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Who the Minnesota Wild Should Sign in Free Agency (2 of 5)

By Lake Martin |
ST. PAUL, MN - APRIL 02: The Minnesota Wild celebrate a victory over the Winnipeg Jets after a game at Xcel Energy Center on April 2, 2019 in St. Paul, Minnesota.(Photo by Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI via Getty Images)
ST. PAUL, MN - APRIL 02: The Minnesota Wild celebrate a victory over the Winnipeg Jets after a game at Xcel Energy Center on April 2, 2019 in St. Paul, Minnesota.(Photo by Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI via Getty Images)
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Welcome back Wild Nation! Sorry for the gap between part 1 and part 2 of my rankings of who the Minnesota Wild should sign during the summer, College Finals have a way of demanding large amounts of your time and energy. If you are joining this process late, check out this post here to learn about the rubric and interesting free agents who likely won’t be targeted by the Wild, but are worth mentioning. And if you missed part 1, read it here.

Interestingly enough, between the two weeks of part 1 and part 2 of this series, The Athletic released an article where they address the needs of every team, division by division, and project who they should pick up to solve their issues. Curiously, Joonas Donskoi and Gustav Nyquist were both listed as potential free agent targets for the Wild. The rest of that list is fairly interesting too. I guess my process is fairly credible.

The three players ranked in this part are all in the prime age range for their careers, average at or above .5/Point Per Game, and played over 85% of games last season. They also all have some level of postseason success with one Stanley Cup and 91 playoff games between the three players. Any of these three players would be welcome additions to the Wild, but last season’s implosion with the uncertainty of availability within the current roster may scare some of these players away.

12. Alex Chiasson (100pts)

VANCOUVER, BC – JANUARY 16: Alex Chiasson #39 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrates after scoring the winning goal in a shootout during their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena January 16, 2019, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Edmonton won 3-2. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC – JANUARY 16: Alex Chiasson #39 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrates after scoring the winning goal in a shootout during their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena January 16, 2019, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Edmonton won 3-2. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images) /

The 28-year-old Stanley Cup winner (Washington Capitals), Alex Chiasson begins the second edition of the top 15 free agents the Wild should try to sign. Chiasson has been in the league for six full seasons, making stops in Dallas, Ottawa, Calgary, Washington, and most recently, the dumpster fire full of oil: Edmonton. Intriguingly, he had the best season of his career in the midst of the Oilers’ mess. In 73 games, he had 22 goals and 13 assists, averaging .52/ppg and providing a scoring threat for the Oilers whose last name wasn’t McDavid, Draisaitl, or Nugent-Hopkins. Much to the credit of “disgraced” (in the eyes of Oilers fans) former GM Peter Chiarelli, Chiasson was on a contract worth $650,000 for 1 year.

That’s incredibly cap friendly, especially with horrendous contracts like Milan Lucic and Zack Kassian on their books. Each goal he scored was worth $29.5K, one of (if not the best) per goal value in the NHL. Also, it should be noted, he wasn’t just given that contract; he earned it through a professional tryout. It wasn’t the first time this has happened either. Chiasson also earned his way onto the Caps team via PTO, where he’d eventually become a Stanley Cup Champion, despite not playing a single game during the Stanley Cup Final against Vegas.

Alex Chiasson doesn’t provide the cold-hearted scoring ability the Minnesota Wild desperately need, but he does know how to use his 6′ 4″ 208lb body to create chances for himself and for others. His scouting report states:

“Has a massive frame and displays plenty of physicality in his game. Owns untapped scoring and power-forward traits. He can be used on special teams at the highest level. Needs to find a higher level of offensive consistency in order to maximize output at the National Hockey League level. Must also reduce his number of bad penalties.”

He does bring some concerns to offering him a valuable contract after his best season of the career. First, why did he just now explode in production and scoring opportunities? Is it because he is on a team that lacked significant depth scoring? If so, how will he fit on the Wild when it seems lots of players like to have the puck on their stick? Second, not a lot of teams have actively pursued him during past seasons he was available, having to try out twice for teams, and outside of his obligatory three-year entry-level contract with Dallas, no one has signed him for more than three years since. It’s concerning that no one wants to commit to him long-term.

After a 22 goal season, it wouldn’t shock me if several teams pursued Chiasson, my best guess being Edmonton will overpay to retain his services on a team desperate for talent outside of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisitil. If I were Paul Fenton, and I decided to offer a deal to Chiasson, it would be in the realm of a three-year deal worth $2.5M to $3.75M AAV if you were really committed and sure he could produce on a similar level. Otherwise, I would let him pass.

11. Jordan Eberle (86pts)

RALEIGH, NC – MAY 01: New York Islanders right wing Jordan Eberle (7) celebrates with players on the bench after a power-play goal during a game between the Carolina Hurricanes and the New York Islanders on May 1, 2019, at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by Greg Thompson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – MAY 01: New York Islanders right wing Jordan Eberle (7) celebrates with players on the bench after a power-play goal during a game between the Carolina Hurricanes and the New York Islanders on May 1, 2019, at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by Greg Thompson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Wow. What a season of mixed expectations and unsuspecting performance by the Islanders. Tavares left the Island and everyone had checked out on any chance of the Islanders being successful immediately. However, new Stanley Cup Champion Coach Barry Trotz was not resigned in Washinton (for whatever reason?) and New York pounced on the opportunity. Trotz turned the team into a defensive juggernaut and helped facilitate the resurgence of Robin Lehner’s career (although he might have just needed to get out of Buffalo). Three players who helped build the Islanders immediate unexpected success: Anders Lee, Brock Nelson, and Jordan Eberle.

Jordan Eberle, at 29 years old, 5′ 11″, and 187lbs, the right-winger comes in 11th out of 15. Eberle began his career in tandem with Taylor Hall in Edmonton and was believed to be apart of the new renaissance when the Oilers won yet another lotto draft and got the promised one, Connor McDavid. Much to the dismay of the Oilers faithful, Jordan Eberle was traded to the greener pastures of the New York Islanders and the last season of the Tavares era on Long Island. His first season there, he netted 25 goals and 34 assists, and in his second, netted 19 goals and 18 assists. The drop-off between his most recent seasons is mildly concerning, but again 2017: Tavares is on the Island; 2018: Pajama Boy is born. Also, the Islanders went from 8th in Goals For in 2017 to 21st in Goals For in 2018, so the drop off isn’t that shocking.

Eberle has had two seasons with playoff experience, his first in 2016/17 with Edmonton where he played 13 games, scored zero goals and two assists, and his second in 2018/2019 with the Islanders where he scored 4 goals and 5 assists in 8 games. Jordan has had fairly consistent season stat lines, hovering around the 23 goal mark, with his highest total being 34 in his sophomore season and his lowest being 18 in his rookie year. He averages 23 goals per year and has shown to be extremely durable, failing to play more than 50 games only once.

Also, he’s a right-handed shot, something the Minnesota Wild desperately need. His scouting report states:

“Has outstanding goal-scoring instincts and a nose for the net. He is also a capable setup man. Never takes a shift off. His shot is very accurate. Plays with a keen awareness of the ice at all times. Lacks size, so he isn’t always capable of winning corner battles with regularity at the National Hockey League level. He also needs more strength and to work on his defensive-zone coverage. His Long Term Potential is a Quality Scoring Winger.” Fairly good assessment.

Jordan Eberle’s most recent contract was 6-years in length, worth $36M (AAV of $6M) and arguably he earned every dollar of his contract. He could certainly earn a similar contract in AAV, but I wouldn’t believe the Wild would sign him to the same length. Should the Wild sign him to a 6-year deal, he would end his contract at 35. He would be the seventh 30+-year-old player on the team, joining Mikko Koivu, Zach Parise, Ryan Suter, Eric Staal, Devin Dubnyk, and Alex Stalock. That said, I believe Paul Fenton will offer Eberle a contract. My guess would be around $5.5M to $6.25M AAV for 4 years. I would imagine he would want some sort of trade protection as he enters the latter stages of his career, and therefore, would be willing to take a bit more cap friendly contract.

10. Kevin Hayes (87.5pts)

WINNIPEG, MB – APRIL 18: Kevin Hayes #12 of the Winnipeg Jets keeps an eye on the play during second period action against the St. Louis Blues in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell MTS Place on April 18, 2019 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Blues defeated the Jets 3-2 to lead the series 3-2. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, MB – APRIL 18: Kevin Hayes #12 of the Winnipeg Jets keeps an eye on the play during second period action against the St. Louis Blues in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell MTS Place on April 18, 2019 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Blues defeated the Jets 3-2 to lead the series 3-2. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images) /

The case for 27-year old Kevin Hayes to come to the Minnesota Wild is a curious one. The centerman from Boston and Boston College was acquired by the Winnipeg Jets from the New York Rangers to help bolster the Jets depth and scoring ability to try to make a run through the seemingly weak Central Division. The Jets got stonewalled by a Blues goalie (join the club 2016-2017 Wild) and could not slow down Jaden Schwartz. In the 20 games Hayes played for Winnipeg he scored 13 points leading to a 0.65/PPG, compared to the 51 games in New York 42 points and a 0.82/PPG. In the scheme of things, it’s likely because his role from New York to Winnipeg diminished, averaging 19:27 of ice time for the Rangers and 15:17 ice time in The Peg.

More from Gone Puck Wild

The other major complication for Kevin Hayes joining the Wild is that he would be joining a roster that includes 6 centers already: Mikko Koivu, Eric Staal, Joel Eriksson Ek, Luke Kunin, Nico Strum, and Victor Rask. The sell would be that he would likely become the #1 center, as Mikko (should) adopt a similar role to what Joe Thornton is doing in San Jose, Eric Staal is a solid #2 and doesn’t exactly have the speed necessary for a #1, and Ek, Kunin, and Rask could all play on the wing. I’m unsure if Strum will start the season with Minnesota or Iowa. Recently, the Minnesota Wild have often displaced centers and set them on the wing (Charlie Coyle) to maximize talent and ability on lines, so theoretically Hayes could be rotated through the positions with whatever is best for the Wild.

At 6’5″ and 216lbs, Kevin Hayes knows how to use his frame and power to bully his way into scoring spaces for himself and for his line-mates. His scouting report affirms: “Hayes owns outstanding size and offensive ability. He can play all three forward positions and has natural scoring instincts. Complements skilled line-mates very well. Needs to use his size with greater consistency to thrive at the highest level, especially in terms of physicality. Must also continue to work on his defense and face-off skills. Long Range Potential: Big, talented forward with a little upside.”

Kevin Hayes has a fairly strong upside. He’s one of the younger guys available, can help mentor and refine Jordan Greenway’s game, and could be open to several possibilities, unlike another 27-year old that’s available. It is also incredible that he can play on either wing or through the middle. He could use his large body as a screen for the power play, help quarterback the unit by the hash marks, or be a fourth forward and help feed Matt Dumba one-timers. He’s also wrapping up a season where he posted a career high in total points and assists while also posting an above-average number for goals scored last season.

Hayes will certainly command a larger contract. His previous contract was one-year in length, worth $5.175M. Paul Fenton’s offer to Hayes would likely be 4 to 5 years in length with an AAV of $6.25M to $7M, and I think he’s worth it. Kevin Hayes could help build the Wild into serious contenders. Put him on the first line with Parise and Zucker (if he’s still with the team, the growing belief is that he will be traded during the offseason, a mistake in my opinion), and he could use the body to help create space for the speedsters. Put him with Eric Staal, and he could reignite his scoring ability. He’s versatile and valuable

Wrap Up

There’s part 2. Sorry again for the delay. If you think Kevin Hayes, Jordan Eberle, and/or Alex Chiasson are mis-ranked let me know. The big question of the day: Should the Wild move Jason Zucker? Lastly, check in soon for part 3 of UFAs the Wild should sign to see who cracks the top 10.

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