Trades

Chinaski · February 14th, 2007, 08:25 AM

New guy here.

What does everyone think about the lineup the Wild have and how they might fare in the playoffs (provided they make it)? Are we one impact player away from making a strong run? Or do we stand pat and see where this group gets us?

Personally, I don't like the makeup of this team right now for a strong playoff run. I just think they play too soft and conservative out of habit to survive through the playoffs.
I also think that the injuries we've had this year have not allowed this team to develop enough chemistry. With Rolston back tonight, I think this is the first time since October that all the top skaters have been healthy at the same time.

I think there's a possibility they might try to make another deal, but given what I have heard some teams are asking for their rental players, I just don't see us making a significant move.

I'ver heard the Wild mentioned in rumors about Sturm, Tkachuk, and Petr Prucha. I could see a deal for Prucha if Risebrough can put together a package that gets us more. From what I hear the Rangers need a center and I could see White's name coming up. But, I don't think they would do a deal straight up for Prucha thinking that makes them a better team.

As for Tkachuk, I don't see it happening. I think St. Louis would ask too much for him and he might be tough to fit under the cap. I think we'd definitely need to deal a roster player.

Sturm I heard about a few weeks ago. With the acquisition of Adam Hall, maybe that is no longer likely.

Socodawgs · February 14th, 2007, 12:40 PM

Remember that this is the same group that came out like gangbusters in the beginning of the season. I think with all of our players healthy, we have the tools to make a strong playoff run. To me, we must have a healthy Manny back in the lineup. I would love to see more moves to make us a physicaly tougher team, such as the Hall for Dupuis trade. But, who do we trade away for any new guys? Who do we have that will garnish enough attention to get a "quality" player? Once you look at the players we have that would demand that, those are players who we can't afford to part company with.

LemaireisGOD · February 15th, 2007, 06:41 AM

I am totally fine with our lineup. With Rolston back we again have 2 scoring lines. We have a clutch goal mouth sniper in Parrish; and Demitra and Gaborik are back to being point-per-game players. Bouchard is playing well and White seemed much more effective last night. Hall isn't going to morph in Cam Neely anytime soon, but he gives us a guy who is fairly strong along the boards and can make things happen by playing a physical game.

The only place I'd tweak is our defense. I think defensively we're a bit suspect; and offensively speaking our blueline isn't producing nearly enough. Skoula has played better as of late, but Johnsson should be giving us much more considering what we're paying him. Yet overall...I like the team we have and we've proven that we're a pretty damn tough team to beat when healthy. Right now...with the exception of Manny, this team is fully intact (knock on wood). We're playing some real good hockey right now and I think we're only going to be better as we near the playoffs.

Don't forget we don't have squat for cap room; and Boston (Sturm), St. Louis (Guerin, Tkachuk) are not going to exactly hand those guys over for free. Also, I do question whether those guys would really fit in here. Tkachuk especially. Would he really fit in Lemaire's system? I don't think so. Just a thought or two...GO WILD!!!

Chinaski · February 17th, 2007, 11:53 AM

I would pretty much agree. I think the injuries have hurt this team's ability to develop really good chemistry together and they looked like they might do that coming out of the gate. I would also agree that we just don't have the depth to make a deal that will make a huge difference. I think they should just ride with who they have and see what happens. It could very well be that they just need more time playing together to play a little more confident and aggressive. Let's see what this lineup can do and then tweak where necessary in the off-season.

Socodawgs · February 19th, 2007, 08:26 AM

What would be our biggest need? I agree with LISG that it would be defense and that includes some gouys who are tougher and stronger. Nopt the pitty pat guys who are afraid to touch anyone.

LemaireisGOD · February 19th, 2007, 07:18 PM

I wonder if Wild would swing a deal for a hitter like Gauthier? I only suggest Gauthier since he's on a non-playoff team. The only other somewhat physical guy I can think of that's on a non-playoff team is Chicago's Jim Vandermeer. Cullimore might be available as well. Just a thought or two...

February 14th, 2007, 08:25 AM	#1 (permalink)
Chinaski Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Lakeville, MN Posts: 15	Trades New guy here. What does everyone think about the lineup the Wild have and how they might fare in the playoffs (provided they make it)? Are we one impact player away from making a strong run? Or do we stand pat and see where this group gets us? Personally, I don't like the makeup of this team right now for a strong playoff run. I just think they play too soft and conservative out of habit to survive through the playoffs. I also think that the injuries we've had this year have not allowed this team to develop enough chemistry. With Rolston back tonight, I think this is the first time since October that all the top skaters have been healthy at the same time. I think there's a possibility they might try to make another deal, but given what I have heard some teams are asking for their rental players, I just don't see us making a significant move. I'ver heard the Wild mentioned in rumors about Sturm, Tkachuk, and Petr Prucha. I could see a deal for Prucha if Risebrough can put together a package that gets us more. From what I hear the Rangers need a center and I could see White's name coming up. But, I don't think they would do a deal straight up for Prucha thinking that makes them a better team. As for Tkachuk, I don't see it happening. I think St. Louis would ask too much for him and he might be tough to fit under the cap. I think we'd definitely need to deal a roster player. Sturm I heard about a few weeks ago. With the acquisition of Adam Hall, maybe that is no longer likely.

February 14th, 2007, 12:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
Socodawgs Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 73	not so sure... Remember that this is the same group that came out like gangbusters in the beginning of the season. I think with all of our players healthy, we have the tools to make a strong playoff run. To me, we must have a healthy Manny back in the lineup. I would love to see more moves to make us a physicaly tougher team, such as the Hall for Dupuis trade. But, who do we trade away for any new guys? Who do we have that will garnish enough attention to get a "quality" player? Once you look at the players we have that would demand that, those are players who we can't afford to part company with.

February 15th, 2007, 06:41 AM	#3 (permalink)
LemaireisGOD Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 504	I am totally fine with our lineup. With Rolston back we again have 2 scoring lines. We have a clutch goal mouth sniper in Parrish; and Demitra and Gaborik are back to being point-per-game players. Bouchard is playing well and White seemed much more effective last night. Hall isn't going to morph in Cam Neely anytime soon, but he gives us a guy who is fairly strong along the boards and can make things happen by playing a physical game. The only place I'd tweak is our defense. I think defensively we're a bit suspect; and offensively speaking our blueline isn't producing nearly enough. Skoula has played better as of late, but Johnsson should be giving us much more considering what we're paying him. Yet overall...I like the team we have and we've proven that we're a pretty damn tough team to beat when healthy. Right now...with the exception of Manny, this team is fully intact (knock on wood). We're playing some real good hockey right now and I think we're only going to be better as we near the playoffs. Don't forget we don't have squat for cap room; and Boston (Sturm), St. Louis (Guerin, Tkachuk) are not going to exactly hand those guys over for free. Also, I do question whether those guys would really fit in here. Tkachuk especially. Would he really fit in Lemaire's system? I don't think so. Just a thought or two...GO WILD!!! __________________ "Why mess around with PT Boats when you can have a Destroyer?" ~ Al Strachan (Hockey Night in Canada)

February 19th, 2007, 08:26 AM	#5 (permalink)
Socodawgs Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 73	If we did a move... What would be our biggest need? I agree with LISG that it would be defense and that includes some gouys who are tougher and stronger. Nopt the pitty pat guys who are afraid to touch anyone.

February 19th, 2007, 07:18 PM	#6 (permalink)
LemaireisGOD Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 504	I wonder if Wild would swing a deal for a hitter like Gauthier? I only suggest Gauthier since he's on a non-playoff team. The only other somewhat physical guy I can think of that's on a non-playoff team is Chicago's Jim Vandermeer. Cullimore might be available as well. Just a thought or two... __________________ "Why mess around with PT Boats when you can have a Destroyer?" ~ Al Strachan (Hockey Night in Canada)

February 17th, 2007, 11:53 AM	#4 (permalink)
Chinaski Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Lakeville, MN Posts: 15	I would pretty much agree. I think the injuries have hurt this team's ability to develop really good chemistry together and they looked like they might do that coming out of the gate. I would also agree that we just don't have the depth to make a deal that will make a huge difference. I think they should just ride with who they have and see what happens. It could very well be that they just need more time playing together to play a little more confident and aggressive. Let's see what this lineup can do and then tweak where necessary in the off-season.