[Schaddy]

Well, the season is rapidly approaching, and our team is taking shape. So, I figured I'd make a thread to discuss the moves we've made and update any further developments.

Key Additions: C Todd White (Ottowa), LW Andrei Nazarov (Phoenix) D Scott Ferguson (Edmonton), D Kurtis Foster (Atlanta)

Analysis: White is a perfect fit for the Wild. While he may not be the perfect #2 center, White has proven that despite his diminuative size he can play big minutes against the big boys. He's a solid two way player who will put up points without sacrificing anything on the defensive end; something that Jacque will love. Nazarov is a bruiser who will help when the going gets rough. Ferguson battled his way from 7th defenseman to a top 4 spot with the Oilers. He's tough and smart, a perfect fit for the Minnesota blueline. Expect him to get major minutes with his heady play and willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team. Foster has struggled to establish himself as a true NHL defenseman, but has offensive upside and plays a solid two way game.

Key Subtractions: LW Andrew Brunette (Colorado) RW Richard Park (Vancouver)

Analysis:
Brunette was nothing but a solid, consistent, helpful player for us. His playmaking skills will be missed. Park left the Wild for the f***ing Canucks. I hope newly acquired Nazarov reminds him just who he should've signed with. :bb:

Re-Signings: G Manny Fernandez, D Willie Mitchell, D Andrei Zyuzin, C/LW Pierre Marc Bouchard, RW Alexander Daigle

Analysis:
Manny gives us excellent depth in net behind ol' Rollie. Mitchell is everything you want in a defensive defenseman; big, tough, smart, and mean. He is one of the more underrated players in the league and is a solid top 4 defenseman. Re-signing Mitchell is huge for the Wild; he's their biggest defenseman and maybe the most important. Zyuzin was a new man upon his arrival in Minnesota. He still has bouts of inconsistency, but cut down on the dumb mistakes under the tutelage of Lemaire. His offensive ability will ensure him many minutes on the power play. Bouchard is still young, and retains his immense talent. Any year, now, he's going to explode. He has the ability to become an elite playmaker. Daigle had been a huge underacheiver for most of his career, but turned things around with the Wild. After leading the team in points in 03-04, Daigle will look to continue his solid play on one of the top two lines.

Projected 2005-06 Depth Chart:

Scoring Lines:
1st Line: LW Bouchard C Rolston RW Gaborik
2nd Line: LW Dupuis C White RW Daigle
3rd Line: LW Veilleiux C Walz RW Wanvig
4th Line: LW Nazarov C Chouinard RW Burns

Defensive Pairings:
1st Kuba / Schultz
2nd Mitchell / Zyuzin
3rd Ferguson / Henry

Goaltenders:
Roloson / Fernandez