4Check

What might add to the hopes for Beckman, is that his body maturity and strength isn't anywhere near its potential. While he may never be lightning fast, IMO adding eventual power to his existing skill set makes him an outstanding prospect.

That was a nice walk down memory lane. The Rolli/Manny playoff run remains one of my favorite all time NHL memories.

For me, the question is.....is Galchenyuk good enough to be the Wild's future 2nd line center? IMO, he's not going to be a #1C. And with JEE and Sturm IMO the likely #3 and #4 future C's, 2C would be the only slot for him. Personally, though he has been good at times, I'm not yet convinced. Certainly not for a long term commitment. But perhaps short term until Khovanov or any other future draft picks (fingers crossed) are ready. Still hoping Guerin pulls off a deal(s) that upgrades one or miraculously both top 2 center slots.

I liked his first couple of games in his return last week. IMO, he struggled a bit vs the Sharks. I thought he had the possibility to become a Brendan Gallagher type. So far, (only 12 game sample) IMO not seeing enough anticipation or abillity to drive play at the NHL level to warrant that comparison.

My uneducated guess, is that going forward, the Wild are desperate for centers. Galchenyuk, a former number 3 overall pick, who once scored 30 goals for Montreal , is forced on Guerin (to make the trade work cap wise). So Guerin is giving him (guessing again on the # of games) 10 games at center to see if he can resurrect himself to the potential he once had. So far, skating better than I thought he was capable, but the production isn't there. Of course, putting him with a struggling Zucc and a 3rd line forward (Foligno) is not a perfect scenario. That said, he's probably getting more of a chance then the last 3 years would indicate he deserves.

Good assessment in your post on the realities of buyouts. Couple of thoughts. 1) The scenario I suggested is over the next 16 months. So, if the Wild can't find a #1 and #2 center this summer (IMO highly unlikely) they have Staal for at least one more year. Considering Guerin readily admits that Center is a major Wild weakness, I'd be shocked if he didn't acquire at least one. So, IMO, Staal, legit #2 newcomer, JEE and Sturm would be a solid start to improving their obvious weakness. 2) IMO, 7.5M in dead money over the next three years is a necessary evil to transition out of being the second oldest team in the NHL. IMO, the Wild are AT LEAST three years from being a cup contender. So with the transition to younger players, who typically (but not always) make less money, should facilitate that challenge.

IMO, Guerin has to trade, buyout or not renew at least 6 of the 8 bad and/or older player contracts by July 1, 2021. IMO, it is very doable. Koivu retire Parise renew trade efforts Zucarello agree to pay up to 1/2 his contract in a trade or buy him out. Staal trade or don't renew 7/1/21 Rask buyout Dubnyk don't renew 7/1/21 (possible buyout candidate if Zucc can't be traded I assume Suter and Spurg will not/ or can't be moved. (BTW IMO Spurg a bad contract only because of the term)

i noticed the 4 points you made..... Agree that there have been some real nice primary assist plays this past week. I thought about Zach's lack of emotion as well. I ended up guessing that it was showing respect to Columbus in a lopsided game. Still agree that at least a smile was in order. I noticed Brodin make a similar power crossover move vs Columbus. Amazing! And I totally agree that Brodin (and Stalock) bailed out Dumba in last night's game. I took a double take when Russo tweeted that both Brodin and Dumba were superb. Well....he was half right!!

My source of optimism...... 1)Guerin's attempt to trade Parise, IMO a clear sign that BG recognizes the second most important issue is getting younger (the first obvious issue, generically speaking is to acquire younger and better talent) 2)I'm cautiously optimistic through trade, buyout and/or expiration he'll move 6 of the 8 bad (IMO) Wild contracts within 16 months. 3)That Guerin didn't trade simply for the sake of making trades. Obviously he could have found a trading partner to move Brodin and/or Dumba. But if it didn't offer a return of a 1st or 2nd line center or goalie (either current NHLer or elite prospect), IMO it would have been foolish. 4) I'm optimistic that at least 2 of the 4 top Wild forward prospects will be eventual first or second line caliber. 5) I'm cautiously optimistic that Addison will be a top 4 D. 6) I'm very optimistic that from their top 4 goalie prospects 2 will be, at very least NHL backup quality. 7) I'm extremely optimistic that Fiala is the real deal. 8)That JEE is fast becoming an elite shutdown center (plus 7 against the opposition's best players on a team that is collectively in the minus column.) with the capability of averaging 40 plus points per season 9) I'm cautiously optimistic that Donato and Greenway are slowly turning the corner towards viability, whether with the Wild or as trade pieces. 10) I'm hopeful the Wild will take advantage of a deep draft with their two first round picks. (with the possibility of a summer trade adding a third)

A GM will rarely dis an outgoing coach. THAT in NHL circles is classless!

Little Billy eh?

I'm with you in the "I won't go that far" department!

Interesting speculation.

So, you're suggesting that Guerin is taking orders from Parise and Suter?

Source?