2008-2009 Minnesota Wild Roster

I am embarrassed to admit it but I can't remember a past year when I had lower expectations than I have this year for the Minnesota Wild. The lack of "big splash" free agent signings as well as the loss of excellent contributors like Rolston and Demitra has me longing for the years when I expected the Minnesota Wild to win and go to the NHL Playoffs. However, let's face it, the Minnesota Wild hasn't exactly prospered in the playoffs since their improbable run to the Western Conference Finals during the 2002-2003 season. Every year after that run, I had extremely high expectations to only be let down by my favorite NHL team. I just hope that this year the exact opposite happens where I expect very little but the Minnesota Wild thrives and brings home their first Stanley Cup!

I am definitely going to grab a few Minnesota Wild Tickets for the Home Opener versus the Boston Bruins in order to see if the impressive preseason record is for real. GO WILD!!!

Minnesota Wild Roster includes Andrew Brunette

I have been writing a lot about the Minnesota Wild roster changes over on my other Wild hockey blog, http://www.hockeywilderness.com/ , but since it is so easy to see my MN Wild Freak post on June 19th that brought up the fact that the Minnesota Wild should put Andrew Brunette back in a Wild sweater, I want to say I TOLD YOU SO. I had a gut feeling that Andrew Brunette was coming back to Minnesota after I heard a brief rumor months ago. Bruno is a solid hockey player and I know he wants to play for Jacques Lemaire and the Minnesota Wild so that always helps. I am not happy that the Minnesota Wild couldn’t get things done with Brian Rolston and he will be sorely missed, but I still think we have a chance at putting a playoff bound team on the ice this year…as long as every one stays healthy.

Boogaard On Way Out?

I am starting to get the feeling that one of my favorite Minnesota Wild players is on his way out. I don't have any proof that Derek Boogaard may of played his last game in a Minnesota Wild jersey but I feel like the writing is on the wall. Let's take a look at the facts:

1. The Minnesota Wild added tough guy Todd Fedoruk.
2. Aaron Voros has emerged as an adequate "enforcer" as well as goal scorer.
3. Derek Boogaard has been placed on the Injured Reserve after a long stay on the inactive list.
4. The NHL has placed a microscope on Derek Boogard's play and referees have been quick to penalize him.

Unfortunately, all of those things point to the greatest "Enforcer" in Minnesota Wild history losing his spot on the Wild roster. If my hunch comes true, I wouldn't want to be a "skilled" player on the Minnesota Wild. It will be open season on players like Demitra, Gaborik and Rolston without Boogaard dishing out punishment on those who take liberties with the Wild players.

Wild Should Sign Brian Rolston

I am a firm believer that the Minnesota Wild should sign Brian Rolston to a long term contract now instead of possibly losing him during the off season. He is the glue that holds the Minnesota Wild together and gives the Wild much needed veteran leadership on and off the ice. The word on the street is that the Minnesota Wild won't be able to afford both Pavol Demitra and Brian Rolston. In my mind, it is a no brainer to let Demitra go while signing Rolston to a long term contract so he ends his career as a member of the Minnesota Wild. After watching him blast a slap shot past Calgary Flames goalie Kiprusoff in the first period last night I came to the conclusion that he is the Wild's most dangerous scorer. I just hope that the Minnesota Wild front office opens up their wallets and pays Brian Rolston what he deserves.

Eric Belanger Provides Spark

After two periods of the Wild's home opener, it appears as though Eric Belanger is the biggest off season addition to the Minnesota Wild roster. He assisted on Pierre Marc-Bouchard's goal and has added energy to a Minnesota Wild team that otherwise lacks energy. I really look forward to watching the line of Bouchard, Belanger and Rolston. In my opinion, they could prove to be the top Minnesota Wild line this year. GO WILD!!!