As we have talked about since the start of camp, the Wild have some positional battles that is something new compared with recent seasons, where the roster was all but predetermined before camp began.
Nick Seeler has pretty much sealed his role on the third defense pair, along side of free agent signee Greg Pateryn. But the 7th defense spot is still a hotly contested position between veteran Nate Prosser and Ryan Murphy.
Prosser has the experience and physical play edge while Murphy possesses the higher skill level and skating strength.
Murphy of course is on a two way deal while Prosser is not which does play a factor, but for a team that is here to win now that should not play into the decision.
Prosser has the uncanny ability to play his usual steady game regardless of if he plays consecutive games or sits in the press box for two weeks between games. That is an intangible that cannot be overlooked either along with his locker room presence.
In a league that has gone to younger faster skilled players the argument for Murphy is pretty solid as well. Murphy has an underrated shot and more importantly he knows how to get it off quickly and through traffic.
The fourth line battle is another one that has all eyes focused on Matt Read who is putting pressure on matt Hendricks and J.T. Brown for the final forward roster spot.
Read is on a two way contract, while Hendricks and Brown are on full NHL deals, but again this is a team that is working to a bigger goal than just qualifying for the playoffs.
The good news here of course is the Wild have greater depth from which to draw when the injury bug rears it's ugly head this season.
We know that Paul Fenton will be making some moves as the season goes along, and that Luke Kunin will factor into the plans once he is at 100%. For now though the battles come down to the three remaining preseason games, including tonight's game in Dallas.
Saturday night the Wild iced nearly a full NHL roster while Colorado had a heavily minor league club. The result of course was a dominating 7-0 win for the Wild which was their first win of the preseason.
Charlie Coyle had the hattrick and Alex Stalock delivered the shutout. Nothing to get overly excited about, but some very good signs were evident.
The new look powerplay with Granlund quarterbacking from the left hash was very effective as he had numerous options on each of the Wild six powerplay opportunities.
A week left of camp to finalize the roster as Bruce Boudreau and his staff prepare for the season to begin a week from Thursday.
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