Over the weekend Minnesota did what I considered to be the top priority- resign defenseman Nick Schultz to a long-term deal. By doing this, the Wild have locked up a cornerstone of the team, a kid who they have brought along since he was their 2nd draft pick ever (33rd overall, 2000.) How has he come along?

At the age of 25, Schultz was teetering on the brink of Free Agency, remarkable considering his age. He is now in his second consecutive month of captainship, and has taken on a whole new level with the “C”- together with Brent Burns, the blueline is set for the next few years. What should satisfy many is that Schultz wanted a long-term deal; not only did he opt to take less than what the market may have had in store for his services (roughly a $3.5 million dollar cap hit a year, although market prices are a relative term due to the overpayment some receive), but he overrided his agent on a no-trade clause, saying something to the effect of “my performance will never allow them (the Wild) to consider trading me away.”

Strong words, but Schultz seems to be of the ilk to follow up on it. Let’s hope so, I think he’s just scratching the surface.

With this being said though, let me get to the point. With the resigning of Schultz, Minnesota has another building block in place. You have Mikko Koivu locked up; James Sheppard is in the first year of his entry-level contract. Brent Burns has been locked up for another 3 years, and has expressed desire to stay in Minnesota for his career. Josh Harding will undoubtedly be the goalie for the future. These are the core guys; the foundation. What about Marian Gaborik, and Pierre-Marc Bouchard? Well, there’s no doubt Gaborik is the best player on the team; does he want to stay here will be the topic du jour come the offseason. Will he see that he is one of the core guys like Schultz, Koivu, Burns, etc., or look to see if the grass is greener (or the ice more wide open) elsewhere? As for Bouchard, it seems like of late that many have come to terms that despite his skill, and dazzling playmaking (still gotta work on that consistency), that he may be our best bargaining chip for an upgrade, or to fill a need; not that we want to let him go, but in the salary cap world, you have to give to get.

While the pieces are falling into place, this year’s version of the Wild aren’t as good as it gets; in fact you can make the case that while they are still improving, as the experience is gained by the young guns, that they are still flawed; a look at the recent implosion would justify that. In what seems like 5 minutes Minnesota has squandered not just a 6 point division lead, but is now dangling precariously of even making the playoffs. Things have to be done; this team isn’t the scrappy 2003 version, and the fans and media won’t accept another one-and-done come April.