Will the Wild extend Kyle Brodziak?

by JDesthubert on Dec 11, 2011 3:00 PM CST in Features

Coming off a 2 goal performance against Phoenix, it's even hard to describe the contributions of Kyle Brodziak. He's scored big goals for the Wild, he currently leads the team with 10 goals, and he's on pace for a career year of about 43 points. If he keeps up his current pace, he could shatter that number easily. 6 points in his last 5 games gives one the impression that Brodziak is an elite scorer. To add to the riches that are K-Brod, he's a PK leader, he's a faceoff machine, and he's making the 3rd line click.

He's everything a team could want out of a 3rd-line center, and he'll be due for a raise from his $1.15 million per year salary. Wild fans left and right want an extension done for Brodziak, but is it a deal that can actually get done?

Make the jump, and let's find out.

It's tough to actually put into word everything that Brodziak means to the Wild. He contributes everywhere for the team and in every facet of the game (5-on-5, powerplay, penalty kill). He's a jack-of-all trades, and championship teams are built from the foundation up with players like Brodziak. Chicago still has Dave Bolland, and they were able to surround him with Kris Versteeg and Andrew Ladd. Boston had a true leader in Mark Recchi to help anchor a 3rd line with up-and-comer Brad Marchand. Detroit has always had incredible depth up the middle, with Valtteri Filppula adding points and grit to a 3rd line. No doubt that Kyle Brodziak is cut from the same cloth as many of these players.

Unfortunately, the Wild have a few good centers that will be entering the system. Whether Mikael Granlund will remain at center or not remains to be seen, but scouting reports indicate that he's a better player up the middle than on the wing. Zack Phillips is a true center, with both the size and vision to play the middle in the NHL. Mikko Koivu is the #1 center on this team, and it would be hard to move him to wing or even consider another center usurping his position right now. Erik Haula is a center as well, but he may be in the same limbo position as Granlund. Needless to say, there are some talented pivots that will have an opportunity to join the Wild in the coming years.

What also needs to be considered is that this is a contract year for Brodziak. Currently, he's having a career year. His best statistical season prior to this year was a 37-point campaign last season with the Wild. For his career, Brodziak really is a middle-30's point producer. Is this current hot streak just Brodziak playing for his next contract? It's not a slight against Brodziak, as I've personally been a fan of his since he joined the Wild; however, it is something we see among players in a contract year. All athletes seem to elevate their games in contract seasons because they know the next contract is heavily influenced by their performance in a contract year.

Plus, he's 27 now, and he'll be 28 before this season ends. Typically speaking, the physical prime and best years of professional athletes are around the 27-30 age range. Considering the crazy spending that occurs in the free-agent frenzy, would Brodziak actually re-sign or would he rather test free agency and cash in on what could be his biggest contract? In all reality, he probably won't have another opportunity to cash in on a big contract. His 5 PP points thus far is more than he's ever had in a season. He is having a career year. He'll end up breaking just about all of his personal scoring records. That's usually when players cash in.

It would be great to see Brodziak back in the Red and Green sweater of the Minnesota Wild; however, he's going to need a raise and will probably want some contract security in the deal. Brodziak will be looking for a longer deal than just a two or three-year deal. Will Fletcher be willing to give Brodziak a big enough raise with enough years to entice him away from the UFA market?

What do you say, Wilderness? Can both sides come to a mutual agreement, or is Brodziak UFA bound?

Poll

Will the Wild work out an extension with Kyle Brodziak?

Yes - Both sides want to come to a mutual agreement

277 votes

No - Brodziak will want to test the UFA market

60 votes

337 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Hes going to want big money

I love the guys play but IMO I don’t see the Wild resigning him. And it is a contract year for him. I’ve seen too many players get weighed down by all the extra cash they are holding the season after to get excited about their potential. I hope I’m wrong. I really do.

Don't know what I'm fighting for, but I know what I'm fighting against

by PUTTINxONxTHExFOIL on Dec 11, 2011 3:32 PM CST via mobile reply actions

I'm thinking

A 2 year, 3 or so million per year wouldn’t be out of the question and would also not be crazy. It’s pretty reasonable for a top PK player, great faceoff taker and contagious hard work kind of guy.

If Antti Miettinen could get that kind of deal, so should Brodziak.

Plus, a 2 year contract would give the young guys time to develop.

I'm that ''ignorant dumbass'' who writes with the ''whiny idiot homer'' over at Hockey Wilderness.

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Dec 11, 2011 3:39 PM CST reply actions

With most other people I'd say FA

But Brodziak seems truly happy with his role on this team. Combine that with the fact that they are winning, he has never been in the playoffs, and the franchise is moving in the right direction…I can see why he would want to stay. The biggest obstacle in my opinion is whether Fletch wants to keep him on, given the strength of our center prospects that you mentioned. I think you are right though, he is a glue guy that every team needs, especially when infusing young guys into the line up. He and Koivu set the tone with their effort.

by FinnfortheWin on Dec 11, 2011 3:42 PM CST reply actions

Fletch certainly wants to keep him on

He said so himself. Sadly, it’s not always that simple. The NHL is a business, and the players, along with their agents, are businessmen.

I'm that ''ignorant dumbass'' who writes with the ''whiny idiot homer'' over at Hockey Wilderness.

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Dec 11, 2011 3:45 PM CST up reply actions

Very true. I guess I just don’t get that impression from Brodziak, but that’s probably my rose-colored glasses. This seems like the perfect place for him, so as long as Fletch isn’t low-balling him, I would think he stays.

by FinnfortheWin on Dec 11, 2011 3:50 PM CST up reply actions

The problem is..

There’s no guarantee that Phillips, Haula or even Granlund will be ready to play next year. If that’s the case, Brodziak would be a very welcome addition indeed. I would say that 2-3 year deal for now would suffice. He’ll eventually leave Minnesota (because of rookies coming in) but I would wait until we’re pretty much for sure that the rookies are ready to come up before they toss the pieces they have at the FA market.

by Rhomy777 on Dec 11, 2011 3:46 PM CST reply actions

Granlund is jesus

If he signs,he plays. Jesus does not play in the ahl. He can’t get 150 points for the Wild in Houston.

Don't know what I'm fighting for, but I know what I'm fighting against

by PUTTINxONxTHExFOIL on Dec 11, 2011 10:45 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

But there's still no guarantee.

What if (God forbid) he gets injured and doesn’t play the rest of the season. Are the Wild still going to call him up? Or what if he has a horrible camp? Or if he does get called up, he turns into a first round flop, James Sheppard style?

I’m not saying that those things are even remotely likely to happen, but the possibility is still there. Just sayin’.

by Rhomy777 on Dec 12, 2011 12:18 AM CST up reply actions

You sir have blasphemed.

Don't know what I'm fighting for, but I know what I'm fighting against

by PUTTINxONxTHExFOIL on Dec 12, 2011 12:20 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

REPENT!!!!

by nemo1107 on Dec 12, 2011 12:22 PM CST up reply actions

I think he will stay

I think that Brodziak will stay here in Minnesota for the next few years. Phillips and Haula, while both play center now, will most likely switch to wing sometime soon. Also, neither of them will make the jump next year I don’t think. Finally, does anyone see Phillips, Granlund or Haula as third-line players? They’re all great passers and playmakers and need to play in the top six in order to thrive.

Bottom line, I think Brodziak will stay for a few years to the tune of ~$3 million per year. He’s definitely earned it.

by Joel Bertelsen on Dec 11, 2011 3:53 PM CST reply actions

well

i’d guess the wild are trying to get an extension going, but I think he’ll go to free agency and test the waters.

He’s having a career year, he’s young enough that he’ll have a good chance of getting a 3 or 4 year offer if he goes to free agency. Hopefully, the wild can get him for a fair 2 or 3 year deal.

by TwinATL on Dec 11, 2011 4:17 PM CST up reply actions

I think he'll stay.

As others have said, he does seem happy with his role. The team is heading in the right direction and he will almost certainly get a taste of postseason play here.

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by taralynn09 on Dec 11, 2011 4:30 PM CST reply actions

You're the #1 scorer on the #1 team in the league right now....

Why would you want to leave? It would have to be for quite a bit more money than what the Wild will offer.

by DonBorvio on Dec 11, 2011 4:35 PM CST reply actions

Coyle is also a center

by Kingpin45 on Dec 11, 2011 4:54 PM CST reply actions

Something to consider

Ville Leino had one good season in the NHL out of a total of three. Prior to his 53-point season in Philadelphia, Leino played a total of 88 other NHL games and amassed an eye-popping 20 points. What was his reward on the free-agent market?
An salary-cap hit of $4.5 million dollars.
Tim Connolly somehow got a raise after one good season and an injury history about as long as Gaborik’s.
Sean Bergenheim broke the bank based off one good playoff appearance. He didn’t even have a good regular season.

The UFA market is a really goofy place. Players get huge contracts for unusual reasons. Brodziak may like his role here, but would he mind the same role for another team while making an extra $1 million per season?

You know you're a Wild fan if Spam Whoopie Gerald-buns comes up in conversation
Regressing all the way back to high school hockey.

by JDesthubert on Dec 11, 2011 5:35 PM CST reply actions

Maybe he would have ''the same role''

But I don’t think he would be used the same way. Yeo’s coaching style makes him a hot commodity here, I don’t think he’d fit quite this well anywhere else.

Does he know this though? That’s the question. We don’t have a clue what he’s thinking, what his agent is thinking or what Fletcher is thinking. I just wonder what other teams might think of him.

I'm that ''ignorant dumbass'' who writes with the ''whiny idiot homer'' over at Hockey Wilderness.

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Dec 11, 2011 6:05 PM CST up reply actions

I agree

I know he looks great this year but unless we can get him dirt cheap I think we let him walk. We are completely loaded with young centers. Even if one of them isn’t ready next year we can get an affordable stop gap( like a brodziak :D) that will fit into Yeos third line center role. I know my opinion isn’t popular so I wont try and jam it down anyones throat.

Don't know what I'm fighting for, but I know what I'm fighting against

by PUTTINxONxTHExFOIL on Dec 11, 2011 6:19 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Ville leino hahaha

What a deal.

Don't know what I'm fighting for, but I know what I'm fighting against

by PUTTINxONxTHExFOIL on Dec 11, 2011 6:21 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

kaberle was a sweet one too

Don't know what I'm fighting for, but I know what I'm fighting against

by PUTTINxONxTHExFOIL on Dec 11, 2011 6:29 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

It really comes down to money.

It’s not that he won’t have a place on the Wild when the young guys come up, it’s if we will have enough cap space to sign the young guys in the first place. The addition of young offensive centers shouldn’t displace him from the lineup, but the cap costs from those young offensive centers very well may.

It’d be really excellent to have him on the team when the young guys come up, though. He could teach them a thing or two about work ethic in the NHL!

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by ADN on Dec 11, 2011 7:41 PM CST reply actions

The Wild's cap space is growing

and will continue to do so over the next couple years. Those young centers will come in on rookie deals. It will be quite some time before the Wild have to worry about fitting in all those extensions under the cap.

Brodziak is a perfect 3rd line center for this team, and he’s functioning at a very high level in some extremely high leverage situations. He has improved his play each season he’s been on the Wild. The guy is in line for a longer contract with a decent raise. Had the Wild taken a while to get together this year, and found itself outside of the playoffs, then Brodzs would have been dealt at the trade-deadline. If this is a playoff team, the expectation is that next should be a playoff team, and one of the keys to that happening will be a great 3rd line and the very good play of Brodziak as there is no one currently in the pipeline that will replace what he gives the team, at least in the near term of 1 to 2 seasons.

I’d like him back, and I think a 3 to 4 year deal is probably what it will take at a pretty decent amount of money. I think he’s worth it as long as he’s not asking for $4 million a year.

by Krotz the Wall on Dec 12, 2011 8:56 AM CST up reply actions

What is the max you would sign him for?

3 years at 3 million? 4 years at 2.5 million? I’d say the Wild wouldn’t want to go over 3 years, or over 3 million. If Brodziak keeps scoring at the rate he has this season, he might be able to get more than that on the open market. I wouldn’t blame him for testing the waters, so the Wild might not be able to keep him.

"90% of the game is physical. The other half is mental." - Yogi Berra

by cyroose on Dec 13, 2011 10:09 AM CST up reply actions

My thoughts exactly

Brodziak could honestly get a longer deal (contract security) for more money by testing the UFA market.

You know you're a Wild fan if Spam Whoopie Gerald-buns comes up in conversation
Regressing all the way back to high school hockey.

by JDesthubert on Dec 13, 2011 3:08 PM CST up reply actions

Brodziak and the Yeo system work really well together.

I think that’s more likely the reason for his success than being his contract year. Brodziak is a turnover machine and I suspect both he and the team appreciate what it means to be in a system that encourages and depends upon that skill. So there’s a lot of reason to get a deal done on both sides.

On the other hand, the Rangers exist, so it’s always going to be tempting to explore free agency. Still, Brodziak seems to be having a lot of fun playing under Yeo, and it seems like he might be the sort of guy to realize the value of that.

by timprov on Dec 11, 2011 7:54 PM CST reply actions

I believe Brodz Stays,

I think he will get a 3-4 year deal in the neighborhood of 2.5-3.5 mil per season. I think the most comparable player to Brodziak is Rich Peverly, Great two way player like Brodz, and with the Bruins Peverly is getting, in an extension, 3.25mil a season for 3 years. this after being on a contract paying 1.25 mil last season and 1.4 mil this season.

The one thing the Wild do have to their advantage, Players like Cullen, Butch free agents after 2012-13 and Heatley, and setoguchi, free agents after 2013-14, so we will have lots of money coming off the books, we have almost 8 mil in salary cap right now, so I think a 3-4 year deal around 3 mil a year, give or take .5mil would be a win win situation.

The only thing that I would caution people about, is that with a new CBA coming before next season, we could see a shift in the Floor and ceiling of payroll limits. The reason some players got the contracts they did, I.e, any player that signed with FLA in the off season, was inflated b/c they needed to meet the cap Floor, so some deals have been Bloated deals!

by wild32384 on Dec 11, 2011 9:20 PM CST reply actions

Larsson is a center too.

by cgp711 on Dec 11, 2011 9:53 PM CST reply actions

He's our top goal scorer

give him 80 Kajillion dollars

"Believe in the system. For it shall bring light when there is dark, food when there is hunger, and shots when there are passes. This is the divine process." Yeo 4:18

by NorthernStar on Dec 11, 2011 10:10 PM CST reply actions

With ten goals?

Ya not thinking so :)

Don't know what I'm fighting for, but I know what I'm fighting against

by PUTTINxONxTHExFOIL on Dec 11, 2011 10:41 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Why not?

That’s only 8 Kajillion dollars per goal.

by mg7505 on Dec 11, 2011 10:59 PM CST up reply actions

Only slightly less than Scott Gomez

I'm that ''ignorant dumbass'' who writes with the ''whiny idiot homer'' over at Hockey Wilderness.

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Dec 11, 2011 11:02 PM CST up reply actions

Burn!!!!

That was good.

Don't know what I'm fighting for, but I know what I'm fighting against

by PUTTINxONxTHExFOIL on Dec 11, 2011 11:48 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Not hard to make that joke

When Habs fans say it too! Gomez truly has the worst contract in the league right now.

I'm that ''ignorant dumbass'' who writes with the ''whiny idiot homer'' over at Hockey Wilderness.

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Dec 12, 2011 12:02 AM CST up reply actions

And they just picked up kaberle's doozy too

Probably not any gm of the year awards being distributed in French Canada this year.

Don't know what I'm fighting for, but I know what I'm fighting against

by PUTTINxONxTHExFOIL on Dec 12, 2011 12:05 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

I love how Kaberle picked up 2 assists in his first game

And everyone’s excited.

They’re going to HATE his defensive zone play so damn much. They’re going to miss Spacek.

I'm that ''ignorant dumbass'' who writes with the ''whiny idiot homer'' over at Hockey Wilderness.

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Dec 12, 2011 12:12 AM CST up reply actions

Kaberle's plus/minus has been consistently bad for a while

Previously an assist machine but definitely looking like he’s played his best hockey. Oh well, not a huge fan of the Canadians. I don’t trust french canada. Being that proud of a french heritage is just weird.

Don't know what I'm fighting for, but I know what I'm fighting against

by PUTTINxONxTHExFOIL on Dec 12, 2011 12:25 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

Don't forget that I'm French-Canadian ;)

But New-Brunswick is much different compared to Quebec.

I'm that ''ignorant dumbass'' who writes with the ''whiny idiot homer'' over at Hockey Wilderness.

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Dec 12, 2011 12:28 AM CST up reply actions

ohhh akward :)

I’ve been wondering how your fellow country men let you root for an american team(expansion team at that). I suppose you catch a lot of shit, so mad ups to you for doing your own thing.

Don't know what I'm fighting for, but I know what I'm fighting against

by PUTTINxONxTHExFOIL on Dec 12, 2011 12:42 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

I am indeed a shit-catcher here :P

Don’t worry, I’ve heard enough to make me go mad, but my fandom never wavered.

In fact, my friends have become very quiet this season, you know, since the Habs are doing so poorly and the Wild are tops in the league. I could gloat my ass off, but I don’t want to play their game, I’ll just enjoy it while it lasts.

I'm that ''ignorant dumbass'' who writes with the ''whiny idiot homer'' over at Hockey Wilderness.

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Dec 12, 2011 1:35 AM CST up reply actions

qft

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by Jolonco on Dec 12, 2011 9:28 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

Test his loyalty.

3 years 2.5 mil or less….gotta keep that money for Parise or Sutter IMO.

by GooterBaby on Dec 12, 2011 6:00 AM CST reply actions

Also, I would like to see Backstrom or Bouchard traded and give Harding a 2 or 3 year deal around 2-3 mil.

by GooterBaby on Dec 12, 2011 6:01 AM CST reply actions

O_o

Wow, really?

/tapping foot wating for Brian to pipe in on this one

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by Jolonco on Dec 12, 2011 9:30 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

You seem to be new here, so I'll be gentle

Backstrom has a no trade clause. Why would he waive it to leave a competitor? The only way you trade the guy is if you can get a huge return, and no team that will give you the haul you want is a a team he is going to waive it to go to. Now, I don’t honestly think he would waive it to go anywhere at all. I think he truly wants to be here.

Second, even if you could get him to waive the NTC, he has the ultimate NTC in a $6 million contract. He isn’t going anywhere. I like Harding and wish he could get a chance, but it doesn’t seem to be here in Minnesota.

As for Bouchard, I’m not sure what he has to do with the two goalies, but we have already had a discussion on if he should be traded. I’m all for it for the right return, but not simply to get rid of him.

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by BReynolds on Dec 12, 2011 10:42 AM CST up reply actions

I really didn’t like the idea of having to trade Hards this year to get a return, but that was before we got a glimpse at Hackett. I love Hards, great guy who’s gone through more tough breaks than an athlete should have to, but he’s a UFA and he deserves a chance to start somewhere. Now that I know we have a capable back-up to replace him, I’ll be happy to see him get his chance somewhere else rather than signing another 1-yr deal to back-up Backy.

It’s really a great scenario for both sides, Hards will be showcased enough to be traded for a decent return and hopefully to a team needing a consistent starter and the Wild know they have a serviceable replacement in Hackett. Can’t say enough about how the guys from Houston just keep plugging holes.

by FinnfortheWin on Dec 12, 2011 11:19 AM CST up reply actions

Backstrom

Backstrom has a NTC and no team is going to pay him $6 million next year plus what he is owed this year. Why would Backstrom waive his NTC to get traded to another team when he is currently playing on the #1 team in the NHL? If a goalie is traded it’ll be Harding (which would be hard to see) since Hackett showed he is capable of being a backup for Backstrom next year and hopefully take over the starting role in 2013-2014. Harding is an UFA and with the year he is having, I’m sure he’ll make more on the market than any extension the Wild give him.

by Arols5 on Dec 12, 2011 9:55 AM CST reply actions

I hope K-Brod stays

I would be comfortable giving him around 3 mil for 3 to 4 years. As of right now he is in the top three of importance to the team right now, IMO. He also has the ability to play center and wing. He is a 3rd line player that can fill in on the 2nd line, as well as move down to the 4th if need be. There are literally 7 positions that he can play regularly. Anywhere on the 3rd and 4th, as well as 2nd line center if need be. I would say lock him up, but don’t give him a NTC. We will need him for the next two years at least (I believe we will need him until he is ready to retire, but that’s just me). Then if we cannot keep him around because of the logjam at center, then we can move him for some picks or something. Though I will say that he can also move to wing if need be, so the fact we have so many natural centers is not a HUGE deal in my eyes. I think I said everything I wanted to. Sorry for the incoherent-ness of this, at work, can’t seem to keep my thoughts straight…

by eamon17 on Dec 12, 2011 10:18 AM CST reply actions

What about a guy like Almond?

Is he not in the same mold as Brodz? He is big, physical, plays PK, Offensive upside. He does have a lot of growing to do still but he might step in. I would love a two year deal because it would give enough time to see what we have in the young guys, but I think he will want 4 years at least.

by BigJungle on Dec 12, 2011 11:04 AM CST reply actions

but brodziak has the added oomph of adding several goals

not just a trickler through the five hole during garbage time.

by nemo1107 on Dec 12, 2011 12:27 PM CST up reply actions

Contract extension

It would make sense to re-sign Brodziak to a 2-3 year deal. That gives the Wild enough time for the youngsters (Granlund, Phillips, etc.) to either develop or show how good they are. I agree with an earlier comment that there’s always a chance that any of them could be a bust. I don’t see why Brodziak would NOT wanna re-up. In Yeo’s system, the guy is flourishing, and is on course to surpass his previous career highs. Pretty good odds he’s gonna see some playoff action too. I’d love to see him re-signed.

Son-of-a-bitch is dug in like an Alabama tick!

by Mark It Zero! on Dec 12, 2011 1:14 PM CST reply actions