Article: Is Connor Dewar Getting Lost in the Shuffle?

[Luke Sims]

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[Imyourhuckleberry]

Dewar had some phenomenal setups last year, but wasn't always rewarded with points due to missed shots. His defensive prowess is incredibly valuable.

He may remain an important part of the 4th line for a large portion of his career, but still has some development ahead, so you never know. His faceoff percentage on the PK was pretty terrible, but he's often facing the best in the league in those situations. Hopefully he'll get stronger at the faceoff dot.

[Protec]

I think Guerin and Evason have a pecking order they're looking at. Guys like Beckman or Walker could be required in IA for this season. Yeah, they might be close to ready but as young guys and newer pros, it's not a bad thing to be a very good AHL club with good talent. 

Guerin has Fleury and a bunch of other vets in contract years. Yes, the cap is tight but is it good overall to burden NHL vets with rookies or put undue pressure on those young players?

To me it looks like Guerin is setting  up a battle and whoever wins the roles will be obligated to keep it or else there's a hungry player there looking to take that spot. IA's new coach will have a good team to work with and the winning culture there can grow. 

Dewar, I think he's gonna be a valuable bottom six guy and the Wild's depth will be good. Like in years past when Bjugstad or Steel come out of the lineup, another good option is there. All these players are similar AAV so the Wild has great flexibility. If a trade develops, MN will have guys they can unload. We have no clue what happens with Shaw either.

Dewar is a guy who could have a breakout season and really boost the Wild. He can become another Swiss Army knife guy. This year should be one that he can shed the rookie moniker and make a greater impact. I think the dues he's paid for the Wild will not go unnoticed.  

[Pewterschmidt]

I predict that when this season is over Dewzy will have more top 6 C TOI than any of the other spare parts that will try to fill the role over course of season (remember Stache Steel?).  List of spare parts includes: grizzle, fred, Marco Polo, and new guy from CHI. 
prediction: Dewzy gets the 4th audition as 1C due to injury/ Hartman, not-quite-there-yet/Rossi, Rask disease/fred.  Dewzy gets a couple games and 97 feasts on all the loose pucks Dewzy creates.  And our 1C problems are solved for couple years.  

Edited September 21, 2023 by Pewterschmidt

[Imyourhuckleberry]

42 minutes ago, Protec said:

Dewar is a guy who could have a breakout season and really boost the Wild. He can become another Swiss Army knife guy. This year should be one that he can shed the rookie moniker and make a greater impact. I think the dues he's paid for the Wild will not go unnoticed.  

Maroon has more scoring ability than Reaves for Dewar to add some points.

If they can generate 30+ total goals from those 4th line guys that have limited even strength and PP minutes, along with excellent shut down defense, it could really help the Wild.

I know they had at least 27 goals from "4th line guys" last year(Dewar, Shaw, Duhaime, Reaves), so it's not completely far fetched to get 30.

I know Duhaime likely had some of his playing up a line, but I still think Dewar and Maroon could help that line reach 30+ goals(including short-handed goals). Hmmm, just saw that Duhaime only had Dewar share points on 2 of his 10 total points last season, one being a short-handed goal.

Gaudreau, who many seem to be associating with a "checking line", actually had the 1st assist on 4 of the 7 goals Duhaime scored that were not assisted by Dewar. And since this hasn't been sitting right with me, Gaudreau led the league in shootout goals, along with recording 19 goals in regulation, but people still call his line a checking line just because Foligno is on it?

Gaudreau has become versatile enough to play checking line or scoring line minutes, and help on the PK. Seems like the 3rd player could influence what type of line that 3rd line is, and I'm hopeful that Rossi can help make it a scoring line.

The 4th line is a checking line for the Wild, and they want scoring from all 4 lines.

[Protec]

2 hours ago, Imyourhuckleberry said:

Maroon has more scoring ability than Reaves for Dewar to add some points.

If they can generate 30+ total goals from those 4th line guys that have limited even strength and PP minutes, along with excellent shut down defense, it could really help the Wild.

I know they had at least 27 goals from "4th line guys" last year(Dewar, Shaw, Duhaime, Reaves), so it's not completely far fetched to get 30.

I know Duhaime likely had some of his playing up a line, but I still think Dewar and Maroon could help that line reach 30+ goals(including short-handed goals). Hmmm, just saw that Duhaime only had Dewar share points on 2 of his 10 total points last season, one being a short-handed goal.

Gaudreau, who many seem to be associating with a "checking line", actually had the 1st assist on 4 of the 7 goals Duhaime scored that were not assisted by Dewar. And since this hasn't been sitting right with me, Gaudreau led the league in shootout goals, along with recording 19 goals in regulation, but people still call his line a checking line just because Foligno is on it?

Gaudreau has become versatile enough to play checking line or scoring line minutes, and help on the PK. Seems like the 3rd player could influence what type of line that 3rd line is, and I'm hopeful that Rossi can help make it a scoring line.

The 4th line is a checking line for the Wild, and they want scoring from all 4 lines.

Some good points especiallyon Fred who earned the longer deal for sure. The Wild have a couple big weapons but look like a team that is gonna rely on the foot-soldiers to collectively chip in. They've got good experience. I like the roster construction. 

[MNCountryLife]

I thought Dewar gradually improved throughout the last 2 years.  I'm looking forward to seeing him take his game to the next level.  Dewar is positionally sound which contributes to his solid D and his aggressive style should continue to serve him well.  He should earn more minutes this year and I expect his offensive production to be better.  He is one of the players I am really looking forward to watching.  He has the potential to turn our depth at C into a strength... and I think he will be a pleasant surprise to the team this year.

[vonlonster67]

We may be missing on key component to complement Dewar on the fourth line and penalty kill. Shawsy! Those two work so well together I believe Dewar is gonna miss that element of his game in more ways than one.

He is a swiss army knife and I trust he will adapt, but it will be a transition he is up for. I'm excited to see the line play together with Maroon.

[Outskated]

"That means Dewar is just barely better than the average player. "

That is the key line from the article.  It means don't expect much of anything special from Dewar.  He's a nice complimentary 4th line player, nothing more.   He could be easily replaced if we had some money.

[MNCountryLife]

1 hour ago, Outskated said:

"That means Dewar is just barely better than the average player. "

That is the key line from the article.  It means don't expect much of anything special from Dewar.  He's a nice complimentary 4th line player, nothing more.   He could be easily replaced if we had some money.

Ouch.  That was pretty rough.  I guess I view that as a positive for the Wild.  They have a 24 year old that is improving and he is already playing slightly better than the average NHLer.... If he keeps improving he could be much better than the average NHLer.... and we are paying him 4th line salary for now.  Sounds like a win for the Wild and a tough player to replace with the cap situation we have.

[vonlonster67]

20 minutes ago, MNCountryLife said:

Ouch.  That was pretty rough.  I guess I view that as a positive for the Wild.  They have a 24 year old that is improving and he is already playing slightly better than the average NHLer.... If he keeps improving he could be much better than the average NHLer.... and we are paying him 4th line salary for now.  Sounds like a win for the Wild and a tough player to replace with the cap situation we have.

I like Dewey2 also MNCL, but at 24 on average he's probably topped his level and any improvement from here will be minor. I'm not looking to replace him yet. There's a small chance he could hit on scoring, but it may be too late with all the talent we have coming up.

[MNCountryLife]

4 minutes ago, vonlonster67 said:

but at 24 on average he's probably topped his level and any improvement from here will be minor

I don't know the stats on player development and when players typically cap out on improving.  Ek has sure gotten better every year and he is 26.  I thought Fiala had a lot of weak points in his game but his game exploded between 23 and 25.  I'm not saying Dewar will do the same.  Every player diminishes at a certain age as well.  Who knows what is in store for Dewar.  My opinion of him over the last 2 years is that he has shown improvement and the potential is there.  However you slice it , Dewar is at a good price point for his return right now.  We should be happy to have him and hope for the best.

[Will D. Ness]

I saw some flashes in Dewars game last season that indicated to me that there is potential there.  I'm not just talking about the PK shorties either.  I think he could turn into more than plug and play 4C.

[mnfaninnc]

Dewar's got more offensive ability than he gets credit for, or results. But, what I really like about Dewar is he's a small guy who plays big. He's not afraid to mix it up if need be. He puts in a full effort and hustles. 

I wouldn't be too worried about his PK. Dewar and Shaw were magic, but the Deweys together on the PK weren't bad either. 

If there are injuries, one would have to believe that Dewar gets elevated in the lineup and Khiara or Lettieri get lower roles. I think if he gets to play up in the lineup, he will shine. To me, he kind of reminds me of Haula when he was ready to be elevated. Their games aren't quite the same, but the effectiveness is.

[Pewterschmidt]

2 hours ago, vonlonster67 said:

I like Dewey2 also MNCL, but at 24 on average he's probably topped his level and any improvement from here will be minor. I'm not looking to replace him yet. There's a small chance he could hit on scoring, but it may be too late with all the talent we have coming up.

Hartman and Fred are just a couple of players that figured it out after 25 and are contributing top 9 NHL'rs

[vonlonster67]

12 minutes ago, Pewterschmidt said:

Hartman and Fred are just a couple of players that figured it out after 25 and are contributing top 9 NHL'rs

BUT, with our talent influx, our pickens will be more talented.

[Pewterschmidt]

3 hours ago, vonlonster67 said:

BUT, with our talent influx, our pickens will be more talented.

Hope springs eternal.  What's the short list of the can't miss talent influx.  Just top 3-5 excluding Wallstedt

[vonlonster67]

1 minute ago, Pewterschmidt said:

Hope springs eternal.  What's the short list of the can't miss talent influx.  Just top 3-5 excluding Wallstedt

To replace Dewar as a fourth line center, can't miss, Bankier, Haight, Heidt, Stramel, Rieger...in order of availability and not ranked

[Pewterschmidt]

2 hours ago, vonlonster67 said:

To replace Dewar as a fourth line center, can't miss, Bankier, Haight, Heidt, Stramel, Rieger...in order of availability and not ranked

You went even more hopeful than i was expecting.  I'll see your list and raise you a bunch of 1st rounders:

Benoit "balls" Pouliot (4th overall), Shepard (9th overall), Colton Gillies (16th overall), Tyler "it's not a" Cuma (23rd overall), Zack "captain" Phillips (28th overall)

[vonlonster67]

2 minutes ago, Pewterschmidt said:

You went even more hopeful than i was expecting.  I'll see your list and raise you a bunch of 1st rounders:

Benoit "balls" Pouliot (4th overall), Shepard (9th overall), Colton Gillies (16th overall), Tyler "it's not a" Cuma (23rd overall), Zack "captain" Phillips (28th overall)

Not following these 1st round Wild busts based on what I gave you from our prospects.

[Pewterschmidt]

7 minutes ago, vonlonster67 said:

Not following these 1st round Wild busts based on what I gave you from our prospects.

Since most on your list were mostly 2nds and  a 3rd here's a who's who from previous Wild 2nd round picks:

Ondreij Fiala, Voloshenko, Patrick O'sullivan, Firstov, 6'6" Greenway, Gustav Oloson, Bussieres, Mario "the Don" Lucia, Brett "the Bull" Bulmer

Not many household names on that list either.

[vonlonster67]

3 minutes ago, Pewterschmidt said:

Since most on your list were mostly 2nds and  a 3rd here's a who's who from previous Wild 2nd round picks:

Ondreij Fiala, Voloshenko, Patrick O'sullivan, Firstov, 6'6" Greenway, Gustav Oloson, Bussieres, Mario "the Don" Lucia, Brett "the Bull" Bulmer

Not many household names on that list either.

• Bankier  2021 (3rd) (#86)
• Haight 2022 (2nd) (#47)
• Heidt 2023 (1st) (#64)
• Stramel 2023 (1st)  (#21)
• Rieger 2022 (2nd) (#56)

So these examples are not busts, they are proven, ranked prospects that will impact the Wild soon....look them up!

[Pewterschmidt]

29 minutes ago, vonlonster67 said:

• Bankier  2021 (3rd) (#86)
• Haight 2022 (2nd) (#47)
• Heidt 2023 (1st) (#64)
• Stramel 2023 (1st)  (#21)
• Rieger 2022 (2nd) (#56)

So these examples are not busts, they are proven, ranked prospects that will impact the Wild soon....look them up!

Disclaimer: I'm not trolling

Hopeful optimism is a good thing, that everyone enjoys.

Optimistic certainty that defies historical precedence is delusion.

I get that this is a fan page, and I'm a fan, but sprinkle a pinch of pragmatism before serving

[vonlonster67]

1 minute ago, Pewterschmidt said:

Disclaimer: I'm not trolling

Hopeful optimism is a good thing, that everyone enjoys.

Optimistic certainty that defies historical precedence is delusion.

I get that this is a fan page, and I'm a fan, but sprinkle a pinch of pragmatism before serving

That's deep