Nashville Predators One of Dozen Stanley Cupless Teams

May 12, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) and defenseman Brent Burns (88) and center Patrick Marleau (12) shake hands with Nashville Predators center Mike Fisher (12) and defenseman Barret Jackman (5) after the end of the game seven of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center at San Jose. San Jose defeated Nashville 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 13

Minnesota Wild defenseman Ryan Suter (20. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Minnesota Wild, 2000, 15 Seasons

We mentioned an excuse and the Minnesota Wild has a couple. First, like Columbus they’ve only been in the league since 2000. The second is that the Wild did some “wild” spending back on the Fourth of July in 2012.

That year they signed Ryan Suter away from the Nashville Predators and also signed Zach Parise, formerly of the New Jersey Devils. They were the plums of the Free Agent period that year but they pledged $98 million over 13 years to each of them that has handcuffed the Wild ever since.

They have not been able to afford enough around those two to put a strong team on the ice and have struggled to put a strong team on the ice. They have made the playoffs all four seasons but have never got past the second round.

Last season they started off hot in the first 41 games then promptly lost 13 of 14 and switched head coaches. They have a solid team but don’t feel like a threat to win it all.

Next: #10, A Combination Team

Home/Predators News