how we play both ends.

[Bear55]

What's the big deal about Kuemper? He saved our butts a few times last year and wanted a little extra for that. We didn't really need to pay him until Harding went down so we did pay a little extra but it didn't break the bank. Despite all their shortcoming and broken feet I feel we have 4 capable goalies if needed and plenty of time for one of them to step up and take control for a playoff run. Kuemper is also our future so I am kind of glad we didn't get into a bitter hold-out situation.

[PierBridge]

I cant see Heater having any type of big year.

If he gets 17 goals this year in which 10 have to be non pp

I'll buy a Heater Duck jersey!

Bootlegg maybe but ill buy one..

[CaptainMusky]

I'll buy a Heater Duck jersey!

Bootlegg maybe but ill buy one..

oooh, now this could get interesting!!! :-)

[OnAFly]

I got to watch the game last night streamed. It was...slow. Clear difference between and NHL roster and that AHL roster.

On Bryz, the first goal he had no chance. There were 5 guys sitting in front of him and it deflected up into the corner. The second I didn't see.

On Kuemper, he wasn't always saving our hides, I remember a few games he had that made me go . Yeah, he had some good ones, but for me the jury is still out.