You can't do "if this, then that" trades anymore... as per new CBA I believe

The Wild will not be trading for rentals at this time. Especially not if part of the deal is potentially giving up a 1st or 2nd round draft pick.

That's just for signing new contracts.

Why not? The Wild are giving up a 2nd IF Gusev gets 8 points which makes sense. If he starts to play better he could be worth a 2nd. And if Gusev scored 15 points in 15 games which is very very unlikely, then a first is fair

Also the wild are probably the least likely to trade for a wing. If it was Zacha you’d be on to something, but gusev doesn’t fit the wild needs or building blocks.

Because Guerin has said multiple times he won't be dealing high value future pieces or mortgaging the future in any way for rentals specifically, and if he's going to make a move, it has to make sense for the long term benefit of the organization. This move would be entirely antithetical to that. Beyond that, the idea that we could "just sign him and then it's long term" doesn't work either, because we have no space, roster-wise or cap-wise, for more highly paid wingers.

Zacha is almost untouchable. He's playing very good this season. I doubt he gets traded.

Makes sense. I was thinking the Wild would be interested based on the Russian connection with Kaprizov

if Kulikov is a good skater/passer, sure why not

Sounds good.
Would probably prefer to resign Kulikov though.
And I don’t think Palmieri goes to Isles (I think Lou is throwing up smoke)

Kaprizov - Gusev was the best line in Team Russia for a couple of years. They have been successful linemates for years and I would personally sacrifice our 3rd without all "ifs" to get Gusev for a tryout.

Gusev isn't worth much to anyone. He'd easily pass though waivers right now. $4.5m for 5p in 20 games isn't a contract anyone wants to take.

I think we could get a solid return for Kulikov at the deadline
Where do you think Palms is going?

I feel like the "ifs" are fair.

Gusev and Kaprizov weren't on the same team in the KHL...

He has one year left...

No. The 3rd is way too much alone. That is the gamble than MN takes hoping he'd rebound at all. "If" Gusev does nothing for the Wild do they get their 3rd back and pay in future considerations instead?

He's a UFA after this season.

Exactly, so why wouldn't a team claim him if is placed on waivers?

And what IF Gusev does good?

$4.5m cap hit.

Then he does good and MN is happy and NJD is happy they got anything for him in the first place. All the risk is on MN's side of the trade. NJD can keep him and get nothing.

You do realize that Gusev had 44 points in 66 games last year right? And now you're saying he's worth nothing because he's doing bad in a weird year with no training camp and Gusev having Covid.

Yes, it's about what he's done lately. The team getting him is only getting like15-20 games out of him. This isn't a 23yo on a cheap deal with team control we're talking about. It's a 28yo rental that's had a bad year and has a big cap hit.

Boston seems interested. Leafs are clearly putting prospects on table. Caps maybe sleeper. Maybe Avs, Carolina.
Dunno. Just don't trust Lou would let world know what he is up to.