Minnesota Wild Trade Availability
The Minnesota Wild are evaluating their roster as the offseason approaches, with potential trade targets being categorized into distinct tiers.
Untouchable Players: Matt Boldy, Kirill Kaprizov, Brock Faber, and Quinn Hughes are considered core players and are not available for trade.
Unlikely to be Traded: Jesper Wallstedt and Filip Gustavsson are also not expected to be moved at this time.
Available for the Right Offer: Danila Yurov, Joel Eriksson Ek, Jonas Brodin, Marcus Foligno, Jared Spurgeon, Ryan Hartman, and Jake Middleton could be traded if a suitable offer is presented.
Players to Clear Room: Nico Sturm, Yakov Trenin, Daemon Hunt, and Bobby Brink are candidates to be moved to create salary cap space or roster flexibility.
Discussion points include the Minnesota Wild’s strategy, Quinn Hughes’ role, and the team’s approach to the center position.
Buffalo Sabres Salary Cap Management Ahead of Free Agency
The Buffalo Sabres have extended coach Lindy Ruff for two years, but General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen faces significant decisions regarding player contracts and salary cap. To re-sign key free agents and build a competitive roster, the team may need to shed salary.
Alex Tuch requires a new contract that aligns with the team’s financial flexibility. The Sabres currently have just under $13 million in projected cap space, which may necessitate trading Jordan Greenway to accommodate Tuch’s potential salary.
Restricted free agent Zach Benson, who recorded 43 points despite some injury time, needs a new deal. Projections suggest a contract of seven years at approximately $6.95 million. His future contract structure, whether a bridge deal or a long-term agreement, is a key consideration.
Defenseman Bowen Byram is eligible for an extension and is one year from unrestricted free agency. While he plays on the second pairing and power play, his aspirations for a top-pairing role might influence his contract demands and future with the team.
The Sabres possess depth at the center position, with Tage Thompson, Josh Norris, Ryan McLeod, Jiri Kulich, Noah Östlund, Konsta Helenius, Sam Carrick, Peyton Krebs, and Tyson Kozak all capable of playing center. This depth could present opportunities to move a centerman to address other team needs or salary cap constraints.
Additionally, RFAs Peyton Krebs and Michael Kesselring are due for new contracts, while UFAs include Beck Malenstyn, Logan Stanley, Luke Schenn, Tanner Pearson, and Josh Dunne.
The potential for a contract extension for a player like Macklin Celebrini is also a topic of interest within the league.
