Tony Dean: Chuck Fletcher Adding Young Talent to MNWild Without Giving Up a Thing

Solid write up. Very well done.

I think getting guys like these is why Fletcher pulls off as many trades as he does. He has full confidence in his scouts to give him the info he needs to make quality pickups. That said, I don't think this ever happened in the Riseborough era.

Maybe Fletch is trying to pull off another draft day trade. I would think that if any prospect that would be available at this point, it'd be Zucker, but only because he's the guy on the outside looking in now.

I wouldn't mind seeing Haula and Zucker on the same line with somebody pending Zucker figures out how to play defense.

Solid write up. Very well done.

I think getting guys like these is why Fletcher pulls off as many trades as he does. He has full confidence in his scouts to give him the info he needs to make quality pickups. That said, I don't think this ever happened in the Riseborough era.

Maybe Fletch is trying to pull off another draft day trade. I would think that if any prospect that would be available at this point, it'd be Zucker, but only because he's the guy on the outside looking in now.

I wouldn't mind seeing Haula and Zucker on the same line with somebody pending Zucker figures out how to play defense.
- arvinb316

Zucker injury affects trade potential at draft and before season though. I am think grand scheme a blockbuster deal could include likes of Coyle or Nino or Dumba but we will see. Takes two to tango

Zucker injury affects trade potential at draft and before season though. I am think grand scheme a blockbuster deal could include likes of Coyle or Nino or Dumba but we will see. Takes two to tango
- Tony Dean

Nino involved in a Kesler deal sounds good.

I do not get this Keranen signing from either side. The Wild will already have to make a few tough decisions when making final cuts for its roster, and how likely is it that this kid is ready to make a jump from the Finnish league straight to the NHL? Granlund struggled and he's considered by some to be the best prospect to come out of that league. He's either going to have to completely amaze the coaches and FO execs to earn a roster spot or he misses the cut and goes back to Finland. Seems like a very weird signing to me, but I hope by some miracle he tears it up over here.
I have a hard time envisioning any sort of trade involving Nino. He showed too much potential in his first season here to ship off. He has star potential... you don't give that up for much of anything.

I do not get this Keranen signing from either side. The Wild will already have to make a few tough decisions when making final cuts for its roster, and how likely is it that this kid is ready to make a jump from the Finnish league straight to the NHL? Granlund struggled and he's considered by some to be the best prospect to come out of that league. He's either going to have to completely amaze the coaches and FO execs to earn a roster spot or he misses the cut and goes back to Finland. Seems like a very weird signing to me, but I hope by some miracle he tears it up over here.
I have a hard time envisioning any sort of trade involving Nino. He showed too much potential in his first season here to ship off. He has star potential... you don't give that up for much of anything.
- SotaPopinski

This could be Fletcher's way of making sure he has enough talent in camp so that the younger guys that were part of this team last year don't get complacent. He seemed to indicate that part of the problem when he took over and in the early years following, there was not enough competition and guys didn't have to fight for their job. It could push those guys to be even better and push guys like Zucker to have to really fight to make the team. Part of the "new culture".

This could be Fletcher's way of making sure he has enough talent in camp so that the younger guys that were part of this team last year don't get complacent. He seemed to indicate that part of the problem when he took over and in the early years following, there was not enough competition and guys didn't have to fight for their job. It could push those guys to be even better and push guys like Zucker to have to really fight to make the team. Part of the "new culture".
- Chinaski

That's what I was thinking, and you're most likely correct. Maybe he is friends with Granlund, or has a good relationship with one of the Wild scouts... just doesn't seem like he has much of a chance at playing here, as opposed to some other clubs in need of young talent. I'd hope he would re-consider playing in the AHL or at least give it a try before returning to Finland

Nino involved in a Kesler deal sounds good.
- Nucker101

You beat me to it.

I do not get this Keranen signing from either side. The Wild will already have to make a few tough decisions when making final cuts for its roster, and how likely is it that this kid is ready to make a jump from the Finnish league straight to the NHL? Granlund struggled and he's considered by some to be the best prospect to come out of that league. He's either going to have to completely amaze the coaches and FO execs to earn a roster spot or he misses the cut and goes back to Finland. Seems like a very weird signing to me, but I hope by some miracle he tears it up over here.
I have a hard time envisioning any sort of trade involving Nino. He showed too much potential in his first season here to ship off. He has star potential... you don't give that up for much of anything.
- SotaPopinski

Agreed Sota. Get him signed to a multi-year deal if you think he has the chops to make it in the bigs. One year to me is worthless.

Wild sign three crumbs

Yay
- SnowFrigginWay

Insightful as always

The Minnesota Wild might be getting Kessel and Bozak, so big changes could be in the offing. They took a huge bite out of Chicago, in fact, I think a big enough bite that Chicago hadn't enough left for L.A.

The Minnesota Wild might be getting Kessel and Bozak, so big changes could be in the offing. They took a huge bite out of Chicago, in fact, I think a big enough bite that Chicago hadn't enough left for L.A.
- organicsteroid

Besides the fact that this is pure horsepoop.... Wild can't afford Kessel and have no room or need for Bozak. Try again.

Besides the fact that this is pure horsepoop.... Wild can't afford Kessel and have no room or need for Bozak. Try again.
- MnGump

Technically, the Wild could very well afford to take on Kesler's $5mil contract, then proceed to trade Koivu for Bozak and prospect. Or they could trade Koivu for Stamkos and Brodziak for MacKinnon.... I'm good with either scenario.

That's what I was thinking, and you're most likely correct. Maybe he is friends with Granlund, or has a good relationship with one of the Wild scouts... just doesn't seem like he has much of a chance at playing here, as opposed to some other clubs in need of young talent. I'd hope he would re-consider playing in the AHL or at least give it a try before returning to Finland
- SotaPopinski

I just had another thought about this. I wonder if they are looking for a better fit winger to play with Koivu. We all know that when Miettinen was here he had issues with his shooting accuracy, but I always thought he was a good fit chemistry-wise with Koivu. He seemed to be in the right spot a lot of the time to get setup for chances, he was just lousy at converting.

I'm not quite sure what this kid's development path has been, but I see he's been in the Finnish Elite League for the past four seasons. If most of his development has been in the Finnish system, maybe he could be a good fit for Koivu's line. The Finns usually seem to play well together.

I still wouldn't mind seeing Niederreiter and Coyle play with Koivu. If that ends up being a good line and they don't go after any free agent scoring wingers, maybe this kid can slot onto one of the other lines.

Zucker injury affects trade potential at draft and before season though. I am think grand scheme a blockbuster deal could include likes of Coyle or Nino or Dumba but we will see. Takes two to tango
- Tony Dean

The injury to Zucker isn't that serious long-term. I see absolutely no reason why Coyle or Nino would be on the block. I don't see Kesler coming here. Clearly chips need to be moved for a bigger fish, but I just don't think it's either of those two.

I just had another thought about this. I wonder if they are looking for a better fit winger to play with Koivu. We all know that when Miettinen was here he had issues with his shooting accuracy, but I always thought he was a good fit chemistry-wise with Koivu. He seemed to be in the right spot a lot of the time to get setup for chances, he was just lousy at converting.

I'm not quite sure what this kid's development path has been, but I see he's been in the Finnish Elite League for the past four seasons. If most of his development has been in the Finnish system, maybe he could be a good fit for Koivu's line. The Finns usually seem to play well together.

I still wouldn't mind seeing Niederreiter and Coyle play with Koivu. If that ends up being a good line and they don't go after any free agent scoring wingers, maybe this kid can slot onto one of the other lines.
- Chinaski

We've seen it for a few games in the playoffs, give it a full-time look and let's see what we have.

The injury to Zucker isn't that serious long-term. I see absolutely no reason why Coyle or Nino would be on the block. I don't see Kesler coming here. Clearly chips need to be moved for a bigger fish, but I just don't think it's either of those two.
- arvinb316

It would need to be something significant like Niño and Coyle or it would not happen.

Parise and Kesler would be a pretty Dynamic line. One that may have helped get passed the Hawks.

It would need to be something significant like Niño and Coyle or it would not happen.

Parise and Kesler would be a pretty Dynamic line. One that may have helped get passed the Hawks.
- VANTEL

Has there been any confirmation on the reported six teams he would go to? I think I've heard Chicago, Anaheim, and Philadelphia. I'm not sure he would waive to come to Minnesota. And I really don't think Fletcher will give up what it's going to take to get him.

Has there been any confirmation on the reported six teams he would go to? I think I've heard Chicago, Anaheim, and Philadelphia. I'm not sure he would waive to come to Minnesota. And I really don't think Fletcher will give up what it's going to take to get him.
- Chinaski

I am not sure about the new list, they are keeping tight lipped about it. Minnys showing in the playoffs proved they are not far away from being a contender. I think if he could play with fellow Olympians Parise and Suter , he would enjoy his time. Then next year The Wild can push for Kane also.

The Wild have come a long ways. I hope they keep improving this Summer. A bunch of us here were hoping you guys came out of the conference.

It would need to be something significant like Niño and Coyle or it would not happen.

Parise and Kesler would be a pretty Dynamic line. One that may have helped get passed the Hawks.
- VANTEL

Now it's up to Nino and Coyle?! Pretty soon Granlund is going to be a throw in as well

Now it's up to Nino and Coyle?! Pretty soon Granlund is going to be a throw in as well
- SotaPopinski

Anyone but Nordy.

Anyone but Nordy.



- ThatDarnCat

Pretty sure most gm's know they will hear nothing but dialtone as soon as they inquire about Nordy

The injury to Zucker isn't that serious long-term. I see absolutely no reason why Coyle or Nino would be on the block. I don't see Kesler coming here. Clearly chips need to be moved for a bigger fish, but I just don't think it's either of those two.
- arvinb316

I agree just saying Zucker injury was to area that could cause his greatest attribute speed to be affected so maybe teams red flag him until he proves healthy.


I know WE considered Coyle & Nino untouchable and I think in the end GMCF will leave them be and develop here in MN BUT if a team is going to ship us a player like Kesler or E.Kane or Ryan it will be unrealistic to see them not push for one of those two or walk away from us.

Haula, Fontaine, Dumba, Phillips, Olofsson and others all have value but not sure they get something that helps Wild take next step in western conference.

Which leads us back to V A N E K hahaha

Which leads us back to V A N E K
- Tony Dean

If Patrick Sharp were available - 32 years old, 3 years left, $5.9 million cap hit - any takers for him over Vanek? I think the last couple of blogs Jaeckel posted rumored Sharp to be available. And I believe it was reported Fletcher may have tried to get Sharp more than once. If Chicago really wants to move Sharp and try to land Kesler, is this a trade the Wild would want in on? It may depend what they would have to give up to get Kesler that would determine what they want back for Sharp. But maybe it could be done for a couple prospects.

If Patrick Sharp were available - 32 years old, 3 years left, $5.9 million cap hit - any takers for him over Vanek? I think the last couple of blogs Jaeckel posted rumored Sharp to be available. And I believe it was reported Fletcher may have tried to get Sharp more than once. If Chicago really wants to move Sharp and try to land Kesler, is this a trade the Wild would want in on? It may depend what they would have to give up to get Kesler that would determine what they want back for Sharp. But maybe it could be done for a couple prospects.
- Chinaski

Thomas Vanek
Right Wing
Born Jan 19 1984 -- Vienna, Austria
Height 6.02 -- Weight 207

Selected by Buffalo Sabres round 1 #5 overall 2003 NHL Entry Draft

--- Regular Season --- ---- Playoffs ----
Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999-00 Rochester Junior American NAHL 14 6 4 10 8
1999-00 Sioux Falls Stampede USHL 35 15 18 33 12 3 0 1 1 8
2000-01 Sioux Falls Stampede USHL 20 19 10 29 15 8 5 4 9 2
2001-02 Sioux Falls Stampede USHL 53 46 45 91 54 3 0 0 0 9
2002-03 U. of Minnesota WCHA 45 31 31 62 60
2003-04 U. of Minnesota WCHA 38 26 25 51 72
2004-05 Rochester Americans AHL 74 42 26 68 62 5 2 3 5 10
2005-06 Buffalo Sabres NHL 81 25 23 48 72 10 2 0 2 6
2006-07 Buffalo Sabres NHL 82 43 41 84 40 16 6 4 10 10
2007-08 Buffalo Sabres NHL 82 36 28 64 64 -- -- -- -- --
2008-09 Buffalo Sabres NHL 73 40 24 64 44 -- -- -- -- --
2009-10 Buffalo Sabres NHL 71 28 25 53 42 3 2 1 3 2
2010-11 Buffalo Sabres NHL 80 32 41 73 24 7 5 0 5 0
2011-12 Buffalo Sabres NHL 78 26 35 61 52 -- -- -- -- --
2012-13 Graz EC Austr 11 5 10 15 4 -- -- -- -- --
2012-13 Buffalo Sabres NHL 38 20 21 41 20 -- -- -- -- --
2013-14 Buffalo Sabres NHL 13 4 5 9 4
2013-14 New York Islanders NHL 47 17 27 44 34
2013-14 Montreal Canadiens NHL 18 6 9 15 8
2013-14p Montreal Canadiens NHL 17 5 5 10 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NHL Totals 663 277 279 556 404 36 15 5 20 18
Current statistics as of 2014-06-08




Patrick Sharp
Right Wing
Born Dec 27 1981 -- Winnipeg, MAN
Height 6.01 -- Weight 199

Selected by Philadelphia Flyers round 3 #95 overall 2001 NHL Entry Draft

--- Regular Season --- ---- Playoffs ----
Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998-99 Thunder Bay Flyers USHL 55 19 24 43 48 3 1 1 2 0
1999-00 Thunder Bay Flyers USHL 56 20 35 55 41 -- -- -- -- --
2000-01 U. of Vermont ECAC 34 12 15 27 36
2001-02 U. of Vermont ECAC 31 13 13 26 50
2002-03 Philadelphia Phantoms AHL 53 14 19 33 39 -- -- -- -- --
2002-03 Philadelphia Flyers NHL 3 0 0 0 2 -- -- -- -- --
2003-04 Philadelphia Phantoms AHL 35 15 14 29 45 1 2 0 2 0
2003-04 Philadelphia Flyers NHL 41 5 2 7 55 12 1 0 1 2
2004-05 Philadelphia Phantoms AHL 75 23 29 52 80 21 8 13 21 20
2005-06 Philadelphia Flyers NHL 22 5 3 8 10 -- -- -- -- --
2005-06 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 50 9 14 23 36 -- -- -- -- --
2006-07 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 80 20 15 35 74 -- -- -- -- --
2007-08 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 80 36 26 62 55 -- -- -- -- --
2008-09 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 61 26 18 44 41 17 7 4 11 6
2009-10 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 82 25 41 66 28 22 11 11 22 16
2010-11 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 74 34 37 71 38 7 3 2 5 2
2011-12 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 74 33 36 69 38 6 1 0 1 4
2012-13 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 28 6 14 20 14 23 10 6 16 8
2013-14 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 82 34 44 78 40
2013-14p Chicago Blackhawks NHL 19 5 5 10 6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NHL Totals 677 233 250 483 431 87 33 23 56 38
Current statistics as of 2014-06-08