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Wild 2021/2022 Season - 9/23/2021 9:09:54 AM

TJSweens

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The off season is over. Training camp starts today. Let's Go Wild!

_____________________________

"The eternal fate of the noble and enlightened: to be brutally crushed by the armed and dumb."

Post #: 1

RE: Wild 2021/2022 Season - 9/23/2021 9:27:39 AM

stfrank

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From: Twin Cities
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9Mil.....Rossi....Boldy..........Let's go!

Post #: 2

RE: Wild 2021/2022 Season - 9/23/2021 9:51:21 AM

TJSweens

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From the Pioneer Press:

Here’s a look at the full training camp roster (with players listed in alphabetical order):

FORWARDS (28)
Caedan Bankier, Adam Beckman, Will Bitten, Nick Bjugstad, Matt Boldy, Mitchell Chaffee, Joseph Cramarossa, Connor Dewar, Brandon Duhaime, Joel Eriksson Ek, Kevin Fiala, Marcus Foligno, Frederick Gaudreau, Damien Giroux, Jordan Greenway, Ryan Hartman, Kirill Kaprizov, Ivan Lodnia, Bryce Misley, Pavel Novak, Victor Rask, Marco Rossi, Kyle Rau, Mason Shaw, Nico Sturm, Nick Swaney, Dominic Turgeon, Mats Zuccarello

DEFENSEMEN (20)
Calen Addison, Jordie Benn, Jonas Brodin, Kevin Czuczman, Matt Dumba, Alex Goligoski, Fedor Gordeev, Joe Hicketts, Daemon Hunt, Dmitry Kulikov, Jon Lizotte, Carson Lambos, Kyle Masters, Dakota Mermis, Jon Merrill, Ryan O’Rourke, Turner Ottenbreit, Doyle Somerby, Jared Spurgeon, Keaton Thompson

GOALTENDERS (6)
Dereck Baribeau, Andrew Hammond, Hunter Jones, Kaapo Kahkonen, Trevin Kozlowski, Cam Talbot

_____________________________

"The eternal fate of the noble and enlightened: to be brutally crushed by the armed and dumb."

Post #: 3

RE: Wild 2021/2022 Season - 9/23/2021 11:48:49 AM

TJSweens

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Wild enter training camp with 100 percent vaccination rate
This will allow the Wild to return to a sense of normalcy this season.

By DANE MIZUTANI | dmizutani@pioneerpress.com | Pioneer Press

With the Wild taking the ice for the first time Thursday morning at TRIA Rink in downtown St. Paul, general manager Bill Guerin confirmed Wednesday that the team will go into training camp with a 100 percent vaccination rate.

This will allow the Wild to return to a sense of normalcy. Though players aren’t required to be vaccinated, per NHL rules, life will be more challenging for unvaccinated players this season.

“I think everybody’s just ready to get back to normal,” Guerin said. “It’s been a grind for everybody. There’s been a lot of moving parts the last 18 months, maybe more. It’s been a lot. I think everybody’s excited. I had a meeting with the guys today and it was nice to have everybody in the room. Nobody had to wear a mask or anything like that. It was good. We’re all moving forward.”

As for training camp itself, Guerin is pumped to get going. It was a busy offseason for the Wild featuring a bevy of moves, most notably releasing Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, and most recently signing Kirill Kaprizov to a massive new contract.

ow the Wild will get to see the finished product.

“I’m ready,” Guerin said. “It always comes fast. You’re always like, ‘Man, I could use another week of summer.’ Not this year. I’m ready to go. I’m excited about this group. This is a great time of year. You miss the game. You miss the excitement.”

OLYMPICS
Asked about the decision to allow NHL players to participate in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, Kaprizov excitedly expressed his feelings through a translator, presumably adding a quip about Team USA at the end of his answer.

Though it’s unclear exactly what Kaprizov said through a translator, it was enough to get Guerin going. Remember, he’s the assistant general manager of Team USA, meaning he will help select the American roster.

“We are coming after you guys,” Guerin joked to Kaprizov. “I know what you said.”

All jokes aside, Guerin said he’s thrilled NHL players will get to participate.

“It’s such a great opportunity for everybody involved,” Guerin said. “There’s nothing better for a hockey player putting on the jersey for your country whether you are American or Russian or Canadian or Finnish. It’ s a big honor. I think everybody’s looking forward to it. It will be a great experience.”

CALDER TROPHY
After an incredible rookie season, Kaprizov was widely considered a lock to win the Calder Trophy after last season. And he won the award by a landslide, garnering 99 of 100 first-place votes from the Professional Hockey Writers Association, the highest percentage of first-place votes in Calder Trophy balloting since 1992-93.

How did the 24-year-old find out that he won? Well, he said he got a text message from Aaron Sickman, director of media relations for the Wild.

“He text me saying, ‘You won Calder Trophy,’ ” Kaprizov said in English. “I sit at home with my parents, and I say, ‘Parents, I won Calder Trophy.’ We cheered and shared drinks. Just drank beer. Nothing more.”

Asked what he has in store for an encore this season, Kaprizov shifted the focus back to the team.

“I think of course the organization wants to win the Stanley Cup,” he said. “Now we need to work every day and every game.”

_____________________________

"The eternal fate of the noble and enlightened: to be brutally crushed by the armed and dumb."

Post #: 4

RE: Wild 2021/2022 Season - 9/24/2021 1:04:03 PM

TJSweens

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Good news. The top line for the Wild is starting out with Ericksson Ek centering Kaprizov and Zuccarello. Finally, our best center paired with our best wing. We may have a legit #1 line in the making.

_____________________________

"The eternal fate of the noble and enlightened: to be brutally crushed by the armed and dumb."

Post #: 5

RE: Wild 2021/2022 Season - 9/24/2021 1:16:50 PM

kevinemmer

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From: Bozeman, MT
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quote:

ORIGINAL: TJSweens

Good news. The top line for the Wild is starting out with Ericksson Ek centering Kaprizov and Zuccarello. Finally, our best center paired with our best wing. We may have a legit #1 line in the making.
[/quote

YES!!

FINALLY!!!!

(and please trade Rask)

Post #: 6

RE: Wild 2021/2022 Season - 9/24/2021 2:31:22 PM

TJSweens

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Hate to disappoint you. Rask is centering a line with Fiala right now.

_____________________________

"The eternal fate of the noble and enlightened: to be brutally crushed by the armed and dumb."

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RE: Wild 2021/2022 Season - 9/24/2021 2:34:06 PM

stfrank

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Yesterday it was Rask playing wing on a line with Gaudreau and Fiala. They had Boldy and Rossi with Rau. It's early and lines will be all jumbled up for a while for sure.

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RE: Wild 2021/2022 Season - 9/24/2021 2:48:54 PM

TJSweens

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quote:

ORIGINAL: stfrank

Yesterday it was Rask playing wing on a line with Gaudreau and Fiala. They had Boldy and Rossi with Rau. It's early and lines will be all jumbled up for a while for sure.

I'm sure they will be changing. Rossi and Boldy will have earn playing on a higher line. I would surprised if Kaprizov / Ek / Zuccarello or Foligno / Hartman / Greenway changes.

_____________________________

"The eternal fate of the noble and enlightened: to be brutally crushed by the armed and dumb."

Post #: 9

RE: Wild 2021/2022 Season - 9/24/2021 4:28:40 PM

stfrank

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From: Twin Cities
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quote:

ORIGINAL: TJSweens

quote:

ORIGINAL: stfrank

Yesterday it was Rask playing wing on a line with Gaudreau and Fiala. They had Boldy and Rossi with Rau. It's early and lines will be all jumbled up for a while for sure.

I'm sure they will be changing. Rossi and Boldy will have earn playing on a higher line. I would surprised if Kaprizov / Ek / Zuccarello or Foligno / Hartman / Greenway changes.

I'd like to see those 2 lines stay intact and put Boldy and Rossi with Fiala. That line could be something special in the offensive zone, but it depends on how they hold up on defense I think.

Post #: 10

RE: Wild 2021/2022 Season - 9/24/2021 7:54:58 PM

kgdabom

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Should Rossi be treated like a rookie in every way since he didn't play for us last year? Should he be given a fair chance to stick with the Wild rather than sent down? That kind of stuff?

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"So let it be written.
So let it be done."

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RE: Wild 2021/2022 Season - 9/25/2021 7:24:16 AM

stfrank

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I think both Boldy and Rossi will be given every chance to earn a spot on the Wild's roster coming out of camp. The only way I see either of them going down to Iowa is if they are only getting 4th line minutes. From what I have seen from Rossi, I think he will center one of the top 3 lines and with the chemistry he and Boldy already have, they will most likely stay together.

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RE: Wild 2021/2022 Season - 9/25/2021 12:02:11 PM

kgdabom

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quote:

ORIGINAL: stfrank

I think both Boldy and Rossi will be given every chance to earn a spot on the Wild's roster coming out of camp. The only way I see either of them going down to Iowa is if they are only getting 4th line minutes. From what I have seen from Rossi, I think he will center one of the top 3 lines and with the chemistry he and Boldy already have, they will most likely stay together.

WOW!! Rossi is really looking that good? I didn't know.

_____________________________

"So let it be written.
So let it be done."

Post #: 13

RE: Wild 2021/2022 Season - 9/25/2021 6:40:04 PM

stfrank

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Moose and Dumba chosen to wear the "A's" today.
I have no problem with those 2 and think they will do a good job.

Post #: 14

RE: Wild 2021/2022 Season - 9/28/2021 9:19:11 AM

TJSweens

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quote:

ORIGINAL: stfrank

Moose and Dumba chosen to wear the "A's" today.
I have no problem with those 2 and think they will do a good job.

Foligno was a no brainer IMO. This guys embodies everything a leader should be. I'll disagree on Dumbo. I think Billy has fallen into the same trap as previous regimes and overrates what he adds to the team. I would rather have seen him traded than being rewarded with the A.

_____________________________

"The eternal fate of the noble and enlightened: to be brutally crushed by the armed and dumb."

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RE: Wild 2021/2022 Season - 9/28/2021 1:33:42 PM

stfrank

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I don't think having a letter on his jersey will keep Dumba off the trading block.
I just think it shows what he adds to the locker room more than what he adds on the ice.
If Greenway keeps playing the way he did the first preseason game, he could be on the block soon as well.

Post #: 16

RE: Wild 2021/2022 Season - 9/28/2021 2:31:44 PM

shakeywalton

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quote:

ORIGINAL: stfrank

I think both Boldy and Rossi will be given every chance to earn a spot on the Wild's roster coming out of camp. The only way I see either of them going down to Iowa is if they are only getting 4th line minutes. From what I have seen from Rossi, I think he will center one of the top 3 lines and with the chemistry he and Boldy already have, they will most likely stay together.

Guerin has already stated for both Rossi and Boldy that they will not be put on a 4th line with limited minutes. If they earn a spot in the lineup they will be playing on one of the top 3 lines.

Post #: 17

RE: Wild 2021/2022 Season - 9/28/2021 2:32:30 PM

shakeywalton

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quote:

ORIGINAL: stfrank

Moose and Dumba chosen to wear the "A's" today.
I have no problem with those 2 and think they will do a good job.

Anyone who understands the game of Hockey knows these were the 2 obvious choices.

Post #: 18

RE: Wild 2021/2022 Season - 10/1/2021 1:47:29 PM

TJSweens

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Looks like the battle for the final forward spot is coming down to Matt Boldy and Adam Beckman. I think Beckman has 3 goals in the first two exhibition games. Most are familiar with Boldy. Beckman is a 20 year old, 6'1" LW/C who was drafted in the 3rd round in 2019 (Fenton). He's been a goal scorer at every level. Beckman scored 48 goals in 2019 and 20 goals in 30 games between his junior team and the AHL last year.

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"The eternal fate of the noble and enlightened: to be brutally crushed by the armed and dumb."

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RE: Wild 2021/2022 Season - 10/1/2021 2:47:56 PM

Jeff Jesser

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With those kind of numbers who does he push down to the 4th line? You can't have those kind of hands mucking it up on the 4th

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RE: Wild 2021/2022 Season - 10/1/2021 2:54:45 PM

TJSweens

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Jeff Jesser

With those kind of numbers who does he push down to the 4th line? You can't have those kind of hands mucking it up on the 4th

Would not be at all surprised to see Boldy or Beckman slot up to the 3rd line.

_____________________________

"The eternal fate of the noble and enlightened: to be brutally crushed by the armed and dumb."

Post #: 21

RE: Wild 2021/2022 Season - 10/1/2021 3:11:32 PM

stfrank

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From: Twin Cities
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quote:

ORIGINAL: TJSweens

quote:

ORIGINAL: Jeff Jesser

With those kind of numbers who does he push down to the 4th line? You can't have those kind of hands mucking it up on the 4th

Would not be at all surprised to see Boldy or Beckman slot up to the 3rd line.

Last night Beckman slotted up into Kirill's spot with Greenway sick and he made a good showing on the top line from all reports.
If both Beckman and Boldy don't make the team out of camp it's entirely due to that damn money they are wasting on Rask.

Post #: 22

RE: Wild 2021/2022 Season - 10/1/2021 3:23:54 PM

TJSweens

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quote:

ORIGINAL: stfrank

quote:

ORIGINAL: TJSweens

quote:

ORIGINAL: Jeff Jesser

With those kind of numbers who does he push down to the 4th line? You can't have those kind of hands mucking it up on the 4th

Would not be at all surprised to see Boldy or Beckman slot up to the 3rd line.

Last night Beckman slotted up into Kirill's spot with Greenway sick and he made a good showing on the top line from all reports.
If both Beckman and Boldy don't make the team out of camp it's entirely due to that damn money they are wasting on Rask.

I know Fiala's line is a pretty fluid situation right now. Among the issues, they talk about, is putting him players who can keep up with him. Gaudreau is currently centering that line and Rask is playing wing. Wouldn't be at all surprised if they paired another offensive playmaker like Beckman or Boldy with Fiala even if one of them has to play their off wing.

_____________________________

"The eternal fate of the noble and enlightened: to be brutally crushed by the armed and dumb."

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RE: Wild 2021/2022 Season - 10/1/2021 3:33:30 PM

stfrank

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From: Twin Cities
Status: online

quote:

ORIGINAL: TJSweens

quote:

ORIGINAL: stfrank

quote:

ORIGINAL: TJSweens

quote:

ORIGINAL: Jeff Jesser

With those kind of numbers who does he push down to the 4th line? You can't have those kind of hands mucking it up on the 4th

Would not be at all surprised to see Boldy or Beckman slot up to the 3rd line.

Last night Beckman slotted up into Kirill's spot with Greenway sick and he made a good showing on the top line from all reports.
If both Beckman and Boldy don't make the team out of camp it's entirely due to that damn money they are wasting on Rask.

I know Fiala's line is a pretty fluid situation right now. Among the issues, they talk about, is putting him players who can keep up with him. Gaudreau is currently centering that line and Rask is playing wing. Wouldn't be at all surprised if they paired another offensive playmaker like Beckman or Boldy with Fiala even if one of them has to play their off wing.

I'd like to see them put Rossi and Boldy with Fiala in one of these preseason games just to see if anything clicks.
Not likely to see two rookies with Fiala due to defensive issues, but would be fun to see on the offensive end.

Post #: 24

RE: Wild 2021/2022 Season - 10/5/2021 10:43:53 AM

TJSweens

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Well, it didn't take 9 Mill Kirill long to get back into the swing of things. His first game back, he scored one goal and set up the other two in a 3-1 win over the Lanch.

Kirill Kaprizov looks sharp in first game back with Wild
The reigning NHL Rookie of the Year had a goal and an assist in a 3-1 exhibition victory over the Avalanche.
By Sarah McLellan Star Tribune OCTOBER 5, 2021 — 6:43AM

Wild star Kirill Kaprizov handled the puck while skating against Colorado’s Dennis Gilbert in the first period Monday night at Xcel Energy Center.

Four-plus months and a summer-long negotiation later, Kirill Kaprizov was back in action for the Wild.

And the NHL's reigning Rookie of the Year picked up where he left off, spearheading the team's offense.

Kaprizov scored the game-winning goal and picked up two assists in his preseason debut, a 3-1 victory for the Wild over the Avalanche on Monday night at Xcel Energy Center.

"Players like that, their aerobic capacity is just incredible," coach Dean Evason said. "We doubled him a couple of times tonight, two times, right after he had a long shift, and I looked down at him and there's no heavy breathing. It's just like he's ready to go.

"He's in great shape."

After this latest tune-up, all the Wild's regulars have now skated in a preseason game.

Aside from Kaprizov, the top four on defense also made its first appearance – including a new-look No. 1 unit featuring captain Jared Spurgeon and offseason pickup Alex Goligoski.

Since Kaprizov was off the ice in the leadup to training camp while ironing out his new contract, a blockbuster five-year, $45 million deal, the Wild wanted to give him more time to get up to speed before inserting him into the lineup.

A chunk of the Wild's expected starters played last Thursday at Colorado, including Kaprizov's linemates Mats Zuccarello and Joel Eriksson Ek. But the three finally connected in the rematch with the Avalanche, and the combination worked; Kaprizov tallied three points, Zuccarello had two assists and Eriksson Ek one.

"Zuccy and Kirill's movement is fantastic," Evason said. "But if there's someone else moving, too, then there's nobody in front of the net. Ek obviously gets to the net. We think Ekky fits perfect."

Before Kaprizov polished off a give-and-go with Zuccarello with 51 seconds to go in the second period, he was in the setup position and sent the puck to Spurgeon, who buried the pass behind former Wild goalie Darcy Kuemper to open the scoring 14 seconds into the second.

Then, in the third period, Kaprizov fed Jonas Brodin for a shot through traffic at 4:24. Alex Newhook scored for Colorado 13:17 into the third. Kaapo Kahkonen had 15 saves for the Wild, while Kuemper had 29.

This effort by Kaprizov was an accurate recap of how his first season with the Wild went.

With a team-high 27 goals and 24 assists, production that helped him nab the Calder Trophy as the league's best rookie, Kaprizov had a direct hand in creating almost as many goals as he potted – a nod to his finishing skills around the net and his playmaking abilities.

Once again, both were on display for the Wild.

"I'm excited to go into the season," Zuccarello said. "Hopefully we can keep it going."

New lines

The Kaprizov-Eriksson Ek-Zuccarello line wasn't the only one to debut Monday.

Jordan Greenway and Marcus Foligno teamed up with Ryan Hartman for the first time in the preseason, the trio the Wild will count on to be a two-way force after Greenway and Foligno played that role to a tee last season with Eriksson Ek.

And so far, the group looks like it has the potential to live up to that billing.

All three established pressure on the forecheck and around the goal mouth, and they also took turns on the penalty kill.

"Hartzy's pretty easy to play with," Greenway said. "He does a good job in the middle. He played a similar game to how [Foligno] and I do. So, it wasn't too hard. There's things, timing, that we'll find as the time goes on, as we play more. But I thought today we did a lot of good things."

Fiala on the PK

Kevin Fiala wants to be an all-around factor for the Wild, not just a scorer, and he is getting the chance to showcase that range.

For the second consecutive preseason game, Fiala helped out on the penalty kill — a unit he contributed to sparingly last season.

"He's got tremendous instincts of whatoffensive players are going to do," Evason said. "He's got a great stick. We found when we used him that little bit there last year, it commits him defensively."

_____________________________

"The eternal fate of the noble and enlightened: to be brutally crushed by the armed and dumb."

Post #: 25