"“The thing I like about Liam, he can play on all four lines,” Wild president and general manager Bill Guerin said. “Sometimes, when you have some of these younger guys, they’re either top six or bottom six. I really feel like Liam can complement any of the four lines he plays on, which is good for him. That brings a value at a young age, and the fact we could fit him in the top six or he can play a different role, that’s a benefit.”
Of course, Ohgren isn’t the only one competing for a spot. Jakub Lauko, acquired this summer, is vying for a fourth-line spot. Ohgren also has to hold off fellow touted prospect Riley Heidt, who is expected to make his own case to join the roster.
But Ohgren’s seamless transition to the North American ice and pro game, including racking up his first NHL goal, gives him confidence he belongs.
“I can play this game at this level,” Ohgren said. “Of course, I’ve got to do this over 82 games, and that’s very tough. I don’t want to be anywhere else but here."
I like his attitude. I like his game.
But here's the thing: for 20 of his 134 games with the Wild, Marcus Johansson was Really Good. So Ohgren might have to play in Iowa.
by PaxDragoon
6 Comments
Competition for spots is good, so I don’t mind that someone is there as another body to push the kids to earn their spot. What I don’t understand is BG’s insistence that guys in their 30s who have never had great scoring pedigree to begin with can somehow find another gear much less lock in for an entire season. Mojo has hit a points per game pace of .5 or slightly over four times since 2014. The last time he did that was four seasons ago in 2020-21. This is not the kind of player you lock in for more than a year at a time. There is no reason he should even be here competing for a spot, much less one in the top six. Especially when other orgs maintain flexibility and bring in guys like Pacioretty on PTOs which is a zero risk way to promote competition.
Enough being a downer though. Ohgren has all the tools to have a middle six floor in the NHL. The key with players like him is always adjusting to the speed of the NHL game and being able to still utilize his lethal shot when gaps close quicker and goalies adjust faster. If this organization actually sticks to it’s philosophy of best player gets the job there isn’t a reason he shouldn’t banish Mojo to the press box.
I know BG sometimes gets a bad rap for signing older guys and having competition for spots, but who legitimately does anyone think “earned a spot” and it was given to some older dude?
When Boldy, Faber and Rossi all earned spots they stayed. When guys like Beckman and walker and others had shots they couldn’t stick.
I think competition is great and I believe if Ohgren earns a spot they’ll make room for him one way or another. I think fans get far too upset on someone blocking a prospect’s path but it’s not like we’ve lost tons of great prospects by giving up on them.
Plus if need be you can trade almost any contract in the NHL especially cheaper ones to make room.
The line that struck me was, “A lot of times, a play either feels like a top six or bottom six, no inbetween. Ohgren has skills that fill any line any time.”
I think a player like Ohgren could be a winger version of Hartman. Positional versatility is great if you’re not known as a “pure scorer” or “playmaker” guy. If Ohgren ends up somewhere in the middle, that’s fine. Hartman is the only other guy you can kinda put behind Kap right now as a scoring forward on that left side. Rossi’s a center right now, and Foligno should be an emergency 2nd forward in case of injury. Mojo’s only around for a half season or full season at most. So it’s up Ohgren and others to make sure they are worth taking that position and running with it. There’s every chance he does even while Mojo’s still under contract.
Ohgren doesn’t have to be some lights out offensive option for a couple years while Kap is here. I think they hope he’s Foligno’s replacement. But if he is a 15, 20, or even a 25-goal guy and hard nosed?…well damn.
Can we get a TL/DR from someone who had the time?
Lauko had 10 points in 60 games last year. So Bill wants to continue starting players that don’t produce. Got it
I like his attitude as well. I’m happy he’s here and hope he has an opportunity to shine!