Possible targets for a scoring winger on a shorter-term deal if they don't get snapped up - Hemsky, Michalek, Vrbata, Booth.

I'm curious to see if they try to sign a guy like Shawn Thornton or Bissonnette. Something tells me they want to have a more physcial, tougher fourth line.

Possible targets for a scoring winger on a shorter-term deal if they don't get snapped up - Hemsky, Michalek, Vrbata, Booth.

I'm curious to see if they try to sign a guy like Shawn Thornton or Bissonnette. Something tells me they want to have a more physcial, tougher fourth line.
- Chinaski

No thanks to all of those guys except maybe Michalek to playe 3rd line with Haula and Nino I suppose!

No more JUNKY 4th Line wasted roster spots IMO I dont even want McCormick back and he played more actual hockey than either of those two!

No thanks to all of those guys except maybe Michalek to playe 3rd line with Haula and Nino I suppose!

No more JUNKY 4th Line wasted roster spots IMO I dont even want McCormick back and he played more actual hockey than either of those two!
- Tony Dean

I don't disagree on that, Tony. I was a proponent for a skilled fourth line all year. But Yeo made his living in the minors playing a tough guy type of role and you know he has a soft spot for those guys. He's always talking about having that "identity" on the fourth line too. I just think he feels it's a necessity and he wants a line that can bang and fight if they have to. Don't be surprised if they sign someone like that.

I don't disagree on that, Tony. I was a proponent for a skilled fourth line all year. But Yeo made his living in the minors playing a tough guy type of role and you know he has a soft spot for those guys. He's always talking about having that "identity" on the fourth line too. I just think he feels it's a necessity and he wants a line that can bang and fight if they have to. Don't be surprised if they sign someone like that.
- Chinaski

I am really hoping the playoffs this year league wide proved that the junky enforcer no hockey skill types should be left off the Wild's roster. Rupp was a classic example of why Yeo needs to abandon that rugged fourth liner tough guy type because they block more skilled players from a roster spot when they go belly up.

I am hoping a guys like Bulmer gets heathy and makes the team this year his energy and size are needed and fun to watch as he creates chaos.

Some funny Sutter quotes here via LA Kings Insider.

Why does everyone think the Wild needs a goalie? They have three.
- Chinaski

Yet 2 are always hurt, one is unproven and the other is a converted Cosmonaut.

Yet 2 are always hurt, one is unproven and the other is a converted Cosmonaut.
- dps0610

Even so, they're still under contract. There's no guarantee they will be hurt or unable to play next season.

I wouldn't mind Ward if Carolina would take Backstrom back.

Even so, they're still under contract. There's no guarantee they will be hurt or unable to play next season.

I wouldn't mind Ward if Carolina would take Backstrom back.
- Chinaski

Chinaski my friend that possibility danced through my head as well today. Assets + Backstrom for Ward

Then Harding Long Term Injured Reserve List

Ward and Kuemper Going forward as DUO!

Chinaski my friend that possibility danced through my head as well today. Assets + Backstrom for Ward

Then Harding Long Term Injured Reserve List

Ward and Kuemper Going forward as DUO!
- Tony Dean

Ward's cap hit is big, but it's only for another two years. I think they could absorb it without too much trouble. But Backstrom would have to go back. I'm just not too comfortable giving up assets with Backstrom to get a single player. Ward probably makes them better, but not that much better.

I just think the Wild are stuck with these three goaltenders. They will obviously qualify Kuemper and unless his demands are unreasonable, they will have three goalies under contract. Of those three, Kuemper is probably the only tradeable asset.

I really think we may see the Wild just carry these three goalies on the roster this season - 13 forwards, 7 defensemen, 3 goalies. It's possible they could bounce Kuemper up and down, but that probably depends on the health of the other two.

I've been on the fence on the goalie situation...

Kuemper doesn't give me the warm fuzzy on being a number 1...(yet!)
I don't think he's a 2 either...more like a 1.5 if there could be such a thing.
(The kid is freakin fearless!!!)

It's tough with a goalie because they get into that 'zone' where they become hot
and you want to keep them playing...but if Darcy can play enough to keep himself fresh, and help keep the other goalie healthy (from fatigue related injuries) then I think he's doing his job. (Which could mean he plays more than the "Number 1")

It's a 'Risk vs Reward' gamble on the other two...both make me nervous...but if both are healthy...they are a hell of a tandem!

I think either one of them when healthy are better goaltenders than Kuemper (not to knock Kuemps...he could very well get to their level!)

Having all 3 healthy to start the season makes me feel better about the situation...but in mid March when we are combing the Men's league at Wakota Arena to find a back up goalie, I'll likely be asking myself what on earth were they thinking?

I've been on the fence on the goalie situation...

Kuemper doesn't give me the warm fuzzy on being a number 1...(yet!)
I don't think he's a 2 either...more like a 1.5 if there could be such a thing.
(The kid is freakin fearless!!!)

It's tough with a goalie because they get into that 'zone' where they become hot
and you want to keep them playing...but if Darcy can play enough to keep himself fresh, and help keep the other goalie healthy (from fatigue related injuries) then I think he's doing his job. (Which could mean he plays more than the "Number 1")

It's a 'Risk vs Reward' gamble on the other two...both make me nervous...but if both are healthy...they are a hell of a tandem!

I think either one of them when healthy are better goaltenders than Kuemper (not to knock Kuemps...he could very well get to their level!)

Having all 3 healthy to start the season makes me feel better about the situation...but in mid March when we are combing the Men's league at Wakota Arena to find a back up goalie, I'll likely be asking myself what on earth were they thinking?
- mngopherguy

Well said Gopher. In an ideal situation, Kuemper splits time with a healthy Harding or Backstrom. Seeing how both Harding and Backy are pretty big question marks, a Ward/Kuemper tandem looks great, but it seems like a pipe dream considering the circumstances

At this point I think I'd rather see Fletch forego the Vanek investment and look towards spending that money on Niskanen.

At this point I think I'd rather see Fletch forego the Vanek investment and look towards spending that money on Niskanen.
- MnGump

I am the opposite completely I think Niskanen numbers were PADDED in Pittsburgh and the Money & Term he will recieve should put MN out of the bidding very quickly.

Vanek doubts/questions/negativity/comparisons/bulls8t has only made him coming to MN on a deal that is reasonable that much more likely IMO.

Fletcher has been adding all types of young kids to supplement prospect ranks and Baby Wild but I also it signals he will not be leveraged into anything which is why he is my GUY!

I also trust Fletcher and Flahr to make strong Projections and Evaluations on each of the MNWild's young core forwards and defenders with regard to long term future here or elsewhere.

I am going to request an interview with Flahr during availability on Monday!

I am the opposite completely I think Niskanen numbers were PADDED in Pittsburgh and the Money & Term he will recieve should put MN out of the bidding very quickly.

Vanek doubts/questions/negativity/comparisons/bulls8t has only made him coming to MN on a deal that is reasonable that much more likely IMO.

Fletcher has been adding all types of young kids to supplement prospect ranks and Baby Wild but I also it signals he will not be leveraged into anything which is why he is my GUY!

I also trust Fletcher and Flahr to make strong Projections and Evaluations on each of the MNWild's young core forwards and defenders with regard to long term future here or elsewhere.

I am going to request an interview with Flahr during availability on Monday!
- Tony Dean

You Go T!

The Globe and Mail Hockey Roundtable Podcast (also available on iTunes)

Mirtle and Duhatschek on a varying number of topics for about 30 minutes.

Some Wild mentions in a couple of spots. Notably around 16:30 with the free agency topic with regard to Vanek.

I am the opposite completely I think Niskanen numbers were PADDED in Pittsburgh and the Money & Term he will recieve should put MN out of the bidding very quickly.
- Tony Dean

I'm not so sure about that. Don't forget that Pittsburgh had to deal with a lot of injuries, especially to the blueline, and had to lean heavily on Niskanen for awhile. That team wasn't at it's full offensive strength all year.

Vanek doubts/questions/negativity/comparisons/bulls8t has only made him coming to MN on a deal that is reasonable that much more likely IMO.
- Tony Dean

In the link above, Duhatschek openly wonders if the Wild will offer a middle of the road deal to him to start the bidding and then see if anyone will top it. He also has an interesting idea about Edmonton getting into the mix.