wild/nhl

About those contracts...good thing Backstrom and Cullen will probably only need two-year deals to stay. The Wild will also, most likely, ship out PMB soon here. And Heater (who I like) and Brodziak's deals are up after '14, so...Wild should be in good shape contract-wise. But you still need veterans, and that's what makes this team so special. They have that old school Detroit Red Wings mix of wily veterans, talented rookies, and good role players. You need all three or you're not a balanced team.

Nice job raining on the parade....finally having some success again and you plant the seed of worry that we can't afford to keep the guys that are getting us there.

Other than Prossers hand pass penalty last night he has been playing solid hockey.. He is the type of guy you keep around at a good price to fill in when guys are injured or need a night off. Keep on letting the guy play solid D for this team.

The only players I wouldn't be sad to see go are PMB and Falk. Heatley is doing the job he's paid to do, and I would expect that when his contract is up, he won't be offered a ton of money to stay. At that point, it's up to him to decide to stay with a team that is on the upswing, or take his chances elsewhere. I think the Wild will be forced to keep Backs, as they made the mistake of re-signing Harding after no one else would take him at the deadline last year. If Backs goes, the Wild would have to spend money on another veteran goaltender, as Hackett and Kuemper haven't been given the NHL playing time that I said they should have gotten all year long behind Backs. The Wild won't continue their success with two rookie goaltenders, so re-sign Backs, or be prepared to overpay for another veteran goalie. He's playing pretty sharp right now, so I'd try to hang on to him, as long as it doesn't break the bank.

Agree, Falk and PMB are expendable. Falk could sit now to get the new guy in, I dont see a problem there. I like Heatley, but he is streaky and can be lazy. Last night was the first time I have seen that in him in about 10 games. When he is on his game and moving around the ice he is dangerous. Otherwise he might as well be reffing the game.

I think it's becoming evident that Heatley is engaged in his role here. He seemingly wasn't the right fit eslewhere, so he had 'motivation' problems. He is streaky...there is no doubt about it, but i'm getting a feeling he is about to go on a tear goalwise. As for PMB...I dunno...he sure is fun to watch, but I think he's terrified of getting hit again. Not sure what to say, maybe he needs a sports shrink for the confidence..?! P.S. What a treat watching the game without Greenlay going on and on and on and on...... You wanna get rid of someone...have it be Greenlay.

title of the article says contract issues shortly. then in the meat of the article it says we won't have to be worrying about them for quite some time. sensless article

I have seen a new Heatley this year, especially in the last dozen games or so. He's making better decisions with the puck, and is using his size to win battles. He's not going to be the Wild's top scorer, and he and the management realize that, and that is fine, because he has a role. He looks to be excited for the first time since he joined the Wild, because he sees a team that is finally looking like a contender, now and in the future. He knows the pressure is not on him to be the team's savior. Look at how well Seto is starting to play too...he sees that all the lines are starting to score, so it's not all on his shoulders. This team is starting to hit on all cylinders, and I have to give credit to everyone, including Coach Yeo, who I was doubting early in the season.

What about Seto? Why no mention in article? Seems to be a glaring omission. Is he still trade bait or has he solidified his worth to the team?

I think the Wild would be crazy to trade Seto at this point. He is finally contributing in the way that was expected when the Wild first traded for him. Between him and Coyle, we finally seem to have a couple of power forwards to take the place of Latendresse. Say goodbye to Falk and PMB, and maybe Cuma if anyone is interested, and maybe pick up some more draft picks if possible.