Let's Meet: Tom Gilbert

One more post on the topic at hand. One more post I really had zero desire to write. One more post that will probably wind up with a comment section full of people yelling at me. Which is fine. I can handle it.

It is possible Tom Gilbert is the answer the Wild needed. So many possibilities, so little time. Plenty of cliches about wishes and possibilities. With the shake up on the blue line, if nothing else, it will be interesting to watch how the dynamic changes. It may not be instantly apparent if the changes had an impact, but it shouldn't take long for the dividends to at least show signs.

The trade is growing on me a bit. It will depend greatly on Gilbert's play if it continues to do so.

This was not a make or break trade. At least not long term. It will be a decisive trade on whether or not the Wild have the faith of the fans the rest of the season. That may be the biggest test of all.

Who is Tom Gilbert? After the jump.

The Stats

The Experts

From the Edmonton Journal:

From Chuck Fletcher (via Russo):

The Video

This is the hit that injured Gilbert's back. Looks nice and clean, eh? (Carcillo was suspended 7 games.)

I would include video of him scoring a goal, but it doesn't seem to exist. So... there's that.

The Bottom Line

I'm still unconvinced this was a good move. Maybe trades from the past have made me skeptical. Maybe I'm just a jerk that doesn't like offensive d-men. Maybe I am completely wrong, and the Wild will rally around all the changes and find a way to pull their game together. Maybe.

It could happen.

He will have an awful lot of eyes on him, and a heavy burden to bear. The fact he is Minnesotan is going to buy him time with a few people. If he performs well, he'll convince others. It's going to take awhile to convince this old bitter jerk. I hope he does well. I hope he improves the team in ways never thought imaginable.