7/1 Wild News & Notes Around The Internet

Editor's note: It's been a while since we've done a post filled with links so between that guilt and knowing a couple of these subjects won't get their proper due, here are the best Wild and prospect-related links throughout the mainstream media and blogosphere. 

It's here! Free Agency Day is finally here! The day the State of Hockey has been waiting for since Zach Parise signed a one-year contract and/or it became apparent first-line center Warren Peters wasn't going to lead Minnesota to the postseason. We'll find out soon enough if there will be riots in celebration or anger but for now, here's a look at some stories that may or may not been covered.

-The Wild celebrated their 15th anniversary of being founded last Monday.

Mathew Dumba
-While the last link post had Dumba's earlier blogs on NHL.com, it was missing the best one of all: being called on stage as the newest member of the Minnesota Wild.

-Video from the Red Deer defenseman following his selection (Hockey's Future)

-Tony over at Jacques Lemaire's Trap was happy with the pick.

-Same goes with SB Nation, The Hockey Writers, Sporting News and Puck Daddy.

NHL Draft
-Bryan Reynolds of Hockey Wilderness wrote a great critique on the Draft's TV coverage.

-Jess Myers on 1500 ESPN looks at Minnesota's tendency to draft physical this year.

-In a great head-scratching moment, former Wild first round bust Benoit Pouliot was traded to Tampa Bay at the Draftthen not qualified, making him a free agent. (Lightning Strikes)

-Not a good week for Minnesota minority owner Phil Falcone, whose problems with the SEC continue.

First Round Bust Synergy Empire
-Nate wrote an article on the Zach Parise/Nick Bjugstad similarities and how the Wild and Gophers have different expectations next season at SB Nation Minnesota (the article should be up by the time this is published).

Justin Schultz



I like a good take, one that spurs discussion and features quality analysis. Sometimes it feels like in a world of sound bites, arguing for argument's sake and people trying to get their voices heard over the clutter that gets lost in the shuffle. There are plenty of things to disagree with but really as long as you pronounce names correctly and have a rationale it's something I can respect.

The above video, which features FSN analyst Tom Chorske on KFAN, is one I disagree namely because the Wild still have holes on the blue line (even with Dumba) and Schultz's cap hit isn't much compared to the alternative. Maybe Chorske thought Minnesota didn't have a chance (the Wisconsin defenseman's camp was so quiet mainstream media were making up rumors and Russo hadn't heard anything) and wanted to save the team face. I don't know although it doesn't matter because Justin Schultz signed with Edmonton on Saturday.

Regardless it's a take.

Matt Kassian Ridiculous Moment Of The Week (Non-Kassassination Category
It's a tough race because between blogging and getting a new contract, this may be the most jam-packed week in the short history of MKRMOTW (rolls right off the tongue). However, nothing beats this KFAN interview where he discusses himself, training, growing up and possibly beating up kids.

Matt Kassian Ridiculous Moment of week (@kassassination category)

-Someone finds future Wild play-by-play Anthony LaPanta sexy.

Anthony LaPanta was in moorhead today. He is one sexy ass man. Yum.
— bri. (@BriLeigh5) June 28, 2012

Michael Russo Wing of Excellence
-All the qualifying offers fit to print.

-Minnesota's Depth Chart (and Parise/Suter info)

-Latendresse is gone, remember?

-Names of some undrafted prospects attending prospect development camp

Hodgepodge
-The Wild held their annual Summer Bash up in Roseville on Thursday. Wild TV has you covered.

-State of Hockey News has a free agent preview.

-Team of 18,001 continues their (Ryan) Suter Watch.

-It's that time of year when NCAA commits magically decide to go play Canadian major junior. (United States of Hockey)

-Brian Hall of Fox Sports North wrote a great personal piece on Charlie Coyle that is a must-read.

-Pierre-Marc Bouchard may have bought an ownership stake in the QMJHL Chicoutimi team. Not 100% sure on that with the French translation so sorry if that's wrong.

Finally on a personal note, congratulations to my younger sister Anna and her husband-to-be Ben on getting married today. Nothing hockey-related can take away what a great day today will be.