The Minnesota Wild added more muscle to their roster by acquiring controversial forward Chris Simon in exchange for a sixth round pick.
Wild GM Doug Risebrough obviously still remembers how his team was pushed around in last year’s playoffs by the Anaheim Ducks, hence the reason for adding Simon, although this move is not without its risk.
Simon is coming off two lengthy suspensions over the last year, one for slashing NY Rangers Ryan Hollweg in the face last season and stomping on Penguins forward Jarkko Ruutu with his skate earlier this season.
The Wild are in need of more than another goon, as this team has been lacking depth at center throughout the season, especially after Wes Walz retired earlier this season.
Yeah, just what the Wild need a wild stick swinging minus player whose little offensive skills have faded into an abyss - the minute a player from another team gets under Simon's skin, the Wild will soon see what a mistake this acquisition was.
This one does not make sense to me. I do not see how Simon fits in with what Minnesota does. And looking at the Northwest division gives me a lot of hope as an Avs fan. Minny brings in Simon, Vancouver brings in Matt Pettinger, Calgary and Edmonton apparently stand pat, and Colorado brings in Forsberg, Foote, and Salei all in the week after getting back Sakic, Stastny, and Smyth. I think Colorado just went from a possible playoff team, to a strong candidate to catch back up and overtake the division lead. If nothing else, the Avs just became a very challenging match-up. Meanwhile, Minny will be 1 round and out when they find out that the team with the most goals (not PIMs) wins the game. I hate to see him kill my Avs, but I'd love to see someone consequential playing alongside Gabborick.
Now the Wild have their own version of the Hanson brothers.
For those of you that don't think this trade makes sense...just think back to what happened in the playoffs last year. The Ducks out-muscled the Wild. Brad May sucked punched their best defenseman. It's not about winning or losing, but no team will take any liberties with the Wild.
Flash, It's one thing to be rough and tough but another thing to be a thug and punk on the ice. That's what Simon is - he will show his colors just as soon as someone pushes his button, and it won't take long!
Is this the best GM Risebrough can do, take a page from Brian Burke's playbook? Signing yet another goon to shore up our dwindling playoff chances...I'll pass. They sat on their hands while legitimate goal scorers went to teams who have no chance to miss the playoffs. Hossa to Pittsburgh, Richards to Dallas. I understand not wanting to give up a draft choice or a prospect for a rental player, but come on, the West is way too competitive to settle for mediocrity.
Even with Simon weighing the Wild down, the Wild can take any team out there. Nice move Avs, Forsberg is too little too late. A fawn with a broken leg. We feel bad for him. Gaborik and Demetra can settle any score.
Last edited by MNGopherPuck on February 26th at 2:49 PM.
Personally, I think this move is just plain lame. This is the last thing the Wild needed. Plus, Simon is bound to cross the line sooner or later and hurt the team more than help.
I am just saying that the Wild really want to jump into that 5th spot and play the Ducks, and it's not about winning or losing. It's about giving the Ducks some back. After the series against the Ducks last season, the coach and Boogaard went to the locker room WITHOUT shaking hands with the Ducks players. Hmmm, last time I checked hockey had some sportmanship in that both teams shake hands when it's all over regardless of outcome. The Wild are taking this rival to the next level.
I imagine Simon is already targeting people to attack during the first round of the playoffs. I don't see him lasting beyond the playoffs for Minny, so the real question here is why Risebrough didn't do more. I certainly would have liked to see some more skill come in to help their top scorers, because from where I sit, they aren't deep enough to handle the grind of the second season. Having a hired assassin won't do you much good in the playoffs. I get that they might not have felt tough enough after last year, but this guy clearly has anger management problems and if the tough guy line gets actual minutes, they are going to have more than haymakers to worry about. Just seeing Simon's name as still being in the league makes me sick. The reason he remains is because general managers still go out and support his over-the-top antics. Send him a message and send him to the golf course. This just gives me a reason to root against an otherwise impressive team.
This is possibly the most retarded thing Risebrough has done yet. Pick up a psychopath to address obvious center issues. NICE ONE!!! Guess the run will be short yet again this post season. Thanks for dashing the hope, Dougie!
Wow,this really adds class to the Wild. . But than again Doug Riseborough has made excellent mid season aquistions before like Adam hall and dominic moore. I was hoping we could trade D.Riseborough for Gainey or Burke. I bet Jokinen was too rich for the wild's blood. The only way the wild will make it past the first round is if Backstrom gets hot.
Settle down, Wild fans. I think we're crucifying Risebrough without demanding some production from the players we have. Guys like Rolston, Demitra, and Gabby need to do something. The defensemen need to wake up and post up at the net, drive guys off the puck. Backstrom needs to pull his head out of wherever it is and make a few saves.
Personally, I really, really like this move. It gives them the ability to have an enforcer or power forward on every line (Boogey, Simon, Fedoruk, Voros). Or hey, how many teams are going to #### themselves when a Simon-Boogey-Fedoruk line skates out? Plus, Simon is a garbageman, a guy who will glue himself in front of the crease and screen the goalie. The Wild have had chances galore in the last two weeks, but they haven't had the muscle or grind to stuff them in there. Yes, they didn't get Fedorov, but what more would he have brought to the table in such a defensive-minded system? So I'm probably in the minority here, but I find the Chris Simon move to be a good one, regardless of the popularity.
Oh, and by the way, many championship teams have been built around personnel decisions that most of the fans considered ludicrous or downright retarded. See Farve in '92, etc.
This is a move that really has no down side, with Boogarrd out indefintly, the Wild need some muscle and Simon has a little of both muscle and scoring touch. And a sixth round draft choice, waht the hell.
The Ducks should feel complimented--but Mini needs to get in the rivalry line.
However, this is kinda scary for Anaheim come post season.
I did a little digging and I think if Anaheim plays Mini in the playoffs we should expect to see Mike Hoffman come up to the big club from Portland. At 6'5" 248, he could be placed on a line with Parros and May and basically guarantee that May, Parros, Simon, Fedoruk, Bootard, and himself don't step foot on the ice once the entire series. They could all just sit at center ice on the bench and chirp away.
Still, would be a fun series if all three of them got in a nice little line brawl.
I'm Lyle Richardson, also known as Spector, Foxsports.com 's "Prince of Pucks".,which is based on the fact I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada and I couldn't think of a better byline. I've been an NHL hockey commentator since 1998 on my website, Spector's Hockey, and I'm a contributing writer for Foxsports.com , The Hockey News and Eishockey News. I'm also a regular on The Faceoff Hockey Show and a frequent guest on "The Late Crew" on The Team 1200 Ottawa.
