Minnesota Wild Trade Setoguchi To Winnipeg, Sign Matt Cooke
By Scott Drain
April 27, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Matt Cooke (24) handles the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 8-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Wild have traded Devin Setoguchi to the Winnipeg Jets for a 2nd round pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. This surprising move created another $3 million dollars in salary cap space for the Wild. Minnesota General Manager Chuck Fletcher immediately spent that space signing free agent right wing and agitator Matt Cooke to a 3 year deal. Setoguchi was entering the final year of his contract with the Wild, scoring 27 goals and picking up 36 assists for 63 points over 117 games in a Wild sweater. He came to Minnesota in a draft day trade in 2011 that sent defenseman Brent Burns to the San Jose Sharks. Setoguchi played well last year when on a line with Matt Cullen. When Cullen wasn’t there he looked lost and his production dropped off drastically.
Matt Cooke. Yes Wild fans Matt @$#% Cooke is now a member of the Minnesota Wild. I never thought I’d see the day. Matt Cooke is a threat to injure someone or pick up a suspension every time he steps on the ice. Cooke is familiar with Head Coach Mike Yeo and GM Fletcher having worked with both of them in Pittsburgh. Cooke does have some skills and has allegedly cleaned up his act. It’s obvious he was brought in to take Cal Clutterbucks spot as team agitator and overall pest. Cooke totaled 21 last season with 8 goals and 13 assists in 48 games with Pittsburgh. He led Penguins forwards with 41 blocked shots and ranked 2nd on the team on the penalty kill averaging 2:11 per game. Cooke is a veteran of 935 regular season games and has totaled 153 goals and 207 assists for 360 points. He is also well known for his several suspensions during his career. This latest activity by GM Fletcher basically results in Matt Cooke and second round pick for Devin Setoguchi. How that works out only time will tell.
It’s been a busy day one for the 2013 free agency period who knows what day two and beyond will bring. GonePuckWild.com will keep you informed for all Minnesota Wild happenings. Until next time this is Scott Drain chanting, “Let’s Go Wild!”