CreaseAndAssist

Interesting how Heidt is just an honorable mention for this article. I almost wish he'd take his game to Europe because he has nothing more to prove in the WHL and since junior league protection rules prevent him from joining the AHL. Buium being projected as an an all star player is promising. The rest; the projection doesn't seem quite as promising as many thought.

Brock Nelson can be absolutely dominant; but he's also notorious for being a bit streaky, sound like Matt Boldy?!?! He's been a pretty solid 1st round pick for the Islanders. While I wouldn't mind seeing him come back, the truth is...he's past his prime. And unless that deal is comensurate with "past his prime" (i.e. less money) then I wouldn't take him back.

Stramel is on his last chance at Michigan State. He either shows some potential or you can stamp him as a bust. Its now or never for him IMO. Buium and Yurov are far and away the team's most talented "not yet in the NHL" prospect skaters. Heidt is in that odd spot of being a super dominant WHL player who likely will only be able to have a similar season there. Making Team Canada would be a good feather in his cap; and would give him a chance to see him play against the best of his age group.

Crease And Assist: Episode #49 - Wild Walk the Laine?!?! In this episode, Kalisha, @MNSOTA and I discuss Brock Faber's extension, whether or not its a good idea to try to swing a trade for Patrik Laine and whether or not this organization is on its way to being a Stanley Cup Contender or not. Lots of good discussion. Give it a listen!

The Billy Goats had a hard time trying to spin the money thrown at older players and bottom 6 guys...and it sounds like Billy could be on the hot seat if the team doesn't just 'get good' once cap hell ends.

Yea, that red flag of a breakout offensive season...such a terrible thing for this organization. (yawn) No one said he's going to be one of the top scoring offensive defenseman in the league. Who here, or honestly anywhere said Brock Faber was going to be or is an elite offensive defenseman? The Wild were probably surprised he produced as much as he did, but he was used in all situations and for the most part handled the minutes pretty well. The Wild don't need your hopes, concerns...or anything. They have enough issues of their own to worry about. But right now, Brock Faber isn't one of them. Having watched Faber play since high school, all he's done is rise to the occasion and demonstrate uncommon maturity for usually being the young player on his respective teams. I think he'll stay motivated and continue to get better; and while it may not mean a big leap in points but I think he'll be steady player for years to come. Buium and he will be a great tandem someday. Perhaps in a season or two.

Yes, because none of the actual Wild fans can create a thread on their own. I don't think any of the forwards in Iowa are going to really push for a roster spot. I've seen Reese Johnson's name mentioned since he played mostly with Chicago last season...and is more of a gritty player. But overall, the real hope is Iowa will actually be a playoff team. Daemon Hunt to me, is still the most likely 1st call up for the Minnesota Wild. But we talked about all of this on our podcast.

Faber was pretty consistent and what he did in his first professional season is not something you see too often. Rossi had a better season, but his production and impact were inconsistent. I also think, they are still wondering if he fits the way they want this team to play. Plus, Guerin has shown he seems to have more of a prove it mentality for forwards than defenseman. Plus, they probably have to hope Rossi takes less $$$ because of all of the stupid money they gave to 3rd line veterans.

I disagree. He isn't the most expensive contract. I also think he's more versatile than Nurse. And he's only 21. So its not like we're paying him for just what he did in the past and that a number of the years are ones where he's past his prime.

I'm not so sure about that. I had heard when Foligno had agreed to his extension, his contract was amended so the last part of it included a full NTC. But then again I may be wrong. I agree...4 years is crazy for a 4th line guy signed as a free agent. I'd be fine with it if it was a 2-year deal like Kevin Stenlund got in Utah. And Stenlund also only took $2 million which to me is a more appropriate $$$ point for a 4th liner IMO.

Samuel Hlavaj certainly has some moxie to him. It would be nice to have us have another talented goaltender in the system besides just Jesper Wallstedt.

Until he says the magic words, "he likes it here", and Guerin just tosses it onto the last two years of his deal.

Beyond Buium who I think will probably be here sooner rather than later, the others will have time to develop just because of the contracts currently in place. Lambos' development / progress will be interesting to see this upcoming season. 1st season as a pro was a lot of learning; now we'll see if he can put that knowledge into action.

Crease And Assist: Episode #48, Iowa Wild Farm Aid 2024 @MNSOTA, Kalisha and I discuss the Iowa Wild and the free agents that could make a difference there. We also discuss Liam Ohgren and Marat Khusnutdinov and whether we think they could benefit from playing in a bigger role in Iowa than they might get in Minnesota. Kalisha talks about how the prospect pool might be the way to re-shape and make moves for the team that has so many cemented contracts. Give it a listen!

There usually is in free agency. All the more reason why the team needs to develop talent for their bottom 6 as much as their top 6.