NHL Rumors: 2 Teams Could Be Looking For Extra Forward Help

Two good hockey teams, the Minnesota Wild and the Calgary Flames, could both be in the market for extra help at forward, per Elliotte Friedman. Both lost key pieces in their top-six and aren't certain about their replacements. The teams will surely be at the top of the Western Conference standings and will need all the help they can get to go anywhere in the playoffs.

First off, the Wild lost Kevin Fiala after a massive offensive season. The winger scored 33 goals and 85 points in 82 games. Since the team has over $12.5 million cap space tied up in buyouts, they have to replace the production internally. This will be tough as the options are Matt Boldy who has half a season of NHL experience, Tyson Jost who hasn't lived up to the expectation yet, and potentially Sam Steel.

Boldy would be the best choice, but his stellar play came alongside Fiala last season. It's uncertain whether he will be able to repeat that or take time to reach that level of play again. Jost is slated to start the season in that spot, but through five NHL seasons, his season high in points is 26. A cheap upgrade would be the most beneficial play unless they think about moving Matt Dumba on the last year of his contract.

The other team who will be looking for forward help is the Flames after losing two top line wingers and only bringing in one. They could either be looking for someone to play on the first line right wing or on the second line. Sonny Milano was released from his PTO, so as a potential second line winger, he's out. Tyler Toffoli can play on the first or second line, but the team would like an upgrade over the other two potential suitors in Dylan Dube and Blake Coleman.

There will be top-six players available this season, but likely not right away. Both teams may have to manage until suitable options become available and they are securely at the top of the standings.