Wild Offseason

[CaptainMusky]

My prediction Wild get to Stanley Cup finals next year, but lose in 6. Then win the Stanley Cup 2 of the next 3 years.

Yes, I drank the kool aid and LOTS of it. :-)

[solbes]

Dang Cap'n. Clearing the Western Conference Finals three years in a row! That would net you about one zillion dollars if you put down $10 right now.

[bbfenatic]

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.

In 5 years Suter will be 82 years old in Hockey Minutes and Koivu will be playing Old Timers back in Finland.

[CaptainMusky]

Dang Cap'n. Clearing the Western Conference Finals three years in a row! That would net you about one zillion dollars if you put down $10 right now.

Correction, 4 years in a row. Next year, lose in 6. Then win two of the next 3 championships. :-) A guy can dream. But if it comes true you heard it here first.

[PierBridge]

Yo Yo Yo 3 year deal for Yeo $

[bbfenatic]

Yo Yo Yo 3 year deal for Yeo $

I do admit he has done a good job with the younger players....he'll make a good coach at Shattuck starting the 2015-16 season!

[OnAFly]

I was losing my confidence in Yeo around February, but wow did he turn that around. If he steps up and sits those deserving of sitting, he'll be a good coach for years to come. Oh yeah, and find an assistant who can fix the PP!

[CaptainMusky]

Agreed on the PP issues. The PP Specialist coaches Darby and Bruno are NOT cutting it. There was a time when the PP was hot, but absent in the playoffs. I think how they set up is too predictable and easily defended. They had a heckuva time against Chicago who just clogged up the middle. They seem to do better when teams pursue a lot and get the goalie moving from side to side alot, but disciplined teams (like the Hawks) do not do that.

Need to set up multiple looks. Perhaps front up a big body like Stoner in front. Goalies hate guys in their grill and he wouldnt be easy to move unlike Pominville, Granlund, etc. They have the players IMO to have a quality PP, but the execution is just a bit off.

[solbes]

Just listened to C.Fletch on the Fan today. At this point, doesn't sound like he is talking about much change to our G situation. He expected both Harding and Backs to be healthy by camp. And talked about Keumps also. I see near zero chance of us keeping two of those 3 healthy throughout the season. And he probably does too, but can't say much at this point.

Miller will likely be back swimming in the pool, no thanks to the enormous price tag. Stalock will be an UFA (yes please). Who else is a UFA? Can we possibly stand pat with our history of injuries?

[bbfenatic]

Waivers has begun....nothing worth taking yet.....and I see the early odds-makers for next year have Wild at 20-1 with Chicago at best odds of 7-1, Buff the worst at 200-1.

[Bear55]

Draft in a couple of weeks, we pick 18, should be some decent players in that area. No one is perfect but I like the way our management has been drafting. No 2nd rounder because of the Moulson trade.

[10,000 Casts]

I wonder what Moulson will fetch as a free agent? If he is reasonable I say sign him. The guy knows how to score goals.

I also wonder what Nino's contract is going to look like. I hope it's something like 4 years $3m per or less..

Bye bye Heatley and Bryzgolav! Now if they can find away to send Brodziak packing..

[Bear55]

Pass on Moulson, he's not bad but he is just a little too slow and soft for me, not sure he has an extra playoff gear.

[OnAFly]

The kids will probably get 2-3yr deals. If we go for anyone, it's going to be nothing more than that 2-3yr term veteran who can help bridge the gap between the kids being kids and turning into vets.

I hope we get Stoner back. Moulson is gone for sure. Brodziak is only a year from being gone.

I'm interested to see what happens on draft day, just because it's Fletcher. I also want to see what Folin looks like in Sept. He could be a nice addition.

[PierBridge]

Draft in a couple of weeks, we pick 18, should be some decent players in that area. No one is perfect but I like the way our management has been drafting. No 2nd rounder because of the Moulson trade.

This guy has a pretty good draft page.

Here is is forward break down.

http://stateofhockeynews.com/2014-articles/2014-wild-draft-preview-forwards.html

[PierBridge]

Goalie.

http://stateofhockeynews.com/2014-articles/2014-wild-draft-preview-goaltenders.html

[bbfenatic]

Pass on Moulson, he's not bad but he is just a little too slow and soft for me, not sure he has an extra playoff gear.

+1 Better way to spend those dollars and fill a jersey than on him that is for sure!

[RuKiddingMe]

Anyone think the Wild will take a run at Brad Richards with his recent free agent status? He might make a solid addition to the 2nd line, as long as they don't try to give a 34 yr old a long expensive contract.

[archerystud]

I could possibly see Brad Richards in a Wild sweater but only for the right price. Should be interesting how much he will get.

I'm still thinking the Wild will be making some kind of move via trade but I haven't heard a lot yet.

[10,000 Casts]

Rangers just bought that guy out for $20m.. I'd pass unless we can give him a contract that fits a 2nd line player.

[archerystud]

I'm predicting a WILD week ahead. Fletch to make some kind of big move.

I'll say Brodziak/Backstrom are moved along with a prospect or 2. I'd love to see Evander Kane in a Wild sweater!!!

[CaptainMusky]

The Brodz and Backs trade idea has certainly been picking up steam. Key there is Backs health. Which from what I read earlier he has been improving greatly. He needs a clean bill of health or no one will touch him. His contract isnt that bad. Pretty cheap actually. That wouldnt be the red flag for a trade, just the injury piece.

The draft is tonight. Will be interesting to see what happens up to the Wild's pick. Fletcher was quite clear what they were planning to do in the draft. They could jump up, drop back or stay where they are. Interested to see if he keeps his word. :-)

[bbfenatic]

Brodz won't bring much that's for sure. Fletch indicated Moulson, Bryz, Prosser, Heatley, Rupp will not be re-signed.

[CaptainMusky]

Brodz won't bring much that's for sure. Fletch indicated Moulson, Bryz, Prosser, Heatley, Rupp will not be re-signed.

I am fine with all those non-moves. Brodz may not get much, but bundle him and a pick and we can get some value I think. He is solid on faceoffs and PK, so there are teams that are looking for a 5th line center. :-)

[10,000 Casts]

imo Brodziak is the type of player that you hardly notice. Doesn't make alot of mistakes and plays pretty average. Doesn't produce alot offensively but doesn't cost us. There's gotta be a below average to average team out there that needs a depth player and he's not a bad option.