Tony Dean: Minnesota Wild Avoids Pitfalls of Flawed 2014 UFA Market

After watching Vanek in the playoffs this season I have no doubt he is a great skill player; nevertheless, dont expect him to work harder than he has to. He wont go to the corner, he wont push for space in front of the net and he wont lay the body out for anything.

I would have loved for him to come back to MTL but he was just to expensive for what he brings to the table. Sharks fans everywhere can attest to great players during the regular season failing to show up come playoffs.

I like the signing. Any thoughts on potential line combos to start the season?

I was a big fan of him during the season, and at moments during the playoffs. But he just looked like he'd given up. Could have been an underlying injury as was speculated, or maybe he'd just already moved on to Minnesota in his head.


Whatever the reason, I think you guys got him on a decent deal. If he'd stuck to his rumoured 7 year demands then I'd have said otherwise, but as it stands Minny did well.

I like the signing. Any thoughts on potential line combos to start the season?
- Greenbacks1975

I think Vanek will play with Mikael Granlund as his center and Jason Pominville on the other wing. The thing that made Vanek to Minnesota Wild make so much sense though is that this team has many two-way types and playmakers but was lacking a finisher type even if his overall game and effort is a point of contention. The young core here is very harding working, humble, and eager to play a team focus style which is RARE with young highly regarded prospects. Zach Parise and Mikko Koivu are the utlimate example of top level players that out work opponents rather than coast and look for individual glory and attention. Vanek no matter how he has played or conducted himself elsewhere isnt going to bring nonsense with him here. Even Dany Heatley who fell of the end of the earth with his production/playing time/role/importance conducted himself as a true professional to his very last day as a member of the organization. Very strong culture here with the Wild in the locker room and throughout the organization NOW.

Projected Lines

Parise/Koivu/Coyle
Vanek/Granlund/Pomminville
Zucker/Haula/Niederreiter
Cooke/Brodziak/Bulmer
Fontaine

Suter/Brodin
Scandella/Spurgeon
Ballard/Folin
Blum

Harding
Backstrom
Kuemper

Projected Lines

Parise/Koivu/Coyle
Vanek/Granlund/Pomminville
Zucker/Haula/Niederreiter
Cooke/Brodziak/Bulmer
Fontaine

Suter/Brodin
Scandella/Spurgeon
Ballard/Folin
Blum

Harding
Backstrom
Kuemper
- Tony Dean

I love that 3rd line, and while I would be the last person to join the Brodziak fan club, I think he would be an above average 4th line center. I would still like to see a proven blueliner brought in, in case of injury or someone struggles (Folin, Ballard)

I love that 3rd line, and while I would be the last person to join the Brodziak fan club, I think he would be an above average 4th line center. I would still like to see a proven blueliner brought in, in case of injury or someone struggles (Folin, Ballard)
- SotaPopinski

I am really rooting for Zucker and Bulmer to be apart of the opening game lineup and contribute to this group. Zucker is tough to diagnose exactly as what his standing and relationship is with the coaching staff and front office but the players love him so maybe he comes back motivated to be apart of this group. What a skilled fun 3rd Line that would be.

I am very down on the current group of UFA vet defenders. I guess Anton Volchenko would be okay but I am more a fan of trading for a guy with like 2 years left on his deal. There is some teams in Cap Jail right now maybe a bridge vet until Dumba and Olofsson are ready could be had for cheap?

Projected Lines

Parise/Koivu/Coyle
Vanek/Granlund/Pomminville
Zucker/Haula/Niederreiter
Cooke/Brodziak/Bulmer
Fontaine

Suter/Brodin
Scandella/Spurgeon
Ballard/Folin
Blum

Harding
Backstrom
Kuemper
- Tony Dean

We all know that Yeo, like many coaches, likes to tinker with lines throughout the course of the season and on a game-to-game basis, but I wonder if those would be the "starting" lineups. Parise, Pommer and Granlund had some great chemistry so I think it would be silly to break them up. Not only that, but with Vanek floating in the slot, there really aren't, in my homer-shaded opinion, many players able to set a slot-man up from the corner/boards like Koivu. Will Vanek finally be the finisher we've been hoping Koivu to have?

Any thoughts on trading for C Franson? I havent followed him closely but he is big and he is a Right shot d-man I also believe I read that he would only go for 2-2.5mil (not 100% sure on that). I also heard rumors we are pursuing S. Ott which I love but who would be the odd man out at C? Hopefully Brodziak....

Any thoughts on trading for C Franson? I havent followed him closely but he is big and he is a Right shot d-man I also believe I read that he would only go for 2-2.5mil (not 100% sure on that). I also heard rumors we are pursuing S. Ott which I love but who would be the odd man out at C? Hopefully Brodziak....
- LASKA17

I think he could be a possibility former Nashville prospect so maybe he would have nice chenostry with Suter but I wonder what the price tag would be?

We all know that Yeo, like many coaches, likes to tinker with lines throughout the course of the season and on a game-to-game basis, but I wonder if those would be the "starting" lineups. Parise, Pommer and Granlund had some great chemistry so I think it would be silly to break them up. Not only that, but with Vanek floating in the slot, there really aren't, in my homer-shaded opinion, many players able to set a slot-man up from the corner/boards like Koivu. Will Vanek finally be the finisher we've been hoping Koivu to have?
- deslni01

Koivu could definitely match up with Vanek as his primary playmaker. Koivu and Coyle are very tough to get off the puck and could feed Vanek all game! I think it is a smart take and another view of who plays together I like. Vanek kinda fits with everyone which is why getting him here was very important.

Vanek is a natural goal scorer. No question. Sabre fans got tired of his game when scoring has gone cold. You get nothing else from his game. No backcheck. No corner work. No defensive play. No physical play. When the goals come, its great, when he's cold, he is a drag on the team.

Vanek is a natural goal scorer. No question. Sabre fans got tired of his game when scoring has gone cold. You get nothing else from his game. No backcheck. No corner work. No defensive play. No physical play. When the goals come, its great, when he's cold, he is a drag on the team.
- Killinsurgents

I disagree from what I saw on the island. Hes not a perfect player by any means but the description you have in your post is spot on accurate for Moulson not Vanek. Good signing by you guys. Would have took him back in a minute .

... but with Vanek floating in the slot, there really aren't, in my homer-shaded opinion, many players able to set a slot-man up from the corner/boards like Koivu. Will Vanek finally be the finisher we've been hoping Koivu to have?
- deslni01

I don't think Vanek will fit well with Koivu. If Koivu and Coyle play together, expect a lot of wall play and cycling. Vanek can finish, but they need a guy who can help keep the cycle going and I'm not sure Vanek fits that mold.

Vanek will fit best with Granlund and Pominville. They will be able to create those bang-bang type opportunities off the rush that Vanek should thrive on.

Vanek kinda fits with everyone which is why getting him here was very important.
- Tony Dean

This is where I disagree on Vanek. I think they'll have limited options in terms of him being effective on different lines and it is the one drawback of the signing. Hopefully, I'm wrong on that and he'll find some chemistry with a few forwards so they do have options for line juggling when things go stale.

Glad for you guys that all worked out for you , Vanek just did not have the heart or effort and that's a shame because it could have meant going further in the playoffs , instead he just floated so he's where he wants to be and you folks in Minny have yourself ... well lets just say I am glad it worked out for you guys ... Good Luck

Koivu could definitely match up with Vanek as his primary playmaker. Koivu and Coyle are very tough to get off the puck and could feed Vanek all game! I think it is a smart take and another view of who plays together I like. Vanek kinda fits with everyone which is why getting him here was very important.
- Tony Dean

No offense buddy, but you are seeing Vanek with rose colored glasses. If you would have watched him play in all three markets, as well as listened to what people were complaning about, you would understand the negative comments towards him.
1. Buffalo and the Islanders were both upset at the shape he was in when he arrived, he was out of shape because he doesn't have the work ethic of elite players.
2. All 3 places have complained about his "floating". Vanek is a gifted goal scorer, but that is it. Add on top of that, he is extremely streaky. And once those cold spells hit, you are going to notice that he brings nothing else to the table. If he's not scoring, he's just taking up a roster spot and collecting a paycheck.
3. You say he can play with anyone on the team. Did you not listen to him in Montreal when he said that once he got moved off his first line that he couldn't find chemistry with the other players?

As I said, Vanek is a good goal scorer, but that's all you get from him. And the problem is that they come in bunches, and then after that you are wondering what the hell is going on with him. Everywhere he goes, there are complaints about him, so saying that he is going to buy into your system and work hard, is just not Vanek's "MO". Even during the lock out in Austria, there were complaints about his attitude and going out partying the nite before games. I wish you guys the best, I love MN and their rabid fan base, and I think you guys signed Vanek to a fair contract for what he brings to the table. But unfortunately, you are getting rid of Heatley and getting Heatley 2.0 Best of luck though as I said, the club and their farm system are being built the right way and are a pleasure to watch.

Glad for you guys that all worked out for you
- toneez

Nothing's worked out to this point. To be determined.

No offense buddy, but you are seeing Vanek with rose colored glasses. If you would have watched him play in all three markets, as well as listened to what people were complaning about, you would understand the negative comments towards him.
1. Buffalo and the Islanders were both upset at the shape he was in when he arrived, he was out of shape because he doesn't have the work ethic of elite players.
2. All 3 places have complained about his "floating". Vanek is a gifted goal scorer, but that is it. Add on top of that, he is extremely streaky. And once those cold spells hit, you are going to notice that he brings nothing else to the table. If he's not scoring, he's just taking up a roster spot and collecting a paycheck.
3. You say he can play with anyone on the team. Did you not listen to him in Montreal when he said that once he got moved off his first line that he couldn't find chemistry with the other players?

As I said, Vanek is a good goal scorer, but that's all you get from him. And the problem is that they come in bunches, and then after that you are wondering what the hell is going on with him. Everywhere he goes, there are complaints about him, so saying that he is going to buy into your system and work hard, is just not Vanek's "MO". Even during the lock out in Austria, there were complaints about his attitude and going out partying the nite before games. I wish you guys the best, I love MN and their rabid fan base, and I think you guys signed Vanek to a fair contract for what he brings to the table. But unfortunately, you are getting rid of Heatley and getting Heatley 2.0 Best of luck though as I said, the club and their farm system are being built the right way and are a pleasure to watch.
- Phineas

I think your wrong Sir but you may well just be right haha. Grand Scheme of things Vanek will be called out by his team mates here and wont be able to point the finger anywhere else because Koivu, Parise, Suter, and Pominville all work their tails off. Our group of kids here on NHL roster are the same way. I have seen the accurate mentions of flaws when it comes to Vanek. I watched every game of Sochi to see him nearly invisible.

Goals and Goals Scorers are at such a prememium that teams often turn a blind eye to junky stuff with guys.

Here in Minnesota Marian Gaborik for example is a player that when he signed to all that money with the Rangers we laughed thinking they have no idea the baggage that comes with him. When Gaborik was traded to the Kings it just made sense this year and even now after re-signing for a ton of cash and years there I still think the fit makes all the previous stop baggage kinda no matter.

Not saying Vanek wont be guilty of some of the same he has been criticized for in his previous NHL stops just saying I think he has been seeking out becoming a member of this organization and specific roster group dating back to last year so his motivation is clear.

Grand Scheme of things Vanek will be called out by his team mates here and wont be able to point the finger anywhere else
- Tony Dean

I agree with this. I don't think the Wild has just one guy that holds others accountable. It seems to be a pretty big group you have to answer to and they are well respected. In addition, I don't necessarily see Vanek as having to be the front and center guy here. He has a role he needs to play but no one is expecting him to do everything. It might take some of the pressure off.

I agree with this. I don't think the Wild has just one guy that holds others accountable. It seems to be a pretty big group you have to answer to and they are well respected. In addition, I don't necessarily see Vanek as having to be the front and center guy here. He has a role he needs to play but no one is expecting him to do everything. It might take some of the pressure off.
- Chinaski

The other point I think that makes him playing for the Wild rather than those other sqauds and you hit on it Chinaski is that if he scores 30-40 goals he will be a hero here. Vanek won't be front and center with the Wild game in and game out because Parise, Koivu, and Suter are the Veteran Leadership established and the young core Granlund, Coyle, Nino , Haula, Brodin, Spurgeon, and Scandella all have fans and have created signature moments in their short careers.

I have written about it several times in the past few months and think anyone that follows this Wild team closely realizes a true finisher and Power Play INFUSION was the top priority to upgrading/improving this current group. Sure one or a couple of the young forwards could return this fall and show up as a player capable of scoring 20+ Goals but so far that is still in question.

The other point I think that makes him playing for the Wild rather than those other sqauds and you hit on it Chinaski is that if he scores 30-40 goals he will be a hero here. Vanek won't be front and center with the Wild game in and game out because Parise, Koivu, and Suter are the Veteran Leadership established and the young core Granlund, Coyle, Nino , Haula, Brodin, Spurgeon, and Scandella all have fans and have created signature moments in their short careers.

I have written about it several times in the past few months and think anyone that follows this Wild team closely realizes a true finisher and Power Play INFUSION was the top priority to upgrading/improving this current group. Sure one or a couple of the young forwards could return this fall and show up as a player capable of scoring 20+ Goals but so far that is still in question.
- Tony Dean

He does basically just need to score goals. But this talk from Yeo about possibly keeping Parise-Granlund-Pominville together to start is a little frustrating. For the most part I like Yeo, but sometimes he just seems to overcomplicate things and if he doesn't put Vanek with Granlund and Pominville right away, it's another example of it.

I would even go so far as to say that Granlund doesn't have to be the center for them. Haula might be able to do it as well which could free Granlund to play with Parise and maybe a guy like Niederreiter or Coyle. I think there are a few possibilities on line combinations, but Vanek and Pominville should start together.

He does basically just need to score goals. But this talk from Yeo about possibly keeping Parise-Granlund-Pominville together to start is a little frustrating. For the most part I like Yeo, but sometimes he just seems to overcomplicate things and if he doesn't put Vanek with Granlund and Pominville right away, it's another example of it.

I would even go so far as to say that Granlund doesn't have to be the center for them. Haula might be able to do it as well which could free Granlund to play with Parise and maybe a guy like Niederreiter or Coyle. I think there are a few possibilities on line combinations, but Vanek and Pominville should start together.
- Chinaski

I saw him say that as well I chose to brush past b/c I have been just as frustrated by it as everyone else. I am hoping training camp cleans all that up. I am excited sooo many strong combinations in Top 9 Now!.

I hope Zucker and Bulmer make this squad too. All energy and excitement with both them WHEN healthy

No offense buddy, but you are seeing Vanek with rose colored glasses. If you would have watched him play in all three markets, as well as listened to what people were complaning about, you would understand the negative comments towards him.
1. Buffalo and the Islanders were both upset at the shape he was in when he arrived, he was out of shape because he doesn't have the work ethic of elite players.
2. All 3 places have complained about his "floating". Vanek is a gifted goal scorer, but that is it. Add on top of that, he is extremely streaky. And once those cold spells hit, you are going to notice that he brings nothing else to the table. If he's not scoring, he's just taking up a roster spot and collecting a paycheck.
3. You say he can play with anyone on the team. Did you not listen to him in Montreal when he said that once he got moved off his first line that he couldn't find chemistry with the other players?

As I said, Vanek is a good goal scorer, but that's all you get from him. And the problem is that they come in bunches, and then after that you are wondering what the hell is going on with him. Everywhere he goes, there are complaints about him, so saying that he is going to buy into your system and work hard, is just not Vanek's "MO". Even during the lock out in Austria, there were complaints about his attitude and going out partying the nite before games. I wish you guys the best, I love MN and their rabid fan base, and I think you guys signed Vanek to a fair contract for what he brings to the table. But unfortunately, you are getting rid of Heatley and getting Heatley 2.0 Best of luck though as I said, the club and their farm system are being built the right way and are a pleasure to watch.
- Phineas

The Islanders had nothing to complain about, the guy turned the Isles first line into the best in hockey for a couple of months, Buffalo had no choice but to trade him because they knew he was coming to Minny. He was in Montreal and once again turned their first line into one of the best in the league and then Therrien inexplicably moved him to the 3/4th lines where he had no time to mesh with them.

As far as him floating? That's his game, that's always been his game all the way back to his days in maroon and gold! So not really sure you have any valid points. The guy was brought in to score goals, that's his only job. They didn't bring him in for anything but putting up goals.

The Islanders had nothing to complain about, the guy turned the Isles first line into the best in hockey for a couple of months, Buffalo had no choice but to trade him because they knew he was coming to Minny. He was in Montreal and once again turned their first line into one of the best in the league and then Therrien inexplicably moved him to the 3/4th lines where he had no time to mesh with them.

As far as him floating? That's his game, that's always been his game all the way back to his days in maroon and gold! So not really sure you have any valid points. The guy was brought in to score goals, that's his only job. They didn't bring him in for anything but putting up goals.
- MnGump

Hes a goal scoring winger. His defensive responsibilities arent that demanding. He is streaky, but top line wingers only score 30 a year now. Its easy to point to the 50 games that he doesnt score in and say, "see?". He does go to the net, and although he doesnt lay down the law, he certainly takes it while fighting for position. Minnesota got a nice player, a nice complimentary player. His game may not be well rounded, but he has great hands, very good shot, and occasionally sets up pretty well too. See him for what he is and you will be more than happy with him.