Breaking News: Wild Trade All-Star Defenseman to Devils

Make the jump for further discussion, should you wish it upon yourself. 

Maxim Noreau is a popular defenseman in Houston. He has been a good soldier with the organization, making the AHL All-Star team on multiple occasions, and often times being the Aeros leading scorer. This move isn't about Noreau's ability at the AHL level. He has proven he is a solid, scoring d-man at that level. However, that success never translated to the NHL, and the Wild could use more help at forward than at D. 

Noreau is a pending RFA, and it was unlikely either side wanted anything to do with the other. No hard feelings, I am sure, but Max wants to make the NHL, and that wasn't going to happen with the Wild. The Wild also have a new class of prospects coming in, and need some room in Houston. 

Look, Max is a great AHLer. He scores, he carries the puck well, and he has always been the good soldier. Plugging away, working hard, and helping his team win. It is beyond question that he will be missed in Houston. Unfortunately, this isn't about Houston, it is about Minnesota. Trading Max is the best thing for the Minnesota Wild, and long term, likely the best thing for Maxim Noreau. 

The New Guy

Looking at the new guy coming in, he looks to be a very serviceable center. He has one full season of pro hockey under his belt, scoring 30 points in 78 games played with the Albany Devils, adding 50 PIMs as well. This could be a great pick up for the Wild, as McIntyre could be a great grinding forward call up for injury replacements, etc. 

His stats look like this:

All in all, a minor trade for Wild fans, but a pretty big trade for Aeros fans. Welcome to the organization, Mr. McIntyre, and thank you for your service, Max. Good luck to you in the future.