For the second consecutive day the Minnesota Wild are wheeling and dealing, making another move right at the NHL trade deadline.
The Wild have confirmed they have acquired forwards Matt Moulson and Cody McCormick from the Buffalo Sabres in a trade that involves Torrey Mitchell and two second-round draft picks.
Wild confirm the trade with Buffalo. Matt Moulson and Cody McCormick joining the Wild. Give up Torrey Mitchell, two 2nd rounders (2014, '16)
— Derek Wetmore (@DerekWetmore) March 5, 2014
It is the second straight year the Wild and Buffalo have completed a big deal at the deadline, according to the Buffalo News. Last year, Minnesota and Buffalo agreed to a deal that sent forward Jason Pominville to Minnesota on deadline day.
Moulson has 11 goals and 29 points in 44 games with the Sabres this season, and 17 goals and 21 assists overall. He’s scored at least 30 goals three different times in his career.
McCormick is defined as a hard-nosed forward, according to the Star Tribune. He has tallied 59 points and 503 penalty minutes in 358 games in the NHL and is in the last year of his $1.2 million deal.
Mitchell has played in 383 games and has 35 goals and 90 points in his career. He has one year left on his contract. Yesterday, he denied reports he had gone to the Wild asking for a trade.
The Wild also dealt Tuesday to acquire goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov, from Edmonton.
Look what's already at @SOH_Store at @XcelEnergyCtr #mnwild pic.twitter.com/aVRzVMhtE8
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) March 5, 2014
Another name the Wild have been rumored to have interest in was on the move today as well. They have also been considered a front runner to sign former Buffalo forward and Gopher standout Thomas Vanek – he was sent to the Montreal Canadians.
Thomas Vanek has been traded to the Montreal Canadiens. #TradeCentre pic.twitter.com/qOInxMJMeR
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) March 5, 2014
Montreal could be a short stop for Vanek. He is scheduled to be a free agent at the end of the season, and some speculate a return to Minnesota, where he starred with the Gophers could be in the works.
#MnWild perspective on Vanek? I'd say he's still here next year. Montreal just doesn't seem like a long-term stop for him. #OpinionNotFact
— Chris Long (@ChrisLongKSTP) March 5, 2014
