Dupuis

Anyone know how badly his ankle is injured? Will he be in the lineup on Monday?

I read it was a sprain and he's day to day.

I bet he'll sit one more game since Brent Burns is back.

This is one guy that needs to start producing! He hasn't done anything since the holdout. :mad:

He's produced a baby...That has to count for something!

He's produced a baby...That has to count for something!


yeah it produced a tax break ;)

Like he needs one!

Well the tax break produced uhhh...more money for Dupuis...

yeah it produced a tax break ;)


I think it may have produced a wondering mind!


What do you guys think Dupuis's worth would be if we got rid of him? Don't get me wrong, i'm not advocating it. But what do you think a playoff bound team would give up?

What do you guys think Dupuis's worth would be if we got rid of him? Don't get me wrong, i'm not advocating it. But what do you think a playoff bound team would give up?


Interesting question. He would have some trade value to a playoff bound team that struggles offensively. Teams like NJ, Tampa Bay, St. Louis, Nashville, Calgary, San Jose, and Dallas come to mind.

You ask what a playoff bound team might give up?

I'll turn the tables and say what would the Wild want?

More precisely, what direction should the Wild go? Do they look for a player that might help them more immediately? I say the answer is no. The thing they need is low round prospects. The key to the Wild's long term success is developing talent. It's probably a frustrating thing as a Wild fan to see them get so close last year and now having someone suggest that they need to continue to re-tool.

The problem is that they really do not have a whole lot coming up in the system. This very web site devoted to hockey prospects has the Wild ranked 23rd out of 30 teams. This ranking is almost completly targeted around the young prospects either in the minor leagues, junior hockey, college, or in Europe.

A comprimise might have the Wild trading Dupuis for a young, big, aggressive defenseman like John Erskine in the Dallas system. Another would be to get Garnet Exelby or Kurtis Foster in the Atlanta organizaton. As you can see, I'm thinking big defensemen that can also move the puck a bit.

This is one guy that needs to start producing! He hasn't done anything since the holdout. :mad:

Would be nice if he got any PP time. His ice time is down a couple minutes a game from last year, and I am most of that is PP time. He had 13 PP points last year, and this year he only has 2.

Would be nice if he got any PP time. His ice time is down a couple minutes a game from last year, and I am most of that is PP time. He had 13 PP points last year, and this year he only has 2.


Good point. Although I recall him getting some pp time lately. I could be wrong though. I wonder if Lemaire has lost confindence in him or something?

More precisely, what direction should the Wild go? Do they look for a player that might help them more immediately? I say the answer is no. The thing they need is low round prospects. The key to the Wild's long term success is developing talent. It's probably a frustrating thing as a Wild fan to see them get so close last year and now having someone suggest that they need to continue to re-tool.

The problem is that they really do not have a whole lot coming up in the system. This very web site devoted to hockey prospects has the Wild ranked 23rd out of 30 teams. This ranking is almost completly targeted around the young prospects either in the minor leagues, junior hockey, college, or in Europe.


Well the Wild should aim for the future but you're kidding right? We don't have a lot coming through our system?

Koivu, Wallin, Foy, Hannula, O'Sullivan, and playing Wanvig, Burns, Bouchard, Chouinard (he's only 23!), Gaborik...That's not a lot?

Couchraine is another guy, and Irmen too, I mean yes we need a couple more good defensemen but forwards?

That ranking is way out of date.

Interesting question. He would have some trade value to a playoff bound team that struggles offensively. Teams like NJ, Tampa Bay, St. Louis, Nashville, Calgary, San Jose, and Dallas come to mind.

You ask what a playoff bound team might give up?

I'll turn the tables and say what would the Wild want?

More precisely, what direction should the Wild go? Do they look for a player that might help them more immediately? I say the answer is no. The thing they need is low round prospects. The key to the Wild's long term success is developing talent. It's probably a frustrating thing as a Wild fan to see them get so close last year and now having someone suggest that they need to continue to re-tool.

The problem is that they really do not have a whole lot coming up in the system. This very web site devoted to hockey prospects has the Wild ranked 23rd out of 30 teams. This ranking is almost completly targeted around the young prospects either in the minor leagues, junior hockey, college, or in Europe.

A comprimise might have the Wild trading Dupuis for a young, big, aggressive defenseman like John Erskine in the Dallas system. Another would be to get Garnet Exelby or Kurtis Foster in the Atlanta organizaton. As you can see, I'm thinking big defensemen that can also move the puck a bit.

I totally agree with you that we need to keep building for the future not the present. TSK and I were battling with some guy on the Wild boards yesterday over this same subject(trade the vets or try to make the playoffs). TSK and I were in agreement that we need to start thinking about trading guys for picks and prospects. I definatly agree with your idea to get a big puck moving, head smashing Dman that can also score! Now I know they are hard to come by, but i'm sure there are some 24 year or younger prospects out there. I dont' know much about the guys you mentioned...

However, TSK, all the prospects you mention are forwards, and most of them don't project as top scorers in the NHL. I'd say only Gaborik, Bouchard, O'Sullivan and perhaps Burns will ever qualify as point per game candidates. For d-men, especially those gifted at moving the puck or playing an impact physical game, the cupboard is pretty bare. Don't get me wrong, I like a lot of the guys the Wild have in the system, and I think Harding is a kick-ass goalie prospect, but most of the Wild's best offensive prospects are already on the team.

Well the Wild should aim for the future but you're kidding right? We don't have a lot coming through our system?

Koivu, Wallin, Foy, Hannula, O'Sullivan, and playing Wanvig, Burns, Bouchard, Chouinard (he's only 23!), Gaborik...That's not a lot?



That ranking is way out of date.

No I'm not kidding. Well according to the very first line of text in the rankings, the update was 1/31/03. So, it's a year old. Was last years draft so good that it significantly propelled the Wild over some of the other organizations? I'm not sure.


But let us look over your list. Wallin has not made significant progress from last year's iniitial learning curve of getting acclimated to the smaler ice. Foy has not shown much thusfar in Houston. He has allot of energy but frequently is out of position. Hannula has shown signs of coming around. But I submit he has not lived up to his pre-season billing. O' Sullivan brings credentials. But he is still a huge question mark. Wanvig might turn out to be a regular third or fourth line forward. None of these players I mentioned really has increased the Wild's relative position compared to other NHL teams.

Regarding Koivu, I'm not sure what his latest progress in the Fins league. He was a number one pick. He needs to become a future standout. So, I'll give you that one by default.

Regarding Burns, he's been a solid addition showing the Wild he can play at the NHL level. Is he star material? I wouldn't put money on that. But, I think he has been a pleasant surprise. So, perhaps he has elevated the Wild's position.

Regarding Bouchard, the critics have him being to small and fragile for the NHL game. However, he has shown he can play in Lemaire's systems without being much of a liability. But most teams would expect the 8th overall selection in the 2002 draft to be contributing by now. So I say he's a wash. How is that adding to the overall rankings of the Wild's position.

Regarding Chouinard, he's young but certainly not a prospect. But I'll give you that one.

Regarding Gaborik. you kidding, right? He's the franchise. He was the franchise last year as well. Has he done anything this year to increase the Wild's rankings?

First off, yes we got O'Sullivan a top line sniper, Couchraine a good depth player if he can adjust himself to the AHL, and maybe Melanson. Plus a couple others that could be potential steals like Irmen and Kolusz.

Wallin has adjusted, it took Wanvig 3 years (4 counting Boston) to really make it to the NHL, and with the glut of veteran forwards in front of him, he hasn't really had the chance. He has done well this year as being one of the only veterans on Houston. Have you seen the Aeros recently? It's made up of a bunch of 2nd year players and 3rd year players and no real good veterans to learn from up until recently with Marshall. They have bounced back and Wallin is a good depth, utility forward.

Foy has been injured. He recently started picking up his point production in the minors but he had a tweak groin earlier in the year and has healed up completely from that.

What pre-season billing on Hannula? He was drafted in the 9th round! You can't get anymore of a surprise of getting a 9th rounder to produce 16 points on a rookie/sophomore filled team than what he has been doing. He is basically Park but a lot younger and a little spunkier. The kid has done everything he was expected too and he's smaller then most prospects. But again a 9th rounder! Most 9th don't even sniff the AHL much less one year out of their drafting! Also Wanvig is a banger. He is a PF that takes a punishment in front of the Net. He'll be a good 3rd winger but it'll take time for him to adjust. Injuries have always been a problem for him.

Bouchard isn't really contributing now, he's chipping in points but his potential is a long ways off. Lemaire is taken him and Burns around very slowly and won't be contributing for years on end.

Gaborik has done something. He has signed a long term contract and has shown that he likes the team more than trying to hold out forever.

Basically we got good depth, we field at least three lines:

Gaborik- Koivu- Burns
Bouchard- ???- Foy
Wanvig- Wallin- Hannula or something around that much...

we have a ton of good quality forwards that fit with what Lemaire and co is looking for. We don't need anymore.

Have you seen the Aeros recently? They have bounced back and Wallin is a good depth, utility forward.

Foy has been injured. He recently started picking up his point production in the minors but he had a tweak groin earlier in the year and has healed up completely from that.

What pre-season billing on Hannula? He was drafted in the 9th round! You can't get anymore of a surprise of getting a 9th rounder to produce 16 points on a rookie/sophomore filled team than what he has been doing.

Gaborik has done something. He has signed a long term contract and has shown that he likes the team more than trying to hold out forever.

Basically we got good depth, we field at least three lines:

Gaborik- Koivu- Burns
Bouchard- ???- Foy
Wanvig- Wallin- Hannula or something around that much...

we have a ton of good quality forwards that fit with what Lemaire and co is looking for. We don't need anymore.

Yes, I've seen the Aeros and follow them rather closely. That's why I comment on this board. Wallin a depth forward? Are you watching the Aeros? Wallin centers the Aeros number #1 line. But, he could, if he ever learns the value of finishing a check, be a depth forward for the Wild.

The pre-season billing on Hannula was from here in Houston. He was projected to be a real point producer at the AHL level. I submit he hasn't lived up to this billing. Besides, your the one that mentioned him as something to point to regarding an example of depth in the organization.

You challenged my assertion that the Wild needed to continue to beef up the prospects. And I'm not going to give the Aeros lack of consistency this season as evidence of that because building up the prospect pool includes allot more that having good success at the AHL level. It's my opinion that the Wild should build from within. Some of the holes they are trying to fill with waiver pickups are troubling signs of the Wild trying to short cut things to stay competitive immediate sense. Risebrough's comments about not having anything in Houston to turn to say's it all for me. I'm hoping the Wild stay the course. Ottawa is the model for the Wild to follow. Build from within. If that means that the Wild take a step or two back this year, then so be it. In the long run, they will be the better for it. And if your right that the Wild are deep with great prospects, the benefits will show up in just another season or two.

I just happen to think they need to do much more of the same regarding securing more top line prospects. The second part of the puzzle has the Wild having multiple roster spots being competed for so that these young guns can make steady progress.

You say the Wild don't need any more forwards as prospects. I challenge that but would add that they need more of everything. They need to become one of top organizations in the NHL at finding, securing, and developing top prospects. That's the key to their future. I guess you think they are already there. But even of your right (which I do not), the Wild can't afford to stand pat. So the bottom line is that a team that lives and dies through enternal player developemnet never has enough prospects IMHO.

I know Wallin centers the number 1 line. The guy was one of the big producers last year for the Aeros during the playoffs and he has done well I believe. He is a good depth forward and will be used like Zholtok.

If you think Hannula was going to be a big point producer, your nuts, your all nuts down in Houston. Hannula is just a good pesky 3rd/4th line winger, that's right now playing on the 1st line with Wallin. He'll chip in the occassional point or two in the NHL but he brings speed, intensity, and character to the game, something the Wild are lacking.

The basic thing is, the Wild do need to draft forwards but not swap forwards like Dupuis for more forwards. We need more defensive help at the moment (meaning using our number 1 pick) to secure a solid number 1 defensemen then to secure a 1st line winger. Center is another thing but'll talk about that later when Koivu comes over.

If you think Hannula was going to be a big point producer, your nuts, your all nuts down in Houston. Hannula is just a good pesky 3rd/4th line winger, that's right now playing on the 1st line with Wallin. He'll chip in the occassional point or two in the NHL but he brings speed, intensity, and character to the game, something the Wild are lacking.



Now your kidding me, right? If the Wild are known for anything around NHL circles its for having speed, intensity, and character. Add to that a coach that pushes systems and demands his players tow the line. Talent is what is in short supply. Either you grow it internally or you do what the Rangers do (very poorly btw) and that is buy it on the open market.

I'm through discussing Hannula with you. I never thought he would be a big scorer at the AHL level. We were led to understand he would be an offensive addition to the squad. That's it in a nutshell. Draw whatever conclusions you choose.

I thought Hannula was going to be the replacement for Laaksonen at some point

I thought Hannula was going to be the replacement for Laaksonen at some point

This is what I had been led elieve as well. He was a Laaksonen type with an edge and a little more offensive skill.

The rest of these prospects are question marks. Wallin could go back to Europe next year. O'Sullivan has the O skill, but he can still play in the OHL since he'll be 19 next season. Koivu, we finally get to see him season, maybe. All the others are work in progress types that need time in the AHL or ECHL. We are dearly lacking in the bigtime prospect category.

Should we sell every player for a draft pick/prospect? No, but why hold onto some of these guys until they have no value left. They had little value in the beginning, but still. Who is really tradeable that we'll get something of value in return? Brunette, Walz, one of the goalies. Not top line prospects for these guys but some value here. Maybe Brad Bombadir and Zholtok might get you something but not what we really need.

To me, Gaborik, Burns, Dupuis, Mitchell, Schultz, and PMB are what this team is building around. So trading them is not a reality. Not that they are untradeable, but doing so would be like spinning your wheels. If you know what I mean. The rest are spare parts kind of guys. Some will stay a long time, others will be gone next year. I guess we'll have to see what happens to the team in the next 15 games or so to see what direction this team will go.