Locked On Wild - Your Daily Minnesota Wild Podcast
1,178 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 22 ratingsLocked On Wild podcast is the daily podcast that drops the puck and keeps you ahead of the game and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the Minnesota Wild and the National Hockey League. Hosted by Seth Toupal, the Locked On Wild podcast provides your daily Wild fix with expert opinions, local analysis, interviews, and coverage of all aspects of the Wild franchise. The Locked On Wild podcast takes you beyond the ice for the inside scoops on the biggest stories from within the Wild locker room and all over the NHL. The Locked On Wild podcast is part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your team. Every day.
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Episodes
What Concerns Still Exist for the 2023-24 Season?
August 24, 2023 17:00 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, Jessi Pierce of the Bardown Beauties podcast joins us as we discuss areas for concern that still remain as we get closer to the 2023-24 season. We start by discussing the team in general, and the current struggle to place trust in younger players and put them in spots to succeed. We also discuss Jessi's hunch that the Wild will make a trade early on into the season depending on how things play out. We discuss whether it's time to trade Marco Rossi, and i...
Matt Boldy 2023-24 Season Preview!
August 23, 2023 14:30 - 27 minutes - 25 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, we preview the 2023-24 season for Matt Boldy! We start by recapping his strong finish to 2022-23. We look at the areas in which Boldy improved from his rookie season and look at the improvements he made to his overall game this year. We discuss his stat possibilities for 2023-24, and what needs to happen for him to outpace his goal scoring pace from last season! We finish by discussing what we need to see from Matt Boldy, from stepping up to be the lead ...
Can the Wild Second Line Replicate their Performance in 2023-24?
August 22, 2023 07:00 - 25 minutes - 20.9 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, we dive into the second line and look at the numbers Matt Boldy, Joel Eriksson Ek and Marcus Johansson were able to generate in their 17 games together. We look at how they managed to outscore their opponents 14-4 by controlling High Danger Chances and Rebound Opportunities. We discuss what the second line NEEDS to do this season, and the likelihood they can get close to the same output they had last year. We finish by looking at the other expected 2nd l...
Why has Calen Addison not Signed his Qualifying Offer Yet?
August 21, 2023 07:00 - 29 minutes - 23.9 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, Alex Micheletti joins as we discuss Calen Addison and why he hasn't signed the Qualifying offer from the Wild yet. We also look at the lack of funds the Wild have available and what effect that will have on the remaining spots on the Wild roster. We discuss the ongoing legal battle between Diamond Sports and Sinclair Media Group and what it means for Wild fans as the season draws closer. We just want to be able to watch the games! We finish by proposing ...
Freddy Gaudreau 2023-24 Season Preview!
August 18, 2023 07:00 - 29 minutes - 23.4 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, we preview the 2023-24 season for Freddy Gaudreau. We look at his career highs in many offensive categories, despite bouncing all over the lineup due to injuries. We look at his contributions on special teams, as well as getting rewarded with a contract extension as the regular season came to an end. We look at the 3rd line in general, and discuss the possibility that we actually see a Hartman-Gaudreau-Foligno combination. We also discuss what the line w...
Marcus Foligno 2023-24 Season Preview!
August 17, 2023 02:30 - 25 minutes - 20.5 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, we discuss season expectations for Marcus Foligno for 2023-24! We recap last year, and why it's pretty clear that 2021-22 was an outlier. We look at reasons for his offensive surge, and subsequent outage last year. We try to determine who Foligno is at this point in his career and on the final year of his current contract. We finish by looking at why Foligno is probably transitioning toward a Pat Maroon type player and if the Wild want to bring him back ...
Names to Watch as Potential Injury Call Ups for the Wild
August 15, 2023 08:00 - 28 minutes - 22.7 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, Wyatt Garin joins the show as we discuss potential injury call ups for the Wild throughout the season with limited funds available to bring in players outside the organization. We start on offense, with Adam Beckman and Sammy Walker being the most logical call ups with their versatility and ability to play on multiple lines. Those two would be contingent on Marco Rossi making the team. On defense, the Wild are further away from needing a call up due to s...
Who claims the Final Spot on the Third Line?
August 14, 2023 07:00 - 27 minutes - 25.7 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, Alex Micheletti joins as we look at the 3rd line in depth. We start by trying to lock down who earns the final spot, with Marcus Foligno and Freddy Gaudreau both locked in already. We discuss other line combinations that might be better fits, and then try to establish what each player on this line needs to do in order for them to succeed. We finish by playing "Like it or Leave it" with the Wild logo and with Nordy in response to Locked on NHL's Top 5 lis...
Pat Maroon 2023-24 Season Preview!
August 14, 2023 01:25 - 24 minutes - 20 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, we discuss expectations for 2023-24 for newcomer Pat Maroon! We discuss the impact he will have in the locker room as well as what he can offer on the ice. We also look at where the 4th line combination of Brandon Duhaime, Connor Dewar and Pat Maroon stacks up among the rest of the Central Division 4th lines! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Locked On Wild Follow/Subscribe Anywhere: linktr.ee/LockedOnWild Follow Locked On NHL: linktr.ee/lockedonNHL ...
Brandon Duhaime 2023-24 Season Preview!
August 11, 2023 03:14 - 25 minutes - 20.3 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, we preview the 2023-24 season for Brandon Duhaime. We start by looking at what he brings to the table as a spark plug for the team, as well as versatility and responsibility with the puck. We look at his potential stats for 2023-24, and go over/under his marks in several statistical categories from last season. We finish by discussing areas he can help the team, including continuing to contribute on Special Teams more and more, as well as filling in up a...
3 Themes to Improve the Wild Power Play in 2023-24!
August 10, 2023 01:24 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, we dive headfirst into a few ways to improve the Wild Power Play in 2023-24! We start with avoiding predictability, especially in the instance of zone entries. The Wild relied too heavily on drop passes as the season wore on, and really never developed a counterattack when teams began to focus more on preventing them from entering the zone. We take a look at what Toronto and Florida do that separates them from the Wild. We discuss personnel, with the top...
Wild Prospect Jack Peart is Poised for a big Junior Season!
August 08, 2023 18:08 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, Nick Maxson of MNCAA and the Huskies Warming House podcast joins us to talk about Wild prospect Jack Peart! We start by recapping his sophomore season at SCSU, and look at areas of his game he is looking to improve. Nick lays out the expectations for his Junior Season, and how Peart can continue to improve his offensive game. Peart draws a surprising comparison to a current Wild defensemen, and we finish by looking at how the Huskies will do this season ...
Connor Dewar 2023-24 Season Preview!
August 08, 2023 07:00 - 28 minutes - 23 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, Marissa Voss of Wild Takes and 10,000 Takes joins to preview the 2023-24 season for Connor Dewar! We discuss why Dewar is an underrated player, and the best skills he brings to the ice. We look at his stats from last year to identify areas he can improve on this year. We throw out some potentially hot takes (Wild Takes style) related to Dewar regarding just how good the Wild PK can be this year with him playing an integral part. We also play over/under t...
Matt Dumba Finds a New Home and 4th Line Expectations!
August 07, 2023 07:00 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, Alex Micheletti joins as we discuss Matt Dumba signing with Arizona! We look at the other moves the Coyotes have made with signing Jason Zucker and Nick Bjugstad to determine if they could actually threaten for a postseason berth this year! We move to the Erik Karlsson trade and the mega trade that netted Pittsburgh one of the best offensive defensemen in the NHL while also not parting with any major assets. We discuss former Wild players Mikael Granlund...
What will the Opening Night Line Combinations Look Like?
August 05, 2023 16:47 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, Jayden Homuth joins to discuss potential line combinations for Opening Night. We start with the top line and debate whether or not Marco Rossi will take the top line center spot, or if Ryan Hartman's second half of the season did enough to allow him to keep that spot. We also discuss the second line, and the need for everyone to stay healthy to keep that combination clicking. We discuss the bottom six, and whether or not Brandon Duhaime may earn a higher...
Will the Wild go Over or Under their Projections in 2023-24?
August 03, 2023 07:00 - 31 minutes - 25.3 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, we look at Over/Unders for the 2023-24 season. We start with total points for the Wild, which is set at 96.5 on FanDuel. We look at the rest of the Central Division to see where the Wild slot in compared to the favorites and hopefuls in the Central. We discuss team goals and if the Wild can score more goals this year than they did last year, and finish with Power Play and Penalty Kill percentages, to determine if the Wild can exceed their 2022-23 marks i...
Breakout and Regression Candidates for the Wild in 2023-24!
August 02, 2023 18:59 - 27 minutes - 22 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, Zach Zeman joins as we discuss breakout and regression candidates for the 2023-24 season! We start with breakout players, with a small pool of players that would qualify such as Brock Faber and Marco Rossi. We look at what would need to happen for both to thrive and why it's imperative in Rossi's case that he is given the opportunity to play a meaningful role. We move to players who could "step up" this season. We discuss who is most likely between Ryan ...
Dissecting the 2023-24 Minnesota Wild Schedule!
August 02, 2023 07:00 - 29 minutes - 24 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, Zach Zeman joins as we break down the 2023-24 Minnesota Wild schedule! We go month by month to find the best games. In October the Wild get an early test from both the Florida Panthers as well as the New Jersey Devils. We observe other patterns, such as large stretches against East Coast teams such as New York and Buffalo, and West Coast trips up into Canada. We also discuss the final homestand of the season in March, followed by a long road trip to fini...
What Can we Expect from the Wild in 2023-24?
August 01, 2023 07:31 - 27 minutes - 21.8 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, we discuss 2023-24 expectations as we kick off Locked on Wild Boot Camp. We discuss what has changed from last year to this year, as well as areas where the team should perform similarly. We look at who needs to step up after struggling in 2022-23. We look at the rest of the Western Conference to determine which teams as of right now will be contending for playoff spots, and who may give the Wild trouble. We finish by discussing what needs to happen for ...
BREAKING NEWS: Minnesota Wild sign Goaltender Filip Gustavsson to a Three Year Deal
July 31, 2023 19:14 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, Alex Micheletti joins as we break down Filip Gustavsson's new 3 year deal to stay in Minnesota and avoid arbitration! We discuss what this accomplishes for both sides, and what the goalie room may look like down the road. We compare Gustavsson's deal to other recent Wild goalies and look at how it breaks down each season to get a better idea of the money the Wild will have available after the ink dries. We discuss an Athletic article that lists the Wild ...
Are New Faces in the Wild lineup Upgrades over their Previous Spot Holders?
July 28, 2023 07:00 - 23 minutes - 18.8 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, Dylan Loucks of The Hockey News joins as we begin by discussing the news that Logan Cooley has signed his ELC with Arizona after previously announcing that he was returning to the University of Minnesota for his sophomore season. We then look at New Faces in the Wild lineup. We start with Pat Maroon and look at the areas where he can be an upgrade over Ryan Reaves, most notably on the ice. We look at his impact in the locker room as well. We move to Broc...
The Minnesota Wild Are Committed to Bill Guerin's Long Term Approach
July 26, 2023 07:00 - 28 minutes - 22.8 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, we discuss Bill Guerin being given the President of Hockey Ops role in addition to maintaining his status as GM. We discuss why right now there won't be much of a difference, while suggesting this is a move that he could transition into later on down the line. We look at "the plan" and how Guerin has accumulated assets and financial flexibility all geared toward maximizing the 2025-26 reduction in dead cap hits. We also look back at some of the things th...
How Many Games will it take Marc-Andre Fleury to pass Patrick Roy on the All Time Wins List?
July 24, 2023 19:28 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, Alex Micheletti joins as we start with an update on arbitration between Filip Gustavsson and the Wild. We discuss the recent ruling between Ilya Samsanov and the Toronto Maple Leafs to gauge where Gustavsson's salary may end up. We discuss Matt Boldy ranking 5th in a recent Athletic article in terms of best value contracts in the NHL, as well as what Boldy needs to do going forward to continue to make it a great value for the Wild. We finish by discussin...
3 Areas Dean Evason can Improve as a Coach in 2023-24!
July 24, 2023 07:00 - 28 minutes - 22.9 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, we discuss three areas that Dean Evason can improve on as a coach for the 2023-24 season! We start by discussing overall lineup construction. We point to examples such as Sam Steel of players who were put into spots and were kept there even when they weren't producing at an adequate level. We try to walk the line between not wanting to tinker when things are going well and not making changes when they aren't, such as in the postseason the last two season...
Revisiting the 2005 NHL Draft: What if the Wild had Selected Carey Price or Anze Kopitar?
July 21, 2023 02:23 - 25 minutes - 20.6 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, we revisit the 2005 NHL Draft to redraft it! We start by looking at how things panned out, with the Wild selecting Benoit Pouliot and how that did not pan out for Minnesota. We look at how Wild history may have differed had they drafted Carey Price, and how it would have impacted goalie decisions with Nicklas Backstrom and Devan Dubnyk. We also discuss what would have changed had the Wild selected Anze Kopitar, including how he would have fit perfectly w...
3 Big Names the Wild Could Pay in 2025-26!
July 19, 2023 07:00 - 27 minutes - 21.8 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, we fast forward two years to when the Wild will gain a majority of the Zach Parise/Ryan Suter cap hits back to determine who they may spend that money on. We look at where the roster will be by that point and how much money they will have tied up to existing contracts. We look at the possibility that any of Mikko Rantanen, Leon Draisaitl and Mitch Marner even reach free agency, with more of a likelihood that Marner and Draisaitl do given the current stat...
Wild and Brandon Duhaime Get a Deal Done Ahead of Arbitration
July 17, 2023 07:00 - 32 minutes - 29.7 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, Alex Micheletti joins the show as we discuss Brandon Duhaime's new one year deal to avoid arbitration. We discuss Duhaime's role on the team, and the potential for him to fill a ton of roles this season to set himself up for a bigger deal next offseason. We discuss his fit with new linemate Pat Maroon and with longtime linemate Connor Dewar. We look at the latest for Filip Gustavsson now that the cap picture for the Wild has become more clear. We finish ...
How Long will it take Kirill Kaprizov to Climb the Wild Point Leaderboard?
July 15, 2023 00:34 - 27 minutes - 22 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, we look at Kirill Kaprizov's chase of every record in Wild history. We look at where he stands on the career points leaderboard right now, and at his current pace, how long it might take him to pass various fixtures among the top 10 and top 5. We also look at a few oddities on the list, such as Brian Rolston's marks despite playing just 3 seasons in Minnesota, as well as the longevity vs productivity approach. We rank the top 10 forwards in Wild history ...
Which Departing Wild UFA Found the Best New Home?
July 14, 2023 02:21 - 27 minutes - 22.1 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, we look at the new homes for departing Wild UFAs to see which player found the best new home. We discuss Oskar Sundqvist signing with the Blues, and why the Wild didn't try to match his relatively cheap salary. We talk about Sam Steel being put under infinitely less pressure in Dallas where he will slot in as a 4th liner. We discuss Gustav Nyquist and the potential for him to play top line minutes on a young team, and the fits for both Ryan Reaves and Jo...
Why Joel Eriksson Ek Should Fill Matt Dumba's Alternate Captain Role
July 12, 2023 23:26 - 27 minutes - 21.8 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, we fill Matt Dumba's vacated Alternate Captain spot. We start with Joel Eriksson Ek, and look at the qualities he brings that would be valuable to young prospects joining the team over the next few seasons, such as work ethic, on ice demeanor and the overall way that he plays the game. We also discuss the notion of having more "vocal captains" as opposed to those who "lead by example". We also discuss the possibility of Jonas Brodin and Kirill Kaprizov b...
Revisiting the 2000 NHL Draft: What if Marian Gaborik went 2nd?
July 11, 2023 07:00 - 25 minutes - 20.6 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, we turn back the clock to redraft the 2000 NHL Draft. We look at how the top 10 changed based on actual production, and a scenario in which the Wild still ended up with Gaborik. We discuss why he was the right pick with where the Wild were at as a franchise, and why it was vital they grab a franchise cornerstone. We look at a scenario in which he went 2nd to Atlanta, forcing the Wild to make a different selection, and make the case for Dany Heatley as op...
Liam Ohgren is CONFIDENT He will Make the Wild Roster Next Season
July 10, 2023 07:00 - 29 minutes - 23.9 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, Alex Micheletti joins as we recap a successful weekend of Development Camp and Crazy Game of Hockey. We discuss quotes from Wild prospects Liam Ohgren, Danila Yurov and Charlie Stramel. We throw some praise to Ohgren for a massive amount of confidence and his desire to make the NHL team out of camp next year. We finish by looking at the timeline for Ohgren, Yurov and other Wild prospects currently overseas. We overlay that with the timelines of Rossi, Fa...
Revisiting Past First Round Minnesota Wild Draft Picks!
July 07, 2023 04:40 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, we look back at previous First Round draft picks to determine whether or not they were hits or misses, and who else was available in years they didn't pan out. We start in the early part of the franchise history when the Wild hit on players like Marian Gaborik, Mikko Koivu and Brent Burns. We also navigate more than a few lean years, with picks such as AJ Thielen and Tyler Cuma. We finish strong with solid selections in Jonas Brodin, Matt Dumba and Joel ...
What is Arbitration and What does it mean for Filip Gustavsson and Brandon Duhaime?
July 06, 2023 03:43 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, we dive into Salary Arbitration in the NHL, what it means and how the process works. We look at how often teams and players resolve their cases before actually going to a hearing, except in the case between Kevin Fiala and the Wild two years ago. We lay out the case for and against Filip Gustavsson, and the line of thinking for both the team and Gustavsson with contract negotiations. We also discuss Brandon Duhaime's case, and why it may be more benefici...
Which Moves have been the Biggest Fireworks of the Bill Guerin Era?
July 04, 2023 17:22 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, we look at the biggest moves of the Bill Guerin era! We start with his decision to trade Kaapo Kahkonen to San Jose for Jake Middleton. Considering what Kahkonen's numbers have looked like since, and how Middleton has played in Minnesota, that looks like a win for BG. We also discuss the Cam Talbot trade, and the fireworks that prompted it. We also discuss the Kevin Fiala and Jordan Greenway trades and how we are starting to get a better idea of the Fial...
Wild Acquire Pat Maroon to fill Ryan Reaves' Departure
July 03, 2023 07:00 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, Alex Micheletti joins as we discuss the acquisition of Pat Maroon for a 7th round pick. We look at what Maroon can bring that Reaves didn't, and why it seems like this move may have been in the works for a while. We discuss the signings of Vinni Lettieri and Jake Lucchini, and how they can potentially help the Wild when the need arises. We look at departing Wild players and their new destinations to see which player fits their new home best, and why Matt...
Introducing the Minnesota Wild 2023 NHL Draft Class!
June 30, 2023 07:23 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, we react to the remaining 5 draft picks for the Wild in the 2023 NHL Draft. We discuss the size added early before Riley Heidt fell to the Wild with their third pick to add some additional skill with first round upside. We look at additional context for Charlie Stramel, and why this class may take a little longer to fully develop. We discuss the approach of having bigger centers and skill on the wings, and how Bill Guerin has approached filling weaknesse...
Charlie Stramel is Judd Brackett's first Big Project for the Wild
June 29, 2023 07:00 - 28 minutes - 26 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, we react to the selection of Charlie Stramel at 21 for the Minnesota Wild. We share concerns about his overall draft rating compared to where he was selected, especially considering other players such as Calum Ritchie were still available when the Wild picked. We hear your reaction to the pick, as Stramel draws comparisons to both Jordan Greenway and Joel Eriksson Ek. We finish by looking at the remaining picks for the Wild, whether or not they will move...
Minnesota Wild draft Charlie Stramel with 21st-overall pick in 2023 NHL Draft | Instant Reaction & Analysis
June 29, 2023 02:29 - 4 minutes - 4.34 MBThe Minnesota Wild have selected Wisconsin center Charlie Stramel with the 21st-overall pick in the NHL Draft. Seth Toupal of Locked On Wild joins Gil Martin and Hadi Kalakeche to react to the selection, which is a bit of a puzzler considering Stramel doesn’t bring a ton of offensive punch to the table. Is there a world in which Stramel ends up fitting in nicely, or this pick one that Wild fans should be upset with at no. 21? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoi...
Minnesota Wild draft Charlie Stramel with 21st-overall pick in 2023 NHL Draft | Instant Reaction & Analysis
June 29, 2023 02:29 - 6 minutesThe Minnesota Wild have selected Wisconsin center Charlie Stramel with the 21st-overall pick in the NHL Draft. Seth Toupal of Locked On Wild joins Gil Martin and Hadi Kalakeche to react to the selection, which is a bit of a puzzler considering Stramel doesn’t bring a ton of offensive punch to the table. Is there a world in which Stramel ends up fitting in nicely, or this pick one that Wild fans should be upset with at no. 21? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Who are the Most Tradeable Assets for the Wild on Draft Day?
June 28, 2023 15:26 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, we discuss the most tradeable players on the Wild roster ahead of tonight's First Round of the NHL Draft. We start with Brandon Duhaime and Calen Addison, and discuss their reported 2nd round pick asking price. We look at the traits that would make them desirable targets for other teams to try to acquire. We also discuss whether teams would even be willing to meet that asking price with free agency looming. We move onto Filip Gustavsson and try to establ...
Would Brayden Yager be a Good Pick for the Wild at 21?
June 27, 2023 23:16 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, we look through a final round of NHL Mock Drafts to look at players being linked to the Wild in round one! We look at prospect profiles for Brayden Jager and David Edstrom, who have been more recently linked to the Wild in new mock drafts. We discuss Otto Stenberg once again, and try to figure out what is likely to happen for the Wild tomorrow night! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Locked On Wild Follow/Subscribe Anywhere: linktr.ee/LockedOnWild Fol...
BONUS: Locked On NHL Mock Draft 2023: Picks 11 through 21
June 26, 2023 16:27 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBIn this special bonus presentation of Locked On NHL, Gil Martin and Hadi Kalakeche react to selections 11 through 21 in the 2023 Locked On NHL Mock Draft, including the pick made by the Minnesota Wild at 21st-overall. Tune into the full three-part Mock Draft on the Locked On NHL podcast feed or on YouTube: https://youtu.be/u5YU7rtNC_0 Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guarant...
Why Mark Scheifele Doesn't Make Sense for the Wild
June 26, 2023 07:00 - 31 minutes - 29 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, Alex Micheletti joins the show as we start by discussing Mark Scheifele, who seems likely to be traded this offseason by Winnipeg. We look at a proposed trade, and why it doesn't seem to be one Winnipeg would be keen on from their end. We also discuss why Scheifele, while still a good player, made more sense for the Wild in previous years because of his impending free agent status. We also discuss draft options at 21, including the potential of a team to...
How to Properly Celebrate a Stanley Cup Championship with Jonny Lazarus
June 23, 2023 23:14 - 31 minutes - 28.8 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, Jonny Lazarus joins us to look back at the Stanley Cup Final. We look at how the Vegas Golden Knights used their formula from the entire season to hoist the Stanley Cup. We look at how Adin Hill stepped up to fill in the net for the Golden Knights and how players like Mark Stone and Jack Eichel stepped up when the spotlight was the brightest. We also look at how Florida was able to right their ship thanks to the leadership of Paul Maurice. We discuss Ser...
Is Trading Up in the Draft this Year Worth the Cost?
June 22, 2023 07:00 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, Jayden Homuth joins the show as we look at potential costs of moving up toward the top 10 in this year's NHL Draft. We discuss ideas from The Athletic about moving Marco Rossi and the 21st overall pick to try to move up to 11, and whether or not it would be worthwhile for the Wild to try to do so. We look at potential costs to move higher up being too much, and look at the overall issue for the Wild being that they don't commit to being bad enough to dra...
Why Kevin Hayes is not Worth Pursuing for the Wild
June 21, 2023 07:00 - 27 minutes - 25 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, we debate the news that the Wild may have interest in Kevin Hayes. We look at the reasons that this wouldn't make sense for the Wild, such as Hayes' current contract and his overall level of production. We look at how the Flyers would have to retain a large portion of the contract, in addition to what the Wild would have to give up to acquire him. This all leads to the overall opinion that it isn't a transaction that is worthwhile for the Wild given wher...
Evaluating Jon Merrill's 2022-23 Season!
June 20, 2023 07:00 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, we evaluate the 2022-23 season for Jon Merrill. We look at a dip in his offensive numbers across the board, a rise in penalties, and defensive play that seemed to favor him being out of position more than he was in it. We discussed him finally being replaced in the lineup by Brock Faber, and how the issues Merrill was responsible for seemed to disappear almost entirely. We look at why he was not nearly as much of a problem last year. We hand out letter g...
2025-26 Success Hinges on Wild Prospects Playing Now
June 19, 2023 16:08 - 30 minutes - 27.9 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, Alex Micheletti joins as we look ahead to 2025-26 to see who will still be here and how many roster spots will be filled by younger prospects! We start with the goalie room, which hinges on Filip Gustavsson's upcoming extension. There could be a couple of years of overlap between Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt before Wallstedt takes over as the top goalie. We look at the blue line, with several names that could step up such as Kyle Masters, Carson Lambo...
Who Could Fall to the Wild at 21?
June 17, 2023 01:23 - 29 minutes - 27 MBOn today's episode of Locked on Wild, Gabe Foley of Recruit Scouting joins the show to discuss first round options for the Wild at pick 21. We start by looking at a few players who could potentially slide to the Wild at 21, including Oliver Moore and Brayden Yager. We move to Gabe's pick in his latest mock draft for the Wild in Otto Stenberg, as well as other potential options in Mikhail Gulyayev or Dmitri Simashev. We finish by looking at later round options that could make the team that se...