Minnesota Wild: Are the Kings Still Looking to Swap for Folin?
The Minnesota Wild maybe silent in the trade market for now, but all indications are that they are still looking for trade possibilities. One possibility raised during the days before the draft could see defenseman Christian Folin in a swap with the Los Angeles Kings.
The Minnesota Wild may be taking a breather in their quest to add new pieces to the team, but it looks as if there’s a strong possibility that before the summer is out there might be another move to be made. Chuck Fletcher is certainly still looking at the trade market as he explained to Michael Russo of the Star Tribune on Thursday that “We’ll speak to some GM’s and see what’s maybe there and I thought it was important to get into this week and see where people are physically.”
One trade rumor that has gone slightly cold but still could be in play is from the draft is that the Los Angeles Kings were interested in acquiring defenseman Christian Folin from the Wild. The Kings maybe talented in their defensive corps, but they have a unique issue that could affect them down the road. Of the eight defenders currently on the Kings roster none of them are younger than 25.
Recognizing that they need to infuse some NHL ready young defensive talent, the Kings most likely approached the Wild about Folin because he could fit that bill. Additionally, the Kings are incentivized to make some low-cost additions due to a current lack of cap space with only $29,773 of space left. Also they need to start making moves now as next offseason will draw tough choices for the Kings as they currently have ten roster players that will be up for free-agency.
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As the Wild look to fill out their forward lineup the Kings could offer a few good choices in a swap for Folin. One thing to keep in mind though when looking at the King’s forwards for a trade is that the Wild will be in much the same situation next offseason with seven roster players needing new deals. So the Wild will be looking at forwards with contract terms left that will take them at least past 2017-18.
With that in mind the best options from the Kings seems to be forwards Tanner Pearson, Trevor Lewis, or Kyle Clifford. Pearson is the best scorer out of the group with 15 tallied goals last season, and he might be the hardest to acquire. But with the Kings needing to clear his $1.4 million cap space, a trade of Folin and perhaps a later round draft pick might do the trick.
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Lewis and Clifford are more physical options for the Wild to improve their fourth line and penalty kill. Lewis boasted 168 hits last season and Clifford had 111 hits, which means they throw the body around. Either player could be a great addition to increase the grittiness of the Wild, and both players are affordable for the Wild at $2 million annual cap hit for Lewis and $1.6 million for Clifford.
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Some of these deals might seem a bit on the difficult side for the Wild, but they can get a bit of a discount from a team like the Kings who needs cap space desperately. As the offseason keeps rolling on the Wild will need to keep the Kings in their sights for possible trade partners, and it looks like the Wild could get a deal done what would be very friendly to their roster and cap situation. Folin is only one option, but there is certainly interest from the Kings and that’s the first step.