The Minnesota Wild are entering the offseason with a clear set of player trade tiers, according to reports from Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic. Identifying who might be available, the team has a core of untouchable players including Matt Boldy, Kirill Kaprizov, Brock Faber, and Quinn Hughes. Players like Jesper Wallstedt and Filip Gustavsson are considered unlikely trade candidates at this time. The Wild would be open to listening on deals for players such as Danila Yurov, Joel Eriksson Ek, Jonas Brodin, Marcus Foligno, Jared Spurgeon, Ryan Hartman, and Jake Middleton if the right offer materializes. A separate category for players who might be moved to free up cap space includes Nico Sturm, Yakov Trenin, Daemon Hunt, and Bobby Brink.
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres are facing significant salary cap decisions as they aim to retain their free agents. With coach Lindy Ruff’s two-year contract extension, General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen must navigate the team’s financial landscape. Re-signing Alex Tuch to a manageable contract is a priority, with projections suggesting that an eight-year deal at $9 million annually would be more impactful on the cap than a seven-year, $10 million deal. The Sabres currently have just under $13 million in projected cap space, which may necessitate trading Jordan Greenway’s salary. Restricted free agent Zach Benson, who registered 43 points despite an injury-shortened season, also requires a new contract, with projections hinting at a seven-year deal worth $6.95 million. Defenseman Bowen Byram is eligible for an extension and is one year from unrestricted free agency; while he plays a key role on the second pairing and power play, his desire for a top-pairing role might lead to difficult discussions. The Sabres also possess considerable depth at center with players like Tage Thompson, Josh Norris, Ryan McLeod, Jiri Kulich, Noah รstlund, Konsta Helenius, Sam Carrick, Peyton Krebs, and Tyson Kozak, potentially making a centerman a trade option. Additionally, RFAs Krebs and Michael Kesselring are awaiting new contracts, while UFAs like Beck Malenstyn, Logan Stanley, Luke Schenn, Tanner Pearson, and Josh Dunne will also need to be addressed.
