Personally, Id love to see Vanek leave moeny on the table. But Parise didnt even do that and hes from Minny. But Id like to see it happen. Hes been one of the more productive scorers in the league. There would def be many other teams throwing some big money his way. Im sure Buffalo will be tossing him the black card if he isnt traded for assets.
- poisondhearts37

Parise and Suter took identical deals not far fetched that of Vanek signs here he could take a similar deal to what Pominville got.

He scored back to back 50 goal seasons for Ottawa and then coach Clouston came along and Heater's production started to fall, and he wants out. So he gets traded to a sharks team expected to play with Joe Thornton. It seemed that Doug Wilson stole heatley, who was gonna tear it up under a new coach away from the media in California, ideal conditions it seemed for him... but then his production (especially goal scoring) kept falling at age, what, 27? Weird.
- d0_0b

It's called VOODOO, and I am the one working on his case Muahahahahahaha

Take a look around the league. You, like most assume Vanek is already basically in a Wild sweater. When looking at the cap, contracts, etc... I too was high on the idea. BUT... When that prospect of him came about, I turned to the center ice package and watched as much Sabers games as I could last season, and have carried over to watching their games so far this year. Long story short. I am losing interest VERY quickly.

Vanek, 29 is no speedster himself. Like Heater, relies on puck carrying players to MAKE plays. While its obvious Vanek is still far ahead of Heater at this point. That isn't saying much in the grand scheme of things for the Wild. They desperately need a natural scorer and while Vanek in a sense is just that, he isn't the right fit for this squad. Heater is a natural scorer. And last time I checked, Vanek has never scored 50 in his career and after watching him I'd say his prime days are behind him.

Some food for thought for the, Heater's money is Vanek's money.
- uHoser12

Some good, valid points. Heatley's story is a very cautionary tale. In the cap world, teams need to be careful how long they commit big money to aging players. The challenge for the Wild with Vanek will be projecting how long he can be effective before any decline in his production make his cap hit detrimental to managing the roster.

I think Vanek would be productive on this team now and maybe for a few more years. I'd be in favor of a 3-4 year deal, but nothing more.

Barring something major like an injury or he up and takes early retirement. There's little doubt at this point that Vanek will be wearing a Wild sweater next season. Lou Nanne on Barreiro Tuesday said he's convinced he'll sign with the Wild. Proof enough for me!
- MnGump

The interesting thing with Vanek is the national media is reporting that the perception he wants to play in Minnesota is going to make it hard for Regier to get any value for him. True or not, tough spot for the Sabres.

Once again, I propose Drew Stafford for Dany Heatley... if Parise can't help motivate Stafford and resurrect his career this season, the Wild can buy him out on the cheap with only 1 more season remaining. I'm a Sabres fan, but I'm telling you that deal would work out so much better for the Wild. Stafford didn't score against the Islanders the other night, but he played a significant role all night and during both Ennis and Foligno goals. He did score against the Hawks when he got 30 seconds alongside Hodgson and Vanek.

Regarding Vanek, he has amazing (yes, amazing) eye-to-hand coordination... maybe even best in the league. Ehrhoff shoots the puck at him in the slot and the guy re-directs the shots between his own legs about 10-15 feet in front of the net and picks corners. He picked a cross-ice pass from Hodgson about 2-3 feet off the ice out of mid-air with his shaft and re-directed it into the net while his back was towards the goal. If he were to be traded to the Islanders (which, as a Sabres fan, is the deal I want to see)... he would score 50 goals with Tavares as his Center. Heatley scored 50 in Ottawa and had a real center... don't underestimate the importance of a playmaking center for a true scorer.
- djc1877

What's the story with Tyler Myers in Buffalo? Would he be available in a deal? Has his game regressed so much that it wouldn't take much to get him or would Regier be looking for a lot in return?

Once Heatley signed that huge contract with Ottawa he basically shut down any commitment to staying in NHL shape. He only has himself to blame.

Who knows what's going on with Heatley - he's had crazy stuff to deal with since his crash in Atlanta. But Ottawa embraced him and there was a genuine love for him from the fans that he threw back in their faces when he asked to be traded.

I think Heatley wants or at one time wanted to be great, a top NHL scorer when he retired, maybe it's the money, maybe it's the spotlight, maybe he's just a selfish guy who can't take responsibility for his responsibilities. Whatever it is, he never reached his full potential as a man or a hockey player, and that's gotta sting a bit somewhere in his psyche.

pominville was brought in to score goals, no?

Quick question for you guys.

I know some of you were against the Cooke signing when it happened. Have you guys changed your minds?? The majority of Pens' fans are happy to see him doing well.

Quick question for you guys.

I know some of you were against the Cooke signing when it happened. Have you guys changed your minds?? The majority of Pens' fans are happy to see him doing well.
- cap1681

I was not in favor of signing him. But like I said from the beginning, if he can keep his nose clean and the Wild brand of hockey untarnished, I can live with it. While it certainly helps that he's played well and been a big contributor in the points department, all it's going to take is one dirty play for me to say get rid of him!!!!

Once Heatley signed that huge contract with Ottawa he basically shut down any commitment to staying in NHL shape. He only has himself to blame.

Who knows what's going on with Heatley - he's had crazy stuff to deal with since his crash in Atlanta. But Ottawa embraced him and there was a genuine love for him from the fans that he threw back in their faces when he asked to be traded.

I think Heatley wants or at one time wanted to be great, a top NHL scorer when he retired, maybe it's the money, maybe it's the spotlight, maybe he's just a selfish guy who can't take responsibility for his responsibilities. Whatever it is, he never reached his full potential as a man or a hockey player, and that's gotta sting a bit somewhere in his psyche.
- tuna99

Honestly, as far as his personality and character issues go, from what i've heard he's been a model citizen and an invaluable mentor to some of the young guys. Working with them before and after practice as well as working on his own game and skating issues. All the other stuff I think I completely agree with. I think he got too big too fast and it all went to his head. But I do think he's been humbled quite a bit over the past 3 or 4 years and I honestly think his legs just won't carry him anymore.

I was not in favor of signing him. But like I said from the beginning, if he can keep his nose clean and the Wild brand of hockey untarnished, I can live with it. While it certainly helps that he's played well and been a big contributor in the points department, all it's going to take is one dirty play for me to say get rid of him!!!!
- MnGump

matt cooke has done a beautiful job in turning his game in a complete 180 turn...unreal, he finally stood up and accepted what had to be done and made it happen. good on him..

but that is absoloutely true, ... this guy oinly needs to make 1 bad move before everything hes built up gets knocked back down, but he knows that..and hes always known it and has done a great job thus far

matt cooke has done a beautiful job in turning his game in a complete 180 turn...unreal, he finally stood up and accepted what had to be done and made it happen. good on him..

but that is absoloutely true, ... this guy oinly needs to make 1 bad move before everything hes built up gets knocked back down, but he knows that..and hes always known it and has done a great job thus far
- RileyB77

He definitely deserves props for his efforts. I mean the guy hasn't even taken one penalty yet this season. The evidence is in his game. Watching him so far this season, it's almost like he keeps himself disengaged from any kind of scrums or heavy board play yet he's still been very effective. I guess if it's working for him and the team, then so be it.

Barring something major like an injury or he up and takes early retirement. There's little doubt at this point that Vanek will be wearing a Wild sweater next season. Lou Nanne on Barreiro Tuesday said he's convinced he'll sign with the Wild. Proof enough for me!
- MnGump

Nanne did call the Parise signing

Nanne did call the Parise signing
- SotaPopinski

The God father of Minnesota Hockey, Old Lou was alluding to a possible Vanek to Minnesota acquisition virtually the day the Wild traded for Pominville. Love Louie! Hands down the most knowledgable man on the Minnesota hockey scene! Pretty intersting guy to listen to.

Quick question for you guys.

I know some of you were against the Cooke signing when it happened. Have you guys changed your minds?? The majority of Pens' fans are happy to see him doing well.
- cap1681

Nope. Still hate it. No doubt he's been good for the Wild but I still can't cheer for him.

I'm starting to get the sense that this team is lacking some finishers


And some fire. Purcell chops Harding after a save and Spurgeon just stands there watching him. Grow a pair you tiny little female dog