Q Hughes to Wild for a HAUL

[crookedfeeder]

How can Minnesota be considered a Cup contender with their centers?
They're even weaker now with Rossi being jettisoned.
Yurov better turn into a stud.

Look at the top centers in the West right now and in the next 5-10 years.
This trade just ensures that the Wild will be middle of the pack for a long time.

Even if Hughes extends there it will be similar to Parise/Suter 2.0 just after they finally got those contracts off the books! The deal Guerin gave Kaprizov left many wondering if Billy was as dumb as a box of rocks. This trade leaves no doubt.

As a group the top 4 d-men of the Wild are undersized for playoff hockey.

Great deal for Vancouver.

You can't build a Cup team with 2 superstars and surround them with a bunch of stiffs. That's what the Oilers are trying to do. At least Minnesota has better goaltending though.

Kaprizov, Boldy, Hughes, Faber is a nice start.

[crookedfeeder]

Theo, I admire how you cherry picked the first sentence of that quote and ignored the rest of it. I rarely post on this forum, but read it regularly as a fan of the Blues since 1967 and a longtime Canucks season ticket holder. I can’t figure out whether you are truly clueless on all things hockey or simply a contrarian.

It’s what I feel is important. Ask a follow up if you want. Cherry-picking comments are for the weak

I don’t value Phil housleys as much as some. Maybe Hughes can change mind.

Norris Trophy winner, then a finalist....

And? All these things you’re talking about don’t address what I said. 2nd season … he needs to prove it to me. He’ll have another chance this year.

whatever! you're one of the few that don't think much of the guy; maybe just to be different- kudos to you. most in the know have him as the 2nd best Dman in the entire league.

[theograce]

Theo, I admire how you cherry picked the first sentence of that quote and ignored the rest of it. I rarely post on this forum, but read it regularly as a fan of the Blues since 1967 and a longtime Canucks season ticket holder. I can’t figure out whether you are truly clueless on all things hockey or simply a contrarian.

It’s what I feel is important. Ask a follow up if you want. Cherry-picking comments are for the weak

I don’t value Phil housleys as much as some. Maybe Hughes can change mind.

Norris Trophy winner, then a finalist....

And? All these things you’re talking about don’t address what I said. 2nd season … he needs to prove it to me. He’ll have another chance this year.

whatever! you're one of the few that don't think much of the guy; maybe just to be different- kudos to you. most in the know have him as the 2nd best Dman in the entire league.

He hasn’t proven to me that he’s one of the top, top players in the nhl … isn’t the same as not thinking much of the guy.

Hope that clicks in for ya

[IsDurbanodoingtime]

I’m not sure what defenceman Theograce is talking about in his last comment. Hughes is incredible. Here’s what The Athletic had to say about him when discussing the trade:

“Hughes was by far the greatest defenseman in franchise history.

Well who’s number 2?

Not much of a statement is it

Orland Kurtenbach!



just joking, seeing he's a center (Minny could also use).

An underrated one two at center with OR and Andre Boudrias. Orland another beast from Saskatchewan. In the mold of Wendel Clark .

[crookedfeeder]

I’m not sure what defenceman Theograce is talking about in his last comment. Hughes is incredible. Here’s what The Athletic had to say about him when discussing the trade:

“Hughes was by far the greatest defenseman in franchise history.

Well who’s number 2?

Not much of a statement is it

Orland Kurtenbach!



just joking, seeing he's a center (Minny could also use).

An underrated one two at center with OR and Andre Boudrias. Orland another beast from Saskatchewan. In the mold of Wendel Clark .

Kurtenbach. One of the coolest hockey names ever. plus, their 1st Captain.

[TheJackBurton]

Huge gamble by Minnesota...they just gutted their team. It could backfire big time on them if Hughes leaves when his contract is up.
I hope he does!

but, did they?

...and they can get some back (after two playoff seasons). touch of brilliance.

there is absolutely no way they take a non extended hughes into the 2027 playoffs. if he isn't extended he's getting traded

[roadkillIL]

I’m not sure what defenceman Theograce is talking about in his last comment. Hughes is incredible. Here’s what The Athletic had to say about him when discussing the trade:

“Hughes was by far the greatest defenseman in franchise history.

Well who’s number 2?

Not much of a statement is it

Have u whippersnappers forgotten about.... Harold Snepsts ?????

[2forDiving]

Huge gamble by Minnesota...they just gutted their team. It could backfire big time on them if Hughes leaves when his contract is up.
I hope he does!

but, did they?

...and they can get some back (after two playoff seasons). touch of brilliance.

there is absolutely no way they take a non extended hughes into the 2027 playoffs. if he isn't extended he's getting traded

Yeah, IMO this is an all-in for this year for the reason you mention and even then, the Wild normally exit the playoffs early and not sure Hughes moves the needle much in that front. I guess there is an outside chance he would re-sign but that doesn’t seem to be the plan according all the rumors about him wanting to play with his brothers.

[crookedfeeder]

Huge gamble by Minnesota...they just gutted their team. It could backfire big time on them if Hughes leaves when his contract is up.
I hope he does!

but, did they?

...and they can get some back (after two playoff seasons). touch of brilliance.

there is absolutely no way they take a non extended hughes into the 2027 playoffs. if he isn't extended he's getting traded

Yeah, IMO this is an all-in for this year for the reason you mention and even then, the Wild normally exit the playoffs early and not sure Hughes moves the needle much in that front. I guess there is an outside chance he would re-sign but that doesn’t seem to be the plan according all the rumors about him wanting to play with his brothers.

...they added a 26yr old superstar; probably going up against Dallas in round one. yes, they could lose (odds against them), I just think it moved their needle closer to the center.

one or two playoffs? I guess we'll see how it plays out (but I'll give you that). regardless they're in a position to get a lot back if Hughes looks to sign elsewhere; and they get only this seasons playoff.

they still need a lot of center help going into the TDL; very similar to the AV's last season.

I just love the move for the fans of Minnesota and when you analyze what they gave up, it doesn't hurt this yrs, or next yrs, teams.

[DawgDad]

Intriguing trade. Really, four 1sts for Hughes. The three guys in in the NHL weren't quite ready to move the needle, might have held them back this season. Positions the Wild as a contender. Hughes, Kaprizov, and Boldy is kind of scary.

[BleedingBleu]

Minnesota gonna need some help at center. JR mentioned a couple of weeks ago that he thought the Wild had interest in Schenn

LoL, what could they possibly have left that they’d part with? After their last 3 First Round Picks and a future first round pick was taken off the board, it’s no longer sloppy seconds.

Minnesota Wild Top 10 Prospects
1. Zeev Buium, LHD
2. David Jiricek, RHD, 21 - 2022 First Round (6)
3. Danila Yurov, RW/C, 21 - 2022 First Round (24)
4. Jesper Wallstedt, G, 22 - 2021 First Round (20)
5. Liam Öhgren, LW, 21 - 2022 First Round (19)
6. Riley Heidt, C, 20 - 2023 Second Round (64)
7. Ryder Ritchie, RW, 18 - 2024 Second Round (45)
8. Charlie Stramel, C, 21 - 2021 First Round (21)
9. Aron Kiviharju, LHD, 19 - 2024 Fourth Round (122)
10. Adam Benák, C, 18 - 2024 Fourth Round (102)

They were already one of the older teams, but after this trade that parted w/Rossi & Buium and left them with lots of guys prone to injury, they’ll likely want to keep that remaining depth between 1-6. Don’t you think?

[BleedingBleu]

I’m not sure what defenceman Theograce is talking about in his last comment. Hughes is incredible. Here’s what The Athletic had to say about him when discussing the trade:

“Hughes was by far the greatest defenseman in franchise history. He’s a bona fide superstar, a player who, over the last two years, played at a near Hart Trophy level. You can spend years drafting in the top five and there’s no guarantee that you’ll land a player of Hughes’ caliber again.”

The guy has won a Norris (2023/4, recently. Followed that up with a Top 3 finish last year. However, he grovels over a 35 year old Defenseman who’s never won one. Go figure

[dhsux]

I can't and won't believe they make this trade without knowing they can extend him.

That's crazy.

[Pierre McGuire]

Minnesota gonna need some help at center. JR mentioned a couple of weeks ago that he thought the Wild had interest in Schenn

LoL, what could they possibly have left that they’d part with? After their last 3 First Round Picks and a future first round pick was taken off the board, it’s no longer sloppy seconds.

Minnesota Wild Top 10 Prospects
1. Zeev Buium, LHD
2. David Jiricek, RHD, 21 - 2022 First Round (6)
3. Danila Yurov, RW/C, 21 - 2022 First Round (24)
4. Jesper Wallstedt, G, 22 - 2021 First Round (20)
5. Liam Öhgren, LW, 21 - 2022 First Round (19)
6. Riley Heidt, C, 20 - 2023 Second Round (64)
7. Ryder Ritchie, RW, 18 - 2024 Second Round (45)
8. Charlie Stramel, C, 21 - 2021 First Round (21)
9. Aron Kiviharju, LHD, 19 - 2024 Fourth Round (122)
10. Adam Benák, C, 18 - 2024 Fourth Round (102)

They were already one of the older teams, but after this trade that parted w/Rossi & Buium and left them with lots of guys prone to injury, they’ll likely want to keep that remaining depth between 1-6. Don’t you think?

Nope…Guerin is trying to put them in position to win now. He’s not worried about the future. They have plenty left for a deal for someone like Schenn. Guerin still has work to do…I hope Army can capitalize on it

[Pierre McGuire]

I can't and won't believe they make this trade without knowing they can extend him.

That's crazy.

They can recoup some of what they lost if they have to deal him next year but I think Guerin is dead set on trying to win it all in the next two years regardless if he Hughes wont sign long term. Guerin has a short window and he added another dynamic player. He’s all in…nothing wrong with that. It might cost him his job in a year and a half but that’s what a GM is supposed to do…put you in position to win.

[BleedingBleu]

Minnesota gonna need some help at center. JR mentioned a couple of weeks ago that he thought the Wild had interest in Schenn

LoL, what could they possibly have left that they’d part with? After their last 3 First Round Picks and a future first round pick was taken off the board, it’s no longer sloppy seconds.

Minnesota Wild Top 10 Prospects
1. Zeev Buium, LHD
2. David Jiricek, RHD, 21 - 2022 First Round (6)
3. Danila Yurov, RW/C, 21 - 2022 First Round (24)
4. Jesper Wallstedt, G, 22 - 2021 First Round (20)
5. Liam Öhgren, LW, 21 - 2022 First Round (19)
6. Riley Heidt, C, 20 - 2023 Second Round (64)
7. Ryder Ritchie, RW, 18 - 2024 Second Round (45)
8. Charlie Stramel, C, 21 - 2021 First Round (21)
9. Aron Kiviharju, LHD, 19 - 2024 Fourth Round (122)
10. Adam Benák, C, 18 - 2024 Fourth Round (102)

They were already one of the older teams, but after this trade that parted w/Rossi & Buium and left them with lots of guys prone to injury, they’ll likely want to keep that remaining depth between 1-6. Don’t you think?

Nope…Guerin is trying to put them in position to win now. He’s not worried about the future. They have plenty left for a deal for someone like Schenn. Guerin still has work to do…I hope Army can capitalize on it

+1

I’m for it. Who do you think they’ll get for Schenn?

While the league has a lot of parity, there seems to be some very strong contenders at the top, specifically in our division. The Blues are truly in that transitional phase that somewhat reminds me of the 2008-10 teams that came off the 2007/8 squads’ successful charge into the playoffs.

That 2007/8 squad emerged w/a promising young nucleus after a few dismal seasons and rebuilding. That was the team that saw contributions from a 1st full year Backes, a 19 year old Perron, a 25 year old Brad Boyes randomly scoring +40 Goals, and most importantly Manny Legacy playing out of his effing mind.

Thinking about that team then the current product where we see lots of close games, lots of OT Losses, and honestly quite a few blow-outs. It’s the product of the ups and downs of following a young team. We could still argue that it was greatly accelerated because of Holloway & Broberg. However, we really are just skipping some of the more difficult years big market rebuilds have the luxury of absorbing.

So, while I was excited about the 2025/6 club. I was probably just naively optimistic and didn’t factor in growing pains… nor Binnington coming out and laying eggs.

How are we above the Jets in the Standings!?