Why is Koivu on the fourth line

Hopefully they announce a trade during the game. That’ll fire me up

He's played on the 4th line nearly the whole year this year

That tweet was about Mayhew and Belpedio being sent down to Iowa tomorrow morning to be eligible for AHL playoffs. They'll be recalled again tomorrow afternoon. Basically, he was saying they are "AHL guys to start" the day tomorrow.

Yes, I get that, but they are playing tonight and Russo said they wouldn't unless there's something happening...

Where did he say they're playing? If they do, that's 3 games in 3 nights since they just played back to backs in Texas.

Mayhew and Belpedio won’t play tonight “unless something happens,” which may mean if #mnwild sit somebody as trade deadline precaution

Both players just played back to back in Texas, so not a surprise the plan is not to play them tonight

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) February 23, 2020

Yes. You’re right on https://t.co/4xzGdXSCRg

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) February 23, 2020

AHL guys to start

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) February 23, 2020

Who reported they were playing tonight? Russo hasn't. He tweeted he won't know the line-up until warm-ups.

I just quoted the tweet above. He said "AHL guys to start", which I interpreted as "Mayhew and Belpedio to start".

I think he meant they're AHL guys to start the day tomorrow so they're eligible for the Calder Cup playoffs. Strangely worded tweet though.

Maybe you and @BoredWildFan are right, but it seems odd to me to even call them up if you're just going to scratch them, then send them back to Iowa tomorrow, and then call them back up unless there's a trade cooking and they are actually playing.

The current standings table is always deceiving because teams in contention for the same places have rarely played the exact same number of games. When Minnesota plays tonight, the Wild will be one of the three final teams to complete 61 games. (The other two are the Islanders and Pittsburgh.) At that point, the two wild-card teams (Calgary and Winnipeg) had 68 points. If Minnesota wins tonight, they would have 67. So I think Guerin is likely to be making a "hockey trade," not a futures trade (like the Zucker move was, essentially). Just my two cents.

He's been there since he returned from whatever injury he had earlier this year. He hasn't been very good this year. His last couple games hes looked better at least.

I agree, although I think Guerin realizes this team isn't good enough to truly be a contender. Our beat writer has said he's looking to make significant moves with guys like Parise, Koivu (who has since said he wouldn't waive his NMC), Brodin, Dumba, and Foligno all on the table. You don't look to move those players unless you're planning on missing the playoffs.

I thought it was odd the Wild brought Belpedio up. I thought Menell was first man up. I assume that means Dumba is possibly moving?

I'm sure you're right that the intent was to have them in case a deal gets done before the game starts, but I wouldn't think something is imminent I guess. Definitely the time of year to wonder what exactly every tweet means if it's not 100% clear. lol

With Kunin and Soucy injured, Billy needed to recall a couple players. He wouldn't be doing his job if he let the team go into the game without a healthy body or two in the pressbox.

Listening to Russo's podcast now, sounds like Guerin doesn't want to move a D with Soucy out and the team being close to a playoff spot unless they are absolutely blown away by an offer. Russo hinted that Necas might be the only guy for them that would fit that criteria, but before Pesce was injured last night he has been told by multiple sources in Carolina that there is almost no circumstance that they'd be willing to trade Necas. He also said that could change with Pesce's injury, but it depends on how bad the injury is and he isn't sure if Waddell would be willing to move someone as talented as Necas just to give them more help to make the playoffs (he also hinted that it's possible there would be financial benefits for the Canes to make the playoffs and he isn't sure if that could influence their decision to acquire a top D).

Call them up just in case you need them. The Wild have had a bunch of guys miss games because there is some illness floating around the locker room that just won't go away. The TDL is a consideration too. They could just want to see if Belpedio is ready or not for the NHL.

It'll give the AHL guys a nice little boost in their paycheck even if they don't play. Better to have the guys if you need them, than need them and not have them.

I just think he is looking at all options. If you look at that group is a rental (bad year), 2 x rental+1 (having great years), a significant long term cap hit (good year, but old), and a guy that's having a bad year.

Dumba/Brodin being on the table is partially due the the expansion draft next year. With Soucy playing so well we have another Brodin, Dumba, Spurgeon, Scandella type of situation going on with the d-corps.

I just heard that Brett Pesce is out long-term, perhaps all the way until the start of the playoffs, so maybe the Hurricanes have an interest in Dumba. If so, Guerin ought to make them take Rask back.

Sounds like Guerin won't make a move unless it's for a top line center and I (understandably) don't see Carolina moving Aho, which leaves Necas. IF (and this is a massive if) Waddell calls Guerin and says "alright, we need help on defense. We'll give you Necas if we can have our pick of Dumba or Brodin", I think Guerin makes the trade, even if we have to take a cap dump coming back. Really the only way I think they actually move him is if it's what Russo said: there is pressure from the Canes' owner to make the playoffs this year and get home ice advantage, as there is obviously a large financial benefit from hosting playoff games. I mean if it's me and I'm Waddell, I still don't move Necas even for a superb defenseman like Brodin, but if there's pressure maybe Waddell cracks. It will be an interesting 24 hours to say the least...

I think Waddell and Brind'Amour take Brodin because he can play both sides and what will they do with Hamilton, Pesce and Dumba all healthy next year? Plus Dumba will cost more than just Necas, I think.

I actually think Brodin is the more valuable piece in a trade. Dumba has had quite the down year and while he has a good reason (tore his pec last year), it's still a concern for teams. But I agree, Brodin is more of what they need in terms of on-ice product and they still need another top 4 LD even when Hamilton and Pesce return. I'm starting to wonder more and more if Waddell pulls the trigger. The playoff race is tight out east and Carolina has a game in hand and is only 3 points back from the Flyers to secure 3rd in their division.

Man I think Necas is going to be really good. Intriguing player but I just don’t see how the canes could fit Brodin or dumba in since their top 4 is already so deep