Like many Minnesota fans, the first words out of my mouth were something along the lines of “WHAT THE F…” Coming into the deadline, the glaring need was at center- without a doubt we’re thin at pivot; god forbid injuries occur up the middle. Names like Jokinen, Peca, Federov, Stoll, and Holik were being thrown around, and rightfully so; each would fill the need. Imagine my surprise when I saw “Minnesota coughs up a 6th rounder for Chris Simon…”

(For some reason the opening scene of The Blues Brothers comes to mind; Doug Risebrough leaning up against the side of an old cop car, waiting outside the gates, Wild jersey in hand, as Simon walks out from behind the gates and barb wire…)

The more I thought about it, I can see why this deal was made. Take away the stigma, the baggage, and everything else that has brought Chris Simon some infamy (although to dismiss it completely would be foolish); you have a player who brings a physical presence, intimidation, some goal-scoring ability, a great team guy, and a whole load of playoff experience. Yes, Simon will play the role of enforcer; Aaron Voros is a middle weight, Todd Fedoruk is now more of a player (to quote Lemaire: “he’ll find a different team if he wants to fight”), and to be honest, Derek Boogaard’s future is in question due to a wonky back. But he doesn’t necessarily have to fight; opposing teams knowing they can’t run, slash, spear, and have their way with Wild players isn’t going to happen without some sort of retribution (as bad as it is to say, having a past history of slashing people in the face and stomping on feet sort of helps in that the opposition might be afraid tha t they literally might get killed.)

When you think about it, what is a 6th round pick worth? Its not often you see a 6th rounder make the NHL, much less get signed; if anything 6th rounders are just bargaining chips to move up to get a player. Will it be missed? No. Chances are no one will remember who New York or Minnesota takes with that pick will remember them down the road anyway. But what was done resembles a chance for a low-risk (ok, maybe a medium to high risk) - high reward sort of scenario. Jacques Lemaire is the kind of coach who seems like he can keep Simon focused and on track; in fact, it’ll probably be a matter of time before you see Simon out in front of the net on a power play. With Lemaire, you get rewarded for your play- you are a player first and foremost- and Simon still can be an effective, hard-nosed player. Minnesota has taken the risk; now its up to Simon to reward, not just the team, but himself.