Hockey Wilderness

Endras to remain in Europe

2012-05-27T15:24:05Z

Endras to remain in Europe

After failing to crack the lineup in Minnesota, Dennis Endras has signed a deal with Adler Mannheim of the DEL (Germany) and will not make a return to the NHL.

This is a move that should have been expected. Endras didn't get his shot in the NHL, and there wasn't really any interest from a whole lot of other teams. Staying in Germany means Endras remains close to home and doesn't have to stress out over trying to make an NHL roster across the pond.

NHL CBA 2012: Would Six Teams Not Survive a Lockout?

2012-05-27T15:00:22Z

Continuing to dig through the three hours of hockey madness on KFAN on Friday, hosted by the venerable Mike Russo, there is still so much we could talk about. If you haven't listened to all three hours of it, you're robbing yourself of a great hockey experience.

OK, that may be too much build up, but in order to find the golden nuggets, you have to listen and read a ton about the game. Listening to the people who know the game inside out is one of the greatest experiences a fan can have. Especially if you a fan of the game and a fan of covering it.

In the second hour of the show, Russo spoke with Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal. Matheson, fo those outside the know, is a hall of fame writer, with the chops and experience to run rings around most others covering the game. He is Edmonton's Russo, but was Russo long before Russo was.

Join us for a part of that discussion, and an interesting take on the upcoming CBA negotiations.

Here is Matheson on how he sees the CBA negotiations going down, and if he thinks there will be a lockout:

I don't think so. I get a little tired of the whole negotiation thing. They've had all kinds of time to be negotiating. But the playoffs are on - we won't be negotiating, it's summer - we won't be negotiating...

They'll be negotiating in September, and Septemeber 15^thwill come and there'll be no players at training camp, because the CBA will be over. The only thing that'll push both sides back to the table is the players won't get paid unless there's league games, and the owners don't get money unless there's league games. League games don't start until about October 9^th or whatever, so they'll have three to four weeks to get some work done.

I can't fathom there would be another lockout, because the players don't need it, and there might be half a dozen franchises that aren't there if they decide there's no season. Some of these teams and owners can make more money if they don't play, and they don't have to pay players $60 million on their salary cap.

Emphasis in the above is mine, not his.

This is something I had not considered. Would the league go into a lockout situation knowing that six teams could potentially not come out the other side? Is that a bargaining tactic those six owners are going to be comfortable with?

I agree with Matheson on this, especially if what he says would be true. If six teams are going to fold due to a lockout, the NHL would never allow it to happen. If they do, they would look like a second rate league, unable to maintain their own foundation. You know, more than they already do.

Having even one team fold in today's sports world would be a disaster for a "major" league. It is somewhat expected in smaller leagues, but in the NHL? If a single team were forced under, and a dispersal draft held, the league would be a laughing stock for at least a decade.

There has not been a major franchise that folded up since the Cleveland Barons prior to the 1978-79 season. To be the league that allowed not one... but six franchises to fold... and because of a labor dispute? You want to talk about forever damaging the reputation of the league? This would be a death knell for a league like the NHL. No one could ever take them seriously again. At least not for another 30+ years, anyway.

If this is the case, that six teams are so financially cahs strapped they could not survive a missed season, there is no way the league allows there to be a lock out. The NHLPA would have to love for this to be true, even if it were to cost them members if it came to fruition. What a thing to have up your sleeve in a negotiation.

What say you, Wilderness? Would six teams cease to exist if the season were canceled? Which six? Would the league allow that to happen? Does this hand the NHLPA a huge bargaining chip (if the league would adit it is true)?

Let's hear it.

Zach Parise Files: Kurtis Foster Says Nice Things About Minnesota

2012-05-26T15:00:27Z

Yesterday Mr. Mike Russo took KFAN over by force, using M-1 Abrams tanks and other assorted military devices to storm the radio station and force them to talk hockey for three hours at mid-day. Yeah... OK, Russo was invited to cover the Common Man Dan Cole's spot on KFAN, and Russo was artful in his ability to fill the three hour session with nothing but hockey talk.

It was nothing short of magnificent.

If you missed it, the entirety is available over at KFAN's archive. Look under where it says "Common Man." The guests were hockey related, including Denis Potvin, Kenny Albert, Jime Mattheson, and none other than soon-to-be-again former Wild defenseman Kurtis Foster.

Foster's interview ranged in topics from free agency to NHL Network fill-ins to... wait for it... Zach Parise. As you should know, Foster played on the Devils for a bit, so he knows Parise, and might just have some insight into the man's thinking about where Parise might sign this summer.

To read what he said, and what it means... make the jump.

The Interview

Once again, you really should go listen to the interview. Good stuff from beginning to end. If you're just plain lazy and want the juicy parts, here we go.

When Russo asked Foster to talk about what kind of star Parise is, Foster had this to say:

He's a guy that comes to work everyday. Coming into New Jersey, I'd heard rumors that this guy was on the ice first, off the ice last, always in the gym, and it wasn't far off. I would say he's always the first guy on the ice shooting pucks, always in the gym. He's a guy that takes care of himself off the ice. He's a guy that leads by the way he plays. That's what's most impressive about him. He's not a guy that is very vocal, but the way he works everyday in practice and the way he works in games... you just admire the way he plays, and you want to play with him.

He's a guy that, Adam Oates is the coach in NJ, and he said about him, "He's a Jacques Lemaire disciple." What's he's saying is that he always has his knees bent, he's always ready to go. You never see him take a split second off in his shift. And that's what I think makes him the player he is.

A few standard "he works hard"s, sprinkle in some "first on, last off"s, and you have yourselves a pretty generic answer. Right up until he mentions that Adam Oates calls Parise a "Jacques Lemaire disciple." Now you have my attention, Mr. Foster. Never takes a split second off, you say? Not very vocal, but the way he plays keeps you in line you say?

Noted.

By the way, many people have criticized Mikko Koivu for not being vocal enough, and suggest Parise could take the captain's position from Koivu should Parise sign here. Uh... same type of guy, folks. Quiet. Lead by example. Enjoy.

Russo then asked if Foster thought it was a "guarantee" that Parise would leave New Jersey, even with a Cup, due to off-ice issues. To which Fozzie replied:

I wouldn't say it's a guarantee. One of the things I learned, going to New Jersey, is that... you always hear about the Cult of the New Jersey Devils, and you're not sure what you're going into. When I went there, Lou and the whole organization welcomes you with open arms, and once you're in that organization, you're almost family. It's something they really strive for there.

It's one of those things I really can't say. I think Zach will have a really big decision this year, because I think he's going to have a lot of opportunities in many different places and a lot of different teams and different situations cities-wise. I think he kind of looks pretty good right now. He's got everything on his side. I think if he can finish off here, and win a Cup, that's a huge thing for him, but...

It's one of those things, you want him to be happy. I know, myself, that he does enjoy it in New Jersey, but being a guy that played for the Wild, and played there for 4 ½ years, it's definitely a place I think he would enjoy.

He spends the summers there, on Lake Minnetonka, I think his wife might be from there. I can't say enough good things about Minnesota. It's just one of those things, you just don't know what he's going to do until he does it, but it will be interesting to see what his decision is this summer.

Parise enjoys New Jersey, you say? But his wife is from here, you say? And he bought a house here, you say? You can't say enough good things about Minnesota, you say?

It will, indeed, be interesting to see what Parise does this summer. Do all of the signs point to him inking a deal at the one minute mark of free agency with the Wild? I still have some pretty strong doubts, to be honest. Still, it is good to know that Foster wouldn't tell him not to sign here. Some WIld fans have a complex that free agents are bad mouthing Minnesota, and that's why no one will sign here.

As if the eleven years of mediocrity have nothing to do with it.

Next, Russo pointed out that many Wild fans... OK, almost all Wild fans will likely need to be talked off the ledge should Parise not sign here. (My words, not Russo's.) Russo asked where Foster thought the Wild might go next.

I think it's one of those things, Mike, I think that if he ends up not coming, it's not the end of the world. They have a lot of young talent. Chuck seems like the type that, you know, he's learned in the past couple years that if he doesn't get Zach, he doesn't have to run out an overpay somebody.

He's done a good job of drafting. He's got the young Coyle kid in the Burns trade. I mean, look what he got in the trade with me. He got [out of] Zidlicky, who's done well in New Jersey, but he got a young kid in Nick Palmeiri, and another draft pick out of it with them going to the [conference finals]. So, I think Chuck knows what he's doing. I think Craig will do his wooing, and try to get him and Ryan Suter there. I hope for the sake of Minnesota hockey, that maybe they do decide to go. But, it's one of those things you really can't control, until I get the message on Russo's Rants that he's signed with the Wild.

Young talent, you say? Good drafting you say? Coyle kid, you say?

All of this is well and good, Mr. Foster, but WHY WOULD ZACH NOT SIGN HERE? Were you lying in the previous quote? Not the end of the world? You called Zach and told him not to come here didn't you? DIDN'T YOU?!?!? Wait... did you say "they decide to go?" They? Both of them?

Annnnnd... we're back. Foster is right. Chuck Fletcher has done a superb job in drafting and bringing in young talent. I'm not fully convinced on the help Nick Palmieri will provide, but who knows. At least Foster and I agree that we feel Fletcher knows what he is doing. Even if none of the pieces in the Marek Zidlicky trade turn out to be a dang thing, off loading a locker room cancer, under the gun, for that much return was genius.

What it Means

Doth thine tin foil hats, Wilderness.

Clearly, what all this means is that Kurtis Foster has been in contact with Zach Parise, and has been issuing subliminal messaging to him to sign in Minnesota. All fo this, due to Chuck Fletcher telling Foster that if Foster can facilitate the signing of Parise in Minnesota, Fletcher will also re-sign Foster. Genius, my friends. Genius. It's the ultimate in performance bonuses.

Notice that Foster didn't mention Parise signing in Detroit or New York? Or Nashville.

Honestly, the real value of the interview is the positive things Foster had to say about Parise. As we near the end of the Cup chase, and inch closer to free agency, we are going to hear all kinds of fun things. Parise is a God among men. Parise is a joke that stats say is washed up. Parise is past his prime at 28. Parise healed a sick man, just by touching the man's head.

Somewhere in between, as always, will be the truth. Though, the Lemaire disciple line was impressive, and the knowledge that Parise is a fitness freak bodes well for fans tired of watching players get hurt. If you are going to take anything away from all of this, let it be that Parise is in great shape, works his tail off, and even those who know him personally don't have a freaking clue where he is going.

Though, I can all but guarantee it won't be Nashville. Come on, Tom.

NHL Draft 2012 Prospects: #16 Slater Koekkoek

2012-05-25T18:17:42Z

The draft, hands down, is the best time of the hockey season. Maybe I'm just saying that because the Wild haven't been seen post-season action since 2008, but that is besides the point.

The Wild hold seven picks this year, including the 7th overall pick. The last time that Wild had a pick this high was when the team selected Benoit Pouliot 4th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft (the beginning of the Wild's awful draft record, as seen by our pal's inspiration for their blog's name...).

However, since GM Chuck Fletcher and Assistant GM Brett Flahr arrived, the team has started to see some promise. Some of these names include the Christ-like (or whoever you pray to) Mikael Granlund, Johan Larsson, Charlie Coyle and the recently drafted Jonas Brodin.

So, on June 22nd-23rd, we will all sit down in front of the television/computer and watch the draft. But if you are wondering, "who's who", then you haven't been reading HW because thats my job.

So without further ado:

Introducing our 2012 NHL #16 Draft Prospect - Slater Koekkoek

Don't forget to check out the Hockey Wilderness 2011 Draft Page as well. Just click on the picture.

Slater Koekkoek

Defense / Peterborough Petes

Height: 6-2.0

Weight: 184

Born: Feb 18 1994

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM
2011/12 - Peterborough Petes (OHL)	26	5	18	23	-7	17

Accomplishments & Awards:

Year	Award
2011/12	Clark Seymour. Ushers Trophy (Top defenceman):
2010/11	U17 WHC Gold Medal
	OHL Second All-Rookie Team

Prospect Jersey (What Would They Look Like In a Wild Jersey?)

Now THATS an awesome last name.

Summarized Scouting Report

Strengths:

Koekkoek has a tremendous package of size, skill, and potential ... allure to Koekkoek is obviously his high end potential at both ends of the ice ... a great skater with an ability to lead the rush ... a smooth skating defenseman ... has good size ... uses his frame and strength to his advantage ... has the ability to play a physical style of game ... his shot is quick and accurate ... can make great outlet passes ... does a good job of moving the puck ... loves to join the rush ... sees the ice well ... makes good decisions and confidence in his game ... ability to control the game from the back end ... excels in high pressure games ... can be counted on to use his hockey IQ in knowing when to jump up or stay back ... can lug the puck out of trouble ... tough to play against in his own zone ... strong character traits and leadership qualities ... mature for his age.

Weaknesses:

Still very raw as a prospect ... has some work to do on his backwards skating ... continues to improve his footwork ... still in the progress of filling out his frame ... not a point producer or play creator ... hockey sense is average in offensive end ... tries to do too much at times ... has some issues when he's under pressure ... his defensive game still needs some polishing

HW Projection:

#3-4 Two-way defenseman who eats tons of minutes

Video Evidence:

Slater Koekkoek (via TVCogecoOntario)

Where Does He Fit In The Wild?

Koekkoek is a big gamble and the Wild just don't need that right now.

Conclusion

You may see alot of conflicting things in the above summarize scouting reports above, and there is really only one explanation why: Slater Koekkoek is an extremely raw prospect.

He has all the tools that would make him a very interesting prospect. He has size, mobility, character, and ability to log tons of ice time.

However, each tool he has needs polishing and refining. Although 6-2, he is only 184lbs and will need alot more muscle to dominate physically. Offensively, he makes good outlet passes, has a good shot, and likes the join the rush but at the same time isn't a dynamic player who can control the offense. Defensively, he uses his size effectively but at times does too much.

But if with the proper coach and proper development, Koekkoek can bring it all together and become a fine player. He is really a sorta of a hockey playdo (remember those things?). A team will get a prospect with tons of tools and enough versatility for the team to decide how they want Koekkoek to become.

In addition of being raw, he came into the season hoping to prove he was more than just potential. However, he suffered a season ending injured, and that stopped any chance for Koekkoek to prove he was more than just a raw prospect. This has had him drop in many drafts.

He will definitely be a fun one to watch on draft day and the following 2-4 seasons.

If you want to see my earlier piece on Koekkoek, here's the link

Special thanks to HFBoards, Future Considerations, The Hockey Writers, TSN, OHLProspeccts and The Scouting Report

Is Mikael Granlund the next Ricky Rubio... or Wayne Gretzky?

2012-05-25T17:00:51Z

Some days, it is difficult to be a writer outside the "mainstream." The view from the basement at my mom's house isn't always that good, what with the window well needing to be cleaned out and all. Other days, however, it is a great deal of fun to not be tied to a job that would likely fire me for expressing my opinion.

Today is one of those fun days.

First off, over at SBNation Minnesota, I take a look at this odd belief that if Zach Parise wins the Stanley Cup with the Devils, he would somehow then be more likely to sign in Minnesota. Sorry, Tom. That post was written last night, published this morning at 8AM, and ready for you to digest.

The reason I mention it, is because if the article from Sid Hartman had been available last night, you wouldn't even have known that Mr. Powers had written anything. Yes, Minnesota's favorite crotchety old man is at it again. Make the jump for a look at one of the most entertaining articles of the year.

You might need a doughnut or something here, folks. It's that good.

In his column, known for rambling on longer than Grandpa Simpson and giving even less useful information, Mr. Hartman today goes after Mikael Granlund. Hartman is not happy about the fact that a handful of people have compared the Granlund situation to that of Ricky Rubio. If that is what Mr. Hartman would have said, we likely wouldn't be having this discussion.

Instead, we get this:

Mikael Granlund, a 20-year-old star in Finland, hasn't played a single game in the NHL and already he is being built up as another Wayne Gretzky, or Ricky Rubio on skates.

I'm not even sure what to do with this. So is Mr. Hartman comparing Ricky Rubio to Wayne Gretzky?

The media (of which Mr. Hartman is a part) has certainly built up Granlund, and the excitement that comes with him. Somehow, though, I don't think anyone has compared him to Gretzky. If they did, please let me know and I will personally give them a digital slap across the face.

The only one who has used Gretzky and Granlund in the same article, let alone sentence, is Mr. Hartman. No one here at Hockey Wilderness, no one at the Star Tribune, no one at the Wild, and no one at any of the other Wild blogs have done so. Why? Because Granlund isn't Gretzky, and we know it. Everyone knows it. Hell, Sidney Crosby isn't even Wayne Gretzky.

No one has built up anyone to the levels of being the Next One, Sid. No one. Well... except you.

Now, as for the build up of young Mr. Granlund. To be fair, Rubio was mentioned on every news cast, in every newspaper, on sites from Canis Hoopus to SBNation.com, and everything in between for years before he decided to grace the Wolves with his presence.

Here is the quote from Mr. Hartman:

Is there any doubt that the competition while playing with an elite Finnish team against other European teams is a lot different than facing proven NHL stars?

No, there isn't. Did someone suggest otherwise? At the same time, was there any doubt that playing in Spain against other European teams is a lot different than facing proven NBA stars? Just curious.

Rubio degraded the state after being drafted, didn't want to be here, and likely only signed because he realized he had no other choice if he wanted to be in the NBA. Granlund signed because he fulfilled all of his other obligations. That's a big difference.

Basketball fans wanted updates on Rubio. Hockey fans wanted updates on Granlund. The media provided them. Is that not exactly what the media is supposed to do? Unless, of course, from now on the StarTribune and all other media sources are supposed to pretend these kids don't exist until they sign. Judging from the number of page views we get from prospect work, that isn't likely to happen.

As long as the fans want to know where the prospects are, the "media" in all its forms will provide that information. Simple as that.

Now can someone please tell me how the hell Wayne Gretzky got involved in all this?

Note: Mr. Hartman also discusses how Parise would be more likely to sign here after winning a Cup. Please reference the article linked before the jump.

NHL Draft 2012 Prospects: #15 Olli Maatta

2012-05-25T15:42:13Z

The draft, hands down, is the best time of the hockey season. Maybe I'm just saying that because the Wild haven't been seen post-season action since 2008, but that is besides the point.

So, on June 22nd-23rd, we will all sit down in front of the television/computer and watch the draft. But if you are wondering, "who's who", then you haven't been reading HW because thats my job.

So without further ado:

Introducing our 2012 NHL #15 Draft Prospect - Olli Maatta

Don't forget to check out the Hockey Wilderness 2012 Draft Page as well. Just click on the picture.

Olli Maatta

Defense / London Knights

Height: 6-1.5

Weight: 202

Born: Aug 22 1994

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM
2011/12 - London Knights (OHL)	58	5	27	32	25	25
2011/12 - Playoffs	19	6	17	23	11	2

Accomplishments & Awards:

Year	Award
2010/11	U18 WJC Top 3 Player on Team
	Jr. A SM-liiga Champion
2009/10	Jr. B 1 Divisioona Silver Medal

Prospect Jersey (What Would They Look Like In a Wild Jersey?)

What's the Maatta? (Think I just threw up in my mouth typing that...)

Summarized Scouting Report

Strengths:

A steady, stay-at-home blueliner who usually makes the smart first pass ... plays a very simple, yet efficient game ... can have a positive impact in all three zones ... a very smooth skater ... a good skater who can launch himself up ice ... he’s got NHL size ... has great range ... ability to play physical when needed ... wins one-on-one battles along the boards ... he has an extremely strong shot ... makes smart first passes out of his zone ... capable of playing the point effectively on the powerplay ... he is extremely smart ... good decisions with and without the puck ... is extremely polished for a 17-year-old ... excellent defensive positioning ... has a nice active stick ... effective at angling opposition ... quite effective at keeping tight gaps in the defensive zone ... competes ... good leadership skills and character ...

Weaknesses:

Footwork and first few steps need some work ... acceleration and transitional footwork need to be addressed ... he doesn’t play with very much physicality ... he does not use his shot as often as he should ... his offensive upside is questionable right now

HW Projection:

#3-4 Defensive defenseman

Video Evidence:

2012 Top Prospect: Olli Maatta (via MapleLeafFutures)

Where Does He Fit In The Wild?

He doesn't. A safe, defensive prospect? No thanks.

Conclusion

There is much to like in Olli Maatta, but I think I can safely say, I will disappointed if the Wild selected him on draft day.

Thats not to say he is a bad prospect, he isn't. He just isn't what the Wild need, which is offense from either the blueline or the forwards.

Maatta is a smart and solid skating defensive defenseman. He has tons of interesting physical traits and intangibles. He makes a good first pass, and has a strong shot from the point. In addition, his recent playoff run had him show off a bit off his offensive abilities. But at the NHL level, he isn't going to run a teams offense or their PP, but will shutdown opponents and stop goals. He may chip in a few points here and there.

He is a safe prospect as he is very smart and has a good NHL body already. He also has a wealth of playing experience as a key contributor to his team. But again, he just isn't what the Wild need right now.

Special thanks to HFBoards, Future Considerations, The Hockey Writers, TSN, OHLProspeccts and The Scouting Report

NHL Awards 2012: Selecting the Calder Trophy Winner

2012-05-25T15:00:42Z

There are few trophies in the NHL that hold as much sway as the Calder. Well, the Stanley Cup seems to be pretty special, but still. The Calder is special. It takes a massive performance from a kid coming into a man's league. The best part of the award? It almost never goes to the guy that everyone thinks will win it at the beginning of the year.

This year, there were actually an abundance of players that should be considered, leaving some guys on the outside looking in. How in the heck Matt Read was left out is absolutely beyond belief. But hey, make sure to include the first overall pick. After all, he is the first overall pick.

Your turn. Who wins the Calder?

Nathan

Winner: Adam Henrique

Nominees: Gabriel Landeskog & Matt Read

Bruce

Winner: Gabriel Landeskog

Nominees: Adam Henrique & Justin Faulk

Bryan

Winner: Adam Henrique

Nominees: Gabriel Landeskog & Matt Read

Rationale: Henrique has had an outstanding season. And he doesn't play for the Oilers. Enough said.

JS

Winner: Gabriel Landeskog

Nominees: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins & Adam Henrique

Rationale: Good stats, physical, two-way skill. Great player

SBNation NHL Hub

Winner: Gabriel Landeskog

Nominees: Adam Henrique & Ryan-Nugent-Hopkins

Poll

Who is your Calder Trophy winner?

Gabriel Landeskog

45 votes

Adam Henrique

5 votes

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

7 votes

Matt Read

8 votes

Justin Faulk

8 votes

73 votes | Poll has closed

Community NHL Mock Draft 2012: Winnipeg Jets

2012-05-25T13:01:23Z

Our draft rolls on, having gone from one relocated team in the Hurricanes, to another in the Winnipeg Jets. The burning question, my like the burning sensation left after using a public restroom in Winnipeg, is whether or not the Jets fans will migrate to Pittsburgh in the same numbers they did to St. Paul.

We have our doubts.

The Jets, for better or worse, inherited the Thrashers organization, and their strong inability to keep top talent in town. As the Wild learned with Gaborik, losing your elite players (either for picks or for nothing), can set an organization back a few years. The Thrashers lost nearly everyone that was ever worth much of anything. This leaves them in need of everything.

Except, of course, a big defenseman that seems to enjoy pushing his opponents face first into the boards. They've got that position all locked up. Hopefully the CBA negotiations get realignment done. This is too much fun.

Time to choose the next member of the Winnipeg Jets.

Our draft thus far:

Edmonton Oilers: Nail Yakupov
Columbus Blue Jackets: Ryan Murray
Montreal Canadiens: Alex Galchenyuk
New York Islanders: Filip Forsberg
Toronto Maple Leafs: Mikhail Grigorenko
Anaheim Ducks: Matthew Dumba
Minnesota Wild: Jacob Trouba
Carolina Hurricanes: Teuvo Teravainen