Off-Season Outlook: Minnesota Wild

The Minnesota Wild have never had a more important summer in their nine year history than this upcoming off season. With a new general manager, new coach, and the possibility of star player Marian Gaborik leaving via free agency, fans and players alike are on the edge of their seats.

When the only coach in the Wild history, Jacques Lemaire, resigned a little over a month ago, players and fans knew there would be a different product on the ice next season.  Lemaire has long been known for his trapping neutral zone system which emphasized defense. The system was very effective, but usually not as exciting as some fans would like.

Three days later, Doug Risebrough, the only general manager the Wild has ever had, was fired by owner Craig Leipold. This was unexpected by almost all, but there were a lot of experts who had been questioning Risebroughs' moves in recent years.

Risebrough has failed at developing superstars like Gaborik, but has kept the team competitive at the very least.

This leads to the biggest question: will the Wild be able to resign superstar Marian Gaborik?  Most signs are pointing to no, but I'm sure that most Wild fans will hope Gaborik suddenly realizes how lucky he is to be playing in front of home fans who have sold out every home game in the Wild's history. 

One positive for these people is that Gaborik missed all but 17 games this season due to hip surgery. This could drive down Gaborik's asking price, which would help the Wilds' cause. 

The Wild were believed to offer Gaborik a long-term contract starting between $8 million to $9 million per year. If he was offered that number today, he would almost be crazy to turn that down.

All of Minnesota has to be praying that Gaborik resigns and the beloved franchise does not have to find a new superstar.