Trade and Free Agency - 2024-25

[Dr Jan Itor]

Guess I'm not sure why you'd think he'd be willing to come here. I think they'd have to significantly overpay him to come play in Minnesota. I don't believe this state or the team are what big name free agents are considering otherwise. Is he a very good player? yeah I'd say so, but I can't imagine having to commit the kind of money it would take to get the guy to sign in this market. Of the 32 teams in the league, I'd be willing to hazard a guess that the Wild are not in the top 20 for player preference. Not because the market itself sucks, but the Wild are a constantly middling team. The state taxes are high. He'd be coming from Toronto. So, the cold probably isn't that big a deal, but if he had the chance, I just have very little doubt he'd take slightly less to play in Florida, Vegas, Dallas, etc. or even one of the other cooler weather states that has more of a winning culture. They'd likely have to make him one of the top 10 highest paid to get him to sign in Minnesota. Do I think he's worth that? Nah. But, that's what I think it could take to get him here.

Eventually even these teams are going run out of room.

 

[MK9]

Eventually even these teams are going run out of room.

Sure, but good chance some of those players they've traded or already had are going to be free agents and go elsewhere, so they're going to have to replace them as well.

 

[Wabit]

I hate the 'one of us' thing. I don't care if the person is from Uganda. Just get the best available. Unfortunately, I think that's somewhat how the Wild have to play it. I mean sure, if they can build a winning culture here where they're making deep runs or even win a cup, then it's probably not as much something they need to do in the future. As of right now, IMO, might be what they have to do.

I think you need to play the hand you're dealt. The home draw is real for some players. If they take a discount/fair rate and fill a need then use it to your advantage.

I think MN is probably middle of the pack for desirability of where to play. They aren't bottom feeders, they aren't Canada tax rate, a good hockey market from youth to pro, and it's not Columbus.

 

[57special]

I think you need to play the hand you're dealt. The home draw is real for some players. If they take a discount/fair rate and fill a need then use it to your advantage.

I think MN is probably middle of the pack for desirability of where to play. They aren't bottom feeders, they aren't Canada tax rate, a good hockey market from youth to pro, and it's not Columbus.

That's my read on this market, also. A lot of Canadians really like Minnesota. The hunting and fishing crowd like it, as do the family men. Northern Euros are comfortable here. Guys with model/entertainment WAGS would prefer bigger cities on the coasts, maybe CHI.

Of course, there are always Canadians who are sick and tired of cold weather, and dream of Christmas on the beach.