Article: Hockey Class Is In Session, and It’s Time for a Group Project

[Mikki Tuohy]

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[0 Stanley Cups]

Absent: Bill Guerin.  It's his seventh season as GM, he is good at re-signing players, shipping out players, making low risk trades, and our drafting has been much better than previous regimes.  But what UFA's has he brought in?  Goligoski, Talbot, Trenin.  He has yet to sign a free agent difference maker (perhaps MIN is not a desirable team/location), or make a big trade for a difference maker or center.

[MrCheatachu]

Boldy a slacker?  The guy who's been noticeable (in a good way) on his recent deployment as a penalty killer is not willing to expand on his role?

[Burnt Toast]

1 hour ago, 0 Stanley Cups said:

He has yet to sign a free agent difference maker

BG is like the Dean of a school where their athletic facilities have been under construction for 5 years. Now they’re open for business but suddenly there’s no students wanting a change of scenery. These next few years will define BG’s reputation as an NHL executive. Can he pull the proverbial rabbit out of his hat, and build a playoff contender? 

[Pewterschmidt]

1 minute ago, Burnt Toast said:

BG is like the Dean of a school where their athletic facilities have been under construction for 5 years. Now they’re open for business but suddenly there’s no students wanting a change of scenery. These next few years will define BG’s reputation as an NHL executive. Can he pull the proverbial rabbit out of his hat, and build a playoff contender? 

He’s been here for seven years and has enjoyed full autonomy (parise/Suter decision, promoted to pres hockey ops, etc) and he gets another few years to define his reputation???  10 fucking years before rendering judgement.  Guerin must have gotten his hands on the Cardiojo Gypsy monkey paw and cast a spell on OCL and some of the fanbase.  With zero free agent acquisitions, absolute losing trades at TDL , the Jiri Project™️ and a 40-50% over pay for 97 there’s enough tape to pass judgement.  I’ll say again, Brackett is Guerin’s first human shield (firing) and fearless leader thin skinned tough guy blames Judd the Pud for the Wild’s troubles.  With Guerin contributing nothing in the form of trades he went all-in on the prospects.  While there are some nice pieces (wall, Zeev, yurov?) the rest of the prospect pool is full of piss. 

[MNCountryLife]

6 minutes ago, Pewterschmidt said:

With Guerin contributing nothing in the form of trades he went all-in on the prospects.  While there are some nice pieces (wall, Zeev, yurov?) the rest of the prospect pool is full of piss. 

Holy ouch batman.  Tell me what you really think about BG.  LOL!!!

I don't get the impression that players dislike BG.  In fact, I think the players like him. 

BG bought himself time and an excuse with the "Buyout".  That is over.  He needs results.  Something that pushes the Wild to the 2nd round.  Hynes is no different.  He needs to get better results from the guys he puts on the ice.  Those results need to be this year.

[MrCheatachu]

49 minutes ago, Pewterschmidt said:

He’s been here for seven years and has enjoyed full autonomy (parise/Suter decision, promoted to pres hockey ops, etc) and he gets another few years to define his reputation???  10 fucking years before rendering judgement.  Guerin must have gotten his hands on the Cardiojo Gypsy monkey paw and cast a spell on OCL and some of the fanbase.  With zero free agent acquisitions, absolute losing trades at TDL , the Jiri Project™️ and a 40-50% over pay for 97 there’s enough tape to pass judgement.  I’ll say again, Brackett is Guerin’s first human shield (firing) and fearless leader thin skinned tough guy blames Judd the Pud for the Wild’s troubles.  With Guerin contributing nothing in the form of trades he went all-in on the prospects.  While there are some nice pieces (wall, Zeev, yurov?) the rest of the prospect pool is full of piss. 

Athletic article today revealed a trade I was unaware of at the draft last season: Rossi→Anty Ratu, Silovs & VAN 15th OA pick.

I mention this, because the article also mentioned the smoke around Keifer Sherwood to MN (the gritty type of player BG loves to sign at 31 years old) for a 1st+.

Remember, Guerin has said he doesnt like to make trades that he wins, he wants to make fair trades so the league will keep calling his phone.

Sidebar: you need to up your game from the Temu Trademark symbol on the Jiri Project™

Edited December 8 by MrCheatachu

[MrCheatachu]

16 minutes ago, MNCountryLife said:

Holy ouch batman.  Tell me what you really think about BG.  LOL!!!

Ask P-shooter his opinions on MoJo...

[Pewterschmidt]

16 minutes ago, MNCountryLife said:

Holy ouch batman.  Tell me what you really think about BG.  LOL!!!

I don't get the impression that players dislike BG.  In fact, I think the players like him. 

BG bought himself time and an excuse with the "Buyout".  That is over.  He needs results.  Something that pushes the Wild to the 2nd round.  Hynes is no different.  He needs to get better results from the guys he puts on the ice.  Those results need to be this year.

#hottakemonday

if this same group one and done’s AGAIN, is Guerin accountable or is the excuse:

1) no free agents left their teams

 2) Patrick Laine said no

3) wait til Benak gets here

 4) Other

[Pewterschmidt]

5 minutes ago, MrCheatachu said:

Keifer Sherwood to MN (the gritty type of player BG loves to sign at 31 years old) for a 1st+.

This guy has not played 300 games yet.  A late bloomer (brazz) 🐀.  This guy is a poor man’s Hartman.  Please god, don’t be dumb bill. 

[Pewterschmidt]

4 minutes ago, MrCheatachu said:

Ask P-shooter his opinions on MoJo...

Cardiojo.  The Gypsy spell is broken people.  

[Pewterschmidt]

8 minutes ago, MrCheatachu said:

Temu Trademark symbol on the Jiri Project™

I’m not too proud to ask, how are you working this magic?

[MNCountryLife]

21 minutes ago, Pewterschmidt said:

#hottakemonday

if this same group one and done’s AGAIN, is Guerin accountable or is the excuse:

1) no free agents left their teams

 2) Patrick Laine said no

3) wait til Benak gets here

 4) Other

5)  He squandered the extra cap space and didn't get a legitimate roster improvement.

The only accomplishment we had this summer was signing Kirill.  That's it.. Period.  Sturm is a solid 4th line center.  Not a needle mover but does provide stability.  Tarasenko was a complete flop.

Either BG improves the roster by the TDL or Hynes figures out a forumula to win without a roster change.  Either way we need to get past the 1st round to be called a success.

Short of that I think we have to put the blame squarely on the shoulders of BG.

[MNCountryLife]

22 minutes ago, Pewterschmidt said:

Cardiojo.  The Gypsy spell is broken people.

Agreed.  Mr Hyde has revealed himself in full form.

[MNCountryLife]

28 minutes ago, MrCheatachu said:

Ask P-shooter his opinions on MoJo...

I share that opinion.  

[MrCheatachu]

1 hour ago, Pewterschmidt said:

I’m not too proud to ask, how are you working this magic?

I'm on a PC so it's alt-code 0153 (press and hold 'alt' then use number pad 0153 and release alt).

No clue how to do it on Mac, PC w/o numpad, or iphone/android. 

[Pewterschmidt]

58 minutes ago, MNCountryLife said:

Sturm is a solid 4th line center.  Not a needle mover

Guerin also doesn’t get enough grief for paying free agent market prices for 4th line plugs.  Other org’s fill out their 4th line grist for the mill with entry level big body 4th round picks or from savvy of season adds.  Bill pays $3.5 for Yak Off the Jack Off and $2M for the guy who couldn’t beat out Fred Evason and missed 1/4 of season for back surgery from injury on Day one of camp….riiiight?  A bunch of different people in the org dropped the ball on Sturm-nation.  

[Pewterschmidt]

1 minute ago, MrCheatachu said:

I'm on a PC so it's alt-code 0153 (press and hold 'alt' then use number pad 0153 and release alt).

No clue how to do it on Mac, PC w/o numpad, or iphone/android. 

Cripes, I’m on iPhone 95% time.  I will figure something out.  Until then temu

[Pewterschmidt]

Storm equals Bjugstad without any hockey sense

[MNCountryLife]

5 minutes ago, Pewterschmidt said:

Guerin also doesn’t get enough grief for paying free agent market prices for 4th line plugs.  Other org’s fill out their 4th line grist for the mill with entry level big body 4th round picks or from savvy of season adds.  Bill pays $3.5 for Yak Off the Jack Off and $2M for the guy who couldn’t beat out Fred Evason and missed 1/4 of season for back surgery from injury on Day one of camp….riiiight?  A bunch of different people in the org dropped the ball on Sturm-nation.

A team needs a big 3rd or 4th line.  Trenin plays a physical game.  I'm okay with having him on the team.  Probably overpaid by $1M.  I'm not really sure why Trenin doesn't have more goals.  The guy seems to have bricks for hands when he gets around the net.

Sturm is only $2M.  Good value for a guy that is fast and plays a pretty solid 200 foot game on the 4th line.  Won't move the needle for goals but is at least responsible and can win some faceoffs.  Not sure why you don't like him.

Ohgren should not be the only young guy at the bottom of the roster.  Get Tara or Pitlick or both out of the lineup and bring in a young guy that is on the precipice of being ready and just needs a chance.  If the guy isn't in IA find him.  We have trade bait.

[WildNotMild]

1 hour ago, MNCountryLife said:

A team needs a big 3rd or 4th line.  Trenin plays a physical game.  I'm okay with having him on the team.  Probably overpaid by $1M.  I'm not really sure why Trenin doesn't have more goals.  The guy seems to have bricks for hands when he gets around the net.

Sturm is only $2M.  Good value for a guy that is fast and plays a pretty solid 200 foot game on the 4th line.  Won't move the needle for goals but is at least responsible and can win some faceoffs.  Not sure why you don't like him.

Ohgren should not be the only young guy at the bottom of the roster.  Get Tara or Pitlick or both out of the lineup and bring in a young guy that is on the precipice of being ready and just needs a chance.  If the guy isn't in IA find him.  We have trade bait.

Couldn’t agree more.  I think the Wild should always have 1-2 young forwards who aren’t supposed to be top 6 on ELCs in the bottom 6.  Travel with the big club, learn how to play and be a professional in the NHL.  If they develop into middle 6 players or better, great.  If they have to rotate out to watch and learn, fine, but don’t punish them for mistakes that vets also make by sending them to Iowa.
 

Only so much development can be done in the AHL and the Iowa Wild have development issues in my opinion.  The above scenario keeps the young guys hungry and lets them know they have something to fight and strive for.  Plus, carrying two guys in the bottom 6 keeps more cap space for TDL acquisitions.

As the roster is constructed now, we have multiple bottom 6 players blocking/taking a spot from younger guys.  I understand that guys earn their playing time, but does anyone really think that if there is a tie between a vet bottom 6 guy and a young ELC player that the vet isn’t going to win out?  Heck, I think with Hynes and Billy, the ELC young guy has to be MUCH better to even get a chance.

[Pewterschmidt]

1 hour ago, MNCountryLife said:

Not sure why you don't like him.

He’s probably a great guy. But like gudreau before him, no matter how good the perceived contract value is if he’s a Jack of all trades and master of none it gets old watching him chase the play every shift.  Maybe Sturd became something while being healthy scratched the last few seasons, and he’s recovered since signing but he needs to own the dot and be a forecheck merchant (because I don’t remember him being physical), because his offense upside is Ben Jonesian.   I know he’s the guy we all love to rag but he’s league min AAV, good on the dot and plays with heart.  Think Sturm minus $1M AAV.  But P-iss Missile what’s $1M?  Million here, couple million on t-bag, $4M on 97, that adds up to one top 6 forward

Edited December 8 by Pewterschmidt

[NoJoSux]

Sherwood isn't an expensive guy. He would be an offensive upgrade over other Wild grinders. I think he's a little more of a play driver and go to the net guy than MN's passive perimeter players. If Guerin could get him for a prospect, I think he'd help the Wild. I wouldn't be too bummed if it was Jiricek. 

I think Guerin & Brackett's momentum is gone from 2019-2021 when the tides were turning after the Fenton crash. There's other teams who are gonna be looking too. Tarasenko hasn't been hot and without Zuccy, MN appears to be pretty lousy generating enough goals. 

They've been better at remaining stable in games, albeit Wally had a crummy one against Vancouver. That and the defense shaping up is very good. There's still a handful of glaring deficiencies. It's Guerin's job to sort that stuff out. 

I get tired of hearing young guys are blocked. Ogie can't be more impactful than NoJo. Stop making excuses for him. Bogo is solid and Jiri is not. Yurov is probably gaining confidence but he's not an NHL star rookie, neither is No.8. At this point you know what you've got. In my opinion, Ogie, and Jiricek are guys you wanna use to get a guy like Sherwood with a motor who can help you win in the playoffs. Rasmus Andersson, Tuch, or Marchment are the kinds of guys MN needs to upgrade for a serious playoff run. The Wild only need one player to wear a number in the 90's and it's on the high-end, NOT the low-end. 

Guerin needs to make some moves that truly boost the Wild's playoff hopes. Moving Vlad's 4M or another combination of players could open up the cap space to improve, but GMBG needs to make moves that count this year. I don't think we're gonna see a different version of our current guys that's way better. The sample-size is sufficient to see what we got currently. 

[WildNotMild]

1 hour ago, NoJoSux said:

Sherwood isn't an expensive guy. He would be an offensive upgrade over other Wild grinders. I think he's a little more of a play driver and go to the net guy than MN's passive perimeter players. If Guerin could get him for a prospect, I think he'd help the Wild. I wouldn't be too bummed if it was Jiricek. 

I think Guerin & Brackett's momentum is gone from 2019-2021 when the tides were turning after the Fenton crash. There's other teams who are gonna be looking too. Tarasenko hasn't been hot and without Zuccy, MN appears to be pretty lousy generating enough goals. 

They've been better at remaining stable in games, albeit Wally had a crummy one against Vancouver. That and the defense shaping up is very good. There's still a handful of glaring deficiencies. It's Guerin's job to sort that stuff out. 

I get tired of hearing young guys are blocked. Ogie can't be more impactful than NoJo. Stop making excuses for him. Bogo is solid and Jiri is not. Yurov is probably gaining confidence but he's not an NHL star rookie, neither is No.8. At this point you know what you've got. In my opinion, Ogie, and Jiricek are guys you wanna use to get a guy like Sherwood with a motor who can help you win in the playoffs. Rasmus Andersson, Tuch, or Marchment are the kinds of guys MN needs to upgrade for a serious playoff run. The Wild only need one player to wear a number in the 90's and it's on the high-end, NOT the low-end. 

Guerin needs to make some moves that truly boost the Wild's playoff hopes. Moving Vlad's 4M or another combination of players could open up the cap space to improve, but GMBG needs to make moves that count this year. I don't think we're gonna see a different version of our current guys that's way better. The sample-size is sufficient to see what we got currently. 

My point is don’t sign so many bottom 6 guys to contracts that are too high with restrictions.  Instead, plan on having at least 1-2 spots for young players to cut their teeth in the NHL.  I, like many other fans, follow and root for the Wild players and become biased, but objectively, there are several that aren’t producing.  In that case, I would rather see what a few of the younger guys have than to literally see the same old same old.  I think this is kind of what is happening with Buium.  He isn’t great yet, but needs to learn things in the NHL that he likely won’t playing down in the AHL.  I wish one or two of the many d-men could have gotten some 3rd line minutes last year to see what they are and/or showcase for trade bait.

I would rather the Wild save its capital for a bigger fish close to 30 other than Sherwood or even younger players that might need a team change.

Unfortunately, Billy already did that with Jiricek.  Right now, it looks like he got fleeced, but maybe it will look better in a year or two.  If I was Vancouver, I would want more than Ohgren or Jiricek for Sherwood.  I think Ohgren is an NHL player, but what kind is still to be determined.  I wish he would have got more games last year so that we could have a better read now.

[Pewterschmidt]

1 hour ago, NoJoSux said:

In my opinion, Ogie, and Jiricek are guys you wanna use to get a guy like Sherwood with a motor who can help you win in the playoffs.

Trading the Jiri Project™️ (hunt + 1st + 2nd + 3rd + 4th) (admitting defeat on this trade) for a son to be 31 yr old grinder would be a Fentonian move.  I’d be surprised if Guerin has that long a leash with OCL.  I also don’t think Guerin’s ego would allow that move.  Jiri is here until bill is gone