In my opinion the healthy scratch should be Cullen. He no longer has a role on the team and has not not been capable of playing the wing. Cullen is no longer a Top6 forward and maybe never was since signing with the Wild. More ice time for Cullen means less for the young Wild forwards (Granlund, Coyle, Zucker, and Larsson) and with him being an unrestricted free agent next year I dont think you sacrifice the necessary ice to develop your young players for a veteran player who has lost a step or two that has no future with your franchise. The only way giving Cullen ice time over the young guys benefits the Wild is if he is been showcased for a trade but he has basic no trade value at this point.

In my opinion the healthy scratch should be Cullen. He no longer has a role on the team and has not not been capable of playing the wing. Cullen is no longer a Top6 forward and maybe never was since signing with the Wild. More ice time for Cullen means less for the young Wild forwards (Granlund, Coyle, Zucker, and Larsson) and with him being an unrestricted free agent next year I dont think you sacrifice the necessary ice to develop your young players for a veteran player who has lost a step or two that has no future with your franchise. The only way giving Cullen ice time over the young guys benefits the Wild is if he is been showcased for a trade but he has basic no trade value at this point.
- kieferaw

Well I have to disagree with that take. Cullen has dropped off very little if at all since coming to the Wild. Sure he's getting a bit long in the tooth, but he's never been much more than a 35 - 40 point a season guy. Twice he's reached 49 and once 48 in his career. Averages about 16 goals and 25 assists per season.

Since becoming a member of the Wild he's tallied 39 and 35 point seasons respectively. about 13 goals and 25 assists per which is pretty much right in line with his career numbers. So to say he's dropped off, I don't see it, he's certainly no Joe Pavelski but he's consistent. A veteran player like Cullen is invaluable to this team this season. He's very good in the face off circle and is a great mentor for some of these newbies coming up.
I think like anyone you have to give the guy some time to migrate back to playing wing after playing center for so long.

I respect your opinion, but wholeheartedly disagree! I think Cullen has got a very important role on this team.

Well I have to disagree with that take. Cullen has dropped off very little if at all since coming to the Wild. Sure he's getting a bit long in the tooth, but he's never been much more than a 35 - 40 point a season guy. Twice he's reached 49 and once 48 in his career. Averages about 16 goals and 25 assists per season.

Since becoming a member of the Wild he's tallied 39 and 35 point seasons respectively. about 13 goals and 25 assists per which is pretty much right in line with his career numbers. So to say he's dropped off, I don't see it, he's certainly no Joe Pavelski but he's consistent. A veteran player like Cullen is invaluable to this team this season. He's very good in the face off circle and is a great mentor for some of these newbies coming up.
I think like anyone you have to give the guy some time to migrate back to playing wing after playing center for so long.

I respect your opinion, but wholeheartedly disagree! I think Cullen has got a very important role on this team.
- MnGump

Although this year besides a game maybe two he has been horrid....

It won't be Seto. I don't think Granlund isn't trying, I just think he's not ready. Send Granlund back down for a month and bring Zucker back.
- MnGump

I wouldn't be surprised if it's Seto. They're actively trying to trade him and everything Yeo and Fletch have to say about him has been pretty negative.
I think it would be a mistake to sit Cullen. Like Gump mentioned, his veteran presence and hustle cannot be replaced. The guy is still one of the fastest skaters on this team and has been laying his body on the line night in, night out.

They should've bring both up...considering Zucker has been the better player down there...

Is there any chance Dumba will be back at any time this year? Can he still come back for a five game stint if injuries dictate?
I can not wait to see him running the pp one day and being the go to guy. Trust me it will happen and he will be a fan favourite.

Although this year besides a game maybe two he has been horrid....
- Sharktank45

Have to agree with you there. The Wild need to regroup a bit as they are starting to slide a bit. Coyle could be the next Brunette that is missing. Just my nickel's worth.

They should've bring both up...considering Zucker has been the better player down there...
- HardPuck

Hey, how's PK doing. Did he get hurt today? Hopefully it is minor.

They should've bring both up...considering Zucker has been the better player down there...
- HardPuck

They should've but then that means sending down Granlund, who they're been way too overprotective of. Zucker will be up sooner rather than later I believe.

Is there any chance Dumba will be back at any time this year? Can he still come back for a five game stint if injuries dictate?
I can not wait to see him running the pp one day and being the go to guy. Trust me it will happen and he will be a fan favourite.
- flyerdude17

Spurgeon will be back from IR within the week most likely, which leaves Falk, Scandella and Prosser available for the last D spot. Dumba will remain in Red Deer, but I would not be the least bit surprised to see him starting for the Wild next season. He's exactly the kind of d-man this team has been missing, but it's the best move to leave him in juniors for this shortened season.

Spurgeon will be back from IR within the week most likely, which leaves Falk, Scandella and Prosser available for the last D spot. Dumba will remain in Red Deer, but I would not be the least bit surprised to see him starting for the Wild next season. He's exactly the kind of d-man this team has been missing, but it's the best move to leave him in juniors for this shortened season.
- SotaPopinski

Thanks for the info and I agree that letting him spend another year in junior and if he can crack the team in the top four play him. If he can not crack the top four I would like to see him dominate at the ahl level and then call him up. If we bring him along properly he has the potential to be the best dman on the team including Suter down the road.

Spurgeon will be back from IR within the week most likely, which leaves Falk, Scandella and Prosser available for the last D spot. Dumba will remain in Red Deer, but I would not be the least bit surprised to see him starting for the Wild next season. He's exactly the kind of d-man this team has been missing, but it's the best move to leave him in juniors for this shortened season.
- SotaPopinski

I seen him play once in the WHL and he was unreal. Wicked shot, thunderous hitter and skates like the wind. He reminds me a bit of PK Subban when he was 18.

I seen him play once in the WHL and he was unreal. Wicked shot, thunderous hitter and skates like the wind. He reminds me a bit of PK Subban when he was 18.
- flyerdude17

Great to hear! Wouldn't be the least bit disappointed if he resembles PK.
Also, if he does not make the Wild next season he will have to return to juniors for one more year I believe. Must be 20 or older to play in AHL (unless coming over from Europe/Russia) and I think he will still be 19 when next season rolls around.

Well I have to disagree with that take. Cullen has dropped off very little if at all since coming to the Wild. Sure he's getting a bit long in the tooth, but he's never been much more than a 35 - 40 point a season guy. Twice he's reached 49 and once 48 in his career. Averages about 16 goals and 25 assists per season.

Since becoming a member of the Wild he's tallied 39 and 35 point seasons respectively. about 13 goals and 25 assists per which is pretty much right in line with his career numbers. So to say he's dropped off, I don't see it, he's certainly no Joe Pavelski but he's consistent. A veteran player like Cullen is invaluable to this team this season. He's very good in the face off circle and is a great mentor for some of these newbies coming up.
I think like anyone you have to give the guy some time to migrate back to playing wing after playing center for so long.

I respect your opinion, but wholeheartedly disagree! I think Cullen has got a very important role on this team.
- MnGump

I think Cullen's point totals on two junky Wild teams the last two years are directly comparable to Al Jefferson scoring 25+ points a game for junky Twolves teams of the 2000's. Matt Cullen is not the second line center, third line center, or fourth line center if this teams is to reach the playoffs. Also in regards to leadership and mentoring look no further than Captain Koivu and Parise. I think Cullen is a nice guy but he is dead weight to a Wild team that needs to redefine their identity as an elite team not underdog trap defense steal a win type of squad as they have been known. Cullen will prove me right.

I think Cullen's point totals on two junky Wild teams the last two years are directly comparable to Al Jefferson scoring 25+ points a game for junky Twolves teams of the 2000's. Matt Cullen is not the second line center, third line center, or fourth line center if this teams is to reach the playoffs. Also in regards to leadership and mentoring look no further than Captain Koivu and Parise. I think Cullen is a nice guy but he is dead weight to a Wild team that needs to redefine their identity as an elite team not underdog trap defense steal a win type of squad as they have been known. Cullen will prove me right.
- kieferaw

Agree to disagree. Next season I would tend to agree with you, but in a condensed season with new players starting their transition into the NHL, I think he's very good for the Wild. Besides he's still making $3.5 million this season, not sure Fletcher wants that money sitting on the bench.

I may have more of the homer take in these Minnesota threads, but your take that Falk has played outstanding so far this season lends a bit of doubt to the credibility of your opinion.