Wild offseason at a glance: Who’s staying? Who’s going?

Dane Mizutani, Pioneer Press
·5 min read
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Wild general manager Bill Guerin noted at his end-of-the-season press conference that the current roster likely won’t have much turnover heading into next season.

Though the Wild seem destined to lose a good player due to their financial constraints, most of the current roster is under contract.

In total, the Wild have roughly $8 million in cap space heading this offseason.

Here’s an alphabetical breakdown of the players under contract, as well as pending restricted free agents and pending unrestricted free agents:

UNDER CONTRACT

Matt Boldy (Winger)

Contract: $880,000 for 2022-23 season

Analysis: After emerging as a dynamic player this season, Boldy will be expected to carry more weight on his shoulders next season. Look for him to take a big step.

Jonas Brodin (Defenseman)

Contract: $6 million for 2022-23 season

Analysis: Perhaps the most underrated defenseman in the league, Brodin gives the Wild a star on the backend that can play with pretty much anyone.

Brandon Duhaime (Winger)

Contract: $750,000 for 2022-23 season

Analysis: While his numbers certainly didn’t jump off the page, Duhaime filled his role admirably. He seems to have some untapped potential in his game, too.

Matt Dumba (Defenseman)

Contract: $6 million for 2022-23 season

Analysis: Though he seems to be at the epicenter of trade rumors every offseason, Dumba has developed into a very good player on the ice. He’s also a heartbeat of the locker room.

Joel Eriksson Ek (Center)

Contract: $5.25 million for 2022-23 season

Analysis: This average annual value for Eriksson Ek is a steal based on his production in both ends. He’s among the best shutdown centers in the league with offensive upside.

Marcus Foligno (Winger)

Contract: $3.1 million for 2022-23 season

Analysis: Much like Dumba, Foligno has emerged as a heartbeat of the locker room. He also eclipsed the 20-goal plateau this season for the first time in his career.

Freddy Gaudreau (Center)

Contract: $1.2 million for 2022-23 season

Analysis: This is also a steal of a contract considering Gaudreau’s production down the stretch. He could be a key player for the Wild next season because of his versatility.

Alex Goligoski (Defenseman)

Contract: $2 million for 2022-23 season

Analysis: This contract extension was a little curious midseason. That said, Goligoski brings a veteran presence to the blue line that could go a long way next season.

Jordan Greenway (Winger)

Contract: $3 million for 2022-23 season

Analysis: It’s easy to see why the Wild gave Greenway a contract extension when looking at how well he plays alongside Eriksson Ek and opposite Foligno. That trio is dynamite.

Ryan Hartman (Center)

Contract: $1.7 million for 2022-23 season

Analysis: This might be the biggest steal in the league. Not only did Hartman score a career high 34 goals this season, he tallied 31 assists playing between Kaprizov and Zuccarello.

Tyson Jost (Center)

Contract: $2 million for 2022-23 season

Analysis: Much like Kulikov, Jost could be a player the Wild shop this offseason considering he’s set to make $2 million. It’s also possible the Wild decide to keep him and elevate him in the lineup.

Kirill Kaprizov (Winger)

Contract: $9 million for 2022-23 season

Analysis: He’s a superstar that has more than earned his franchise record average annual value. After turning heads with his spectacular play this season, Kaprizov will be expected to do even more next season.

Dmitry Kulikov (Defenseman)

Contract: $2.25 million for 2022-23 season

Analysis: If the Wild are going to try and trim the fat this offseason, Kulikov’s pending $2.25 million cap hit would be a good place to start. While he showed flashes this season, he’s replaceable on the blue line.

Jon Merrill (Defenseman)

Contract: $1.2 million for 2022-23 season

Analysis: A steady presence on the blue line, Merrill will likely play on the bottom defensive pairing next season. That’s a perfect role for him.

Jared Spurgeon (Defenseman)

Contract: $7.575 million for 2022-23 season

Analysis: As the captain, Spurgeon is irreplaceable both on and off the ice. While he might cost a pretty penny, it’s hard to imagine life without him.

Cam Talbot (Goaltender)

Contract: $3.67 million for 2022-23 season

Analysis: While a lot was made about Talbot being benched in the playoffs, it seems like water under the bridge now. He’s under contract and expects to be back next season.

Mats Zuccarello (Winger)

Contract: $6 million for 2022-23 season

Analysis: Not only has Zuccarello developed an unmatched chemistry with Kaprizov, he has emerged as a vocal leader in the locker room. That’s important in and of itself.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

Connor Dewar (Winger)

Contract: RFA

Analysis: Though he didn’t see much time at the next level, Dewar proved his worth with solid play. Don’t be surprised to see him back next season.

Kevin Fiala (Winger)

Contract: RFA

Analysis: This is the biggest story of this offseason. As much as the Wild want Fiala back, he’s likely going to cost in the upwards of $8 million per season. That might be too much for them to afford.

Jake Middleton (Defenseman)

Contract: RFA

Analysis: After being acquired by the Wild at the trade deadline, Middleton played alongside Spurgeon on the top defensive pairing. He’s a main priority this offseason.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

Jordie Benn (Defenseman)

Contract: UFA

Analysis: While he never complained about playing time as the extra blue liner, it seems likely that the Wild will move on from Benn this offseason.

Nick Bjugstad (Winger)

Contract: UFA

Analysis: If Bjugstad is willing to take a hometown discount to stay with the Wild, it’s likely they would welcome him back this offseason.

Nic Deslauriers (Winger)

Contract: UFA

Analysis: Similar to Bjugstad, if Deslauriers is willing to come back at a reasonable number, the Wild would gladly take his veteran leadership next season.

Marc-Andre Fleury (Goaltender)

Contract: UFA

Analysis: It’s clear that Guerin wants to re-sign Fleury this offseason. The only question is if Flower wants to play for the Wild moving forward. If he does, this deal will 100 percent get done.

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