**** 2023-24 MINNESOTA WILD GENERAL SEASON THREAD ****

[Alexandron]

4 hours ago, Tomdog said:

That probably explains the lack of shooting for the last month.

At Least I thought he was shooting less.

Good point. Maybe that cost us less wins especially during the crucial games for the last month of the season.

[Alexandron]

On 4/19/2024 at 7:28 AM, CreaseAndAssist said:

 

The 13th Overall pick has a pretty ugly history if you've ever looked at it.  

Why? Because this is the "lucky" number? 

[CreaseAndAssist]

22 hours ago, Alexandron said:

Why? Because this is the "lucky" number? 

 

I don't think there is a why beyond simply looking at the results of it.  It's not all bad, but there are still quite a few busts if you look at the last 25 years of the players made with that selection (13th Overall) in the draft.

 

2023 - Zach Benson (BUF)

2022 - Frank Nazar (CHI)

2021 - Matt Coronato (CGY)

2020 - Seth Jarvis (CAR)

2019 - Spencer Knight (FLA)

2018 - Ty Dellandrea (DAL)

2017 - Nick Suzuki (VGK)

2016 - Jake Bean (CAR)

2015 - Jakub Zboril (BOS)

2014 - Jakub Vrana (WSH)

2013 - Josh Morrissey (WPG)

2012 - Radek Faksa (DAL)

2011 - Sven Baertschi (CGY)

2010 - Brandon Gormley (ARZ) 

2009 - Zack Kassian (BUF)

2008 - Colten Teubert (LOS)

2007 - Lars Eller (STL)

2006 - Jiri Tlusty (TOR)

2005 - Marek Zagrapan (BUF)

2004 - Drew Stafford (BUF)

2003 - Dustin Brown (LOS)

2002 - Alexander Semin (WSH)

2001 - Ales Hemsky (EDM)

2000 - Ron Hainsey (MON)

1999 - Jani Rita (EDM)

1998 - Michael Heinrich (EDM)

[Tomdog]

On 10/9/2023 at 8:41 PM, Tomdog said:

That's 240 goals, hope that's enough. 

Evidently not enough. 

I was off by 11. They ended up scoring 251 for the season.

[Alexandron]

On 10/10/2023 at 11:30 AM, IllaZilla said:

240 goals...that's less than 3 goals per game. Gustavsson and Fleury better be on their game this season...

Unfortunately, they were not. Probably, if we would repeat the season 2021-2022 by placing at least 310 goals, then that amount would be enough to make playoffs.

[Alexandron]

Filip Gustavsson

2022-2023 season;

39 played games;

GAA 2.1; SV% 0.931; 22-9-7;

2023-2024 season;

45 played games;

GAA 3.06; SV% 0.899; 19-18-4;

Huge difference in 2 seasons.

 

Marc-Andre Fleury

2022-2023 season

46 played games;

GAA 2.85; SV% 0.908; 24-16-4;

2023-2024 season;

40 played games;

GAA 2.98; SV% 0.895; 17-15-5.

Not huge , but still a drop in 2 seasons.

 

[CreaseAndAssist]

On 4/21/2024 at 7:49 PM, Alexandron said:

Filip Gustavsson

2022-2023 season;

39 played games;

GAA 2.1; SV% 0.931; 22-9-7;

2023-2024 season;

45 played games;

GAA 3.06; SV% 0.899; 19-18-4;

Huge difference in 2 seasons.

 

Marc-Andre Fleury

2022-2023 season

46 played games;

GAA 2.85; SV% 0.908; 24-16-4;

2023-2024 season;

40 played games;

GAA 2.98; SV% 0.895; 17-15-5.

Not huge , but still a drop in 2 seasons.

 

 

Yet we are keeping one or possibly both of them for next season.  The 2024-25 Minnesota Wild: Locking into Mediocrity!  

[IllaZilla]

43 minutes ago, CreaseAndAssist said:

 

Yet we are keeping one or possibly both of them for next season.  The 2024-25 Minnesota Wild: Locking into Mediocrity!  

I don't have a problem with keeping Flower for one more year and mentoring Wallstedt. I'd rather have him mentoring Wallstedt than the Chubby Hubby.

 

And truly, the only thing that matters is that the team stays healthy. The Wild have so little depth that one injury will throw them into a tailspin.

 

Fleury made some comment about how hungry the team was and how they want to get back to the Playoffs next season. They didn't look too hungry to me. As a matter of fact, they looked all fat and happy this season, especially during that final game against Seattle. A lot of comments in the pressers this season about "too many passengers", but then let's give everyone NMC's. We keep hearing about how great a farm system the Wild has, but instead of giving the young players chances, let's lock up all the graybeards for the next three seasons. 

 

There was a pretty good article in The Athletic about how it's going to be put up or shut up time for the Wild to retain Kaprizov's services next season. He seemed generally unhappy after this season. And next season is going to be more of the same if the Wild can't stay healthy and certain players under perform again. Because next season, Kaprizov's NMC kicks in and if the Wild can't right the ship, Kaprizov can walk after the 2025-26 season. But they will still have Foligno, Hartman, and Gadreau to carry the team...

[Tomdog]

Going into 26-27 with Foligno, Hartman, and Gadreau carrying the team will mean the Wild will be in tank mode whether they know it or not.

I honestly don't know how the Wild can play their youth if they deserve it without straight out releasing the dead weight. 

If you don't have cap space to healthy scratch a player so a young guy can play and you can't trade them because of a ntc, how do you make cap space?

Does it come down to straight out releasing the dead weight?

[Alexandron]

Jets were eliminated during the 1st round just in 5 games. Wow. I was thinking they will do better. They developed so many problems and injuries for our team especially in the last 2 seasons, but they didn't show enough physicality and production against Avalanche in playoffs this season.

In general, I am thinking that the playoffs teams who are capable persistently to pass at least 2 rounds for few seasons in a row have the highest chance to reach Stanley Cup finals. It seems those teams build better playoffs chemistry and mentality, which is completely different of the regular season chemistry and mentality.  The playoffs teams who are not capable to pass even 1st round for few seasons in a row have the lowest chance to reach Stanley Cup finals. Those teams should have a dramatic, but not a superficial/cosmetic improvement which is more dependable of GM and Coaching staff.

 

[TropicalFruitGirl26]

14 minutes ago, Alexandron said:

Jets were eliminated during the 1st round just in 5 games. Wow. I was thinking they will do better. They developed so many problems and injuries for our team especially in the last 2 seasons, but they didn't show enough physicality and production against Avalanche in playoffs this season.

In general, I am thinking that the playoffs teams who are capable persistently to pass at least 2 rounds for few seasons in a row have the highest chance to reach Stanley Cup finals. It seems those teams build better playoffs chemistry and mentality, which is completely different of the regular season chemistry and mentality.  The playoffs teams who are not capable to pass even 1st round for few seasons in a row have the lowest chance to reach Stanley Cup finals. Those teams should have a dramatic, but not a superficial/cosmetic improvement which is more dependable of GM and Coaching staff.

 

 

I thought the Jets' heavy game would do better than they did as well.
Heck, I even had them winning in 7, though the fact that Colorado was the favorite was not lost on me.
But losing in 5? Probably shouldn't have been that way, but it is what it is.

As for the comparison as to the problems the Jets caused for the Wild that they couldn't duplicate against the Avalanche...
That should NOT surprise you at all as the Wild don't pack nearly the equal amount of gear as a team like the Avalanche, so Winnipeg's results will definitely not be the same!

[CreaseAndAssist]

Hellebuyck didn't deliver.  Nichushkin raised his game.  It surprised me too; since the Jets were playing well while Colorado was struggling to stop goals.  I still think that will be Colorado's Achilles heel.  

 

But bringing this back to the Minnesota Wild, the playoffs continue to prove how far this team really is from being a serious contender.  We don't have the size, the grit, the want to or the determination to win those kinds of games.  

 

There isn't any team that has advanced so far where I feel like the Wild could've beaten them in a best of 7 series.  

[IllaZilla]

^Truth. 
 

Even if the Wild were 100%, they still don’t match up to any of the Playoff teams. 
 

The Wild are just like the Twins. They may say they want to compete for the World Series (Stanley Cup) but the reality is they are just happy with a division pennant. Or in the Wild’s case, making the Playoffs. 
 

And I don’t buy into the “these guys have so much pride” argument. Because they showed no pride whatsoever during the season finale against Seattle. 
 

I can’t wait to see GMBG sign Zuccarello to a five year deal after the “cap hell” is over. Or Foligno and Hartman to a five year deal because “grit”.  Or Johansson because…whatever.

 

This team is a mess because they refuse to tear it all down and rebuild. They  keep saying they are striving for the Playoffs because once you make it there anything can happen. Yeah, no. Most of the teams that were expected to move on did. The Wild are not like the 2014 Kings who rode Jonathan Quick to the Cup. 
 

They have no goaltending (yet). They have one line that can score. Maybe Yurov in 2025-26 will improve this. I’m not holding my breath. The defense is mediocre if not down right bad beyond Faber. And I’m not seeing a whole lot of help in Iowa. 
 

Just another year of mediocrity and then the inevitable “We’ll be better next year!”

[Tomdog]

More truth from Illa.

After looking at the playoff rosters to make my picks for the family playoff bracket, I find that every team has multiple top 10 or better drafted players. 

Most have at least 1 top 5 draft pick.

The only way we will have top talent on this team is to be bad or draft Russians and wait for them.

The Wild missed a huge opportunity to get a top 5 draft pick this year.

It doesn't require be epically bad for multiple years,  but a team does need to have a bad season occasionally. 

 

Maybe it really is time to trade away everyone they can and start over.

[Alexandron]

2 hours ago, Tomdog said:

More truth from Illa.

After looking at the playoff rosters to make my picks for the family playoff bracket, I find that every team has multiple top 10 or better drafted players. 

Most have at least 1 top 5 draft pick.

The only way we will have top talent on this team is to be bad or draft Russians and wait for them.

The Wild missed a huge opportunity to get a top 5 draft pick this year.

It doesn't require be epically bad for multiple years,  but a team does need to have a bad season occasionally. 

 

Maybe it really is time to trade away everyone they can and start over.

As more I think about this as more I like that part , which is the most truthful part of our Wild team's current reality.

[Alexandron]

3 hours ago, IllaZilla said:

^Truth. 
 

Even if the Wild were 100%, they still don’t match up to any of the Playoff teams. 
 

And I don’t buy into the “these guys have so much pride” argument. Because they showed no pride whatsoever during the season finale against Seattle. 
 

This team is a mess because they refuse to tear it all down and rebuild. They  keep saying they are striving for the Playoffs because once you make it there anything can happen. Yeah, no. Most of the teams that were expected to move on did. The Wild are not like the 2014 Kings who rode Jonathan Quick to the Cup. 
 

They have no goaltending (yet). They have one line that can score. Maybe Yurov in 2025-26 will improve this. I’m not holding my breath. The defense is mediocre if not down right bad beyond Faber. And I’m not seeing a whole lot of help in Iowa. 
 

I agree. I didn't see so much team's pride during the season including the final game against Seattle on our home ice. Our standing position was evident too during entire regular season. Agree also regarding no goaltending yet. The teams who are in the playoffs now have an outstanding goaltending during the regular season too. Recent playoffs games show minimal scores and how is important goaltending role for those games.

And sincerely, I was not impressed about the last interview of GM and Head Coach. I didn't see a lot of serious plans for the real team's improvement. They told that team's mentality was poor and players recognized that. And where the coaching staff was to boost that thing to a better level? 2 coaches (Evason 1st and Hynes 2nd) were not able to do this? What was going on which we do not know? Some players are aging, some players are missing a talent or somehow losing it, some need more individual practice in their weak areas of play, and some players need a psychologist  to boost their weak mentality to a strong permanent winning level?

[Alexandron]

Nice video was recently presented regarding Toronto Leafs struggles at leafs preview... thread.

[CreaseAndAssist]

17 hours ago, Tomdog said:

More truth from Illa.

After looking at the playoff rosters to make my picks for the family playoff bracket, I find that every team has multiple top 10 or better drafted players. 

Most have at least 1 top 5 draft pick.

The only way we will have top talent on this team is to be bad or draft Russians and wait for them.

The Wild missed a huge opportunity to get a top 5 draft pick this year.

It doesn't require be epically bad for multiple years,  but a team does need to have a bad season occasionally. 

 

Maybe it really is time to trade away everyone they can and start over.

 

We have been advocating a tear down of this organization for years, but it just won't do it.  The owner wants the 2-3 games of playoff revenue and he doesn't care about anything else.  

 

Until we stop serving that playoffs no matter what matter we will continue to be a mediocre to above average team at best.  Unless the prospects really deliver, that likely will not change and with Guerin cementing vets into roster spots...it makes it pretty damn tough for those kids to get a chance.  

 

I also agree, the comments about the 'pride in the room' thing is pure crap.  This team had coasted on and off through significant portions of the season and then just coasted near the end too.  At least 80% at least.  

[Tomdog]

Am I onto something, or on something. 

When BG look for guys who fit the "room" is he really looking for someone who is fine with being mediocre. Good enough to make the playoffs and not get crazy passed about losing in the first round. 

 

[CreaseAndAssist]

On 5/6/2024 at 9:09 PM, Tomdog said:

Am I onto something, or on something. 

When BG look for guys who fit the "room" is he really looking for someone who is fine with being mediocre. Good enough to make the playoffs and not get crazy passed about losing in the first round. 

 

 

Whatever he's looking for, his guys haven't delivered anything to this organization that it wasn't doing before.  Eventually the results will speak for themselves.  His promotion to Team President along with being General Manager likely means that could be a while before he's held accountable for 'his guys.'  

[IllaZilla]

The Athletic posted their Wild fan End-of-Season survey the other day, and I'd be interested to see what your answers/opinions would be. I think some of the questions have multiple answers, but you were only allowed to pick one.

 

1. What was the biggest problem with this past season’s team?

Coaching

Goaltending (0.897 save percentage)

Lack of depth

Penalty kill (74.5 percent)

Underperforming veterans

 

2. Brock Faber is expected to sign a contract extension as soon as July 1. What do you expect the contract to look like?

One-year deal

Three- or four-year bridge deal

Seven- or eight-year deal with $8-$8.9 million AAV

Seven- or eight-year deal with $9-$9.499 million AAV

Seven- or eight-year deal with $9.5 million-plus AAV

 

3. Jake Middleton has one year left on his contract with a $2.45 million AAV. Would you extend him this offseason?

Yes

No

Depends on the term

 

4.  Boldy has averaged 30 goals over the past two seasons. What do you think he will become?

True superstar

Perennial 40-goal guy

Consistent 30-goal guy

Somebody who will always leave you wanting more

 

5. Craig Leipold admitted last fall that re-signing Kirill Kaprizov when his $9 million-per-year contract ends is constantly in the team’s mind. What’s your concern level as to whether Kaprizov will sign an extension next summer when he’s one year from free agency?

Very concerned

Somewhat concerned

Not concerned at all. He’s staying.

 

6. Despite his 21-goal rookie year, the Wild could consider trading Marco Rossi this summer if they’re not ready to commit to him long-term. Should they trade Rossi if it’s a Cutter Gauthier-type trade: Rossi for a top young player with bigger upside?

Yes

No

Depends on return

 

7. What do you think Rossi will become?

No. 1 center

Top-six center

Third-line center

Depth forward

 

8. If the Wild were to trade Filip Gustavsson, what kind of return would you expect?

Top-six forward

Top prospect

First round pick

Second- or third-round pick

Middle-six forward

Blue-line help

Another goalie

 

9. Regardless of no-trade protection they may have, which one of these core players would you be most open to trading?

Jared Spurgeon

Jonas Brodin

Marcus Foligno

Mats Zuccarello

Ryan Hartman

 

10. In reality, though, which player do you most expect to be traded this offseason?

Filip Gustavsson

Freddy Gaudreau

Jake Middleton

Jon Merrill

Marco Rossi

Marcus Johansson

 

11. What is your confidence level that John Hynes can get the Wild over the hump?

Very confident

Cautiously optimistic

Doubtful

Not while there is $14.7 million in dead cap space

 

12. If the Wild trade Gustavsson, how confident are you in a Jesper Wallstedt-Marc-Andre Fleury tandem?

Very confident

Somewhat confident

Worried

That would be a disaster

 

13. What do you expect Wallstedt to become?

Superstar goaltender

Solid No. 1 goalie

No. 1 goalie but not reaching expectations

Career backup

Bust

 

14. Which prospect not named Wallstedt are you most excited about?

Caeden Bankier

Carson Lambos

Daemon Hunt

Danila Yurov

Hunter Haight

Liam Ohgren

Marat Khusnutdinov

Rasmus Kumpalainen

Rieger Lorenz

Riley Heidt

 

15. After hearing Guerin insinuate that the Wild won’t be a true Cup contender until the Zach Parise and Ryan Suter buyout penalties are largely off the books in 2025-2026, do you agree with the decision to buy them out?

Yes to both

Yes to Parise

Yes to Suter

No to both

 

16. Guerin is entering his sixth season as Wild GM. How would you rate his performance?

Excellent

Satisfied

So-so

Disappointed

 

17. Are you confident that Guerin will be able to turn this franchise into a Stanley Cup contender after the buyout pain disappears?

Very confident

Somewhat confident

Unsure

Doubtful

No way

 

18. Which of these areas of concern you most about the Wild over the next two seasons?

Center depth

Coaching

Goaltending

Iowa’s lack of success

Leadership

Secondary scoring

Size on defense

 

19. Xcel Energy Center is considered one of the best arenas in the league, but would you be a proponent of renovations to add to the type of bells and whistles (clubs, restaurants, bars) most other arenas have added?

Yes

No

 

20. Guerin made no excuses in his end-of-year presser about the season and how injury-riddled they were, but he admitted the Wild’s lack of depth was due to the fact that they couldn’t afford injuries because of the dead cap money. What must happen for you to consider 2024-25 successful knowing it’s their final season of cap limitations?

Make the playoffs

Win a round

Deep run

Win the Stanley Cup

[CreaseAndAssist]

I took the survey.  Guerin didn't exactly get a glowing review from me.  It's a shame they didn't do checkboxes instead of pick one only multiple choice.  Its a Google Form...they could've received more nuanced data that way.  

[IllaZilla]

I found the question about the Xcel renovation a bit odd. I usually go to watch hockey at Xcel, not eat in a restaurant at the arena or watch the game on tv in a bar at the arena…

[Icechipper]

Questions posed like what they call a "push poll," but hey, I only got a C in stats.... 

[TropicalFruitGirl26]

2 hours ago, Icechipper said:

Questions posed like what they call a "push poll," but hey, I only got a C in stats.... 

 

Heh...yea, I perused some of it.
Too much hassle to answer a bunch of questions NO ONE in the Wild organization is going to read, take notice of, or really care about if someone by chance, happened to.

I'd really be worried about a team's front office if they were concerned about random internet polls like this one.
Fortunately, they aren't.