Can't imagine Washington trades their youngish elite playmaking center in his prime, even for that package. Maybe in a couple years if Connor McMichael ends up being a star

It's a decent trade imo, but if Pens truly miss out the playoffs isn't that pick heading back their way?

Imo 2021 1st won't get it done as it's a weaker draft. Or at least that 2nd should be removed by that point.

Likely going to cost you a lot more for both players. Both WSH and NYR would be creating a hole at center for their teams; have to make it worth it for them in order for acceptance.

Don't think that's nearly enough for Kuznetsov and no way should that 2nd from the Caps be in there.

Thats an insane overpay for Kuznetsov. Hes terrible defensively, cant drive play and does cocaine. The Wild are better off finding a guy in free agency or offersheeting Barzal/Cirelli

Brodin is the BEST defensive dman in the league

Staal is a great 2C

Donato is going to break out.

Brodin for Kuznetsov 1 for 1 is an L for the Wild

I think MIN really needs to draft a C in the 1st this year. Lundell/Lapierre/Zary/Holloway all are potential picks.

C are so hard to find, you really need to draft them or else you won't get them.

The most likely C's to be available have been been beaten into the ground on here, Strome's, Cirelli etc

Not sure who the Wild should target for a C, but dammmn Fiala looks good. He hasn't missed a beat from the way he was playing before the season was suspended. Between him and Kaprizov they should have 2/3's of a really good top line even if they don't trade for a center.

Do you think Granlund would come back for a year or two? I know he's more ideal as a winger, but he can play center right?

Question for you, if minny wins first overall, would you trade down for Byfield?

LW is set with fiala and kaprizov

He was really bad at center for us. I'd rather just save the money. Tbh there aren't any good C options in free agency this year.

I'd consider it heavily, although I like Stutzle more (we'd likely take Byfield if we did that but my preference is Stutzle). If LA offered us something like 2 OA and Vilardi, it would be hard to say no...

Personally, I'd take Lafreniere with the 1st ova, center be damned.

Fiala plays RW for us, and has been since just before his game took off. I'd prefer to keep him there since he's so dominant from that wing. However that means that he needs a legitimate playmate at 1LW for this team to really be lethal.

Kaprizov is a legitimate threat from either wing position, but prefers to play from the right wing.

Taking Laf give us a triple threat of high-end finishers for our top six. Something this team also desperately needs. With Laf as our 1LW, Fiala as 1RW, and Kaprizov as either 2LW or 2RW, the Wild's top six suddenly looks very potent.

Afterward, Guerin should continue on as originally planned. Draft a center with our second pick and hope we hit. Move one of Dumba or Brodin for a top six center or look to free agency. Yes, I'm well aware this year's FA list for centers is absolute crap. But 21', 22' and 23' looks to have a nice range of decent to stellar options.

*Eyes Barkov in 22'*

Oh I'm not saying we should take Byfield or Stutzle at 1, but if LA offers a deal for it with 2 OA and a good young piece like Vilardi, I'd probably pull the trigger.

That being said, let's not kid ourselves, we aren't winning the lottery.

Interesting idea.

Kuznetsov is terrible defensively so that should give pause, I think this is slight overpayment for him tbh but Minnesota is that desperate for a C.


I'd say that Wild should seriously consider trading for one the NHL ready Cs in the draft.
It will likely cost less and probably a better idea long term.


What are your preferences from the NHL ready Cs in the draft?

I know, but unless Guerin gets someone to commit to a massive overpay, I would just take Laf with the 1ova. I wouldn't consider taking anyone else with it. That's just stupid, just trade down for a profit if we have no intention of taking Lafreniere.

Other than that, I know that too. Doesn't stop me from dreaming about it though.

He is bad, but we have Ek to handle the defensive assignments so it's not a big deal imo.

Stutzle
Byfield (close for me but Stutzle is just an incredible skater with magic hands and playmaking ability)
Rossi
Mercer
Khusnutdinov
Lundell

Byfield > Stutzle

I am actually thinking Stutzle might be a bust.
Time will tell.


I actually like Rossi over Stutzle.

Interesting. I like Stutzle more, he plays a more dynamic game and to be honest I haven't been all that thrilled with Byfield's game from what I've seen. He's a fantastic prospect and I'm sure he'll be a great player but Im just left wanting more when I see him. I know I'm in the minority on that though

Everyone has their flavour.
Not going to fault you on that even a little.

I feel Byfield and Rossi will surpass Stutzle.
I want LA to take Stutzle tbh.

Could something like this work?


- 2020 2nd
- 2021 3rd
- Victor Rask

- Ryan Strome

I think the value on this deal is close but personally I'm not a fan of Kuznetsov so I would not do this deal.

I'm in the "get Byfield" camp if Minnesota can pull that off assuming they get more for that 1OA.

I'd love it for Wild

I'd happily do that trade

Yeah that's an ideal scenario. I don't see us winning 1st overall though

I've actually really liked Rask in CAR and think playing with Panarin could revitalize his career. Plus we'd need a stopgap 2C too.