Minnesota Wild

[TheLeviathan]

Yeah, strokes and concussions will do that to you (see Crosby Sid, for the latter). The guy has still put up the 2nd highest point total amongst defensemen in the last 3-4 years, and despite logging huge pp minutes is still amongst the league leaders in even strength goals.

 

Labeling Letang any as a liability after this season is a mistake, he's way too young and talented, you don't write off guys a year removed from being a Norris trophy finalist, especially considering what he went through. I think most people recognize that, at least they should.

 

Geez, I don't even like Pittsburgh.

 

Norris trophies are largely driven by offensive production, not defensive prowess. He's been waning for years in addition to not being able to stay on the ice.

[twinsnorth49]

Norris trophies are largely driven by offensive production, not defensive prowess. He's been waning for years in addition to not being able to stay on the ice.

 

Well sort of, they are driven more by overall production and offensive defensemen who play big minutes, score lots of points and have high possession totals are hard to find and have a much bigger impact.

 

Oh well, agree to disagree, I think you greatly underestimate Letang, he's a special player. He's had a bad year but it's not a story of him waning, he was in the conversation for the Canadian Olympic team right up until it was announced, he deservedly didn't get picked but if you're even top 12 in that group you're a damn good player. He's a top second pairing on any other team, arguably first pairing and first team PP anywhere.

[Squirrel]

Woohoo Blackhawks!

 

Didn't want to start a new thread just for that ... but ... hadda say it!

[DaveW]

Vanek to the Wild 3 years, 6.5 mil a year.

 

What a steal for the Wild, I know many of us were concerned with giving him a 6-7 year deal, but for this amount it is an absolute no brainer, Vanek instantly becomes our best scorer and will put pucks in the net. Also this contract will not prevent us from locking up any of the young studs on this roster: Coyle, Granlund, Coyle etc.

 

The crazy thing is: His contract is only like 5 million more than what Stoner just got from the Ducks!

 

At this point, I would LOVE to see them go all in this year and get Iginlia for a one or two year deal.

[whydidnt]

Agreed, the Vanek deal sure looks good right now. Hopefully, whatever he did that ticked the Canadiens off enough to demote him to the 4th line isn't a sign of things to come. I think it's exactly the type of deal the Wild need to make right now, though. Would love to see them find another top Defenseman now to take the pressure off Suter. Someone that is strong in front of the goal, but can also move the puck. If they can add that, the young players improve and they manage to get a couple of healthy goalies, they would certainly be in position to compete with the Blackhawks and Kings for a shot at the Cup.

 

Keep it going Fletcher!!

[Mike Sixel]

This is why I do not buy the"wait until the minors are good argument" for not signing FA. This team is an example of adding a great player or two puts you closer to good, so there is no argument that you are not close. Increment your team every year.

[DaveW]

Spezza to the stars, Statsny to the Blues, iginlia to the Avs....holy crap this division is going to be amazing to watch overall next year.

[whydidnt]

Iginla just replaces Statsny for the Avs, probably a downgrade at this point (unless they are playing the Wild). The Avs also traded for Daniel Briere, which is an upgrade. Sabres re-signed Moulson and McCormick - was a very expensive rental for the Wild, I guess. Don't know why more teams don't try the same thing with FA to-be veterans when they are out of it. Great deal for them.

[whydidnt]

This is why I do not buy the"wait until the minors are good argument" for not signing FA. This team is an example of adding a great player or two puts you closer to good, so there is no argument that you are not close. Increment your team every year.

 

Couldn't agree more. This is especially true in baseball where the "hit rate" for prospects, even HIGHLY rated ones is pretty low. At least the Wild appear to be intent on trying to win.

[Mike Sixel]

yes, big fan of the Wild approach

[TheLeviathan]

Vanek deal is outstanding. I'm skeptical of him but this is a deal you have to risk and hope that stays a dangerous sniper and doesn't go Heatley on us.

 

Also, I'll just point out that the price for Kesler was one that I hope we were at least considering.

[DaveW]

Vanek deal is outstanding. I'm skeptical of him but this is a deal you have to risk and hope that stays a dangerous sniper and doesn't go Heatley on us.

 

Also, I'll just point out that the price for Kesler was one that I hope we were at least considering.

I saw on TV that Kesler specifically asked to be traded to Anaheim, the Wild may have never had a real shot to bring him in.

[TheLeviathan]

I saw on TV that Kesler specifically asked to be traded to Anaheim, the Wild may have never had a real shot to bring him in.

 

All I heard was that he waived his NTC because he thought he had a shot at the Cup. One would think he'd have had similar feelings about us, but you could be right.

[DaveW]

All I heard was that he waived his NTC because he thought he had a shot at the Cup. One would think he'd have had similar feelings about us, but you could be right.

 

I think it may have had to do somewhat with the weather and all of that as well, not that Minnesota isn't a great place, but it should be noted that most of these big name FA we signed (Parise+Suter, Vanek) more or less signed here because they had some ties to the area, Kesler I believe doesn't have any real ties to MSP?

 

Additionally while the Wild are a definitely a contender, the Ducks for right or wrong are perceived to be closer since they did have the best record in the west last year.