Tony Dean: WildHBcommunity: Minnesota Wild Needs Action Not Words From Fletcher to Mak

Why should Fontaine be blocked by other young players? With his play he should be blocking them.

Why should Fontaine be blocked by other young players? With his play he should be blocking them.
- Mersch

Fontaine is crazy versatile no argument from me there, and he has scored goals and been a point generator at every level of hockey he has played in his career. I just wonder what the view on his future and ceiling is given that the Wild has so many young forwards at the NHL level and near ready. He is the oldest of the young forwards at 23 yrs old and will be a restricted free agent this summer.

The Wild will have 5 RFAs this summer:
Nino Niederrieter
Jason Zucker
Justin Fontaine
Jon Blum
Darcy Kuemper

The significance is less about the money it will require and more about the type of contract each will require. One Way contracts limit room on the roster and maneuverability. I readily admit I am not in Fletcher's head when it comes to how he views Fontaine or Zucker but I view them as the most likely to be moved in a package with Coyle, Granlund, Nino, and Haula being nearly untouchable.

I firmly believe Snow is the dumbest GM in the league, therefore I don't think Vanek re-signs with the Isles. Whether or not he comes to Minny is another story, but with his pending UFA coming, I'm guessing NY will be low on his list of priority teams, current rate of success on their first line not withstanding.

I think Snow will have to be shown the writing on the wall and will have no choice but to dump Vanek for the highest bidder at the trade dead line. If not, he'll be getting nothing in return for dealing away Moulson and a first and second round pick.

I firmly believe Snow is the dumbest GM in the league, therefore I don't think Vanek re-signs with the Isles. Whether or not he comes to Minny is another story, but with his pending UFA coming, I'm guessing NY will be low on his list of priority teams, current rate of success on their first line not withstanding.

I think Snow will have to be shown the writing on the wall and will have no choice but to dump Vanek for the highest bidder at the trade dead line. If not, he'll be getting nothing in return for dealing away Moulson and a first and second round pick.
- MnGump

The #Isles are moving into the Barclay's center in a couple years and have some fine young players. Not going to dismiss anything until more is known. I really hope the draw of playing at home with the MN native Group here for the Wild plus Pominville long term is enough to draw him in. Anyone that doubted Vanek's production/abilities look what he has done on the Island then imagine him with Granlund and Pominville next year. Vanek = #50in2014 haha joking of course but..............................................

Vanek is loving it on Long Island. Just ask his agent.

LeBrun Rumblings Blog

Fine piece of work here by Bartlett. Really earning his percentage.

Vanek is loving it on Long Island. Just ask his agent.

LeBrun Rumblings Blog

Fine piece of work here by Bartlett. Really earning his percentage.
- Chinaski

Leveraging to be sure BUT there has been chemistry and production between Vanek and his linemates. So many things will play out between now and trade deadline to pay close attention to in Vanek to MN storyline.

Also lets say Vanek isn't bound for the Wild either this season or ever, then what?

Need a Goal Scorer so who would be next on the list?

Leveraging to be sure BUT there has been chemistry and production between Vanek and his linemates. So many things will play out between now and trade deadline to pay close attention to in Vanek to MN storyline.

Also lets say Vanek isn't bound for the Wild either this season or ever, then what?

Need a Goal Scorer so who would be next on the list?
- Tony Dean

Is it out of the question that guys like Coyle, Niederreiter, and/or Zucker couldn't become that goal scorer? None of those guys is the pure goal scorer that Vanek is at this point. But I can see potential in Niederreiter and Zucker to become pretty consistent goal scorers in this league. We do have to remember that none of those guys has played a full NHL season yet.

I wouldn't be disappointed if Fletcher chose to address the defense and goaltending situation rather than just go all in on Vanek. I'm just not convinced 30 goals from Vanek fixes all the problems with this team.

Is it out of the question that guys like Coyle, Niederreiter, and/or Zucker couldn't become that goal scorer? None of those guys is the pure goal scorer that Vanek is at this point. But I can see potential in Niederreiter and Zucker to become pretty consistent goal scorers in this league. We do have to remember that none of those guys has played a full NHL season yet.

I wouldn't be disappointed if Fletcher chose to address the defense and goaltending situation rather than just go all in on Vanek. I'm just not convinced 30 goals from Vanek fixes all the problems with this team.
- Chinaski

I think your right about the 20 year olds, they have potential to become more consistent producer with time and experience BUT I see them as skill sets based upon their style and abilities. No player out of Niederreiter, Coyle, or Zucker carries the puck like a sniper/Goal scorer although Nino has his moments. Zucker is fast but reckless alot with puck.

Vanek would be my 1st choice. 2nd would be Callahan but not so sure the Rangers let him make it to free agency. Plus side for Cally would be playing with fellow americans Parise and Suter. But neither Vanek or Callahan solve all the issues here.