Keeping Kuemper: Wild sign goalie to two-year deal reportedly worth $2.5M

[Irishjim]

It looks like Josh Harding‘s loss is indeed Darcy Kuemper‘s gain. The Minnesota Wild signed the netminder to a two-year deal on Thursday; it’s one-way for both seasons and worth $2.5 million overall,according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie and the Canadian Press’ Stephen Whyno.

 

full article: http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2014/09/18/keeping-kuemper-wild-sign-goalie-to-two-year-deal-reportedly-worth-2-5m/?utm_network=facebook&utm_post=3015342&utm_source=FB%20-%20NHL%20on%20NBC%20Sports&utm_tags= 

[TropicalFruitGirl26]

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU, Minnesota!!

 

I realize Kuemper needs to prove that his flashes of brilliance were no flukes last season (which, I think he will do fine actually), but in NO WAY did I want what appears to be a very promising Wild season to be undermined by such a stupid thing like relative chump change for salary on such a short deal!

 

Many pieces in place for the Wild this season for them to not only make the playoffs, but possibly make a serious run at a Western Conference title.....at the very least be much more than just a "tough opponent" for a supposed superior team....and if this piddly ant one-way, two way contract thing would have gotten the team's focus off of the ice, or worse yet, the Wild run into goalie issues after deciding NOT to sign Kuemper, then Backstrom, Bryz, or whoever the hell else was brought in fail, I would have been EXTREMELY angry!

 

With Harding now out, I think Minnesota will still need someone at the ready in Iowa in case (ok, ok...it WILL happen) Backstrom needs time on IR, or if Kuemper's concussion issues arise.....or he simply doesn't play well.

So, pay attention Iowa Wild goalies: one of you guys will be getting some play time at the NHL level at some point...be ready!!

 

Just very glad overall to have this resolved finally.

Now, Kuemper can go about proving to Minnesota and the NHL that he deserves a LONG term contract with his play over the next two seasons!

[jammer2]

@TropicalFruitGirl26  They can extend him next year, I anticipate a nice long term deal waiting for him.

[TropicalFruitGirl26]

@TropicalFruitGirl26  They can extend him next year, I anticipate a nice long term deal waiting for him.

 

Hey, if Darcy can play this season (and stay healthy) the way I think he can, I am all for Minny not waiting till the 2nd year to give him an extension.

 

Pre-concussion, Minnesota was ALL ABOUT "Darcy is the future, Darcy is the future"....and lots of rumbling that Backstrom and/or Harding may have to turn the reigns over to him sooner or later.

In fact, before Harding was diagnosed, the plan seemed to be either let Backstrom walk or trade him, then have starter Harding backed up by Kuemper....with Kuemper eventually taking control once the Wild had all their perceived 'Stanley Cup pieces' in place.

 

Obviously much has changed, but back then, the more than solid play of Harding followed by the promise of Kuemper made a guy like Matt Hackett (once he was talked up a bit too by Minnesota) quite expendable.

 

Some fans think maybe I am putting too much stock into Kuemper, and I of course, am no goalie coach, so I don't know for certain....but just something tells me that Kuemper really is a keeper.

 

I felt that way about Ben Bishop too when Tampa first got him....and I was ridiculed for that, simply because Bishop "was not good enough for two teams (St. Louis / Ottawa) before the Lightning".

Sometimes, as a fan, just watching a guy play, you get a good feeling about him. Not scientific mind you, but I had a sense that yea, that Ben Bishop can be real good if he got a legit chance.

 

I feel that way about Darcy Kuemper.

Only thing that worries me with him is the concussion issues.....because we all know those never really go away, they are cumulative, and if they return, they CAN possibly sideline Kuemper long term....enough to stunt his development as he goes through his prime years, till there is nothing left but a goalie trying to hang on at about 32 or 33 years of age, after not developing as properly as he should have along the way.

 

Unless Minnesota can pull out another long term goalie solution rabbit out of their hats at some point over the next couple seasons, much of the franchise's fortunes, I believe, rest on how well Kuemper plays and continues to develop.

[jammer2]

@TropicalFruitGirl26  I was under the impression that they had to wait till he was in the final year of his deal in order to extend him....I think it's in the new CBA. Perhaps they structured it this way on purpose, see if the concussion issues are behind him. They got him for a *real* nice price!!