Dan Wallace: Wild Claim Bitetto Off Waivers From Nashville

This is ready starting to look like Brodin is the next one out the door. Fenton has now brought in 2 lefty defensemen. If he does indead trade Brodin, I sure hope it is for someone that can put the puck in the net....and not the netting above the glass.

The other dman that I can see being traded away is Spurgeon...still. I know, I keep saying trade him, but Spurge can probably bring a more than decent return. I just think that Spurgeon is starting to get caught on the boards more, injuries have happened a little more...I just can't imagine him playing at his level too much longer.

The feeling that I am starting to get is that Fenton is trying to open up a lot of cap space and doing a re-load to be a top team in 2-3 years from now.

i think youre on to something gus

WHO?

Dan Wallace: Wild Claim Bitetto Off Waivers From Nashville
- Dan Wallace

This is the piece that will get you into the playoffs.

Brodin has been average over the past couple of seasons. Spurgeon could be moved to a forward position, I think he’s that versatile and has much more 2 way potential as a winger. IMO

Nashville North ???

Brodin has been average over the past couple of seasons. Spurgeon could be moved to a forward position, I think he’s that versatile and has much more 2 way potential as a winger. IMO
- MnGump

That's an interesting idea Gump. But is it worth moving Spurgeon to forward more than trading him for some younger assets? He will be 30 next year on the last year of his contract. Some team is going to pay him more than the $5.2 mil he is making now. I hate to beat a dead horse, but injuries with Spurgeon are kind of prevalent. I didn't realize it until I looked it up, but in 9 seasons with the Wild, he has never played an 82 game season? In fact, he only has 2 seasons were he played mid-70's games. Otherwise, every season has been 70 or less. I just think the Wild will help jumpstart the youth movement by trading Spurgeon.

Money-wise (and yes, I know this is a pipe dream), the Wild should talk to Toronto about a Granlund/Spurgeon trade for Nylander/Kapanen. It gives Toronto the right handed Dman they want for 2 years and a replacement at RW for Nylander. This also makes it so they only have to resign Matthews and Marner. Both Spurgeon and Granlund are up for new contracts when Marleau comes off the books, so there would be money to sign at least 1 of them, if not both.

The Wild getting Nylander/Kapanen goes a long way towards making the Wild younger. This would open up about $4 mil for next year in cap space, which would be used up signing Kapanen to new contract. This also SHOULD be very helpful in making the Wild more attractive to Kaprizov wanting to play for them.

something is gonna give soon. Dont see them rolling out hendricks, brown and fehr over kunin, ek and foligno. Especially the way they were playing.

Well, I guess my Spurgeon/Granlund idea is out the window before it ever got started with the Leafs picking up Muzzin today. I guess back to the drawing board....

something is gonna give soon. Dont see them rolling out hendricks, brown and fehr over kunin, ek and foligno. Especially the way they were playing.
- mnMild

The smart thing, IMO, would be to ask Hendricks to retire and send Brown to Iowa. Unless they can find a trade partner that would take either or both. Fehr becomes somewhat of a luxury that sits in the pressbox while Foligno/JEE/Kunin keeping running until they hit the speed bump.

Well, I guess my Spurgeon/Granlund idea is out the window before it ever got started with the Leafs picking up Muzzin today. I guess back to the drawing board....
- Gusrichards

Moving spurgeon to the leafs isnt totally out the window. Muzzin is a left shot, the leafs will probably still be looking for a righty. Plus now that they have muzzin, id say theyre inclined to trade gardiner now.

Moving spurgeon to the leafs isnt totally out the window. Muzzin is a left shot, the leafs will probably still be looking for a righty. Plus now that they have muzzin, id say theyre inclined to trade gardiner now.
- mnMild

Since the Leafs appear to be "all in" for the Cup this year (and maybe next)...would a Granlund/Spurgeon/Coyle for say Nylander/Kapanen/Gardiner work? Or am I over valuing the Wild players? Maybe the Wild throw in a 2nd Rd pick as well? I know that Fenton really does not want to trade picks, but getting Nylander & Kapanen makes the team younger again.