2021-22 Wild w Eichel

This trade is simply Seattle selecting Rask in the expansion draft, and getting compensation for it. The Wild will almost certainly protect 7F/3D/1G. By doing this their 7F will be Zucc (NMC), Fiala, Ek, Greenway, Foligno, Hartman and Sturm (Parise waives his NMC, and Kaprizov does not need to be protected.) The 3D will be Spurgeon and Brodin (NMC), along with Dumba, (Suter waives his NMC.) Finally, either Talbot or Kahkonen will be protected as the G, but the potential of losing either of them, or Soucy would force the Wild to make a trade. Seattle would get Rask, and Beckman, who was one of the top scorers in the W last time there was a full season. Beckman makes the most sense as the prospect that gets traded here because he is good, but not nearly at the level of Rossi, Boldy or Addison.

Alrighty, here is the main reason I'm creating this mock roster. The Wild desperately need a 1C, there is no denying that. There is also no denying that it would take a hefty return for Buffalo to trade Eichel. The Wild are probably one of the most likely destinations for Eichel, but odds are teams like NYR and LA could offer better packages for him. With that being said though, I highly doubt either Lafreniere or Byfield would be included in a deal. Jumping back to the Wild, I feel like Rossi would be available in a trade. Rossi is a top prospect in the eyes of lots of people connected to the NHL, but he dealt with COVID this year which could potentially deter BUF from him being a centerpiece for Eichel. On top of that, the Sabres passed on Rossi in the draft in favour of Jack Quinn, so I dont know how much they like Rossi. Rossi isnt the only value in this trade though, as BUF would be getting 2 26 y/o D in Dumba and Soucy. Dumba is a bonafide T4 D, who can contribute on offense while still being a solid defender. Soucy led the Wild in +/- this season, and has the potential to be a good defenceman in the NHL. Also, Hunter Jones is a G with good potential. The 2 1sts BUF would get should fall in the 20s, but they still have great value regardless.