Tony Dean: Fletcher's Plate Full with Tight Cap Limited Maneuverability Fletcher's Plate Full with Tight Cap Limited Maneuverability

Hawks were kind of in the same situation with the centers after 2014 and picked up Brad Richards to plug into the 2C spot, and later, Vermette via trade.

The Wild may look at some older UFA veterans (this is the non-sexy answer) to help solidify that spot on the cheap(er) and not give up any assets.

Guys like Mike Fisher, Antoinne Vermette, Daniel Breiere, that aforementioned Brad Richards guy will be available after this year. If Fletcher can sell the Wild as a "piece or two away" to a veteran looking to compete for a cup, maybe he get's him a little cheaper than you would think.

If not...maybe offer sheet Stepan and just pony up the draft picks to the Rangers for signing their RFA.

Hawks were kind of in the same situation with the centers after 2014 and picked up Brad Richards to plug into the 2C spot, and later, Vermette via trade.

The Wild may look at some older UFA veterans (this is the non-sexy answer) to help solidify that spot on the cheap(er) and not give up any assets.

Guys like Mike Fisher, Antoinne Vermette, Daniel Breiere, that aforementioned Brad Richards guy will be available after this year. If Fletcher can sell the Wild as a "piece or two away" to a veteran looking to compete for a cup, maybe he get's him a little cheaper than you would think.

If not...maybe offer sheet Stepan and just pony up the draft picks to the Rangers for signing their RFA.
- MNHawk

unfortunately there is literally zero precedence for signing restricted free agents and having it be a viable means to address needs. I'm not sure that this off-season will be any different other than so many teams are precedents for signing restricted free agents and having it be a viable means to address needs. I'm not sure that this off-season will be any different other than so many teams are right up against the So maybe that changes. The draft pick compensation formula scared GMs away from RFA route.

eh one of the B-class franchises in the NHL.

not much going for it in goal. a bunch of bloated contracts. good luck

unfortunately there is literally zero precedence for signing restricted free agents and having it be a viable means to address needs. I'm not sure that this off-season will be any different other than so many teams are precedents for signing restricted free agents and having it be a viable means to address needs. I'm not sure that this off-season will be any different other than so many teams are right up against the So maybe that changes. The draft pick compensation formula scared GMs away from RFA route.
- Tony Dean

Given the cap landscape though, this could start to change. Everybody is starting to realize that you want to dole out that big contract to guys who are in their mid-20s instead of 30. Teams with promising youngsters that already have cap issues could be vulnerable to those teams with cap space and good organizational depth.

Given the cap landscape though, this could start to change. Everybody is starting to realize that you want to dole out that big contract to guys who are in their mid-20s instead of 30. Teams with promising youngsters that already have cap issues could be vulnerable to those teams with cap space and good organizational depth.
- Chinaski

I agree with that rationale but I will believe RFA is route to build once I see it become reality. The politics of the NHL has proven GMs think twice before attempting a poach of other teams RFAs due to concerns of reprisal.

I agree with that rationale but I will believe RFA is route to build once I see it become reality. The politics of the NHL has proven GMs think twice before attempting a poach of other teams RFAs due to concerns of reprisal.
- Tony Dean

Yeah, no doubt there is reluctance to use the offer sheet. Maybe we just start seeing more RFA's available on the trade market.

Gunna be another nail biter this draft, Fletcher is in another position to make a bold move. Hope he drops some slugs and gets someone that will actually be consistent like Zach and not be another choke artist! Can't wait for the 15/16' season, gunna be a fun one!