Minnesota Wild General Discussion 2024-25

[thestonedkoala]

Neal: Wild wanted Patrik Laine, but Laine did not want the Wild

The 3-2 Pitch: With the Wild’s season fast approaching, Neal also tackled the difficult AL Central, the putrid Gophers run defense and a bold prediction for the Lynx and Twins.

www.startribune.com

Well that isn't really a glowing recommendation.

 

[Wasted Talent]

Zuccarello's Norway eliminated in the olympic qualifiers. Same goes for Austria without Rossi.

I wonder if Rossi would have made a difference, since Austria lost to Slovakia and Kazakhstan by one goal each. But as a Wild fan, I'm glad he's focusing on his training.

 

[Webster]

Zuccarello's Norway eliminated in the olympic qualifiers. Same goes for Austria without Rossi.

I wonder if Rossi would have made a difference, since Austria lost to Slovakia and Kazakhstan by one goal each. But as a Wild fan, I'm glad he's focusing on his training.

But Zucc, on his birthday Sept 1 (omg he's 37) scored the most beautiful goal in his career. I wonder why he never shows something like this in a Wild jersey

 

[AKL]

But Zucc, on his birthday Sept 1 (omg he's 37) scored the most beautiful goal in his career. I wonder why he never shows something like this in a Wild jersey

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that he's not playing against guys who have to go back to their accounting jobs next week when he's wearing a Wild jersey

 

[AKL]

We'll probably never find out exactly why Laine rejected a trade to the Wild, but it's a little hilarious and sad that he rejected the Wild to go to Montreal. You think he'd relish the opportunity to come play with Kaprizov, boost his numbers for his impending free agency. Maybe he's just sick of boring midwest cities, who knows.

 

[57special]

We'll probably never find out exactly why Laine rejected a trade to the Wild, but it's a little hilarious and sad that he rejected the Wild to go to Montreal. You think he'd relish the opportunity to come play with Kaprizov, boost his numbers for his impending free agency. Maybe he's just sick of boring midwest cities, who knows.

Well, MTL has some exciting young talent, and maybe Laine talked to the Elder Koivu before signing and heard positive things about MTL? MTL certainly has more of a Euro vibe than any other city, and while they have been down a bit recently, has an incredible hockey history and tradition. Hell, they were in the Cup finals just a few years ago, which is more than any MN team has ever done.

Having said all that, I do think that Laine would've done better here with either Boldy or Kap as his linemates. Both of those guys can score, but are vg passers, as are Rossi and Zucc.

I'm thinking that the reason the deal was made with MTL was more about them taking all of Laine's salary w/o retention, while we couldn't possibly have. I think the "Laine doesn't like us" angle is something that BG sold to the local press to avoid the perception that he couldn't close the deal, partially because he squandered cap space on underperforming or untalented acquisitions.

 

[Digitalbooya]

Well, MTL has some exciting young talent, and maybe Laine talked to the Elder Koivu before signing and heard positive things about MTL? MTL certainly has more of a Euro vibe than any other city, and while they have been down a bit recently, has an incredible hockey history and tradition. Hell, they were in the Cup finals just a few years ago, which is more than any MN team has ever done.

Having said all that, I do think that Laine would've done better here with either Boldy or Kap as his linemates. Both of those guys can score, but are vg passers, as are Rossi and Zucc.

I'm thinking that the reason the deal was made with MTL was more about them taking all of Laine's salary w/o retention, while we couldn't possibly have. I think the "Laine doesn't like us" angle is something that BG sold to the local press to avoid the perception that he couldn't close the deal, partially because he squandered cap space on underperforming or untalented acquisitions.

Didn’t the North Stars make it to the finals in 81 and 91?

I would not have played Laine with Kap or Boldy. He seems like a guy tailor made for Zuccarello.

Kap-Ek-Boldy
Laine-Rossi-Zucc

 

[BagHead]

Well, MTL has some exciting young talent, and maybe Laine talked to the Elder Koivu before signing and heard positive things about MTL? MTL certainly has more of a Euro vibe than any other city, and while they have been down a bit recently, has an incredible hockey history and tradition. Hell, they were in the Cup finals just a few years ago, which is more than any MN team has ever done.

Having said all that, I do think that Laine would've done better here with either Boldy or Kap as his linemates. Both of those guys can score, but are vg passers, as are Rossi and Zucc.

I'm thinking that the reason the deal was made with MTL was more about them taking all of Laine's salary w/o retention, while we couldn't possibly have. I think the "Laine doesn't like us" angle is something that BG sold to the local press to avoid the perception that he couldn't close the deal, partially because he squandered cap space on underperforming or untalented acquisitions.

Didn’t the North Stars make it to the finals in 81 and 91?

I would not have played Laine with Kap or Boldy. He seems like a guy tailor made for Zuccarello.

Kap-Ek-Boldy
Laine-Rossi-Zucc

The North remembers.

 

[Webster]

He seems like a guy tailor made for Zuccarello.

Kap-Ek-Boldy
Laine-Rossi-Zucc

Yes, too bad it didn't happen.

I sure hope they don't go with Johansson again on the 2nd line. Hartman should work, he can play wing, has some grit + chemistry with Zucc.

 

[Waiver Draft]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1831752497393701293

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5745086/2024/09/05/alex-goligoski-wild-retirement/

 

[DANOZ28]

silly new commercial , 85 yr old lady sitting on couch. she says it was my 1st time , i like it fast , physical & i enjoy the rough stuff! ..........wild tickets on sale now.

 

[NHL1674]

silly new commercial , 85 yr old lady sitting on couch. she says it was my 1st time , i like it fast , physical & i enjoy the rough stuff! ..........wild tickets on sale now.

Weird.

 

[Sweetnut]

Well, MTL has some exciting young talent, and maybe Laine talked to the Elder Koivu before signing and heard positive things about MTL? MTL certainly has more of a Euro vibe than any other city, and while they have been down a bit recently, has an incredible hockey history and tradition. Hell, they were in the Cup finals just a few years ago, which is more than any MN team has ever done.

Having said all that, I do think that Laine would've done better here with either Boldy or Kap as his linemates. Both of those guys can score, but are vg passers, as are Rossi and Zucc.

I'm thinking that the reason the deal was made with MTL was more about them taking all of Laine's salary w/o retention, while we couldn't possibly have. I think the "Laine doesn't like us" angle is something that BG sold to the local press to avoid the perception that he couldn't close the deal, partially because he squandered cap space on underperforming or untalented acquisitions.

I like all of this, except for the Euro vibe thing. I don't necessarily think that an overall Euro vibe is the right path for an NA team. Just focus on the NA style of hockey in the NHL and you're good to go.

 

[BagHead]

Weird.

Wil.... no, just weird.

 

[57special]

I like all of this, except for the Euro vibe thing. I don't necessarily think that an overall Euro vibe is the right path for an NA team. Just focus on the NA style of hockey in the NHL and you're good to go.

I meant the city outside of the rink.

 

[Sweetnut]

When does training camp start?

 

[Webster]

When does training camp start?

In 11 days, Thursday 19th.
I believe Zucc with family and uncle Kirill are on schedule.

 

[Waiver Draft]

Summer Synopsis: Minnesota Wild

The Minnesota Wild had a far tamer summer than some of their peers around the league - ultimately relying on …

www.prohockeyrumors.com

 

[Arturia Pendragon]

Just booked my hotel and tickets for the home opener! Excited to be back home for a bit !!!

 

[MNRube]

100+ points this year. Book it.

Last year everything went wrong. Bottom 6 is much better and Spurgeon returning will be massive for the blueline. If the goalies can keep the collective save percentage above 0.900, this is a clear playoff team.

 

[Waiver Draft]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5771679/2024/09/17/wild-training-camp-questions-john-hynes/

 

[Obvious Fabertism]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5771679/2024/09/17/wild-training-camp-questions-john-hynes/

Especially liked seeing this Boldy quote and what he was up to this summer, so hope it pays off in a big way with a monster season:

“He really put in the time in the summer. He worked with our conditioning staff. He’s bigger, stronger. That’s one of the things we talked about: How does he continue to be a dominant player and more consistent? And the big thing is, when he’s moving his feet, he’s playing a power game. He’s given himself more of an opportunity this offseason with the type of dedication he’s put into training to be a strong power forward that has excellent skill.”

 

[57special]

I see Boldy as a big skilled guy who can use his size and reach to get more opportunities. Not every bigger guy has to be a power forward. Their obsession with turning him into a grinder makes me sad.

I was not happy to see that hynes wants to reunite Zucc, Kap, and Hartman, and play MoJo on the 2nd line. It's like he and BG live in the past, and hate young guys. They always talk about how young players have to "earn it", yet seem content to hand top six spots to underachieving vets, year after year.

 

[MK9]

The North remembers.

So does Memory Foam:

 

[north21]

I see Boldy as a big skilled guy who can use his size and reach to get more opportunities. Not every bigger guy has to be a power forward. Their obsession with turning him into a grinder makes me sad.

I was not happy to see that hynes wants to reunite Zucc, Kap, and Hartman, and play MoJo on the 2nd line. It's like he and BG live in the past, and hate young guys. They always talk about how young players have to "earn it", yet seem content to hand top six spots to underachieving vets, year after year.

Boldy is never going to be a grinder, but some extra muscle and hustle with his skills could be a very good mix.