Wild free-agent thoughts
Fletcher talked about the team’s current unrestricted free agents ( , , , , ). He said he’s had conversations with a few but indicated that they’ll likely reach July 1. Usually this late, it always goes to July 1. And usually if it gets to July 1, players leave.
The only example of a Wild UFA being re-signed after July 1 since I’ve covered the team (2005-present) off the top of my head was Wes Walz. I cant remember any unrestricted free agents since I’ve covered the team being re-signed this late before July 1. I knew there was one in June but couldn’t remember. Now I have with help from a friend. June 7, 2007, re-signed for two years at $6.2 million when he flew in for the Jennings ceremony in Ottawa. Before he flew home, the deal was signed and it signaled the eventual trade of Manny Fernandez (three weeks later).
My personal opinion — they’re moving on without . In an age of guaranteed contracts, there’s only so many spots available to use each offseason and the Wild needs spots to make internal (Casey Wellman being the closest youngster to possibly making the team) and external improvements. Barring trades, the returning forwards are , , , Antti Miettinen, , , , Kyle Brodziak, Pierre-Marc Bouchard (if healthy) and James Sheppard (if qualified in late June to retain rights, and then if he makes the team — no guarantee of either). So that’s at least eight forwards, probably nine because at the very least they’ll have to plan like Bouchard’s playing and maybe 10. Well, typically 12 forwards dress and 13 are on the roster.
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wild/blogs/94194534.html@elr=KArksi8cyaiUBP7hUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU