I mean he's getting bought out and will be getting paid millions anyways. Especially in a high-quantity goalie market. At age 38/39.

If he wants to play somewhere, he'll sign for league minimum. Look no further than Patty signing a 700k contract with SJ after being bought out as an example.

not even in remotely the same ballpark lol. But I like the wishful thinking.

He's got really 2 options, go somewhere he can start (where he'd demand about 3-4 mil), teams like San Jose, Minnesota, Calgary, Vancouver, Chicago, Detroit, Buff all check that box.

or

Go to a bonafide contender and play backup where he'd take whatever they can afford such as Tampa, Philly or Dallas.

It seems like you're conflating the best parts of those 2 scenarios.

Look man, we needn't pretend like we have any idea of what goes on in King Henrik's thought process. People don't always do what we think is rational. Henrik might be BFFs with EK65 and Fast for all we know. The goalie market in any case won't let him take 3-4mil. And he might, like I do, think this roster actually has a decent shot at the cup, or at least believe enough in it to join two other fellow HoFer graybeards in their quest for their first cup at the last sunset. It's really not far-fetched or wishful thinking. Just a realistic possibility that could or won't happen.

It bears repeating -- he's getting paid millions this year anyways, and I highly doubt he gets 3-4m anywhere in this economic climate and market with a large supply of backups. Anyways, sub in Melnichuk or Stalock in a trade from Minny if Henrik for 750k feels too outlandish for you, or give him 1mil and take that 250k difference collectively a little from the other contracts, not a big deal.

And for the record, he's not starting anywhere in the league. 1B at best.

Honestly we need better than Lund. If we did go for him id like us to get atleast one actual top six forward though which Smith really isnt.

Wild are not moving Foligno, he is going to be named the next captain

I very much like the idea of Marcus Foligno on the team. I like Fast, but that might be too much for a 3rd line winger (Grant or Leivo might be better, cheaper options). Then we could give King Hank $1.5M.
Realtalk: I think we're gonna sign Dobby.

Very interesting thought... both he and Nabby are from Kazakhistan too, maybe that's another something there in addition to SJ needing a reliable veteran 1B.

Yup, not just from the same country, but Nabby is Dobby's actual mentor. They talk regularly!
I also think the whole Darcy Kuemper interest was really a well-disguised telegraph to indicate we're willing to spend $4M on a goalie.
Put it all together...
1) We're willing to spend $4M, 2) Nabby is Dobby's mentor and our new Goalie coach, and 3) Oettinger is doing well so DAL will likely let Dobby go.