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Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Minnesota Wild 2008-09 Outlook

MINNESOTA WILD

NOTABLE ADDITIONS
Marc-Andre Bergeron, D (Acquired in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks)
Andrew Brunette, LW (Signed as a free agent, previously with the Colorado Avalanche)
Corey Locke, C (Acquired in a trade with the Montreal Canadiens)
Antti Miettinen, RW (Signed as a free agent, previously with the Dallas Stars)
Owen Nolan, RW (Signed as a free agent, previously with the Calgary Flames)
Craig Weller, RW (Signed as a free agent, previously with the Phoenix Coyotes)
Marek Zidlicky, D (Acquired in a trade with the Nashville Predators)

NOTABLE LOSSES
Keith Carney, D (Unsigned Free Agent)
Pavol Demitra, C (Signed as a free agent with the Vancouver Canucks)
Todd Fedoruk, LW (Signed as a free agent with the Phoenix Coyotes)
Matt Foy, RW (Signed as a free agent with the St. Louis Blues)
Sean Hill, D (Signed with EHC Biel (Switzerland))
Mark Parrish, RW (Buyout)
Branko Radivojevic, RW (Signed with Spartak Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League)
Brian Rolston, RW (Traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning, later signed with New Jersey Devils)
Chris Simon, LW (Signed with Vityaz Podolsk Chekhov of the Kontinental Hockey League)
Aaron Voros, LW (Signed as a free agent with the New York Rangers)

2007-08 Season Finish: 1st Northwest Division, 3rd Western Conference, 98 Pts.
2007-08 Playoffs: Lost 4-2 to the Colorado Avalanche in Quarterfinals

2008-09 Prediction: 4th Northwest Division, 9th Western Conference

The Minnesota Wild enjoyed a fine season in 2007-08, but saw an early exit in the playoffs after their offense fell apart against the Colorado Avalanche. The Wild may find it difficult to repeat their success of last season in 2008-09 after losing several of their top offensive producers via free agency. However, Minnesota still has plenty of offensive skill to keep themselves a competitive team. Marian Gaborik enjoyed a fine season offensively in 2007-08 and will look to do so again this season. His goal-scoring ability and offensive talent make him a valuable part of the team. With Gaborik in the final year of his contract and facing unrestricted free agency in 2009, his talent would be missed on the Wild's offense should they lose him to free agency. Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Stephane Veilleux provide the Wild with fine offensive talent and great passing skills. Newcomer Andrew Brunette had a bit of a down season with Colorado in 2007-08, but he could see his offensive numbers improve with his return to the Wild. His offensive skills and veteran depth will be valuable to a team that saw the departures of Pavol Demitra, Brian Rolston, and Mark Parrish. Mikko Koivu brings the Wild plenty of rising offensive talent and passing skills, while Eric Belanger provides decent two-way play on the team. Newcomer Antti Miettinen gives the team good offensive depth on their forward lines. Owen Nolan brings the Wild lots of offensive depth, veteran leadership, and toughness, while tough-guy Derek Boogaard and newcomer Craig Weller provides lots of grittiness. Youngsters James Sheppard and Benoit Pouliot will look to improve on their fine offensive talent next season and could likely do so on the Wild's top forward lines. Prospects Cal Clutterbuck, Petr Kalus, and Corey Locke will look to make the team at training camp on their rising offensive skills. While the Wild should be able to roll a few decent forward lines during the new season, they should look to add a high-scoring top-six forward to make up for the offensive talent lost over the summer.

The Wild's defense could provide the team with plenty of offense during the 2008-09 season, as they have stocked their blueline with several offensive defensemen. Brent Burns enjoyed a highly productive season offensively in 2007-08. He will likely improve on his play this season while also providing a bit of physical play. Marek Zidlicky, acquired from Nashville via trade, and Marc-Andre Bergeron, acquired from Anaheim via trade, provide the Wild's blueline with plenty of offensive talent and veteran depth. Kim Johnsson and Martin Skoula bring plenty of veteran depth and defensive experience to the Wild's defense, while Nick Schultz provides lots of toughness and gritty play. With Kurtis Foster facing a long recovery after breaking his left femur in a collision last season, the Wild will likely have an open spot on defense for one of their prospects. Eric Reitz, John Scott, and Clayton Stoner will all look to fill that defensive void during the 2008-09 season. With plenty of offense on Minnesota's blueline, the addition of a physical defenseman could help them in their chase for the playoffs.

Niklas Backstrom returns as the team's starting goaltender next season, and will likely see a fine season in 2008-09 as his talent continues to improve. Josh Harding will be in the backup role again next season and is a suitable backup to Backstrom with his solid goaltending depth.

STRENGTHS
  • Plenty of physical forwards.
  • Lots of offense on defense.
  • Solid goaltending.

WEAKNESSES

  • Need another high-scoring top-six forward.
  • Could use more toughness on defense.
  • Not a lot of highly-touted prospects.

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