Yakov Trenin Shines in Wild's Preseason Opener

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it isn't the hot prospects who actually earn the victory but it's the polarizing free agent signing who does.

Polarizing?  That would imply that there are two factions of the fan base, one that are disappointed by Yak, and the other portion that are pleased with his performance.  I'd be interested in hearing from the portion of this polarized fanbase who is happy with Yak....I'm waiting...still waiting...looks like it might be a while.

I'm cautiously optimistic with what I saw from him in the playoffs, and how he skated in this pre-season game, but I'm yet to see any portion of this fanbase defending the signing/contract SillyG handed out to him.

I happened to like the player, but thought his contract was an overpay. He came with vouching from Heinzy, and a recommendation from Kaprizov. Yet, he looked very out of place for most of the year last season. 

I was expecting a lot more physical play in the regular season, not as much as he did in the playoffs, but still, be one of the leading hitters on the team. I didn't find he was difficult to play against until the playoffs. I also didn't see the PKing that he was known for. 

Perhaps it was an off year? Perhaps it was just a poor signing? Maybe he just doesn't fit? I don't know, but I'm pretty sure he'll have a better season this year.

Wasn't he the most experienced vet out there? I hope he does well when playing against prospects.

25 minutes ago, Scalptrash said:

Wasn't he the most experienced vet out there? I hope he does well when playing against prospects.

Nearly, but not quite. Tyler Pitlick and Vinnie Hinostroza(primary assist on Trenin's first goal) are both older with more career NHL games played than Trenin, and more career goals scored.

Jack Johnson and Zach Bogosian also have a few more games on him if we're including all skaters, but I'm guessing you meant among forwards.

Sometimes it takes a year for some players to properly fit in.  I remember Foligno's first year with us and I didn't like his play at all.  His 2nd year I thought he found his role and has played it very well since.  Maybe Trenin is just starting to understand where he fits.  He is also 28 years old this year.  For whatever reason some players seem to find their stride around that age and have their best seasons between 28 and 32.  I liked his play in the playoffs.  Hoepfully he keeps on the gas peddle.

39 minutes ago, mnfaninnc said:

I was expecting a lot more physical play in the regular season, not as much as he did in the playoffs, but still, be one of the leading hitters on the team. I didn't find he was difficult to play against until the playoffs. I also didn't see the PKing that he was known for. 

Trenin led the Wild in hits per minute played among regular skaters.  He was definitely difficult to play against when he was just playing defense.  He did have some bad pucks that led to goals against and I don't know if he was skating as well as they thought he might.

His defensive metrics were solid. I agree he will likely come back even better. I was expecting him to hit double-digit goals, but he only tallied 7. He's capable of more, but he did get 150-200 more minutes in his prior stops where he tallied 12+ goals three years in a row. Hopefully he's ready to deliver more.

Man, I was keyed in on Jiricek and his play was brutal.  I hope he picks it up because he did not look like an NHL ready defenseman at all.   

Trenin's contract is bad and his underwhelming play last season was a cherry on top of that turd but I think the guy means business this year.  I'm actually kind of high on him this season.  

3 hours ago, Outskated said:

Man, I was keyed in on Jiricek and his play was brutal.  I hope he picks it up because he did not look like an NHL ready defenseman at all.   

I tried to key in him also but I didn't see brutal. He wasn't the best defender out there but i think there were some good things to build on. It was the first pre-season game after less than a week of practice. I think I will withhold judgement until i see more.

6 hours ago, Up North Guy said:

It was the first pre-season game after less than a week of practice. I think I will withhold judgement until i see more

Exactly .How can people judge after one pre-season game.

Getting in game shape isn't a term from yesterday

A lot of this and that regarding Trenin.  Is he disappointing, etc.  it’s fair to say his game didn’t live up to expectations.  But, he was a bottom six guy on a new team, with underwhelming line mates, in arguably the best division in hockey.  It’s also a team that’s driven by the top line more than most, and was missing the best players for a long stretch.  He wasn’t exactly put in a position to exceed expectations.

Im not starting the Trenin fan club, here.  But, it’s hard for me to get on him too much given the situation.  Put him in a bottom six role on the Panthers, Jets, etc., and who knows.   He also wasn’t brought in to score big points.  He was brought in to provide a physical/defensive presence in the bottom six, in the playoffs with any scoring being gravy.  And, he was serviceable at that in the playoffs.

There are bigger problems in the roster than Trenin, IMO.