I think I am more confused by it more than anything else. I (a lot of us, actually) have been clamoring for more size and physicality, and this trade certainly addresses that. The biggest issue is that now Yeo is forced to take a Schroeder, Haula, Fontaine or Brodziak out of the lineup, and those players have all stepped up and are playing pretty damn well as of late. On top of that, when Carter and Cooke come back it becomes even more complicated... not to mention Zucker, if they can somehow make it out of round 1.

I have been seeing more and more comments from people thinking that Cooke may not return this season, which doesn't sadden me one bit.
- SotaPopinski

Agreed. Thought Bergeheim was a nice depth move,but as you stated, how does Yeo sit one of the guys who has stepped it up as of late and really made the difference in winning the last few?

And then on top of that who if any of these guys can be sent down once the Carters, Cookes an Zuckers come back?

I agree with you on Cooke as well, won't lose any sleep if he doesn't return.

I get the Leopold addition for depth on D, and he's virtually a throw away. Much like when they acquired Ballard... Nobody is going to claim him off waivers when he gets sent down.

I could have lived without Stuarts size if that's really the only reason they acquired him. Have heard very little positives about the guy.

And then on top of that who if any of these guys can be sent down once the Carters, Cookes an Zuckers come back?
- MnGump

I don't think this is going to be too much of an issue. Rosters are now unlimited in terms of number of players - only restricted by cap dollars. And I think the Wild have enough cap space to carry all of these guys the rest of the season. It may be one of the reasons Fletcher asked Buffalo to retain salary.

By the time these guys are ready to come back I'm not sure Iowa is really going to need anyone. They certainly aren't making the playoffs. It's just going to be a matter of who's in the lineup and who's scratched.

I'd say Haula, Fontaine, Schroeder, Cooke, Carter, Brodziak, and Bergenheim may be the most likely players in the scratch rotation. But I wouldn't count out Stewart if slotting him in starts to negatively affect chemistry.

When they play less physical teams, I'd think guys like Haula, Fontaine, and Schroeder could all be in the lineup as long as they keep playing at the level they've been at the last few games. Bigger, more physical teams we'll probably see more of Cooke and Carter when/if they're healthy.

I'd think Brodziak, Haula, and Bergenheim may have a bit of an inside track on staying in the lineup though - Brodziak and Haula because they play more PK minutes and Bergenheim just because of his versatility.

Also, if any of the mainstays gets nicked up a little, maybe Yeo will be more inclined to rest them given they can just move someone else into the lineup for a game.

Sounds like Schroeder is out and the lines will be:
Vanek-Koivu-Stewart
Parise-Granlund-Pominville
Niederreiter-Coyle-Bergenheim
Haula-Brodziak-Fontaine

Man, that first line could be slow and defensively weak. On paper, I don't really like it.

Dear Tony,

PLEASE don't write a blog about "The Letter".
We're so bored with that story....and we think Leopold is too.

PA (KFAN)wouldn't shut up about it for his entire show today
and I think Leo was ready to punch him in the neck.

XOXO,

Wild Fans

Dear Tony,

PLEASE don't write a blog about "The Letter".
We're so bored with that story....and we think Leopold is too.

PA (KFAN)wouldn't shut up about it for his entire show today
and I think Leo was ready to punch him in the neck.

XOXO,

Wild Fans
- mngopherguy

What letter? Did Leopold come in here and talk sh!t about stripping the C off Koivu!

What letter? Did Leopold come in here and talk sh!t about stripping the C off Koivu!
- Chinaski

That's totally it! And I know your affection for the Kaptain...so I thought I'd bring it up.

Aw Cripes! He brought up the Letter!