It was the 2011-2012 season, the Wild had just missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. There was a lack of high-end elite talent on the team, which was so clearly evident. Other than the likes of Mikko Koivu, Dany Heatley, and Kyle Brodziak, the three leading scorers for the Wild, there was little to no depth.
The franchise was in a state of uncertainty. Not a single player on the Wild had hit 25 goals or 55 points, there was a much-needed change. The Wild were frankly desperate for anything to revamp the fanbase, team, and the State of Hockey.