Quoting: wabit
Egad this team would really be hurting if Suter, Kunin, and Parise can't play. You might as well sell off Granny now too, his stats are going to tank with that FWD group. You got younger, but the Wild's farm system isn't near the quality Tor or the Jets had.
You've got a 2nd line, a 3rd line and 2 AHL lines.
I like Risto a lot, but his game is more flawed than Dumba's (end of this season version). Dumba needs a 2 year bridge, 3 years he'd be at the 7 year mark and can walk.
I don't like the Tor trade. I don't see anything coming back to MN being a special player.
-Tor's 1st this year is what 25oa? nothing near the Nylander/Marner/Matthews quality of player is likely to come of it.
-I like Liljegren but top pair probably isn't going to happen.
-Kapanen seems likely to end up in the middle-6.
This type of rebuild looks like something from the GMDR years. I don't want to re-live those dreadful teams, once on that ride was more than enough.
Rebuilding vs. retooling...or "tweaking" is where you and I often differ. Watching the playoffs this year it is obvious the Wild are no where near being a legit Cup contender. In fact, every team in the final 8 has/had 3-7 players better than the Wild's best player. I am more than willing to endure a couple years of bad hockey to build a bonafide Cup contending team. Otherwise, this team is going to do nothing more than spin its wheels in the mud.
Here's a different way to look at it... Let's say you break your leg. The doctor takes the cast off to bit too soon and the leg never quite heals properly. So now, you have to deal with a constant, nagging ache in your leg. Over time, the ache will become "normal" and you stop noticing it...but, the leg just doesn't work quite as it should. You have two choices: 1) deal with the ache and the fact the leg will never be quite as strong as it could be. Or, 2) have the leg re-broken, let it heal properly, and live out your days pain free with a strong leg. For the past 3-6 years (maybe even 20) the Wild have been playing on a leg that isn't quite working properly and is a constant source of pain. It's time to re-break the leg!!! It might take a couple years for it to heal properly, but once it does...everything is much, much better.
Other things...
I disagree with your Leafs trade assessment. I think Liljegren is going to be as stud and will probably allow the Wild to move Dumba for other needed parts in a year or two. As far as the 1st rounders, that's why I have 2 of them in this deal. The Wild should be able to acquire some young depth player with those picks. They need young, fast, cheap talent/role players and those types can be found at the end of most 1st rounds.
I did my math wrong on Dumba's bridge deal. You are correct - 2 year deal.
I'll take my chances with Risto. While I agree, he's not perfect...he's as close to anyone being able to replace what Fletcher gave away when he traded Burns. Right-shot, do-it-all defensive, who play with piss and vinegar don't grow on trees...and I want one on the Wild!
Part of the value of these trades is also having the Wild not make the playoffs for a year or two and collect valuable pieces in the draft. Fletcher trading away draft picks like they are nickels is a big part of the reason the Wild are in the spot they are currently in...
As always, even if I don't agree with everything you say, I always appreciate your perspective.