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If the Wild got past the Colorado Avalanche, they truly might have been the favorite to win the Stanley Cup. That’s the hardest part for everybody to stomach in the aftermath of a disappointing end to what had the potential to be a magical run.
Now, the Wild must make sure this wasn’t a flash in the pan. The expectations are higher than they have ever been.
Never mind that the Wild took an important step by advancing past the first round for the first time in more than a decade. Bill Guerin pushed the narrative forward on Monday afternoon at Grand Casino Arena by making it clear to reporters that he isn’t satisfied.
“That’s not our goal,” Guerin said. “Our goal is to win the Stanley Cup.”
The good news for the Wild is that, for the first time in forever, it actually feels like they’re close. That’s a testament to Guerin and the talented group of players he has assembled as the man in charge. Not many teams across the NHL have more star power.
As bright as the future seemed to be for the Wild with Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy leading the charge, Guerin finding a way to add Quinn Hughes to the mix is what turned them into a legitimate contender to win the Stanley Cup.
That hasn’t changed, regardless of the fact the Wild lost to the Avalanche in heartbreaking fashion.
“We’re in a window now,” Guerin said. “We’re in a window now where we have a very good team. We want to make sure that we don’t just open the window 3/4 of the way. If there’s a chance for us to get better, we will.”
That’s encouraging to hear from Guerin because it’s on him to get the Wild over the hump.
Though the Wild would have had a better chance of upsetting the Avalanche had they been at full strength, they are are still probably a couple of pieces away from being able to go shot for shot with them on a consistent basis.
Especially in the middle of the ice.
It’s not only that the Avalanche have Nathan MacKinnon serving as the straw that stirs the drink. It’s that they also have Brock Nelson and Nazem Kadri ready to hop over the boards. Either of them would probably play No. 1 center for the Wild at the moment.
That underscores an issue that has plagued the Wild since their inception more than 25 years ago. They have never had a No. 1 center — No disrespect to Mikko Koivu.
“The talk here is always a No. 1 center,” Guerin said. “I’ve shown our fans and everybody involved that if there’s something out there that can make our team better, I am willing to do it, and I won’t sit on my hands.”
That’s something that Guerin has showcased throughout his tenure to this point. He isn’t afraid to take a big swing if he thinks it can result in a home run. Guerin proved that much by having the guts acquire Hughes despite the haul of prospects he had to give up.
It’s going to take that type of courage and conviction for the Wild to fetch a No. 1 center.
What if the Toronto Maple Leafs are willing to part ways with Auston Matthews? What if the St. Louis Blues are willing to reengage in trade talks for Robert Thomas? What if the New Jersey Devils are willing to entertain moving on from Jack Hughes?
Nothing should be off limits for Guerin in his pursuit of a No. 1 center. Not even Jesper Wallstedt, if push came to shove. As long as Filip Gustavsson’s hip surgery goes according to plan, the best offer the Wild are going to be able to put together is almost certainly going to have to include Wallstedt as the centerpiece.
As tough as it would be to lose Wallstedt between the pipes, being able to trot out a No. 1 center would be worth the risk of losing a No. 1 goatlender. You have to be willing to give something to get something.
As for whether the Wild have enough assets at their disposal should a No. 1 center become available in the coming months?
“There’s always a way,” Guerin said with a smile. “There’s always a deal to be made.”
That says pretty much everything that needs to be said about Guerin and his approach heading into a pivotal stretch for the Wild.
Continue reading...
Now, the Wild must make sure this wasn’t a flash in the pan. The expectations are higher than they have ever been.
Never mind that the Wild took an important step by advancing past the first round for the first time in more than a decade. Bill Guerin pushed the narrative forward on Monday afternoon at Grand Casino Arena by making it clear to reporters that he isn’t satisfied.
“That’s not our goal,” Guerin said. “Our goal is to win the Stanley Cup.”
The good news for the Wild is that, for the first time in forever, it actually feels like they’re close. That’s a testament to Guerin and the talented group of players he has assembled as the man in charge. Not many teams across the NHL have more star power.
As bright as the future seemed to be for the Wild with Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy leading the charge, Guerin finding a way to add Quinn Hughes to the mix is what turned them into a legitimate contender to win the Stanley Cup.
That hasn’t changed, regardless of the fact the Wild lost to the Avalanche in heartbreaking fashion.
“We’re in a window now,” Guerin said. “We’re in a window now where we have a very good team. We want to make sure that we don’t just open the window 3/4 of the way. If there’s a chance for us to get better, we will.”
That’s encouraging to hear from Guerin because it’s on him to get the Wild over the hump.
Though the Wild would have had a better chance of upsetting the Avalanche had they been at full strength, they are are still probably a couple of pieces away from being able to go shot for shot with them on a consistent basis.
Especially in the middle of the ice.
It’s not only that the Avalanche have Nathan MacKinnon serving as the straw that stirs the drink. It’s that they also have Brock Nelson and Nazem Kadri ready to hop over the boards. Either of them would probably play No. 1 center for the Wild at the moment.
That underscores an issue that has plagued the Wild since their inception more than 25 years ago. They have never had a No. 1 center — No disrespect to Mikko Koivu.
“The talk here is always a No. 1 center,” Guerin said. “I’ve shown our fans and everybody involved that if there’s something out there that can make our team better, I am willing to do it, and I won’t sit on my hands.”
That’s something that Guerin has showcased throughout his tenure to this point. He isn’t afraid to take a big swing if he thinks it can result in a home run. Guerin proved that much by having the guts acquire Hughes despite the haul of prospects he had to give up.
It’s going to take that type of courage and conviction for the Wild to fetch a No. 1 center.
What if the Toronto Maple Leafs are willing to part ways with Auston Matthews? What if the St. Louis Blues are willing to reengage in trade talks for Robert Thomas? What if the New Jersey Devils are willing to entertain moving on from Jack Hughes?
Nothing should be off limits for Guerin in his pursuit of a No. 1 center. Not even Jesper Wallstedt, if push came to shove. As long as Filip Gustavsson’s hip surgery goes according to plan, the best offer the Wild are going to be able to put together is almost certainly going to have to include Wallstedt as the centerpiece.
As tough as it would be to lose Wallstedt between the pipes, being able to trot out a No. 1 center would be worth the risk of losing a No. 1 goatlender. You have to be willing to give something to get something.
As for whether the Wild have enough assets at their disposal should a No. 1 center become available in the coming months?
“There’s always a way,” Guerin said with a smile. “There’s always a deal to be made.”
That says pretty much everything that needs to be said about Guerin and his approach heading into a pivotal stretch for the Wild.
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