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The first meeting of former players and their new team is always a bit awkward. Fans like to play them up, players talk about it being good to see the guys again, but we all know... it's awkward. Still, it happens. It's hockey, and players move around. The story line is as old as the business infested, corporate game itself.
Some are much bigger deals than others. For example, when Chuck Kobasew returns to the X, will anyone even notice? Does anyone even notice he's gone? On the flip side, look at the attention Brent Burns garnered. Did anyone think much about Marty Havlat?
The point is, we all know who Wild fans wish was back, and who they could not care less about. The numbers, after the jump.
Brent Burns
Short of the hoopla over his words, the reunion with Brent Burns looked to be amicable and light-hearted. He added an assist to his totals against the Wild, and continues to be very popular with the team and the fans. I wish I had his 34 SOG on even one of my fantasy hockey teams. Sigh.
Martin Havlat
Marty is having himself a very good start to a season in which he struggled with injuries early. You know what? Good for him. Seriously, congrats to him. It's nice to see a player find a home and click well.
Cam Barker
Insert joke about Cam Barker not being very good here: ____________________
Antti Miettinen
Eighteen games, seven points (1G, 6A), -2, 8 PIMs, 35 SOG, 13:10 average TOI. Enjoy the schadenfreude.
Andrew Brunette
Slowing on the scoring, Brunette has fallen to ninth on the team in scoring and -3. Now eighth on the team in average TOI, Brunette is clearly not getting the looks he was earlier in the year. Still, Brunette remains on the power play. Eventually, that leads to points.
Chuck Kobasew
This is the most difficult part of this each week. Is there anything to write about here? Anything at all? Please? Someone? Bueller?
James Sheppard
Listed on the Sharks injured reserve after the second knee surgery this summer, Sheppard is not currently skating.
Eric Nystrom
That is all.
Jose Theodore
And right back to winning. Your first place, yes really, Florida Panthers, ladies and gentlemen.
What it All Means
A good week for the former members of the Wild. Stats are looking good for some, not so much for others. Hey... at least they're all still employed. Seriously, the Panthers are in first place? Yikes.