More Finns, that's what this team needs, I've been saying that for years. So when the Wild signed winger Antti Miettinen to a three year contract on Thursday I was delighted. Now Mikko and Nicklas have someone to share their "What happens in Helsinki stays in Helsinki" stories with.
Antti never really met the high expectations that he had in Dallas, so here's hoping that he can realize them here. Hopefully he can score some goals for the team, which are going to be sorely needed. Here's a breakdown of his NHL career, plus projected numbers for the upcoming season:
2005-06 ~ 70-11-20-31-46
2006-07 ~ 74-11-14-25-38
2007-08 ~ 69-15-19-25-34
2008-09 ~ 80-30-50-80-40
All in all I'm not too upset with the way free agency went for the Wild. To match New Jersey's offer to Rolston would've been foolish for 4 years. Andrew Brunette will replace most of Rolston's production and Antti should replace Demitra.
Where this team clearly upgraded was on defense. Marek Zidlicky and Marc-Andre Bergeron will no doubt make the Wild a more exciting team to watch. Both are touted as offensive defensemen with superior puck carrying ability, although a bit weak in their own zone. So, Wild fans, maybe we'll see more 5-4 games instead of the usual 2-1 tilts.
2 comments:
an ok post season as far as free agent signings. I don't have any problems with who they brought in, but i am a little perturbed by who they failed to get.
As free agency approached we were told, "look for the wild to spend all the way to the cap." but it didn't happen, and now that we are in "wait and see" mode for free agency it won't.
I fully believe that the front office thought we would getone, or two of these players: Rolston, Jokinen, Hossa and Husalias. if they had gotten one or two of these players we would most certainly be at the cap.
I am not co mad that we couldn't get at least one of these players, so much as that some of these players (not all), turned down better money to play else where. Hossa is a prime example of this.
I can only take solace in that we will have plenty of cap space to go after free agents next year including gabby and hossa. now that would be a coup.
Except Koivu is from Turku I believe, but whatever.
Post a Comment