Well, it's official. Pavol Demitra is no longer a member of the Minnesota Wild. Admittedly, this doesn't really shock anyone who was following the team, as they made (at least publically) absolutely no move to try and keep him around. If there is a surprise, it would be where Demitra has landed, and even that is tempered.
See, after the attack on Mikko Koivu last season, it may surprise people to think of anyone wearing the Iron Range red sweater last year playing this season with the Vancouver Canucks. An even bigger shocker would be Matthias Ohlund coming to play for the Wild, but we know that just isn't going to happen.
But, something to keep in mind. Demitra's former (we assume) agent is now employed by Vancouver. That alone may have swayed his decision as to where to head.
What does this mean for the Wild next year? Well, they're trying to replace Rolston with Nolan, and it seems like the Brunette pick was softening the blow of Demitra's inevitable departure. A bigger question might be what does it mean for Marian Gaborik. He seemed happier the last couple of seasons playing with his friend and countrymate. How will he respond to Demo lining up against him this season?
And is this all foolish speculation? If the Wild don't hammer out a contract for Gabby soon, we could easily see him being dangled (along with Bouchard) as trade bait. It would be an attractive offer for other teams, especially anyone looking to make a concentrated Cup push.
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