Minnesota Wild: No Regrets About Tyler Ennis

When the Minnesota Wild chose to buy-out the rest of Tyler Ennis‘ contract, they officially had given up on the player. They couldn’t trade him so saw better value in wearing contract costs to rid themselves of him.

Is this something the Minnesota Wild will live to regret? Or was moving on from Tyler Ennis the most sensible option for both parties involved?

Looking at his performances since pulling on a Toronto Maples Leafs jersey this pre-season, it’d be fair to say, as a Minnesota Wild fan, there may be a hint of regret – he’s tallying both goals and assists, and looking good doing it.

However, what we’re talking about here is an incredibly small sample size, against mid-strength opposition line-ups and Ennis is playing on the top line alongside Auston Matthews.

Should he see out the whole season on that top line, which in itself is unlikely, then sure I think there would be significant regret.

The Minnesota Wild would’ve failed miserably to partner Ennis with the right center. Someone that could bring his game to the next level. Someone I’m not one hundred percent sure the Wild actually have.

Whilst Eric Staal is great and likewise Mikko Koivu; they’re not quite that true elite tier, regardless of last year’s point totals.

Arriving with the Minnesota Wild, Ennis hadn’t exactly been at the peak of his performance or fitness for that matter with the Buffalo Sabres. He’d managed 13 points in 51 games a season prior and 11 points in 23 games the year before that. Not exactly earth-shattering totals.

However, the Wild took the risk in acquiring what was a pretty hefty contract based on those numbers. They took a risk because if he had an upswing in production and got back to the forty mark, which he had achieved across multiple years in Buffalo, suddenly he was a bit of a value contract.

Unfortunately for Minnesota, the risk didn’t pay off. Ennis’ style with his swift hands and speedy breakaway never really seemed to gel with the rest of the roster. Scoring 22 points across his 73 games with the team, he gave them a little return but nowhere near enough.

Now, having been bought out, it’s almost as if he has a chip on his shoulder and is ultimately determined to prove his doubters and nay-sayers wrong. The Maple Leafs are giving him a proverbial soap-box to shout from.

His pre-season shouting has been rather loud. Frustratingly.

Regret. Maybe not. Frustration at the fact the Wild couldn’t unlock the skills he’s now showing. Absolutely.