Minnesota Wild: Kuemper’s Contract Solidifies Goaltending…For Now

The Minnesota Wild did a lot to secure their goaltending depth for next season with yesterday’s signing of backup netminder Darcy Kuemper.  Still with so many variables at play Kuemper’s one year deal could be his last with the Wild.

There have been trade rumors all summer concerning Minnesota Wild back-up netminder Darcy Kuemper.  Those rumors quieted down a bit late yesterday with the re-signing of the RFA to a 1-year $1.55 million contract.  This signing completes the Wild’s goaltending plans for next season and gives a strong boost of security to the group.  Also the $1.55 million is a slight raise for him, but still gives the Wild a very cap friendly number going forward.

Kuemper has had struggles in the past mostly having to deal with his ability to step up into the starting role for an extended period of time.  In the hard season of 2014-15, he was counted on to step up out of training camp to start due to the injuries to Josh Harding and the decline and injury of Niklas Backstrom.  He initially looked like he was on his way to being the next starter for the Wild for many years.  Then his collapse was hard and left the team with no choice to acquire Devan Dubnyk.

That next offseason Dubnyk was re-upped for six years and sealed the fate of Kuemper as a back-up with the Wild for possibly the duration of his stay.  Chuck Fletcher realizing this decided to shop Kuemper on the trade market for the right deal this offseason, but a good enough deal never materialized.  He had to balance the benefits of a trade with losing a big piece of the Wild’s lineup.  With no heir apparent to take his place as back-up, Fletcher looks to see no other course other than to sign him and keep him with the team for next season.

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Still long-term things are not secure for Kuemper.  The 26 year-old will be a UFA next season and will be looking for an even more salary.  Also you’ve got to think he’ll test the market for a better chance to be a starter.  With lots teams always looking to upgrade their goaltending situation Kuemper’s talent could get him more of a payday on the UFA market.  So moving him at the deadline might still be a possibility.

The key to a Kuemper movement is if recently signed Alex Stalock can find his NHL form down in Iowa.  If he’s ready to be an NHL backup again then Kuemper could be dealt at the deadline for some help into the playoff push.  Also there is still a possibility, outside as it may be, that Kuemper is dealt this offseason but that as explained might not happen due to the Wild’s goaltender depth.

Next: Stalock Adds Strong Depth to Goaltending

Bottom line this is a great signing.  The Wild will have $5.3 million in cap space with only Mathew Dumba and Jordan Schroeder left to sign.  That number could have been a lot less had the Wild overpaid for Kuemper, but they didn’t.  So for now the Wild will have their goaltending secured for next season as Kuemper will give his normal security at the backup spot.  Next offseason though the situation will be different.