The Wild likely will fall into the “No” categories regarding a trade this week, and qualifying for the Stanley Cup playoffs, but long term Glen Sonmor likes what he sees.
The NHL trading deadline is Wednesday and Sonmor, who used to scout for the Wild and before that made a career of coaching in the pros, recognizes both the difficulty of making trades and also the Wild’s personnel needs. “Everybody (in the NHL) could use a couple more goal scorers,” he told Sports Headliners.
He is impressed with the franchise’s new leadership, coach Todd Richards and general manager Chuck Fletcher, both in their first seasons here. “They have good guys in charge but it will take awhile,” Sonmor said.
The Wild resume play at Calgary on Wednesday. The Wild’s record is 30-27-4 and the team probably won’t make the playoffs unless the right mix of factors occurs including goalie Niklas Backstrom playing extraordinarily. The Wild’s 64 points ranks 13th among 15 Western Conference teams.
But because hockey fans here are so knowledgeable, Sonmor expects the public to remain patient with the new regime. The “P” word isn’t heard so often with the Gophers, though. Sonmor, who does radio commentary on the team’s games, has watched the Gophers struggle each of the last three seasons, but remains a coach Don Lucia supporter.
The Gophers have a disappointing record of 16-16-2 overall, 11-13-2 in the WCHA. Last season Minnesota didn’t qualify for the NCAA tournament for only the second time in Lucia’s coaching career with the Gophers that began in 1999. The Gophers were 17-13-7 overall, 12-11-5 in the WCHA. Lucia, who coached the Gophers to national championships in 2002 and 2003, also had a disappointing record two years ago, 19-17-9 overall, 9-12-7 in league play.
Sonmor is aware of speculation about Lucia’s job security. He said Lucia has a “tremendous” overall record and the criticism “boggles” his mind. “I don’t think there will be a change,” he said.