The Minnesota Wild’s need for another forward may already be solved. The accelerated development of two of their top prospects Alex Tuch and Joel Eriksson-Ek may have paved the way for them to make the NHL club in Minnesota this season.
At the expense of sounding like a broken record, the Minnesota Wild still have a bit of work to do this offseason to fill out their starting lineup spots. As I’ve suggested before the good money to this point has been on the Wild signing another NHL veteran to fill out the remaining open spot or spots. The idea of adding another low-cost free agent really seemed to be the way to go as it would add the required depth while offering some stability. But I realize now that’s only one way to look at this problem.
What if the reason the Wild have not signed anyone yet, is because they are happy with their in-house options and want to give a young player a chance to take a starting spot?
I’ll have to give credit where credit is due and say that the inspiration for this question came from listening to the Russo-Souhan Show and hearing Michael Russo and stand-in Anthony LaPanta discuss this option. The case was very clear that the Wild have young talents like Joel Eriksson-Ek and Alex Tuch on the payroll now and the team really wants to see them suit up sooner rather than later for the NHL squad.
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That would explain a lot, and it’s totally plausible. The development of Tuch and Eriksson-Ek has really been a bit faster than expected. You could make the argument that they need to get their feet wet in Iowa for at least a full season, but that’s really just conventional thinking taking over. The logic of the situation would tell you simply if they live up to the NHL standard and earn a spot in training camp, then why waste time?
Tuch is motivated for sure. In his interview Jace Frederick of the Pioneer Press during July’s development camp, Tuch explained that “I think there are a couple of roster spots that are up for grabs right now, and I’m going to be willing to do what it takes to grab one of those spots.” And right now he is doing what it takes as he’s showed a ton of maturity, leadership, and results on the scoresheet during development camp.
Eriksson-Ek has also impressed a ton this summer as he’s been able to showcase his talents a few times this summer. Head of Player Development for the Wild Brad Bombardier explained in an interview between halves of the final scrimmage of development camp that Eriksson-Ek “Showed up to camp as a man” eluding to his attitude and the fact that he put on 15 pounds of muscle. He’s increased his size and it shows in his stronger physical game. At the National Junior Development Tournament for Sweden Eriksson-Ek tallied a goal and showed strong two-way play up front.
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If the two players are serious about making the lineup they’ll need to be ready to put up strong performances in game situations in the Traverse City prospect tourney, and in training camp and preseason tilts. If they show the Wild coaching staff they’re up to the task in these game situations, they’ll make the Minnesota roster.
Even if they’re not ready for the big club, the Wild have the option to still bring in players on PTOs or sign one of the many veteran UFAs that are still out there. Both players could still be still be called up from Iowa or even Sweden in the case of Eriksson-Ek if the Wild decide to release him back to play there.
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All things considered, the fact that a veteran free-agent has not been brought in and the Wild are at their preferred cap space between $2-3 million, the plan seems to be let the two talented kids play for a roster spot. If another veteran is signed now the Wild would have a level of commitment to that player that might shut the door on these two cracking the lineup. Right now the spot is open and if Tuch or Eriksson-Ek plays well enough it’s theirs. Let’s see if they’ve got it in them to prove it.