Winnipeg Jets Trade Deadline: How wild would a trade with Minnesota be?
By Sam Melnyk
In the run up to the trade deadline we are looking at trade options for the Winnipeg Jets, today we look at the Minnesota Wild.
The Minnesota Wild are sitting, clawing their way up the standings and are currently holding down the third spot in the Central Division. However, just a few weeks ago they were on the outside looking in. This will make the Minnesota Wild’s decisions leading up to the trade deadline difficult. Injuries have played a role in their current spot in the standings. Finally they’re almost 100% healthy.
What Do the Wild Need?
Scoring, scoring, scoring. The Wild have the same wish list as most teams entering the playoffs, centers, wingers defence. But, what makes any wheeling and dealing more difficult for the Minnesota Wild is the fact they are right at the cap ceiling with only $134,073 in space.
You can expect that any trade with the Minnesota Wild will involve the other team eating some salary or take back a player with a higher cost contract. The Wild’s GM isn’t one to shy away from high risk trades. Last year he dealt away the Wild’s 2017 first-round, 2018 second-round pick, a conditional 2019 fourth-round pick and minor leaguer Grayson Downing for Martin Hanzal, Ryan White and a 2017 fourth-round pick.
The Winnipeg Jets do have the cap space to allow for a trade, and they do have scoring winger, centres and depth defence men. However, all those players are needed for the Winnipeg Jets run for the cup. And, it would seem a little silly to help out the Minnnisota Wild a team the Winnipeg Jets may face in the first or second round.
You can never rule out some sort of round-a-bout deal like the Senators-Vegas-Penguins deal for Brassard. A deal that some saw the Vegas Golden Knights play to keep Brassard in the East and out of Winnipeg’s hands.
Next: Winnipeg Jets Trade Options: Finesse the Oilers
Truth be told, I don’t see a deal between these two teams. The logistics just don’t make sense, both teams are buyers.