George McPhee said Tuesday that he has at least six trades completed ahead of tomorrow’s expansion draft. Could the Minnesota Wild perhaps be among the potential trading partners?
General manager Chuck Fletcher and the Wild left Eric Staal, Matt Dumba and Marco Scandella unprotected -- a tantalizing trio of players to chose from, although Vegas would only be able to select one. That’s still a difficult spot to be in for the Wild, which didn’t make a move before the trade/waiver freeze went into effect.
And now, there is this:
There is also considerable speculation MIN has or will have deal with VGK to lay off Scandella/Dumba in exchange for a prospect.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 20, 2017
Here’s an update from the Minneapolis Star Tribune:
Things were still fluid Tuesday night, but there’s a chance pending restricted free agent Erik Haula signs with the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday.
If that occurs, the Wild won’t lose defensemen Matt Dumba or Marco Scandella, center Eric Staal or any of its other unprotected players when the expansion team announces its initial roster later in the night.
That certainly seems to be the cost of doing business with Vegas, as other general managers try to persuade McPhee from taking certain players that have been left unprotected.
Interesting times.
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