As the Wild approach the mid-way point of the 56-game divisional sprint, expectations have changed quite a bit for the team that was supposed to be in bebuild mode. Sitting just 2 points back of Honda/West Division leader Vegas, the Wild have looked more like a team on the come rather than one looking to complete the makeover.
So how does that change things as we first embark on the trade deadline, and then as a byproduct the expansion draft coming at season's end.
Previously it looked pretty straight forward the Wild would be protecting forwards, Zach Parise and Mats Zuccarello due to their no movement clauses, along with Kevin Fiala and either Joel Eriksson Ek or Jordan Greenway. That would allow them to be able to protect all four of their top defensemen, Ryan Suter, Jared Spurgeon, Jonas Brodin (all with no movement clauses), and Matt Dumba. They would protect goaltender, Kaapo Kahkonen and expose Cam Talbot.
That has changed a bit with Eriksson Ek having a breakout season offensively to complement his alreadyb outstanding shutdown capabilities, and Jordan Greenway's emergence as a physical force who can score as well as play the game responsibly in all three zones. JEE and Greenway's linemate, Marcus Foligno inked a new three year deal which along with his offnsive breakout season he must be protected as well now.
That riases the question is it better now to protect the traditional seve forwards, three defensmen, and one goalie? Of course this leaves Matt Dumba exposed and sure to be the player Seattle would choose.
So that begs the question does Bill Guerin make a move to deal Dumba before the deadline or just ride the seaseon out as Dumba is a key asset on the Wild blueline for the present Wild. The question of losing an asset for "nothing" as it would appear, however the league rules state each team is going to regardless. We saw what happened with Vegas and how the Wild payed dearly to keep Dumba then.
Now Dumba is 2 years from UFA status and his $6M per year price tag should go up in his next deal. At that point the Wild will have enough additioanl contract woes to contend with so losing Dumba is not the worst scenario by a long shot. Not to mention that the Wild have Calen Addison waiting in the wings along with Louie Belpedio and we cannot forget Brennan Mennell who is playing very well with the KHL's Dinamo Minsk squad (5 goals, 38 points in 47 games), who's rights are still held by the Wild.
Lot's to look forward to as this continues to unfold...