Wild
Ducks (LaCombe)
Buffalo
Montreal
cesspool
Carolina
Colorado
Vegas
Colorado isn't lacking in either department. The Wild definitely need to bolster their second pairing and center depth, the latter of which is tough to do because the guys that hit the market are typically more like the middle 6 types. Can hope someone along the lines of Evan Rodriguez becomes available though.Tough loss but I'm not sure any team in this league is stopping Colorado from winning a cup. Maybe Carolina but they don't have the star power.
Young Padawan, it's not the best players, it's the right players. (c) Herb Brooks.
CAR is sneaky dangerous right now.
COL is scary no doubt. I think CAR is overlooked. Slight difference, but an important one.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Being up 3-0 is what makes it so damn painful. Getting the best team without two very important pieces was not a good proposition in the first place. Wally tried, but lo, it’s not enough when you have too many guys in positions they shouldn’t be in.
Despite the Brutal Ending…this season was the Most FUN I’ve had watching a MN NHL team since 80-81 North Stars. ⭐️ I’ll leave the analyzing & criticizing for another day.
...So starting off the too-early predictions, who do we target in free agency? Any top line centers available? good value defensemen?
And does Colorado lose anyone to make them beatable?
can the Wild get Fleury to unretire and come back to the Wild?
Aloha!
Knoblauch fired. He’d be an option id have interest in
...So starting off the too-early predictions, who do we target in free agency? Any top line centers available? good value defensemen?
And does Colorado lose anyone to make them beatable?
Last I looked, not really anyone that’s a UFA as a top line C. Good value defensemen I think is a system and role dependent question but I’d have to look again
can the Wild get Fleury to unretire and come back to the Wild?
Why downgrade the back up goaltender further?
Any top line centers available?
Available as in free agents? No. Available as in they're acquirable in a trade? Possibly! Matthews rumors are probably going to be hot this summer, and Billy has to know if the center position isn't bolstered heavily, his seat starts to get pretty warm.
Matthews is the guy I think Guerin will go after. Possibly Dylan Larkin or Robert Thomas if that doesn't work.
I think Hynes will be back but I'm not sure he should. The last 2 games showed that he either has no control over what's going on, or he just doesn't know what he's doing. Neither is acceptable.
Spurgeon and Brodin both need to be gone. You aren't going to win anything with those guys on your roster at the price you're paying for them. They are also just terrible fits for this roster.
I would be ok with everyone else coming back, at the right price. They are very close to the top of the league and don't need any major shakeup.
The play by Middleton these playoffs was so poor its tough to imagine one player was that awful.
https://twitter.com/B_Marsh92/status/2054765431060045993
And to sum up his playoffs, in one play, he makes about as pathetic of an effort one could make in a key situation.
https://twitter.com/JeffWaldFox9/status/2054757774496583875
Matthews is the guy I think Guerin will go after. Possibly Dylan Larkin or Robert Thomas if that doesn't work.
I think Hynes will be back but I'm not sure he should. The last 2 games showed that he either has no control over what's going on, or he just doesn't know what he's doing. Neither is acceptable.
Spurgeon and Brodin both need to be gone. You aren't going to win anything with those guys on your roster at the price you're paying for them. They are also just terrible fits for this roster.
I would be ok with everyone else coming back, at the right price. They are very close to the top of the league and don't need any major shakeup.
I agree he will ask. I just don't know if we have the offer that is going to get him with our lack of picks and lack of intriguing pipeline guys. Think Wally is really the only big time asset they would be interested in, unless you're moving something like Gus and Ek together.
I don't think there's any way Larkin is leaving Detroit. He wants to be there.
Thomas is probably a guy they target at the deadline pending how STL does. I don't think they'd move him now for anything reasonable as he's rostered on a really good deal until 2031.
On Spurgeon and Brodin, who is going to take on those contracts for aging players who are always hurt? we'd probably have to send assets that we're already starved for. I'd be pretty surprised if Billy moves either of them, though I agree their contracts are really hurting us.
Agree on the other guys comment. All about the number they're back at though as cap space is going to be tight and Hughes needs to be a major priority to get locked up or the trade looks really blah if he leaves after next year (or at the deadline because he's made it apparent it's coming)
Matthews is the guy I think Guerin will go after. Possibly Dylan Larkin or Robert Thomas if that doesn't work.
One of these 3 would be a-ok and would slot in just fine at 1C. If we're in the mood to mortgage the future (I mean we sent a 2nd for McCarron), then he should have no problem sending a bevy of picks/prospects to get a true 1C. I'd like to hang onto 1 of either Stramel or Yurov throughout the process, so that'll be part of the challenge of course.
Matthews is the guy I think Guerin will go after. Possibly Dylan Larkin or Robert Thomas if that doesn't work.
One of these 3 would be a-ok and would slot in just fine at 1C. If we're in the mood to mortgage the future (I mean we sent a 2nd for McCarron), then he should have no problem sending a bevy of picks/prospects to get a true 1C. I'd like to hang onto 1 of either Stramel or Yurov throughout the process, so that'll be part of the challenge of course.
what is this bevy of picks/prospects you speak of?
Our pipeline is as meh as could ever be (unless you're trading NHLers) and we have no 1st until 27, no 2nd until 2029, and only 5 picks in this year's draft (earliest is a 3rd)
Matthews won't cost as much as people think. He will decide where he wants to go and Toronto won't have much leverage.Matthews is the guy I think Guerin will go after. Possibly Dylan Larkin or Robert Thomas if that doesn't work.
I think Hynes will be back but I'm not sure he should. The last 2 games showed that he either has no control over what's going on, or he just doesn't know what he's doing. Neither is acceptable.
Spurgeon and Brodin both need to be gone. You aren't going to win anything with those guys on your roster at the price you're paying for them. They are also just terrible fits for this roster.
I would be ok with everyone else coming back, at the right price. They are very close to the top of the league and don't need any major shakeup.
I agree he will ask. I just don't know if we have the offer that is going to get him with our lack of picks and lack of intriguing pipeline guys. Think Wally is really the only big time asset they would be interested in, unless you're moving something like Gus and Ek together.
I don't think there's any way Larkin is leaving Detroit. He wants to be there.
Thomas is probably a guy they target at the deadline pending how STL does. I don't think they'd move him now for anything reasonable as he's rostered on a really good deal until 2031.
On Spurgeon and Brodin, who is going to take on those contracts for aging players who are always hurt? we'd probably have to send assets that we're already starved for. I'd be pretty surprised if Billy moves either of them, though I agree their contracts are really hurting us.
Agree on the other guys comment. All about the number they're back at though as cap space is going to be tight and Hughes needs to be a major priority to get locked up or the trade looks really blah if he leaves after next year (or at the deadline because he's made it apparent it's coming)
Wallstedt, Yurov, one of Brodin/Spurgeon and a 1st or similar value prospect would probably get it done if Matthews tells Toronto he wants to go to Minnesota.
Anytime you let your opponent score not ONE but TWO extra attacker goals while failing to hit a yawning empty net, you deserve to LOSE.
Matthews won't cost as much as people think. He will decide where he wants to go and Toronto won't have much leverage.Matthews is the guy I think Guerin will go after. Possibly Dylan Larkin or Robert Thomas if that doesn't work.
I think Hynes will be back but I'm not sure he should. The last 2 games showed that he either has no control over what's going on, or he just doesn't know what he's doing. Neither is acceptable.
Spurgeon and Brodin both need to be gone. You aren't going to win anything with those guys on your roster at the price you're paying for them. They are also just terrible fits for this roster.
I would be ok with everyone else coming back, at the right price. They are very close to the top of the league and don't need any major shakeup.
I agree he will ask. I just don't know if we have the offer that is going to get him with our lack of picks and lack of intriguing pipeline guys. Think Wally is really the only big time asset they would be interested in, unless you're moving something like Gus and Ek together.
I don't think there's any way Larkin is leaving Detroit. He wants to be there.
Thomas is probably a guy they target at the deadline pending how STL does. I don't think they'd move him now for anything reasonable as he's rostered on a really good deal until 2031.
On Spurgeon and Brodin, who is going to take on those contracts for aging players who are always hurt? we'd probably have to send assets that we're already starved for. I'd be pretty surprised if Billy moves either of them, though I agree their contracts are really hurting us.
Agree on the other guys comment. All about the number they're back at though as cap space is going to be tight and Hughes needs to be a major priority to get locked up or the trade looks really blah if he leaves after next year (or at the deadline because he's made it apparent it's coming)
Wallstedt, Yurov, one of Brodin/Spurgeon and a 1st or similar value prospect would probably get it done if Matthews tells Toronto he wants to go to Minnesota.
I agree that package probably has enough if Matthews wants to leave/demands it. I don't think we have a 1st round value prospect tbh, but I would agree on throwing the 1st for Matthews caliber. I think you're going to see a lot of hesitancy to move Wally and ride with Gus (I'm not as worried about that as Gus has been good in the playoffs before and if you can sell high on Wally to get a return like that, goalie is adaptable much more so than a 1C).
So if it's Wally, Brodin, Yurov and a 1st for Matthews, I'm in on that idea. tbh i don't think Toronto will be unless Matthews leaves them no choice. If he's put on the market, I think there are multiple other teams who are better positioned to make a strong ass offer for him (Utah for example)
ARE U still DRUNK after last night. Wallstedt was the main reason the Wild got by the Stars & he played well in 3 of the 4 games vs CO! lolcan the Wild get Fleury to unretire and come back to the Wild?
I don't think Matthews goes on "the market". He will either decide to stay or he will tell Toronto where he wants to go. I can't imagine that list of teams would be very longMatthews won't cost as much as people think. He will decide where he wants to go and Toronto won't have much leverage.Matthews is the guy I think Guerin will go after. Possibly Dylan Larkin or Robert Thomas if that doesn't work.
I think Hynes will be back but I'm not sure he should. The last 2 games showed that he either has no control over what's going on, or he just doesn't know what he's doing. Neither is acceptable.
Spurgeon and Brodin both need to be gone. You aren't going to win anything with those guys on your roster at the price you're paying for them. They are also just terrible fits for this roster.
I would be ok with everyone else coming back, at the right price. They are very close to the top of the league and don't need any major shakeup.
I agree he will ask. I just don't know if we have the offer that is going to get him with our lack of picks and lack of intriguing pipeline guys. Think Wally is really the only big time asset they would be interested in, unless you're moving something like Gus and Ek together.
I don't think there's any way Larkin is leaving Detroit. He wants to be there.
Thomas is probably a guy they target at the deadline pending how STL does. I don't think they'd move him now for anything reasonable as he's rostered on a really good deal until 2031.
On Spurgeon and Brodin, who is going to take on those contracts for aging players who are always hurt? we'd probably have to send assets that we're already starved for. I'd be pretty surprised if Billy moves either of them, though I agree their contracts are really hurting us.
Agree on the other guys comment. All about the number they're back at though as cap space is going to be tight and Hughes needs to be a major priority to get locked up or the trade looks really blah if he leaves after next year (or at the deadline because he's made it apparent it's coming)
Wallstedt, Yurov, one of Brodin/Spurgeon and a 1st or similar value prospect would probably get it done if Matthews tells Toronto he wants to go to Minnesota.
I agree that package probably has enough if Matthews wants to leave/demands it. I don't think we have a 1st round value prospect tbh, but I would agree on throwing the 1st for Matthews caliber. I think you're going to see a lot of hesitancy to move Wally and ride with Gus (I'm not as worried about that as Gus has been good in the playoffs before and if you can sell high on Wally to get a return like that, goalie is adaptable much more so than a 1C).
So if it's Wally, Brodin, Yurov and a 1st for Matthews, I'm in on that idea. tbh i don't think Toronto will be unless Matthews leaves them no choice. If he's put on the market, I think there are multiple other teams who are better positioned to make a strong ass offer for him (Utah for example)
Couldn’t agree more regarding both Spurgeon & Brodin.They have been good regular season players during the past decade….but utter FAILURES in the playoffs, one is a Smurf, the other made of Glass, especially the past 3-4 years. Billy Desperately Needs to trade for a true #1 Center.Matthews is the guy I think Guerin will go after. Possibly Dylan Larkin or Robert Thomas if that doesn't work.
I think Hynes will be back but I'm not sure he should. The last 2 games showed that he either has no control over what's going on, or he just doesn't know what he's doing. Neither is acceptable.
Spurgeon and Brodin both need to be gone. You aren't going to win anything with those guys on your roster at the price you're paying for them. They are also just terrible fits for this roster.
I would be ok with everyone else coming back, at the right price. They are very close to the top of the league and don't need any major shakeup.
ARE you just saying idiotic things today for fun? Fleury has been DONESO for like 3 years. lolcan the Wild get Fleury to unretire and come back to the Wild?
Why downgrade the back up goaltender further?
He is better then both of their current starting goalies
I don't think Matthews goes on "the market". He will either decide to stay or he will tell Toronto where he wants to go. I can't imagine that list of teams would be very longMatthews won't cost as much as people think. He will decide where he wants to go and Toronto won't have much leverage.Matthews is the guy I think Guerin will go after. Possibly Dylan Larkin or Robert Thomas if that doesn't work.
I think Hynes will be back but I'm not sure he should. The last 2 games showed that he either has no control over what's going on, or he just doesn't know what he's doing. Neither is acceptable.
Spurgeon and Brodin both need to be gone. You aren't going to win anything with those guys on your roster at the price you're paying for them. They are also just terrible fits for this roster.
I would be ok with everyone else coming back, at the right price. They are very close to the top of the league and don't need any major shakeup.
I agree he will ask. I just don't know if we have the offer that is going to get him with our lack of picks and lack of intriguing pipeline guys. Think Wally is really the only big time asset they would be interested in, unless you're moving something like Gus and Ek together.
I don't think there's any way Larkin is leaving Detroit. He wants to be there.
Thomas is probably a guy they target at the deadline pending how STL does. I don't think they'd move him now for anything reasonable as he's rostered on a really good deal until 2031.
On Spurgeon and Brodin, who is going to take on those contracts for aging players who are always hurt? we'd probably have to send assets that we're already starved for. I'd be pretty surprised if Billy moves either of them, though I agree their contracts are really hurting us.
Agree on the other guys comment. All about the number they're back at though as cap space is going to be tight and Hughes needs to be a major priority to get locked up or the trade looks really blah if he leaves after next year (or at the deadline because he's made it apparent it's coming)
Wallstedt, Yurov, one of Brodin/Spurgeon and a 1st or similar value prospect would probably get it done if Matthews tells Toronto he wants to go to Minnesota.
I agree that package probably has enough if Matthews wants to leave/demands it. I don't think we have a 1st round value prospect tbh, but I would agree on throwing the 1st for Matthews caliber. I think you're going to see a lot of hesitancy to move Wally and ride with Gus (I'm not as worried about that as Gus has been good in the playoffs before and if you can sell high on Wally to get a return like that, goalie is adaptable much more so than a 1C).
So if it's Wally, Brodin, Yurov and a 1st for Matthews, I'm in on that idea. tbh i don't think Toronto will be unless Matthews leaves them no choice. If he's put on the market, I think there are multiple other teams who are better positioned to make a strong ass offer for him (Utah for example)
no more meaning, it will become pretty obvious he's available. He'll only want to go to a contender. Utah (has ties to organization and friends on the roster) and MN would be obvious targets for him both from personal and org standpoints. Toronto isn't going to move him for anything less than the max they can get and will shop him amongst those probably 3-5 teams he will want to play for
Wild head coach Hynes is 0-6 in elimination games
Aloha!
can the Wild get Fleury to unretire and come back to the Wild?
Why downgrade the back up goaltender further?
He is better then both of their current starting goalies
Ladies and gentlemen, we have our first entry for the 2026 Preposterous Statement Tournament.
Tact is the ability to step on a man's toes without messing up the shine on his shoes - Harry S Truman
I think both are solid players. I think they are hugely overrated in Minnesota, but that isn't their fault. They just don't work in this roster. Hughes/Faber is the best dpair in the world right now, but you don't want either of those guys on the PK. That means your 2nd and 3rd pair all need to be good penalty killers. Spurgeon and Brodin are both absolutely terrible on the PK.Couldn’t agree more regarding both Spurgeon & Brodin.They have been good regular season players during the past decade….but utter FAILURES in the playoffs, one is a Smurf, the other made of Glass, especially the past 3-4 years. Billy Desperately Needs to trade for a true #1 Center.Matthews is the guy I think Guerin will go after. Possibly Dylan Larkin or Robert Thomas if that doesn't work.
I think Hynes will be back but I'm not sure he should. The last 2 games showed that he either has no control over what's going on, or he just doesn't know what he's doing. Neither is acceptable.
Spurgeon and Brodin both need to be gone. You aren't going to win anything with those guys on your roster at the price you're paying for them. They are also just terrible fits for this roster.
I would be ok with everyone else coming back, at the right price. They are very close to the top of the league and don't need any major shakeup.
Teams that have a good PK and are just looking for a solid #4 or #5 defenseman would have some interest in either guy. You could probably even get value back for either if you eat some of their contracts. Colorado has shown that you can get by with 1 star defenseman and 5 guys who don't do much but tackle anyone who gets clise enough.
I'm fine moving on from the likes of Spurgeon or Brodin, but the key will be getting guys who can play the role. So I'm not just jettisoning them to the moon, but it would have to be part of something else.
I think it's more likely Spurgeon just plays out his contract here though. Which I'm fine with. But what we need are guys who can take that role so we aren't playing Middleton 2nd pairing minutes in crucial playoff games.
Are Hunt and Lambos those guys? Or do we need to go to market? We'll see.
On forward I'd bring Zuccy back in a heartbeat. Probably Johansson if he wants to as well. But we need guys to start stepping up and taking those spots soon because they aren't getting any younger or better. No non-established NHL players should feel safe at this point either (Yurov, Stramel, Haight, and to a degree Wally etc.). We're built to win now. We can't sit around and hope. If Matthews wants out, do what it takes. We're far to reliant on Ek down the middle.
what is this bevy of picks/prospects you speak of?
Well that's just it... We're going to have to cough up some pieces that may sting to give up, bad spot to be in, but that's what happens when you have a GM that trades pieces for low value rentals. We saw this with Chuck Fletcher too. History repeats....
I get your point on Spurgeon, but you can't have a $7.5M defenseman playing out the string on a "contending" team. Either its "all about winning" or you're not really serious about what you're doing.I'm fine moving on from the likes of Spurgeon or Brodin, but the key will be getting guys who can play the role. So I'm not just jettisoning them to the moon, but it would have to be part of something else.
I think it's more likely Spurgeon just plays out his contract here though. Which I'm fine with. But what we need are guys who can take that role so we aren't playing Middleton 2nd pairing minutes in crucial playoff games.
Are Hunt and Lambos those guys? Or do we need to go to market? We'll see.
On forward I'd bring Zuccy back in a heartbeat. Probably Johansson if he wants to as well. But we need guys to start stepping up and taking those spots soon because they aren't getting any younger or better. No non-established NHL players should feel safe at this point either (Yurov, Stramel, Haight, and to a degree Wally etc.). We're built to win now. We can't sit around and hope. If Matthews wants out, do what it takes. We're far to reliant on Ek down the middle.
I think Middlelton Bogosian is a fine 3rd pair, but you have to have a 2nd pair that will allow them to play 3rd pair matchups. It's not Middlelton's fault that he was your best penalty killer.
The thing that frustrates me the most about last night… The Wild had Colorado’s backs against the wall. Win last night and come back to Saint Paul for Game 6. 50/50 chance of winning that game. Colorado’s goaltending is a question mark. And Makar is injured. Then come back to Colorado for a Game 7. Colorado would have all the pressure on them. And Game 7’s can be a crapshoot.
The thing that frustrates me the most about last night… The Wild had Colorado’s backs against the wall. Win last night and come back to Saint Paul for Game 6. 50/50 chance of winning that game. Colorado’s goaltending is a question mark. And Makar is injured. Then come back to Colorado for a Game 7. Colorado would have all the pressure on them. And Game 7’s can be a crapshoot.
yep. All they needed to do was actually keep some amount of pressure on and they did not respond at all to Colorado's push, who was thinking exactly that as far as getting rest and avoiding coming back to MN
I think better coaching makes this roster more competitive this past series. While they 'upset' Dallas, Hynes playoff record was something like 6-19 heading into this post-season for a reason.
I think better coaching makes this roster more competitive this past series. While they 'upset' Dallas, Hynes playoff record was something like 6-19 heading into this post-season for a reason.
agreed. For all the criticisms of our center depth, I think Hartman, McCarron, Yurov, and Sturm all turned in decent, somewhat above-average individual performances over that full series.
Yeah, Hartman made that critical error icing the puck late in Game 5 but it’s one that plenty of elite 1Cs also make. And it was easily fixable too! If Hynes would’ve just used his damn timeout…
Defensive deployments were terrible as well. It was clear after Game 2 that Middleton-Spurgeon together couldn’t handle the matchups they got. Middleton should’ve been glued to the bench for the entire 3rd period of G5.
And the number of times in Games 3-4 that Hynes followed up a critical, momentum swing type of shift with his 4th line + 3rd pair together was insane! He totally forfeited the last change advantage at home.
so many coaching failures… sick of Minnesota sports teams losing big games due to overly rigid and conservative coaching
Well, they tried to get Thomas.
https://twitter.com/BR_OpenIce/status/2055347966861295744
Looking down from my High Horse
Morality Police
You're not allowed to call a timeout after an icing in the NHL.I think better coaching makes this roster more competitive this past series. While they 'upset' Dallas, Hynes playoff record was something like 6-19 heading into this post-season for a reason.
agreed. For all the criticisms of our center depth, I think Hartman, McCarron, Yurov, and Sturm all turned in decent, somewhat above-average individual performances over that full series.
Yeah, Hartman made that critical error icing the puck late in Game 5 but it’s one that plenty of elite 1Cs also make. And it was easily fixable too! If Hynes would’ve just used his damn timeout…
Defensive deployments were terrible as well. It was clear after Game 2 that Middleton-Spurgeon together couldn’t handle the matchups they got. Middleton should’ve been glued to the bench for the entire 3rd period of G5.
And the number of times in Games 3-4 that Hynes followed up a critical, momentum swing type of shift with his 4th line + 3rd pair together was insane! He totally forfeited the last change advantage at home.
so many coaching failures… sick of Minnesota sports teams losing big games due to overly rigid and conservative coaching
Can't agree with you that Hartman and Yurov were anything but brutal. Do agree that Hynes did a pretty poor job.
As bad as Middleton was, who were you going to send out in his place? Spurgeon wasn't any better and Hunt was worse than both.
All right, I am back after not posting for 6+ years. Here is a doozy.
Guerin needs to determine if Hughs is going to sign, I don't think he will unless they over pay him. If Hughs is not going to sign for resonable salary then trade him to New Jersy for Dougie Hamilton (NJ is looking to move him) one of Nick Hischier, Dawson Mercer, or Jesper Bratt, and their 2026 1st round draft choice. Flip the that draft pick, Yurov, and Wallstedt to Toronto for Matthews and one of their goalies.
@j22 However it happens Spurgeion and Middleton need to be 3rd defensive pair next season. I don't agree that Hunt is terrible a defensemen, they time to mature their game. He is way better then when drafted and I think he will take another step this offseason, he could be good with Brodin on the 2nd pair.
We're years past the point of needing to move on from Brodin and Spurgeon. If either come back next season, then it's clear that Guerin is full of shit and just blowing smoke. He needs to get out of those contracts and replace them with a 2nd pair that can actually help the team.@j22 However it happens Spurgeion and Middleton need to be 3rd defensive pair next season. I don't agree that Hunt is terrible a defensemen, they time to mature their game. He is way better then when drafted and I think he will take another step this offseason, he could be good with Brodin on the 2nd pair.
Hunt might still develop into an NHL player, but he isn't much of one at the moment. Certainly isn't a guy I would be looking for to be a top 4 guy next season.
We're years past the point of needing to move on from Brodin and Spurgeon. If either come back next season, then it's clear that Guerin is full of shit and just blowing smoke. He needs to get out of those contracts and replace them with a 2nd pair that can actually help the team.@j22 However it happens Spurgeion and Middleton need to be 3rd defensive pair next season. I don't agree that Hunt is terrible a defensemen, they time to mature their game. He is way better then when drafted and I think he will take another step this offseason, he could be good with Brodin on the 2nd pair.
Hunt might still develop into an NHL player, but he isn't much of one at the moment. Certainly isn't a guy I would be looking for to be a top 4 guy next season.
what would you view as a reasonable thing to get rid of them for?
Spurgeon's contract is gross (and thankfully it is Spurgeon's last year) and you're likely going to have to hold some of that cap if you move him.
Brodin may generate some interest, but I also think he is fine as a 2nd pair D with the right partner and I honestly don't know how much better of a cap situation we end up in targeting a replacement. The farm system looks like hot garbage on D so you'd have to find then 2-4 dmen in FA (Bogo needs to be done; Middleton looked completely inept out there this postseason and his contract also will border on non-moveable given its for 3 more years)
I wouldn't mind Faber-Hughes, Brodin-FA, and keep Hunt for 3rd pair with 2 new guys if you can move Spurgeon and Middleton. you kind of knew the Spurgeon contract was going to age like milk towards the end of his career and I do think finding a buyer is going to be challenging
I agree 100% they can't just run it back with who they've got under contract and resigning Hunt
I don't think there's a whole lot you can do other than trade him and retain salary or trade him for a similar cap dump and hope that player works better in your system. Also his contract is structured evenly so you can't pawn it off on whoever the new Arizona is (if a team like that even exists anymore lol) that just wants to reach the cap floor with cheaper contracts.
I think you could give both of them away fairly easily without holding back any salary. Teams not in a playoff race would gladly take either knowing that they can pay them for a few months and then trade them with salary retained for draft picks. Alot of teams would make room for Brodin at $3M. Spurgeon would probably be less popular but only has the 1 year left.We're years past the point of needing to move on from Brodin and Spurgeon. If either come back next season, then it's clear that Guerin is full of shit and just blowing smoke. He needs to get out of those contracts and replace them with a 2nd pair that can actually help the team.@j22 However it happens Spurgeion and Middleton need to be 3rd defensive pair next season. I don't agree that Hunt is terrible a defensemen, they time to mature their game. He is way better then when drafted and I think he will take another step this offseason, he could be good with Brodin on the 2nd pair.
Hunt might still develop into an NHL player, but he isn't much of one at the moment. Certainly isn't a guy I would be looking for to be a top 4 guy next season.
what would you view as a reasonable thing to get rid of them for?
Spurgeon's contract is gross (and thankfully it is Spurgeon's last year) and you're likely going to have to hold some of that cap if you move him.
Brodin may generate some interest, but I also think he is fine as a 2nd pair D with the right partner and I honestly don't know how much better of a cap situation we end up in targeting a replacement. The farm system looks like hot garbage on D so you'd have to find then 2-4 dmen in FA (Bogo needs to be done; Middleton looked completely inept out there this postseason and his contract also will border on non-moveable given its for 3 more years)
I wouldn't mind Faber-Hughes, Brodin-FA, and keep Hunt for 3rd pair with 2 new guys if you can move Spurgeon and Middleton. you kind of knew the Spurgeon contract was going to age like milk towards the end of his career and I do think finding a buyer is going to be challenging
I agree 100% they can't just run it back with who they've got under contract and resigning Hunt
I don't think either player is terrible. I do think both are a terrible fit for the Wild. Teams that are full of size and grit on defense might be fine adding a soft defenseman who can skate a little and move the puck. The Wild desperately need a 2nd pair that can kill penalties and defend their own zone. Those are 2 of the major weaknesses of Brodin/Spurgeon. Just not a good fit. You can't have over $13M worth of defenseman who can't play either of the special teams and isn't great at either end of the ice. You now have the best top pair in the world that can play all the important offensive minutes and PP time. You need to focus on defense and PK with your bottom 4. IMO You would be better off just running 2 pairs like Middleton/Bogosian and just adjusting your breakouts when they are on the ice.
Middleton is getting a really bad rap just because he's taking the brunt of the PK failures. Simple answer is that none of their dmen are good at it and most are really bad at it. Away from Spurgeon in this years playoffs Middleton was +2 at even strength. Spurgeon was +0 when he wasn't paired with Middleton.
I think you could give both of them away fairly easily without holding back any salary. Teams not in a playoff race would gladly take either knowing that they can pay them for a few months and then trade them with salary retained for draft picks. Alot of teams would make room for Brodin at $3M. Spurgeon would probably be less popular but only has the 1 year left.We're years past the point of needing to move on from Brodin and Spurgeon. If either come back next season, then it's clear that Guerin is full of shit and just blowing smoke. He needs to get out of those contracts and replace them with a 2nd pair that can actually help the team.@j22 However it happens Spurgeion and Middleton need to be 3rd defensive pair next season. I don't agree that Hunt is terrible a defensemen, they time to mature their game. He is way better then when drafted and I think he will take another step this offseason, he could be good with Brodin on the 2nd pair.
Hunt might still develop into an NHL player, but he isn't much of one at the moment. Certainly isn't a guy I would be looking for to be a top 4 guy next season.
what would you view as a reasonable thing to get rid of them for?
Spurgeon's contract is gross (and thankfully it is Spurgeon's last year) and you're likely going to have to hold some of that cap if you move him.
Brodin may generate some interest, but I also think he is fine as a 2nd pair D with the right partner and I honestly don't know how much better of a cap situation we end up in targeting a replacement. The farm system looks like hot garbage on D so you'd have to find then 2-4 dmen in FA (Bogo needs to be done; Middleton looked completely inept out there this postseason and his contract also will border on non-moveable given its for 3 more years)
I wouldn't mind Faber-Hughes, Brodin-FA, and keep Hunt for 3rd pair with 2 new guys if you can move Spurgeon and Middleton. you kind of knew the Spurgeon contract was going to age like milk towards the end of his career and I do think finding a buyer is going to be challenging
I agree 100% they can't just run it back with who they've got under contract and resigning Hunt
I don't think either player is terrible. I do think both are a terrible fit for the Wild. Teams that are full of size and grit on defense might be fine adding a soft defenseman who can skate a little and move the puck. The Wild desperately need a 2nd pair that can kill penalties and defend their own zone. Those are 2 of the major weaknesses of Brodin/Spurgeon. Just not a good fit. You can't have over $13M worth of defenseman who can't play either of the special teams and isn't great at either end of the ice. You now have the best top pair in the world that can play all the important offensive minutes and PP time. You need to focus on defense and PK with your bottom 4. IMO You would be better off just running 2 pairs like Middleton/Bogosian and just adjusting your breakouts when they are on the ice.
Middleton is getting a really bad rap just because he's taking the brunt of the PK failures. Simple answer is that none of their dmen are good at it and most are really bad at it. Away from Spurgeon in this years playoffs Middleton was +2 at even strength. Spurgeon was +0 when he wasn't paired with Middleton.
Tbh I don't know I agree based on what guys signed for on D last year. There were only 2 FAs signed at contracts higher than Spurgeon or Brodin. No one is really looking into next year saying we're planning on sucking aside from maybe Vancouver. Taking on a 1 year rental like Spurgeon for nothing just doesn't really make sense to try pick up a 5th or 6th rounder at the deadline and prevent them from trying to break in younger talent unless the Wild are sending you something with it imo.
That's part of why I think Brodin maybe has more value given it's a couple years on an upper middle tier contract who still plays pretty well when healthy/reputable that someone may want to buy at the deadline for a better return.
I agree entirely with what you say regarding them on ST though and that's that is what you're really needing to fill is guys who PK at a really high level with the other 4 you have.
Brodin would have more value simply because he's the better player on the better salary. I still think you could find someone to take Spurgeon for half the season pretty easily. Playoff teams are willing to give up 2nd round picks pretty freely to add depth.I think you could give both of them away fairly easily without holding back any salary. Teams not in a playoff race would gladly take either knowing that they can pay them for a few months and then trade them with salary retained for draft picks. Alot of teams would make room for Brodin at $3M. Spurgeon would probably be less popular but only has the 1 year left.We're years past the point of needing to move on from Brodin and Spurgeon. If either come back next season, then it's clear that Guerin is full of shit and just blowing smoke. He needs to get out of those contracts and replace them with a 2nd pair that can actually help the team.@j22 However it happens Spurgeion and Middleton need to be 3rd defensive pair next season. I don't agree that Hunt is terrible a defensemen, they time to mature their game. He is way better then when drafted and I think he will take another step this offseason, he could be good with Brodin on the 2nd pair.
Hunt might still develop into an NHL player, but he isn't much of one at the moment. Certainly isn't a guy I would be looking for to be a top 4 guy next season.
what would you view as a reasonable thing to get rid of them for?
Spurgeon's contract is gross (and thankfully it is Spurgeon's last year) and you're likely going to have to hold some of that cap if you move him.
Brodin may generate some interest, but I also think he is fine as a 2nd pair D with the right partner and I honestly don't know how much better of a cap situation we end up in targeting a replacement. The farm system looks like hot garbage on D so you'd have to find then 2-4 dmen in FA (Bogo needs to be done; Middleton looked completely inept out there this postseason and his contract also will border on non-moveable given its for 3 more years)
I wouldn't mind Faber-Hughes, Brodin-FA, and keep Hunt for 3rd pair with 2 new guys if you can move Spurgeon and Middleton. you kind of knew the Spurgeon contract was going to age like milk towards the end of his career and I do think finding a buyer is going to be challenging
I agree 100% they can't just run it back with who they've got under contract and resigning Hunt
I don't think either player is terrible. I do think both are a terrible fit for the Wild. Teams that are full of size and grit on defense might be fine adding a soft defenseman who can skate a little and move the puck. The Wild desperately need a 2nd pair that can kill penalties and defend their own zone. Those are 2 of the major weaknesses of Brodin/Spurgeon. Just not a good fit. You can't have over $13M worth of defenseman who can't play either of the special teams and isn't great at either end of the ice. You now have the best top pair in the world that can play all the important offensive minutes and PP time. You need to focus on defense and PK with your bottom 4. IMO You would be better off just running 2 pairs like Middleton/Bogosian and just adjusting your breakouts when they are on the ice.
Middleton is getting a really bad rap just because he's taking the brunt of the PK failures. Simple answer is that none of their dmen are good at it and most are really bad at it. Away from Spurgeon in this years playoffs Middleton was +2 at even strength. Spurgeon was +0 when he wasn't paired with Middleton.
Tbh I don't know I agree based on what guys signed for on D last year. There were only 2 FAs signed at contracts higher than Spurgeon or Brodin. No one is really looking into next year saying we're planning on sucking aside from maybe Vancouver. Taking on a 1 year rental like Spurgeon for nothing just doesn't really make sense to try pick up a 5th or 6th rounder at the deadline and prevent them from trying to break in younger talent unless the Wild are sending you something with it imo.
That's part of why I think Brodin maybe has more value given it's a couple years on an upper middle tier contract who still plays pretty well when healthy/reputable that someone may want to buy at the deadline for a better return.
I agree entirely with what you say regarding them on ST though and that's that is what you're really needing to fill is guys who PK at a really high level with the other 4 you have.
There's also the option of swapping a bad contract for a bad contract like Trix mentioned. Maybe Mika Zibanejad decides he wants out of New York. What about Spurgeon to Edmonton for Darnell Nurse? That would take some balls but could work out really well if you get Nurse into a roll he can handle.
I don't think Spurgeon will get moved, he probably has told management he plans on retiring at the end of next season and that he wants it kept quiet, he looked worn out at the end on the playoff run. Guerin has too much respect for Spurgeon to trade him in his last year.
Brodin I would not move on from considering the Wild has not been able to draft defensemen that can make impact in the NHL. They have a 1st round draft pick and many 2nd round draft picks that are defensemen that are not with the Wild any more or aren't good enough to play in the NHL.
The above along with the diaster know as Jiricek will probably keep the Wild from winning the cup in the next few years.
I don't think Spurgeon will get moved, he probably has told management he plans on retiring at the end of next season and that he wants it kept quiet, he looked worn out at the end on the playoff run. Guerin has too much respect for Spurgeon to trade him in his last year.
Brodin I would not move on from considering the Wild has not been able to draft defensemen that can make impact in the NHL. They have a 1st round draft pick and many 2nd round draft picks that are defensemen that are not with the Wild any more or aren't good enough to play in the NHL.
The above along with the diaster know as Jiricek will probably keep the Wild from winning the cup in the next few years.
whatever happened to Jack Peart lol