Article: The Wild Gave Us More Reason To Believe In Them This Offseason

[Mikki Tuohy]

View full article

[Phather12]

You know, many people are pessimistic about next season (for good reason). But personally, I have a pretty good feeling about next year. Strictly just feeling, no analytics. Doesn't matter how bad this team is, I will always believe that they have a chance at the cup.

[Protec]

I no longer live in the Twin Cities but having grown up playing youth hockey, HS hockey, and living in MN for most of the Vikings greatest failures, watching the Wild develop from the Neagle ownership, and rolling with the coaster ride through the Fenton firing, I believe the "State of Hockey" badge needs to live up to that standard at an NHL level. That means a Stanley Cup. Until then, it's sort of cheap and gimmicky and applies to the Youth & HS programs and college hockey where success have indeed achieved elite status. To me that's what justifies putting the cart ahead of the horse a little bit. Sorry, that's just my take on the "State of Hockey" title. Kinda cynical but MN has been getting spanked when it really matters on a lot of stuff.

[Protec]

I think they got a lot good going but we gotta see it to believe it. Let's go Wild!

Let's keep the cart behind the horse boys.

[mnfaninnc]

Now to the constructive criticism side. "The State of Hockey" is more than a badge of honor or a neat little slogan, it is active an interactive. 

From every part of the production of the Wild, there should be innovation, and a leadership in the way they present this entertainment. Watching the Bally broadcast, it is based upon an old model that is at least a decade old. The game day music is typical, and there is not much innovation in the game day product. 

I expect something unique. Something no other market has, both in the arena and in the broadcast.  Instead, we essentially get a formula game in and game out. 

One other observation, especially at home, is that when the local choice says "Let's Play Hockey," this team needs to come out swinging, not have slow starts. They have a responsibility to show young kids how to always give your all, every shift. That's how you play the right way. The same thing goes with playing a complete game. 

It is nice having native MN players showing the way here. It's another good reason to bring some of these guys home, like K. Miller. It should also be a very difficult place for any opponent to play in. Even if they lose, the other team should be fairly beaten up, especially if they have a b2b the next night. 

The innovation goes to the front office too. They should have better analytics, and better ideas there too. This team should be leading all American franchises in this department. In the past, it has not. More is expected, and I hope GMBG can get this done. I believe he has hired some very good people when they become available.

[Dean]

The state of hockey needs a #1 center an a Stanley cup. 23 years of the state of hockey means nothing.  We haven’t done anything unlike Vegas . They got there center and their cup pretty quick. 

[M_Nels]

2 hours ago, mnfaninnc said:

From every part of the production of the Wild, there should be innovation, and a leadership in the way they present this entertainment. Watching the Bally broadcast, it is based upon an old model that is at least a decade old. The game day music is typical, and there is not much innovation in the game day product. 

 

Sorry don’t want to de-rail this thread too much. But speaking of Bally, are there any updates about broadcasts for next season? Are the Wild going to switch to a new network/broadcast partner?
 

Sorry, I’m in MO and have to watch on ESPN+ so I’m OOTL. 

[PiranhasOnIce]

2 hours ago, Dean said:

The state of hockey needs a #1 center an a Stanley cup. 23 years of the state of hockey means nothing.  We haven’t done anything unlike Vegas . They got there center and their cup pretty quick. 

Starting out fresh for expansion teams now is way different from what the Wild had.   Wild had choice of 3rd line talent, basically.  Possibly top 6 talent - at one point in their career- prior to coming to the Wild. 

[vonlonster67]

3 hours ago, Dean said:

The state of hockey needs a #1 center an a Stanley cup. 23 years of the state of hockey means nothing.  We haven’t done anything unlike Vegas . They got there center and their cup pretty quick. 

Dean, short and sweet resolve. Your right on the nail head. That and some experienced playoff coaching and I agree whole heartedly. You and BG know it. Soon, we will have that #1C, we're close 

[vonlonster67]

Mikki, great article and I feel your vibe. I have those same feelings and want to believe we are nearing the top of the mountain  (MN Snowbank 🤣)

Things I'm proud of to be a MN Wild hockey fan as you:

Team concept ✅️

Player retention ✅️

The X, after 20+ years ✅️

Future Prospects ✅️

Our Fans ✅️

AHL IA Wild 4hrs away ✅️

GM Billy G ✅️

MN Born players ✅️

KK and his Russian Crew DY & MK ✅️

State of Hockey ✅️

 

My Wants/Needs:

Playoff Coach 🙏🏻

1C 🙏🏻

Updated X 🙏🏻

GO WILD!!!!!

F DA MN CURSE!!!!

[Pewterschmidt]

16 hours ago, vonlonster67 said:

Updated X

This is the first I’ve heard about the X needing an update.  What’s the main thing that needs changing?

[mnfaninnc]

21 hours ago, M_Nels said:

Sorry don’t want to de-rail this thread too much. But speaking of Bally, are there any updates about broadcasts for next season? Are the Wild going to switch to a new network/broadcast partner?
 

Sorry, I’m in MO and have to watch on ESPN+ so I’m OOTL. 

I have to watch the same way. But it's the Bally broadcast I have to watch. I would anticipate that whatever local broadcast company picks it up, ESPN+ will still be our home. I can only hope that they go away from the currently obsolete Fox Sports formula template and come up with some actual creative and innovative pregame, postgame and intermission broadcasts. 

A good way to start is changing the name of the postgame away from "Wild Live." The music they use is the same as Bally Carolinas, the format is classic Fox, even Carolina has moved away from that a bit. And one thing they never do is updates on our prospects. I would think they'd want to spend a little time on Iowa and Heartlanders, and show some CHL highlights of our guys. It's such a waste of time, I'm usually just fast forwarding through that stuff and sticking with the game. Give me a reason to watch the stuff! Spend a little time with your cash cow and deliver something that isn't completely predictable. 

I suppose some of this stuff is covered in "Becoming Wild" something I haven't really watched, but you could certainly spend an intermission once a week on this.

[mnfaninnc]

1 hour ago, Pewterschmidt said:

This is the first I’ve heard about the X needing an update.  What’s the main thing that needs changing?

I think every arena probably could use a facelift from time to time, but I'd be highly against a rebuild. I go so rarely to any stadium/arena any more that I'm not even sure what is being offered.....though the food choices could always upgrade!!!

[Up North Guy]

21 hours ago, M_Nels said:

Sorry don’t want to de-rail this thread too much. But speaking of Bally, are there any updates about broadcasts for next season? Are the Wild going to switch to a new network/broadcast partner?

It has been really quiet regarding the Wild/Bally relationship. All the noise seems to be about the Twins and MLB right now. I suspect that as we get closer to training camp there will be a good deal more communiques from both sides. I think Bally is playing it close to the vest as the bankruptcy proceeds through the system.

[Up North Guy]

16 minutes ago, mnfaninnc said:

I think every arena probably could use a facelift from time to time, but I'd be highly against a rebuild. I go so rarely to any stadium/arena any more that I'm not even sure what is being offered.....though the food choices could always upgrade!!!

The arena is still a very good arena. There has been a good deal of talk about additions and refresh. More will surely come. I have a feeling that the Wild are waiting a little bit to see how the Gophers redo of Mariucci goes.

[mnfaninnc]

3 minutes ago, Up North Guy said:

The arena is still a very good arena. There has been a good deal of talk about additions and refresh. More will surely come. I have a feeling that the Wild are waiting a little bit to see how the Gophers redo of Mariucci goes.

Maybe the best question is: What's missing at the X? I think of this both in what you can get at other arenas, and, local flavor. I would have to believe that some of the local stuff could be accomplished in the surrounding area. My biggest complaint always involves parking 😎

[vonlonster67]

1 hour ago, Pewterschmidt said:

This is the first I’ve heard about the X needing an update.  What’s the main thing that needs changing?

Technology, player and fan accommodations. Don't get me wrong, I believe we have a palace, but we could improve. I'm not talking about major modifications, just updates.

You may call it the Vegas effect with the gameday technology and ability for fans to interact with their social media accounts and the game day atmosphere.

I'm not looking to be like Vegas as I think it is for their presentation and their footprint. Not looking to copy it. I want our own, you saw some of it in the playoffs with the ice show. Craig is not afraid to make ours the best and take care of the fans.

[vonlonster67]

31 minutes ago, mnfaninnc said:

I have to watch the same way. But it's the Bally broadcast I have to watch. I would anticipate that whatever local broadcast company picks it up, ESPN+ will still be our home. I can only hope that they go away from the currently obsolete Fox Sports formula template and come up with some actual creative and innovative pregame, postgame and intermission broadcasts. 

A good way to start is changing the name of the postgame away from "Wild Live." The music they use is the same as Bally Carolinas, the format is classic Fox, even Carolina has moved away from that a bit. And one thing they never do is updates on our prospects. I would think they'd want to spend a little time on Iowa and Heartlanders, and show some CHL highlights of our guys. It's such a waste of time, I'm usually just fast forwarding through that stuff and sticking with the game. Give me a reason to watch the stuff! Spend a little time with your cash cow and deliver something that isn't completely predictable. 

I suppose some of this stuff is covered in "Becoming Wild" something I haven't really watched, but you could certainly spend an intermission once a week on this.

I don't know about anyone else, but ESPN+ is gonna be short lived if it stay their with the lack of quality broadcast teams. I love the local flavor and broadcast teams.

If I have to listen to Leah Hextall as a play-by-play commentator for NHL coverage, I'm gonna pass and listen to the radio while watching on TV.

As far as watching the IA WIld you can buy a cheap package to watch them with the AHL, which I have the past two years. Gonna be fun the next two years. The CHL is more of an investment if you want to watch our prospect in Canada. Russia and Europe, same thing.

[Will D. Ness]

My main problem with ESPN+ is the absurdity of the blackout policy.  

I understand if ESPN+ was is direct competition with local cable, but it isn't... it is a negotiating chip that local companies retain... which ultimately undermines access to fans willing to pay for a product via streaming.

Basically it undermines the market itself, and specifically a younger market.

[Mateo3xm]

On 7/22/2023 at 9:35 AM, Protec said:

I no longer live in the Twin Cities but having grown up playing youth hockey, HS hockey, and living in MN for most of the Vikings greatest failures, watching the Wild develop from the Neagle ownership, and rolling with the coaster ride through the Fenton firing, I believe the "State of Hockey" badge needs to live up to that standard at an NHL level. That means a Stanley Cup. Until then, it's sort of cheap and gimmicky and applies to the Youth & HS programs and college hockey where success have indeed achieved elite status. To me that's what justifies putting the cart ahead of the horse a little bit. Sorry, that's just my take on the "State of Hockey" title. Kinda cynical but MN has been getting spanked when it really matters on a lot of stuff.

I agree with this

 

That’s why it’s so hard to be as optimistic as most are on here. I feel like a lot of the fans are being fooled.

The Goal should always be to win a Stanley Cup, not to simply put a good team out that isn’t good enough to win anything.

That seems to be the model of the Mn Wild.

 

If you look at what other Stanley Cup teams have done with their Players, Staff, Scouting, Drafting etc. and the model they use to rebuild once their window has passed, I don’t see any of that in common with the Wild.

 

The State of Hockey should have a Stanley Cup and I don’t see it happening anytime soon unless something drastically changes.

 

 

If you’re cool with just watching a competitive team year after year then you’ll be happy but I have much higher hopes for a team that Ive invested so much time and money into.

 

“Minnesota producing the largest amount of American-born National Hockey League talent has long been part of the lore of Minnesota hockey. Minnesota has produced nearly 60 more NHL players than the next closest state, Massachusetts, and nearly 100 more than the third place state of Michigan.”

 

 

 

[Imyourhuckleberry]

Interestingly, the lines I came up with the other day(July 15th, as an alternative to Judd Zulgad) now sound like the lines the Wild are planning on using going into camp.

Joe Smith, senior writer for The Athletic covering the Minnesota Wild and the National Hockey League. In a recent article(July 16th, but that I just read for the first time) he made it seem like the lines were practically a foregone conclusion(below is his line chart):

 

LW	C	RW
Kirill Kaprizov ($9M)	Ryan Hartman ($1.7M)	Mats Zuccarello ($6M)
Marcus Johansson ($2M)	Joel Eriksson Ek ($5.25M)	Matt Boldy ($7M)
Marcus Foligno ($3.1M)	Marco Rossi ($863+K)	Freddy Gaudreau ($2.1M)
Pat Maroon ($800K)	Connor Dewar ($800K)	Brandon Duhaime ($1.1M)

 

Middleton-Spurgeon

Brodin-Faber

The line he had the least conviction on was the 3rd D pairing. I suspect it would be Merrill and Addison to start the season again, but that depends on Addison's offseason. Joe Smith made it sound like he's working hard.

[Protec]

I think the Wild will be pretty good again. If they get in the playoffs, there’s a chance. The team really needs a couple guys to have huge years. Young guys need to take it to the next level.

[mnfaninnc]

10 hours ago, Mateo3xm said:

That’s why it’s so hard to be as optimistic as most are on here. I feel like a lot of the fans are being fooled.

The Goal should always be to win a Stanley Cup, not to simply put a good team out that isn’t good enough to win anything.

That seems to be the model of the Mn Wild.

 

If you look at what other Stanley Cup teams have done with their Players, Staff, Scouting, Drafting etc. and the model they use to rebuild once their window has passed, I don’t see any of that in common with the Wild.

I think we all want this Mateo, but we decided to do it differently. And, we had an opportunity to do it differently. Since it is very important for OCL to be invited to the playoffs, Shooter had to try and field a competitive team, which he promised. 

However, the cards have fallen somewhat lucky for the Wild. While most do exactly what you suggest, at the end they sell off anything they can and get draft capital for 3 years, wait for everyone to develop and then they are good again. Those 3 years include top 10 (maybe higher) picks to build a core around. But, we already had some good young players picked when he came in. 

Boldy was developing and Kaprizov was just starting. You can build around those 2 guys on offense. Ek was a very good center. Our defensive corps was definitely above average and pretty deep, with some youth. So, we weren't starting from ground zero. 

In Shooter's 1st year, he had to deal with the pandemic. Judd fell directly into his lap. Draft picks in the following 3-4 years would be more of a crap shoot. The Ukraine-Russian war started which discounted all Russian players, where it looks like we got a star. Lambos, a potential top 10 pick in D-1 just had a terrible year with the shutdown. The Wall was passed over because??? It wasn't without it's hiccups, too, as Rossi was directly affected by the pandemic. We got Peart, Petrovsky, Spacek all, what I believe were below their value. 

But, even though we've got a current team that can make the playoffs and then bows out, we continue to develop these guys to make them better. If we had tanked, we would still have to wait. We've been waiting since Fenton tore down the 2010 draft year players. We are closer to a cup run than most realize. Now, we plugged the weakness up the middle in the prospect pool. 

Buyouts have forced us to look for value oriented contracts, and we're almost out of that tunnel. When our young guys are ready to role, we'll have money to sign a couple of very, very good players out of free agency or via trade. Now, how did some of the other franchises end up who planned the other way? 

Buffalo, tanked, rebuilt, and reset. Ottawa is still not ready and nobody wants to stay there. NJ finally took a step last season. Florida after years finally took the step 2 seasons ago. Detroit is still spinning it's wheels and is probably similar to our trajectory. Chicago is a dumpster fire. Arizona seems like it reset its rebuild twice already. 

What we've gotten to watch as a product has been a competitive team while the real team being built is still developing. That is not something to sneeze at or snub. Sure, they might not be good enough to move on, but a few younger players are getting valuable playoff experience and learning how much tougher it is to play in that season. Simply put, it's barbaric. 

Shooter has done nothing more than buy himself time for the rebuild. He can marinate his draft picks just a little longer so that they can come in and be successful. We should be thankful for that. The saying "Rome wasn't built in a day" applies here, and it has had some very careful planning. Be patient.