Dude please, Koivu being on the first line has nothing to do with his ego! I still don't understand what makes anyone believe there is a suitable replacement on this roster that can truly center the top line better?!?!

Yes, I'll admit (as I have before) and will continue to admit that Mikko is not a true 1st line center. But once again, in the absence of a true first line center and/or anyone better on the Wild roster, why does it have to be Koivu's ego and just not the fact that the Wild have no other possible solution?

I guess in the grand scheme of things, the top 6 really should be interchangable without any real big disparity in line success, but until Coyle returns, I just don't think Granlund is good enough to be a top 6 player, let alone #1 or #2 centerman....
- MnGump

I think Koivu is a player the ORGANIZATION walks on egg shells around and has since this became "HIS" team. So its not unreasonable to believe they cater to his ego here especially Yeo who hasnt shown any sort of challenge or confrontational behavior towards Koivu. I think Koivu is a hard player for the casual hockey fan to figure out because he is doesnt have the top end scoring numbers. Koivu is very valuable to the Wild and his game in both end is something other teams would kill for but its on Yeo to identify when his lines arent complimentary or in need drastic realignment which it sure seems like is now. I DO NOT SEE Yeo with the fortitude to move Koivu off of the 1st Line because of the storyline it creates. A more realistic scenario is when Coyle returns Parise drops down to play with Coyle and Pominville. Then hopefully Granlund gets elevated to play on the wing with Koivu and Niederreiter. For whatever reason Yeo has never paired up Koivu and Granlund even though it seems like such a natural fit for skill sets and the obvious.

I would be curious to see Koivu and Granny together, but you would need a strong finisher to compliment them (Vanek). Otherwise it would be a whole lot of pretty passing with nobody shooting. I can't complain much about Nino, but like Yeo said, we need to start seeing some more pts being produced when he's out there.

I would be curious to see Koivu and Granny together, but you would need a strong finisher to compliment them (Vanek). Otherwise it would be a whole lot of pretty passing with nobody shooting. I can't complain much about Nino, but like Yeo said, we need to start seeing some more pts being produced when he's out there.
- SotaPopinski

I was thinking Nino/Koivu/Granlund would be a very dangerous line then Parise/Coyle/Pominville on the other Top 6 line. Eventually too I would really like Zucker/Brodziak/Cooke together on the 3rd Line.

I was thinking Nino/Koivu/Granlund would be a very dangerous line then Parise/Coyle/Pominville on the other Top 6 line. Eventually too I would really like Zucker/Brodziak/Cooke together on the 3rd Line.
- Tony Dean

I agree with this take, however I do think Fontaine although not a huge factor by any means so far has performed fairly well. He hasn't looked any worst than Zucker has and one could probably argue he's been more consistent.

I think Koivu is a player the ORGANIZATION walks on egg shells around and has since this became "HIS" team. So its not unreasonable to believe they cater to his ego here especially Yeo who hasnt shown any sort of challenge or confrontational behavior towards Koivu. I think Koivu is a hard player for the casual hockey fan to figure out because he is doesnt have the top end scoring numbers. Koivu is very valuable to the Wild and his game in both end is something other teams would kill for but its on Yeo to identify when his lines arent complimentary or in need drastic realignment which it sure seems like is now. I DO NOT SEE Yeo with the fortitude to move Koivu off of the 1st Line because of the storyline it creates. A more realistic scenario is when Coyle returns Parise drops down to play with Coyle and Pominville. Then hopefully Granlund gets elevated to play on the wing with Koivu and Niederreiter. For whatever reason Yeo has never paired up Koivu and Granlund even though it seems like such a natural fit for skill sets and the obvious.
- Tony Dean

I don't really want to get into the whole Koivu argument again, but I can see where some might glean that the Wild organization caters to him. I don't doubt that there is some modicum of truth to these alleged inferences but I'm not sure if there is truth to it how much of that is actually Koivu's own fault and I think the bottom line here though is that when it boils down to the nitty gritty, realistically neither Fletcher nor Yeo will risk their own jobs in the interest of making sure this team remains "Mikkos team", if that is in fact the case. Ultimately it's Leipolds team to state the obvious, and I think if he wanted or saw something needing change he'd have probably said it by now.

I mean I for one do not believe that the entire system, process and team configuration derives solely from a need to appease and satisfy one player. Too many other factors and considerations in the equation. I mean ultimately Yeo answers to Fletch and Fletch answers to Leipold. So even though there appears to be a preponderance that Mikko calls the shots, I think there's a lot less to it than some sort of secret pact by Leipold, Fletch and Yeo to make sure Mikko stays happy.

I was thinking Nino/Koivu/Granlund would be a very dangerous line then Parise/Coyle/Pominville on the other Top 6 line. Eventually too I would really like Zucker/Brodziak/Cooke together on the 3rd Line.
- Tony Dean

I don't see it being too dangerous, but you may be right. All 3 players are known to pass up the shot, instead making the extra pass but I suppose one of them would eventually emerge as a shooter. It's worth a shot though!

I don't really want to get into the whole Koivu argument again, but I can see where some might glean that the Wild organization caters to him. I don't doubt that there is some modicum of truth to these alleged inferences but I'm not sure if there is truth to it how much of that is actually Koivu's own fault and I think the bottom line here though is that when it boils down to the nitty gritty, realistically neither Fletcher nor Yeo will risk their own jobs in the interest of making sure this team remains "Mikkos team", if that is in fact the case. Ultimately it's Leipolds team to state the obvious, and I think if he wanted or saw something needing change he'd have probably said it by now.

I mean I for one do not believe that the entire system, process and team configuration derives solely from a need to appease and satisfy one player. Too many other factors and considerations in the equation. I mean ultimately Yeo answers to Fletch and Fletch answers to Leipold. So even though there appears to be a preponderance that Mikko calls the shots, I think there's a lot less to it than some sort of secret pact by Leipold, Fletch and Yeo to make sure Mikko stays happy.
- MnGump

Well said Gumper

I don't really want to get into the whole Koivu argument again, but I can see where some might glean that the Wild organization caters to him. I don't doubt that there is some modicum of truth to these alleged inferences but I'm not sure if there is truth to it how much of that is actually Koivu's own fault and I think the bottom line here though is that when it boils down to the nitty gritty, realistically neither Fletcher nor Yeo will risk their own jobs in the interest of making sure this team remains "Mikkos team", if that is in fact the case. Ultimately it's Leipolds team to state the obvious, and I think if he wanted or saw something needing change he'd have probably said it by now.

I mean I for one do not believe that the entire system, process and team configuration derives solely from a need to appease and satisfy one player. Too many other factors and considerations in the equation. I mean ultimately Yeo answers to Fletch and Fletch answers to Leipold. So even though there appears to be a preponderance that Mikko calls the shots, I think there's a lot less to it than some sort of secret pact by Leipold, Fletch and Yeo to make sure Mikko stays happy.
- MnGump

I equate Mikko's influence to Kevin Garnett or even Marian Gaborik at the hieght of their popularity here in MN. I think with the fans Parise has probably eclipsed Koivu in popularity with the general public but the identity of the franchise has definitely been Mikko. As such I dont think anyone besides Leipold has the influence and security in their position to end up on the wrong side of Mikko. I think everyone can agree that Koivu's role/influence/contract create possibly unattainable expectations for a very blue collar type of hockey player. As such there always is moment that provide ammunitions for both sides of the Koivu perception argument.

Coyle still hasnt fully proven he is capable of playing center in the NHL or that he is able to unseat Koivu as the top line center but I think he is the closes example of a player that makes moving Koivu off the 1st line and changing his role and expectations feasible. Just imagine if Koivu had less scrutiny and better matchups and pairings skill wise on his line? The other portion of my take is I truly believe even with the additions of Parise and Suter, that no player is the Wild locker room or even the opposing locker room on a nightly basis doesnt consider Koivu the Wild's best player especially because of his international play in particular.

We basically agree but with caveats that I think Koivu's value is so inflated to the Wild it has stifled possibly better line combinations and chemistry/skill set matches. The Wild sure seems better equipped and more realistically on the verge of adding the type of talent to this roster in the form of young players and free agents(Vanek) that would allow Koivu's value and game to settle back into a positon to fulfill expectations and possibly exceed them. Wild isnt there yet though and is STARVING for scoring and dynamic goal scoring type of hockey which is just not what your going to get out of Koivu and parise together on a line.

Currently this team and Yeo are hamstrung by Dany Heatley
- Tony Dean

C'mon Tony, that's BS. Yeo has plenty of things he can do with Heatley; stick him on the 4th line (with limited minutes) or more appropriately scratch him for a few games. One player not playing effectively should not be bringing down the whole team. If Yeo allows that, it will be his undoing.

I agree that Heatley's play is a problem right now and it's something that is contributing to the 2nd line's scoring woes. But I don't think Heatley alone is to blame for all that ails this team.

I would say that Heatley is hamstringing Fletcher more than Yeo. He is looking more and more like a $7.5 million black hole of cap space. And that will be Fletcher's job to manage. It will be interesting to see how it's done once Rupp is cleared to play.

Dude please, Koivu being on the first line has nothing to do with his ego! I still don't understand what makes anyone believe there is a suitable replacement on this roster that can truly center the top line better?!?!

Yes, I'll admit (as I have before) and will continue to admit that Mikko is not a true 1st line center. But once again, in the absence of a true first line center and/or anyone better on the Wild roster, why does it have to be Koivu's ego and just not the fact that the Wild have no other better solution?
- MnGump

Totally agree with this. Do most people believe that there are 30 better two-way centers in the NHL than Koivu?

Then hopefully Granlund gets elevated to play on the wing with Koivu and Niederreiter. For whatever reason Yeo has never paired up Koivu and Granlund even though it seems like such a natural fit for skill sets and the obvious.
- Tony Dean

I'm interested to see what the results would be with Granlund playing on Koivu's wing. This may not be something we see this season, but it's an intriguing possibility down the road.

I don't know how much this matters, but I wonder if the Finnish players just play better together because they have better chemistry due to playing similar styles as they developed.
As painful as it was to watch Miettinen score 20 goals when he should have had 60 with the number of glorious chances he was setup with, I think it was public knowledge that Koivu really liked playing with him. Guy couldn't hit the net, but he was often in a position to have good scoring chances, which indicates good chemistry with his linemates.
Could we see an all Finnish line of Granlund-Koivu-Haula at some point? Although, Haula developed primarily as a North American player.

C'mon Tony, that's BS. Yeo has plenty of things he can do with Heatley; stick him on the 4th line (with limited minutes) or more appropriately scratch him for a few games. One player not playing effectively should not be bringing down the whole team. If Yeo allows that, it will be his undoing.

I agree that Heatley's play is a problem right now and it's something that is contributing to the 2nd line's scoring woes. But I don't think Heatley alone is to blame for all that ails this team.

I would say that Heatley is hamstringing Fletcher more than Yeo. He is looking more and more like a $7.5 million black hole of cap space. And that will be Fletcher's job to manage. It will be interesting to see how it's done once Rupp is cleared to play.
- Chinaski

Heatley besides going 0-fer the season in the goal column so far, has also been a turnover machine in every zone. Heatley has been the Wild's worst forward and many nights worst player on the ice. This is not a just a slump it is a complete meltdown by a player that has a very detailed history of become toxic once the writing is on the wall with regard to his future. Heatley's caphit is BRUTAL but his performance and the lack of action from Yeo is a far worse developing storyline for the Wild. Sure the assumption is that once Coyle is back and Rupp then more decisive action will result on Heatley but I believe the precedence that has been set by Yeo and Fletcher doesn't support that.

Heatley besides going 0-fer the season in the goal column so far, has also been a turnover machine in every zone. Heatley has been the Wild's worst forward and many nights worst player on the ice. This is not a just a slump it is a complete meltdown by a player that has a very detailed history of become toxic once the writing is on the wall with regard to his future. Heatley's caphit is BRUTAL but his performance and the lack of action from Yeo is a far worse developing storyline for the Wild. Sure the assumption is that once Coyle is back and Rupp then more decisive action will result on Heatley but I believe the precedence that has been set by Yeo and Fletcher doesn't support that.
- Tony Dean

Well as I've stated before, I don't know that Yeo has 100% say in what to do with Heater. I'm inclined to think that Fltetcher may be part of the driving force behind why Heately's playing minutes have not declined nor been scratched. I think it may be for the same reason that GM's don't like moving high end one way contracts to their AHL affiliates. They're paying a ton of money to this guy and they want him on the ice, productive or not. Granted there WILL come a time when the rubber will meet the road (high dollar contract or not) and a decsion will be made to either bust him down to minimal TOI or even demote him down to Iowa.

But I think there in-lyes an additional problem. As you alluded to his "toxic" demeanor when the writing seems to be on the wall, would he become a disruption for a young and impressionable Iowa Wild team? As easy as it seems to arm chair quarter back these assessments and options, I don't for a second think it's easy for Yeo or Fletcher at this point to safely come to any one conclusion that would appear to be good for the organization, other than to just start scratching him. But that also limits their ability to fill his void in the line up as well.

Personally I think so long they keep playing well, they'll give him a long rope in the hopes that he comes around and snaps out of whatever funk he's in, but I think once this roster is 100% healthy, decsions will have to be made.

Heatley besides going 0-fer the season in the goal column so far, has also been a turnover machine in every zone. Heatley has been the Wild's worst forward and many nights worst player on the ice. This is not a just a slump it is a complete meltdown by a player that has a very detailed history of become toxic once the writing is on the wall with regard to his future. Heatley's caphit is BRUTAL but his performance and the lack of action from Yeo is a far worse developing storyline for the Wild. Sure the assumption is that once Coyle is back and Rupp then more decisive action will result on Heatley but I believe the precedence that has been set by Yeo and Fletcher doesn't support that.
- Tony Dean

I won't disagree that Heatley's play is bad except to say I disagree on the turnover point - you have to have the puck to turn it over and he's nowhere near getting it.

I do think it is prudent of the Wild to try to find some sort of effective use for him given his cap hit, so I understand why we still see him in the lineup at this point. But, if that proves to yield no results, they will have to sit him down. I do think it is fair to criticize Yeo on how he's gone about trying to find that effectiveness, though.

It does remain to be seen if Yeo will exercise those options. But they do exist so to intimate they are held back by Heatley, in my opinion, is inaccurate. If Heatley is holding this team back, it is their own fault for allowing it to happen.