Brad Staubitz on Waivers

"Houston, we have a problem."

Staubitz is one of two players bearing the burden of the scapegoat label from Wild fans. In our opinion here, deservedly so. No points in 43 games, and nine fighting majors. According to HockeyFights.com, Staubitz won just four of those bouts. Watching the replays there, it also has to be mentioned that they are using the NHL's definition of a "fight," not one we would use.

To be sure, Staubitz was not brought in to score points. He was however, supposed to be the answer to a guy with toughness, who could fight, and wasn't "just a goon." He has turned out to be the answer, but the wrong answer. A goon is guy who is good at one thing. Fighting. Staubitz is a guy who isn't really good for much of anything.

Blunt, yes, but also true. He doesn't score, he's soft on the puck, he isn't nearly physical enough for his role, his forecheck is solid but spotty, he was far too easy goading into taking penalties, and he isn't much of a fighter. For long stretches of time, it was unclear why Mike Yeo continued to play Staubitz. He does not seem to fit Yeo's style of character. Willing to sacrifice for the team, to stand up for the guy next you and to assert your presence when needed.

What happens is Staubitz clears waivers is yet to be seen. The Wild are not required to send him to Houston for 30 days. He makes $575K (per capgeek), so being in Houston is not a huge blow to the pocketbook either. Maybe some team is desperate for a warm body, but looking at the current state of the NHL, that is unlikely.

The next question is... if Staubitz is gone, who comes in?