Article: How Do the Wild Balance Paying Kaprizov Superstar Money and Building A Contending Team?

[Kalisha Turnipseed]

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[Imyourhuckleberry]

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Haight is the most interesting name on this roster, who has shown he’s an above-average producer in the AHL. Despite Iowa finishing with a 45-30-7 record, Haight was one of Iowa's bright spots. He finished 5th in scoring with 34 points in 67 games. Does he have the potential to be a top-five scorer for the Wild?

Was Haight really an above average producer in the AHL? Give him credit for playing more games than all but one other forward(Bankier), and scoring 8 more points than Bankier, but .5 points per game in the AHL does not quite suggest above average production to me, although being around average at age 20 does seem solid.

Luke Toporowski and Brendan Gaunce also scored at a faster pace than Haight, so he would have been around 7th among forwards for points per game. In a couple more years, Haight might be ready to help on the 3rd or 4th line, but I wouldn't expect to see many minutes for him on the 2nd line.

I am looking forward to seeing how the Iowa Wild might do with an experienced coach like they'll have this season. Haight does seem to be a goal scorer, but I'm not sure he has a well-rounded game that would have him playing in elevated lines in the near future. Maybe he can get there in time.

[Scalptrash]

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Guerin must find the perfect balance between keeping his superstar happy, leaving room for future upgrades, and aligning the team’s competitive window in Kaprizov’s prime.

If only he was competent...maybe.

[1Brotherbill]

Ok, Sidney Crosby is never going to leave Pittsburgh.  We can just let that one go.

But Artemi Panarin might and should be on this team come trade deadline.  Also, he should be signed to a contract in the off season as well.  I think that Kirill and Panarin with Yurov between them would be a solid Russian line that would rival the Detroit lines of the early 90's.  

Could the Wild afford 16 million for Kirill and 10 to 11 for Panarin.  They could but they would have to get rid of Brodin or Spurgeon or both of them in the off season.  And it would be worth it if they did.  The Wild have more than enough defenseman in the system to cover the loss of those two.  

[Burnt Toast]

1 hour ago, 1Brotherbill said:

But Artemi Panarin might and should be on this team come trade deadline.

Now we’re talking. The hope is that NY will be happy with taking picks and players that don’t diminish the SC window that acquiring AP helps open. 

[mnfaninnc]

To fully answer the question, it happens by using the kids. The build is mostly from within. The wonderful thing about having a cluster of kids from 3 drafts is the ability to go for it. If you can get a 3rd of the team or more in that age group cluster, they have a tendency to create something special. You'd need 7 to make significant contributions to the roster. We didn't draft all of them, but acquired them before they were main players. If 5 more can come in and make it, along with little brother Buium, we have a chance. 

Then, instead of maybe swinging big for that elusive top free agent, maybe adding a couple of talented guys from this age group helps solidify the team. They would all be on affordable deals. As the cap increases, so does their pay.