Minnesota could use additional offensive firepower to support players like Kirill Kaprizov. However, the team remains in a challenging financial situation due to the dual buyouts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, which have left the Wild with nearly $15 million in dead cap space, accounting for about 17% of their cap.
Patrik Laine to the Wild may be a no-brainer, but making it work is a head-scratcher #mnwild have interest, but making it fit with their cap situation is a chore
By @JoeSmithNHL and me, with help from @Aportzline https://t.co/eZKLSV6nrR
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) August 5, 2024
Patrik Laine is seeking a fresh start after completing the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, and new Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell is determined to facilitate a trade to help Laine. A move to the Wild might be just what Laine needs to get back on track, but there are significant hurdles to overcome.
Obstacles
Laine’s $8.7 million cap hit poses a challenge, as the Wild currently have just over $760,000 in cap space. Columbus would likely need to retain a substantial portion of Laine’s salary to make a trade feasible, with Waddell potentially retaining up to half of Laine’s cap hit.
Minnesota might have to send a player back to Columbus to accommodate Laine’s $8.7 million salary. There are a few options that could create enough cap space for the Wild, according to Blue Jackets writer Aaron Portzline.
Players like Filip Gustavsson and Frederick Gaudreau could be included in the package to make the trade work. Gustavsson’s $3.75 million cap hit could be cleared if he’s traded, with Jesper Wallstedt, who has a more manageable cap hit under $1 million, waiting in the wings and potentially offering an upgrade in goal for the Blue Jackets.
Gaudreau, with his $2.1 million cap hit, could also provide some relief, but additional moves would likely be necessary to accommodate Laine’s salary.
Will It Work?
Laine is eager to leave the past few seasons behind, and a move to Minnesota could provide the fresh start he needs. The Wild will have more cap flexibility after next season, and while GM Bill Guerin has already given Brock Faber a raise, he should still have some room to make things happen.
Laine, who once scored a career-high 44 goals with the Winnipeg Jets, could still be a valuable asset to a team when healthy.
While a deal is taking time, and other teams may enter the fray as the season progresses, the Wild could offer Laine the change of scenery he needs. However, the financials must align before any trade can be finalized.
