The Wild are one of the few teams that have the most to lose at the upcoming Expansion Draft. Since they can only protect seven forwards and three defensemen, it’s inevitable Minnesota will lose someone of significant importance.
Not wanting to lose a player for nothing, the Wild could end up trading a player in the days leading up to the draft, so that they at least get something back in return.
When asked how likely it is that the Wild will trade a blue liner prior to the draft, Star Tribune reporter Michael Russo said: “I would say it’s 100 percent. I’m starting to gather it’s going to be (Matt) Dumba. I’ve got a good sense of that, that it is 100 percent in the works; that’s at least being talked about.”
Russo also mentioned that Jonas Brodin could also be moved – but whomever they don’t trade will end up being the last defenseman the Wild can protect prior to the draft.
Joe Haggerty of CSN-North East reported on Wednesday the Boston Bruins are interested in Brodin. Haggerty notes Brodin has been on Boston’s radar since this past season’s trade deadline.
“He’s got the best-asset potential,” Russo said about trading Dumba. “I think they really internally have analyzed this and feel like they really like Brodin and feel like Dumba can get them the most on the trade market.”
When asked where Dumba could land, Russo mentioned Dallas, Arizona, and maybe Tampa Bay as suitors. In return, the Wild aren’t necessarily looking for a players to help them right away – instead, it’s like they’d received draft picks or prospects.
The NHL released key dates earlier this month for the days leading up to draft. If the Wild were to trade Dumba, they’d have to do it before Saturday, June 17 – because the league commences a freeze of all teams making trades.
Also, if a team acquires Dumba via trade, they’d have to protect the 22-year-old when the Expansion Draft period begins.
