Yup. Talbot, Kulikov, and Greenway would be the casualties I'd imagine. I'd be happy with losing those 3 if it meant keeping Fiala, problem is finding trade partners to take them without taking cap back.

I could also see Guerin trying to move Jost instead of Greenway and signing a cheaper backup goalie and maybe taking a couple hundred thousand off of Fiala and Fleury's contracts.

Roster still looks good IMO

Do u think there’s a chance Zucc is the one that gets traded? I experimented with it and that leaves a lot of holes since you’re already playing a middle 6 centre in the 1C spot

I think what people are forgetting about greenway is, Wild's gm loves players like him. Didn't sign him to extension to trade him. Foligno struggles without him. Joel Eriksson ek struggles without him. So the grief line isn't getting broken up. With respect, contracts in all leagues especially when extensions are given that haven't started doesn't lead to players getting traded. Fiala isn't worth 8 to 9 mil either. By giving Fiala that money, one is asking for trouble, another one with kaprizov's agent asking for 12 to 13 mil in 4 years.

You just extended Goligosky lol 2x2

I agree with the buyouts and everything , I would trade Fiala. They shouldn’t give a winger another high salary

I honestly wouldn't mind 1 year of Talbot in Detroit, just not giving up much for him. A 4th rounder would probably be sufficient.

I think Minny would take whatever in return

Very true. What has always bug me about fiala as well I am sure coaches, his lack there of defensive prowess that coaching staff feels they need to have freddy G with him. Also by keeping fiala around to 8 to 9mil, even 7, I truly believe you are asking for trouble with kaprizov's agent just as wild would be coming out of cap hell

Agreed, Just to get rid of that contract.

Does it not help to pair him with a defensive forward to cover for him?

It does in a way, but i would say only 50 percent. I think part of it would help if Fiala is just a little bigger, and another part is he just struggles alot with the puck. Like the Buffalo game for example, he got cute with the puck leading to game ending score the other way. It's just the details that happens each game

I really think Fiala and Stutzle are very similar. Stutzle was able to improve his defensive game a lot. Maybe DJ Smith could really help with that. I truly think Dorion went to scout Fiala because many ppl are split on his defensive game I feel like

I think Fiala needs strong defensive partners, but ottowa shouldn't pay him 8 to 9 mil. I like Fiala but the games he goes missing, and with how he hasn't been able to elevate boldy whose struggling, I truly truly believe with as good Fiala can be, his turnovers, lack of defense and lack of trust from wild staff is too much for him to overcome in Minnesota

I think a Fiala-Stutzle-Brown line could be really good

I personally think that MAF gets a 1-2 year deal in the 3-3.5 million range. I'd think that he picked waiving to be traded to MN to go to a competitive team and understood he wouldn't be trying to bend BG over a barrel for more money. I could totally be wrong but I assume he wants to play 1 or 2 more years and not move his family again.

I think for what he provides especially at 1 year only you probably have to give him close to 5. Either 1 year x 5 or 2 years x 4

Then I'd pass. That money could be used to keep younger members of the team who could be part of the core in future years.

But that means it’s either you keep an overpaid Talbot or a Fleury for a bit more than you want. You gotta choose one

Fiala is very good defensively…his problem is he’s too confident and tries to make difficult plays when there are simple plays that would be better choices…often causing a potentially dangerous turnover. This is especially true at or around the blue lines…which will drive all coaches nuts!! However, NO ONE works harder to get the puck back than Fiala! His effort is impeccable and absolutely not on trial!

I'd go with Talbot, who I'd say is paid pretty close to a fair market price. But who knows, I could eat my words if Fleury stands on his head and backstops the Wild to a SC.

What is the Greenway asking price?

Fiala's defensive problems are massively overblown because he plays a high skill game that's prone to turnovers. He's actually third on the team in giveaways behind Kaprizov or Zuccarello, but no one cares about their turnovers because they're not the scapegoat. He tries to make passes that, if connected, lead to excellent opportunities, but sometimes don't connect. His overall production far outweighs the negatives.

Also I'm pretty sure the guy you're quoting is the guy who makes a new account every month because everyone knows who he is on all his accounts.

Not at all based on what our beat writer has said. He was asked this question in a live Q&A on The Athletic (I think it was this one, but it might be this one - both are really long but I don't think the question is too far into whatever Q&A it was). His answer was basically that Kaprizov and Zuccarello are bosom buddies on and off the ice and trading Zuccarello for cap reasons would devastate Kirill. He also mentioned that Zucc is having a career year at 34 and that Zuccarello's game should age extremely well since he rarely ever gets hit. I tend to agree - and I also think he's playing well above his $6M cap hit which is something you need when your team has a ton of dead money. I think the obvious choice is Fiala if you can get the right return, but if not then I'd way rather we move Dumba if we have to over Fiala, but ideally you trade Talbot, Greenway/Jost, and Kulikov.

I don't know if I'd go as far to say he's very good defensively, but he definitely isn't bad. He does play a bit on our PK, so Dean definitely trusts him defensively, and I've been happy with his performance there. I agree with everything else you said though and he always brings effort in both ends of the ice.