In a minor league deal struck on the afternoon of the trade deadline, the Minnesota Wild have acquired winger Jared Knight, a former second round draft pick, from the Boston Bruins. Headed to Providence, home of the Bruins’ AHL affiliate, is former first round pick Zack Phillips.
In a minor league deal, the #MNWild have traded former first round pick F Zach Phillips to Boston for F Jared Knight, per source.
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) March 2, 2015
Phillips has been discussed a lot around these parts lately. He’s been a frequent healthy scratch for Iowa in recent games and has a minus-19 rating, worst among team forwards, second worst on the team at large. After leading the team in scoring last year, he’s accumulated only seven goals and eight assists through 49 games this season. Knocks on his work ethic and his skating have dogged him since he was drafted and he’s done little to prove those knocks wrong in Iowa.
Knight is a high energy guys who can skate and works hard. Phillips has always had skill, but not a great skater or hard worker.
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) March 2, 2015
Knight hasn’t been an impact player for Providence either though. The 23-year-old winger has tallied just one goal and two assist through 35 games this season. He also has 38 penalty minutes.
It’s a straight up hockey deal for two players who probably benefit from getting a fresh start with a new team. Phillips has one more year left on his contract, after which he’ll still be a RFA. Knight’s contract expires this season. He is also a RFA.
Very excited to joining the Bruins organization! Thanks to the Iowa/Minnesota Wild for everything over the past three years!
— zack phillips (@zackphillips7) March 2, 2015