All Things 2025 Minnesota Wild Offseason

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

This one is right at the top of the list; resolving the contract situation with Marco Rossi. The Athletic did a good piece on this today. I honestly don't know what the market rate should be for Rossi, but it sure isn't the same as Boldy. The best move would have probably been to sign him 8-9+ months ago when they could have gotten him at a better number likely.

The Wild and Marco Rossi Remain at Impasse on Contract

"The Wild’s five-year contract offer to Rossi for a $5 million average annual value is in line with Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell and Washington Capitals center Dylan Strome.

On a seven- or eight-year term, Rossi is likely looking at comparables like the Ottawa Senators’ Dylan Cozens ($7.1 million), Buffalo Sabres’ Josh Norris ($7.95 million) and the Wild’s Matt Boldy, who signed a seven-year, $49 million extension in January 2023."

"On a three-year term, Evolving-Hockey estimates Rossi is a $5.262 million player this summer. On a five-year term, the site has him at $6.067 million. On a seven-year term, it’s at $6.688 million."

I don't see Rossi in the same ballpark as Cozens, Norris or Boldy, but what do I know?

 

[upnorthkid]

This one is right at the top of the list; resolving the contract situation with Marco Rossi. The Athletic did a good piece on this today. I honestly don't know what the market rate should be for Rossi, but it sure isn't the same as Boldy. The best move would have probably been to sign him 8-9+ months ago when they could have gotten him at a better number likely.

The Wild and Marco Rossi Remain at Impasse on Contract

"The Wild’s five-year contract offer to Rossi for a $5 million average annual value is in line with Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell and Washington Capitals center Dylan Strome.

On a seven- or eight-year term, Rossi is likely looking at comparables like the Ottawa Senators’ Dylan Cozens ($7.1 million), Buffalo Sabres’ Josh Norris ($7.95 million) and the Wild’s Matt Boldy, who signed a seven-year, $49 million extension in January 2023."

"On a three-year term, Evolving-Hockey estimates Rossi is a $5.262 million player this summer. On a five-year term, the site has him at $6.067 million. On a seven-year term, it’s at $6.688 million."

I don't see Rossi in the same ballpark as Cozens, Norris or Boldy, but what do I know?

Yeah I get the cap is going up, but he’s nowhere near a 7 mil aav player and you certainly let him walk if he thinks so and someone wants to pay him that

 

[TRF Guy]

I see MoJo re-signed at $800,000 for one year. That's fourth line money. He is big, fast and skilled but so inconsistent and a bit soft. But for just one year at 800 grand I can live with it

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

I see MoJo re-signed at $800,000 for one year. That's fourth line money. He is big, fast and skilled but so inconsistent and a bit soft. But for just one year at 800 grand I can live with it

Hard to disagree with that number and for just one year, for that production. Good signing for the Wild.

It will be interesting to see which of the 2026 dominoes fall first this coming July 1, between Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, and KK97. I'm biased, because I think the guys running the VGK are arguably the smartest in the league, but I would not be surprised to see Eichel sign first, for a pretty agreeable number; not just because he's happy playing for a team that's competitive every year but it's hard to ignore the no state income tax advantage for the VGK.

I hope McDavid rapes Edmonton for a massive, massive number. They are already paying Draisaitl $14M/yr, and they still have to sign Evan Bouchard to a new deal this offseason, although he's an RFA.

Will the KK97 negotiations with the Wild be adversarial or testy? Anxious to see how this plays out

 

[Winnipegopher]

This one is right at the top of the list; resolving the contract situation with Marco Rossi. The Athletic did a good piece on this today. I honestly don't know what the market rate should be for Rossi, but it sure isn't the same as Boldy. The best move would have probably been to sign him 8-9+ months ago when they could have gotten him at a better number likely.

The Wild and Marco Rossi Remain at Impasse on Contract

"The Wild’s five-year contract offer to Rossi for a $5 million average annual value is in line with Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell and Washington Capitals center Dylan Strome.

On a seven- or eight-year term, Rossi is likely looking at comparables like the Ottawa Senators’ Dylan Cozens ($7.1 million), Buffalo Sabres’ Josh Norris ($7.95 million) and the Wild’s Matt Boldy, who signed a seven-year, $49 million extension in January 2023."

"On a three-year term, Evolving-Hockey estimates Rossi is a $5.262 million player this summer. On a five-year term, the site has him at $6.067 million. On a seven-year term, it’s at $6.688 million."

I don't see Rossi in the same ballpark as Cozens, Norris or Boldy, but what do I know?

As Boldy? No though I think his ceiling is higher than Norris or Cozens with a lower floor because of his size.

Guerin needs to sign him and hope. Its so hard to acquire talent in the NHL and a trade won't bring back equivalent "right now" talent.

 

[upnorthkid]

Hard to disagree with that number and for just one year, for that production. Good signing for the Wild.

It will be interesting to see which of the 2026 dominoes fall first this coming July 1, between Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, and KK97. I'm biased, because I think the guys running the VGK are arguably the smartest in the league, but I would not be surprised to see Eichel sign first, for a pretty agreeable number; not just because he's happy playing for a team that's competitive every year but it's hard to ignore the no state income tax advantage for the VGK.

I hope McDavid rapes Edmonton for a massive, massive number. They are already paying Draisaitl $14M/yr, and they still have to sign Evan Bouchard to a new deal this offseason, although he's an RFA.

Will the KK97 negotiations with the Wild be adversarial or testy? Anxious to see how this plays out

Mcdavid I think depends on if they win this year or not. I don’t think he’ll hamstring them if they don’t win as he certainly seems like a guy who cares about legacy And winning cups. I don’t think he’ll kill then either way but if they come up short he may cut them a more friendly deal as he kills it in endorsements as it is

 

[Winnipegopher]

Mcdavid I think depends on if they win this year or not. I don’t think he’ll hamstring them if they don’t win as he certainly seems like a guy who cares about legacy And winning cups. I don’t think he’ll kill then either way but if they come up short he may cut them a more friendly deal as he kills it in endorsements as it is

McDavid has always done a team friendly deal. I suspect he will sign for a bit more than Draisatl...unless he decides he wants out. Leafs fans think he wants to come home. I think they are delusional but who really knows.

 

[upnorthkid]

McDavid has always done a team friendly deal. I suspect he will sign for a bit more than Draisatl...unless he decides he wants out. Leafs fans think he wants to come home. I think they are delusional but who really knows.

Don’t see how he would want our based on how Edmonton has treated him and how they’ve assembled a team around him. Guess you never know but that one would be a shocker

 

[GopherJake]

I see MoJo re-signed at $800,000 for one year. That's fourth line money. He is big, fast and skilled but so inconsistent and a bit soft. But for just one year at 800 grand I can live with it

“MoJo”? Haven’t heard that one. Johansson had a decent season and is taking a $1.2 MM pay cut. He will turn 35 in October. Feels like a good deal for the Wild, if he can stay healthy. By comparison, he earned $9MM in 19-20 + 20-21 for Buffalo. Wild probably overpaid in 23-24 for 2 years x $2MM.

 

[Slim Tubby]

Is there even the slightest chance that TOR lets Knies walk as a RFA, and if so, has he shown enough for a team like the Wild to wave big money at him?

Boeser would still seem like a more reasonable target even if we sign Rossi to a new deal.

 

[upnorthkid]

Is there even the slightest chance that TOR lets Knies walk as a RFA, and if so, has he shown enough for a team like the Wild to wave big money at him?

Boeser would still seem like a more reasonable target even if we sign Rossi to a new deal.

no and we can't afford him based on what the comp will be to toronto unless we accumulate draft picks

AAV	Compensation
$1 - $1,511,701	None
$1,5111,701 - $2,290,457	1 3rd-round pick
$2,290,457 - $4,580,917	1 2nd-round pick
$4,580,917 - $6,871,374	1 1st-round pick, 1 3rd-round pick
$6,871,374 - $9,161,834	1 1st-round pick, 1 2nd-round pick, 1 3rd-round pick
$9,161,834 - $11,452,294	2 1st-round picks, 1 2nd-round pick, 1 3rd-round pick
$11,452,294 or more	4 1st-round picks

knies will end up in the 6-9 mil aav.

 

[Slim Tubby]

no and we can't afford him based on what the comp will be to toronto unless we accumulate draft picks

AAV	Compensation
$1 - $1,511,701	None
$1,5111,701 - $2,290,457	1 3rd-round pick
$2,290,457 - $4,580,917	1 2nd-round pick
$4,580,917 - $6,871,374	1 1st-round pick, 1 3rd-round pick
$6,871,374 - $9,161,834	1 1st-round pick, 1 2nd-round pick, 1 3rd-round pick
$9,161,834 - $11,452,294	2 1st-round picks, 1 2nd-round pick, 1 3rd-round pick
$11,452,294 or more	4 1st-round picks

knies will end up in the 6-9 mil aav.

Thanks for the chart, UNK...I didn't even consider the compensation required for signing a RFA.

 

[TRF Guy]

Now that’s how you open up the Stanley Cup finals. Hell of a fun game to get it going

 

[TRF Guy]

“Rossi’s camp is looking for a contract similar to that of Matthew Boldy in the seven-year, $49 million range,” Di Marco said. “By all accounts, that price is too expensive for GM Bill Guerin’s taste, and he has at least begun to take calls on Rossi.”

Wild Forward's Contract Demand Makes Trade Difficult

The Minnesota Wild are entering this offseason with arguably one of the most attractive trade pieces in their organization. All signs point to the Wild moving o

www.si.com

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

“Rossi’s camp is looking for a contract similar to that of Matthew Boldy in the seven-year, $49 million range,” Di Marco said. “By all accounts, that price is too expensive for GM Bill Guerin’s taste, and he has at least begun to take calls on Rossi.”

Wild Forward's Contract Demand Makes Trade Difficult

The Minnesota Wild are entering this offseason with arguably one of the most attractive trade pieces in their organization. All signs point to the Wild moving o

www.si.com

From the outside looking in (and as a non-Wild fan for the most part), watching how some of these things have gone with the Wild sure seems to me like the negotiations with KK97 are going to be fairly contentious.

I'm curious, to Wild fans because I think it's definitely relevant considering they are both eligible for their long term deals; how do Wild fans think KK97 compares to VGK's Jack Eichel?

I think KK97 is a better offensive player, but not by a huge margin; Eichel is bigger and stronger, probably more durable, plays on the PK, and has developed into one of the better 200-ft players in the league; he was 5th in the Selke voting, he could have easily won the Conn Smythe when VGK won the SC 2 years ago.

It'll be interesting to see where their contracts come in, no doubt about it.

 

[upnorthkid]

From the outside looking in (and as a non-Wild fan for the most part), watching how some of these things have gone with the Wild sure seems to me like the negotiations with KK97 are going to be fairly contentious.

I'm curious, to Wild fans because I think it's definitely relevant considering they are both eligible for their long term deals; how do Wild fans think KK97 compares to VGK's Jack Eichel?

I think KK97 is a better offensive player, but not by a huge margin; Eichel is bigger and stronger, probably more durable, plays on the PK, and has developed into one of the better 200-ft players in the league; he was 5th in the Selke voting, he could have easily won the Conn Smythe when VGK won the SC 2 years ago.

It'll be interesting to see where their contracts come in, no doubt about it.

Kk can carry an offense better by himself. Eichel can do it but needs other finishers around him. Defensively it’s not even close. If Vegas let Eichel get to FA, he’s a guy I’d throw a bag at if I’m guerin as he’s exactly what this team wishes ek could be

 

[TRF Guy]

Kk can carry an offense better by himself. Eichel can do it but needs other finishers around him. Defensively it’s not even close. If Vegas let Eichel get to FA, he’s a guy I’d throw a bag at if I’m guerin as he’s exactly what this team wishes ek could be

My feelings exactly

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

Salary cap dump? Interesting move.

The Wild trade C Freddy Gaudreau to Seattle for a 4th round pick
>>"By trading Gaudreau for a pick, the Wild increased their offseason salary cap space to roughly $17.7 million, assuming roster hopefuls Liam Ohgren, Zeev Buium, David Jiricek, Jesper Wallstedt and Danila Yurov all make the opening night roster."

Check me if I'm wrong, Wild fans, but is assuming all of these young guys to make the roster this October a pretty hefty assumption? It could sure happen, but damn that's a lot of young guys that are as yet unproven.

 

[upnorthkid]

Salary cap dump? Interesting move.

The Wild trade C Freddy Gaudreau to Seattle for a 4th round pick
>>"By trading Gaudreau for a pick, the Wild increased their offseason salary cap space to roughly $17.7 million, assuming roster hopefuls Liam Ohgren, Zeev Buium, David Jiricek, Jesper Wallstedt and Danila Yurov all make the opening night roster."

Check me if I'm wrong, Wild fans, but is assuming all of these young guys to make the roster this October a pretty hefty assumption? It could sure happen, but damn that's a lot of young guys that are as yet unproven.

Happy we moved him. deal was too long initially and takes minutes from younger guys who you need to figure out what they are.

Wallstedt should be a lock. They've been prepping him for this point for forever and played it slow. Buium also a lock.

The rest of the guys, it kind of depends on how you're looking at it. At a certain point you need to let those guys have the time to see what they are (Jiricek in particular as his contract will be up). Much more valuable to give Ohgren time as well than continue with Freddy or our aging guys. Certainly a changing of the guard, but the team as build was nowhere near a realistic contender so I think this is a mini building year they'll still be ok, unless somehow you end up with McDavid (not happening). Obviously more moves to come as we're short a forward for now, but you've gotta start sinking or swimming up front for some of these young guys

that said, we are particularly short at center. clearly have to be some targets there. Maybe they're going to pull Stramel in from MSU and make Gopher fans happy

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

Call me crazy but this looks like the guy who is generally slumped over the bar at the end of the night and the bartender has to call for someone to come get him

 

[Full Speed Ahead]

Salary cap dump? Interesting move.

The Wild trade C Freddy Gaudreau to Seattle for a 4th round pick
>>"By trading Gaudreau for a pick, the Wild increased their offseason salary cap space to roughly $17.7 million, assuming roster hopefuls Liam Ohgren, Zeev Buium, David Jiricek, Jesper Wallstedt and Danila Yurov all make the opening night roster."

Check me if I'm wrong, Wild fans, but is assuming all of these young guys to make the roster this October a pretty hefty assumption? It could sure happen, but damn that's a lot of young guys that are as yet unproven.

I don't really like how this is setting up for us. After all these years waiting for the JP and Suttor contracts to end, I was hoping for much more. It looks like we're going to throw everything at KK to have a shot at keeping him, and in the process have very little depth on this team. If we resign him we will have one great line, three sub-par ones, above average d-line, and solid (but not great) goalies. Seems like a middle-of-the-pack season with no much to make a run in the playoffs.

I'm also not convinced KK wants to stay in MN. I could see him leaving for a bigger market with lower taxes and warmer temps. If we can keep him, we'll need to pay him more than other teams.

 

[Slim Tubby]

Call me crazy but this looks like the guy who is generally slumped over the bar at the end of the night and the bartender has to call for someone to come get him

He looks like a bloated Shooter McGavin.

 

[Gophers1992]

One way or another it's time for Billy G to put up or shut up. He has used the Parise/Suter contract excuse enough he doesn't get a long grace period now that they are off the books IMO. If we don't see postseason success this year his seat needs to be burning hot.

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

This is a good example of just how stupid and ignorant some raging fans can be. For those who haven't been following, one of the new aspects of the CBA for the NHL is that teams must be cap compliant for the playoffs. The VGK team that made a run for the Stanley Cup in 2023 was cap compliant for every game of that playoff run.

 

[upnorthkid]

This is a good example of just how stupid and ignorant some raging fans can be. For those who haven't been following, one of the new aspects of the CBA for the NHL is that teams must be cap compliant for the playoffs. The VGK team that made a run for the Stanley Cup in 2023 was cap compliant for every game of that playoff run.

you know that is an aggressive tweaking of how you display it. they never could've accumulated the players they did had his cap counted. Personally, would rather its just if you go on LTIR, you're done for the year. If you want to put in a tiering (so you can say 1/4 and 1/2 year so you can recoup that portion of salary), that's fine. it's more they never would've had the means to account for it. Certainly made it much easier to deal with their rash of injuries when you have that amazing of depth there behind it. From what I recall, they lost a whole bunch of guys down the stretch and in the playoffs no?

I could be thinking of another season though and its not like it was only Vegas who used the rule so really I have no problem with it. Kucherov's shirt is still one of my favorite moments of all time regarding it

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

you know that is an aggressive tweaking of how you display it. they never could've accumulated the players they did had his cap counted. Personally, would rather its just if you go on LTIR, you're done for the year. If you want to put in a tiering (so you can say 1/4 and 1/2 year so you can recoup that portion of salary), that's fine. it's more they never would've had the means to account for it. Certainly made it much easier to deal with their rash of injuries when you have that amazing of depth there behind it. From what I recall, they lost a whole bunch of guys down the stretch and in the playoffs no?

I could be thinking of another season though and its not like it was only Vegas who used the rule so really I have no problem with it. Kucherov's shirt is still one of my favorite moments of all time regarding it

It may be aggressive tweaking but the fact remains, the team Vegas put on the night every game of the 2023 playoffs would have been within the new rules, and was under the cap. And people still lost their minds.

The VGK were actually pretty healthy during that run, IIRC; they lost who WAS their starting goalie, Laurent Brossoit, and Adin Hill came in, took over, and never let LB back in the net. I don't remember many other games lost.

At the very least, this should (hopefully) shut everyone up moving forward. The downsides of inserting a player in the lineup who hasn't played in Months has been beaten to death here and elsewhere. The obvious rust, the juggling of lines, lack of cohesion, et al.

 

[upnorthkid]

It may be aggressive tweaking but the fact remains, the team Vegas put on the night every game of the 2023 playoffs would have been within the new rules, and was under the cap. And people still lost their minds.

The VGK were actually pretty healthy during that run, IIRC; they lost who WAS their starting goalie, Laurent Brossoit, and Adin Hill came in, took over, and never let LB back in the net. I don't remember many other games lost.

At the very least, this should (hopefully) shut everyone up moving forward. The downsides of inserting a player in the lineup who hasn't played in Months has been beaten to death here and elsewhere. The obvious rust, the juggling of lines, lack of cohesion, et al.

yeah for sure. I think the changes make sense. But everyone had the right to do it so I think everyone is really just salty as its Vegas and they were new (people were transiently salty about Chicago and TB, but got over it rapidly).

It hasn't been released yet exactly how they're going to do this, so devil will be in the details of how they write it up

 

[Ogie Ogilthorpe]

yeah for sure. I think the changes make sense. But everyone had the right to do it so I think everyone is really just salty as its Vegas and they were new (people were transiently salty about Chicago and TB, but got over it rapidly).

It hasn't been released yet exactly how they're going to do this, so devil will be in the details of how they write it up

I don't follow the Wild closely enough to know the answer to this question but I've mentioned this on this board before;

I once heard old 49ers HC Bill Walsh tell some other people on the SF coaching staff and Front Office that they were really only competing against 7 or 8 teams; basically, those were the only ones serious about winning.

The fact is, not every NHL team is REALLY truly all in on winning. They may say all the right things, but at the end of the day, the bottom line is a very, very big consideration. They're just not all in.

Since expansion (regardless of your opinion on how that went), Vegas has swung for the fences with acquisitions like Max Pacioretty, Mark Stone, Alex Pietrangelo, Jack Eichel, Noah Hanifin, Tomas Hertl, (and soon to be Mitch Marner?), et al. Those players were available, anyone could have made those moves. But they didn't.

I'm an unapologetic VGK fan, they are 100% committed to winning, all the time, every season, regardless of the cost. And I'm sure they'll make a few heads explode in the next 4-6 days as well.

 

[upnorthkid]

I don't follow the Wild closely enough to know the answer to this question but I've mentioned this on this board before;

I once heard old 49ers HC Bill Walsh tell some other people on the SF coaching staff and Front Office that they were really only competing against 7 or 8 teams; basically, those were the only ones serious about winning.

The fact is, not every NHL team is REALLY truly all in on winning. They may say all the right things, but at the end of the day, the bottom line is a very, very big consideration. They're just not all in.

Since expansion (regardless of your opinion on how that went), Vegas has swung for the fences with acquisitions like Max Pacioretty, Mark Stone, Alex Pietrangelo, Jack Eichel, Noah Hanifin, Tomas Hertl, (and soon to be Mitch Marner?), et al. Those players were available, anyone could have made those moves. But they didn't.

I'm an unapologetic VGK fan, they are 100% committed to winning, all the time, every season, regardless of the cost. And I'm sure they'll make a few heads explode in the next 4-6 days as well.

If you could spend a lot so Eichel hits the market next year and we can throw the bag at him, I’d appreciate it

We too like to spend, we just do it poorly and on guys we think have nostalgia and are “one of us”