Wild Offseason

[hoppe56307]

BIG NEWS OUT OF ST. LOUIS. They will not try and resign Miller.

Miller

It would be nice to have a top tier goalie, but with his performance in this years playoffs not so sure he can perform when the pressure is on.

[PierBridge]

Problems are hes 34 and will still comand a healthy cap hit.

He didnt play great in the playoffs but I have no doubt he would prosper in our system.

Id take him for the right price but don't see it happening.

[CaptainMusky]

Guys from current roster to re-sign: Stoner, Kuemper, Nino. They have $22M to work with for next season. Say those 3 cost you $9M that leaves $13M to work with and possible other moves (buyout of Backstrom?, Harding Retirement?) potentially coming into play as well. Hypothetically IF Harding were to retire, is his salary off the books completely or is that something still accounted for?

I wouldnt be opposed to going after Miller, but agree his performance was sub-par in the playoffs and do not want a huge contract. He has a lot of miles on him!!

[brian6715]

I would imagine if he retired due to injury that there would be some sort of insurance policy to cover his remaining salary (at least part of it). I know that is how the NBA operates, does anyone know about the NHL?

[RK]

If I'm the Wild I wouldn't want any part of Miller. He really seems to have peaked in 2010, and he's been on the decline since. His playoff this year was pretty sub-par, and for a team that plays a very similar game to MN.

If you're going to sign a veteran (and this assumes both Harding AND Backstrom are out of the picture somehow), why wouldn't you sign Bryz again? He's shown he can play in this system, he'd be cheaper, and likely would sign a year or two year contract. Miller will be looking for $ and term.

If Harding retired he wouldn't count against the cap, since he's under 35. Backstrom would, as he's an over 35 contract. Really though, I can't see either one retiring unless it's for health reasons.

Even if the Wild wanted to buy out Backstrom, he'd have to be medically cleared to play before they are allowed to. Remember, this is why the Wild couldn't buy out Heately after last season...

Solving the goalie puzzle has to be the biggest task for Fletcher. Still possible the wild could go into the next season with 3 goalies on one-way deals. Would be odd, but not unheard of.

Have to wonder too if the Wild will pass on Vanek. With the need to sign their young guys, it might be more likely they extend some of their guys due next year early so not all the contracts hit at once. Plus Vanek hasn't exactly been clutch in the playoffs for the Habs. I still question whether or not the Wild really needs another 30+ winger. Hate to see another declining star like Heately on the roster, although to be fair, Heately was good in the Colorado series...

[RK]

I would imagine if he retired due to injury that there would be some sort of insurance policy to cover his remaining salary (at least part of it). I know that is how the NBA operates, does anyone know about the NHL?

They'd likely get the cash back through insurance, which will help Leopold's wallet, but it wouldn't change the cap hit for Backstrom at least. The wild are already getting an overage penalty next season because so many of their young guys hit their performance bonuses (good problem to have I guess) so even though the Wild has some cap room, hate to see it burned on a player who isn't on the roster.

[BartmanMN]

Listening to Walz yesterday, he was saying that he felt Vanek's skating would hinder him in the Western confernece that is full of speedy guys. He knows Vanek is good around the net, but he likes the youth and Speed that we are currently building with.

He also noted that the Wild will have ~11 million in free cap space this Summer.

[10,000 Casts]

Quote:

why wouldn't you sign Bryz again?

No way! System or not, Bryz isn't a stanley cup goalie, he isn't even a starting goalie imo. I say let Miller test the free agent waters and if he doesn't get signed then offer him a reasonable deal

I agree with trying to sign Niskanen, he's a MN boy who could help us with a few goals and add depth on the D. His +33 last year looks pretty good too.

I'd like to see Moulson back, if he has a healthy season he could score 30 goals on the right line.

Heatley, is an addition by subtraction, I'd say his NHL days are over.

Nino, no brainer

Brodziak, either come back as a 4th liner or pkg him in a deal.

Stoner, good 3rd pair D imo that brings toughness which we lack

Fontaine, I'd like him back but I bet he goes.

Zucker, pkg in a deal

Prosser - keep him for depth and the press box

Ballard - that's a tough one. looking at it now, I'd say it didn't work they way we had hoped.

Dumba- I'd like to see him get some time with the Wild next year. In no way do you trade him unless it is a BIG return. You don't give up 19 year old NHL prospects.

[hoppe56307]

I'd like to see Moulson back, if he has a healthy season he could score 30 goals on the right line.

I thought I heard or read somewhere that he was scheduled for ankle surgery, something similar to what Koviu had.

Yes I would like to have him back. Him, Nino and Hula that is one heck of a third like and any one of those players can step up to the first or second line and produce when their are injures.

[CaptainMusky]

He also noted that the Wild will have ~11 million in free cap space this Summer.

Not sure how he came up with that figure, but it is half what I have seen. I realize he is closer to the pulse of the team than I am, but perhaps he is figuring in signing some guys with that figure?

http://www.capgeek.com/wild/

I fully admit that I was all over bringing Vanek here, but those feelings have tempered a bit considering how the youth played this post season AND seeing him play in the post season. He hasnt excelled in the post season and has been getting a ton of negative publicity this playoffs.

[bbfenatic]

I'd like to see Moulson back, if he has a healthy season he could score 30 goals on the right line.

Ballard - that's a tough one. looking at it now, I'd say it didn't work they way we had hoped.

Dumba- I'd like to see him get some time with the Wild next year. In no way do you trade him unless it is a BIG return. You don't give up 19 year old NHL prospects.

I don't see them re-signing Moulson....hope they don't...he's got too much Heatley in him IMO. But they may be forced to if they can't afford a replacement....but not the goal scorer this team needs.

Ballard - showed some signs of ability in playoffs but we've got others in the stable that are better IMO.

Dumba - still an unknown IMO but good upside thus far...I say keep him for now.

[RK]

No way! System or not, Bryz isn't a stanley cup goalie, he isn't even a starting goalie imo. I say let Miller test the free agent waters and if he doesn't get signed then offer him a reasonable deal

That's my point... I don't think Miller is anymore either, and if you're signing a vet as an insurance policy - which is what Bryz was this year, he just happened to be a policy they cashed in - Bryz is a cheaper option who would probably sign for less money and less term. Don't get me wrong, I'm not crazy about him.

All that having been said, it's a moot point with 3 goalies on the roster as it is.

I'd be shocked if they keep Moulson.

[solbes]

Bryz had a couple of decent playoff games for us this year, but his history shows he is not a guy to go deep into the playoffs. Pass. Which means we are still looking for a #1 goalie as I'm not sure you can give it to Keumps all season.

Miller could be interesting if his price comes down. I think he could thrive in our system, but he's probably not worth the initial asking price.

[10,000 Casts]

Quote:

That's my point... I don't think Miller is anymore either, and if you're signing a vet as an insurance policy - which is what Bryz was this year, he just happened to be a policy they cashed in - Bryz is a cheaper option who would probably sign for less money and less term. Don't get me wrong, I'm not crazy about him.

I see what you're saying. How about Jonas Hiller or Halak? Both would be better options than Bryzgalov imo.

[OnAFly]

We need to figure out what to do with Backs and Harding before we think about signing another goalie. We can carry 4 goalies on the 23 man roster.

[10,000 Casts]

When does free agency open?

July 1, answered my own question. I'd say they need to have Backstrom/Harding/Kuemper figured out by then unless they have a decent goalie they can trade for.

[PierBridge]

Thank you everbody for being part of the Hockey discussion here.

We absolutley DESTROYED the Football forum in veiwership the last 6 months!!!!

Not bad for a so called niche sport!..

Well done and great stuff guys/gals..$

[OnAFly]

If both Backs and Harding retire, I hope the sign Bryz. The guy would be a good backup and seems to be awesome in the locker room. Not bad to have a positive influence for our young starting goalie.

I hope Stoner is back too...and he plays like he did during the playoffs. He's the kind of player we need, a big guy who will push people around.

[CaptainMusky]

Onafly, I really wonder what the real chances of Backs and Harding retiring are? I know Backs is over 35 and has had a flurry of health problems the last few seasons and Harding has MS, but I really wonder if that would lead them to retire. I would hate to see Harding retire, but not knowing when/if he will be able to return he would certainly be helping his teammates out if he did to give someone else a roster spot and a shot.

[Bear55]

If we can get Vanek at a reasonable term/price I think we should take the risk, any time you can add 30 goal scorer you are making your team that much better. He would make us a scary deep team to deal with up front and probably help out the PP.

We also have a very unique situation, our old core of vets is aging fast and they might only have 2-4 years before they start to tail off, can signing one more stud help push us over the top? We also have that young core and you only get them for cheap so long, I say make the move now and see what happens. We might have to make some hard decisions down the road but they way things are playing out I think our time is now so lets go for it.

I'm guess the Wild make a reasonable offer that favors their future cap space and Vanek will take it or play somewhere else for more $$$. I'm cool with that.

[bbfenatic]

If we can get Vanek at a reasonable term/price I think we should take the risk, any time you can add 30 goal scorer you are making your team that much better. He would make us a scary deep team to deal with up front and probably help out the PP.

We also have a very unique situation, our old core of vets is aging fast and they might only have 2-4 years before they start to tail off, can signing one more stud help push us over the top? We also have that young core and you only get them for cheap so long, I say make the move now and see what happens. We might have to make some hard decisions down the road but they way things are playing out I think our time is now so lets go for it.

I'm guess the Wild make a reasonable offer that favors their future cap space and Vanek will take it or play somewhere else for more $$$. I'm cool with that.

Agree and IMO they shove all in this year with signings as the window with this group is closing fast and they were so close this year as we saw. Spend to the max now, win the cup, then ride that wave and rebuild after that. Sounds simple but.....

[solbes]

Guess I'd rather keep a team together that makes a playoff run every year than stacking for one year and then having to dismantle because of Cap issues. Chances of winnng a Cup even with a stacked team are pretty remote (16 teams!!). But chances of winning with a strong group that can stick together for 3-5 years is far improved IMO. Yes the Parise's, Suter's, Koivu's, and Pominville's are not getting any younger. But the young guys will hit their peak in the next 3-5 years if they stick around.

I maintain that our forwards are pretty good as is. Look at all the late injuries we had this year with Coyle, Moulson, Pominville, Koivu, etc. I would hope that would not be the case every playoff year. Dmen are not excellent outside of Suter, but are fairly deep with decent young talent. Get a netminder that can make a playoff run and I like our chances a lot.

[archerystud]

I'm with Solbes. You can always get "rental" players whose contracts are coming up near the end of the season to put you over the top.

Need to figure out the goalie situation. Did a little reading on retiring players. If I read correctly if Backs retires it really doesn't help the Wild from a Cap Perspective because of his age.

I can see Harding retiring if he can't play. He'd collect his salary and I believe because of his age the Wild recoup his money from a cap perspective. Also frees up a spot to carry another goalie. But if he can play at least half the season like he was last year I'll take him back.

I stated it before but he was practicing in early April and if they took Curry over him for a backup then I kind of doubt whether he can play. I think he retires if he feels as if he's a burden to the team.

If anyone else knows more on the cap details about retiring please correct me. I haven't take a bunch of time to research it yet.

[bbfenatic]

We'll see I guess, but The Parise's, Koivu's, Suter's, Pomniville's of the League don't come around all at once too often and with the rising stars currently under contract as well my hopes are management sees this as a "once is great while" opportunity and fills the couple of holes we have. IMO we will be getting too old on one end and too expensive on the other to replace or keep the talent they have right now. Going to be fun to see how it unfolds this off-season!

[Bear55]

I wouldn't think of it as going ALL IN, just lets do this and do it now while Pommer, Parise and Koivu have some milage left in them. After that short run you might have a transition year or two as the vets step aside but that doesn't mean we can't be competitive or have to miss the playoffs.

The only guys on the books past 5 years are Parise and Suter so its not like we are screwed, might get interesting in year 4 but then Koivu is UFA, Pommer is a UFA year 5 so there will be some wiggle room.