By Jordan Morales -
We're all thinking it.
Christian Ehroff, offensive defensemen. Top pair caliber. Best fit in a top 4 roll. Let's sign him.
I personally love the guy as a hockey player. Contributes to the rush, threat on the power play, blocks a ridiculous amount of shots for a defensemen of his style.
But there's one problem, and it's evident in the cover photo heading this article.
Go ahead, take a good, hard look.
....
I won't spoil it.
...
..
.
He's left-handed.
The Wild are already loaded on LD, with Ryan Suter, Jonas Brodin, Marco Scandella, Keith Ballard, and Clayton Stoner (yes, he's coming back) all preferring the left side. Jared Spurgeon was (and still is) the only right D who has proven capable throughout the entire year. This has been a huge damper for both PP units as Jason Pomminville, who has been nothing more than "capable", up to the point. Spurgeon has had to quarterback the 2nd PP for most of the year, which I wouldn't say he's great at either, rather supporting Suter on the 1st PP. Although he's effective at distributing puck, Jonas Brodin's lack of a threatening shot hasn't helped either.
In terms of the future, we're actually looking pretty good on both sides. Dylan Labbe and the budding Gustav Oloffsson man the left side while Matt Dumba and the new Louis Belpedio are both righties. What this means is that whether we sign lefty or a righty, it's going to get in the way of somebody's development.
I do think Ehroff is the better defensemen, I just see Niskanen as a better fit solely off handedness and #OneOfUs-ness.
You're thoughts Wilderness?
While you think your thoughts, lets for a rather thoughtful Walk.
WILD NEWS
But Pontus!
Wild may meet with Vanek today; Wild's 2014-15 depth chart; More on Iginla | Russo's Rants | StarTribune.com
Could the term "Wild Killer" take on a whole new meaning?
Wild notes: Chicago area selection switches allegiances | Star Tribune
Wait...he's one of THEM?
Wild meets with Niskanen, is expected to be active in free agency | Star Tribune
More Niskanen.
Chart: Minnesotans drafted by NHL teams | Star Tribune
#OneOfUs
Iginla emerges on list of free-agent candidates for Wild | Star Tribune
Vanek-Pomminville-Iginla-Coyle on the right side? I'm not feeling it.
Wild Minute: Wild looking to meet with Niskanen, Vanek, talk to Iginla | Star Tribune
Russo...in video form!
Good name.
The Team of 18,001: A New Face In The State of Hockey: Louis Belpedio
Great name.
The Team of 18,001: A New Face In The State of Hockey: Kaapo Kahkonen
Greater name.
The Team of 18,001: A New Face In The State of Hockey: Pontus Sjalin
Based God of Names.
OTHER NEWS
Sabres to buy out Christian Ehrhoff's remaining seven years of contract | Puck Daddy - Yahoo Sports
Should we...?
Winners and Losers of the 2014 NHL Draft | Puck Daddy - Yahoo Sports
TML(OL)
Jason Spezza kills trade to Nashville, leaving GM Poile frustrated | Puck Daddy - Yahoo Sports
What a fuckin' all star.
Nathan Walker’s NHL drafting celebrated hyperbolically in Australia | Puck Daddy - Yahoo Sports
*Australian Euphemism*
Brendan Lemieux will make those teams that snubbed him pay | Puck Daddy - Yahoo Sports
You can't not like this kid...unless he's not on your team.
Top Line: NHL draft winners; Spezza scratches off another team; more links - NHL - SI.com
Sports Illustrated turns in a real good news day for hockey.
2014 NHL Free Agent Tracker - NHL - SI.com
Just for reference.
Islanders, Sabres and Predators top list of NHL draft winners and losers - NHL - SI.com
The Wild did nothing to make this list.
‘Canes plan to split net duty between Khudobin, Ward | ProHockeyTalk
One goalie was much better than the other last season.
Coyotes might let their UFAs walk, Vrbata included | ProHockeyTalk
Connor. McDavid.
Report: Habs are looking to trade Gorges | ProHockeyTalk
[speculation]!
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