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Pierre-Marc Bouchard News & Rumors

Minnesota Wild's Pierre-Marc Bouchard: 'I'm positive I can come back'
January 12
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Wild forward Pierre-Marc Bouchard, sidelined again by a concussion, said he's not worried his career is in jeopardy. "I'm positive I can come back," he said Wednesday during his first meeting with the media since being placed on injured reserve. "The only bad thing about a concussion is you don't know how much time it's going to take." Bouchard, 27, missed 104 games over parts of three seasons before returning regularly to the Minnesota lineup Dec. 1, 2010. "I've been through it. I know my body. I know my symptoms," he said. "Hopefully, this can heal quicker than the last time.""
Bouchard is sidelined indefinitely
January 11
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"If Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher wasn't under pressure before to make a trade to try to jump-start his struggling team, he really could be now. Fletcher announced Tuesday that Pierre-Marc Bouchard, who has a history of concussions, will be shut down indefinitely because of concussion-like symptoms. Guillaume Latendresse already is sidelined by a concussion as well. For a team buried second-to-last in the NHL in goals scored, that's two-thirds of its second line now on the shelf because of head injuries. "It's hard. Most teams that have goal scorers and point producers want to keep them," said Fletcher, on how tough it will be to find reinforcements. "The majority of teams are still"
Pierre-Marc Bouchard out with another concussion
January 10
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Minnesota Wild winger Pierre-Marc Bouchard, who has a history of concussions, will be sidelined indefinitely by another concussion, general manager Chuck Fletcher announced today. Bouchard, who missed 104 games over parts of three seasons before returning to the Wild lineup on Dec. 1, 2010, had his symptoms confirmed by doctors Monday. "It's a significant blow on a lot of different levels, both for him and our hockey team," Fletcher said. Bouchard was driven into the back wall on Dec. 13 by Zach Bagosian of the Winnipeg Jets and suffered a broken nose and minor symptoms of pressure in his head. He sat out two games before his head cleared and he returned to the lineup. He scored four goals"
Pierre-Marc Bouchard is Wild's latest injury worry
January 7
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Just as the Wild were starting to get some of their depth back at forward, they could wind up playing without one of their top contributors again. Pierre-Marc Bouchard missed his second consecutive day of practice Friday with a lower-body injury sustained during Wednesday's loss to Vancouver. He is questionable for tonight's game against Calgary, but coach Mike Yeo didn't sound optimistic about having the left wing in the lineup. "We'll see how he is tomorrow," Yeo said. "He felt pretty sore after the game." If Bouchard can't play, Brad Staubitz would be back in the lineup. He skated on the Wild's fourth line Friday with Warren Peters and Colton Gillies. Minnesota would like to get Cal"
Smiling Bouchard back in lineup
December 20
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Pierre-Marc Bouchard was the second player off the ice for the Wild at Monday's morning skate. When asked if that was good or bad, Bouchard said, "I'm smiling, right?" After missing two games because of a broken nose, Bouchard returned Monday night against the Canucks. For a guy with a history of concussions, Bouchard needed to first feel confident he didn't sustain another when his face was smashed into a ledge last week in Winnipeg. Bouchard felt comfortable, so the playmaker played on a line with Matt Cullen and goal-scorer Dany Heatley -- an intriguing line not yet seen this season. Bouchard didn't score but finished with five shots."
Blow to the head leaves Bouchard in a pool of blood
December 14
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Pierre-Marc Bouchard was injured Tuesday night when he was driven face-first into the ledge that separates the glass and the boards during the Wild's 2-1 loss to Winnipeg. Bouchard's nose was gushing blood after the violent incident. Bouchard was crunched by defenseman Zach Bogosian as he played the puck behind the Jets' net. Bogosian was assessed a five-minute major and game misconduct for boarding. Coach Mike Yeo had no update after the game, but with Bouchard's concussion history, Yeo said, "Obviously we're hoping he's OK.""
First goal of season a shot in the arm for Wild's Pierre-Marc Bouchard
November 6
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Pierre-Marc Bouchard has gotten assists here and there, but he had to wait until the Wild's 12th game before he finally scored his first goal. Bouchard had a goal and two assists in Minnesota's 5-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night, giving him one goal and seven assists for eight points through Saturday's 2-1 home victory over the St. Louis Blues. "It always feels good to get the first one," he said after the team's morning skate Saturday. "It was a good win for us, and personally, I'll try to build on that game." A first-round draft pick in 2002 who missed all but one game two seasons ago with post-concussion symptoms, Bouchard did not start playing a year ago until"
Wild forward Pierre-Marc Bouchard loses appeal for NHL's two-game suspension
October 11
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Because of the absence of forward Pierre-Marc Bouchard, who was serving the first game of a two-game suspension, Wild coach Mike Yeo juggled his lines Monday in a 2-1 loss to the New York Islanders and expects more of the same against the Senators tonight in Ottawa. He inserted rookie Brett Bulmer into Bouchard's spot at wing on the second line, and it was that line that scored Minnesota's goal against the Islanders. Yeo said, however, that he plans to move guys around early and often with Bouchard out. "It'll be a work in progress," he said. Late in two power plays, infrequent scorers Greg Zanon and Nick Schultz were on the ice. "We had capable guys out there," Yeo said. "Certainly, Butch"
Bouchard suspended two games
October 10
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Pierre-Marc Bouchard took some ribbing from teammates after Sunday's practice. "Be careful of Butch," Mikko Koivu said sarcastically, insinuating that the mild-mannered Bouchard was a dirty player. Bouchard didn't find humor in the jokes. He had just stepped out of a telephone hearing with NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan, Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher, agent Allan Walsh and a union rep. The call stemmed from Saturday's double-minor high-stick to the mouth of Columbus' Matt Calvert, an infraction that cost Bouchard a two-game suspension later Sunday and $44,108 in salary."
Wild's Pierre-Marc Bouchard hit with two-game suspension
October 9
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Wild wing Pierre-Marc Bouchard was given a two-game suspension by NHL discipline czar Brendan Shanahan on Sunday for hitting Columbus Blue Jackets forward Matt Calvert in the face with his stick Saturday night. Bouchard received a double-minor penalty for drawing blood in the incident that took place late in the second period of Minnesota's 4-2 victory at the Xcel Energy Center."
Pierre-Marc Bouchard in hot water
October 9
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Pierre-Marc Bouchard, maybe the most mild-mannered, least intimidating players I've covered in the game, could be in trouble. Bouchard has a telephone hearing with NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan early this afternoon for his four-minute high-stick on Columbus' Matt Calvert last night. Calvert left the ice with a bloodied mouth and spent time in the Wild's medical room after the game. Bouchard will be on the Wild's charter to Long Island and the Wild expects to have a resolution by the time it lands in Farmingdale."
Wild winger Pierre-Marc Bouchard reclaiming his game
September 19
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"It took Pierre-Marc Bouchard about 15 seconds into his first time on the ice during Wild training camp Sunday to demonstrate he's in top form. Bouchard, who missed 104 games because of a concussion and recurring symptoms before returning to the Wild lineup last December, missed Minnesota's first practice and scrimmage Saturday because of a sore hamstring. A day later, the 5-foot-10 winger was a dominant presence on the ice as the Wild put on a 50-minute scrimmage in front of 2,200 at the Xcel Energy Center. Skating on a line with Matt Cullen and Guillaume Latendresse, Bouchard danced with the puck and set up numerous scoring chances. The trio didn't score, but coach Mike Yeo said goals"
Bouchard's first skate with Wild features finesse of old
September 19
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Pierre-Marc Bouchard's training camp debut was delayed a day because of a tight hamstring, but the slick playmaker was able to take part in Sunday's scrimmage. Bouchard looked like the Bouchard of old, skating elusively through traffic, stickhandling by defenders and setting up play after play. Best yet, he showed immediate chemistry with potential linemates Guillaume Latendresse and Matt Cullen. The line spent the majority of the scrimmage buzzing the offensive zone and will make its exhibition debut Tuesday in Edmonton. "I was a little mad to miss the first day [Saturday]," Bouchard said. "I was waiting for that first day when I'm healthy for once and able to be part of training camp.""
Pierre-Marc Bouchard finally all the way back for Wild
April 2
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Although the turnaround over the past year has been the most agonizing spin move of Pierre-Marc Bouchard's hockey career, it's the most heartening. A year ago, Bouchard was on the shelf. Today, going into Minnesota's home game against the Tampa Bay Lightning , Bouchard's comeback ranks as one of the high points of an otherwise disappointing season for the Wild. Todd Richards has been impressed. The Wild coach watched with wide eyes in November after Bouchard returned to practice, often looking like the best player on the ice as he worked his way through the final stages of recovering from two concussions that sidelined him for 104 consecutive games. But that was nothing compared to now. "I"
Wild use great defense, goaltending to get to Bouchard's goal in OT
February 26
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"What the Wild needed Friday night, they got. Hampered by numerous injuries and 24 hours after losing to the Los Angeles Kings, the Wild got a goal from Pierre-Marc Bouchard with 6.3 seconds remaining in overtime to topple the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 in front of 13,617 at the Honda Center. The victory gave the Wild 72 points and moved them into a tie for fifth place with Los Angeles in the Western Conference. Six other teams are within four points. Bouchard's goal, coming on a breakaway pass from Brent Burns as time was running out, decided a game that featured Wild goaltender Jose Theodore posting 46 saves, defenseman Clayton Stoner notching the first normal goal of his NHL career and center"
With his late heroics, Bouchard brings back that thrilling feeling
January 4
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Here is what Pierre-Marc Bouchard will remember most vividly about Sunday night's 6-5 overtime victory over Phoenix at Xcel Energy Center: The feeling. Not just of winning, but the feeling of being a big part of an emotional victory. The Wild was trailing by a goal late when coach Todd Richards pulled goaltender Jose Theodore. With 26 seconds left Andrew Brunette sent the puck from behind the net up the slot to Bouchard, whose slapshot tied the score. Forty-six seconds into overtime Bouchard fed Cam Barker for the game-winner. That feeling was what Bouchard had missed while dealing with post-concussion syndrome that kept him out for more than a year. "The feeling -- that feeling -- I"
Bouchard bouncing back nicely after concussion
December 12
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"As Wild coach Todd Richards said, "It is surprising, but it isn't surprising." Watch Pierre-Marc Bouchard, and you'd never know this guy played one game in a 17-month stretch. Despite the lengthy time off with a concussion and subsequent post-concussion syndrome, Bouchard's settled right back in. In four games before Saturday's contest against the Los Angeles Kings, Bouchard scored a goal and two assists, was creating plays, didn't look tentative and appeared to have no rust to shake off. "I'm a little surprised," said Bouchard, who late Saturday assisted on Brent Burns' winning goal in overtime as the Wild beat the Kings 3-2. "When you're out that long, I didn't know what to expect."
Bouchard-Havlat connection quickly clicks
December 3
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Wild coach Todd Richards saw it for the first time in practice, as Pierre-Marc Bouchard was working his way back into the lineup after dealing with post-concussion syndrome for more than a year. Bouchard and Marty Havlat always seemed to end up on the ice together. They might not be assigned to the same line. But during the course of a scrimmage, or a drill, there they were. "It looked like they had a connection," Richards said. He saw a little of it in Wednesday's game against Phoenix, too. Bouchard's return started slowly, but his skill emerged and his playing time increased as the game went on. With Bouchard playing with Havlat at the other wing and Kyle Brodziak at center, Richards saw"
Bouchard's return gives Richards hope
December 2
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Pierre-Marc Bouchard played his first game since Oct. 3, 2009, on Wednesday. That he finished minus-2, with one shot, in 14 minutes, 4 seconds was beside the point for coach Todd Richards. Bouchard's presence gave him hope. "I would believe he can only get better from this point," Richards said. "He made some great plays out on the ice, finding men. He set Marty (Havlat) up perfectly in the third period there, and he's able to buy time and make plays. "Once he becomes more confident, more comfortable, he'll help us five on five, and he'll certainly help us on the power play." Bouchard finished the game on a line with Havlat on the right wing and Kyle Brodziak at center, a combination"
Wild need Bouchard at his best
December 2
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 columnist Tom Powers
"Well, I had a flashback while watching Pierre-Marc Bouchard clomp into the dressing room after Wednesday night's game. Suddenly, I had a vision of Bouchard and Brian Rolston racing up ice together. The goal light was flashing and the siren was screeching! And the Minnesota Wild had returned to glory and were a very good team again! Far out, man. In reality, Bouchard had just played for the first time since Oct. 3, 2009. He logged 14 minutes, 4 seconds of playing time and had one shot on goal. "That was fun to be back out there playing in a game," Bouchard said. "I just wish we had started with a win." And therein lies the problem: that whole won-loss thing. The Wild, who fell 4-2 to"
Returning Bouchard works off rust and gives Wild what it needs
December 2
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 columnist Patrick Reusse
"Pierre-Marc Bouchard had not played an NHL game in 424 days. And there he was, with 3 1/2 minutes remaining, standing at the side of the crease and trying to come up with a move to beat Phoenix goalie Jason LaBarbera and tie the score for the Wild. "He didn't give me much room,'' Bouchard said. "I tried to go 5-hole, but it wasn't there.'' Phoenix got out of that mess, and 50 seconds later the Coyotes restored the lead to two goals and held on for a 4-2 victory. The Wild has lost three in a row and five of six, but the St. Paul lads did regain Bouchard and had more legitimate chances than their norm on Wednesday night. Bouchard suffered a concussion on Oct. 3, 2009, in the season opener at"
After missing 104 games because of a concussion, Pierre-Marc Bouchard returns to Wild lineup
December 1
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Butch is back. Forward Pierre-Marc Bouchard, who missed the Wild's past 104 games because of a concussion and post-concussive syndrome, will return to the lineup to play against the Phoenix Coyotes tonight at the Xcel Energy Center, the team announced Tuesday. "Physically, he feels better, and now's the time," Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher said. The return of "Butch," as he's known to teammates, couldn't be more timely. The Wild, who have lost four of their past five games, announced last week that offensive threat Guillaume Latendresse needed groin and hip surgery and will miss most of the season. In addition, Minnesota ranked 24th of 30 NHL teams in goals per game at 2.44 going"
Bouchard finally set to play
December 1
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Pierre-Marc Bouchard's long road back from a concussion is near complete. The Wild playmaker is scheduled to play his first game in nearly 14 months Wednesday night when he suits up against the Phoenix Coyotes. "I figured that the day would come. You just never knew when," said coach Todd Richards, who has coached Bouchard in only one game -- last season's opener at Columbus. "You watch him practice, and he gets you excited because you see the things he can do. Obviously, a game is going to be different, but you're excited to have him back." Bouchard's return comes at a good time. The Wild, the second-lowest scoring team in the West, has been blown out in four of the past five games. It"
Concussion specialist advises Wild to 'pause' Bouchard
November 6
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"

The Wild is hitting "pause" on Pierre-Marc Bouchard's return to game action. With the team expected to send Bouchard to Houston any day for a rehab stint, things came to a halt Friday after the Wild was informed he hadn't been given the green light from Denver-based concussion specialist James Kelly . During a 10-to-15-minute phone conversation Thursday, Bouchard told Kelly that he was still feeling "a pressure" in his head, sometimes immediately after workouts, sometimes later in the afternoon or evening. "He gave me advice and strongly recommends that I take a little bit more time before getting back and playing some games," said Bouchard, who suffered a concussion March 25, 2009,"

Hits will keep on coming for Bouchard
November 4
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Pierre-Marc Bouchard has overcome hurdle after hurdle during his torturous yearlong comeback from a concussion. At first, it was simply watching TV, reading a book or walking around his neighborhood. Then, it was getting on an exercise bike, lifting weights and lacing up his skates to pass and shoot pucks with his dad. And finally, practice and getting bumped around by teammates. The Wild playmaker is almost ready to face his biggest hurdle -- playing hockey again for real, likely coming soon with the Houston Aeros, the Wild's minor league affiliate. According to former Wild players Willie Mitchell and Cam Stewart, who have experienced concussions, Bouchard's biggest obstacle will be"
Pierre-Marc Bouchard nearing return to Minnesota Wild
November 4
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Although coach Todd Richards and forward Pierre-Marc Bouchard are tiring of the daily question, it needed to be asked after the Wild shipped Colton Gillies to Houston of the American League on Wednesday, leaving them one forward short: Is it possible Bouchard finally will make his return this weekend after more than a year on the shelf? Not likely, Richards said, noting the Wild would prefer to send Bouchard to Houston to get his feet wet with the Aeros. Bouchard, who has been sidelined by a concussion and post-concussion symptoms since Oct. 3, 2009, said he's open to that. Those and other options were on the table entering a scheduled meeting with general manager Chuck Fletcher on"
Pierre-Marc Bouchard closer to returning after a year off ice
November 2
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Pierre-Marc Bouchard practiced with the Wild's top line Monday at Xcel Energy Center, and though coach Todd Richards warned against reading much into that, there were plenty of other signs that Bouchard is close to resuming his NHL career. "Just maybe a couple of more practices," the left winger said. Bouchard was hesitant to put a date on his return, and who can blame him? He hasn't played in a game since Oct. 3, 2009, the result of a concussion suffered the previous March. "I don't want to put a date out there," he said. "Then if I don't reach it, I'll be frustrated. But it's coming." Bouchard, 26, has been with the team all season and was cleared by doctors for full contact Oct. 24."
Pierre-Marc Bouchard closer to rejoining team
September 20
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Pierre-Marc Bouchard wore the smile Sunday of a student who had just aced a big exam. After visiting concussion specialist James Kelly on Saturday in Denver, Bouchard was upbeat Sunday while talking about eventually returning to the Wild lineup on the heels of being sidelined for 81 of 82 games last season with post-concussion symptoms. "I had a good appointment with Dr. Kelly," Bouchard said. "I did a bunch of tests that I did last year with him that I failed, but now this time I passed." Bouchard, 26, said Kelly gave him the green light to increase his workload, the next major step necessary for him to resume playing hockey. "When the doc tells you, 'You can go and push hard,' it's a"
Pierre-Marc Bouchard is hopeful after missing most of last season
August 28
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Pierre-Marc Bouchard didn't experience a whole lot of joy last season. In fact, the Wild forward was miserable. Because of a concussion from 2008-09 that never fully healed, Bouchard was limited to one out-of-synch game in 2009-10. After Opening Night, his season was over. But as the upcoming season fast approaches, Bouchard, a gifted playmaker, has returned to his canvas. Take Friday, for example, where Bouchard, as upbeat as he's sounded in months, said by phone from Montreal, "I'm heading to the rink." Bouchard wasn't heading to the rink for treatment or a little bike ride or a light skate, which he began doing again three weeks ago. He was heading to a rink to strap on his full gear,"
Wild's Pierre-Marc Bouchard is finally on the upswing after battle with concussions
July 12
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Six months ago, Pierre-Marc Bouchard not only stayed off the ice at the Xcel Energy Center, but he dared venture out for only short walks through his neighborhood. Mentally, he said, he "kind of hit the bottom." Last week, however, Bouchard was back to feeling his oats. "Gotta go," he said by phone from his summer home in Montreal. "My brother wants to go for a bike ride." It's no coincidence that as Bouchard missed 81 of the Wild's 82 games last season because of post-concussion symptoms, the Wild floundered in the NHL's Western Conference standings and fell short of the playoffs. Team personnel, along with Bouchard, are cautiously optimistic that the playmaking former first-round draft"
Wild's Pierre-Marc Bouchard's chances of returning from a concussion are fading fast
March 1
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Pierre-Marc Bouchard smiled and talked confidently Sunday about his chances — slim though they may be — to return to the Wild lineup this season. Time is running out on a return for Bouchard, sidelined by a concussion since the first game of the season and still fighting occasional headaches and pressure in his head. His cognitive abilities and memory are good, he said, and as teammate and former concussion sufferer Brent Burns stood nearby and urged Bouchard to "stay positive," Bouchard did exactly that. "I'm pretty close," Bouchard said in the Wild dressing room after the rest of the team practiced at the Xcel Energy Center. "I can feel it. About this year, I'm just taking one day at a"
Pierre-Marc Bouchard wants to ease his way back in his return from concussion
February 18
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Like most of the largest gathering of the season at the Xcel Energy Center on Sunday afternoon, Wild forward Pierre-Marc Bouchard thoroughly enjoyed his team's 6-2 victory over rival Vancouver. Bouchard, sidelined for all but the Wild's first game this season because of a concussion, said he has been "feeling better" and hopes he'll be able to at least ride an exercise bike by the end of the Olympic break, which begins today. "If I can get two days without pressure and headaches," he said, "I'll try getting on the bike." Bouchard recently returned from seeing a specialist in Montreal who worked on his neck for whiplash that he received March 25 when he first suffered a concussion that"
Wild's Pierre-Marc Bouchard wants to ease his way back in his return from concussion
February 15
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Like most of the largest gathering of the season at the Xcel Energy Center on Sunday afternoon, Wild forward Pierre-Marc Bouchard thoroughly enjoyed his team's 6-2 victory over rival Vancouver. Bouchard, sidelined for all but the Wild's first game this season because of a concussion, said he has been "feeling better" and hopes he'll be able to at least ride an exercise bike by the end of the Olympic break, which begins today. "If I can get two days without pressure and headaches," he said, "I'll try getting on the bike." Bouchard recently returned from seeing a specialist in Montreal who worked on his neck for whiplash that he received March 25 when he first suffered a concussion that"
Bouchard's wait continues
January 12
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Limited to one game this season, Pierre-Marc Bouchard is no closer to returning from a concussion. "I've been feeling better for a few weeks now. I'm just not able to get over that little hump I'm supposed to be," Bouchard said. "It's just waiting, just resting. I'm feeling better, but I'm not quite there where I can start exercising yet." Asked if he's at the point where he's given up hope he can play again this season, Bouchard said: "No, no, no. Not yet. Maybe I'll feel better in two weeks, can start working out and get back in shape. "You never know. I have to stay positive, I guess." Still, Bouchard hasn't even been able to work out in months. While Bouchard doesn't look like he's"
Wild's Pierre-Marc Bouchard, recovering from concussion, unlikely to play this season
January 11
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"A day after the Wild's biggest comeback win in its nine seasons, it has become evident this team has more resilience than a punching bag and has learned how to absorb major hits such as the season-long loss of top forward Pierre-Marc Bouchard. Coach Todd Richards says he's no longer even entertaining the thought that Bouchard will return to the Wild lineup this season. "This is no disrespect to Butch," Richards said, "but I don't want to lead myself to those false hopes of him coming back. We focus as a coaching staff and as a team with what we have, and if we get him back, it's a huge plus for us, but I don't know if that's ever going to happen." Like the screaming ticket-holders in a"
Concussion discussion clears mind
November 26
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Pierre-Marc Bouchard had Wednesday circled on his calendar for some time, but it wasn't to return to the Wild's lineup. Bouchard, limited to one game this season because of a concussion, knew the Boston Bruins would be in town, and the frustrated playmaker wanted desperately to speak with Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron. "It's very important to talk with people who have been through this because it's not fun and it's very frustrating," said Bergeron, who offered Bouchard advice and encouragement for several minutes in the locker-room hallway Wednesday morning. On Oct. 27, 2007, Bergeron suffered a well-publicized, season-ending concussion after being slammed into the boards by then-Flyers"
Bouchard's recovering, but quite slowly
November 23
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"In March, after the Wild trounced the Islanders in Uniondale, N.Y., Jacques Lemaire vented afterward about how a bunch of Islanders turned "brave" and targeted the Wild's skilled players, such as Pierre-Marc Bouchard. "When you're running after guys that don't fight and they're not tough, it doesn't tell me a lot," the former Wild coach said March 25. "They tried to run us out of the building, so it'll be interesting next year when we pay them back." At that late juncture, you can bet Lemaire knew he wouldn't be back. He couldn't have known that Bouchard wouldn't be, either. When the Wild and the Islanders met again last week, Bouchard was still sidelined because of a concussion that was"
Waiting game is getting old for Wild's Bouchard
November 7
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"The Wild's fanciest skater can't skate, and it's killing him. Forward Pierre-Marc Bouchard, he of the dynamic spin moves and pinpoint passes, donned ice skates for the first time in a month Friday morning to join teammates for the official team photo. As soon as he stepped on the Xcel Energy Center ice, he grabbed a stick and a puck and glided toward one of the nets to launch a few shots. Sidelined by post-concussion syndrome, Bouchard has played just one game this season while the Wild have sputtered to a 5-10 record. "It feels good to skate, stickhandle a little bit and just feel the ice," he said. "It definitely feels good, even if it's only for two minutes." Bouchard, who at 25 already"
Pierre-Marc Bouchard is back on the ice for the Minnesota Wild
September 28
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Pierre-Marc Bouchard returned to Wild practice Sunday morning after missing several days with what he termed "flu-like symptoms." "I thought he looked great," coach Todd Richards said. With just one exhibition game remaining, Richards is still waiting to see his full team on the ice. He said forwards Mikko Koivu and Andrew Brunette and defenseman Shane Hnidy, all slowed by assorted injuries last week, are expected to play against the Flyers on Tuesday night in Philadelphia. Richards said he's hopeful defenseman Kim Johnsson also will be there. Johnsson, who went out with an apparent sore groin Friday night near the end of a 4-3 loss at Chicago, skipped practice Sunday but is expected to"