Defenseman Kurtis Foster among Minnesota Wild's six unrestricte...

In the tumult of Jacques Lemaire's final game as Wild coach Saturday, a lot of story lines temporarily were put on hold, among them what might have been Kurtis Foster's last game in a Wild uniform.

[More bars in more places]

It's going to be interesting to see if management heads a whole new direction with the coaching change.

They have enough players potentially moving that they don't necessarily need to stay with the defensive model Jacques has used. That said, they can open their search up to coaches who are more open-skating oriented and bring in new talent that matches that style of play.

Obviously, naming a new coach is a priority before building the roster.

[Tom from MPLS]

If JL would have had the players, this would be a different team. And he stays around another year. He is a good coach, no doubt.

That being said, fresh blood is always nice but it shouldnt stop with the coach - DR needs to consider following suit. Hes done as little as possible to improve this team over the 9 years, contributing to his buddy's self inflicted demise.

I wouldnt miss any of the UFAs listed except for Scott. I think he would be a great blueliner.

Im not impressed with the list of coaches the Wild may be considering. Pierre Page?!?! C'mon! That ship sailed and sunk with the North Stars! It'd be nice if they considered a proven coach not currently coaching in the minors. I don't want to wait another 10 years for something to happen. Im not getting any younger.

[Uncommon Sense]

I would like to see all 6 back for next year, but SV and MAB will probably be gone.
And Gabby???? That's the big question. I think KF will be better than ever next year if they can keep him. MS has proven to be reliable and very durable, and we really need the physical presence that JS brings.

[FICH]

This team is going backwards fast.

[Soothsayer]

Adieu JL. After reading an article in another [to remain nameless] newspaper Sunday concerning JL and his staff, it was more than about time for a change. Especially at the GM level. DR is a horrible judge of talent. Try and find a GM like Detroit's. Don't baby the players, but treat them like pro's. The perception of the Wild as portrayed in this article would deter a great number of UFA's to even consider this team. Loyalty is a two way street Mr. Leipold. Put the best product on the ice because you have the best fans and venue in the league. DR is incompetent. Any GM that is boneheaded enough say he want's his team to merely be 'competetive is a dolt. We deserve better than that...

[Slap Snot]

Pierre Page,,,just kill me now and get it over with.

[Hockey Bob]

I'd hate to lose any of the UFA guys listed above - except for Skoula; get rid of the slug!

Maybe Gaborik will stick around, now that Lemaire is gone. A new coach could do wonders for his game.

[Julia]

I would have rather seen DR go than Jacques. Nobody asked me though! It will be interesting to see how next year plays out.