Article: David Spacek’s Days With the Wild Are Numbered

[Neil Urbanski]

View full article

[Burnt Toast]

Excellent article. Being outside the room it’s hard to know how much communication takes place between player, agent and in this situation a father who’s been in the pros. The NHL sure seems like a very competitive league. On the other hand some of the AHL players still make a good living. Hope DS finds a good home. 

[Imyourhuckleberry]

With Bogosian nearing the end of his contract, and Spurgeon aging, I imagine Spacek could have a shot for regular roster time at the NHL level as early as 26-27. One or two injuries and he could elevate to the MN Wild in 25-26.

Sounds a bit like a developing RHD version of Declan Chisholm--also a 5th round offense producing player as a minor league defenseman. Could fit in alright on the 3rd pairing, but not necessarily a key contributor.

[Pewterschmidt]

The list of Brackett picks that aren’t winning nhl spots continues to grow

[Pewterschmidt]

6 minutes ago, Pewterschmidt said:

The list of Brackett picks that aren’t winning nhl spots continues to grow

Lambos, o rourke, peart, spacex, hunt, khuz, Rossi (soon to be cast off), ogz (likely will be cast off as a trade sweetener) and the list goes on.  Well at least we have the top prospect pool.  Who again are the needle movers in brackett’s prospect pool?   That 1st round pick used on Stramel is going to be scrutinized if Stramdingle is brazz 2.0
Prediction: Brackett is the first high profile firing as bill’s seat gets hot 12 months from now

 prospects next up: wall-e, z boo, and the savior yurov

Edited May 15 by Pewterschmidt

[Pewterschmidt]

6 minutes ago, Pewterschmidt said:

Lambos, o rourke, peart, spacex, hunt, khuz, Rossi (soon to be cast off), ogz (likely will be cast off as a trade sweetener) and the list goes on.  Well at least we have the top prospect pool.  Who again are the needle movers in brackett’s prospect pool?   That 1st round pick used on Stramel is going to be scrutinized if Stramdingle is brazz 2.0
Prediction: Brackett is the first high profile firing as bill’s seat gets hot 12 months from now

 prospects next up: wall-e, z boo, and the savior yurov

Haight, Lorenz and Milne all high picks in 2022 that need to show signs of forward progress soon before they are labeled Tyson Jost 2.0

[Citizen Strife]

If the player isn't good enough, he isn't good enough.  This sounds like a father shooting his own son's career in the foot.  The team isn't going to sit back and wait for prospects to "someday maybe.". Do they just "not" take Buium at 12, what the fuck?

Picking on Buium and Jiricek is rich, considering both showed promise in limited doses in games with actual stakes.  Spacek showed squat in preseason games.

 

Edited May 15 by Citizen Strife

[Scalptrash]

2 hours ago, Pewterschmidt said:

Prediction: Brackett is the first high profile firing as bill’s seat gets hot 12 months from now

It all starts in Iowa and Iowa is a train wreck. So ultimately everything points back to Billy. This is his show, he's running everything and failing spectacularly.

Leipold is a horrible judge of character and keeps hiring incompetent GM's that he has to fire...early. I'm sure he's sick of wasting money in that role (paying two or more GM's and coaches all the time), therefore sticks it out instead of making a move sooner. But he can only blame himself.

I personally think this franchise is a dumpster fire on the inside. If you compare them to other teams that are perennial winners, it is so poorly managed/coached and has been pretty much from the start. Minus Lemaire. He did more with less.

[Burnt Toast]

1 hour ago, Scalptrash said:

making a move sooner

I’ve been watching trends of things looking hopeful,  followed by lack of playoff success, followed by regression for a while. The current GM has to around 2027 to see if he can build a team/ culture that can break the mold. He’s had success as a player and assistant GM. I don’t think firing him now would lead to faster/ better results no matter who gets brought in. If this current iteration of the Wild bombs I really hope the current owner sells the team and gives someone else a chance to build a winner. That being said this is the best looking trend I’ve seen since the team started.

[WildNotMild]

3 hours ago, Citizen Strife said:

If the player isn't good enough, he isn't good enough.  This sounds like a father shooting his own son's career in the foot.  The team isn't going to sit back and wait for prospects to "someday maybe.". Do they just "not" take Buium at 12, what the fuck?

Picking on Buium and Jiricek is rich, considering both showed promise in limited doses in games with actual stakes.  Spacek showed squat in preseason games.

 

When I heard the news, I immediately thought they were following the Talbot playbook.  Publicly criticize Billy, who can’t take it, watch him throw a fit and hope he either trades the player or releases him.

[Patrick]

Why does Spacek get so much press?  He was a 5th round pick who has had modest success in development.  His absolute ceiling is a fringe NHL player.  Completely replaceable.  Weird.

[Citizen Strife]

Because the Wild is where prospects go to die...even if the truth isn't like that at all.

[TheGoosesAreLooses]

9 hours ago, Pewterschmidt said:

Lambos, o rourke, peart, spacex, hunt, khuz, Rossi (soon to be cast off), ogz (likely will be cast off as a trade sweetener) and the list goes on

khuz is playing NHL minutes, Rossi has put up seasons of 40 and 60 pts, Ohgren has a really good shot to make the team next year which is a pretty regular development period. Outside of Lambos, the rest were picked out of the first round.

Only 74% of players picked in the first round go on to play over 100 games. That drops to 34% in the second round.

If Wallstedt has a good offseason that will be all our first round picks outside Lambos playing NHL games from 2020 when Brackett arrived to 2022 as those kids are just outgrowing junoirs now. In fact if Yurov and Wallstedt stick we will be 4/5. Over average. Considering we have a second and a third rounder playing NHL games Brackett has done his job. Many of these youngins are just about to get their first taste at an NHL level. I suggest we let them play before bringing out the bust stamp.

[1Brotherbill]

So the evaluation of the player seems like he is a Jared Spurgeon without the good things.  The Wild seldom make a bad evaluation of their prospects.  You could argue that they draft terrible players.  However, those that have left really haven't done anything in other organizations.  Spacek might be able to make the roster in a few years but do we want another Jon Merrill on the roster.  I would rather have a Jiricek who makes defensive mistakes and scores than someone who doesn't score and makes more defensive mistakes.  

[Pewterschmidt]

14 hours ago, TheGoosesAreLooses said:

khuz is playing NHL minutes, Rossi has put up seasons of 40 and 60 pts, Ohgren has a really good shot to make the team next year

My point is that these prospects are so hot we (first round flounder team.  This ain’t the Dallas Stars/Canes lineup) didn’t bother to keep them around.  Couldn’t take a spot from Fred or NyQuil or NoJo.  
prediction:100% probability Rossi is gone.  Better than 75% ogz is gone. Khuz already gone.
when does Brackett find our Wyatt Johnston or Stanky Leg?   Wall-E probably gets a longer runway as a goalie but yurov has to show something right away. 

[Pewterschmidt]

Fun offseason idea: post a poll making predictions like “Will Rossi be here at start of next season?”

”ohgren be here?”

[TheGoosesAreLooses]

25 minutes ago, Pewterschmidt said:

My point is that these prospects are so hot we (first round flounder team.  This ain’t the Dallas Stars/Canes lineup) didn’t bother to keep them around.  Couldn’t take a spot from Fred or NyQuil or NoJo.  
prediction:100% probability Rossi is gone.  Better than 75% ogz is gone. Khuz already gone.
when does Brackett find our Wyatt Johnston or Stanky Leg?   Wall-E probably gets a longer runway as a goalie but yurov has to show something right away. 

Stankoven's best season is 38pts. What are you talking about? Rossi at the same age had a 40pt season. Stankoven is 5'8" and 165lbs, he is smaller than Rossi. Billy G would be tossin him out with the bathwater too. Wyatt is a year younger but literally had almost identical point totals to Rossi. First season 41 and second season 65. Rossi is our Stankoven or Wyatt, Billy would just rather another big slow gritty veteran.

I think it is a more an inditement of our GM than Brackett that we are getting rid of a young developing center because he doesn't fit BG's mould. The lack of development of prospects isn't on Brackett, it is on Billy and his clown show in Iowa. It seems like every indication points to Iowa beign a black hole for development and that organization not doing what it needs to for our prospects to grow.  

 

[Up North Guy]

I know Iowa is bad, but did anyone notice his =/- is -17? That is by far the worst on that graph. That does not scream "move him up to the big club" to me. And yes i know =/- is not the best indicator. But the comparison to others on that graph is startling.

[Pewterschmidt]

22 hours ago, TheGoosesAreLooses said:

Rossi at the same age had a 40pt season. Stankoven is 5'8" and 165lbs, he is smaller than Rossi.

Yet he plays big minutes and makes big plays on teams that make cup runs.   Next let’s compare Lindell’s pts to Rossi’s regular season pts.  Meanwhile Rossi gets hidden on 4th line on one and done playoff team.  
Re: Iowa. It’s not like there’s a magic development formula.   It’s garbage in garbage out on the farm

[IllicitFive]

22 hours ago, Pewterschmidt said:

Yet he plays big minutes and makes big plays on teams that make cup runs.   Next let’s compare Lindell’s pts to Rossi’s regular season pts.  Meanwhile Rossi gets hidden on 4th line on one and done playoff team.  
Re: Iowa. It’s not like there’s a magic development formula.   It’s garbage in garbage out on the farm

So the 3 goals 2 assists he has this playoff run, after getting traded off? That is in 10 games in his 2nd long run in the playoffs. That is .5 points a game, Rossi who is trash who scored 2 goals, 1 assist in 6 games..... so a .5 pts/game in his FIRST taste of playoffs, while being on the 4th line where Stankoven is on line 2 with Roslovic and Hall. Stankoven scored 2 of those 3 in game 1. Seems he went pretty silent after with a .33 pts/game there after. If Rossi put up the same numbers people would lost their minds at how inefficient he is, how could he play 2nd line minutes. 

With Lindell since you asked, though I am guessing you mean Lundell in Florida since that is who most are made we didn't take. In 23/24 Lindell had the stat line of 13g 22a for 35 pts, in 78 games, which is year 3 of full time NHL hockey. Rossi struggled with 21 g, 19 a for 40 pts in 82 in what was his first NHL stint. This year? Lundell 79 games played, 17 goals, 28 assists for 45 pts, Rossi again in a year he didn't do enough 24 goals, 36 assists, for 60 points. Lundell in his first playoff run scored 2 goals and 8 assists in 21 games, 2 goals, the same as Rossi in 6 games, and at a .5 pts per game clip, which is the same.

So just so I am understanding, you want people who produce the same in the playoffs and worse in the regular season playing on better lines? I think we are too far into the grass is always greener way of thinking. Those teams are not rolling out guys like Nojo, Braz, Freddy G, Nyquil, which may have more to do with making runs. 

[Protec]

7 hours ago, IllicitFive said:

So the 3 goals 2 assists he has this playoff run, after getting traded off? That is in 10 games in his 2nd long run in the playoffs. That is .5 points a game, Rossi who is trash who scored 2 goals, 1 assist in 6 games..... so a .5 pts/game in his FIRST taste of playoffs, while being on the 4th line where Stankoven is on line 2 with Roslovic and Hall. Stankoven scored 2 of those 3 in game 1. Seems he went pretty silent after with a .33 pts/game there after. If Rossi put up the same numbers people would lost their minds at how inefficient he is, how could he play 2nd line minutes. 

With Lindell since you asked, though I am guessing you mean Lundell in Florida since that is who most are made we didn't take. In 23/24 Lindell had the stat line of 13g 22a for 35 pts, in 78 games, which is year 3 of full time NHL hockey. Rossi struggled with 21 g, 19 a for 40 pts in 82 in what was his first NHL stint. This year? Lundell 79 games played, 17 goals, 28 assists for 45 pts, Rossi again in a year he didn't do enough 24 goals, 36 assists, for 60 points. Lundell in his first playoff run scored 2 goals and 8 assists in 21 games, 2 goals, the same as Rossi in 6 games, and at a .5 pts per game clip, which is the same.

So just so I am understanding, you want people who produce the same in the playoffs and worse in the regular season playing on better lines? I think we are too far into the grass is always greener way of thinking. Those teams are not rolling out guys like Nojo, Braz, Freddy G, Nyquil, which may have more to do with making runs. 

I like it. Very practical assessment. 

At the same time Rossi has to pass the eye-test, role-fit, and cost-benefit. 

I think he's a good, young player. Perhaps he and Zuccy could continue if the Wild upgraded Fred, NoJo, and Nyquist or Vinnestroza with some more powerful forwards but their finesse-style of European hockey isn't great for the playoffs. 

Yes those guys can score on grade A chances but you can't expect many of those against Vegas, Dallas, or EDM. I believe the real issue is what Rossi generates by himself and his ability to thrive in the toughest games. Can he be a critical tool for a coach to send out against Benn, Draisaitl, Eichel, Schieffle, etc., or is he gonna get limited cause finesse isn't what ya need at that moment. If you moved him to the wing, is he fast or puck-doggin many defenseman? Not so much, and his PP prowess isn't so amazing that he made the Wild's percentage perfect. 

Maybe the hot girlfriend analogy works? Some elements are there, but can't cook, has a terrible mother, hates kids, or has six-toes. Your buds might say, "No she's hot, why would you wanna trade?" Since you know ALL the pros & cons being most in-tune to the scenario, you might be thinking, "I'd accept a hotness reduction for gains in other categories." Rossi might fill out a huge brazier in the regular-season points category but can't get out of debt or drinks too much wine with horrible friends that openly share lousy opinions. Might be time to go in a different direction kinda thing. That's kinda how I see the Wild handling it with a bit of uncertainty around how or whether to bite the bullet and execute the breakup & transition. Self-inflicted and awkward but either do it, or get over the extra toe and sloppy-drunk philosophical-rants. 

[Up North Guy]

I tend to think getting rid of Rossi is a bad idea, but unfortunately BG seems to have lost my number. So I guess my opinion won't get the needle moved. With that in mind, we probably need to start looking a what can be gotten for Marco. The team front office has done a great job of lowering Rossi's value. That means getting even top draft picks will be like pulling teeth. We don't have a need to get a thug/grinder/meat type player. We already have those in spades. That seems to leave a trade for another (or two) player(s) who are also damaged goods. The only ones that come to mind are Zegras (Ducks) and LaFreniere (Rangers). There are others I am sure. Not sure how I feel about this, but it may be a best case outcome.

[Will D. Ness]

3 hours ago, Up North Guy said:

The only ones that come to mind are Zegras (Ducks)

Elias Pettersson is feeling left out.

[Up North Guy]

17 hours ago, Will D. Ness said:

Elias Pettersson is feeling left out.

Pettersson isn't being dangled by "Nucks as far as I know. There are lots of rumors about the Ducks and Rangers dangling the other two.

[mnfaninnc]

I hope he stays. I'd project him as the 3rd pairing guy in '26 and 1st RHS callup on defense this next season. 

IMO, watching him, he does a decent job defensively and offensively. I don't think the baby Wild's PP issue is because of Spacek. I honestly am looking the coach right in the eye and calling for a change to the whole staff. 

Get in someone who has some experience, and can really develop guy, and certainly bring in a defensive guy on the staff who can coach and run the defense, a guy who the bench can respect.

His dad can be as mad as he wants, but the truth is, from my eye test, he was not yet ready for the N.