Are the skewed conference lines changing the way players feel about playing in Minnesota? The games that aren't in Minnesota may diminish our luster.

Last year I noticed more than ever how many games the wild play starting at 8,9,10 pm. I vividly remember Jaques Lemaire's last season in New Jersey. He said he thought he could coach again with such a cushier schedule.

The wild travel nearly twice the miles of some of the East coast teams. http://www.ontheforecheck.com/2011/6/23/2240779/nhl-travel-miles-by-team-super-schedule

Sutter is talking about picking a small town team where he can be himself. Lemaire is taking jobs out east because he can keep coaching traps into his geriatric ages with only a short drive to away games. Modano gleamed about the weather down in Dallas when the stars got traded.

If I were an NHL player that wanted to be in Minnesota. I would surely want to be in Minnesota. I would want to be in bed before midnight after a tough game and not keep a separate clock on pacific time in my luggage. When drawing a player like Parise to Minnesota a GM would want to offer perks and upsides.

Hey Zach Parise, think about this

1) Have you seen detroit? The average home value is $7,000. St. Paul looks pretty charming doesn't it? I know you like your house on Tonka too!

2) Who is their goalie for the next ten years? God bless Martin Brodeur, but he is going to be a grandpa before your next contract is up. Our goalies can do tricks like poodles. We've deliberately given them no help for the last decade and we've churned out some of the best stats and prospects in the league.

3) We might have the best prospect pool in the league under 21. You can shape and build this team to be everything you want.

4) Zach, want to spend half your season two hours different from your family while everyone's kids are in bed before the puck drops?

5) We'll have a parade every month of every year while you are under contract.

That fourth one kind of sticks out. That would be like offering Danny Heatley as a personal Chauffeur.