Wilderness Walk for 2-7-2012: Game Day Edition

by BReynolds on Feb 7, 2012 9:00 AM CST in Wilderness Walks

Cody McLeod attempts to show Clayton Stoner where the chocolates are.

Let me start off by wishing a very happy birthday to my father. Happy birthday, old man.

Now, onto hockey.

No lectures today. Just some programming notes. We will be having some discussions on the trade deadline starting up eventually. We're in no hurry, so long as you aren't. We'll look at the deadline from all kinds of perspectives. If there are players you would like looked at, ideas you have for the Wild, or just thoughts about the deadline you might like expounded on, let us know.

Looks like another repulsive day of sun and warmer than normal temps here in the Twin Cities. Ridiculous. I hope it's 40 below in August.

First Things First

VOTE - Why aren't you voting? We need your help. Very, very simple process. Please go vote. If each of you voted just one time, we would have a massive lead.

Wild News

Will Koivu Play Tomorrow?- That makes it today, and the answer seems to be... maybe.

Prosser Signs Two-Year Extension | - Yep he did.

Contract deal helps Prosser live his dream | StarTribune.com - And the dream of many others. Live it up, kid.

Prosser deal official; Koivu practicing | StarTribune.com - More from practice.

Enemy News

BlueJackets Xtra | Columbus Blue Jackets news, stats, photos, video - Jackets news to get your fingers dirty.

The Cannon - SBNation for all things Jackets. Good people over there. Be good to them.

Tending the Fields

The Third Intermission: The Bonding Trip - Ah, bonding. So sweet.

The Third Intermission: Western Conference Power Rankings - Your look at the power in the AHL.

Off the Trail

McKenzie: Ruutu trade could be going down this week | ProHockeyTalk - So Carolina wants a high draft pick or a top prospect for a guy with 27 points? This won't end well for them.

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Comments

Say what you will about Ryan Lambert

But his opinions on What We Learned about the NFL are spot on. I know I’m a day late on this but in my opinion, watching an NFL game is awful because of the commercials every 30 seconds and it is the worst at the Superbowl.

This is probably my favorite WWL from a year or so ago about the NFL:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/What-We-Learned-NFL-season-reminds-us-why-hocke?urn=nhl-269210

And here is yesterday’s regarding the superbowl:

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/learned-nhl-could-learn-thing-two-super-bowl-143857460.html

In my opinion, spot on.

by cgp711 on Feb 7, 2012 9:47 AM CST reply actions

I'm bored

Fletcher needs to trade for a 4th liner or mid level prospect so we have something to talk about…

by ThatGuy22 on Feb 7, 2012 10:26 AM CST reply actions

I like Ruutu

I wish they weren’t asking so much for him!!! I would probably be willing to trade a significant pick for him, but not a pick and a prospect.

Isn’t he Koivu’s friend?

by Rhomy777 on Feb 7, 2012 10:27 AM CST reply actions

They are close

But I doubt there is a GM out there that is going to give the Canes what they want. I think this is going to be a very quiet trade deadline. There are just too many teams close to the number eight spot, too many buyers, not enough sellers.

by cgp711 on Feb 7, 2012 10:29 AM CST up reply actions

I guess I am not willing to part with a high pick without knowing this move makes them better. I’m not convinced it does. The guy has 27 points. Not exactly overwhelming numbers.

Also, remember, Antti Miettinen was Koivu’s friend. Ha ha.

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

Master of unsustainable passive regression.

by BReynolds on Feb 7, 2012 10:29 AM CST up reply actions

Good point

Ruutu’s career high in points is 57 from last year. His goals are where they should be but his assists are way down. I’m not sure if that is because Skinner missed a lot of time, I don’t even know if he played with Skinner last year. It could be that the Canes are just really bad this year too. I wouldn’t mind him as a free agent since we wouldn’t have to give up anything and he may adequately replace Lats, but trading a boatload of picks and prospects is not a good idea.

Besides, if they miss on Matt Carle this off-season, they will probably have to swing a trade for a d-man.

by cgp711 on Feb 7, 2012 10:39 AM CST up reply actions

Ha true

Miettinen was not a top 6 forward on other teams though. It still would be hard to give up a pick or prospect for a UFA.

Off-topic question: what is the deal on Lats? Would any team be willing to trade for his negotiating rights? I know he’s been out with a concussion which greatly diminishes his trade value, but wasn’t JVR being shopped around and he has a concussion? I know Lats isn’t JVR, but he is still a big, dynamic scorer.

by J.A.Berty1330 on Feb 7, 2012 11:48 AM CST up reply actions

To be fair

Miettinen should not have been a top 6 for this team either.

Also, I’d be surprised to see Lats being dealt, but maybe he could be given one more, inexpensive, one year chance with the Wild.

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

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Feb 7, 2012 11:50 AM CST up reply actions

I hope they just let him walk.

Too many players already on this team that are one sneeze away from another concussion. What ever happened to Palmer? Is he still concussed too?

by cgp711 on Feb 7, 2012 11:53 AM CST up reply actions

I believe so, yes.

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

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Feb 7, 2012 11:55 AM CST up reply actions

Word on the street is that he had a setback during his recovery. There is no real timetable for his return.

2010-2011 Minnesota Wild Fantasy League Champion
President/CEO of the Tutu Many Slapshots fantasy hockey club

by Chris Winner on Feb 7, 2012 11:59 AM CST up reply actions

Did Chuck tell you that? ;-)

I promise these jokes will end someday. Probably not.

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

Master of unsustainable passive regression.

by BReynolds on Feb 7, 2012 12:59 PM CST up reply actions

yup he sure did :) I actually kind of enjoy them. I’ve decided to make a game of it myself and see how many different ways I can say it without actually mentioning his name.

2010-2011 Minnesota Wild Fantasy League Champion
President/CEO of the Tutu Many Slapshots fantasy hockey club

by Chris Winner on Feb 8, 2012 8:32 AM CST up reply actions

I agree

Lats really brings something special to this team. And he’s a great fit on the top line (with Koivu and Heatley). Solid finisher. Dunno much about RFAs or contracts, so can’t really say how much would be too little/too much, in terms of a $ value.

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

by Mark It Zero! on Feb 7, 2012 12:02 PM CST up reply actions

With an RFA contract, the Wild would have to offer 100% of Latendresse’s salary this year if they want to give him a qualifying offer, so that’s pretty expensive.
If they want to go to arbitration, they could get 15% knocked off, but that’s really not that much. It would still be a pretty expensive offer.
If the Wild choose not to use a Qualifying Offer, then Latendresse becomes a UFA, and then the Wild could work out a cheaper deal. Of course, the drawback is that any other team could make an offer.

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.
Mikael Granlund = Suomi Savior

by JDesthubert on Feb 7, 2012 12:09 PM CST up reply actions

The only way to go if they want him back is by letting him become a UFA.

by cgp711 on Feb 7, 2012 12:25 PM CST up reply actions

Thanks for the explanation!

I learn something new every day on here.

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

by Mark It Zero! on Feb 7, 2012 3:16 PM CST up reply actions

I'll start another potential trade idea

Now that Jimmy Howard might be out “2” (see also: 4-6) weeks for the Wings, do you think the Wild could get a decent deal for either Harding or Hackett? Not saying we’d want to part with either, but the Wings may be willing to give more than their worth right now. Their current backup squad is not great, and either of those 2 would be a great backup for them in the playoffs once Howard is back.

Of course I have no idea what the Wings have to offer or if they are just planning on riding out the storm. Just a thought.

Regressing to the mean since 1981.

by dlfedie on Feb 7, 2012 10:35 AM CST reply actions

*they’re, although their might work here.. Typing when I’m hungry isn’t the greatest idea.

Regressing to the mean since 1981.

by dlfedie on Feb 7, 2012 10:38 AM CST up reply actions

No way we give up Hackett

And I doubt the Wings are interested in Harding. Just too fragile. They’ll stick it out with Conklin.

by cgp711 on Feb 7, 2012 10:41 AM CST up reply actions

Haha, I was just pondering that, with they’re and their…

Hands go uuppp..... AND THEY STAY THERE!
-nashvillepredators-

by davisca on Feb 7, 2012 11:46 AM CST via Android app up reply actions

I don't see why they should trade for a goalie

They’re just fine where they are, and it’s not like they’ll go on a massive tailspin without Howard. I think Howard is mostly a product of the Wings anyway and not the other way around.

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

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Feb 7, 2012 10:49 AM CST up reply actions

We've discussed this before.

If Chris Osgood can put up the numbers he did, it’s a product of the system.

by cgp711 on Feb 7, 2012 10:57 AM CST up reply actions

Right

Plus, as long as Howard is good to go for the playoffs, what’s the flippin’ emergency?

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

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Feb 7, 2012 10:58 AM CST up reply actions

No kidding

I’ve been saying this for a while, but I think the ship has sailed on any trade involving Harding. He’s been available for months and there have only been a few teams this season with a need in goal. For a while it seemed like Tampa would be the best place for him but Yzerman must have felt differently. I doubt Fletch’s asking price was too high as well. There just isn’t much of a market and Harding has had a lot of fragile moments in the last couple months too. Zidlicky still seems like the most likely to be traded but even that may need to wait until the draft at this point.

by cgp711 on Feb 7, 2012 11:29 AM CST up reply actions

which might explain why Harding was so crushed after the Nashville meltdown

Hackett takes #2 spot next year, and Harding hurt his market value around the league. Not the nail in his coffin, but sure didn’t help

by Pewterschmidt on Feb 7, 2012 11:51 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

He's just going to have to sign another cheap one year deal with another team most likely.

by cgp711 on Feb 7, 2012 11:54 AM CST up reply actions

I don't get this whole fragile thing

Harding has had four bad games in the past month. Those games were during a stretch that the Wild were playing fucking awful, and were against San Jose, Chicago, Philly and Nashville. Not exactly little sisters of the poor.

There have been a lot of players available, but GMs just don’t make a whole lot of major moves until the trade deadline. I don’t think it has much indication on his trade value.

by ThatGuy22 on Feb 7, 2012 12:44 PM CST up reply actions

I think Russo saying he was on the verge of tears after the Nashville game is pretty fragile.

by cgp711 on Feb 7, 2012 12:59 PM CST up reply actions

I can't say he's fragile but...

Harding has always been susceptible to the mental lapse. Nashville was a fifty foot neon sign flashing “this guy is like Manny Fernandez, except he’s not a prick”.

I have a new appreciation for Backstrom’s $6M contract. Because he’s steady/boring/dependable/emotionless between the pipes (except during shootouts)

by Pewterschmidt on Feb 7, 2012 1:21 PM CST up reply actions

Whatever happened to Manny?

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

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Feb 7, 2012 1:29 PM CST up reply actions

I thought he never recovered from his knee injury with the B's and Thomas took his job.

by cgp711 on Feb 7, 2012 1:38 PM CST up reply actions

The Wings are notorious for not making knee-jerk moves. In fact, they’re pretty notorious for not making trades at all. I think that they would just ride it out. Conklin isn’t as bad as his last start would indicate.
Also, I think if the Wings really wanted another goalie, they would talk to the Islanders and try to get Nabokov for a 2nd time.

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.
Mikael Granlund = Suomi Savior

by JDesthubert on Feb 7, 2012 12:11 PM CST up reply actions

Staubitz out, Kassian in for tonight.

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

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Feb 7, 2012 11:29 AM CST reply actions

Lundin or Zidlicky?

by cgp711 on Feb 7, 2012 11:30 AM CST reply actions

Don't know yet

We’ll find out soon, I suppose.

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

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Feb 7, 2012 11:38 AM CST up reply actions

Zidlicky in, Lundin still out

Lundin scratched, Zidlicky in. Will play point (with Cullen) on PP Unit #1.

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

by Mark It Zero! on Feb 7, 2012 11:50 AM CST up reply actions

Thanks

Didn’t even see that haha

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

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Feb 7, 2012 11:52 AM CST up reply actions

That's alright

Gave me a chance to contribute to the thread :)

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

by Mark It Zero! on Feb 7, 2012 11:53 AM CST up reply actions

Want to know more about

Ruutu and Dominic Moore

Koivu, Granlund 2012

by Wild_4_life on Feb 7, 2012 11:41 AM CST reply actions

Can you imagine the Wild trading for Moore again?

It worked so well last time didn’t it?

by cgp711 on Feb 7, 2012 11:44 AM CST up reply actions

I dunno if you guys have seen this, but I think you'd appreciate it...

http://thehockeywriters.com/for-your-consideration-10-players-not-generating-mvp-buzz-that-should-be/

Hands go uuppp..... AND THEY STAY THERE!
-nashvillepredators-

by davisca on Feb 7, 2012 11:44 AM CST via Android app reply actions

Holy recognition, Batman!

Sweet.

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

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Feb 7, 2012 11:45 AM CST up reply actions

Right??

Go Kaptain :)

Hands go uuppp..... AND THEY STAY THERE!
-nashvillepredators-

by davisca on Feb 7, 2012 11:47 AM CST via Android app up reply actions

Hell yes!

Like I’ve been saying for a while, no player has more importance to his team has Koivu has to the Wild. We’ve seen the proof when he broke his finger last season and when he’s been out this season, although the Wild have been doing much better lately…in Zidlicky’s absence.

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

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Feb 7, 2012 11:49 AM CST up reply actions

*as Koivu has

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

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Feb 7, 2012 11:53 AM CST up reply actions

The 57th best player in the league

will never be MVP.

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

Master of unsustainable passive regression.

by BReynolds on Feb 7, 2012 1:02 PM CST up reply actions

Struggling Seto ...

plays on the third line tonight with Darroll Powe and Erik Christensen. Man, the Wild really need him to pick up his game. And fast.

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

by Mark It Zero! on Feb 7, 2012 11:52 AM CST reply actions

Seto and Christensen

Maybe they’re what each other needs: Skill, hands, speed.

Then again, Seto didn’t do much with Cullen.

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

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Feb 7, 2012 11:53 AM CST up reply actions

Russo blasted Seto on KFAN this morning.

Pretty sound analysis too if you ask me.

by cgp711 on Feb 7, 2012 11:55 AM CST up reply actions

KFAN

Does KFAN have links on their sites to these shows? I’d like to check out the discussion.

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

by Mark It Zero! on Feb 7, 2012 11:57 AM CST up reply actions

I think they have podcasts available

2010-2011 Minnesota Wild Fantasy League Champion
President/CEO of the Tutu Many Slapshots fantasy hockey club

by Chris Winner on Feb 7, 2012 12:02 PM CST up reply actions

Sweet!

Thanks!

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

by Mark It Zero! on Feb 7, 2012 12:02 PM CST up reply actions

your welcome!

2010-2011 Minnesota Wild Fantasy League Champion
President/CEO of the Tutu Many Slapshots fantasy hockey club

by Chris Winner on Feb 7, 2012 12:05 PM CST up reply actions

interested to see how Seto responds

He’s young and I’m almost ready to call this a ‘facing adversity’ situation for Seto. Remember he was benched for the Sharks game after partying with his Shark bros b4 the game and missing a meeting. Now he’s paired with a player we just picked off the scrap heap. Not exactly an endorsement. I’m hoping Seto takes the high road and puts up some offense tonight, instead of moaping around the ice. #fanofSeto

by Pewterschmidt on Feb 7, 2012 12:18 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Russo said that Seto is not happy with him

and he thinks he is playing well right now. Well two goals in the last eleven games is not playing well. The reality is that Seto probably is a third line guy with some scoring upside but on this team he needs to produce more since we are so offense starved.

by cgp711 on Feb 7, 2012 12:28 PM CST up reply actions

Hmmm...

I thought the two of them played well. Not great, but well. But then we also had Bouchard on that line, which probably was key.

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

by Mark It Zero! on Feb 7, 2012 11:56 AM CST up reply actions

Fun fact I pointed out on Twitter last night

The Hurricanes are dead last in the East, yet Cam Ward has a winning record, plus a goal. What a beast.

They’ve dressed 4 different goalies, but Ward is the only one with at least a win!

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

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Feb 7, 2012 12:08 PM CST reply actions

I don't know if I like splitting Cullen and Seto up

Purely because teams were keying on that line, giving Heater-Brodziak-Johnson more room to work with.

Who knows though, maybe Christensen and Seto will show some good chemistry together.

by J.A.Berty1330 on Feb 7, 2012 12:45 PM CST reply actions

I'm wondering

If they are getting Seto and Christensen acclimated to eachother and than going to throw Koivu between them.

I call this the throwing shit at the wall and seeing what sticks method of determining lines, everything else has been tried. Why not that.

by ThatGuy22 on Feb 7, 2012 12:49 PM CST up reply actions

Intriguing

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

Twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on Feb 7, 2012 12:53 PM CST up reply actions

I figure

Koivu is a surly bastard, if he can’t get Christensen to skate hard while he is on his line. No one can.

by ThatGuy22 on Feb 7, 2012 1:25 PM CST up reply actions

I like that idea

Definitely worth seeing what we have, in my opinion

by J.A.Berty1330 on Feb 7, 2012 1:22 PM CST up reply actions

Honestly?

I’m not a Seto fan. He’s had plenty of opportunity in the season to put up points like crazy, and he hasn’t. I don’t know why they keep putting him in top 6 situations, I haven’t seen him as a top 6 player all season. I might be a little harsh here, but if we didn’t get Coyle out of the Burns trade along with him, I would be upset.

by Rhomy777 on Feb 7, 2012 5:07 PM CST up reply actions

by JSLandry on Feb 7, 2012 1:44 PM CST up reply actions

by Mark It Zero! on Feb 8, 2012 7:27 AM CST up reply actions

Sad as it is to say...

Mittens still scored more points with the Wild per season than Seto is on pace to this year…

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.
Mikael Granlund = Suomi Savior

by JDesthubert on Feb 8, 2012 12:05 PM CST up reply actions