🎥 Darcy Kuemper discussed his future yesterday. Watch now: https://t.co/ixrzExyt24 #mnwild pic.twitter.com/5X3tm26Myu
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) April 28, 2016
It was the play of Darcy Kuemper that helped the Minnesota Wild beat the Colorado Avalanche in the opening round of the 2013-14 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
However, after showing some promise during the postseason, Kuemper didn’t live up to his expectations in 2014-15, and soon the young, talented and sometimes underachieving Kuemper may be looking for a new net to mind next season.
During his post-season press conference Wild GM Chuck Fletcher acknowledged that he will look to deal his backup goaltender in the offseason.
Fletcher says its way premature deciding if he buys out Vanek and admits he'll investigate trade value of Kuemper #mnwild
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) April 28, 2016
Kuemper is a restricted free agent this offseason and an unrestricted free agent next season. He is also due for a bump from his current $1.25 million contract.
According to the Hockey Writers, dealing the 25-year-old goaltender might be one of the keys to the Wild’s offseason.
“Kuemper’s trade value is huge. He has proven to be a quality back-up with enough potential to maybe fleet up to a starter with a little more seasoning. With other positional priorities, Fletcher has decided to leverage Kuemper to try and retool the team elsewhere.”
While Kuemper told reporters this week that he likes Minnesota and playing for the Wild, with Devan Dubnyk signing a six-year contract last offseason, he likely won’t be moving up the Wild depth chart anytime soon.
The Pioneer Press notes that a trade might give Kuemper a chance to start some place.
“From Darcy’s standpoint, he’s been patient, he was a great teammate this year,” said Fletcher. “So if there’s something that allows him to get in an expanded role and we can get a good asset or a good player, then I’ll definitely consider that.”
