Article: Zeev Buium’s Impact Goes Further Than the Stat Sheet

[OldDutchChip]

7 hours ago, mnfaninnc said:

On this, results generally lag, so if you're starting to see the sneaky skill, where he makes some really nice subtle plays, having finishers with him would truly benefit him. His skill right now is at a point where Ek was when he 1st came over. Give him time and minutes and he'll keep getting better.

 

Do you not think that Kaprizov likes playing with Boldy? Here's where we have a paradox: Zuccy is Kaprizov's BFF, but Boldy is the better player and the 2 together likely help the Wild win more games. This is especially true if we can fill that 2nd line with Yurov + Knies (or a guy like Knies, I'm not unconvinced that Tuch could do this too). 

Pulling Zuccarello along when his skating speed is diminishing isn't the smartest of plans. Where does Zuccy do the most damage? On the PP. Keep him fresh! Put him in the top 6 when they need a jolt or an injury occurs. Try to keep him out of the way from slappers. And, let Zuccy help MaRat along too. 

Danila Yurov has 21 gp 5-6-11 +3. This is on page 3 of the leading scorers in the K. I also uncovered a Nail Yakupov sighting with the same number of points yet a -18...Yikes!!!! The top of the list scorers are about a PPG, and Yurov is half that. Most of those scorers are 25+ too. Metallurg is also 4th in their division at 14-14. They recently went through a 4 game losing streak. I do think they didn't fair well while Yurov was injured for 7 games, if that helps anything. 

Interestingly, the K season is almost at 30 games. That's a lot of games before Thanksgiving.

On Marat - i've seen a bit of tape on him in KHL and he has skill. And although he has been good at 4th line - to leave him there is a waste (he deserves a chance at more). So having him play up with more skilled guys may unlock and show his true worth. And i think he knows this is the year for him to do it, before Yurov gets here and with recent injuries - time is now for him to grab a more important role. Interesting times for him for sure. But also for others to grab more time and carve out a role. Ohgren looked much more hungrier against Dallas - good to see. 

On Boldy - I think it's easier for Kap to play with Zuccy and separating Zuccy will cause Zuccy to be on the outs (he won't be the same without Kap - might as well trade him) and that will play with his psyche and their relationship may suffer - you almost have to be a psychologist here and play it careful; but i actually think it's for the best and feel that Boldy should be separated for Wild to win at the highest level. They just need the right parts to their lines and I think that'll be enough. But I hope we don't cheap out on that....we have enough to entice a bigger fish via trade - that i believe - and that's what i am hoping we do. Keep Zuccy with Kap and get a large bodied Center (this year is the time to trade so that him and Kap can gel). Leave Boldy and Ek as is and then find a good 3rd for them - that can be a problem for the off season and an all out blood bath - Ohgren/Yurov/Marat for the spot. 

Let's hope for a quick KHL season end for Yurov, followed by a spectacular debut in the first round of the playoffs against Dallas!

Also - thoughts on maybe going after Buchnevich if STL continues to stumble - maybe there's a chance to grab him for Kap? Although they are not too far from us and should they win a few and we loose a few - oh let's not think about that. I think Buch and Ek are nice 2 line Centers. And having another comrade on his line won't be too bad? especially one that is in his prime too. 

[OldDutchChip]

7 hours ago, mnfaninnc said:

I have seen some excellent acceleration from MaRat, but I haven't seen much of that blazing speed. It looks to me like he gears down so that his teammates can keep up with him, and he does it responsibly so that nobody is getting past him going the other way. Lauko is a good linemate for him due to his speed. I wonder if Johansson could be useful on this line with his speed too?

i am actually more impressed with his vision and skill, he is very crafty. just doesn't use a ton of that - and that may just be the necessity of his current role

[Protec]

The Wild need to be healthy.

They also need to replace NoJo. He's been a bum since Guerin signed him the second time. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, odds are Guerin has a neck-beard fetish and NoJo is his secret lover. I mean, ideal 2nd line winger.

[mnfaninnc]

15 hours ago, OldDutchChip said:

Also - thoughts on maybe going after Buchnevich if STL continues to stumble - maybe there's a chance to grab him for Kap? Although they are not too far from us and should they win a few and we loose a few - oh let's not think about that. I think Buch and Ek are nice 2 line Centers. And having another comrade on his line won't be too bad? especially one that is in his prime too. 

Is this your big center target, or is it one of a few? You've (me too) been on the Tuch bandwagon, but he's not a center. I think you could keep Rossi and bring in Tuch. In fact, a Boldy-Ek-Tuch line may be one that nobody wants to face in the playoffs. But, when it comes down to it, Brady Tkachuk trumps all IMO. 

Also, I think this needs to be watched:

Ottawa and Buffalo are tied for 5th in the Atlantic, both out of the WC race by 2 points and behind Philly and NYI for WC positioning (they are also outside the invitation list).

[OldDutchChip]

15 minutes ago, mnfaninnc said:

Is this your big center target, or is it one of a few? You've (me too) been on the Tuch bandwagon, but he's not a center. I think you could keep Rossi and bring in Tuch. In fact, a Boldy-Ek-Tuch line may be one that nobody wants to face in the playoffs. But, when it comes down to it, Brady Tkachuk trumps all IMO. 

Also, I think this needs to be watched:

Ottawa and Buffalo are tied for 5th in the Atlantic, both out of the WC race by 2 points and behind Philly and NYI for WC positioning (they are also outside the invitation list).

I would rather we go after Tuch than Buch surely, but Buch is someone i'd pay attn to as STL season goes on. We play them soon, so let's see his game. 

I think Rossi needs to be included for $ reasons. Not sure Sabres will take junk and their D seems to be set. We'll need to ship some salary. 

Time may be now to also sell high on Wally - he is not exactly kicking ass (yeah yeah the team may not be good - but we are talking a generational-type-hyped-up prospect that was can't miss??) i think we need to do the opposite of what Nashville should have done with Askarov (not confusing haha) basically they should have kept Askarov and we need to trade Wally. 

So we have Wally, Zeev, H&H boys, Yurov and Rossi to dangle. Can we make it out with Tuch and Brady? Would trade package surrounding Zeev and Rossi be enough for Brady? Will Yurov and Wally be enough for Tuch? Financials will of course need to be taken in consideration but we are talking about an aggressive push THIS year to go for it. nah prob not.

[Pewterschmidt]

36 minutes ago, OldDutchChip said:

Time may be now to also sell high on Wally - he is not exactly kicking ass

This is very premature (that's what she said) BUT, if Wally is a bust then we need to have a serious conversation about Guerin/Brackett's ability to identify talent and draft our team.

2021 is a total bust draft if Wallstedt goes full Big Khak

I think Ogz will be a middle 6 nhl'r but expectations are managed.  the rest of 2022 is too soon to tell

If Stramel makes NHL as a bottom 6 fans will be happy.  RasmuKampu's post draft was something like "Big body, skating needs work, Foligno hands..."

Zeev is the current savior in waiting

[OldDutchChip]

3 minutes ago, Pewterschmidt said:

This is very premature (that's what she said) BUT, if Wally is a bust then we need to have a serious conversation about Guerin/Brackett's ability to identify talent and draft our team.

2021 is a total bust draft if Wallstedt goes full Big Khak

I think Ogz will be a middle 6 nhl'r but expectations are managed.  the rest of 2022 is too soon to tell

If Stramel makes NHL as a bottom 6 fans will be happy.  RasmuKampu's post draft was something like "Big body, skating needs work, Foligno hands..."

Zeev is the current savior in waiting

well Wally is posting an impressive 4.5 GAA and 860 SV%....so.....imagine if Gus wasn't playing his best.....

[mnfaninnc]

On 11/18/2024 at 12:26 PM, OldDutchChip said:

So we have Wally, Zeev, H&H boys, Yurov and Rossi to dangle. Can we make it out with Tuch and Brady? Would trade package surrounding Zeev and Rossi be enough for Brady? Will Yurov and Wally be enough for Tuch? Financials will of course need to be taken in consideration but we are talking about an aggressive push THIS year to go for it. nah prob not.

I just can't see us trading The Wall, Yurov, Rossi, Buium. I love having Tuch, and think we could get him closer to the deadline. He has another year at $4.75m.

Brady I think we have to overpay for. This means that if Ottawa goes through a dry spell where they fall back to the lower end of the pack, Guerin needs to hound the Ottawa GM and wear him down.

I don't think it will take just prospects here, and Ottawa will need to take back some salary like Johansson and maybe Freddie. They are set at G, and have paid a ton for their D. So, I'm thinking some responsible forwards might be the way to go. What does blow it up look like to them? They've got several nice pieces that are young and playing in Ottawa, but their farm system is trash. If we could sneak out Lassi Thomson who looks blocked and loaned, I think he could fit in here. 

Since Rossi played his jr. hockey there, I would think they'd have familiarity with him and the fans will remember him there. This could be important in a rebuild. 

[OldDutchChip]

12 hours ago, mnfaninnc said:

I just can't see us trading The Wall, Yurov, Rossi, Buium. I love having Tuch, and think we could get him closer to the deadline. He has another year at $4.75m.

Brady I think we have to overpay for. This means that if Ottawa goes through a dry spell where they fall back to the lower end of the pack, Guerin needs to hound the Ottawa GM and wear him down.

I don't think it will take just prospects here, and Ottawa will need to take back some salary like Johansson and maybe Freddie. They are set at G, and have paid a ton for their D. So, I'm thinking some responsible forwards might be the way to go. What does blow it up look like to them? They've got several nice pieces that are young and playing in Ottawa, but their farm system is trash. If we could sneak out Lassi Thomson who looks blocked and loaned, I think he could fit in here. 

Since Rossi played his jr. hockey there, I would think they'd have familiarity with him and the fans will remember him there. This could be important in a rebuild. 

I just can't see us trading The Wall, Yurov, Rossi, Buium.....going to have to include at least one in the mix 🙂 If Wall and Rossi goes to Sens for Tkachuk - i'd do it.

[mnfaninnc]

I would too, and then I'd try and get someone like McKenzie Blackwood next season. He should be inexpensive, and can carry the load when hot. The Vax really spiraled him.

But, isn't Ottawa happy with Ullmark?

Edited November 20 by mnfaninnc