Article: The Wild Must Pay Now, Worry Later With Marco Rossi

[Tony Abbott]

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[Citizen Strife]

Get it done, and get it done fast.  I was worried when I saw 3-4 high priced extensions around the league in the off-season.  The Wild "could" have set the market low and gotten an Ek bargain.  Sure as shit can't do that now.  

No cheap bridges, no team discounts, no, "hope someone offers a fool's ransom.". Rossi IS the fool's ransom, and he's going to laugh to the bank for about $2-2.5m more than the Wild could have had him for.  Rossi almost matched last year's point total in half a season, most coming in the last week.

For a GM that usually signed people early, Guerin didn't get this right

.

 

Edited Monday at 04:26 PM by Citizen Strife

[Imyourhuckleberry]

16 minutes ago, Citizen Strife said:

No cheap bridges, no team discounts, no, "hope someone offers a fool's ransom.". Rossi IS the fool's ransom, and he's going to laugh to the bank for about $2-2.5m more than the Wild could have had him for.  Rossi almost matched last year's point total in half a season, most coming in the last week.

For a GM that usually signed people early, Guerin didn't get this right

It was said that the Wild never talked extension with Rossi's people, which did seem odd to me. You wonder what kind of deal might have been possible if they had engaged in contract discussions prior to this season.

[TheGoosesAreLooses]

I don't know. 9pts in 5 games? Still too small :S

[OldDutchChip]

Tony unloads with 25 different stats showing Rossi as equal or superior player to Draisailt, Makar, Crosby, MacKinnon and Matthews (also some guy named alex wennberg)

Rossi's number has to start with an "8." And if you're the Wild, you have to do it while laughing about getting another young star through their prime for a bargain. Minnesota can figure out the rest later. 

Nah - you don't pay him now - you have to see how he plays in the playoffs, can he handle the intensity and physicality. If its a Yes, and if that brings his value up, then that's fine - he'll get 8.5 either way. But first, see how he performs on the big stage. 

I am still 100% against having him as your L1C right now. He can play the Wing or be L2C but he won't be able to protect Kap and Zuccy. Yes, this has been a fine regular season. Regular season. Playoffs is different.

You wait until season ends. See how the team performs and how each individual performed BEFORE you buy in for the next 5-7 years. You need to plan this out carefully to ensure Kap signs this July. Don't tell me "Kap wants to win and Rossi is a winner and therefore they are a match made in heaven" No. Not yet. It hasn't been proven until it's done in the playoffs. 

Right now here are the knowns - he is an undersized skilled center and has a good stretch of games. Good for him and us. He has a very high trade value (stating the truth)

Unknowns - can we go to battle against the big boys with our tiny skilled line? Can we match up and come out alive and victorious against Jets or Avs or Stars? Or will Kap / Rossi / Zuccy get demolished and whimper again?

Play it out and after that - we do what's needed, but not now.

Suggestion - Move Rossi to L2C and really go hard after FF or Tuch at trade deadline, both of them should be available. That evens out our first two lines pretty well. EK ZUCCY KAP. ROSSI BOLDY FF/TUCH.

 

[PiranhasOnIce]

1 hour ago, OldDutchChip said:

Unknowns -  ...and really go hard after FF or Tuch at trade deadline, both of them should be available. That evens out our first two lines pretty well. EK ZUCCY KAP. ROSSI BOLDY FF/TUCH.

 

ODC....who is "FF" for the record?

[OldDutchChip]

1 minute ago, PiranhasOnIce said:

ODC....who is "FF" for the record?

Filip Forsberg 🙂 

[Lern2spell]

1 hour ago, OldDutchChip said:

You need to plan this out carefully to ensure Kap signs this July.

 

1 hour ago, OldDutchChip said:

Suggestion - Move Rossi to L2C and really go hard after FF or Tuch at trade deadline, both of them should be available. That evens out our first two lines pretty well. EK ZUCCY KAP. ROSSI BOLDY FF/TUCH.

Suggestion: Re-sign Rossi for Kap to be happy in July. Do what it takes to get Voronkov (Trenin + picks/prospects?) from Columbus for Kap to be happy in July. Voronkov can play center, allowing Ek to center a third line with Foligno and Hartman, and keeping Zuccarello-Rossi-Boldy together, leaving a Johansson-Voronkov-Kaprizov as a top line.

[OldDutchChip]

3 minutes ago, Lern2spell said:

 

Suggestion: Re-sign Rossi for Kap to be happy in July. Do what it takes to get Voronkov (Trenin + picks/prospects?) from Columbus for Kap to be happy in July. Voronkov can play center, allowing Ek to center a third line with Foligno and Hartman, and keeping Zuccarello-Rossi-Boldy together, leaving a Johansson-Voronkov-Kaprizov as a top line.

Johansson-Voronkov-Kaprizov - who is this Johansson guy?

and who is Voronkov? school buddy of Kirill? I thought we had that in Trenin? who is playing very well lately. 

 

[Lern2spell]

18 minutes ago, OldDutchChip said:

and who is Voronkov? school buddy of Kirill?

Nope, they have probably never met. He is a 6'4, 200+ lb centerman, on an ELC and has 60pts in 106 games with Columbus. Bluejackets have scored the most goals in NHL this year, and he has been a big part of that. He has been playing both center and wing in their top-six this year. Less than $1M AAV, and has some team control forn 2 more years. He is a 4th rounder, and Columbus needs to make room for some 1st rounders currently playing down in the line-up and also coming up their pipeline. I think he could be had...

Johansson is the puckmover currently on the Wild roster that could do precisely that for him and Kap.

Edited Monday at 06:29 PM by Lern2spell
Added content

[OldDutchChip]

3 minutes ago, Lern2spell said:

Nope, they have probably never met. He is a 6'4, 200+ lb centerman, on an ELC and has 60pts in 106 games with Columbus. Bluejackets have scored the most goals in NHL this year, and he has been a big part of that. He has been playing both center and wing in their top-six this year. Less than $1M AAV, and has some team control forn 2 more years. He is a 4th rounder, and Columbus needs to make room for some 1st rounders currently playing down in the line-up and also coming up their pipeline. I think he could be had...

how did i miss him this year? yeah looks like he is listed at 6'5'' and over 240. big boy. is he yashin 2.0? very tempting. and stats do look good. 

[Imyourhuckleberry]

The contract does not need to start with an 8, it all depends on the term. They likely could get him for less on a short term deal that expires in a few years, but his next contract could far exceed an $8M cap hit if he continues to improve.

[raithis]

2 hours ago, OldDutchChip said:

Tony unloads with 25 different stats showing Rossi as equal or superior player to Draisailt, Makar, Crosby, MacKinnon and Matthews (also some guy named alex wennberg)

Rossi's number has to start with an "8." And if you're the Wild, you have to do it while laughing about getting another young star through their prime for a bargain. Minnesota can figure out the rest later. 

Nah - you don't pay him now - you have to see how he plays in the playoffs, can he handle the intensity and physicality. If its a Yes, and if that brings his value up, then that's fine - he'll get 8.5 either way. But first, see how he performs on the big stage. 

I am still 100% against having him as your L1C right now. He can play the Wing or be L2C but he won't be able to protect Kap and Zuccy. Yes, this has been a fine regular season. Regular season. Playoffs is different.

You wait until season ends. See how the team performs and how each individual performed BEFORE you buy in for the next 5-7 years. You need to plan this out carefully to ensure Kap signs this July. Don't tell me "Kap wants to win and Rossi is a winner and therefore they are a match made in heaven" No. Not yet. It hasn't been proven until it's done in the playoffs. 

Right now here are the knowns - he is an undersized skilled center and has a good stretch of games. Good for him and us. He has a very high trade value (stating the truth)

Unknowns - can we go to battle against the big boys with our tiny skilled line? Can we match up and come out alive and victorious against Jets or Avs or Stars? Or will Kap / Rossi / Zuccy get demolished and whimper again?

Play it out and after that - we do what's needed, but not now.

Suggestion - Move Rossi to L2C and really go hard after FF or Tuch at trade deadline, both of them should be available. That evens out our first two lines pretty well. EK ZUCCY KAP. ROSSI BOLDY FF/TUCH.

 

Can't believe I'm actually in agreement with ODC, but I think this is an extremely good take and the best path forward.

If he's going to already be in the $7-8M range (assuming for a moment that is correct), you might as well wait.  He's not going to be $9M at the end of the year, and maybe he cools off a bit and it ends up less than that.

About the only part I think is unrealistic is Forsberg.  His contract is too much and he's got a NMC.  I don't think he waives it and I wouldn't want to give up any of our higher prices assets to get him.

Tuch could happen, but again I'd prefer not to mess with most of the team.  If Johansson would waive his NTC and we could convince Buffalo to keep some of the contract, I'd give up a pick and Heidt.  I'd rather keep Yurov, but I'm not high on Heidt at all even though a lot of other people are.

I don't know, I'm not real sure the Wild can make it work.  It depends on how Buffalo feels about their trajectory and what they feel they need.  There's a lot I wouldn't want to give up or would at least be very hesitant to.

[raithis]

No way Columbus moves Voronkov without major pieces going the other way unless Waddell just doesn't see him as one of his guys. 

I wouldn't trade a big, skilled forward like that without getting a mint in return.

[Protec]

https://www.nhl.com/news/rossi-terry-kuemper-named-nhl-3-stars-of-week-january-6

[Protec]

The Wild now have GOOD problems. 

Guerin may not be perfect in the PR or fun-likable dept. but he's turned the Wild around. 

Rossi only lacks a big, strong, defense game with lengthy reach and faceoff dominance. 

He will deserve a big raise. Guerin's job hasn't been an easy one. What he does this off-season should be good. That's the best time and NoJo will be gone. I think Kaprizov knows the team is very close. When guys come back from injuries and when a final solution comes about related to Spurgeon, MN will look really good. The Wild need to keep Rossi as the long-term replacement for Zuccarello. He might need another 1-year deal too. 

These are okay problems to have. The Wild appear to be true contenders. 

[Lern2spell]

37 minutes ago, raithis said:

No way Columbus moves Voronkov without major pieces going the other way 

At some point soon, they will need to move somebody. Marchenko, Chinakhov, Sillinger, Johnson, and Fantilli are all 1st round picks and top six caliber players. You can add in Del Bel Belluz, Dumais, and Linstrom upcoming to that group. Management has some minor concerns with Voronkov's conditioning and lack of using his size. Are they going to move one of their top prospects or 1st rounders? Or are they willing to get a nice return on a 4th rounder?

Yes, the Wild would need to give up some assets. But the Blue Jackets window opens in a couple of years. The Wild's window is open pretty wide right now.

[OldDutchChip]

1 hour ago, raithis said:

Can't believe I'm actually in agreement with ODC, but I think this is an extremely good take and the best path forward.

If he's going to already be in the $7-8M range (assuming for a moment that is correct), you might as well wait.  He's not going to be $9M at the end of the year, and maybe he cools off a bit and it ends up less than that.

About the only part I think is unrealistic is Forsberg.  His contract is too much and he's got a NMC.  I don't think he waives it and I wouldn't want to give up any of our higher prices assets to get him.

Tuch could happen, but again I'd prefer not to mess with most of the team.  If Johansson would waive his NTC and we could convince Buffalo to keep some of the contract, I'd give up a pick and Heidt.  I'd rather keep Yurov, but I'm not high on Heidt at all even though a lot of other people are.

I don't know, I'm not real sure the Wild can make it work.  It depends on how Buffalo feels about their trajectory and what they feel they need.  There's a lot I wouldn't want to give up or would at least be very hesitant to.

Thanks mate 🍻Yeah Forsberg is a dream. But imagine his game and his stache on a line with Boldy and Rossi? But i suppose the same impact could be had by bringing in Tuch and his full grown beard.  

 

[Lern2spell]

1 hour ago, Imyourhuckleberry said:

The contract does not need to start with an 8

It doesn't need to start with an 8, but needs to start with a 7. Offer should be 8x7.25M. Make a 22 YO turn down $58M. If he doesnt accept, then it is on him, not Guerin. $7.25M is 8.28% of this year's cap, but will drop below 7% in just a couple of years, making it easier to move if need be. With any or all of Jiricek, Buium, Ohgren, Heidt, Yurov, Kumpulainen, and Stramel all coming off ELC's in any of the next three to four years, the Wild should take the cost certainty now.

Also, anything less leaves open the possibility of an offer sheet.

[OldDutchChip]

52 minutes ago, Protec said:

The Wild now have GOOD problems. 

Guerin may not be perfect in the PR or fun-likable dept. but he's turned the Wild around. 

Rossi only lacks a big, strong, defense game with lengthy reach and faceoff dominance. 

He will deserve a big raise. Guerin's job hasn't been an easy one. What he does this off-season should be good. That's the best time and NoJo will be gone. I think Kaprizov knows the team is very close. When guys come back from injuries and when a final solution comes about related to Spurgeon, MN will look really good. The Wild need to keep Rossi as the long-term replacement for Zuccarello. He might need another 1-year deal too. 

These are okay problems to have. The Wild appear to be true contenders. 

That last point is their greatest obstacle. I do not believe they are contenders UNTIL they strengthen their core group and beat Central top teams. Here are their records against big boys in Central - makes you wonder about how schedule thus far - did someone save all these games for end of year? yikes....for us.

• Dallas - lost 7 straight games until winning last game 3-2
• Winnipeg - 8 games loosing streak!
• Colorado - lost 7 of 8 games

lets go with other Western conference biggies

• Vegas - 2W 8L
• Kings - 3W 7L

So about True Contenders - how do we plan to beat these 5 teams? hoping that we end up playing Oilers instead? 

These are fast / strong teams that will explode on to our baby crew. Wait till the two injured goons returned and we draw Daughty and his suter-like technique or that punk Landesf#k. 

[Protec]

That's true but the Wild have stayed near the top 5-6 teams. In that sense, they're in the conversation. I think you're right and I said they were too small with poor balance in the lineup last season. Not much has changed and NoJo inconceivably still plays L2 wing. The Wild's problems are not as bad as they used to be but I think size and defending is what they lack down the middle. We're on the same page there. 

[OldDutchChip]

5 minutes ago, Protec said:

That's true but the Wild have stayed near the top 5-6 teams. In that sense, they're in the conversation. I think you're right and I said they were too small with poor balance in the lineup last season. Not much has changed and NoJo inconceivably still plays L2 wing. The Wild's problems are not as bad as they used to be but I think size and defending is what they lack down the middle. We're on the same page there. 

Right on! Thoughts on the next plan to ready up for PO?

The wild will finish with 100+ points and likely will be 2nd/3rd place in the Central. Billy knows what that means..... Another "glad to be here and see you again next year" OR does he look to load up for an actual battle?

Going in with this current crew will undoubtedly mean a gentlemen sweep against Stars or Avs (if not worse - sweep and injuries - yes yes there could be another miracle) which deflates the season and kinda leaves a sour note on all and most importantly on Kap. he needs to get out of a first round.

so what can Billy do?

D - Not sure how much he can do with D line apart from hoping Midds returns .... and if not - who will push ANYONE from the crease? your top 4 is going to be Faber/Brodin/Spurge/Chissy - oh man - this is very light - Midds we need you!

O - i think Billy is looking to beef up top 6. who goes out and comes in? going to be very interesting. Thoughts?

[FredJohnson]

5 hours ago, Citizen Strife said:

Get it done, and get it done fast.  I was worried when I saw 3-4 high priced extensions around the league in the off-season.  The Wild "could" have set the market low and gotten an Ek bargain.  Sure as shit can't do that now.  

No cheap bridges, no team discounts, no, "hope someone offers a fool's ransom.". Rossi IS the fool's ransom, and he's going to laugh to the bank for about $2-2.5m more than the Wild could have had him for.  Rossi almost matched last year's point total in half a season, most coming in the last week.

For a GM that usually signed people early, Guerin didn't get this right

.

 

GMBG seems to like bigger, older, slower players. WTF Billy??!!

[FredJohnson]

5 hours ago, OldDutchChip said:

Nah - you don't pay him now - you have to see how he plays in the playoffs,

What if he's good at GETTING the team to the playoffs? Because, ya know, ya can't play well (or poorly) in the playoffs if ya don't get there.

[FredJohnson]

2 hours ago, Protec said:

https://www.nhl.com/news/rossi-terry-kuemper-named-nhl-3-stars-of-week-january-6

The Kuemporer??? Noice!!