Prospects

by Joel Bertelsen on Dec 21, 2011 3:15 PM CST

With the prospect roster the Wild have built up, how long will we have to wait to see them? Especially with how injury prone the Wild seem to be, it would be nice to have some of these guys getting ready in Houston.

Will there be any prospects coming over to Houston after their seasons are over like Brett Bulmer did last year?

Will Coyle or Phillips make the jump to the NHL/AHL next year?

Also, how long will we have to wait to see Johan Larsson and Jason Zucker?

The opinions posted here are not those of Hockey Wilderness

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Here you go

Using the Reader’s list:

1. Mikael Granlund – Should be in North America next year. Likely with the Wild, may get some time in Houston to adjust to the game, but wouldn’t bet on that.

2. Charlie Coyle – With him leaving BU, he ill almost certainly be in Houston next year. If he can push hard, there is an outside shot at the NHL, but my bet is Houston.

3. Jason Zucker – I had the feeling he would be in Houston next year, but Chuck Fletcher’s comment about the Coyle situation has me doubting that. I would say three years before you see him in Minnesota.

4. Scandella – already here

5. Jonas Brodin – You could very well see him in Minnesota next year. All depends on how he finishes up the year, how he looks in WJC, and if the Wild feel he can contribute in the NHL. He will either be here, or Houston, almost guaranteed.

6. Zack Phillips – My gut feeling is Houston next year, Wild the year after.

7. Matt Hackett – Harding will be gone after this year. Hackett becomes the backup, thrust into starter role after that.

8. Spurgeon – already here

9. Johan Larsson – This one is where I get a little over excited. I think he has NHL talent. If I were being objective, I send him to Houston for a year.

10. Casey Wellman – Honestly… losing ground, not gaining it. He’s around, good for a call up.

11. Gillies – already here

12. Darcy Kuemper – Still a ways off. Will be the starter in Houston next year.

13. Justin Falk – already here

14. Tyler Cuma – May never be here at this rate. Kris Fredheim got the call before Cuma did. Not a good sign.

15. Brett Bulmer – Houston next year. If he busts his butt, NHL the year after.

16. Nate Prosser – Likely should be here, but Houston is good for him.

17. Mario Lucia – Very long term project. Four years of college ahead. You won’t see him for five years at the earliest.

18. Cody Almond – Already around. Did not impress.

19. Erik Haula – Still 2 years of school to go, then to Houston. Still a long shot, but doing well.

20. Chay Genoway – He has a role, but he isn’t ready. Defense is too deep. Could be a few years.

Editor:Hockey Wilderness Editor:In Lax We Trust Now with more Twitterness: ReynoldsSBN

Master of unsustainable passive regression.

by BReynolds on Dec 21, 2011 6:30 PM CST reply actions

Thanks!

Just a couple questions, Bulmer in Houston next year? He certainly looked like he belonged up here at the NHL level earlier this year and he’s been showing that he can score back in the WHL. Is the year in Houston just to develop his scoring some more? I saw him as almost a sure thing on the Wild next year given his play in October. It really is exciting knowing the Wild have so many tools in the shed

by Joel Bertelsen on Dec 21, 2011 6:41 PM CST up reply actions

Based on how Fletcher explained it when Bulmer was re-assigned, my guess would be that he’s in Houston just so he’s not wasting prime developing years on the 4th line. Unless the Wild feel Bulmer will replace Latendresse in the top-6, there aren’t really a whole lot of spots open for him to take.
It’s not a popular sentiment, but I would rather see Bulmer play one year in Houston as opposed to playing on the 4th line in the NHL. I don’t see how getting 5-6 minutes a night is beneficial to Bulmer’s development, even if it’s at the NHL level. Playing 17-20 minutes per game in Houston just seems like it has a better payoff down the road.

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 21, 2011 7:43 PM CST up reply actions

Thanks again

What do you see as our top six then? In my opinion, Lats is gone. When he’s on, he’s an incredibly explosive offensive threat, but he is just too injury prone to be here, unfortunately.

Granlund-Koivu-Heatley
Bouchard-Cullen-Seto

by Joel Bertelsen on Dec 21, 2011 10:03 PM CST up reply actions

To be honest, I couldn’t even speculate. While a Granlund – Koivu – Heatley line has a lot of talent, there’s no net presence. Maybe Clutterbuck finds a role on the top line. The Wild could also get a discount on Latendresse just because of his injuries. Like Harding, Lats might do a one-year deal for cheap just so he can audition.

If Granlund makes the team, the Wild may move PMB. I don’t see how the team could keep both PMB and Granlund at the same time. No need for two 5’10" playmakers. Plus, a Granlund/Setoguchi pairing may be something the Wild see for a long time, so it may not hurt to get them playing together right away.

There are so many “ifs” that any line combos I throw out will probably be totally off.

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 22, 2011 12:01 AM CST up reply actions

Latendresse

Like Harding, Lats might do a one-year deal for cheap just so he can audition.

I’d like to think so too. Latendresse provides something the Wild really need … big body, good hands, scorer’s touch. Oh, and goals!

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

by Mark It Zero! on Dec 22, 2011 3:43 PM CST up reply actions

If I had to guess

Lats will be back. He has battled injuries, but this year its been Concusions not the out of shape groin injuries type things. And the fact of the matter is he is a RFA, and Fletch is not going to just let a talented offensive player walk when they still have his rights basically and its tough to move someone that has hurt his value with injuries. They will resign him, hope he can stay healthy and than Maybe move him.

My guess is that Seto or Lats start on third line if Granlund makes the club(which he probably will) and Granlund takes up residence with Heatley and Koivu. But like JD said, lots of ifs there. I don’t really see them trading PMB in the offseason, but he could definatly be moved at the deadline. Espiecially if Coyle, Larsson or Phillips show they are ready for the NHL at the AHL level.

by ThatGuy22 on Dec 22, 2011 9:54 AM CST up reply actions

Excellent Post. Question:

Do you think they try to trade Harding before the deadline to get something in return or just let him leave next year via FA?

by viking_#28 on Dec 22, 2011 1:39 PM CST up reply actions

I would imagine they try trade him

Letting players walk for nothing is what got Wild to where they are the past few years.

by ThatGuy22 on Dec 22, 2011 2:39 PM CST up reply actions

I agree with that.

Will they be able to get anything of real value since he has been playing very well this year? I would expect a team like the Lightning to be very interested in his services.

by viking_#28 on Dec 22, 2011 2:45 PM CST up reply actions

Agree

He is staying healthy except for the stupid head/neck thing. Tampa will need a netminder and might give up something to test him out at the end of the year. Hacket hopefully shows enough in the year that he can handle the backup role in the NHL. Would love for harding to have a real shot at starting somewhere, always liked him.

by BigJungle on Dec 22, 2011 2:54 PM CST up reply actions

I've ruled out the Lightning

At the deadline, the Bolts may find themselves completely out of the the postseason hunt. They have major flaws on the blueline that a goalie can’t mask. Hedman and Brewer haven’t played well, and their defense has no depth behind the two.
In addition, their 3rd line hasn’t produced anything. If the Bolts didn’t have Stamkos, they very well could be the worst team in the NHL.
If Tampa wanted a goalie, they would do it now. They’re losing ground on the East fast, with no signs of turning the season around. They’re 33 games in and have a -35 goal differential.

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 22, 2011 3:23 PM CST up reply actions

-25 goal differential

Sorry, poor math skills, apparently.

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 22, 2011 3:24 PM CST up reply actions

Not to mention

The lightning are as bare in the cupboards like the Wild used to be. I don’t really know what they could give us in return. Maybe Malone. That would be the only person I can see them trading and they can’t afford to give up any picks cause they need to stock up the cupboards and I don’t see Yzerman mortgaging the future.

by eamon17 on Dec 23, 2011 4:13 PM CST up reply actions

He has value

But probably not first round pick value because he is a UFA. Any team that trades for him is going to have to sign him, and unless a deal gets worked out before hand they aren’t going to pony up to much and risk he may walk. I would expect probably 2nd or 3rd round draft pick maybe.

by ThatGuy22 on Dec 22, 2011 2:57 PM CST up reply actions

I was hoping maybe

they could use him and lats or someone to work out a deal for some real value.

by viking_#28 on Dec 22, 2011 2:58 PM CST up reply actions

I would argue more that poor drafting from the previous regime and trading picks got the Wild where they are.
In all reality, the Wild have only really lost Gaborik and Rolston via free agency for nothing. No one would trade for Gaborik because he made it very clear he was going to test the UFA market and he had a poor injury history. Hard to convince anyone to deal anything close to his value when he couldn’t stay healthy and when he and his agent wanted to go UFA.
With Rolston, the Wild were a playoff contender. They had the 4th seed in the West. There was no way to trade Rolston while convincing the fanbase that the Wild were serious about making a run in the postseason.

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 22, 2011 3:30 PM CST up reply actions

For example:

In 2005, the Minnesota Wild drafted Matt Kassian in the 2nd round (57th overall) when Kris Letang was still on the board.

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 22, 2011 3:57 PM CST up reply actions

ouch

by Burnsie4mvp on Dec 22, 2011 4:04 PM CST up reply actions

Ugh. Don’t remind me.

Editor:Hockey Wilderness Editor:In Lax We Trust Now with more Twitterness: ReynoldsSBN

Master of unsustainable passive regression.

by BReynolds on Dec 22, 2011 4:11 PM CST up reply actions

Trading Harding isn’t set in stone. If, for example, the Wild find themselves in the hunt for a top-5 spot in the West, the Wild may be forced to hold on to Harding for the playoffs. While I’m not going to come out and say the Wild are the team to beat in the West, they have shown they can beat the powerhouse teams.
Beat Detroit twice.
Beat Vancouver and took one to overtime.
Beat the Sharks.
Played the Blackhawks well and took it to a shootout.
Harding, on the trade market, may have late 2nd-round value, but he could prove to be more valuable to the Wild.

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 22, 2011 3:19 PM CST up reply actions

Gotta trade him.

He is in line for a huge raise and his value would be extremely high this year at the trade deadline. I have seen a lot of post on defensive prospects that we may get in return but I would think the most likely outcome would be a 2nd round pick for Harding.

by GooterBaby on Dec 22, 2011 8:24 PM CST up reply actions

I think 4-5 prospects will be on the team next year.

I got the feeling during the preseason that Phillips was right on the verge of making the team. It seemed that it was a last second decision to send him back to St. John. He’s having a great season so far and I can see him making the team next year. Granlund(if he signs) will spend a little time in Houston and join the team ASAP. I see the same for Larsson. Hackett is our future goaly and will be groomed for the starting job to begin the season. Brodin..Brodin is a wildcard. I think he’s going to be a great D-man but he awfully skinny and need to get stronger before he plays with the big boys. So players I expect to see, even if they’re not starting

Phillips-Granlund-Larsson-Brodin-Hackett.

by SKOLVK on Dec 22, 2011 4:53 PM CST reply actions

Hackett and Granlund will make the team out of camp. There is little to no chance Granlund see’s any time in Houston. There is no point to it, SM-Liiga is a better league than the AHL competition wise, and he already dominates there.

Phillips, Larsson will start in Houston baring a trade from our top 6. Those guys have huge potential but there won’t be a spot for them. You want them playing top 6 minutes, PP, PK, etc every night. Im sure they will get a cup of coffee at some point but they spend the majority of the year in Houston until Cullen or PMB get traded or become UFAs at the end of the season.

by ThatGuy22 on Dec 23, 2011 8:21 AM CST up reply actions

The only reason why Granlund would be in the AHL is to adjust to an NHL rink and North American hockey.
SM-Liiga plays on Olympic sized sheets, so he’ll need to adjust to a North American rink and style.
There are subtle differences between European and North American styles, but the differences are huge to the players. Granlund will need a short adjustment period.

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 23, 2011 11:50 AM CST up reply actions

Its a difference

But not big enough to waste him there.

Prior to this season, I would have agreed they were going to go that route for 5-10 games. I just don’t see them doing that anymore, fans are frothing at the mouth to see him. Hell they are ALREADY selling merchandise with his name.
I see them using him alot in the preseason, maybe Traverse City and allowing him to get his feet wet there. Its not like he has never touched NA ice before. Hell he is doing it right now in the WJC. He is good enough to break in here.

by ThatGuy22 on Dec 23, 2011 12:06 PM CST up reply actions

I can see PMB getting traded. I hate to say it but I see Lats leaving too. The man’s a beast but I don’t see him shaking the concussion bug. The Wild need to take a business minded approach to him and realize that he’s doing the team no good sitting on the IR season after season. The two of them will be gone and Phillips and Larsson will step up. Call it a hunch.

by SKOLVK on Dec 23, 2011 11:07 AM CST reply actions

At some point yes. But I think both will start the season with the Wild next year. One or both will be trade bait at the deadline though depending on how the prospects are doing in the AHL and where the Wild are in the standings. The prospects are near, but the only one that is seemingly ready is Granlund.

by ThatGuy22 on Dec 23, 2011 11:15 AM CST up reply actions