Brad Ratgen: The "Better Late Than Never" Season Ending Blog - Minnesota Wild From the “better late than never” side of life, here is my season ending blog regarding the Minnesota Wild.

Fist

As much as I do not want to get rid of Miller I would love to get a guy like Koivu in return.

I don't see them trading Koivu, whether they should or not.

Miller, maybe....but a straight up trade Koivu for Vanek would never happen.

Vanek was on track for 40+goals this season and is rarely injured for long stretches.... over the past 7 seasons he has averaged about 35G/34A per season

koivu was on track for about 22+goals this season and seems to be more injury prone....he averaged out at about 18G/41A through the last 7 seasons

In my opinion that's too much of a difference in stats.

Miller, maybe....but a straight up trade Koivu for Vanek would never happen.

Vanek was on track for 40+goals this season and is rarely injured for long stretches.... over the past 7 seasons he has averaged about 35G/34A per season

koivu was on track for about 22+goals this season and seems to be more injury prone....he averaged out at about 18G/41A through the last 7 seasons

In my opinion that's too much of a difference in stats.
- nikel

But, Vanek is UFA after next season and will most likely sign in Minnesota then. So, maybe the Sabres see the writing on the wall and get a BIG something for Vanek instead of absolutely nothing like the Wild did when Gaborik left Minnesota.

And, let's be clear, Koivu probably has a no trade clause and wouldn't agree to go to Buffalo with the shape they are in. But, what about Koivu for Bobby Ryan in Anaheim? His brother, Saku Koivu, and fellow countryman, Teemu Selanne, are both with the Ducks and they might have issues now that they have signed both Getzlaf and Perry. Mikko would probably agree to go to Anaheim provided he doesn't have an iron clad no trade clause with the Wild, which I am not sure of either way. Interesting food for thought. Ek says "Not a chance".

But, Vanek is UFA after next season and will most likely sign in Minnesota then. So, maybe the Sabres see the writing on the wall and get a BIG something for Vanek instead of absolutely nothing like the Wild did when Gaborik left Minnesota.
- Brad Ratgen

Why is Vanek most likely to sign in Minnesota? Because he went to college here? Because Pominville is here? Pominville is a F.A. the same time as Vanek if I recall right. Maybe they do a Parise/Suter thing for somebody?

And, let's be clear, Koivu probably has a no trade clause and wouldn't agree to go to Buffalo with the shape they are in. But, what about Koivu for Bobby Ryan in Anaheim? His brother, Saku Koivu, and fellow countryman, Teemu Selanne, are both with the Ducks and they might have issues now that they have signed both Getzlaf and Perry. Mikko would probably agree to go to Anaheim provided he doesn't have an iron clad no trade clause with the Wild, which I am not sure of either way. Interesting food for thought. Ek says "Not a chance".
- Brad Ratgen

As for Mike Yeo, while his job is safe for now, he will definitely be on the hot seat when next season begins.

I hope that's not the case. I think they need to give him the year. Otherwise, he may be making short-term decisions early that negatively affect the long-term success of the team just to save his job. If they are going to put him on the short leash, get rid of him now. Their choices are better now than they will be 20 games into the season.

Another HUGE focus for Yeo will be the powerplay. He was essentially let go in Pittsburgh because he could not get the Penguins’ powerplay to click and he had even more star power in Pitt than he has here.

Ultimately, the buck stops with Yeo, but does he take primary responsibility for running the power play or does he delegate that to an assistant? That may not be as much his fault as we think. Still, the power play is god awful and needs work.

On the player personnel front, I would not be surprised to see Matt Cullen re-sign. I would be surprised to see Heatley and Bouchard in Wild uniforms come October. Also, I believe you will see guys like Prosser and Konopka on the trade block. Whether there are any takers is a totally different question. Gilbert probably stays. Setoguchi definitely stays in my opinion. Clutterbuck perhaps gets traded.

Agree on Cullen. I think they try to sign him to a two-year deal max, for around the same price or cheaper.
Agree on Bouchard, gone.
Disagree on Heatley somewhat. From what Fletcher said in the post season presser, I get the feeling he stays. But I think that depends on what moves are made.
Agree on Clutterbuck - could be traded, could stay.

Disagree on Setoguchi. I'd like to see him stay but the more I think about the Pominville trade, the more it makes me wonder if Fletcher got significant interest in Setoguchi this year. If he thinks he can get good value for Setoguchi in a trade, I think he sees Pominville as a better all-around replacement for Setoguchi. So, I see him as a strong possibility to be moved. If Setoguchi is traded, I could see Heatley sticking around. If not, I could see Heatley bought out.

One more thought on Clutterbuck and Setoguchi. They both bring speed and a physical element that aren't easy to come by and that seem to fit the style Yeo wants to play. If they are traded, it will be interesting to see what they get in return. If those guys get replaced for players that are more highly skilled but less suited to play the dump-chase-bang game, I think there will be a problem unless the Wild see some younger guys able to fill those spots and play those roles.

Then there is the question that keeps popping into my head. Do you trade Mikko Koivu if you get a good return? Now, with the additions of Parise, Suter and Pominville, I believe the Wild could get along without him for a while and, if we got another star player for him, perhaps the Wild would not miss a beat without him at all.

I won't go so far as to say Koivu is untradeable, but if they do and don't get a #1 center in return, it's a terrible move. Trading Koivu without filling his spot with an equal or better player will be creating a bigger problem. You can't have a bunch of great wingers and no good centermen in this league.

That said, what are your season ending thoughts as the Wild are concerned. What do you see happening during the offseason. And, last but not least, how do you feel going forward at this point in time as the Wild are concerned?

Basically, I'm OK with how they did this year. I'm expecting more next year, quite a bit more, but not necessarily right away. I wouldn't be surprised to see them start out slow. However, a late season swoon next year with a healthy roster will not be acceptable.

Just off the top of my head, I wouldn't mind seeing something like this -
- Trade Setoguchi for prospect and/or pick
- Re-sign Cullen and Backstrom
- Lines for next year -
Pominville-Cullen-Parise
Coyle-Koivu-Granlund
Heatley-Brodziak-Zucker
Mitchell-Konopka-Clutterbuck
Rupp

But, Vanek is UFA after next season and will most likely sign in Minnesota then. So, maybe the Sabres see the writing on the wall and get a BIG something for Vanek instead of absolutely nothing like the Wild did when Gaborik left Minnesota.
- Brad Ratgen

If Fletcher thinks it is likely he could get Vanek as a UFA, it would be a bad move for him to give up assets to get him.

And, let's be clear, Koivu probably has a no trade clause and wouldn't agree to go to Buffalo with the shape they are in. But, what about Koivu for Bobby Ryan in Anaheim? His brother, Saku Koivu, and fellow countryman, Teemu Selanne, are both with the Ducks and they might have issues now that they have signed both Getzlaf and Perry. Mikko would probably agree to go to Anaheim provided he doesn't have an iron clad no trade clause with the Wild, which I am not sure of either way. Interesting food for thought. Ek says "Not a chance".
- Brad Ratgen

Agree with Ek - bad move for Anaheim because Koivu has a huge contract and they just saddled themselves with two huge contracts in Getzlaf and Perry, as you mention. I'm not sure they are better in a Koivu for Ryan deal either, just more cap strapped. Besides, there's no guarantee Saku and Teemu are sticking around.

Why is Vanek most likely to sign in Minnesota? Because he went to college here? Because Pominville is here? Pominville is a F.A. the same time as Vanek if I recall right. Maybe they do a Parise/Suter thing for somebody?
- Mersch

Those factors don't hurt. Plus I believe his wife is from here and he lives here in the off-season. That probably doesn't hurt their chances. But, I wouldn't count on any push for Vanek unless the cap goes up significantly after next season.

Those factors don't hurt. Plus I believe his wife is from here and he lives here in the off-season. That probably doesn't hurt their chances. But, I wouldn't count on any push for Vanek unless the cap goes up significantly after next season.
- Chinaski

Looking at it again, there is a lot of money coming off the books in the next two years. Maybe.

But, Vanek is UFA after next season and will most likely sign in Minnesota then. So, maybe the Sabres see the writing on the wall and get a BIG something for Vanek instead of absolutely nothing like the Wild did when Gaborik left Minnesota.
- Brad Ratgen

My gut says Vanek stays in Buffalo....though you can never discount wanting to play nearer to your roots(well, his wife's familyat least). If he were to go i might have to start cheering for the Wild as you'll have most of our stars!!

I also think the Wild would have trouble affording him, he's making over $7Mil. now, though he will likely take a cut, as he's been overpaid for years because that whole offer sheet fiasco with the OILERS....I would concentrate on keeping Pommer, he'll be a Great player for you guys!...he was really good in Buffalo and without ever playing with a REAL top line center.

How are they going to trade Clutterbuck? He's a RFA no longer under contract. Koivu will not be traded, which isn't to say it's a bad idea or thought, but he's far too big of a fan favorite (bad performance in the playoffs or not) and they've built the team around him. So I dont' think theres a snowballs chance in hell Fletch deals him. At least not this off season. Besides, you're not going to get a "star" player for Mikko. At least not one that is already established.

I'm not sure Heatley gets bought out either. Listening to Lou Nanne, he seemed pretty positive that he thought Fletch would let Heatley play out the final year of his contract and possibly re-sign him to a much smaller one after next season. Lou's usually pretty reliable on his Wild personell predictions, so I don't know that I'd automatically count Heatley out.

I think they try to re-sign Backstrom, but I'm betting they don't get him back. Backstrom is going to be looking for likely something in the ballpark of $4 million per season and there's no way on earth the Wild can afford that even with a Heatley buy out. Backstrom is not worth more than $2.5 mill per season anyway IMO.

I want Cullen back for sure, but something tells me he will leave of his own free will unless the Wild offer him a deal he can't refuse. I think he wants to try to sign with a true contender heading in to the twilight of his career for one more shot at another ring. I think he sees the writing on the wall here in Minne, that they are still a few years away at best.

My take on Yeo. With the immediate availabiliy of bonafide successful NHL coaches like Lindy Ruff and Dave Tippet, I don't know how easy it is to give Yeo another season to make this team a contender. Short season or not, he was handed the keys to arguably one of if not thee most talented Wild rosters to date and save one good stretch of games, this team played mediocre at best.

All the data one needs to extrapolate a valid opinion on whether or not Yeo is a good leader need lie no further than the last week of the regular season. 45 games in with a post season berth on the line and the Wild have two of their worst games of the season against 2 of the conferences worst teams losing to Edmonton and Calgary. It's not always about having the best team, more times than not it's about cultivating a winning atmosphere and attitude. The end of the season antics that this team showed, proved to be a tremendous lack of both of those key elements. Like it or not that falls on Yeo.

Two seasons, two less than mediocre if not unsuccessful second halfs. I believe we are seeing a predominant trend in Yeos coaching style, mentality and ability that will continue on into next season. Yeo showed little fortitude, grace or moxy in any of the post game pressers over the last couple of weeks of the season. Many times looking mentally ill-equipped to address the issues and emotionally shaken.

His inabilty or unwillingness to make much needed line and roster changes in order to ice the best team possible became extremely evident throughout the regular season and the playoffs. IMO, I just don't think he has what it takes to be the man and I'm afraid we'll be looking at yet another new driver steering the bus come this time next season.

Fletcher has done some great things with this organization and I like his style and willingness to add key players. However, he's also made some major stinkers that have really affected the on ice product negatively. The Leddy and Gilbert moves are the two that seem to stick out. The hiring and firing of Richards is another one. Why wasn't Richards given a third season? He didn't make the playoffs, but I believe his winning percentage was actually better than Yeos so far and he had a hell of a lot less talent on either one of the rosters under his tenure.

I'm fine with giving Yeo a third strike so to speak, but if the Wild have a mediocre showing over the first half of next season and there are proven coaches somehow still available, Fletch better have an awfully short leash on Yeo and his future as the Wild head man.

My take on Yeo. With the immediate availabiliy of bonafide successful NHL coaches like Lindy Ruff and Dave Tippet, I don't know how easy it is to give Yeo another season to make this team a contender. Short season or not, he was handed the keys to arguably one of if not thee most talented Wild rosters to date and save one good stretch of games, this team played mediocre at best.

All the data one needs to extrapolate a valid opinion on whether or not Yeo is a good leader need lie no further than the last week of the regular season. 45 games in with a post season berth on the line and the Wild have two of their worst games of the season against 2 of the conferences worst teams losing to Edmonton and Calgary. It's not always about having the best team, more times than not it's about cultivating a winning atmosphere and attitude. The end of the season antics that this team showed, proved to be a tremendous lack of both of those key elements. Like it or not that falls on Yeo.

Two seasons, two less than mediocre if not unsuccessful second halfs. I believe we are seeing a predominant trend in Yeos coaching style, mentality and ability that will continue on into next season. Yeo showed little fortitude, grace or moxy in any of the post game pressers over the last couple of weeks of the season. Many times looking mentally ill-equipped to address the issues and emotionally shaken.

His inabilty or unwillingness to make much needed line and roster changes in order to ice the best team possible became extremely evident throughout the regular season and the playoffs. IMO, I just don't think he has what it takes to be the man and I'm afraid we'll be looking at yet another new driver steering the bus come this time next season.

Fletcher has done some great things with this organization and I like his style and willingness to add key players. However, he's also made some major stinkers that have really affected the on ice product negatively. The Leddy and Gilbert moves are the two that seem to stick out. The hiring and firing of Richards is another one. Why wasn't Richards given a third season? He didn't make the playoffs, but I believe his winning percentage was actually better than Yeos so far and he had a hell of a lot less talent on either one of the rosters under his tenure.

I'm fine with giving Yeo a third strike so to speak, but if the Wild have a mediocre showing over the first half of next season and there are proven coaches somehow still available, Fletch better have an awfully short leash on Yeo and his future as the Wild head man.
- MnGump

Personally, I think Fletcher has done a bang up job with the Wild and as far as the two lapses in judgement? I think that the jury is still out on Gilbert, but I don't think we "lost" that trade either way because he is a different d-man than Shultz. As far as Leddy, that one doesn't really bother me because, while Barker was an ultimate bust, that trade is how we got rid of the obscene contract that Johnsson had and I was so amazed we were actually able to get someone to take that albatross.

To me, this is all about Yeo. Dude shows no emotion on the bench or in pressers and just generally looks in over his head, but is too wussy to admit it. I'm sure he is fine coach, but he lacks the fire and intensity you see in winning coaches and I would bet money the players don't respect him. Personally, I was hoping the Rags would bust, torts would be out and then we could have him.

Good article from David Shoalts of The Globe and Mail on how the Red Wings have built and run their organization for the last 30 years.