Minnesota v2 - playoff push Zibanejad

Team: 2019-20 Minnesota Wild

Initial Creation Date: Aug. 10, 2019

Published: Aug. 12, 2019

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

As it stands today, I would project Minnesota to finish last in the Central this upcoming season. I strongly believe that they would benefit from a rebuild, sooner rather than later. However, I've worked on two potential scenarios for fun: One being a rebuild, the other being one way of pushing for the playoffs (if the fictive management continues to put more faith in their current roster than I do).

This is the playoffs version. I looked at all different teams and were they're at, focusing on cap space, how close each team is to reach the playoffs, and of course what I figure Wild needs (the most). It came down to trades with either Pittsburgh, Vegas, Winnipeg, Anaheim or the Rangers.

I believe that this would make most sense for Minnesota, at least when compared to adding depth on the wings. Adding center depth by giving up picks and future talent is what I would do as a new GM. Rangers are looking at a cap crunch situation, with a rebuild going on. If Minnesota were to go for it, I think they could get Zibanejad for a high enough price.

That and signing Boyle, as well as getting rid of the Rask contract, would leave them with Zibanejad-Staal-Koivu-Boyle, with Sturm able to backup. A center depth as good as any team in the league (tough it lacks star power).

Any thoughts or suggestions to make this more viable for the teams involved?

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