2013-14 Season In Review: Chuck Fletcher

Photo: Wild.com

A review of the Wild's general manager, Chuck Fletcher.

Record

Minnesota (NHL): Regular Season: 43-27-12, 98 Points, Fourth in Central Division
                             Playoffs: 6-7 (Win vs Colorado 4-3, Loss vs Chicago 2-4)

Acquisitions For 2013-14

-Traded Cal Clutterbuck and the 70th overall pick in the 2013 Draft to New York Islanders for Nino Niederreiter on June 30th, 2013.
-Signed Matt Cooke to a three year deal on July 5th.
-Signed Keith Ballard to a two year deal on July 5th.
-Traded a fourth round pick in 2014 draft to Edmonton for Ilya Bryzgalov on March 4, 2014.
-Traded a second round pick in 2014 draft and 2016 draft along with Torrey Mitchell to Buffalo for Matt Moulson and Cody McCormick on March 5, 2014.
-Signed Christian Folin to a two year entry level contract on March 31, 2014.

Review

Prior to this season, the Wild have had significant roster turnover under Fletcher the past couple of offseasons. This year, however, he was able to bring back a majority of the roster that got into the Stanley Cup Playoffs last year. Fletcher mainly filled empty roster spots with young players for this season (i.e. replacing Matt Cullen with Mikael Granlund), while adding a few key FAs like Cooke and Ballard. During the season, Fletcher showed patience with his roster despite very inconsistent play from his team. At the trade deadline, he managed to get a goaltender (Bryzgalov) and a top six scorer (Moulson) without giving up very much in return. The Bryzgalov deal turned into Fletcher's best move, as the goaltender went 7-1-2 for Minnesota following the trade deadline and solid for the team in round two of the playoffs.

Status for 2014-15

Fletcher will be around for a while, after reportedly receiving a contract extension this past year. Looking to next year, Fletcher has hinted that moves might be scarce and cap space might be reserved for the team's young players who are entering the final year of their entry level deals. It is very possible the Wild have more of a quiet offseason this year, and return a large amount of the team from 2013-14.


Follow Giles on Twitter @gilesferrell