Analysis of Minnesota Wild’s Tradeable Assets and Buffalo Sabres’ Salary Cap Management
Minnesota Wild Trade Tiers
An examination of the Minnesota Wild’s potential trade availability reveals several tiers of players as the offseason approaches. Core players like Matt Boldy, Kirill Kaprizov, Brock Faber, and Quinn Hughes are considered untouchable. Jesper Wallstedt and Filip Gustavsson are unlikely to be moved at this time. The team would consider offers for players such as Danila Yurov, Joel Eriksson Ek, Jonas Brodin, Marcus Foligno, Jared Spurgeon, Ryan Hartman, and Jake Middleton if the right deal presents itself. Players in the ‘to make room’ category, including Nico Sturm, Yakov Trenin, Daemon Hunt, and Bobby Brink, are more likely candidates for trades to facilitate roster adjustments.
Buffalo Sabres May Need to Shed Salary
The Buffalo Sabres are facing significant decisions regarding their salary cap as they aim to re-sign key free agents. With coach Lindy Ruff’s two-year contract extension secured, General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen must navigate cap space. Re-signing Alex Tuch is a priority, but his next contract will impact the team’s ability to build depth. The Sabres currently have under $13 million in projected cap space, potentially necessitating the trade of Jordan Greenway’s salary. Restricted free agent Zach Benson is also due for a new deal; his projected value could be around seven years at $6.95 million. Defenseman Bowen Byram, a second-pairing player also used on the power play, is eligible for an extension and could seek a top-pairing role, which might necessitate a move. The Sabres possess numerous center options, including Tage Thompson, Josh Norris, Ryan McLeod, Jiri Kulich, Noah Östlund, Konsta Helenius, Sam Carrick, Peyton Krebs, and Tyson Kozak, suggesting they might explore trading a centerman to free up cap space or create roster balance. Other players like RFAs Krebs and Michael Kesselring, along with UFAs Beck Malenstyn, Logan Stanley, Luke Schenn, Tanner Pearson, and Josh Dunne, are also part of the team’s roster considerations.
