Comments on: Ducks interestred in Kevin Bieksa?

By: Boston_Bruins

Boston_Bruins — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 13:07:05 +0000

Minnesota is an interesting smaller market team. You could argue that hockey in Minnesota is more popular than anywhere else in the USA. They really have no trouble selling tickets despite the product they put on the ice. I think they overpaid on Koivu not as much from a business standpoint, but because they had to because they are labelled as a losing team.

The main problem is their drafting. This team has been HORRIBLE in that area. They connected on 4 straight first rounders from 2000-2003 (Gaborik, Koivu, Bouchard, Burns). However you can toss out attributing connecting on Burns because if you couldn't find a good player in that 2003 draft you shoudn't scout for the NHL. It should be noted Bouchard was nothing special as well.

Outside of that here is a list of the best players they've drafted in 11 years: Nick Schultz, Derek Boogaard, Josh Harding, and Patrick O'sullivan.

Their first round history since Burns: A.J Thelen at 12th(candidate for biggest draft bust of all time), Benoit Pouliot at 4th, James Sheppard at 9th, Colton Gillies, Tyler *****a, Nick Leddy, and Granlund. Even *****a looks like he might bust right now.

Worst drafting team in the league?

By: DannyLeafs

DannyLeafs — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 12:16:16 +0000

I think it was also a case where it was valuable in a business sense as well. Smaller market teams often have trouble keeping talent, and even if you can remain mildly competitive it can be hard to draw fans in when you don't really have a franchise identity. I think they overpaid because this way they at least have a face that the fans will continuously identify with. Now they can fill in around him and continue to develop good talent and replace them with cheaper players as they have been doing for awhile, without having a complete roster turnover.

I also think this was the biggest reason Nashville traded Arnott and named Weber captain. They realize that their success doesn't mean much if nobody is watching, and the fans crave a familiar face. I think they have made up their mind that they will sign Weber no matter what next year, just in order to have the same kind of stability.

Also, I do think Koivu has potential for even more. If Saku had Mikko's size and ability, he could have been a hall of famer. I think the thinking is that if Mikko develops into the heart and soul gritty player that Saku is, he could be a real star.

By: cam7777

cam7777 — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 19:29:08 +0000

Plus, it's interesting you guys point out the Gomez and Drury contracts, as many believed that if Koivu hit the market, he was joining Gaborik in NY. So basically, Fletcher had to be willing to go head-to-head with Sather with this negotiation.

By: reinjosh

reinjosh — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 18:23:41 +0000

Yeah, my thoughts exactly. Its not like he had one great year and some other middling years. He has been consistently improving so its not terrible.

By: Boston_Bruins

Boston_Bruins — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 18:16:25 +0000

It's definitely too much but I think this is a case of a team like Minnesota having to overpay to keep their top talent. I was thinking around $6 million per year or maybe a bit more would've been fair. The NTC in a 7 year deal isn't ideal but I doubt this will be one of those contracts that they will regret much as opposed to the Gomez, Drury, Campbell, etc. deals.

By: reinjosh

reinjosh — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 18:06:57 +0000

Sorry, I must have totally missed that.

Granted he hasn't had much help at all and he is an underrated player but he hasn't shown the offensive upside of a first line player. To me he is the same type of player as Plekanecs and Kesler. Granted he does bring more leadership than either and he is their captain. Maybe they figure he can be their go to guy with 30 goal, 50 assist potential? Fletcher did say he was their franchise guy so who knows. He did get the 2nd highest assist total in Wild history and the 3rd highest point total.

It just seems a little much to me. 5.5 - 5.8 would have been good I think. With the exception of his third year, he has steadily improved. And Minnesota has always been so starved for offense it could be a smart move locking him up long term.

By: Boston_Bruins

Boston_Bruins — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 17:58:25 +0000

I asked this question on another topic. I think it's too much but then again he is an excellent and underrated player. I mean what help did he have in Minnesota?

By: reinjosh

reinjosh — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 17:54:51 +0000

What do people think of the 7 year Koivu contract? 6.75 Million per? Seems too much to me.

By: mapleleafsfan

mapleleafsfan — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 17:24:12 +0000

haha thanks for these, those videos are sick

By: Boston_Bruins

Boston_Bruins — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:14:19 +0000

This one's good too if you love Inglorious Basterds. Lma at teh Orr part.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0klJv0yhjs&feature=related