Wild Trade for Cam Barker

[The Greek]

No doubt many of you are already aware that the Wild just traded Kim Johnnson and Nick Leddy for Chicago's Cam Barker. If you get a chance, read Michael Russo's column in the Star Tribune about the trade. He states that the Wild were "very concerned about Leddy's development at the U." I'll take that as another shot from an NHL team directly at Don Lucia and the program he's running. That anti NHL tag is going to be hard for Don to shake.

[mikejm]

You know, I dislike the Gophers as much as anyone, but I think you might be reading a little more into the "development" comment than is really there. How about if the Wild just decided they don't like the way Leddy himself has developed, without comment about the program. You know, like they thought he looked really good as a high school senior, but now that he's nearly a year out, they're thinking maybe the kid hasn't grown physically or emotionally enough to justify their continued interest.

I'm sure there are a lot of former Sioux players whose development didn't live up to the expectations of the teams they were drafted by. Several come to mind in just the last three or four years. See if you can come up with a list of your own.

[mikeypat15]

Thank You Wild for this trade!

[redwing77]

You know, I dislike the Gophers as much as anyone, but I think you might be reading a little more into the "development" comment than is really there. How about if the Wild just decided they don't like the way Leddy himself has developed, without comment about the program. You know, like they thought he looked really good as a high school senior, but now that he's nearly a year out, they're thinking maybe the kid hasn't grown physically or emotionally enough to justify their continued interest.

I'm sure there are a lot of former Sioux players whose development didn't live up to the expectations of the teams they were drafted by. Several come to mind in just the last three or four years. See if you can come up with a list of your own.

I agree.

The way this has been taken assumes that the only one in charge of development is Lucia and not the player himself.

And I don't think Leddy is all that bad.

Really, the top two Minnesota born players to drop off the map that I can say with certainty has been AJ Thelen and David Fischer. AJ is in the ECHL. Who knows if he's under contract with the Wild. Fischer is still a prospect but he seems destined for the Sasha Pokaluk path... except Pokaluk bolted Cornell early and, from what I can tell, had a pretty good performance record while playing in Ithica.

[Shawn-O]

I agree.

The way this has been taken assumes that the only one in charge of development is Lucia and not the player himself.

And I don't think Leddy is all that bad.

Really, the top two Minnesota born players to drop off the map that I can say with certainty has been AJ Thelen and David Fischer. AJ is in the ECHL. Who knows if he's under contract with the Wild. Fischer is still a prospect but he seems destined for the Sasha Pokaluk path... except Pokaluk bolted Cornell early and, from what I can tell, had a pretty good performance record while playing in Ithica.

Cornell should have beaten Wisconsin in the NCAA's that season, they just couldn't get any Pokulok.

[woodbutcher]

Cornell should have beaten Wisconsin in the NCAA's that season, they just couldn't get any Pokulok.

Pokulok has done pretty well here in Bakersfield this season, earning himself a call up to the A. Hopefully he has put those concussions behind him.

[Goon]

AJ is in the ECHL. Who knows if he's under contract with the Wild.

He is not.