Article: Minnesota's Forwards Must Carry the Defense In the Short-Term

[Justin Wiggins]

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[Citizen Strife]

Well, Kap, Rossi, Boldy, Faber, Zucc, and others all got involved yesterday.  It always helps when opposing players get involved in the defense too.

Also, someone figure out what cat play pen Fleury practices in.  He just rolls around like a ball, or jumps in the air, or stretches out like Gumby, even in his 40s.  Even the Philly shooter couldn't help but laugh that Fleury got that.

[Justin Wiggins]

20 minutes ago, Citizen Strife said:

Well, Kap, Rossi, Boldy, Faber, Zucc, and others all got involved yesterday.  It always helps when opposing players get involved in the defense too.

Also, someone figure out what cat play pen Fleury practices in.  He just rolls around like a ball, or jumps in the air, or stretches out like Gumby, even in his 40s.  Even the Philly shooter couldn't help but laugh that Fleury got that.

As a former goalie myself, even at 33 my hamstrings HURT when watching Flower make all those acrobatic saves

[mnfaninnc]

I would agree that Merrill and Bogosian chip out a lot, even though Bogosian's got some sneaky hands. However, Dermott is supposed to be a guy who makes a good 1st pass. Pairing him with Bogosian might make them just a touch more offensive. 

I'm thinking they'll stick with predominantly the same lineup today, and allow Dermott to have a couple of practices before debuting. 

Also, a little blip in Iowa Wild news from yesterday, The Wall has been recalled. I have to wonder if Goose tweaked something?  

[mnfaninnc]

From another source, it looks like Grapes has been put on IR and The Wall recalled in his spot. Maybe he's just up to practice with the team, or maybe he needs to make a spot start while Goose rests something? I don't exactly know as I have no recording device near the cone of silence.

In other news, it appears that the Ottawa Senators are talking to other teams. Josh Norris is the guy they appear to be dangling. Batherson and Chabot are other guys being heard. Very silent on the Tkachuk front. 

Swapping out Norris makes way more sense if they're trying to shake things up. The trouble they have is he's in the $7s and if you can get him, why not get a better player in the upper $8s?  My guess here is that most teams may call, lightly discuss Norris (who is a center), and move to "what about Brady?"

I'd have to say Staios probably redirects the conversation, and may mention Batherson or Chabot, but hangs up when they insist on talking about Brady. Most teams do not have the cap space to take on $7+m, and Staios is looking for talent for talent. I'm pretty sure he is also overvaluing Norris as most GMs do with their own players. Batherson is the reasonably priced player in the $4s, I'm betting this is the guy who's moved to shake things up. I don't believe it will be for futures, I think Ottawa is in win now mode.

[Citizen Strife]

A PPG winger like Batherson would potentially fit the needs up front if they aren't budging on Tkachuk.  It would take way less money, and be something the Wild "might" be able to afford without too much screwing around.  The question if you'd both look for Batherson or Tkachuk, what would they want in return?  Brodin's contract would definitely be a discussion starter ($6m).  The question is would they trust Buium enough to dump Brodin for better offensive balance up front.  Nelson while older, still seems more likely the target though.

The Wild don't have many more 1sts to give either, so that won't be so easy to dangle.

Edited 1 hour ago by Citizen Strife

[Citizen Strife]

Also, if they ask about Norris, just hang up.  The team doesn't need more injury prone players.