Wild – Page 33 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Nick Bjugstad Talks Wild Leadership

Posted on September 14, 2021 by David Shama

With the offseason departure of veterans Ryan Suter and Zach Parise, the Minnesota Wild faces a leadership question as the team approaches the start of training camp September 22. Forward Nick Bjugstad, 29, addressed the subject and his own career in an interview with Sports Headliners.

Bjugstad acknowledged it will be a different locker room next season without Suter, 36, and Parise, 37, who for years were the face of the franchise. “Those guys will be missed and they’ll have to be guys that step up,” Bjugstad said.

Bjugstad has seen the importance and role of leadership during a 10-year pro career. He played seven seasons with the Florida Panthers, two with the Pittsburgh Penguins and a first year with the Wild in 2020-2021. “I’ve been in very different locker rooms. I’d say the best cultures I’ve been in, the leadership starts from the top.”

Sidney Crosby, a super star for the ages, was a teammate of Bjugstad in Pittsburgh. Crosby led the Penguins not just with enormous talent but with a work ethic that set the tone for championship expectations. In Florida Bjugstad said the best teams he played with enjoyed and challenged one another.

How does Bjugstad see his leadership role for the coming season? “Definitely as an older guy you have to view yourself as someone who can help…the young guys. Help be a voice in the locker room. … I think a lot of the wisdom I retained over the years was from the older guys.”

Leadership is never about one person on a roster. Bjugstad expects team leaders to include Marcus Fuligno, Joel Eriksson Ek and Jared Spurgeon. Fuligno, Bjugstad said, is a vocal leader in the locker room and Ek’s focus and attention at the arena is exemplary. And Spurgeon?

“He reminds me of Crobsy in the way that he is very inclusive,” Bjugstad said. “Treats everybody the same, makes them feel welcome, and obviously an unbelievable defender.”

Bjugstad said the right locker room environment creates a culture where “everyone flourishes.” That includes impressionable younger players who are comfortable coming to veterans for advice.

Bjugstad said he loves meeting different people. He enjoys being around the locker room, and he is curious about the psychological aspect of sports.

Adversity has played a major part shaping who Bjugstad is. He’s endured serious injuries and when he came to the Wild about a year ago his past included major groin and back surgeries. As a result he has taken much more interest in the human body and how it functions.

He knows if players are injured and don’t understand what happened to them, the development can lead to a downspin in careers. “…If I wasn’t injured as much as I was I wouldn’t really be talking about the nervous system and how the body functions,” Bjugstad said.

Nick Bjugstad, photo credit Minnesota Wild/Bruce Kluckhohn

Bjugstad has taken a different approach to offseason training this summer. As a younger player he was very aggressive in the weight room and didn’t pay attention to his body. Now his training approach is much more balanced including workouts in the pool and even proper breathing. His regimen emphasizes staying healthy and having a long career.

The former Blaine High School star who was the state’s Mr. Hockey in 2010, hasn’t played a full NHL season since 2017-2018. His goal now of playing a full schedule of 82 games is not a surprise.

At 6-foot-6 and about 208 pounds, Bjugstad is thin and he targets consumption of 5,000 calories per day. He eats a gluten free diet of healthy foods. While it may sound great to have a pass for 5,000 calories a day, Bjugstad does find himself eating just because he must.

He feels energized and mentally ready as training camp nears. As he approached his first season with the Wild a year ago, he wasn’t able to train the way he wanted because of surgeries. “I was a little apprehensive with a lot of the things I was doing going into the season and then I got through the season relatively healthy, and then this summer has been full bore,” he said.

The Minneapolis-born Bjugstad is grateful the Wild gave him an opportunity to come home. Because of the pandemic, this will be his first season playing in front of fans at Xcel Energy Center. “I love the fans. I was a fan of the Wild when I was a kid so I am really excited to get people in the building.”

Over the years the Wild has struggled to score goals, including in the playoffs. Bjugstad said he has been working with a skills coach to help his shooting in different positions. While offense is important, he wants to be known as a two-way player. “I’ve learned to play a little more of a defensive game than I played when I was younger.”

The Wild has been waiting a long time to make a deep playoff run. What about the season ahead? “I definitely think this group we have the Wild…wants to get better and enjoys being around each other, and that can make the world of difference in a long season and a playoff run,” Bjugstad said.

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Vikings Need Veteran Backup QB

Posted on August 24, 2021August 24, 2021 by David Shama

After several weeks of training camp and two preseason games it looks like the Minnesota Vikings need a backup quarterback with NFL experience to be No. 2 on the depth chart behind starter Kirk Cousins. A former NFL executive, speaking anonymously, told Sports Headliners it’s “really important” to try and make such a move.

The backups on the roster currently have no experience in NFL regular season games. As things stand now, it appears if Cousins were injured this fall and unable to play his team could falter badly on offense.

Rookie Kellen Mond has played more in preseason games than any other Vikings quarterback and looks unprepared to step in for Cousins if the need arrives as soon as next month. Jake Browning has played about one quarter and been less impressive than Mond. Nate Stanley, the third of the young and inexperienced quarterbacks, has yet to play this month.

Mond’s statistics include completing 12 of 28 pass attempts (42.9 percent) for 114 yards and no touchdowns. He has been off target with throws and looked indecisive in the pocket. Although a gifted runner at 6-3, 211, he seems reluctant to scramble and gain yards from broken plays. He was a spread formation quarterback at Texas A&M and now must adapt to taking snaps under center. He is also learning the complex offense, and his overall learning curve was set back awhile ago when quarantined because of testing positive for COVID-19.

The 22-year-old Mond has been criticized by head coach Mike Zimmer for being too nonchalant on the field. “He’s going to have to move faster with everything he does,” Zimmer told the KFAN FM 100.3 radio audience following the first preseason game. Later it was reported Mond was sensitive to the criticism.

Mond may some day become an NFL-ready first string option but for now he is a 3rd round draft choice looking at a steep learning curve. In addition, with Cousins unvaccinated, the threat of COVID sidelining Cousins puts the Vikings in even more potential peril.

Zimmer was asked about bringing in a veteran quarterback after Saturday night’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts. “We’ll talk about it this week,” he said. “You know, with the monetary situation we have to be careful of that as well.”

Zimmer is referring to the team’s salary cap. The source referenced above said after the Vikings settle on their 53-man roster and other personnel obligations they will have “$3 to 4 million” in salary cap room to spend on a veteran quarterback if they wish. Possibilities might include Nick Foles of the Chicago Bears, Brian Hoyer with the New England Patriots and Josh Rosen who was cut earlier this month by the San Francisco 49ers and has passed through waivers (although reports have the Atlanta Falcons signing him).

NFL teams must be down to 53-man rosters by August 31, including active and inactive players. The league trade deadline is November 2.

Judging by the play of their backup quarterbacks this month and Zimmer’s quote last Saturday, the Vikings will be shopping this week and likely beyond, watching the quarterback market with an acquisition possibly coming via trade. The ex-NFL executive, though, believes the Vikings could decide to stick with Mond, counting on major improvement in a short period and gambling Cousins, who has been a durable quarterback during his career, stays healthy.

Worth Noting

Everson Griffen, the veteran defensive lineman signed recently by the Vikings, likely is playing for the league minimum of $1 million, plus incentives, per the source.

The 0-2 Vikings try for a victory Friday night in Kansas City against the Chiefs and a loss means the first winless preseason for Minnesota since 1979.

Contrary to speculation, Vikings executive Lester Bagley won’t be heading up the Wilf family’s Orlando soccer franchise. Bagley has been assisting with the Orlando operation including the search for a CEO but he will remain with the Vikings.

It will be a surprise if impressive rookie Ihmir Smith-Marsette, a fifth round draft choice from Iowa, doesn’t win the assignment of returning kickoffs for the Vikings, and perhaps punts, too. He has a 26.3 average on three kickoff returns and has returned one punt for 17 yards. His place on the roster also provides depth at wide receiver.

At 21 years old Smith-Marsette is the youngest player on the roster. Punter Britton Colquitt is the oldest at 36.

University of Minnesota football coach P.J. Fleck said yesterday injured WR Chris Autman-Bell is day-to-day and that he’s “excited about his progress.” Talking about the quarterback group, Fleck said No. 2 Zack Annexstad has been too self-critical but is improving in that area.

Coach John Anderson, who this year finished his 40th season leading the historic University of Minnesota baseball program, is the latest “Behind the Game” guest of co-hosts Patrick Klinger and Bill Robertson. The program is available for viewing on the “Behind the Game” YouTube Channel and via cable access throughout the state.

The charm and competitiveness of the State Town Ball baseball tournament that started earlier this month continues through the next two weekends. Fans will see a variety of skill levels and players including former professionals. Total attendance goal is 25,000, per Dale Welter.

The Minnesota Twins, in New York last week to play the Yankees, didn’t have to face Luis Gill, their former minor league pitcher. The 23-year-old right-hander made his MLB debut earlier this month and has yet to give up an earned run in 15.2 innings. Gill, who has 18 strikeouts, was traded to the Yankees in March of 2018 for outfielder Jake Cave.

Jerry Kill, the former Gopher football coach who remains popular and friends with so many Minnesotans, is 60 today. Kill is starting his second season as an assistant in charge of the offense at TCU.

The Big Ten football season begins Saturday with Nebraska at Illinois. FOX will televise with kickoff expected shortly after noon Minneapolis time.

Hockey authority Michael Russo tweeted yesterday that CSKA Moscow says Kirill Kaprizov won’t be playing for the team next season, indicating the gifted forward will settle on a contract with the Minnesota Wild.

The local section of the United States Tennis Association is hosting a US Open viewing party from 5 to 11 p.m. August 30 at the Vikings’ TCO Stadium. Fans will need free tickets to watch on the stadium Jumbotron. Contact the USTA Northern Section for more information.

Scott Davis, from Yahoo.com, points out the NBA New York Knicks “have not re-signed their past 18 first-round picks to a second, multi-year contract.” In his first season with the Knicks, former Minnesota Timberwolves boss Tom Thibodeau was named NBA Coach of the Year for 2020-21.

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Intriguing If WR Wright Subs for U

Posted on August 17, 2021August 18, 2021 by David Shama

Chris Autman-Bell, counted on this fall to be the Golden Gophers’ No. 1 receiver, is sidelined with an undisclosed injury, but possibly a high ankle sprain. The injury happened in practice last week and speculation has been Autman-Bell could miss the September 2 opening game against Ohio State. Head coach P.J. Fleck said after practice last night Autman-Bell’s injury is “week-to-week” and predicted a “legitimate chance” he could compete against the Buckeyes.

Autman-Bell, a senior, has played in 33 games during his Minnesota career, with 78 receptions for 1,250 yards and six touchdowns. That’s a lot of experience for the talented wide receiver who makes difficult catches and has the skills to be an NFL prospect.

If Autman-Bell can’t play against top five tanked Ohio State, who gets his assignment? It could be a group approach and several receivers had a lot of reps in practice yesterday. None seem more intriguing than Dylan Wright who showed his speed and pass catching skills Monday.

“He consistently makes huge plays,” Fleck said. “He’s just gotta be able to have the detailed part of the game continue to be ironed out.”

Wright, 6-3 and 215, is a redshirt sophomore and new to the roster after transferring from Texas A&M where he played in a total of eight games in 2019 and 2020. Fleck didn’t offer more explanation on how Wright needs to continue improvement.

Ryan Burns, the 247Sports Gopher football authority, sees more “immediate upside” in Wright than other potential subs for Autman-Bell.

“He’s the most athletic receiver on the roster,” Burns told Sports Headliners in regard to Wright. “His straight line speed, he can take the top off the defense. He knows how to go up and get a football.”

247Sports ranked the Dallas native the No. 12 wide receiver prospect in the country coming out of high school after his 2018 senior season. Wright was also named an Under Armor All-American.

Worth Noting

Matthew Trickett, the Kent State transfer, made 11 of 14 field goal attempts late at Monday’s practice, according to Daniel House of Gophers Guru. Trickett could be a lock to win the kicking job. True freshman quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, from Antioch, Illinois, threw some of the best spirals at practice.

Burns tracks Gophers and Big Ten recruiting. In Minnesota’s 2021 recruiting class five of the 18 players are from Illinois but for 2022 none of the 13 verbal commits are from that state, per 247Sports. New University of Illinois coach Bret Bielema has vowed to make in-state talent a top priority.

Burns said restrictions caused by the pandemic limited Minnesota’s recruiting in Illinois for its 2022 class. The Gophers did hold a camp in the state but chose not to offer anyone a scholarship. “I don’t think Minnesota is scared of Bret Bielema when they recruit the state of Illinois,” Burns said.

The Gophers will again wear a helmet sticker honoring the late Sid Hartman. The legendary media figure died during the 2020 season and in late October the Gophers began wearing a remembrance sticker on the back of their helmets.

There was expectation Minnesota Wild forward Kevin Fiala, who last season led the team in game-winning goals (5), shots on goal (162), power-play points (14) and takeaways (41), might earn $6 million on his next contract but the NHL club announced a one-year $5.1 million deal yesterday. He also ranked second in scoring with 40 points, 20 goals and 20 assists.

No word from St. Thomas on what radio station will carry Tommies football and who the on-air talent will be in its first season of Division I FCS.

The Minnesota Twins’ 2022 season schedule has a quirk with the club starting play with a split doubleheader in Detroit after the MLB All-Star break. Other clubs will play Friday, July 22 but because of a concert at Comerica Park that week the Twins and Tigers will have two games Saturday, July 23.

Every year the Twins ask schedule makers to start them on the road and for 2022 they had extra incentive not to be at home and conflict with the women’s NCAA Final Four basketball games at Target Center, April 1 and 3. The Twins open the 2022 season March 31 in Chicago against the White Sox, then go to Cleveland before playing the home opener April 7 with Seattle.

All MLB teams must at least occasionally begin their seasons at home. “We think that an extra week of Mother Nature warming in April is to our benefit, to our fans benefit and our players benefit,” said Twins president Dave St. Peter.

St. Peter told Sports Headliners former Twins first baseman Justin Morneau is a hit providing color analysis on TV games and that his work draws comparisons to Tony Romo of CBS football. “We think he is a rising star,” St. Peter said.

Tommy Davis, a freshman guard on the Golden Gophers’ 1982 Big Ten championship team who finished his career as Minnesota’s fourth all-time leading scorer, will be inducted into the M Club Hall of Fame September 10. A long range shooter, Davis set a Big Ten record making 15 of 16 field goal attempts in a game at Indiana.

Davis, a Maryland native, was hotly recruited out of high school. Gophers coach Jim Dutcher was looking for an edge and asked Walter Mondale, a Minnesota native and then vice president of the United States, to help. Tommy’s dad received a surprise call one day at work, Dutcher told Sports Headliners. Someone in the office informed Mr. Davis that the vice president was on the line. “The vice president of what?” the unknowing Mr. Davis asked.

Giovanni Jenkins is the new athletic director at Washburn High School in Minneapolis.

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