You should go after Dylan Strome

I don't know what Chicago would want other than a 1st round pick, which I wouldn't give up

I feel like if Guerin was interested in Domi for Brodin that deal would have happened, I see Domi as poor 1c a great 2c. Jost is interesting but I haven't seen him play center and wouldn't want to block Khovanov. I do see Khovanov at LW but how long would he be willing to play wing, of course that could be the beauty of that since if Jost didn't work out at center could swap him and Khovanov.
As far as Kunin I think he is better at Wing and would hate to waste him but as I'm sure you have noticed Wild are logg jammed at Wing.
I know Bellows was rumored in the trade but I just cant see Guerin making a move for another left shot wing.

I don't understand why you'd trade Donato for a third. He's got a great shot and deserves more time on the top lines

Isles cap liability is actually going up. Need to retain more. We'll just keep Ladd and let contract expire two years sooner if that's the best deal on the table.

Or, we can move Ladd for a 1st+Bellows to someone else and fully clear the $5.5

I’d want a second but the best fit I could think of is Edmonton and they don’t have a 2nd

Wild have no reason to retain anything $2 million and up or they might as well keep the better player. I’d do 1.5 at the most.

They do have an incentive to retain. Ladd's deal is up 2 years sooner than Parise.

Ex) Retaining $2.5M frees up $5M when Ladd expires. MIN can spend money sooner. That has value in itself. I wasn't overly excited at the thought of Parise. He's better than Ladd and usuable, yes. But that contract is far worse than Ladd over the long term. Needs to be worthwhile for us to take him.

But before Ladd expires they have to re-up Fiala, Kaprizov, Soucy, Mayhew and Bellows in this scenario. And those first two could be needing big money if they do what is expected in the next 2 seasons. If they retain 2.5 they’re essentially paying 8 million over the next 3 years for Ladd to play 6 minutes a game or even be scratched. Parise at least would be putting up 30-40 points still for less money. Bellows and a 4th is not enough incentive to retain that much money.

You're assuming Parise is playing those last 2 years making $1m in actual salary. He'll be 39 and have made over $100m over his career. If he's not an effective player, he'll retire or be on LTIR. I'm sure Lou knows that and it's the only reason he'd consider the deal.

Khovanov is in juniors. He won't be playing a top 6 role in the NHL and will be in Iowa next year. Keep Donato and play him in that top 6 role for a stretch and see what you have. He seems like he can produce when put in position to succeed.

People are saying Khovanov looks to be NHL ready