Where the Wild things are...and where I think they should go

Getting bulked up in preparation for another postseason battle against the Anaheim Ducks really didn’t pay off for the Minnesota Wild this year.  Not only did that match up not materialize, the Wild were eliminated by the play of Colorado goaltender Jose Theodore.  So it’s time to move on and ask the question: what do they do with their lineup to take the next step (past the first round of the playoffs) in 2008-2009?

First and foremost, I’d convince Jacques Lemaire, the only coach the Wild have ever had, to continue on coaching.  While his preferred style of play doesn’t light the world on fire, I think it’s only a couple of pieces away from working.  A close second would be to not give up on Gabby.  Yes, Marian Gaborik was kept off the score sheet for almost 6 games in the playoffs.  Credit Adam Foote and the rest of the Avs for getting the best of Minnesota’s best.  Plenty of people think that the Wild should trade him now while he has had a fairly healthy season, but I think that paired with a centerman who can actually score and check, he could be that much better.  The Wild should sign Gaborik to a long-term extension and put their faith in their first draft pick.

Minnesota’s two biggest unrestricted free agents (UFAs) are Pavol Demitra and Brian Rolston.  While both are coming up on what could be their last contracts as professionals, Rolston is a guy that wanted to come to Minnesota and help them win and should be the easy choice between the two.  Demitra should be thanked for his efforts in bringing along Gaborik’s game and sent on his way.

The next big move on offense is to build on the performance of Mikko Koivu.   He was the best player on the Wild in my mind in the playoffs and has been improving steadily.  If Minnesota had another 1st or 2nd line quality center to go along with Koivu, they would be on the right track.  The other key offensive player that I think should get a contract extension is Pierre-Marc Bouchard.  He is absolutely amazing to watch with the puck, but somebody needs to make him sit down and watch tape of Brett Hull to try to learn how to shoot instead of skating in circles.  Another two keepers from the existing roster are James Sheppard, the 19-year old who saw significant playing time this year, and Benoit Pouliot, a dynamic offensive player who only saw limited time this year but could add scoring punch.  I’d also keep the necessary quota of checking wingers in Derek Boogaard, Aaron Voros and Todd Fedoruk or maybe at least 2 of them.  Fedoruk and Voros can actually contribute and Boogaard could if he could learn how to redirect / tip pucks in front of the net.  From the farm system I’d bring up first rounder Colton Gillies, Cal Clutterbuck, Ryan Jones and give them an opportunity to make the team.

In addition to saying goodbye to Demitra, I’d jettison Eric Belanger (didn’t live up to expectations), Mark Parrish (even though he took a hometown discount to play in MN), Branko Radivojevic (torn ACL and is a UFA), Chris Simon (not sure why they even signed him), Matt Foy, and probably Voros.  One guy I’m undecided on is Stephane Veilleux.  In three full seasons with the Wild he hasn’t crossed the 20 point barrier.

On the defensive side, Brent Burns is the man.  If he continues to progress as he has this year and if the playoffs, I believe he’s a legit #1 defenseman.  I’d pair him with Nick Schultz and put the veteran Kim Johnsson with Kurtis Foster (assuming he recovers from the broken leg.  I’d give the less experienced Erik Reitz and Shawn Belle chances to make the big club in the 5th to 6th d-man roles.  As far as I’m concerned, it’s chopping block time for the aging Martin Skoula, Keith Carney, Sean Hill, and Petteri Nummelin.  The Wild would do themselves a huge favor by acquiring a physical style top 4 defensive talent in the open market (Brooks Orpik, Mike Commodore, Kurt Sauer).

In net I think it is status quo with Niklas Backstrom and Josh Harding.  They were a more than competent 1-2 punch during the season.  And even though Backstrom was outshined in the playoffs, I believe his play has earned him the right to give it another go next year.

There are my thoughts on the state of the Minnesota Wild.  Given, some of the guys that I think should go are under contract and will most likely be around next year, but GM Doug Riseborough needs to get creative and make this team a contender before Gabby gets too bored…

Pittsburgh GunnyMajor Leaguer

568 days ago

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I really liked the play of Mikko Koivu I think the Wild have a good one with him. Gaborik went missing against the Avs.

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False ProphetAll-Star

568 days ago

Score 1

Gaborik was being dominated by the avs. Good players survive the double team by having someone who is open to give the puck to. Gaborik didn't have that.

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Steel TownDraft Pick

568 days ago

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You always here "so and so was absent in the playoffs". The problem is that these are the best teams and they always have a shutdown man on the superstars. If a team doesn't have the depth to make up for that, then people like Gaborik become the goat.

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Tej8722JV Squad

568 days ago

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Gaborik skates a lot of the time with a guy who just crashes the net (Fedoruk) and a guy who only looks to feed him the puck (Demitra). D up on Gabby and it's done. He needs a centerman who can pose a threat on his own. His skill in undeniable - but he can only do so much without support. Maybe a Mikko/Gabby experiment next year, we'll see.

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CityhockeyfeverVarsity Captain

568 days ago

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Excellent evaluation of the Wild, Todd. I agree that Pavol Demitra's time is up in Minnesota. He had little to no impact on the team during their playoff series. The distractions during the season that denied he wanted a trade is another factor. While he clicked with Marian Gaborik during the 2006 Olympics, it didn't work out as well together with the Wild. Maybe it was Jacques' system, who knows.

The other players you mentioned who should move on also are on the money. Mark Parrish's game died at the end of the season. Eric Belanger failed to live up to expectations.

Minnesota needs to revamp their blueline corps while keeping their top three in Kurtis Foster, Nick Schultz and Kim Johnsson. Undoubtedly, Eric Reitz needs to be given a hard look. And, they'll have to go get at least two more, but maybe only one of them as a physical defenseman. Brent Burns can switch between forward and defenseman roles when needed, that's why I didn't mention him in the "top three". It's a given he's here to stay either way.

Gaborik will be the subject of trade talk until he signs that extension. Doug Risebrough needs to find another forward that is a quality playmaker and can score a decent amount of goals, but not necessarily above average. The bottom line is getting Gabby the puck.

I think Lemaire should return for one more year. If the Wild fail to make the playoffs or get past the first round a year from now, then it should be time to look for a new head coach. Lemaire's resume speaks volumes, but if he cannot get his team deep into the playoffs, there's no point in him staying behind the bench. Perhaps an assistant GM role or head scout job with the Wild could be considered if Lemaire ends his coaching duties if things don't work out next season.

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