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Guerin: Wild Goaltending An Issue |
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Yesterday Wild GM, Bill Guerin, addressed the media following his team's early exit from this season's adjusted NHL playoffs. He did not mince any words when talking about his displeasure with the Wild goaltending.
Guerin is not committed to the current tandem of Devan Dubnyk and Alex Stalock by any measure. Dubnyk has one year remaining on his six year contract that he signed following the 2014-15 season. Stalock on the other hand has two years left on a very favorable $785K/yr deal.
Dubnyk faced some very tough off ice issues with the health of his wife Jen and struggled on the ice posting worst statistical record (12-15-2, 3.35 GAA, .890 save %) since his rookie season in Edmonton back in 2010. Stalock on the other hand had his best season with career highs in games played with 38 and shutouts with four. He posted a solid 2.67 GAA with a respectable .910 save percentage.
Despite the fact that Stalock performed better than years past he is a backup NHL goaltender at best. So if Dubnyk cannot return to the form that saw him as the Wild's clear #1 goaltender, Guerin is open to any and all options.
He also has Kaapo Kahkonen, who captured the Baz Bastien award as the AHL's top goaltender this season with the Iowa Wild knocking on the door to make the big club. Kahkonen showed well in the five games he played with the Wild this season posting a 3-1-1 record with a 2.96 GAA and .913 save percentage.
Guerin also stated the Wild's need for a true #1 center which has been an organizational need for their entire existence. With the emergence of Kevin Fiala and the arrival of Kirill Kaprizov the Wild have the responsibility to make this a priority to maximize the return on those star wingers potential.
Top notch centers do not fall from the sky and typically they are not parted with easily so Guerin knows that free agency is his best bet to acquire the talent he so needs and desires.
The Wild will draft #9 after last night's ping pong ball show revealed that the Rangers would be drafting #1. Pittsburgh has 15 days in which to elect to give the Wild the #15 pick or defer until next season where the Wild would have the Pens pick regardless of where it falls.
Guerin is at the helm and he is working to make the Wild into a contender. Beginning with the goaltending makes the most sense for the short term and then looking to add to his stable via trade and free agency.
The off-season for as long as it lasts should be interesting to say the least.
Minnesota Wild Blogger • 
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