Central Division shakeup: Avalanche and Wild navigate offseason challenges. Will recent moves reshape the NHL landscape?
On today’s episode I’m joined by Seth Toupal from Locked on Wild to dissect the Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild’s quiet free agency periods, analyzing missed targets and strategic decisions. We explore Kirill Kaprizov potential contract extension and Marco Rossi’s complicated negotiations with the Wild.
Central Division predictions take center stage as Dallas, Winnipeg, and Colorado battle for supremacy. Seth offers insider perspectives on the Wild’s roster moves and division outlook.
Tune in for expert analysis on how recent developments could impact the Avalanche and Wild’s playoff aspirations in the fiercely competitive Central Division.
0:00 Intro: Crossover episode with Locked on Wild
3:26 Discussing free agency and contract term limits
5:50 Wild’s offseason moves and free agency approach
9:58 Potential Kirill Kaprizov contract extension
15:56 Analyzing Kaprizov’s value and contract situation
20:58 Marco Rossi contract negotiations and trade rumors
26:25 Wild’s expectations and Central Division outlook
31:58 Planning celebration for end of buyout penalties
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5 Comments
8:00 Tage is tight w new additions Doan & Kess. Jarmo has brought some strength to the front office & shielded GMKA against Pegula. Also, Bettman is watching BUF to get them back to winning ways. I seriously doubt Tage will be available anytime soon. I also like BUF's latest moves & think they'll make the playoffs finally.
23:29 Rossi might be equal value, but wasn't what BUF was looking for to turn the team around. BUF specifically targeted Doan & Kess bc they are close friends & roommates, and know Tage from Worlds. Doan has his father's wisdom, is a very mature man for his age, & seems to spread his good vibes to others around him. JJP had a negative attitude, doesn't play defense, & there are whispers he's a partier. I think the trade will be a big W for BUF & really help improve the culture. Listen to Doan & Kess' yt interviews on the Sabres channel: very impressive
Bettman has always argued against “load management” but with the Olympics and 84 game schedule, the NHL will see more stars sitting out & further debasement of the regular season value to season ticket holders. The NHL needs change at the top- reduce reg season and expand the playoffs.
Avs fan here with unsolicited advice for the Wild. If the Wild are a second tier team in the Central (after the Jets, Stars and Avs) then they would be better off trading their mid-level talent that has hit their ceiling for prospects and picks that might have more upside. Not talking about rebuilding via tanking but rather retooling for a few years while the top tier teams age out and struggle with cap issues. Right now the Stars sound like they are encumbered by the proverbial "just need one more good player to be good in the playoffs" syndrome.
I think Minnesota is getting to thev2ndvround this year…unfortunately, that's where the Avs will end their journey