Wild's First Head Case

The Minnesota Wild played their first-ever NHL season in 2000-2001 after the North Stars abandoned Minnesota for the hockey hotbed of Dallas, Texas. It took awhile, but the Minnesota Wild officially have their first Head Case. It has been long-suspected, but Goaltender Manny Fernandez now has had that honor officially bestowed upon him. On the bright side, it took 7 years to find a Head Case. The Wild has always been known as a collection of "great guys." Now, take the Vikings - they are a whole other story. Their first HEAD COACH was a Head Case for God sakes (Norm Van Brocklin). And the Timberwolves - 98.5% of the players that have ever worn their uniform have been Head Cases. But that is the subject of another post. Here is yesterday's article from the St. Paul Pioneer Press:

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_6016306

Congratulations, Manny. Fernandez has always been known as a moody, brooding player. Great guy when things are going well, and sulky and pissed off when things start going bad. Kind of like Randy Moss in a goalie helmet. What's the problem? Well, after winning the starting job the previous year from Dwayne Roloson, Manny was injured late last year and then relegated to a back-up role. To make matters worse, well-liked Niklas Backstrom was outstanding in goal down the stretch and led the Wild to the playoffs. Players, coaches and fans alike loved the even-keeled Backstrom over the pouty Fernandez. Now, Manny says "he has demons" and "wants to break those chains around him." He also claimed that he did not feel the love from teammates throughout the year. He wants to be traded to a team where he will be more appreciated (i.e tolerates ass holes). Wow. Life truly is difficult.

Personally, I can think of 9.25 million reasons why Manny should not be quite as bummed out. I get the feeling that he may have expected some preferential treatment from his uncle, Jacques Lemaire. I also get the impression that Lemaire even thinks his nephew is a little bit of a Head Case.

"It's Manny being Manny," said Lemaire.

I hope that the Wild can accommodate Fernandez by trading him someplace where he can be more appreciated and then they can resign Backstrom. Then, the rest of the team and the fans don't have to listen to this crap any more. After all, we've come to expect it with the Vikings and Wolves, but not the Wild.

Peace,

Jeff