Frankly I'm hoping we trade Gus and Jesper gets a fair shot. I think Russo said on a podcast that the coaching staff is less than thrilled with Gus's habits, and he was worse than Fleury this year. Granted, together they both were the biggest problem on the roster.
At least Fleury is a good pro and a good influence in practice and in the room. I'd rather have Jesper around that. Gus has had chances to be "the guy" in his career and he just never seizes it. Last year he always played better after Fleury got a start or 2. I don't know what it is but whenever he starts as the #1 for longer stretches, he falls apart.
I'm under no delusion that Fleury is carrying us on a playoff run or anything next year. The future lies with the Swedish Wall.
i don't think anyone is going to be wanting gus as 3.75mil for 2 more years with only 1 season where he hasn't looked terrible. Probably going to be much of the same next year and if he's good, they trade him at the break and bring up Wallstedt for end of year if this team is already eliminated
I don't don't think the defense did them any favors either.
The 5X5 defense was much better than anyone gives them credit for. Most of the problems 5X5 can be directed at the goaltending. The PK is a different story. Everyone involved with the PK was brutal.I don't don't think the defense did them any favors either.
Frankly I'm hoping we trade Gus and Jesper gets a fair shot. I think Russo said on a podcast that the coaching staff is less than thrilled with Gus's habits, and he was worse than Fleury this year. Granted, together they both were the biggest problem on the roster.
At least Fleury is a good pro and a good influence in practice and in the room. I'd rather have Jesper around that. Gus has had chances to be "the guy" in his career and he just never seizes it. Last year he always played better after Fleury got a start or 2. I don't know what it is but whenever he starts as the #1 for longer stretches, he falls apart.
I'm under no delusion that Fleury is carrying us on a playoff run or anything next year. The future lies with the Swedish Wall.
i don't think anyone is going to be wanting gus as 3.75mil for 2 more years with only 1 season where he hasn't looked terrible. Probably going to be much of the same next year and if he's good, they trade him at the break and bring up Wallstedt for end of year if this team is already eliminated
I think this is the most likely outcome too. Was just stating I'm over Gus. We probably have the same 2 starting next year, then so long as we can afford it the back half of the year, we carry 3 goalies with Wallstedt getting some starts or Gus gets traded and we have 2.
Perfect way to end for the Wilds.
EDIT - Then Faber gets one to bring it back to one goal with a minute left.
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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Now it's over.
The plucky Wilds give up two shorties and end up losing 4-3.
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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At least we’ve got the Twins.
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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Faber played with cracked ribs for 2 months. Will miss the world championships.
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
Faber played with cracked ribs for 2 months. Will miss the world championships.
If that doesn’t add to rookie of the year material, I don’t know what does!
Faber had 150 blocked shots and Bedard had 27...
I read today in the west side fish wrap the Wild were 0-10-1 vs Colorado, Dallas and Winnipeg 
Aloha!
Scott Wheelers first mock draft has the Wild drafting our old friend Cole Eiserman.
https://theathletic.com/5477442/2024/05/09/nhl-mock-draft-2024-first-round/
kid keeps scoring goals like a machine, and he keeps moving down the rankings. Not really sure what to make of itScott Wheelers first mock draft has the Wild drafting our old friend Cole Eiserman.
https://theathletic.com/5477442/2024/05/09/nhl-mock-draft-2024-first-round/
kid keeps scoring goals like a machine, and he keeps moving down the rankings. Not really sure what to make of itScott Wheelers first mock draft has the Wild drafting our old friend Cole Eiserman.
https://theathletic.com/5477442/2024/05/09/nhl-mock-draft-2024-first-round/
Could see a little bit of concern in recent U-18 tourney. Didn't notice him a lot in defensive end. On the other hand, the announcer commented on when Mike Bossy was drafted at 15th had similar knocks against him. When asked about drafting him, the Islander GM said 'you can teach a guy to play defense. You can't teach them to score like that'. He had 53 goals as a rookie and 573 in 10 yrs in NHL. On other hand, I know people who were upset with Wild for passing on Cole Caufield at 7th. But at this point, while Caufield is doing well, I like Boldy a lot and think the Wild made the right choice. If we knew the answer, we'd be scouts in NHL.
If Caufield was 6' and 200lbs he would have been a top 5 pick. Eiserman is better in every aspect than Caufield was at the same age.kid keeps scoring goals like a machine, and he keeps moving down the rankings. Not really sure what to make of itScott Wheelers first mock draft has the Wild drafting our old friend Cole Eiserman.
https://theathletic.com/5477442/2024/05/09/nhl-mock-draft-2024-first-round/
Could see a little bit of concern in recent U-18 tourney. Didn't notice him a lot in defensive end. On the other hand, the announcer commented on when Mike Bossy was drafted at 15th had similar knocks against him. When asked about drafting him, the Islander GM said 'you can teach a guy to play defense. You can't teach them to score like that'. He had 53 goals as a rookie and 573 in 10 yrs in NHL. On other hand, I know people who were upset with Wild for passing on Cole Caufield at 7th. But at this point, while Caufield is doing well, I like Boldy a lot and think the Wild made the right choice. If we knew the answer, we'd be scouts in NHL.
I'm not a huge fan of one dimensional wingers like Eiserman, but it seems like he would fit really well on Boldy's line.
If Caufield was 6' and 200lbs he would have been a top 5 pick.
That could be said for A LOT of the 5'8" and 160lbs draft picks.
Keep your stick on the ice...
Yeah, that's the point of why it seems odd that Eiserman is falling down the draft rankingsIf Caufield was 6' and 200lbs he would have been a top 5 pick.
That could be said for A LOT of the 5'8" and 160lbs draft picks.
Knocks are his skating, playmaking and defense. He is absolutely lethal when he gets to scoring spots which you can’t teach but for a top 5 guy you want that coupled with a plus passer or skater and he’s neither (don’t get me wrong, he is a solid skater and passer, but he doesn’t look like when you watched Moore, Cooley or Celebrini that have that extra gear/change of direction and you have to look at who he’s doing it against routinely). That coupled with guys catching up to him skill wise in the draft class are why he’s falling a bit (in top of being viewed as a meh defender). He sure looks like he’ll be a good scorer at the next level but he’s not looking like a guy who’s going to make your first line “go”
Eiserman and Snuggy have quite a few similarities. This isn't meant as a criticism.
They are very good players but Snuggy wasn't a top 10 pick and it sounds like there is a definite chance Eiserman gets drafted outside the top 10. Snuggy was drafted #23 overall so it isn't a perfect comparison but there are a lot similarities in their style of play.
I guess if you're really bad at the job you were hired to do, what could possibly go wrong with promoting them to higher positions that they have zero qualifications for?
When I was in the Air Force. There was a civilian employee that couldn't be fired, so they promoted him to a position where he could ause the least provlems. Maybe that is their train of thought.
Where were you stationed while being active duty in the Air Force?
Keep your stick on the ice...
Wichita Falls TX, Camron Bay VN, & Minot ND
Bill probably just realized that Darby never played or coached for Pittsburgh.
Well, Darby HAD an incredibly long run with the Wild, almost an inexplicable run. And Billy G. needs to produce playoff series wins imminently…or Craig will show him the door during or after the 25-26 season!https://twitter.com/mnwildpr/status/1796591171659235372?s=46&t=UtlPiq7Vt1Te97QT76L7LQ
Yeah, that's the point of why it seems odd that Eiserman is falling down the draft rankingsIf Caufield was 6' and 200lbs he would have been a top 5 pick.
That could be said for A LOT of the 5'8" and 160lbs draft picks.
Knocks are his skating, playmaking and defense. He is absolutely lethal when he gets to scoring spots which you can’t teach but for a top 5 guy you want that coupled with a plus passer or skater and he’s neither (don’t get me wrong, he is a solid skater and passer, but he doesn’t look like when you watched Moore, Cooley or Celebrini that have that extra gear/change of direction and you have to look at who he’s doing it against routinely). That coupled with guys catching up to him skill wise in the draft class are why he’s falling a bit (in top of being viewed as a meh defender). He sure looks like he’ll be a good scorer at the next level but he’s not looking like a guy who’s going to make your first line “go”
If he can score anywhere near what he is doing now, he doesn't need to make the line go, as long as he isn't a huge detriment on D. You put him on a line with two other guys who can get him the puck. I don't think the take on Brett Hull and Dino Cicerelli were great skating and D coverage. If a guy can put a bunch in the net, he doesn't need to be great in other aspects, just acceptable. If he scores more than his deficiencies give up, he is a net positive. Not that I'm predicting Eiserman will be anywhere near those two, but Caufield seems to be doing well in a smaller frame and didn't stand out in college as the best player in all aspects. But he could score in bunches and is still scoring. I am not saying Eiserman should be ranked top 3, or something like that. Unlike one or two posters on here I don't pretend to know more than the NHL scouts and GM's (usually). And obviously they often can't accurately project where a guy will end up either. But for a guy who can score like no one else in this draft, just seems strange he'd drop below 10. When do we find out?
As the old saying goes, you can't teach scoring.
I saw almost all of Brett Hull's home games his Jr year at UMD & the only time I ever saw him in the defensive zone was pregame warmups. He could score (and quip!) like few others and UMD had a solid two way center (Matt Christiansen) who allowed Brett to do his thing.
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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As the old saying goes, you can't teach scoring.
I saw almost all of Brett Hull's home games his Jr year at UMD & the only time I ever saw him in the defensive zone was pregame warmups. He could score (and quip!) like few others and UMD had a solid two way center (Matt Christiansen) who allowed Brett to do his thing.
Playing with Mike Modano a few years didn't hurt him either.
I think you have 2 problems to consider when you're talking about a guy like Eiserman.
1. They have to score a lot to be worth the trouble. A 25 goal a year Caufield is probably a net negative to a team.
2. If they do score enough to be a positive impact, they're probably going to be paid more than they've worth to a team. I
I think you have 2 problems to consider when you're talking about a guy like Eiserman.
1. They have to score a lot to be worth the trouble. A 25 goal a year Caufield is probably a net negative to a team.
2. If they do score enough to be a positive impact, they're probably going to be paid more than they've worth to a team. I
or you have to think you can teach him to play defense. Has been a huge add to a guy like Matthews who scored a ton early in his career but he's made massive strides in the defensive end which has been huge to make Toronto be better in spite of their lack of postseason success.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5531872/2024/06/05/nhl-mock-draft-2024-celebrini-levshunov/
13. Minnesota Wild: Zayne Parekh, D, Saginaw (OHL)
Parekh slides a bit in this mock from his expected top 10 draft slot. There are 12-14 players people are convinced are top 10 picks, though. In this scenario, Minnesota jumps at Parekh’s elite hockey sense even with his defending concerns.
I find it interesting that Eiserman has slipped to 17 now in this one.
I’d rather see Wild draft Eiserman if he’s available at 13. They need gosl scorers.https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5531872/2024/06/05/nhl-mock-draft-2024-celebrini-levshunov/
13. Minnesota Wild: Zayne Parekh, D, Saginaw (OHL)
Parekh slides a bit in this mock from his expected top 10 draft slot. There are 12-14 players people are convinced are top 10 picks, though. In this scenario, Minnesota jumps at Parekh’s elite hockey sense even with his defending concerns.
I find it interesting that Eiserman has slipped to 17 now in this one.
I would rather they get a top 4 defenseman out of this draft. If there is one available. Although, Parehk's scouting report scares the hell out me
NM - a tweet alleging the Wild were going to switch to NS colors full time starting in 2025 has since been deleted. Dylan something was the source.
Russo and Uniwatch confirm that it was a false report.
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.
I know I’m old but I love the new uniforms now just change their name to North Stars
Aloha!
12. Minnesota Wild
Zeev Buium, D
Team: Denver (NCHC) | Rank: 6
DOB: 12/07/05 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 183 | Shot: L
2023-24 stats: GP: 42 | G: 11 | A: 39 | P: 50
Scouting notes: One of the best defensemen in college hockey this season, Buium is confidently projected as a top-4 defenseman in the NHL. He consistently stands out by joining the rush, defending well in transition and excelling in man-to-man defense in his own zone. He's an elite two-way defenseman at the college level, and is likely the most efficient puck mover in this draft class. He shows elite hockey sense and seems to be two to three plays ahead, allowing him to make plays that other players can't.
Defensively, he maintains a tight gap, adapts to changes in pace and uses excellent edgework to avoid getting beaten in tight situations. His puck skills, combined with various head and shoulder fakes, enable him to create space and passing lanes. If there is a better one-on-one defenseman in this draft, I've yet to see him.
Buium elevates his play as games intensify and was one of Team USA's best players at the World Juniors as an underage player, in addition to being a crucial part of the NCAA champion Denver blue line. With all the qualities of a play-driving, momentum-shifting defenseman, Buium could be ready for the NHL by the end of the 2024-25 college season. -- Doerrie
Team fit: GM Bill Guerin got aggressive here to select Zeev Buium, and rightfully so. Buium has a high hockey IQ and can be someone that can run an NHL power play, leading all NCAA defenseman in points last season (50). Denver depended on him big time in winning the national title this season -- he played 31 minutes against Boston University in the semifinal and more than 29 minutes against Boston College for the title.
He's an impact player and the highest defenseman the Wild have taken since Matt Dumba at seventh overall in 2012. -- Wyshynski
Absolutely love the pick. Didn't think there was a chance he could be available
I haven’t seen him play a lot but the few games I have seen he looked like a legit NHL defenseman. Can’t wait to see him in a Wild uniform (and out of a DU uniform).
Bring him in