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Minnesota Wild Blogger •
Finally! After months of living vicariously through other teams which had qualified for the playoffs and after witnessing a complete regime change in GM and coach, the Wild fans now have something to look forward to: the off-season. Also, apologies for missing the Todd Richards press conference.
Last Friday, the Minnesota Wild held a press conference for the media, previewing the upcoming entry draft. GM Chuck Fletcher and Assistant GM/Head of Scouting Tommy Thompson addressed the media and then made themselves available for interviews afterward.
Fletcher first addressed the media talking about how “championships are won on the draft floor” and how the “best teams make the best moves” on draft day and how these upcoming two days this coming weekend are “critical, critical days”. He talked about the process of drafting prospects, having them disappear for 2 to 3 years, about their development being equally important, etc., etc. He also acknowledged that he “already had some calls from some teams” and that he “won’t hesitate to move up”, but “will also move back if (there is) a group of guys” still available when their time to pick (#12) comes up, in which case he would then considering moving back in the draft. Lastly, Fletcher acknowledged the amateur scouts and how the draft is “literally their day” and how they “work all year for one day.”
Thompson addressed the media next. He had quite a bit more to say than did Fletcher. Thompson talked about the Wild’s picks: one first round (#12), no second or third round picks, three fourth found picks (#99, #103 and #116), followed by one fifth (#133), one sixth (#163) and one seventh (#193) round picks. Besides #103 in the fourth round, which is the Wild’s natural fourth round selection for this draft, #99 came from Tampa via Dallas due to the trade involving Rolston’s exclusive negotiating rights the day before free agency, while #116 was the last part of the Fernandez trade to Boston. The Wild’s second round pick was traded to Nashville as part of the Zidlicky trade and their third round pick was traded to New Jersey on draft day when they moved up to select Tyler Cuma.
Thompson spoke of the quality of the kids in this draft i.e. first round being “better than we thought” and as being “above average”, but “not as good as last year’s” where there were a glut of big defensemen. He said that there is a “group of players in the first round that stretches beyond pick #12” that the Wild are interested in. He stated that this was the “highest quality group of young guys that I can remember” as supported by the Wild’s psychologist consultant who assisted in the development of questionnaires, the interviews of the individuals, etc. The consultant was “astounded” when every candidate the Wild interviewed was asked for an additional hour of time to later continue their interview and everyone of them agreed, “even the biggies” i.e. Tavarres, Hedman, Duchene, etc. Thompson pointed to one specific example regarding the quality of individuals in the first round by sharing that top prospect, Victor Hedman, called while stuck in traffic after signing an endorsement deal with Reebok to apologize for being late to the extended interview, despite the fact that Hedman is pretty much a lock to NOT be a member of the Minnesota Wild.
Thompson spoke next about the “local guys”. He stated that he would be “very surprised if Jordan Schroeder, Nick Leddy and Zach Budish do not get selected in the first round of this year’s draft. Schroeder looks to be taken in the first half of the draft, according to most mock drafts, while Leddy and Budish are bubble picks as the first round is concerned. Notwithstanding, a source extremely in the know not named Eklund informs me that Leddy could be taken higher than Schroeder and within the first ten picks of the draft. Meanwhile, regarding Budish, Thompson indicated that the Wild had him on the ice last Thursday, the evening before this press conference, testing his injured knee which required surgery and caused him to miss his entire senior season of high school hockey and that “all looks fine”, but acknowledged that there was a chance that he could get bumped to the second round. Thompson also spoke of Josh Birkholz and Mike Lee. His comments regarding Lee were interesting inasmuch as he indicated that he is “among the best goalies in the world” for his age, but that he probably would not be taken in the first round of the draft because of the quality of skaters in the first round.
Thompson talked about how there is a lot of focus on the first round of the draft, but that “every round has players that play in the NHL, they are just harder to find.” He highlighted Wild prospects Justin Falk, Cody Almond and Carson McMillan, all of whom had stellar years last year playing for their respective hockey clubs, not to mention that none of these guys were first round selections.
Thompson also pointed out that the Wild have more picks this year than in the previous four years. He talked about how Fletcher will be active in each round assessing whether to move up or down on a per round basis. He also talked about wanting to find players with “pizzazz” i.e. speed or scoring or open ice hits or exciting player makers, etc. He gave a nod to the struggling economy and said that “you have to make it fun for people to come” and that it’s “not just enough to win in tough times”.
With that said, the interviews of both Thompson and Fletcher began. Noteworthy from Thompson was that the Wild “need size that can play” as being the top criteria for Wild scouts in the past scouting season.
While Fletcher’s public comments were much shorter than Thompson’s, he had much more to say during the interviews. He talked about “moving back to get an extra player or two” and about “need(ing) more depth”. He talked about a good draft being defined as having 2 full-time NHL players out of 7 picks. He also talked about how players drafted in certain years playing that same year in the NHL will not be the exception, rather than the rule due to the current collective bargaining agreement granting free agency to players who are either 27 or have 7 years of NHL experience, defined as playing 40 games or more. He ended talking about “moving picks to get talent”, but upon further questioning, appears to be more interested in “moving talent to get picks” and “want(ing) as many picks this year” as possible. He also indicated that he might well do both i.e. move picks and talent. He spoke of how a draft pick is currency. He also spoke of choosing the "best player available” instead of going for a hometown guy or drafting by position.
At the end of this press conference, I was of the firm opinion that the Wild would most likely: (a) move back in the draft from pick #12 and attempt to move talent in an effort to shore up their lack of picks in the second and third round; and (b) that they had a keen interest in Zach Budish and that they are secretly hoping he is still available in the first round when they make there selection, provided they are much further back than their current position. So strong was that feeling that I texted Eklund with this information, not that he would publish it or anything, but rather to have a point of verification for later reference. Over the weekend, while surfing the net and various mock drafts, I came across another website that incorporates a Wild blogger and, much to my surprise, they had selected Zach Budish with the 12th overall selection in their mock draft. Needless to say, I almost had to change my pants as I thought I was the only one on the Budish-train. It will be interesting to see what actually transpires this week in trades and on Friday at the first round of the draft. If the Wild can move back and pick up a second or third round pick, given Thompson’s comments about Mike Lee, I would not at all be surprised to see the Wild pick up this prospect goaltender, especially if Harding is moved in a trade. My only concern about taking Minnesotan's in the draft is the A.J. Thelen debacle. That definitely left a bad taste in our collective mouths as fans.
Hats off to the Penguins for coming back from what I thought was an insurmountable lead against the Red Wings to win a new-era Stanley Cup. However, it’s now time for Wild fans to get back on the Wild bandwagon. Hopefully, new management gives us a reason to in the next couple of days. Regime change is all good, but a new manager and coach is all about theories right now. Show me something that gets the fan base excited. A word of caution: Fletcher talked about considering trading almost any member of the current Wild if it made sense. As such, Wild fans, don’t be too attached to any one player, just in case. Also, re-signing Gaborik to a large deal makes a ton of sense to me and I, for one, would whole-heartedly support that type of signing.
Lastly, the Wild begins their Road Tour and ends in St. Paul this Thursday with their annual Wild Summer Bash. Free agency begins in early July. The Wild then host a prospect development camp in St. Paul on July 7th. The NHL schedule for next season, we are told, is scheduled to be released on July 15th.
Go Wild!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Last Friday, the Minnesota Wild held a press conference for the media, previewing the upcoming entry draft. GM Chuck Fletcher and Assistant GM/Head of Scouting Tommy Thompson addressed the media and then made themselves available for interviews afterward.
Fletcher first addressed the media talking about how “championships are won on the draft floor” and how the “best teams make the best moves” on draft day and how these upcoming two days this coming weekend are “critical, critical days”. He talked about the process of drafting prospects, having them disappear for 2 to 3 years, about their development being equally important, etc., etc. He also acknowledged that he “already had some calls from some teams” and that he “won’t hesitate to move up”, but “will also move back if (there is) a group of guys” still available when their time to pick (#12) comes up, in which case he would then considering moving back in the draft. Lastly, Fletcher acknowledged the amateur scouts and how the draft is “literally their day” and how they “work all year for one day.”
Thompson addressed the media next. He had quite a bit more to say than did Fletcher. Thompson talked about the Wild’s picks: one first round (#12), no second or third round picks, three fourth found picks (#99, #103 and #116), followed by one fifth (#133), one sixth (#163) and one seventh (#193) round picks. Besides #103 in the fourth round, which is the Wild’s natural fourth round selection for this draft, #99 came from Tampa via Dallas due to the trade involving Rolston’s exclusive negotiating rights the day before free agency, while #116 was the last part of the Fernandez trade to Boston. The Wild’s second round pick was traded to Nashville as part of the Zidlicky trade and their third round pick was traded to New Jersey on draft day when they moved up to select Tyler Cuma.
Thompson spoke of the quality of the kids in this draft i.e. first round being “better than we thought” and as being “above average”, but “not as good as last year’s” where there were a glut of big defensemen. He said that there is a “group of players in the first round that stretches beyond pick #12” that the Wild are interested in. He stated that this was the “highest quality group of young guys that I can remember” as supported by the Wild’s psychologist consultant who assisted in the development of questionnaires, the interviews of the individuals, etc. The consultant was “astounded” when every candidate the Wild interviewed was asked for an additional hour of time to later continue their interview and everyone of them agreed, “even the biggies” i.e. Tavarres, Hedman, Duchene, etc. Thompson pointed to one specific example regarding the quality of individuals in the first round by sharing that top prospect, Victor Hedman, called while stuck in traffic after signing an endorsement deal with Reebok to apologize for being late to the extended interview, despite the fact that Hedman is pretty much a lock to NOT be a member of the Minnesota Wild.
Thompson spoke next about the “local guys”. He stated that he would be “very surprised if Jordan Schroeder, Nick Leddy and Zach Budish do not get selected in the first round of this year’s draft. Schroeder looks to be taken in the first half of the draft, according to most mock drafts, while Leddy and Budish are bubble picks as the first round is concerned. Notwithstanding, a source extremely in the know not named Eklund informs me that Leddy could be taken higher than Schroeder and within the first ten picks of the draft. Meanwhile, regarding Budish, Thompson indicated that the Wild had him on the ice last Thursday, the evening before this press conference, testing his injured knee which required surgery and caused him to miss his entire senior season of high school hockey and that “all looks fine”, but acknowledged that there was a chance that he could get bumped to the second round. Thompson also spoke of Josh Birkholz and Mike Lee. His comments regarding Lee were interesting inasmuch as he indicated that he is “among the best goalies in the world” for his age, but that he probably would not be taken in the first round of the draft because of the quality of skaters in the first round.
Thompson talked about how there is a lot of focus on the first round of the draft, but that “every round has players that play in the NHL, they are just harder to find.” He highlighted Wild prospects Justin Falk, Cody Almond and Carson McMillan, all of whom had stellar years last year playing for their respective hockey clubs, not to mention that none of these guys were first round selections.
Thompson also pointed out that the Wild have more picks this year than in the previous four years. He talked about how Fletcher will be active in each round assessing whether to move up or down on a per round basis. He also talked about wanting to find players with “pizzazz” i.e. speed or scoring or open ice hits or exciting player makers, etc. He gave a nod to the struggling economy and said that “you have to make it fun for people to come” and that it’s “not just enough to win in tough times”.
With that said, the interviews of both Thompson and Fletcher began. Noteworthy from Thompson was that the Wild “need size that can play” as being the top criteria for Wild scouts in the past scouting season.
While Fletcher’s public comments were much shorter than Thompson’s, he had much more to say during the interviews. He talked about “moving back to get an extra player or two” and about “need(ing) more depth”. He talked about a good draft being defined as having 2 full-time NHL players out of 7 picks. He also talked about how players drafted in certain years playing that same year in the NHL will not be the exception, rather than the rule due to the current collective bargaining agreement granting free agency to players who are either 27 or have 7 years of NHL experience, defined as playing 40 games or more. He ended talking about “moving picks to get talent”, but upon further questioning, appears to be more interested in “moving talent to get picks” and “want(ing) as many picks this year” as possible. He also indicated that he might well do both i.e. move picks and talent. He spoke of how a draft pick is currency. He also spoke of choosing the "best player available” instead of going for a hometown guy or drafting by position.
At the end of this press conference, I was of the firm opinion that the Wild would most likely: (a) move back in the draft from pick #12 and attempt to move talent in an effort to shore up their lack of picks in the second and third round; and (b) that they had a keen interest in Zach Budish and that they are secretly hoping he is still available in the first round when they make there selection, provided they are much further back than their current position. So strong was that feeling that I texted Eklund with this information, not that he would publish it or anything, but rather to have a point of verification for later reference. Over the weekend, while surfing the net and various mock drafts, I came across another website that incorporates a Wild blogger and, much to my surprise, they had selected Zach Budish with the 12th overall selection in their mock draft. Needless to say, I almost had to change my pants as I thought I was the only one on the Budish-train. It will be interesting to see what actually transpires this week in trades and on Friday at the first round of the draft. If the Wild can move back and pick up a second or third round pick, given Thompson’s comments about Mike Lee, I would not at all be surprised to see the Wild pick up this prospect goaltender, especially if Harding is moved in a trade. My only concern about taking Minnesotan's in the draft is the A.J. Thelen debacle. That definitely left a bad taste in our collective mouths as fans.
Hats off to the Penguins for coming back from what I thought was an insurmountable lead against the Red Wings to win a new-era Stanley Cup. However, it’s now time for Wild fans to get back on the Wild bandwagon. Hopefully, new management gives us a reason to in the next couple of days. Regime change is all good, but a new manager and coach is all about theories right now. Show me something that gets the fan base excited. A word of caution: Fletcher talked about considering trading almost any member of the current Wild if it made sense. As such, Wild fans, don’t be too attached to any one player, just in case. Also, re-signing Gaborik to a large deal makes a ton of sense to me and I, for one, would whole-heartedly support that type of signing.
Lastly, the Wild begins their Road Tour and ends in St. Paul this Thursday with their annual Wild Summer Bash. Free agency begins in early July. The Wild then host a prospect development camp in St. Paul on July 7th. The NHL schedule for next season, we are told, is scheduled to be released on July 15th.
Go Wild!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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