Wild stock up for a run
The Minnesota Wild, in the midst of the best regular season in a decade, made a number of moves at the deadline to bring in some veteran depth - while surprising many while moving out a member of the core.
Deal #1
2nd round pick for Jan Hedja
GM Comments: This deal only happens because an injury to Morgan Reily that could hold him out of the first round. While I've got some good call-ups, I didn't want not addressinng that injury to be the reason for an early exit. Hejda is a great DF veteran. The 2nd is a stiff price to pay for a rental, but he's the guy I wanted so I made a move before deadline day to get him.
Deal #2
Hunter Shinkaruk for Vlad Kamenev
GM Comments: With the Flames acquiring Hunter I considered if I should move him (thinking the Ducks would be the team that makes an offer). Kamenev is a guy I really liked, drafted, dealt and regretted. I think Shink has a chaance to be a 3rd line scorer for the Flames, but I think Kamenev is under-rated guy with more upside. Easy deal to make with Dammage
Deal #3
2nd round pick for Erik Cole
GM Comments: Outside of Scott Laughton, I don't have AHL fill in depth and with only 12 capable forwards, I needed to add at least one. Cole fits the bill perfectly with strong ratings and sim production. Again, don't like giving up 2nds but it is a very late one, and Cole was what I was looking for
Deal #4
Charlie Coyle+4th for 1st (mid)
GM Comments: Made the decision to see what Coyle could get me mid-way through the day. Had a number offers, all of which were fair, but ultimately I wanted a pick in the 15 area. St. Loo stepped up with that price. Coyle is 13th overall in his draft class for scoring, so this feels even steven, but I like my chances of getting a guy in the 2016 draft with longer-term impact.
Deal #5
Jere Sallinen+4th for Danius Zubrus
GM Comments: Trading Coyle rather late in the evening left me back where I started before Cole was acquired - one injury away from a problem. Was willing to pay Hes' price for Richardson but couldn't make the dollars work. I quickly scanned back through the trade block thread and saw Zubrus was there. A quick PM to PMM and we were done about 60 minutes before the gong.
I haven't made many deals this season as my team has been going great, and I was worried about messing with chemistry. But I also know the sim likes vets in the playoffs and my team was too young. I feel this gives me some more balance and experience that hopefully pays off. I was able to address needs and depth without giving up high end prospects. Fun deadline.
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