Chuzwazza
Registered User
We're here to play 10 questions with Greg Dockus, GM of the Minnesota Wild, one of the up and coming forces in the Western Conference. Thanks for giving us the time to do this with us Greg.
1. Now, your Wild have been gradually improving over the last few
years, and are now expected to be a feature player in the playoffs for a
number of years. You have obviously had a great deal to do with that. To what do
you attribute your success to?
With the exception of Bergeron, we really haven't seen the fruits of
our drafting yet, but we've made some nice trades to get players like
Sturm and Nagy and Toskala as well as signing free agents like Martin
St Louis and Jon Sim because nobody else wanted them and allowed them
to play their game. Then under free agency we went out and signed
quality guys to make up what we think it a great team full of
character.
2. With so many GM's being turned over in a professional league like this one, and with the recent situation of a team only being able to stay as a cup contender for 3-4 years at most, very few true bitter rivalries have developed in the HFNHL. The Wild's rivalry with the Oilers has been one of the league's most intense in recent seasons. You're both primarily young teams who have respectable goaltending and bluelines, but a hoard of young and gifted skaters and scorers up front. How do you rate your rivalry?
We have nothing but respect for Edmonton. In order to have a rivalry,
to me, you have to have teams that are fighting for the top. Who
cares if two teams that are out of the playoff chase don't like each
other. We know Edmonton will have a good team every year, so why not keep stoking the fires of passion with them?
3. Do you have any response to the recent Western conference pre-view that saw you're Wild ranked as the #6 seed in the West, right behind those Oilers?
Well, so far this year we are 2-0 against Edmonton. I think that's a pretty fair response.
4. Martin St.Louis has developed into an all-star player, but many are saying
he didn't get enough respect out there going into this season. Some say he's
not seen as a high profile enough player to help boost your attendance. How
do you respond to those comments?
We love being the underdog. I mean, who better than Martin St. Louis
can appreciate what it's like to not have anyone think they can get
the job done when he an absolute star in this league? Minnesota fans
will respond.
5. Who's the most important cog on your team?
Oh, that's really hard to say. Vesa is our #1 goalie, but as you've
seen this year, Dan Cloutier has responded very well when he's been in
there. I don't think this team is built on a superstar. We have St.
Louis, of course, but we have 3 lines that can score.
6. The most underrated player?
Up front, it's Marco Sturm. Every year. On "D", Bret Hedican has
been underappreciated his whole career. We love what Bret brings.
7. And the player to look out for in the future?
Patrice Bergeron of course. He is a leader, an offensive weapon and a
great defensive player as well. He does everything great.
8. Team or opposing GM you have the greatest satisfaction beating?
Well, we have that rivalry with Edmonton, but our fellow expansion
team the BlueJackets as well. They're a great, great team.
9. You once traded your first round pick in 2002 for Marco Sturm and Greg DeVries.
That pick could have landed you either Lehtonen or Rick Nash. Do you regret making the trade now, or are you still happy with the move?
Not at all. We also got the draft pick we used to get Jakub Klepis,
who may be on the big club next year. Very happy with the trade.
10. With still nearly 7 million left on your cap, you've got a lot of flexibility there. What are the chances of making a move for an experienced veteran like a Keith Tkachuk or Rob Blake, who could greatly boost the teams performance?
Oh, we may. We need to re-sign Nagy and St Louis and others, so we
can't take long term players, but a rent-a-player at the deadline,
sure. Our goal is nothing less than to hoist The Cup. We traded for
Sundin last year to try it, and we will do everything in our power to
do so again.
Thats all for today. Thanks for your time Greg, its been great talking to you.
Buffalo Bill
Hockey Editor for The Buffalo News
1. Now, your Wild have been gradually improving over the last few
years, and are now expected to be a feature player in the playoffs for a
number of years. You have obviously had a great deal to do with that. To what do
you attribute your success to?
With the exception of Bergeron, we really haven't seen the fruits of
our drafting yet, but we've made some nice trades to get players like
Sturm and Nagy and Toskala as well as signing free agents like Martin
St Louis and Jon Sim because nobody else wanted them and allowed them
to play their game. Then under free agency we went out and signed
quality guys to make up what we think it a great team full of
character.
2. With so many GM's being turned over in a professional league like this one, and with the recent situation of a team only being able to stay as a cup contender for 3-4 years at most, very few true bitter rivalries have developed in the HFNHL. The Wild's rivalry with the Oilers has been one of the league's most intense in recent seasons. You're both primarily young teams who have respectable goaltending and bluelines, but a hoard of young and gifted skaters and scorers up front. How do you rate your rivalry?
We have nothing but respect for Edmonton. In order to have a rivalry,
to me, you have to have teams that are fighting for the top. Who
cares if two teams that are out of the playoff chase don't like each
other. We know Edmonton will have a good team every year, so why not keep stoking the fires of passion with them?
3. Do you have any response to the recent Western conference pre-view that saw you're Wild ranked as the #6 seed in the West, right behind those Oilers?
Well, so far this year we are 2-0 against Edmonton. I think that's a pretty fair response.
4. Martin St.Louis has developed into an all-star player, but many are saying
he didn't get enough respect out there going into this season. Some say he's
not seen as a high profile enough player to help boost your attendance. How
do you respond to those comments?
We love being the underdog. I mean, who better than Martin St. Louis
can appreciate what it's like to not have anyone think they can get
the job done when he an absolute star in this league? Minnesota fans
will respond.
5. Who's the most important cog on your team?
Oh, that's really hard to say. Vesa is our #1 goalie, but as you've
seen this year, Dan Cloutier has responded very well when he's been in
there. I don't think this team is built on a superstar. We have St.
Louis, of course, but we have 3 lines that can score.
6. The most underrated player?
Up front, it's Marco Sturm. Every year. On "D", Bret Hedican has
been underappreciated his whole career. We love what Bret brings.
7. And the player to look out for in the future?
Patrice Bergeron of course. He is a leader, an offensive weapon and a
great defensive player as well. He does everything great.
8. Team or opposing GM you have the greatest satisfaction beating?
Well, we have that rivalry with Edmonton, but our fellow expansion
team the BlueJackets as well. They're a great, great team.
9. You once traded your first round pick in 2002 for Marco Sturm and Greg DeVries.
That pick could have landed you either Lehtonen or Rick Nash. Do you regret making the trade now, or are you still happy with the move?
Not at all. We also got the draft pick we used to get Jakub Klepis,
who may be on the big club next year. Very happy with the trade.
10. With still nearly 7 million left on your cap, you've got a lot of flexibility there. What are the chances of making a move for an experienced veteran like a Keith Tkachuk or Rob Blake, who could greatly boost the teams performance?
Oh, we may. We need to re-sign Nagy and St Louis and others, so we
can't take long term players, but a rent-a-player at the deadline,
sure. Our goal is nothing less than to hoist The Cup. We traded for
Sundin last year to try it, and we will do everything in our power to
do so again.
Thats all for today. Thanks for your time Greg, its been great talking to you.
Buffalo Bill
Hockey Editor for The Buffalo News
