Personally, looking at the Minnesota Wild, I absolutely believe it is time to tear down a rebuild. This year, they had around 12.8 million dollars in dead cap and still figured out a way to buy some major assets at the deadline, but for the next 2 years, they will have close to 15 million in dead cap, and quite honestly, you cannot build a winning team around that. And the one player I'm eyeing down in this rebuild is Kirill Kaprizov. He has 3 more years until unrestricted free agency, and so far, has not sniffed the 2nd round. The next 2 years of his deal, his team will be handicapped almost 15 million under the salary cap with no big raises imminent. The Wild management must ask, is it worth it to keep Kaprizov for the jersey sales and marketability for the next 3 years, because there is no way this team escapes mediocrity. They thought they were out when they signed Kaprizov, but didn't account for the crippling buyouts of Parise & Suter. IF you move on from Kaprizov, you have great core pieces in all positions. The BEST goalie prospect in hockey with Jesper Wallstedt, studs on defence in Lambos, O'Rourke, Faber & Addison. Lastly, great forward depth in Yurov, Khusnutdinov, Ohgren, Rossi, and Boldy. Not to mention, moving Kaprizov would land you some great depth in these positions.
Firstly, moving on with this offseason, I think you buyout Marc Andre Fleury. A relatively cheap buyout cost for the next 2 years. Unfortunately is not working in Minnesota for him. Gustavsson had a sensational season and will be the starter moving forward. However, when dealing with Fleury, buyout is the correct avenue. When he got traded from Vegas to Chicago, he did not appreciate the sudden move and having to relocate his family without any say. With a buyout, the ball is in Fleury's court entirely. He can choose to play a last dance final year anywhere he wants or simply retire.
Next up, 2 monster trades, first off with the Montreal Canadiens. This trade is essentially seen as Kaprizov for Michkov, if MTL moves up to top 2 OR Michkov is not available at their pick, this deal doesn't happen. Michkov is arguably the 2nd best prospect in this draft class with a somewhat concerning Russian background. That is a contract that will culminate in the 25/26 offseason. You're essentially repeating the Kaprizov process with Michkov as a Russian sensation with a longterm KHL deal waiting to go to Minnesota, but would be entirely worth it. By the time he comes to North America, Minnesota will be well on its way to escape mediocrity. With PLD likely on his way to the Habs, this gives Montreal 2 duos to build a top 6 with (Caufield/Suzuki) + (PLD / Kaprizov) Joel Armia also comes back as cap space for Montreal's part.
A trade with the Rangers here which I am very unsure about myself purely on value, because I'm unsure what the perceived value of Kakko is around the league and most importantly to Chris Drury. Minnesota gives up a former Ranger fan favourite, prominent Top 6 rental option in Zuccarello alongside a Round 1 pick in the 15-20 range for Kakko and a pick in the 3rd. Kakko is still quite young at 22 and has the pedigree of a 2nd overall pick. He stated in exit interviews he wants an elevated role and quite frankly here it is. With this team's depth he would have to play his way OUT of the top 6. With the position NYR is in, I believe this is fair perceived value, they pick up a prominent top 6 option at 3 million with the likely departures of Kane/Tarasenko and a 15/20 range pick to regain the prospect pedigree.
Next trade is a toss away, doesn't have to be Pittsburgh, 5th is likely the correct value coming back. Goligoski doesn't quite have a place here.
For RFA resignings, first 2 signings in Gustavsson & Addison are directly influenced by other contracts around the NHL (Husso + Bean). The others are self explanatory whereas Steel gets his first payday, influenced by a 1 year extension given to & Yamamoto in Edmonton few years back.
As for UFA, gonna address Ennis first, just came back from an excursion in the NLA. Childhood best friend of captain Jared Spurgeon, maybe the captain gets the wheels rolling on the return to the NHl for Ennis? He is an NHL caliber player no doubt in my mind (also former Wild). In addition, we pick up 3 depth players in 3 separate positions. Speaking of former Wild, Alex Stalock after a great comeback season in Chicago is returning to Minnesota. Signed on for 2 years he can act as a backup / 3rd goalie as Wallstedt eases his way into the NHL (I have him slotted as backup but no question he plays games in Iowa this year). Secondly Connor Mackey on defence. Breakout potentially with a secure role in the top 6 (again I have him slotted in as 7th D, but injuries happen) and lastly Tyler Benson, did not quite work in Edmonton, change of scenery might be the best for him but won't come easy as he'll have to win a spot in the lineup.
Speaking of the lineup, this is not bad in any stretch of the imagination. With Jets likely coming out of playoffs and depending how Nashville and St Louis bounce back, this team could still be in contention. The big kicker are guys like Hartman & Foligno, if it's time to fully tear it down come deadline time, they go too.
Assuming Habs remain at 5, and the first four players selected are Bedard, Fantilli, Carlsson and Smith...personally, I would still select Michkov, but we've been hearing pretty much all year long that the Habs wouldn't consider him. So could I see Hughes being tempted by the idea of adding Kaprizov, while also getting rid of Armia's contract, instead of say...Zach Benson ? Yeah, I could see it, in terms of value. Would have to look a little closer to see how it would fit financially, but the general idea would be tempting.
Assuming Habs remain at 5, and the first four players selected are Bedard, Fantilli, Carlsson and Smith...personally, I would still select Michkov, but we've been hearing pretty much all year long that the Habs wouldn't consider him. So could I see Hughes being tempted by the idea of adding Kaprizov, while also getting rid of Armia's contract, instead of say...Zach Benson ? Yeah, I could see it, in terms of value. Would have to look a little closer to see how it would fit financially, but the general idea would be tempting.
Getting Kipper for this low, i'm at the airport running wild to Minnesota to make it happen!!!
Kipper the elite NHL winger vs Michkov the draft prospect with a KHL contract.
Dach got 13oa and 66oa. Yes this draft is better but the difference between Kaprizov and Dach is also light years greater than the difference in drafts.
Kipper the elite NHL winger vs Michkov the draft prospect with a KHL contract.
Dach got 13oa and 66oa. Yes this draft is better but the difference between Kaprizov and Dach is also light years greater than the difference in drafts.
you're talking about the best kid after Bedard in the deepest draft since 2003 ?!
Getting Kipper for this low, i'm at the airport running wild to Minnesota to make it happen!!!
It's still a big contract to absorb though, which might prevent us from accurately building around him. You're still missing at least one Top-6 forward (Suzuki, Caufield, Dach, Kaprizov...Slafkovsky ? Anderson ?), a top-pairing RD and a legit starter. That's a lot of holes to fill in the 3-year of Kaprizov's contract.