Brad Ratgen: Post-Season and Player/Position Thoughts (Koivu Must Go?) A grab bag of different thoughts as the Minnesota Wild enter the post-season.

Hell of a series.

I honestly believe the Wild (and the Av's) are closer than the Blues to being legit cup contenders.

Going to be a fun division the next few years.

I laugh when people talk about Parise & Suter contract hurting the Wild long term when it is Koivu contract that is BRUTAL. It was signed when the team literally had nothing else in the way of top tier talent and at $6MIL + for next 4 years given his limited goal scoring and diminished skating ability it is an albatross around the neck of the Wild.

If I was CHUCK aka TraderChuck FLETCHER I would ship Koivu & Spurgeon to New Jersey for Henrique & Larsson as I did on Twitter yesterday!

Truly a confrontation point is on the horizon because Granlund and Haula have earned a very long look as the Top 6 centers for this team next year so where does that leave Koivu? A Wild fan blog on another site has troll'd me for weeks for saying it BUT I just think if Koivu is on the roster next year his role can be Top Line ANCHOR because he holds back Parise who is better suited for a speed game.

So maybe it is not an issue if Yeo sees it as Nino/Koivu/Coyle as 2nd line and Parise/Granlund/Pommer as the top line but what if Vanek is looking to return to MN? I think Parise would absolutely be dynamic and have a blast playing with Haula and Coyle. I also think if Vanek is coming here it is to reunite with Pominville and be centered by Granlund. So that leaves Mikko where?

Do we care about Vanek money and term as much if we are no longer strangled by Koivu contract? Koivu does all of things well and his POSSESSION stats and Quality of Opponents faced stats make him an advanced stats Darling but I think Fletcher needs to sell on him if he gets the chance and New Jersey would be perfect fit IMO!

Hell of a series.

I honestly believe the Wild (and the Av's) are closer than the Blues to being legit cup contenders.

Going to be a fun division the next few years.
- Ogilthorpe2

I tend to agree with most of this. Bryz is not the goalie to take you to the promise land. What actually happened to Kuemper? I do agree that Kessler would be a good fit and Vanek would be as well. If I were Toronto, I would not make that trade. Koivu is not the same player and this isn't a great draft year.

I tend to agree with most of this. Bryz is not the goalie to take you to the promise land. What actually happened to Kuemper? I do agree that Kessler would be a good fit and Vanek would be as well. If I were Toronto, I would not make that trade. Koivu is not the same player and this isn't a great draft year.
- wrister

Kuemper had 2 concussios. You meant Vanouver, not Toronto, right?

Haula


Bryz was good but if the Wild can solidify a new #1 for the long regular season add 1 more top 6 goal scorer . Omfg . The Wild will be very entertaining.

Hawks Avs Wild Blues Stars .... wow. Division is murderers row.

What about Koivu to Toronto for Reimer and Franson. Gives you the goalie 1a - 1b tandem.

I wouldn't mind Fletch pursuing Stastny. I think a Stastny would pretty much fill all the remaining offensive needs the Wild have in the top 6. Not sure he'd be as expensive as Kessler but he's a year younger and just as capable. Then again, you almost have to trade Koivu then, Centers would be Granlund, Stastny, Haula, Koivu and Brodziak.

But maybe you move Haula to wing position, with his speed and nose for the net, playing wing would really open up his ability make big plays.

What about Koivu to Toronto for Reimer and Franson. Gives you the goalie 1a - 1b tandem.
- BKups

Decent thought. Wild could use a little more help on the blue line but I think if Fletch passed up on going after Halak, chances are pretty good he wouldn't have a guy like Reimer in his sights.

What about Koivu to Toronto for Reimer and Franson. Gives you the goalie 1a - 1b tandem.
- BKups

I still think koivu has a place on this time. Obviously, leadership is a strong point on this team, and he is captain koivu, so he must have a large part in that. His skating has hampered his scoring ability, but he seems to be still sound defensively, so i say stick him on the 3rd line to be that defensive stalwart. If he can't stomach a"demotion"then i say yes, trade or buyout, because this team should go 1, 2, granny, haula down the middle. He is an anchor to a strong scoring line, in a bad way, but he Is An anchor on defense, in a good way. A third line with Cooke and let's say coyle in his wings would be a great shut down line with huge offensive upside.

I laugh when people talk about Parise & Suter contract hurting the Wild long term when it is Koivu contract that is BRUTAL. It was signed when the team literally had nothing else in the way of top tier talent and at $6MIL + for next 4 years given his limited goal scoring and diminished skating ability it is an albatross around the neck of the Wild.

If I was CHUCK aka TraderChuck FLETCHER I would ship Koivu & Spurgeon to New Jersey for Henrique & Larsson as I did on Twitter yesterday!

Truly a confrontation point is on the horizon because Granlund and Haula have earned a very long look as the Top 6 centers for this team next year so where does that leave Koivu? A Wild fan blog on another site has troll'd me for weeks for saying it BUT I just think if Koivu is on the roster next year his role can be Top Line ANCHOR because he holds back Parise who is better suited for a speed game.

So maybe it is not an issue if Yeo sees it as Nino/Koivu/Coyle as 2nd line and Parise/Granlund/Pommer as the top line but what if Vanek is looking to return to MN? I think Parise would absolutely be dynamic and have a blast playing with Haula and Coyle. I also think if Vanek is coming here it is to reunite with Pominville and be centered by Granlund. So that leaves Mikko where?

Do we care about Vanek money and term as much if we are no longer strangled by Koivu contract? Koivu does all of things well and his POSSESSION stats and Quality of Opponents faced stats make him an advanced stats Darling but I think Fletcher needs to sell on him if he gets the chance and New Jersey would be perfect fit IMO!
- Tony Dean

I think is where you have to be careful Tony in regards to Vanek. Look at how fast Heatley fell off! Listening to Lou yesterday, he feels you can't give Vanek more than 5 years and even 5 for a 30+ year old player is a bit of gamble.

I would absolutely hate to have to lose one of Nino, Haula, Coyle, or any young up and comer to a cap casualty because 2 years from now we're stuck with another Dany "the 220 pound paper weight" Heatley.

Unless Vanek would accept a modest 4 - 5 year deal, I personally hope Fletch passes.

I still think koivu has a place on this time. Obviously, leadership is a strong point on this team, and he is captain koivu, so he must have a large part in that. His skating has hampered his scoring ability, but he seems to be still sound defensively, so i say stick him on the 3rd line to be that defensive stalwart. If he can't stomach a"demotion"then i say yes, trade or buyout, because this team should go 1, 2, granny, haula down the middle. He is an anchor to a strong scoring line, in a bad way, but he Is An anchor on defense, in a good way. A third line with Cooke and let's say coyle in his wings would be a great shut down line with huge offensive upside.
- gypsypunk01

Not likely Fletch wants a $6+ million dollar third line center. I had previously thought the same thing, and I dont' see it as a big problem so long as they aren't up against the cap ceiling to start next season. But not too many teams have a third line captain.

I've been a huge Koivu bobo for many years and I've argued on his behalf many times... but I think this Wild team is finally to the point where they can think about parting ways with the long time Wild staple.

I think if they could get back a Kessler for Koivu and prospect/picks, now is the time to do it.

I wouldn't mind Fletch pursuing Stastny. I think a Stastny would pretty much fill all the remaining offensive needs the Wild have in the top 6. Not sure he'd be as expensive as Kessler but he's a year younger and just as capable. Then again, you almost have to trade Koivu then, Centers would be Granlund, Stastny, Haula, Koivu and Brodziak.

But maybe you move Haula to wing position, with his speed and nose for the net, playing wing would really open up his ability make big plays.
- MnGump

Would probably take a wing and a prayer for Stastny to be a Wild, it would be a slap in the face to the Avs, and potentially the Blues (rumoured to go there if he hits UFA).

Unless you are paying him a boat load of money 7m cap hit, I cant see him jumping to a division rival besides his hometown St. Louis.

My money is the Rangers (Richards buyout) or Blue Jackets (Umburger Buyout) if he goes to another team that arent the Avs or Blues

Would probably take a wing and a prayer for Stastny to be a Wild, it would be a slap in the face to the Avs, and potentially the Blues (rumoured to go there if he hits UFA).

Unless you are paying him a boat load of money 7m cap hit, I cant see him jumping to a division rival besides his hometown St. Louis.

My money is the Rangers (Richards buyout) or Blue Jackets (Umburger Buyout) if he goes to another team that arent the Avs or Blues
- DDM-Coga

Never know, but I don't think either Stastny or Kessler are worth a $7 million cap hit in a max contract.
I would be a little surprised if Stastny gets that kind of money from anyone. But then again, money does talk and I'm sure there are some GM's/owners out there willing to pay for what they want.

Stastny IMO only warrants around $5.5 million per year. Maybe $6 if he were willing to go 3 years or less. His offensive numbers are not that of a max contract type player. Then again neither are Kesslers, with one really outstanding season where he scored 41 goals, his averages are the same as Stastnys. 22 goals a season.
Granted good centers are hard to come by in this league, I wouldn't pay more than $6 million over 5 years for either.

Never know, but I don't think either Stastny or Kessler are worth a $7 million cap hit in a max contract.
I would be a little surprised if Stastny gets that kind of money from anyone. But then again, money does talk and I'm sure there are some GM's/owners out there willing to pay for what they want.

Stastny IMO only warrants around $5.5 million per year. Maybe $6 if he were willing to go 3 years or less. His offensive numbers are not that of a max contract type player. Then again neither are Kesslers, with one really outstanding season where he scored 41 goals, his averages are the same as Stastnys. 22 goals a season.
Granted good centers are hard to come by in this league, I wouldn't pay more than $6 million over 5 years for either.
- MnGump

Hes not a pure offense guy, so you cant get sidetracked with his numbers. Strong 2 way game, good on the draw, I believe he was the only Av this year with strong pocession numbers.

Thats the thing, if he is getting 5.5m Avs are signing him no problem. And that will be a hometown discount. If he hits the open market, he will get 6.5m at least. Hes the big name out there, and teams would spend to get him.....oilers, preds, flames, florida would offer that and probably a bit more to try and get him to come to those teams.

If he is taking bw 5-6m a year to be a contender team, it will be with the Avs or blues bc of personal connections. Cant see him turning down offers in that range from those teams just to sign with the same money with another contender.

Last year if mike riberio is getting a 5.5m and weiss is getting 4.9m hit of a long term contract on the open market, you know stastny will get more than that with an increase in the cap

Hes not a pure offense guy, so you cant get sidetracked with his numbers. Strong 2 way game, good on the draw, I believe he was the only Av this year with strong pocession numbers.

Thats the thing, if he is getting 5.5m Avs are signing him no problem. And that will be a hometown discount. If he hits the open market, he will get 6.5m at least. Hes the big name out there, and teams would spend to get him.....oilers, preds, flames, florida would offer that and probably a bit more to try and get him to come to those teams.

If he is taking bw 5-6m a year to be a contender team, it will be with the Avs or blues bc of personal connections. Cant see him turning down offers in that range from those teams just to sign with the same money with another contender.

Last year if mike riberio is getting a 5.5m and weiss is getting 4.9m hit of a long term contract on the open market, you know stastny will get more than that with an increase in the cap
- DDM-Coga

I'm sure you're right, and like I said good centers are hard to come by in this league. and thats the big difference and the rub of trying to sign them. I like to use Pominvilles contract as a bench mark for offensive players. He's a 30 goal a year guy and got a 5 year $28 million dollar deal. I think that's a very fair deal for both sides. Granted he doesn't bring a ton of 2 way play to his game but he puts the puck in the net...(except for the post season)

I'm sure Stastny will end up styaing in Colorado if they can get somewhere around $6 million. How are the Av's sitting capwise?

I'm sure you're right, and like I said good centers are hard to come by in this league. and thats the big difference and the rub of trying to sign them. I like to use Pominvilles contract as a bench mark for offensive players. He's a 30 goal a year guy and got a 5 year $28 million dollar deal. I think that's a very fair deal for both sides. Granted he doesn't bring a ton of 2 way play to his game but he puts the puck in the net...(except for the post season)

I'm sure Stastny will end up styaing in Colorado if they can get somewhere around $6 million. How are the Av's sitting capwise?
- MnGump

Lots of cap space, 17 players under contract and 26m in space.
But Barrie, OReilly, Stastny, McGinn are the guys who need contracts.
If they resign all of them, PAP gets moved out for cap relief and to bring in a new Dman.

Just extending a big thumbs-up. They Wild were the team I was pulling for out West.

And as maligned as Yeo was during his employment in Pittsburgh, it is nice to see him make a name for himself as a head coach.

Good 'ol Zenon Konopka just got 20 games for steroids it looks like. Now that you think about it, I wonder if Fletcher caught wind of that and dumped him before it became known as they were pretty high on him and his ability to fight and win faceoffs as a 4th line center.

Good 'ol Zenon Konopka just got 20 games for steroids it looks like. Now that you think about it, I wonder if Fletcher caught wind of that and dumped him before it became known as they were pretty high on him and his ability to fight and win faceoffs as a 4th line center.
- Brad Ratgen

Wow, 20 games?! I guess I don't even remember or know what the NHL's league policy is on positive tests for PED's!?

Is this his first infraction? I guess I didn't even think they tested guys that regulary in the NHL.

Guess he can devote more of his time to Hoppy now!

Brad Ratgen: Post-Season and Player/Position Thoughts (Koivu Must Go?)
A grab bag of different thoughts as the Minnesota Wild enter the post-season.
- Brad Ratgen

Classy post and good assessment. Have to agree on Koivu. Not what he was.

I think you guys have to make a run at Niskannen and give the young D men minutes. Not sure if Kuemper concussion problems will be an ongoing problem but he needs a real trial as well. If anyone can take the next steps it will be Chuck. He and Cliff could be like the Bowman's in Chicago. You just need to get Cliff away from the Leafs.

Thanks Brad! I know i've been probably your biggest antagonist, but I truly do appreciate your contributions to our site here on HB! Also appreciate your help getting Tony in the drivers seat! It's really nice to have at the very least a regular (almost) daily blog even though the Wild patronage is still a little sparse!

Hopefully that will change and increase over the off-season!

Hey all. Just a quick note. I'm not a bandwagon fan in the least and have followed just about all of the Wild blogs on this site for the past 4-5 years (since I've been a season ticket holder). Just wanted to say, I'm a passionate Wild fan and know that everybody else is as well. Hopefully we can engage in good conversation moving forward.

I wanted to point out that nobody cared that the Ratgen family could spell Niederreiter, but I did want to know if you won anything cool. Haha.

Down to business. I'm sort of torn by getting rid of Koivu being that you are going to be selling him at a low price. There may even be some eating of that contract. I'm fine with trading him, but for what? We need centers and the Wild are pretty slim in that area especially considering if Brodziak is traded and/or there are injuries. There aren't a ton of quality centers out there. I understand the price tag and by not moving him this year makes him near impossible to move and/or upgrade that spot.

My issue with Koivu is that he has an allergy to shooting the puck. During the Hawks series, Suter became allergic to shooting as well. You simply can't have two guys playing on your top PP that will not shoot, it's too predictable and easily defensed (not to take credit away from the Hawks D though). Koivu is still very good at anticipating plays and picking off passes, but at almost $7 mil, you do need to do more.

To correct you Mr. Ratgen. Backstrom is not eligible for a compliance buyout per when he signed the contract. Actually, I believe he is ineligible for a buyout that gives a discount per his age as well. Therefore, Backstrom and his contract are here unless somebody needs goaltending and some salary to get to the basement floor.

I think the defense is fine. Folin should fill a void given his size and talent, but he's still young. Stoner earned himself an extension, but I wouldn't overpay for him. However, if you let him walk, you have zero grit on the roster, with exception to McCormick and he's not going to stop anybody from running players.

All that said, this should be an interesting offseason.

Hey all. Just a quick note. I'm not a bandwagon fan in the least and have followed just about all of the Wild blogs on this site for the past 4-5 years (since I've been a season ticket holder). Just wanted to say, I'm a passionate Wild fan and know that everybody else is as well. Hopefully we can engage in good conversation moving forward.

I wanted to point out that nobody cared that the Ratgen family could spell Niederreiter, but I did want to know if you won anything cool. Haha.

Down to business. I'm sort of torn by getting rid of Koivu being that you are going to be selling him at a low price. There may even be some eating of that contract. I'm fine with trading him, but for what? We need centers and the Wild are pretty slim in that area especially considering if Brodziak is traded and/or there are injuries. There aren't a ton of quality centers out there. I understand the price tag and by not moving him this year makes him near impossible to move and/or upgrade that spot.

My issue with Koivu is that he has an allergy to shooting the puck. During the Hawks series, Suter became allergic to shooting as well. You simply can't have two guys playing on your top PP that will not shoot, it's too predictable and easily defensed (not to take credit away from the Hawks D though). Koivu is still very good at anticipating plays and picking off passes, but at almost $7 mil, you do need to do more.

To correct you Mr. Ratgen. Backstrom is not eligible for a compliance buyout per when he signed the contract. Actually, I believe he is ineligible for a buyout that gives a discount per his age as well. Therefore, Backstrom and his contract are here unless somebody needs goaltending and some salary to get to the basement floor.

I think the defense is fine. Folin should fill a void given his size and talent, but he's still young. Stoner earned himself an extension, but I wouldn't overpay for him. However, if you let him walk, you have zero grit on the roster, with exception to McCormick and he's not going to stop anybody from running players.

All that said, this should be an interesting offseason.
- arvinb316

Bravo arv! and welcome back to the pack! We've missed you!

Hey all. Just a quick note. I'm not a bandwagon fan in the least and have followed just about all of the Wild blogs on this site for the past 4-5 years (since I've been a season ticket holder). Just wanted to say, I'm a passionate Wild fan and know that everybody else is as well. Hopefully we can engage in good conversation moving forward.

I wanted to point out that nobody cared that the Ratgen family could spell Niederreiter, but I did want to know if you won anything cool. Haha.

Down to business. I'm sort of torn by getting rid of Koivu being that you are going to be selling him at a low price. There may even be some eating of that contract. I'm fine with trading him, but for what? We need centers and the Wild are pretty slim in that area especially considering if Brodziak is traded and/or there are injuries. There aren't a ton of quality centers out there. I understand the price tag and by not moving him this year makes him near impossible to move and/or upgrade that spot.

My issue with Koivu is that he has an allergy to shooting the puck. During the Hawks series, Suter became allergic to shooting as well. You simply can't have two guys playing on your top PP that will not shoot, it's too predictable and easily defensed (not to take credit away from the Hawks D though). Koivu is still very good at anticipating plays and picking off passes, but at almost $7 mil, you do need to do more.

To correct you Mr. Ratgen. Backstrom is not eligible for a compliance buyout per when he signed the contract. Actually, I believe he is ineligible for a buyout that gives a discount per his age as well. Therefore, Backstrom and his contract are here unless somebody needs goaltending and some salary to get to the basement floor.

I think the defense is fine. Folin should fill a void given his size and talent, but he's still young. Stoner earned himself an extension, but I wouldn't overpay for him. However, if you let him walk, you have zero grit on the roster, with exception to McCormick and he's not going to stop anybody from running players.

All that said, this should be an interesting offseason.
- arvinb316

Ha! At least someone around here is paying attention. Yes, we were selected for the on-ice intermission activity during Game 6 and yes, we did win. It was a Super America grab bag. Nothing like Wild gear like we were hoping, but whatever. Would you believe that that was only 1/3 of my brood with my wife and I?

Regarding Backstrom, I don't believe I advocated that for Backstrom. I was just advocating a regular buyout, but don't know the particulars of his contract. I advocated the compliance buyout for Koivu if they couldn't trade him. Yes we would owe him money, but it would not count against the cap like Parrish has for so many years now. And remember, this is the last off season to use your remaining compliance buyouts. But, I do agree re lack of depth at center so Fletcher will have his work cut out for him regarding this dilemma. Draft day trade perhaps? Who knows. But interesting to chew on to begin this abbreviated off season.