Article: Defense Might Not Be Minnesota Wild's Biggest Draft Need

[Protec]

7 minutes ago, NC Beach Bum said:

Tampa reportedly not resigning  Dumba....anybody think he would work as long as price is right? More immediate help than a draft pick if the guys in Iowa aren't ready.

Good thought, but we need NOT hang onto old memories of glory days. He got burned regularly against FL playing for Tampa. I like Dumba but the Wild have turned the page, I hope. Don't continue to get bogged down with the wrong players. They need to start getting everything right. There's no more room in my opinion for vets who have some grit and experience. You need to get that from your production guys like the current playoff teams have.

 

[Citizen Strife]

Dumba is done.  Leave the memories alone.

[Protec]

4 hours ago, mnfaninnc said:

There's a lot of talk about just taking the BPA at 13. I'm not rooting for that at all. I'm looking at taking the best player for the organization, and using assets to move up if need be. 

We can afford to be picky, and if it takes our 2nd to move up into the top 10, to get a guy, then let's do it. Honestly, I think moving Rossi would be a mistake this year unless you're getting someone who absolutely makes the team better statistically and culturally. It would have to move the needle a lot to part with him. 

But, what I want to see is how he comes to training camp. Did he have another big offseason? If so, maybe he's a keeper? Maybe, just maybe, he's got enough Marchand in him (not with the licking) to have a nice career. 

I'd also be willing to part with 13 if that helps us get a really good NOW player. A guy like Necas, for example would be worth packaging 13 for. Guys like McTavish and Tkachuk would be well worth the investment. 

My take on this thinking is that you reach too far. It's high-risk, high-reward yeah but if you force something or gamble and lose that's a death-sentence.

I think the draft is where you first need to have the scouting reports and analysis to determine who's the best NHL players to be. Then work within that frame to regularly add those guys. If they're a forward or defenseman shouldn't really matter. Maintain a clear separation between your current team and how you're managing it and the players being picked. The talent imbalance can be corrected later and certain NHL players can be found inexpensively. Therefore, the draft should focus on getting the best players from the most accurate evaluations. If you did that, you can always trade or get UFAs to fill holes and the likelihood of going Phil Johannsson, or taking a defenseman cause you need one and ending up with a second or third pair guy, you'd say "in retrospect taking a scoring forward who is now in the NHL woulda been better use of the pick."

If MN could move up to the 4th or 5th spot maybe but that defenseman isn't coming in to dominate men. There's a waiting which has just cost you some big assets. My point is, if you're at 4th take Dickinson or Levshunov or Silayev. If you're not, don't try too hard to take big risks on something that is potentially years away. Just get the best guy. If you can get size or something special like a RD, a tendy, or a center while you're at it, even better.

The UFA market right now is another reason not to make mistakes. The Wild could totally kill two birds with one stone right now if they can sign a couple good players. Let's just say they got Joshua, and Roy. That's an upgrade in two areas giving up nothing. I think the assets should be traded for NHL guys ahead of futures or prospects unless there's minimal risk. 

[Pewterschmidt]

5 minutes ago, Citizen Strife said:

Dumba is done.  Leave the memories alone.

Alex Goligoski 2.0

[B1GKappa97]

If Yakemchuk falls to #13 you take him. He is a Matt Dumba clone who would terrorize teams from the blueline on the PP. For that reason, I have my doubts he'll even be available. 

From what I can tell from all the mock drafts/prospect rankings I've seen over the last several months I don't think we're likely to have to pick between a defenseman or top-6 forward. I think most of the defensemen ranked at the top of this draft will be gone by the time we select at #13. Outside chance that Silyayev is still available just because of the Russia factor. 

Most likely I think they'll have to pick between a guy like Greentree or Konsta Helenius. Helenius is the safer pick and would be a great Ek-lite in the future while Greentree is the bigger bodied forward.

I'm hoping against hope that somehow Cole Eiserman falls to #13 for us though. We could really use another sniper in the top-6. 

[Protec]

Getting a defenseman this year is in the 2nd round should be fine. Some good ones will be available. Unless it works out that one of the top guys is still there at 13th, don't overthink it trying to add defense.

MN got Chisholm off waivers so don't use a 1st to get something you could get for free & cheap. Make sure it's a smart pick. Not boom or bust type stuff.

Chisholm has already proven he can put up 25pts over an 82 game season. Get the kid a better partner to balance MN's defense and get him the required 65-75lbs of muscle to satisfy mnfaninnc and we're talking about a better d-group for October.

Use the draft wisely, do not wager 13th on a possible Norwegian-nothingburger. A Greentree-gamble sounds a lot better to me cause we don't have to guess whether or not he's capable in a North American game. Hardest worker, nice shot, and range. team leader, has size. Sounds like what the Wild need on the wing and so much safer, sooner to pay-off.

[TM6975]

Im hoping they learn from their Stramel mistake and just take BPA. If one of the stud Ds falls you gotta jump on it because Spurgeon is getting old. Imagine an offensive defenseman next to Faber. That would be a solid D pairing for the next 8 yrs. Furthermore, Middleton might not be extended. But if BPA is a scorer, you gotta jump because they need more than 2 scorers.

[Up North Guy]

12 hours ago, Pewterschmidt said:

What’s the probability Gus is with team to start season?  Less than 20%.  I’m ok with this
 

what’s probability Rossi is with team?  Less than 40%.   I’m not ok with this and depending on the return this may be last straw for Guerin & Co

I just feel like it is better than 50-50 that both are with the Wild next year.

[WheelSnipeCelly]

Wasn't sure where to post this, but some exciting Minnesota hockey news tonight: Minnesota won the first PWHL Walter Cup! Pretty damn amazing for the State of Hockey!

[mnfaninnc]

22 hours ago, Citizen Strife said:

Picking for need should only be when you are absolutely gutted in future need.  Last year, they didn't know Rossi was a 20-goal scoring rookie.  They hedged their bets on 3 centers.

This is why I liked the Rick Spielman matrix. Let's say we need the 6'3" RHS defenseman with a cannon of a shot. Who are the guys who fit that description? Maybe there's a guy you like but is listed as #8 on your draft board. You're at 13. If you're that convinced that he solves an organizational drought of that type of player, you've got to go get him. And, if you have to go get him, you will overpay on paper to do so. 

But, if he is everything you are convinced of, it will be worth it to get that player. Spielman was able to match up talent with position need/importance in his matrix so that if there was a tie, the position need would be the tiebreaker. 

In many cases, the matrix worked. In many other cases, it didn't. Was it the matrix, or just a poor judgment on the prospect? Probably the latter. 

We're at the point now where BPA isn't necessarily the way to go. We could do that when we were restocking the cupboards because there wasn't much there. But now that they are restocked, and our rebuild/retool/reload is just development, we have the luxury of being able to be very picky and start to target the guy we really want. 

Sure, we could just wait for what falls at 13, but to really put a stamp on the franchise, moving up or down is precisely what we need to be aggressive with. There might be guys rated lower that fills our organizational needs better than the ones around 13. However, in this draft, I'm believing that moving up and targeting a specific guy is the way to go. 

[mnfaninnc]

18 hours ago, NC Beach Bum said:

Tampa reportedly not resigning  Dumba....anybody think he would work as long as price is right? More immediate help than a draft pick if the guys in Iowa aren't ready.

I think Dumba is toast and we should stay away. He can't shoot anymore and once his offensive game imploded due to injury, he was essentially not very useful going forward. If it were me, I'd wait a long time before signing him to a vet minimum deal. 

Keep in mind, while he was here, I was one of Dumba's biggest supporters. That last injury where he tried to implode a heavyweight and blew out his right shoulder was the end of him. 

[mnfaninnc]

17 hours ago, Protec said:

I think the draft is where you first need to have the scouting reports and analysis to determine who's the best NHL players to be. Then work within that frame to regularly add those guys. If they're a forward or defenseman shouldn't really matter. Maintain a clear separation between your current team and how you're managing it and the players being picked.

Isn't this precisely what I'm saying? Scouting reports and analysis is the key to identifying which players you really want and which ones fit your system/culture. 

I think where we differ on this is the willingness to go get the ones you're convinced are difference makers for your franchise vs. waiting for one to drop to you. Trading from your strengths then helps you obtain a guy that fits and you don't currently have in your system. 

Of course, if you're moving up into the top 10, the wait is not nearly as long. I think we showed good patience waiting in previous drafts, and the look on Yurov's face when he got drafted was a look like 20 something teams were going to pay for not taking him. But now that we've got our guys, let's go find difference makers.

You're also right about filling in UFAs. That can certainly upgrade the troops. I would say the one place we need to fill is in the area of compete level. I watched a team last season that seemed allergic to hustle. Especially at home, I want to see them working hard!

[Protec]

I hope the Wild optimize 13th, sign UFAs, and execute a better plan to beat Central teams next season. Don't get cute...

[Citizen Strife]

I've been hearing about a name recently that has shown up in almost no mocks at all, and yet Pronman has us picking him at #13 over Iginla and Helenius: Stian Solberg.  LHD, 6'2 200, and just hits people...a lot.  Kinda weird he wouldn't be on anyone's radar until now.  Did he just balls out in the tournament, or is this just hype machine being hype again?

Not sure what he's been seeing if no one else is.

Edited May 30 by Citizen Strife

[Will D. Ness]

1 hour ago, mnfaninnc said:

We're at the point now where BPA isn't necessarily the way to go. We could do that when we were restocking the cupboards because there wasn't much there. But now that they are restocked, and our rebuild/retool/reload is just development, we have the luxury of being able to be very picky and start to target the guy we really want. 

Sure, we could just wait for what falls at 13, but to really put a stamp on the franchise, moving up or down is precisely what we need to be aggressive with. There might be guys rated lower that fills our organizational needs better than the ones around 13. However, in this draft, I'm believing that moving up and targeting a specific guy is the way to go. 

How much does it cost to move up into the top 10?  I'm guessing at least a 2nd and that is only if there is someone willing to move down.

Perfect scenario aside, we pick BPA and use this asset to help bring in a proven veteran to help contribute in 25-26 to directly address the need you are talking about.

[Protec]

4 minutes ago, Citizen Strife said:

I've been hearing about a name recently that has shown up in almost no mocks at all: Stian Stolberg.  LHD, 6'2 200, and just hits people...a lot.  Kinda weird he wouldn't be on anyone's radar until now.  Did he just balls out in the tournament, or is this just hype machine being hype again?

If MN could get an early 2nd, that's where I think that Norwegian will go. I've said it already, I hate to see MN trade assets for future hopes of prospect progression. Get prospects, trade ones you've watched for a couple years to get NHL guys.

[Willy the poor boy]

50 minutes ago, Citizen Strife said:

I've been hearing about a name recently that has shown up in almost no mocks at all, and yet Pronman has us picking him at #13 over Iginla and Helenius: Stian Solberg.  LHD, 6'2 200, and just hits people...a lot.  Kinda weird he wouldn't be on anyone's radar until now.  Did he just balls out in the tournament, or is this just hype machine being hype again?

Not sure what he's been seeing if no one else is.

Well, it's not as if we haven't seen the Wild go off the board before. Let's hope it doesn't happen again here.

[B1GKappa97]

On 5/30/2024 at 10:36 AM, Citizen Strife said:

I've been hearing about a name recently that has shown up in almost no mocks at all, and yet Pronman has us picking him at #13 over Iginla and Helenius: Stian Solberg.  LHD, 6'2 200, and just hits people...a lot.  Kinda weird he wouldn't be on anyone's radar until now.  Did he just balls out in the tournament, or is this just hype machine being hype again?

Not sure what he's been seeing if no one else is.

Yes, late riser due to his performance in Worlds. I sincerely hope we don't take him at #13 over those forwards. 

From what I've read he's more of a 2nd/3rd round prospect who could maybe sneak into the 1st. Definitely not a dude you'd take at #13 overall though.. He sounds alot like a Jake Middleton to me. Defensive defenseman with size and grit but not much offensive skill. 

Edited May 31 by B1GKappa97

[mnfaninnc]

On 5/30/2024 at 11:38 AM, Will D. Ness said:

How much does it cost to move up into the top 10?  I'm guessing at least a 2nd and that is only if there is someone willing to move down.

Probably, but if you've got a guy you truly love sitting up there, go get him. I'm not advocating trading up to trade up, there's got to be a guy you're going after to make the deal. After all the analysis has been done on each player, and you've rated a guy who's both an excellent player fitting your system and a great culture guy, that's who you want. Maybe there's 3 guys in there that fit that criteria. 

[Quebec1648]

The Wild need a lot of things, so just draft the best player available. They also need a new assistant coach, now that Darby is gone.

[gagu]

On 5/30/2024 at 11:36 AM, Citizen Strife said:

I've been hearing about a name recently that has shown up in almost no mocks at all, and yet Pronman has us picking him at #13 over Iginla and Helenius: Stian Solberg.  LHD, 6'2 200, and just hits people...a lot.  Kinda weird he wouldn't be on anyone's radar until now.  Did he just balls out in the tournament, or is this just hype machine being hype again?

Not sure what he's been seeing if no one else is.

Solberg´s highlight videos are exciting but can be deceiving. I watched his full-shift videos vs Switzerland at the Worlds and in one of his Norwegian League games. No highlights in those two games other than a number of punishing hits. He was burned twice versus rushes, which resulted in free chances at the goalie, one for a goal. He lost his stick four times, though the last one drew a penalty. 

That said, he is a force in the defensive end. Very strong and aggressive along the boards. A LHD, but he did play on both sides and was a regular on all three units. 

It makes sense that he is generally rated as a 2nd rounder and I´d be happy to see the Wild grab him there. B1GKappa97 compared Solberg to Middleton. I concur. 

[Mateo3xm]

“But as for Sam Dickinson, Zayne Parekh, Zeev Buium, and Carter Yakemchuk? Now we're talking real possibilities for Minnesota to find a top-tier defense prospect.”

I would be absolutely ecstatic if one of those players fell to us but I don’t see it happening. You never know though. The draft almost never ends up the way ppl think.

[Mateo3xm]

I’ve posted this before but there are some very big and talented dmen in this years draft. I made a list of some that are projected to go from the late first round to the 4th approximately. I’d like to get one of these players with our 2nd, 3rd or 4th round pick.

All are 6ft 2in-6ft 6in

 

Charlie Elick RHD

Projected at pick 22-49

RHD 6’3, 198lbs (one of best skaters in draft, very physical, not a lot of offensive but good D)https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/597844/charlie-elick

 

 

Adam Kleber, RHD 

Projected at picks 34-93

6ft 5in, 209lbs (Not a lot of offense but good defense, skating needs work)

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/597574/adam-kleber

 

 

Dominik Badinka RHD 

Projected at picks 23-48

6ft 3, 190lbs (solid/average in every area good blend of offense and defense) https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/727927/dominik-badinka

 

 

Adam Jiricek RHD

Projected at picks 12-30

6ft 2in to 6ft 3in 168lbs (very good defensively, very physical and punishing despite being listed at 168lbs, hasn’t shown a lot of offense but has the skill to, injured)https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/755151/adam-jiricek

 

 

Matvei Shuravin LHD

Projected at picks 19-70

6ft 4in, 174lbs very intelligent, solid in every area good skater, has potential for good offense, grew 2in this season his dad is 6ft 6)

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/618880/matvei-shuravin

 

 

E.J. Emery, RHD

Projected at picks 22-62

6ft 3in 185lbs (defensive D that skates well, can shut down, not a lot of offense thou)

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/618957/ej-emery

 

 

Stian Solberg LHD

Projected at picks 21-58

6ft 2in 201lbs (he plays a heavy, old-school game and is a menacing hitter with a clinical hip-check”, good skater, has offense, well rounded) https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/619175/stian-solberg

 

 

Tomas Lavoie RHD

Projected at picks 38-83

6ft 4in 225lbs( physical, strong, good skating for size 225lbs, shut down D, big shot but limited offense) https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/610512/tomas-lavoie

 

 

Jesse Pulkkinen LHD

Projected at picks 24-42

6ft 6in 216lbs (unicorn, physical, good skating for size, high offensive numbers, responsible defensively, late bloomer, over ager(19yrs) https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/709399/jesse-pulkkinen

 

 

Spencer Gill RHD

Projected at picks 44-80

6ft 3in 179lbs (moves the puck really well, high hockey iq, two way defender, good skating for size, good passer, needs work on defense area, needs more strength) https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/716274/spencer-gill

 

 

 

Will Skahan LHD

Projected at picks 39-83

6ft 4, 212lbs (excellent shape, big hits and sound defensively, high hockey iq, good speed, hard to play against, not a lot of offense)

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/597634/will-skahan

 

 

Luca Marrelli RHD

Projected at picks 40-92

6ft 2in, 179lbs (good offense two way defenseman, great skater, good passing,good pts production in the ohl (57) good vision, https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=248728

 

 

Harrison Brunicke RHD

Projected at picks 25-59

6ft 3in, 187lbs (Physical, smart, two way D, Raw, injuries hampered season, good skater, not much defense but has potential to produce more

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/727518/harrison-brunicke

[Mateo3xm]

On 5/30/2024 at 10:38 AM, Will D. Ness said:

How much does it cost to move up into the top 10?  I'm guessing at least a 2nd and that is only if there is someone willing to move down.

It almost never happens and it’s def more than a 2nd

[Mateo3xm]

On 5/29/2024 at 9:53 AM, mnfaninnc said:

We can afford to be picky, and if it takes our 2nd to move up into the top 10, to get a guy, then let's do it.

It would take a heck of a lot more than that. Teams hold onto those top 10 pics and when they dont, they pay dearly for them