Article: Is the Wild’s Solution For A Top Six Center Already On the Team?

[Eric Forga]

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[MNCountryLife]

We talk about this often.  We need a 1C.  How many 1Cs are out there?  We see what happens to this team when Ek is out.  He may not be fancy... but he does it all... including making everyone on his line better.  How many teams have a 1C that is as important to them as Ek is to the Wild?  

[MNCountryLife]

I've been impressed with Yurov.  He has already come a long ways in half a season.  Keep rolling him out and we may need to recognize him as 1C quality by the end of the season... next year for sure.

[OldDutchChip]

Quote

Reimagining Boldy as 1C allows the Wild to build a forward group that looks more like a modern contender without needing a franchise-altering trade. A plausible blueprint would be to have Boldy center the top line with Kaprizov and Zuccarello as his wings, and the second line run with Eriksson Ek, Johannson, and a top-six winger from the trade block. 

I like the idea of moving (or trying) Boldy at C, but I prefer him on L2, and instead plant Ek on L1.

L1 needs a bit more physicality on it, so hence Ek over Boldy.... and i'd prefer to not put all our elite force on one line. Boldy, Kap, Zuccy may be too cute for PO....

As for trade targets - I think Tuch is going to cost too much. As will Kyrou. Malkin's name has been mentioned but he is likely staying put given Pens good play and he is approaching 40....i guess if Pens want a second rounder and Jiri for him - sure

I'd focus instead on Panarin or Marchenko. See if you can get one of them for something other than Yurov or Wally. 

Marchenko would be my target. Is he gettable? Possibly. Columbus is not doing well, Dean is out - perhaps they are looking to re-tool.