Post by Minnesota Wild on Nov 6, 2021 14:38:18 GMT -6
Welcome to the first ever edition of Wild Times
The silence has been broken in the front office of the Xcel Energy Center, and to the fans and Commisioner Aaron Sanderson's amazement, GM Eric Wolf has released an article regarding the state of the team!
"We're excited with the conclusion of the dispersal draft and the beginning of the first inaugural season. We are satisfied with the team we've constructed and are eager to begin working towards our vision and long-term goals we have for the franchise." Wolf said.
The Minnesota Wild began the draft drafting young prospects to center their team around. Centering their future towards two young German stars, Tim Stutzle and Moritz Seider. "It was extremely important to us to get a young forward and a young defenseman with elite potential to build the foundation of our team" Wolf continued "once we were able to solidfy that, we turned our focus on putting together not only a team that can be competitive now, but the right mix of players who can aid in developing the youth around them."
The Wild did just that, after selecting Stutzle and Seider, it seemed as though the Wild were going strictly with youth, but that took a 180 degree turn in the next couple rounds as they went and selected proven star veterans Anze Kopitar and Roman Josi. "Every team needs an elite leader, to give that team a sense of an identity. Not only is Kopitar and Josi elite level players, they are both proven leaders. It was extremely important for us to lock them up as we feel that they'll not only lead us now, but well into the future while the rest of the team develops."
Additionally, the Wild have proven their loyalty and commitment to Kopitar and Josi, that they've officially named Anze Kopitar the first ever captain in Minnesota Wild history. "We're committed to Kopitar long term, this is his team, and we are absolutely thrilled to honor him with the 'C' on his chest." Wolf said. Roman Josi will be dawning the 'A'. At this time it is undetermined who will recieve the other 'A'. It's been reported that Wild management and head coach John Tortorella will wait and see how pre-season plays out before awarding the final letter.
The silence has been broken in the front office of the Xcel Energy Center, and to the fans and Commisioner Aaron Sanderson's amazement, GM Eric Wolf has released an article regarding the state of the team!
"We're excited with the conclusion of the dispersal draft and the beginning of the first inaugural season. We are satisfied with the team we've constructed and are eager to begin working towards our vision and long-term goals we have for the franchise." Wolf said.
The Minnesota Wild began the draft drafting young prospects to center their team around. Centering their future towards two young German stars, Tim Stutzle and Moritz Seider. "It was extremely important to us to get a young forward and a young defenseman with elite potential to build the foundation of our team" Wolf continued "once we were able to solidfy that, we turned our focus on putting together not only a team that can be competitive now, but the right mix of players who can aid in developing the youth around them."
The Wild did just that, after selecting Stutzle and Seider, it seemed as though the Wild were going strictly with youth, but that took a 180 degree turn in the next couple rounds as they went and selected proven star veterans Anze Kopitar and Roman Josi. "Every team needs an elite leader, to give that team a sense of an identity. Not only is Kopitar and Josi elite level players, they are both proven leaders. It was extremely important for us to lock them up as we feel that they'll not only lead us now, but well into the future while the rest of the team develops."
Additionally, the Wild have proven their loyalty and commitment to Kopitar and Josi, that they've officially named Anze Kopitar the first ever captain in Minnesota Wild history. "We're committed to Kopitar long term, this is his team, and we are absolutely thrilled to honor him with the 'C' on his chest." Wolf said. Roman Josi will be dawning the 'A'. At this time it is undetermined who will recieve the other 'A'. It's been reported that Wild management and head coach John Tortorella will wait and see how pre-season plays out before awarding the final letter.
Projected 2021-2011 Minnesota Wild Lineup:
Stutzle - Kopitar - Atkinson
Teravainen - Kuznetsov - Arvidsson
Cogliano - Dickinson - Pitlick
Nieto - Namestnikov - Watson
Brodin - Josi
Fleury - Ellis
Merrill - Bogosian
Oettinger
Husso
Top Prospects: Moritz Seider, William Eklund, Cole Perfetti
Teravainen - Kuznetsov - Arvidsson
Cogliano - Dickinson - Pitlick
Nieto - Namestnikov - Watson
Brodin - Josi
Fleury - Ellis
Merrill - Bogosian
Oettinger
Husso
Top Prospects: Moritz Seider, William Eklund, Cole Perfetti
The Wild roster may not be classified as a powerhouse, but its on par with the long-term direction the Wild have. With a mix of elite veterans, youth with high potential, and manageable contracts with $10,000,000 in cap space, the Wild are poised to be very competitive as early as next season. "We've set ourselves up to do some damage as early as next season. This year will be crucial to develop the youth we have, and who knows we may even surprise some people. We do have the weapons to hang with the other top clubs in the league." Wolf concluded.
