Article: Jiricek, Wallstedt Should Be Part of Wild Next Season

[Thomas Williams]

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[MNCountryLife]

So should Buium, Ohgren and Yurov.

[Willy the poor boy]

1 hour ago, MNCountryLife said:

So should Buium, Ohgren and Yurov.

but we gotta leave room for the Brock's...

[Pewterschmidt]

3 hours ago, MNCountryLife said:

So should Buium, Ohgren and Yurov.

Buium proved to be not quite ready for prime time at 19, but what I saw that I really liked was his confidence to take risks (close gaps on 50/50 pucks at the blue line, etc.).  Some of his risks backfired but what that showed was he's got a big enough ego and high self-confidence level that his skills and frame will grow into.  Sort of like early Fiala when he'd try to skate thru 2-3 defenders...late Wild Fiala succeeded from time to time. 

[IllicitFive]

7 minutes ago, Pewterschmidt said:

Buium proved to be not quite ready for prime time at 19, but what I saw that I really liked was his confidence to take risks (close gaps on 50/50 pucks at the blue line, etc.).  Some of his risks backfired but what that showed was he's got a big enough ego and high self-confidence level that his skills and frame will grow into.  Sort of like early Fiala when he'd try to skate thru 2-3 defenders...late Wild Fiala succeeded from time to time. 

I think he just needs some lower stake marinating. The playoffs proved to be too fast and too intense for his first go around, but with some of what he showed I don't think his talents would grow much in the AHL. I believe the growth from playing pre season and regular season games will be what is needed. It takes time for the game to slow down. I hope they don't make him Iowa bound, but I am not a scout or a developer of NHL talent.

[Enforceror]

11 minutes ago, IllicitFive said:

I think he just needs some lower stake marinating. The playoffs proved to be too fast and too intense for his first go around, but with some of what he showed I don't think his talents would grow much in the AHL. I believe the growth from playing pre season and regular season games will be what is needed. It takes time for the game to slow down. I hope they don't make him Iowa bound, but I am not a scout or a developer of NHL talent.

I believe a strong offseason will do wonders. I expect to see him on the squad next year. With regular playing time, I think he'll start to shine around game 20.

[MNCountryLife]

12 minutes ago, IllicitFive said:

I think he just needs some lower stake marinating. The playoffs proved to be too fast and too intense for his first go around, but with some of what he showed I don't think his talents would grow much in the AHL. I believe the growth from playing pre season and regular season games will be what is needed. It takes time for the game to slow down. I hope they don't make him Iowa bound, but I am not a scout or a developer of NHL talent.

Exactly!!!

[Willy the poor boy]

28 minutes ago, IllicitFive said:

I think he just needs some lower stake marinating. The playoffs proved to be too fast and too intense for his first go around, but with some of what he showed I don't think his talents would grow much in the AHL. I believe the growth from playing pre season and regular season games will be what is needed. It takes time for the game to slow down. I hope they don't make him Iowa bound, but I am not a scout or a developer of NHL talent.

I'm not 100% but I believe the only skater that BG has drafted that's developed in IA. is Rossi (and he wants to get rid of him lol) so not a good track record. Sounds like all the IA. coaches are safe for another season. Uugh!!

[IllicitFive]

Just now, Willy the poor boy said:

I'm not 100% but I believe the only skater that BG has drafted that's developed in IA. is Rossi (and he wants to get rid of him lol) so not a good track record. Sounds like all the IA. coaches are safe for another season. Uugh!!

Looking at the names in Iowa the "big names" are all fairly young. Heidt is 20, Ohgren 21, Bankier 22, Haight 21, Lambos 22, and so on. So I will withhold my judgement for now as they are still young and haven't wasted away..... yet. I agree, the track record does not look great, but in a  year or 2, as roster spots open up, NHL players age out/contracts drop off we will get a better look at the success or failure of the AHL. Hockey is frustrating, draft and then wait possibly years for guys to show up and make an impact unlike the NFL where tons of drafted players come in and make a mark year 1.

[Enforceror]

So what happens if Hlavaj ends up being our guy? We already committed to Wally with a contract.

Wallstedt ended the season with 27gp, 3.59, .879

Hlavaj: 36gp, 2.85, .904

That's a substantial difference. Yeah, it's only one year and Wally had some mental/confidence issues this year but....Hlavaj could be getting better too. In WC (for Slovakia) Hlavaj had 3gp with 1.67, .929

 

 

[Up North Guy]

2 minutes ago, Enforceror said:

So what happens if Hlavaj ends up being our guy? We already committed to Wally with a contract.

Wallstedt ended the season with 27gp, 3.59, .879

Hlavaj: 36gp, 2.85, .904

That's a substantial difference. Yeah, it's only one year and Wally had some mental/confidence issues this year but....Hlavaj could be getting better too. In WC (for Slovakia) Hlavaj had 3gp with 1.67, .929

 

 

BG also said he was going to get another NHL ready goalie on a two way contract in case Wally fizzles. Maybe Hlavaj still needs marinating in Iowa. If he plays well and Wally doesn't I can see some I-35 rotation going on.

[1Brotherbill]

Goaltending is set.  Doesn't matter how you feel about the goalies the Wild has there are enough of them in the system to provide good goaltending for years.  Don't need to worry about that for next year.

Defense.  We have a lot of defenseman in the system not named Jon Merrill. The Wild will be better offensively from the defense.  That fits John Hynes and his structure.  

Forwards.  This is where the Wild need to address.  The team can not win a face off.  It isn't Connor Bedard level of face off percentage but it is not as close to 50 percent as you want it to be.  The team needs to sign someone who can win a draw.  Brock Nelson career 48%.  So, probably not that guy.  John Tavares career 53% draw percentage.  That guy might be a good fit.  

Basically the Wild need to get better at the draw.  If they were close to 50 % they probably are playing Edmonton right now.