I don't think Billy Guerin wants to trade Spurgeon 1 year after making him captain. I don't think that would sit well in the locker room

I realize this, and also realize this trade is never gonna happen, but (IMO) the Wild should have never invested the term they did in Spurgeon with his new contract. In fact, I would have traded him 2 years ago when the Wild could have gotten a boatload of futures for him, but what do I know...

I agree, the term on this contract has me nervous. I'm hoping he can play at a high level all the way through but seeing Suter slow down a bit this season has me scared for all the big contracts we have. Eventually that NMC I believe becomes an M-NTC so hopefully he at least plays well until that changes

You are right, but it’s too late

I agree - I've taken flak for saying that same thing, but I don't think Spurgeon's contract is going to age well.

I don't think Spurgeon was a part of the problem and I'm glad he's still on our team, but I completely agree that the term will likely come back to bite us in the ass.

I don’t think so. His game is one that will likely age pretty well.

As for “playoff” version of a player analysis, that’s a pretty reactionary analysis. Yes, the game is heavier but that the thing I take away from this series is that Vegas was just had more depth of skill and was better coached.

And my oh my were they coached well. I was so impressed with their passing and puck possession. Their breakouts, forecheck and backchecking was very impressive.

What really got me was how Evason didn’t adapt in games 3 and 4. If I have one critique of the team this series, it’s that. That’s a problem that player personnel won’t fix.

IMO, Spurgeon is about 75% of his regular season self in the playoffs. He constantly shies away from contact, reaches for pucks instead of skating to them, gets thrown around like a rag doll all over the place, and cannot defend well in front of yhe net. He’s a great regular season player, but only a little better than league-average in the post season. I already think he’s lost an 1/8th of a step, once it’s 1/2 a step, he’s done! Stupid, stupid contract!

I think we’ll have to agree to disagree here. I’d bet that you’re seeing Spurg on the ice for more goals, but not accounting for increased usage against top end competition. That’s not an excuse, but it does explain why it’s easier to come to the conclusion that he isn’t a “playoff performer.”

preaching to the choir.

He plays against top lines all year long, but when the physicality of the playoffs is involved, he isn’t nearly as good of a player!

I knew you wouldn’t have any issues with this.