About the middle of December, there were discussions about who the Wild could/should add to their 1st to be able to move up high enough to draft a guy like Trouba. Now all is lost because the Wild cant do better than a guy like Trouba.
So looking towards the offseason, this is what I realistically think could happen/hope happens...
Heatley - Koivu - Coyle
Splitting up the top line from this year. From everything I hear and think I understand about they way Coyle plays, I feel he would be a great compliment to Heatley's and Koivu's games. Good along the boards, in the cycle game, goes to the net. It would be a top line that may not have a lot of speed, but they have size and could really forecheck well. It also puts Coyle with two veterans and in a good position to succeed.
Latendresse - Granlund - Setoguchi
Obviously dependent on Latendresse's re-signing (which I am in favor of) and health (which I hope improves). I have a feeling that Granlund starts on the wing, but I feel that this would put him in a very favorable position, with two shooters. Maybe not the best defensively, but should be able to play in the offensive zone.
Cullen - Brodziak - Clutterbuck
Because I have to put Cullen somewhere, he goes on Brodziak's LW and Clutterbuck on the right. Should be a good cycle line with the ability to be somewhat of an offensive threat.
Powe/Kassian - Almond - Johnson
Re-sign Johnson, he'll be cheap. On ok 4th line. If not Almond, then find a cheap, veteran 4th line center in FA (maybe Campbell or Moore). It gets the job done.
Scandella - Gilbert
Gilbert seemed to calm Scandella down during these final games, not to mention Gilbert playing very well himself. As they have shown, they can play very heavy minutes.
Brodin - 2nd Pairing D
Assuming Brodin makes the team. Not sure who I'd put on the right side, as I'd rather see Spurgeon on the 3rd pair. Looking internally, Kampfer is the only one that would be able, and finding one if FA might require a larger commitment of years and dollars. Don't know about this one, it will probably end up being Spurgeon. Hopefully we draft a guy that will fit here in a couple years.
Falk/Prosser - Spurgeon
Prosser as the 7th guy. Gives us some puck moving ability and some size/physicality on the 3rd pairing.
Backstrom
Harding/Hackett
We've talked about this a lot. I imagine one of the two will back up next year.
