Article: Next Year Will Feel Like A Crossroads For the Wild's Defense

[Tony Abbott]

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[Citizen Strife]

One of the biggest failings from the team last year was lack of offense from Bogo, Merrill, and Chisholm.  Playing mistake free or at least risk avoidant hockey is nice, but it comes at a price.

What I saw out of Jiricek's limited minutes was a guy trying to be more than a "warm body.". Even at a young age, he was better than his defensive partner Dermott, who was the definition of waiver wire pickup.

Chisholm also made far too many mistakes late in the season to trust him over giving Buium and Jiricek the nod.  Something has to give.  I don't think it is either Brodin nor Spurgeon just yet.

Reminder, Suter holds the season record for Wild points by a defenseman (49).  Bogo, Merrill, and Chisholm together accounted for 30-35.  Lane Hutson of the Canadiens by HIMSELF in a rookie year got 60-65...

If Buium and Jiricek together come anywhere close to Hutson's offensive impact, the Wild blueline suddenly feels a lot more dangerous.

[MNCountryLife]

Both Spurgeon and Brodin are fantastic players. However, Spurgeon's contract and age limit his window for a cup.  Jiricek and Zeev are the future and need TOI.

 

[Scalptrash]

Quote

Next Year Will Be A Crossroads For the Entire Wild Franchise

Fixed it for you Tony.

 

 

[Burnt Toast]

I hope the Wild can figure out a way to get value out of their older players as new ones come in. Brodin/Spurg. Timing wise that seems like a bit of a tight wire act. Looks like the Leafs will not be getting any assets as Mitch M. skates off in this year’s UFA sweepstakes. 

Edited yesterday at 12:09 AM by Burnt Toast
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[FredJohnson]

17 minutes ago, Burnt Toast said:

I hope the Wild can figure out a way to get value out of their older players as new ones come in. Brodin/Spurg. Timing wise that seems like a bit of a tight wire act. Looks like the Leafs will not be getting any assets as Mitch M. skates off in this year’s UFA sweepstakes. 

Trade them to cup contenders at the deadline next season.

[Sam]

8 hours ago, Citizen Strife said:

Reminder, Suter holds the season record for Wild points by a defenseman (51*)

 

[Sam]

You can’t short-change the great Ryan Suter AKA Mr. KwikTrip.

[ArizonaWildFan]

10 hours ago, Citizen Strife said:

One of the biggest failings from the team last year was lack of offense from Bogo, Merrill, and Chisholm.

Another fine piece of sports journalism, Tony.

CS, agree completely on your assessment and would also add a lack of defense to a certain extent. Bogo OK, but Merrill and Chisholm caused my butt cheeks to clinch every minute they were on the ice.

[Citizen Strife]

If I never again see Chisholm throw picks out from behind the net and turn them over, I'm ok with that.

[Up North Guy]

5 hours ago, Citizen Strife said:

If I never again see Chisholm throw picks out from behind the net and turn them over, I'm ok with that.

Or take a pass at the offensive blue line and fumblef...k it into an odd man rush the other way.

[TCMooch]

I see Jiricek as maybe a #4-5 guy personally. Depends on how hard he works to shore up his flaws.

Brodin and Spurgeon are on their last legs. I don’t really see them finishing a full season again and will spend time hurt at points in the season.

 It’s time for some incremental changes in the blue line and good thing we seem to be pretty solid prospect wise! Should be fun to see them grow!