RUMOR CHART LAUNCHES. 26 Players have been added to my EKLUND'S RUMOR CHART. More players will be added and updated throughout the day.
On the Wild.... Speaking to a source yesterday, I was told that the Minnesota Wild are "open for business" in discussing trade possibilities before and during the NHL's upcoming Draft weekend. Ryan Hartman has a full no-movement clause for the 2024-25 season but he's still a player of interest for other clubs. He'll have partial no-trade for the remainder of his contract.
Jake Middleton is drawing a lot of interest, from what I was told. Marcus Johansson is readily available after a disappointing 2023-24 season. Jon Merrill and Vinni Lettieri are also available.
Heart and soul defenseman Jared Spurgeon will turn 35 in the fall and is coming off an injury-plagued 2023-24 season. He has partial no-trade for the remaining three years of his contract -- the total NMC portion of the deal is now done. However, I was told the Wild do NOT want to consider trades for their veteran captain at present. In the next blog I will be answering your "What tha ek?" Questions...
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— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) January 5, 2021