Tony Dean: WildHBcommunity: Ghosts of Seasons Past Haunt Mike Yeo

While goal tending is obviously becoming a sore spot for the first time in awhile, it's hardly as impactful as the enemic offensive woes. But I will offer up this little tidbit about the state of the goalies, seems pretty obvious there's something going on with Backstrom, be it his age, his mental health or both. Clearly he is a different goal tender this season, but more importantly the Wild went from seemingly having an embarrassment of riches at the position to who the hell is going to back up Backstrom when Harding is out?!!!

Clearly they can't put Kuemper out there due to his dreadful previous appearances at the NHL level and it's also becoming evident by Yeo's refusal to even put Gustafsson in the game in garbage time the other night (when Backstroms neck was a 3 alarm fire) that he's not the talent that they thought they had when they drafted him or he's just not ready. Which would also beg the question of why bring him up then?!

But I digress... Clearly goal tending has some issues, but by far and away not the reason this team isn't winning. 9 goals scored in each of the last 9 losses pretty much sums up the reason they're not winning games.

While goal tending is obviously becoming a sore spot for the first time in awhile, it's hardly as impactful as the enemic offensive woes. But I will offer up this little tidbit about the state of the goalies, seems pretty obvious there's something going on with Backstrom, be it his age, his mental health or both. Clearly he is a different goal tender this season, but more importantly the Wild went from seemingly having an embarrassment of riches at the position to who the hell is going to back up Backstrom when Harding is out?!!!

Clearly they can't put Kuemper out there due to his dreadful previous appearances at the NHL level and it's also becoming evident by Yeo's refusal to even put Gustafsson in the game in garbage time the other night that he's not the talent that they thought they had when they drafted him or he's just not ready.

But I digress... Clearly goal tending has some issues, but by far and away not the reason this team isn't winning. 9 goals scored in each of the last 9 losses pretty much sums up the reason they're not winning games.
- MnGump

Heatley still in lineup and Veilleux call up to play with Rupp makes me not want to watch tonight.

This Yo-yo trend (no pun intended) that Yeo has shown over the past 2 and some seasons is all anyone need recognize to know that there's just something about his coaching system and style that screams out "not an NHL caliber coach"!

As you pointed out Tony as well as myself on occasion, his decision making with the roster is not only puzzling at times but mind boggling when players like Zucker, Haula, Fontaine and Bulmer are all easily sent down or scratched while the Dany Heatleys of the team are coddled and rewarded with more ice time.

A guy standing directly in the way of these young players that has contributed nothing to this team in the way of helping them win games and is single handedly responsible for at least a handful of losses with the turnover machine he's become.

Yet never scratched and never brought into question by Yeo. In fact just the opposite in most cases when questioned by the media, Yeo glosses over any concerns voiced about Heatley by making comments like "it's more of a team issue than a Dany Heatley issue"...

And Kyle Brodziak? How has this guy remained in the line up or at least not busted down to the 4th line when guys like Haula are being shipped back to Iowa with tail tucked?

And I'm sorry, love Veilleux, but if he's Yeos answer to the Wilds scoring woes, we're in a lot bigger trouble than anyone can fathom...

Heatley still in lineup and Veilleux call up to play with Rupp makes me not want to watch tonight.
- Tony Dean

I shut the game off and stopped recording it last night after the 2nd period. It was easy to see that they had no chance of stepping up and coming back. I'm usually at least 2 weeks ahead having set my DVR to record games... They've become so frustrating to watch that I haven't even set tonights game to record. So I'll probably check it live when I get home and turn on one of my kids favorite christmas programs for the umpteenth time in the last couple of weeks instead once I see they are losing once again...

It'll be interesting to see what's going to transpire here with Yeo if they keep losing... Have to believe Fletchers job is going to be in jeopardy if he doesn't figure out how to turn this season around and in a hurry. Logical move would be to fire Yeo for starters. Guess we'll see... that's a lot of money Leipolds doling out for a losing team...

Wild definitely should have bought Heatley out when they had the chance.

Just before Wild played Blues in November, didn't you have a blog talking about the sense of an upcoming letdown as the Wild started seeing tough opponents consistently for 15 or so games? I guess, unfortunately for Wild fans, they were right about what was coming. But I do think they have some more easy games interspersed with the tough ones coming up in January, making it likely they will keep up with the pace for a wild card spot.

I shut the game off and stopped recording it last night after the 2nd period. It was easy to see that they had no chance of stepping up and coming back. I'm usually at least 2 weeks ahead having set my DVR to record games... They've become so frustrating to watch that I haven't even set tonights game to record. So I'll probably check it live when I get home and turn on one of my kids favorite christmas programs for the umpteenth time in the last couple of weeks instead once I see they are losing once again...

It'll be interesting to see what's going to transpire here with Yeo if they keep losing... Have to believe Fletchers job is going to be in jeopardy if he doesn't figure out how to turn this season around and in a hurry. Logical move would be to fire Yeo for starters. Guess we'll see... that's a lot of money Leipolds doling out for a losing team...
- MnGump

Leipold is enamored with Fletch. He was asked on the ticket if there was any scenario in which he didnt see CF or yeo returning next season. He said both are here for the long haul but went on and on about Fletcher....so I really dont see him going anywhere soon. Yeo on the other hand should be on the hottest of hot seats. I mean, Richards was shown the door with a team full of minor leaguers, but Yeo somehow gets a ringing endorsement for barely making the playoffs (only to be embarrassed) and now his team is sitting out of the playoffs while struggling mightily to score goals... a max cap team, nonetheless. Not very impressed with him. Maybe Leipold should have someone else make the next coaching hire if Yeo cant get this shiped turned around, though I hope he can.
Sorry about spelling/grammar....venting on phone during long road trip

Wild definitely should have bought Heatley out when they had the chance.

Just before Wild played Blues in November, didn't you have a blog talking about the sense of an upcoming letdown as the Wild started seeing tough opponents consistently for 15 or so games? I guess, unfortunately for Wild fans, they were right about what was coming. But I do think they have some more easy games interspersed with the tough ones coming up in January, making it likely they will keep up with the pace for a wild card spot.
- Antilles

When exactly were they supposed to buy him out?

When exactly were they supposed to buy him out?
- SotaPopinski

Start of last season, same time Redden and Gomez were bought out.

Start of last season, same time Redden and Gomez were bought out.
- Antilles

Big difference is Heatley was still a fairly productive player up until he was injured last season, and he was fairly relevant to the teams success. Buying him out before the end of last season was never in Fletcher's thought process, nor was there reason for it to be.

Big difference is Heatley was still a fairly productive player up until he was injured last season, and he was fairly relevant to the teams success. Buying him out before the end of last season was never in Fletcher's thought process, nor was there reason for it to be.
- MnGump

If he was productive up until his injury, why the plan prior to his injury for a summer buy out, as has been stated in the blog multiple times? And if the plan was to buy him out in the summer, as suggest here and by others like Russo, then there definitely was a reason for buying him out prior to be in Fletcher's thought process. Other GM's who knew they were going to buy a player out sent them home to avoid risking an injury. Fletcher didn't buy out Heatley when he had the chance, and if he didn't decide a buy out was necessary until mid-season but prior to Heatley's injury, then he should have sent Heatley home to avoid risking an injury. Heatley's play has been abysmal, but it's Fletcher's fault the Wild are stuck with him under contract for this much, not Heatley's.

If he was productive up until his injury, why the plan prior to his injury for a summer buy out, as has been stated in the blog multiple times? And if the plan was to buy him out in the summer, as suggest here and by others like Russo, then there definitely was a reason for buying him out prior to be in Fletcher's thought process. Other GM's who knew they were going to buy a player out sent them home to avoid risking an injury. Fletcher didn't buy out Heatley when he had the chance, and if he didn't decide a buy out was necessary until mid-season but prior to Heatley's injury, then he should have sent Heatley home to avoid risking an injury. Heatley's play has been abysmal, but it's Fletcher's fault the Wild are stuck with him under contract for this much, not Heatley's.
- Antilles

Having trouble finding a good argument? Not even sure what you're arguing about nor the point of your argument. So here, I'll explain it to you like you're a 5 year old... Even if Fletcher had plans on buying Heatley out last summer before his injury, I'll guarantee he also planned on relying on Heatley to be a part of the post season campaign before the injury as well. So as you can see, the Gomez and Redden buyouts were under completely different circumstances and were done because both players were far beyond the point of not only helping their respective teams, but were virtually not a productive part of their respective teams. So to to say its Fletcher's fault is more or less a moot point because he planned on playing Heatley who had not yet missed a game in a Wild sweater until the end of the season regardless, he had no reason to buy him out or not utilize him through the playoffs, unfortunately Heatley got hurt and the rest is history.

The common explanation in his first season was a lack of talent and injuries being the reason around the Wild entering December during the 2011-12 season with the best record in the NHL only to finish last in their division and 12th in the Western Conference.
- Tony Dean

Isn't that common explanation common because it is basically an accurate assessment of what happened? Or do you see it differently? Do you think with that team and the injuries they suffered they should have finished much better?

There would be no explaining away the severe beating the Wild took at the hands of the Chicago BlackHawks in their first round playoffs series.
- Tony Dean

I think the explanation for last year's playoff loss is quite simple - they weren't nearly good enough to compete with Chicago.

Wild definitely should have bought Heatley out when they had the chance.

Just before Wild played Blues in November, didn't you have a blog talking about the sense of an upcoming letdown as the Wild started seeing tough opponents consistently for 15 or so games? I guess, unfortunately for Wild fans, they were right about what was coming. But I do think they have some more easy games interspersed with the tough ones coming up in January, making it likely they will keep up with the pace for a wild card spot.
- Antilles

I know Brad had pointed out their record could have been a bit of a mirage since they had built up that record against the weaker teams in the league. This stretch has definitely shown that they aren't quite in the class of the top teams.

If he was productive up until his injury, why the plan prior to his injury for a summer buy out, as has been stated in the blog multiple times? And if the plan was to buy him out in the summer, as suggest here and by others like Russo, then there definitely was a reason for buying him out prior to be in Fletcher's thought process. Other GM's who knew they were going to buy a player out sent them home to avoid risking an injury. Fletcher didn't buy out Heatley when he had the chance, and if he didn't decide a buy out was necessary until mid-season but prior to Heatley's injury, then he should have sent Heatley home to avoid risking an injury. Heatley's play has been abysmal, but it's Fletcher's fault the Wild are stuck with him under contract for this much, not Heatley's.
- Antilles

When the season started, aside from Koivu, Heatley was probably their best returning offensive player. So, I don't think buying out Heatley was something Fletcher had in mind before the season started. They likely anticipated that with the Parise and Suter signings, Heatley would actually be better for them. I don't think they anticipated the decline in his game. The buyout plan became more obvious as the season progressed and he proved to be more of a liability.

When the season started, aside from Koivu, Heatley was probably their best returning offensive player. So, I don't think buying out Heatley was something Fletcher had in mind before the season started. They likely anticipated that with the Parise and Suter signings, Heatley would actually be better for them. I don't think they anticipated the decline in his game. The buyout plan became more obvious as the season progressed and he proved to be more of a liability.
- Chinaski

It's pointless to try to debate Antilles, he's an arrogant dikwad troll that likes to think he knows more about your team and hockey than you do...

It's pointless to try to debate Antilles, he's an arrogant dikwad troll that likes to think he knows more about your team and hockey than you do...
- MnGump

I make a point you don't like, I defend that point when you disagree, you end up making childish insults; and I walk away rather than respond is pretty much the standard.

When the season started, aside from Koivu, Heatley was probably their best returning offensive player. So, I don't think buying out Heatley was something Fletcher had in mind before the season started. They likely anticipated that with the Parise and Suter signings, Heatley would actually be better for them. I don't think they anticipated the decline in his game. The buyout plan became more obvious as the season progressed and he proved to be more of a liability.
- Chinaski

I looked, I think this is the post I was remembering:
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=55965


And again, if the buyout developed over the season as his play declined, why not send him home when it did? Especially if the Coach insisted on playing him in a top 6 role rather than letting the youngsters in and Tony talks about... GM should have just removed Heatley from the equation IMO.

It's pointless to try to debate Antilles, he's an arrogant dikwad troll that likes to think he knows more about your team and hockey than you do...
- MnGump

Sounds like a typical Blues fan.

I make a point you don't like, I defend that point when you disagree, you end up making childish insults; and I walk away rather than respond is pretty much the standard.
- Antilles

Couldn't care less about your point, bottom line is you're a pompous bumhole. Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas Hockey Buzzers and particularly all 6 of the Wild fans in WildHB community! Yes that includes my favorite once a month blogger!...

I looked, I think this is the post I was remembering:
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=55965


And again, if the buyout developed over the season as his play declined, why not send him home when it did? Especially if the Coach insisted on playing him in a top 6 role rather than letting the youngsters in and Tony talks about... GM should have just removed Heatley from the equation IMO.
- Antilles

In reading through this back and forth I think alot has been lost in translation, Antilles is missing a huge point that HEATLEY was very good his 1st season in MN then in his 2nd season here the decline occured BUT no one could predict BEFORE the LOCKOUT shortened season began that Heatley would be soooooo BRUTAL. To make matters worse Yeo shuffled his feet refusing to address Heatley's play last year keeping him on the Top Line and in the Top6 way too long. By the time Heatley got injured in San Jose last year he was nearly out of the lineup playing 3rd line minutes demoted from the powerplay and salty in demeanor.

THE POINT is Heatley would 100% have been a compliance buyout this summer and EVERYONE on the planet knew that was the case to include HEATLEY. In the same breath I suppose I give Yeo and Fletcher credit for trying to make the best of it on Heatley BUT it is time to pull the plug on him.Not as easy as it sounds though because he is toxic no other GM in the NHL is taking him on and at $7.5Mil cap hit. Also Heatley would clear waivers not even a sniff but to be placed in the AHL he would still cost like $6Mil against the Wild's salary cap.

I get that Antilles is mostly just trollling and proud of a SaintLouis squad that is going very well right now BUT dont think for second the Wild are right in the Conversation with the best in the West whether it is this year or going forward. Blues will have some cap issues looming in the future IMO and their prospects are iffy IMO.

I looked, I think this is the post I was remembering:
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=55965


And again, if the buyout developed over the season as his play declined, why not send him home when it did? Especially if the Coach insisted on playing him in a top 6 role rather than letting the youngsters in and Tony talks about... GM should have just removed Heatley from the equation IMO.
- Antilles

I don't necessarily agree that Heatley was blocking the youngsters last season. His game wasn't great, but it also wasn't so bad that they just should have sent him home because they had a better player they could plug in. And there was talk about Heatley being a very good locker room presence for the team.

They were hanging on for dear life. It's just a guess, but I think they were so concerned about missing the playoffs, they just didn't want to make any unconventional moves that would have been too easily criticized had they not worked and the Wild missed the playoffs. Personally, I am one who thinks that way of thinking is what prevents them from making these developmental strides more quickly. But it's easy for me to sit on my couch, watch them lose, and criticize every move and decision Fletcher and Yeo make. I don't think any of those decisions were made to be purposely detrimental to the team's success. It's when they apparently don't learn from those mistakes that it becomes more frustrating. But we do have to live with them.

So, in summary, you're correct - the Wild gambled and lost by not buying out Heatley prior to the season and whenever they decided he would be bought out, continuing to play him. I can accept that move from Fletcher and Yeo though because I don't necessarily think they had better alternatives.

What's a little more unacceptable this year is, given the evidence available to the general fan base, Heatley should at least have been scratched several times this year.

What's a little more unacceptable this year is, given the evidence available to the general fan base, Heatley should at least have been scratched several times this year.
- Chinaski

And I believe that will cost Yeo his job. Besides the reality of how little effort or give a Sh*T Heatley has display this year, I just wonder how the lack of accountability plays with the rest of the team. Playing nice with Heatley is just avoidance not remedy, more than anything it has illuminated Yeo's lack of confrontation and leadership when it is truly required in my mind.

I get that Antilles is mostly just trollling
- Tony Dean

I don't think that's the case. I think what he's trying to point out is that our frustration and anger with the Heatley situation should be directed mostly at Fletcher and not Heatley. I don't think any of us is too upset with Fletcher, but it's a fair point. Our frustration is more with Yeo continuing to play him at this point. We all know this team is stuck with Heatley for another half season. We can gripe about it all we want and it will always be fair for anyone to point out several of the options that could have been exercised before we got to this point.