Minnesota Wild: 2014-15 Turning Points
Mar 21, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk (40) makes a save during the third period against the Saint Louis Blues at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeat the Blues 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports
January 14th: Chuck Fletcher trades a 2015 3rd round pick to Arizona for Devan Dubnyk
The move that has saved the Minnesota Wild’s season was originally met with a collective shrug. Most fans (including myself) did not know much about Dubnyk. He was backing up Mike Smith for the Coyotes after bouncing around between a few teams in 2013-14. I was willing to give him a chance because his numbers in limited time were certainly better than those of Kuemper or Backstrom to that point. Besides, the Wild had no choice but to do something different.
As it turns out, Dubnyk has been one of the best players in hockey since the Wild brought him on board. He has played so well in fact that he has a case for the Hart and Vezina Trophies, as Nick just laid out. While Carey Price will more than likely beat him out for the individual prize, Dubnyk has a chance for something else. Personally, he has given himself a shot at long-term stability after nearly playing himself out of the league last year. For the Wild, he has given them a shot at the playoffs, which seemed nearly impossible in January. The Wild have been the hottest team in hockey since bringing him aboard. If they can hang on to their playoff position, anything goes once they get in.