Matt Cooke’s rap sheet in the NHL isn’t pretty. A few of his suspension-worthy moments came against the Wild when he played for the Vancouver Canucks.
Here’s a timeline of Cooke’s suspensions, courtesy of CBS Sports.
Those moments — like spearing Matt Johnson of the Wild into the boards during a 2003 game — are reasons why Cooke’s transformation from an on-ice bully to penalty-killing specialist might take time for local fans to understand.
“I’m sure there are lots of fans out there that maybe are not fond of me,” Cooke told the Pioneer Press. “But hopefully I can change their opinion once I get out there.”
Cooke, who is expected to begin house hunting in Minnesota on Tuesday, sounded like a changed man when he joined Michael Russo on KFAN-FM 100.3 on Monday.
Matt Cooke on NHL change during his career: "Rough and tough play back then is now considered illegal and suspension worthy." #mnwild
— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) July 8, 2013
Cooke: "I want to get on the penalty kill and stay out of the box and bring those (PK) numbers up to the top of the league." #mnwild
— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) July 8, 2013
Cooke on his days with the Canucks: "I was a different player then." Says he wants to become a fan favorite in Minnesota.
— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) July 8, 2013
If you want your first up-close look at Cooke with the Wild, give that interview a listen. He’s very engaging and even gave the ultimate respect for the late Derek Boogaard, who wore No. 24 with the Wild — the same number Cooke has worn throughout his entire 15 year career.
Cooke on wearing #24 (Boogaard wore #24 with #mnwild): "I don't really feel comfortable putting it on without his mom and dad's blessing."
— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) July 8, 2013
