wild/nhl

Sorry to see Schultz go but life goes on. Good luck Nick and thanks for the last 10 years.

Aside from youth I'd like to know what Gilbert brings to the table that Zidlicky didn't. They're both offensive-minded, puck-moving defensemen but for whatever reason Mike Yeo and Zidlicky weren't on the same page.

I liked hearing that when Gilbert was asked to play more physical he complied. I'm sure that's not his main role but for years our crease has had more campers than Woodstock. I'm sure Schultz is a good person and I wish him well, but our young players need to learn from a leader not just someone with tenure. I don't know if Gilbert is that guy, but Schultz was not.

For Wild the trades are like swapping a loaf of whole wheat for a loaf of nine grain bread. No net loss ... but no real net gain either.

The Wild are trying to make the playoffs Minnegasco something that is not obviously a high priority to Fletch as he is saying that when his team has more talent they probably will make the playoffs but he does not know when..... No sense of urgency if fans keep buying tickets and popcorn right Minnegasco ? Think about what is being said and the movement, does this move help the Wild make the playoffs or not, you deflate the team for Gilbert Grape who really seems happy to be here, just ecstatic, I am sure his energy will really help

Why is Harding still on this team?! I hope Fletcher has another card to play because you can't let Harding walk with nothing in return. That's a Risebrough move.

icant - Huh? And I guess we can't please everyone, right? Got a potential of 5 pieces for Zids. 5! Gilbert was only a minus 4 on a team that is over a minus 20 as a team. He's the same size as Schultz with a little more reach. Sure, Gilbert was with all these great young players, but do you think he had to cover for them a little? Getting anything for Zanon is solid. The kid we got played half the season for the Cup champs last year. He lost time this year because of the signing of a vet like Corvo. Harding was not coveted by anyone as he's fragile both mind and body. And how many terrible goals do you see him give up as he's flopping around? This team was barely good enough to make the playoffs healthy...Lats, Butch, Koivu, Backstrom, Harding, Stoner, Setoguchi & Lundin have all missed time to injury. If we truly go out and get a 'big fish' or two, this team will be better next year and will be a playoff team without a doubt. You add Suter and this team will be significantly better. You add Parise and now you can drop Koivu to our 2nd line and Brodz to our 3rd line (where most say they both belong). Add big fish and stay healthy next year. GO WILD!

Harding will be re-signed. Backstrom allowed to walk after next season (unless he comes beck for much reduced salary). Hackett is only 21 years old; they are going to bring him along slowly, i.e., transition him over next couple years with a more veteran guy with whom he will split time. I think they would rather have him play all the time in Houston next year rather than be with the NHL club as Backstrom's backup and only get 20 or so starts.

Should have traded him years ago. He never developed like he should have. Never put himself out there to be a great defenseman. That is why we got what we got for him. He can go flounder somewhere else. To bad they don't have a baseball team we coul dhave sent Span, casilla, zumaya, Butera, Morneau with

There is a good chance that Harding will be re-signed and Backs will actually be the one who gets traded this summer or next season as his no-trade clause becomes more limited then. The Schultz for Gilbert deal was very good for the Wild and the Zannon for Kampfer trade has good value for us also. The Zidlicky trade is uncanny as far as what we gave up for what we received. Fletcher had a very good week and I still see the Wild making the playoffs as they are only a few points out of it and have a very favorable schedule for the most part to finish up the season. I also think they responded very well against the Sharks with the new guys on board and I expect that TG will be a welcomed addition also as his team mates will appreciate what he brings to the table.