Article: Buffalo Has What the Wild Need At the Deadline

[Pewterschmidt]

Nojo when the puck goes into the corner

[1Brotherbill]

I'm for trading players to improve.  But I don't think Jack Quinn is an improvement over Boldy.

They are both 23.  Boldy has shown that he is a 75 to 85 point per year player.  Quinn has shown that he has 75 points in his 4 years in the league.

[RedLake]

Need a 1c, Zuccerallo replacement, Tuch, a more talented 3rd, and a better 4th line.

[mnfaninnc]

20 hours ago, OldDutchChip said:

Brock will be 34 next year with a ton of injury history. What is the love here? He won't play on your 4th line and top 6 is not a place for him. Our third line is likely set with Foligno/Trenin/Harty/FG so there is really no place for Brock.

This is absolutely a fair assessment. But, what if Hartsy is traded off after the season due to low performance? What if Brock was a $2.8m signing? I think I'd ride one more year with Hartsy expecting a bounce back since he's had terrible luck this season. I do like him at wing better, though.

Also, we need to see what we've got in Yurov. Is he a wing or a center? If he's a center, those slots are starting to fill up. Might we have the skill for 3 scoring lines?

[mnfaninnc]

11 hours ago, Pewterschmidt said:

Nojo when the puck goes into the corner

Early in the year when we were at full strength, Johansson would go into the corners and at the very least show up and battle. He lost more than he won, but he went in there. These past few games, he has resorted to this.

If we're getting Kaprizov and Lauko back, perhaps even Wednesday, I think we have to take Johansson down to a bottom 6 level. I'd elevate Hartman to wing, Freddy continues to center line 3 and we have a speedy 4th line. MaRat and Lauko are physical enough to salvage defending on the 4th line, but I think that line with speed might produce some secondary scoring, or at least some nice chances.

Johansson has backed off the gas pedal, IMO, and he needs something to rattle his cage a bit.

[mnfaninnc]

15 hours ago, Protec said:

Nobody wants NoJo. That's a fact. He is not a trade asset. That's like saying I'll throw in the blanket I've got in the backseat when you're trying to sell a beater car. 

Plus he has a NMC. We're stuck with his soft-circling, one hand on the stick, puck-watching, neck-beard ass. 

I don't think this is factually accurate. He has a full NTC, which means that the Wild can put him on waivers to send him to the A. They bury about $1.1m and eat about $900k. I do believe Washington would take him in a trade, but the return would be poor, might even be future considerations, but at least he's off the books. If he hits waivers, I'd suspect somebody besides Washington would put in a claim, likely in the East. His contract is affordable and ends at the end of the year. He is still a viable NHL player, but probably not a good one. Someone with some room might even just pick him up to play 13th forward if they lack depth.

[MNCountryLife]

1 hour ago, mnfaninnc said:

Washington would take him in a trade, but the return would be poor

Getting anything in a trade for Nojo would be a win.  Get Ogren in the lineup and move on.  This is not a Stanley cup contender so we need to start providing ice time to guys that can improve and have the potential to make us a contender in the future.

[MNCountryLife]

I really like the Wild D core that is forming.  Spurge, Brodin, Faber, Mid, Zeev, Jiricek, Chisholm and Bogo.  Kind of makes me happy to list those guys as our D for the next few years.  

[MNCountryLife]

Kirill, Rossi, Boldy, Ek.  Not sure I would list other forwars as a core forward that we can't trade.... a few players like Nojo and Freddy that simply need to be off the roster.

[OldDutchChip]

1 hour ago, mnfaninnc said:

This is absolutely a fair assessment. But, what if Hartsy is traded off after the season due to low performance? What if Brock was a $2.8m signing? I think I'd ride one more year with Hartsy expecting a bounce back since he's had terrible luck this season. I do like him at wing better, though.

Also, we need to see what we've got in Yurov. Is he a wing or a center? If he's a center, those slots are starting to fill up. Might we have the skill for 3 scoring lines?

I am not sure how I feel about loosing Harty. I like his play even though he has been in a funk. Brock for 2.8.....Nah Brock is old. I'd pass on him regardless of money. Keep an open spot for youngsters. If Yurov is what Dorofeev is now for Vegas, i'd take it as a win for Wild. They lucked out on Dorofeev. Good player. Plays their style and is skilled and physical. Lucky bastards those knights.

Edited Tuesday at 05:12 PM by OldDutchChip

[Pewterschmidt]

56 minutes ago, MNCountryLife said:

Get Ogren in the lineup and move on.

I think we’ll ogz back up here for final 10-15 games.  Maybe as soon as 4-nations is over. 

[FredJohnson]

17 hours ago, Protec said:

This is the writer Patrick believes is an AI which I tend to agree with. Like a pic where someone has six fingers, these suggestions about sending out multiple guys or endless titillating Tuch trade scenarios, makes ya wonder where's reality? Minnesota needs to get healthy and bigger, faster, less cute. Vegas dominated MN cause they played North/South. Zuccarello, Rossi, and Knudi couldn't find space or muscle past big Vegas players. Their defense and forwards played simple hockey and their special teams crushed the Wild. The PP/PK differential wins the game even though Gus was the way better goalie. 

Sad but true. MN is talented and a good team but not a playoff battle winning group currently. Too small and slow lacking depth. We can debate why but it's becoming clear that unless healthy, it's gonna be difficult. They play NoJo on L2 14mins every game. Tells me everything I need to know. 

I'm suspecting a couple commenters are AI.

[FredJohnson]

6 hours ago, RedLake said:

Need a 1c, Zuccerallo replacement, Tuch, a more talented 3rd, and a better 4th line.

 But how was the play Mrs. Lincoln?

[FredJohnson]

4 hours ago, mnfaninnc said:

I do believe Washington would take him in a trade, but the return would be poor, might even be future considerations

Is a bag of used pucks a good return?

[Protec]

3 hours ago, MNCountryLife said:

Kirill, Rossi, Boldy, Ek.  Not sure I would list other forwars as a core forward that we can't trade.... a few players like Nojo and Freddy that simply need to be off the roster.

I think Hartman is good to have with Foligno. They are each capable of poor streaks and penalties but I would consider their roles more important than Trenin or Fred, but I'd love those guys on the 4th line. Currently, MN has a core that's missing the Ogies and Yurovs yet to come. 

If each of them shows up and MN reorganizes lines without NoJo, maybe faster, bigger, tougher, greasier players sprinkled in would finally be enough. 

I always here about NoJo speed or skating but he's the obvious player that needs to be upgraded. Timing and money this off season with signings will be really interesting. 

[MNCountryLife]

10 minutes ago, Protec said:

I think Hartman is good to have with Foligno. They are each capable of poor streaks and penalties but I would consider their roles more important than Trenin or Fred, but I'd love those guys on the 4th line. Currently, MN has a core that's missing the Ogies and Yurovs yet to come

I do like Hartman and Foligno.  They add a lot to the lineup.  While I don't consider them core for winning they definitely have value.

[Dis-allowed display name]

8 hours ago, RedLake said:

Need a 1c, Zuccerallo replacement,

 

Why?   11 goals and spent a couple weeks out with a crushed nut.  I realize he is slower than most of the team but is skilled and produces.  There is about half of the team I would pick on before I went after Zuccarello.  Hartman, Trenin, Foligno, etc, etc, etc.

When Zucc, Kap and Rossi are clicking and playing keep away moving the puck in the offensive zone it is a thing of beauty.  They keep possessions going and score more than any combo we have.  I would love to get Kap some faster talent, but getting Boldy some help on line two would be way more effective than breaking up a productive line one just to muck around.

[Kato AK]

On 1/13/2025 at 9:38 AM, OldDutchChip said:

Brock will be 34 next year with a ton of injury history. What is the love here? He won't play on your 4th line and top 6 is not a place for him. Our third line is likely set with Foligno/Trenin/Harty/FG so there is really no place for Brock.

I don't know where you get your information and your thought process is all over the map. But Nelson has 2 seasons where he missed time with an injury, missing 10 and 14 games. He has played every game in his other 8 seasons, that's a better health record than EVERY player on the Wild roster.

Second, he is currently the 1C between anders lee and barzal, who are both also centers. I have no idea why you think he isn't top 6 material. Plus he is still a 30/30 caliber player and you wouldn't find a spot even on the third line over FG/Trenin/Hartzy. Give your head a shake.

On 1/13/2025 at 9:38 AM, OldDutchChip said:

 Maybe Spurge could be packaged to Vancouver in the off season for Pettersen (if he is still there?). 

And finally, for a guy that always talks about size and physicality, the fact that you would consider acquiring arguably the softest center in the league is mind blowing. At least have some consistency.

[OldDutchChip]

20 minutes ago, Kato AK said:

I don't know where you get your information and your thought process is all over the map. But Nelson has 2 seasons where he missed time with an injury, missing 10 and 14 games. He has played every game in his other 8 seasons, that's a better health record than EVERY player on the Wild roster.

Second, he is currently the 1C between anders lee and barzal, who are both also centers. I have no idea why you think he isn't top 6 material. Plus he is still a 30/30 caliber player and you wouldn't find a spot even on the third line over FG/Trenin/Hartzy. Give your head a shake.

And finally, for a guy that always talks about size and physicality, the fact that you would consider acquiring arguably the softest center in the league is mind blowing. At least have some consistency.

Brock is old. And has been injured plenty. NHL players often play hurt. And saying that he played every game in 8 seasons doesn't really lessen the burden on his body. 

Second, he is currently the 1C between anders lee and barzal, who are both also centers 

what is the point here? i am not arguing that he cannot be a center. sure he can. for islanders or another team. 

I have no idea why you think he isn't top 6 material.

he can play top 6 anywhere else in the league but there is no spot for him in our line up. 

Plus he is still a 30/30 caliber player

so he is on pace to do 25 / 25 this year while playing with other 1Cs? i guess that's ok. But the days of whatever dominance he had are gone. Why would we want to plug his old ass in our top 6? do we want another vanek or heatley? just because of Minny connection? Do we block Yurov so that Brock can enjoy the fans appreciation for all his old deeds? Or do we not go after bigger fish and be content with Brock Nelson. Eww disgusting. 

and you wouldn't find a spot even on the third line over FG/Trenin/Hartzy. 

why would you sign him to play a physical third line role? Trenin Foligno and Harty are good for that. 

And finally, for a guy that always talks about size and physicality, the fact that you would consider acquiring arguably the softest center in the league is mind blowing. At least have some consistency.

what? who? 

[Burnt Toast]

20 hours ago, Protec said:

Sad but true. MN is talented and a good team but not a playoff battle winning group currently.

Agreed. We need three more upgrades at a minimum IMO. That’s why I keep pointing to 2027. Sure I’m counting on a few prospects hitting, that’s not asking too much. Maybe it’s possible to add one really nice top 6 guy via trade. ( Picks and second tier prospects). Until we start at least beating the other top WC teams half the time we’re basically asking for a “Miracle on Ice” to go deep into the playoffs. This team is definitely headed in the right direction. 

[Burnt Toast]

3 hours ago, FredJohnson said:

I'm suspecting a couple commenters are AI.

The burnt toast theory is a metaphor that suggests minor negative events can lead to positive outcomes. It's often used in self-help and motivational circles…..Well Fred I’m pretty sure I’m not because I can’t even understand what AI says about my own name!! 

[Mateo3xm]

On 1/12/2025 at 11:12 AM, Wild Wolverine said:

Trade Riley Heidt + Marcus Johansson + 2nd pick 2027 + 4th pick 2027 for Alex Tuch with 40% retention. We need some really aggressive moves with prospects and picks. Next summer move Rayan Hartman + Carson Lambos + Marat Khusnutdinov + Declan Chisholm (after signing) + 1st pick 2026 + 2nd pick 2026 for Elias Pettersson. I am sure that this move will change history of the club in better way. Sign Marco Rossi in a bridge deal (6 mln x 4 years). And then we will become real contenders: 

Kaprizov — Pettersson — Zuccarello

Boldy — Rossi — Yurov

Öhgren — Eriksson Ek — Tuch

Trenin (Lauko in reserve) — Gaudreau — Foligno (Stramel in reserve)

Middleton — Faber, Buium — Spurgeon, Brodin — Bogosian, Jiricek

Gustavsson, Wallstedt

 

They aren’t trading Pettersson. He seems a bit like a diva but I don’t think he’s even hit his full potential yet. I could see them possibly getting rid of it miller though because he’s in his 30s

[Mateo3xm]

5 hours ago, Dis-allowed display name said:

 

Why?   11 goals and spent a couple weeks out with a crushed nut.  I realize he is slower than most of the team but is skilled and produces.  There is about half of the team I would pick on before I went after Zuccarello.  Hartman, Trenin, Foligno, etc, etc, etc.

When Zucc, Kap and Rossi are clicking and playing keep away moving the puck in the offensive zone it is a thing of beauty.  They keep possessions going and score more than any combo we have.  I would love to get Kap some faster talent, but getting Boldy some help on line two would be way more effective than breaking up a productive line one just to muck around.

Zuccarello is like 37. He doesn’t have much time left.