Tony Dean: MNWild: Stark Reality in the State of Hockey.
I think it important to leave a history of the negative and realistic thoughts, ideas, and takes I have rattling around my brain housing group about the Minnesota Wild as an organization from the top on down before this very important season for the franchise begins. I will always own my takes that melt away and are proven to be misplaced or off the mark. I will also pat myself on the back when I get it right. Here is my savagery of the Wild before the season begins.

I really liked the Idea of this article. So often we all hype up our own team, but it would be interesting to see each writer talk about the things they have disliked about their own teams.

Very interesting read.

I really liked the Idea of this article. So often we all hype up our own team, but it would be interesting to see each writer talk about the things they have disliked about their own teams.

Very interesting read.
- Meeqsb

Thanks for the feedback and read! Brad and I talked about it and I think its important for us to put our take out there especially before anything happens this season because it is so important for the Wild.

You need an editor.

I think mike yeo was hired because of the young players. That they knew were coming up and they think he is the one that can get them going and half season should not be the judge of that.

As many people said there are lot of leaders in that locker room not just mikko it does not mater whiter there wearing a c or an a. Also it probally says something when Charlie Coyle praises him and Zach for helping him last year. I think it's funny how everyone hates on mikko in the playoffs when Zach was not there that much either.

I would read this http://www.twincities.com...u-settles-into-role-teams

Thinking Koivu shouldn't be the captain kinda reveals your ignorance...

Wild fans and Leipold are expecting this team to compete with the best of the Western Conference anything less is a systemic failure.
- Tony Dean

Respectfully disagree. I just don't think this is a make or break year. I expect improvement, so a god-awful season would be a failure. But I don't necessarily think that they have to make the playoffs and give the best teams in the West a run for their money to move forward. Coming into camp, I projected them as a bubble team and I'll stick to that for now.

I think it takes a significant amount of time to build up an organization to the point where they can be consistently competitive in today's NHL. And you need to make and stick to a plan. I think Fletcher has done that and the next 2-3 years is where it really has the best chance to start to show signs of progress.

This is the first year where I can see that the staff has to make some difficult personnel decisions coming out of camp. To me, that means the Wild finally has some depth in this organization. Several guys on this team can be replaced with other guys within the organization. So that takes away some job security from a lot of players and hopefully keeps them focused on staying at their best. They may also finally have enough depth to withstand injury to some of their better players with the exception of Suter.

Even with this season we're seeing a roster that has some significant turnover. It's very difficult to have that kind of turnover each season and make great strides forward to being a consistently competitive team at the top of the Conference.

The Wild seem to finally be at the point where they can have a bit more of a stable lineup with the players Fletcher really wants from season to season. This is the year where I'd be looking for them to really establish their team identity and then build on it from there.

I think they have a chance to be a pretty good team this year. Playoffs aren't out of the question but it's a long season and they need to show they can be consistent and withstand the tough stretches, especially with the number of young players poised to make the team. Next year, my expectations would be higher.

Thinking Koivu shouldn't be the captain kinda reveals your ignorance...
- atc

Parise should be Captain of this team its his work ethic and superstar ability that should be on display to be emulated Koivu realistically should be centering the 2nd Line with Granlund on his Wing. This nothing new though Wild fans have very clear picture of Koivu's game and attitude.

Parise should be Captain of this team its his work ethic and superstar ability that should be on display to be emulated Koivu realistically should be centering the 2nd Line with Granlund on his Wing. This nothing new though Wild fans have very clear picture of Koivu's game and attitude.
- Tony Dean

As many people said there are lot of leaders in that locker room not just mikko it does not mater whiter there wearing a c or an a. Also it probally says something when Charlie Coyle praises him and Zach for helping him last year. I think it's funny how everyone hates on mikko in the playoffs when Zach was not there that much either.

Again you should really read this http://www.twincities.com...u-settles-into-role-teams

Respectfully disagree. I just don't think this is a make or break year. I expect improvement, so a god-awful season would be a failure. But I don't necessarily think that they have to make the playoffs and give the best teams in the West a run for their money to move forward. Coming into camp, I projected them as a bubble team and I'll stick to that for now.

I think it takes a significant amount of time to build up an organization to the point where they can be consistently competitive in today's NHL. And you need to make and stick to a plan. I think Fletcher has done that and the next 2-3 years is where it really has the best chance to start to show signs of progress.

This is the first year where I can see that the staff has to make some difficult personnel decisions coming out of camp. To me, that means the Wild finally has some depth in this organization. Several guys on this team can be replaced with other guys within the organization. So that takes away some job security from a lot of players and hopefully keeps them focused on staying at their best. They may also finally have enough depth to withstand injury to some of their better players with the exception of Suter.

Even with this season we're seeing a roster that has some significant turnover. It's very difficult to have that kind of turnover each season and make great strides forward to being a consistently competitive team at the top of the Conference.

The Wild seem to finally be at the point where they can have a bit more of a stable lineup with the players Fletcher really wants from season to season. This is the year where I'd be looking for them to really establish their team identity and then build on it from there.

I think they have a chance to be a pretty good team this year. Playoffs aren't out of the question but it's a long season and they need to show they can be consistent and withstand the tough stretches, especially with the number of young players poised to make the team. Next year, my expectations would be higher.
- Chinaski

Realistically I think you are probably right but this is a team that nearly imploded and missed the playoffs last year when they easily could have been a 5seed. I think the only veteran this club will miss is Cullen after he produce what is most likely to be an unreachable late career genius year. I dont think it is unreasonable to believe that this year's team will be better than last year's team. I think that this can still be viewed as a bridge yearand have higher expectations for this team. The difference in talent alone from 2011-12 until now is night and day IMO

As many people said there are lot of leaders in that locker room not just mikko it does not mater whiter there wearing a c or an a. Also it probally says something when Charlie Coyle praises him and Zach for helping him last year. I think it's funny how everyone hates on mikko in the playoffs when Zach was not there that much either.

Again you should really read this http://www.twincities.com...u-settles-into-role-teams
- Nharris31

I definitely do not believe Yeo will make a change with regard to Koivu being the captain so its moot point but I figured I would throw it out there and stir it up.

According to Lou Nanne, Leopold was all but promised the 2015 Winter Classic before NBC stepped in and demanded Washington... The NHL offered one of the other "non-classic" outdoor games but Leopold refused. He wants the Classic and won't settle for anything but... Just an FYI

According to Lou Nanne, Leopold was all but promised the 2015 Winter Classic before NBC stepped in and demanded Washington... The NHL offered one of the other "non-classic" outdoor games but Leopold refused. He wants the Classic and won't settle for anything but... Just an FYI
- MnGump

I saw that too. No reason the Winter Classic should not be here in MN.

I saw that too. No reason the Winter Classic should not be here in MN.
- Tony Dean

Nothing says "Winter" like melting ice in our nation's Capitol. They freak out whenever it just snows, forget accumulation. "Classic" NHL, just freaking classic.

Nothing says "Winter" like melting ice in our nation's Capitol. They freak out whenever it just snows, forget accumulation. "Classic" NHL, just freaking classic.
- Brad Ratgen

East Coast Bias at its finest haha

My view on Koivu is probably a bit biased being he has long been my favorite player. However, I think there is much merit in considering Parise or even Suter for the captain C. With that said, anyone bringing Mikkos heart or work ethic into question is terribly misguided and just flat out wrong.

I read and listen to a lot of media coverage and analysis about the Wild. Lou Nanne who is commonly considered the "god father" of Minnesota Hockey would immediately dismiss any kind of negative rhetoric involving the heart, dedication and leadership abilities of one Mikko Koivu.

Koivu has for years and through some pretty sorry teams carried this team on his back. Righting the ship that is the Minnesota Wild started with Craig Leopold and Chuck Fletcher vowing to Mikko that they would sooner rather than later surround him with the talent he has long been vying for by bringing in high caliber players like Suter, Parise and Pominville.

There's no doubt in my mind that Suter and Parise are proven captain material and either would be fit to wear the C. But to depend soley on a player like Koivu for so many years only to dismiss him as non-leadership worthy at this point to me would be a knife in the back of all of his efforts and endeavors to persevere through all the difficult and miserable seasons he spent toiling with the Wild team in tow. Personally I think it would be the wrong decision on all levels.

Koivus lackluster performance last post-season in my mind should be chalked up to nothing more than an anamoly. Not to mention he spent the majority of it line matched with arguably the best multi-purpose line in the NHL.

I can certainly listen to arguments that Parise or Suter should be captain of this team, but to insinuate that Koivu should be stripped of it due to his work ethic or leadership inabilities is completely off base IMO. He may no longer be the best player on this squad, but he certainly has sacrificed the most blood, sweat and tears of any current player in a Minnesota Wild sweater.

My view on Koivu is probably a bit biased being he has long been my favorite player. However, I think there is much merit in considering Parise or even Suter for the captain C. With that said, anyone bringing Mikkos heart or work ethic into question is terribly misguided and just flat out wrong.

I read and listen to a lot of media coverage and analysis about the Wild. Lou Nanne who is commonly considered the "god father" of Minnesota Hockey would immediately dismiss any kind of negative rhetoric involving the heart, dedication and leadership abilities of one Mikko Koivu.

Koivu has for years and through some pretty sorry teams carried this team on his back. Righting the ship that is the Minnesota Wild started with Craig Leopold and Chuck Fletcher vowing to Mikko that they would sooner rather than later surround him with the talent he has long been vying for by bringing in high caliber players like Suter, Parise and Pominville.

There's no doubt in my mind that Suter and Parise are proven captain material and either would be fit to wear the C. But to depend on a player like Koivu for so many years only to dismiss him as not leadership worthy at this point to me would be a knife in the back of all of his efforts and endeavors to persevere through all the difficult and miserable seasons he spent toiling with the Wild team in tow. Personally I think it would be the wrong decision on all levels.

Koivus lackluster performance last post-season in my mind should be chalked up to nothing more than an anamoly. Not to mention he spent the majority of it line matched with arguably the best multi-purpose line in the NHL.

I can certainly listen to arguments that Parise or Suter should be captain of this team, but to insinuate that Koivu should be stripped of it due to his work ethic or leadership inabilities is completely off base IMO. He may no longer be the best player on this squad, but he certainly has sacrificed the most blood, sweat and tears of any current player in a Minnesota Wild sweater.
- MnGump

So I can acknowledge I may have got sidetracked and distracted in explaining my rationale on Koivu. I concur with how you have described Koivu except to say he is just not capable of elevating the team with his play, rather he is very adept at neutralizing opponents with his strength, skill, and work ethic. I think Koivu's game is soooo subtle with less substance for which statistics or boxscores will never represent and is directly why he garners so much respect. That being said I think I should have clarified that him being Captain also comes with the responsibilities of holding teammates accountable, taking ownership for realities in the team play with the media, and being accountable for success and failure above all other players to which I think he has proved uninterested in fulfilling those duties. There have been many examples so I wont go into that but I dont think I am too far off base.

I also appreciate that your take on Koivu is a lot of things we agree on and its a very accurate depiction of Koivu I believe.

I also dont believe Yeo would ever consider making the change or being honest calling Koivu on his play. Yeo dragged his feet on Heatley demotion from the first line last year when it was clearly not working and at the detriment of the team so there is literally no chance of him moving Koivu off the 1st line even if it is holding the team back!

Mikko wearing the "C" is fine. Parise and Suter have the "A" and are looked to for leadership.

In my mind this team is in need of a play making center to go between Parise and Pominville. Mikko is not the player he once was and even at his best I think he was better suited as a 2nd line guy. He is outstanding defensively, and can win face offs which will help shut down any top center in the NHL. He can add a few points but shouldn't be looked to for scoring as much as others on this team.

No question it is time for our young forwards to step up (Zucker, Granlund, Coyle) I will give Niederrtier some time to acclimate. Heatly, Cooke, and Brodziak need to contribute in their specified roles for this team to be competitive.

I have never been a fan of Spurgeon or Scandella. (Stoner either for that matter) Behind Suter and Brodin defense is pretty thin. Ballard will hopefully pan out on the third pairing. Here's to hoping Dumba makes it but I think he is a year away.

So I can acknowledge I may have got sidetracked and distracted in explaining my rationale on Koivu. I concur with how you have described Koivu except to say he is just not capable of elevating the team with his play, rather he is very adept at neutralizing opponents with his strength, skill, and work ethic. I think Koivu's game is soooo subtle with less substance for which statistics or boxscores will never represent and is directly why he garners so much respect. That being said I think I should have clarified that him being Captain also comes with the responsibilities of holding teammates accountable, taking ownership for realities in the team play with the media, and being accountable for success and failure above all other players to which I think he has proved uninterested in fulfilling those duties. There have been many examples so I wont go into that but I dont think I am too far off base.

I also appreciate that your take on Koivu is a lot of things we agree on and its a very accurate depiction of Koivu I believe.

I also dont believe Yeo would ever consider making the change or being honest calling Koivu on his play. Yeo dragged his feet on Heatley demotion from the first line last year when it was clearly not working and at the detriment of the team so there is literally no chance of him moving Koivu off the 1st line even if it is holding the team back!
- Tony Dean

Don't disagree with Yeo's backbone, or lacktherof. That being said, I don't think that the player wearing the C needs to be the best player on the team, nor the highest scorer nor the guy with the most TOI.

My personal view on the C revolves more around a guy that has the other players ears and the pulse of the team. The player that sets the example that other players look to emulate, and that doesn't necessarily mean a player who is 100% successful in the examples he sets.

I think what some people are missing is what the other players in the locker room think. I'm guessing there's not one player in that room that feels Koivu shouldn't be wearing the C. Which isn't to say other players might not deserve the C, but more that Koivu has done nothing in the way to warrant losing it either.

I think Yeo is spineless when it comes to the skilled veteran players, but I also think that he knows his job is in jeopardy should this season head in the wrong direction and if he thought he was losing his locker room, he'd have no problem sliding that C over to Parise or Suter.

Whotf is Tony Dean? We got 2 bloggers now? Wow... we're gonna have more bloggers than posters for the Wild soon.
Thank God Hockey is back!

Whotf is Tony Dean? We got 2 bloggers now? Wow... we're gonna have more bloggers than posters for the Wild soon.
Thank God Hockey is back!
- SotaPopinski

Welcome back Sota!

Honestly I'm really enjoying having 2 bloggers this season! It's nice to be able to stay fresh on all the pertinent topics regarding our favorite club! Nice work so far Tony! Brad seems to be a bit more engaged lately as well! I'm lovin it!

Realistically I think you are probably right but this is a team that nearly imploded and missed the playoffs last year when they easily could have been a 5seed.
- Tony Dean

It's funny - I see last year's team differently. I think the little run they went on mid-season, 7 wins in a row or whatever it was, made them look better than they really were.

So, I don't necessarily see last year's finish as an implosion - I thought it was more representative of where they really were. That streak wasn't against the best teams in the West and when they started sliding at the end, it was against the better teams.

OK, the very end where they poop their pants at home against Calgary and Edmonton - that was bad - but I think that was just them feeling the pressure.

I think what some people are missing is what the other players in the locker room think.
- MnGump

Spot on - I totally agree. It's really the only thing that matters - what the other players think. If the other players don't respect the choice for captain, it will be obvious and it will change.

Whotf is Tony Dean? We got 2 bloggers now? Wow... we're gonna have more bloggers than posters for the Wild soon.
Thank God Hockey is back!
- SotaPopinski

This<<<<<<< Welcome back