Minnesota Wild Looking To Trade 2 Young Players

The Minnesota Wild are very cap-strapped for the next two seasons and all they can hope for is to stay competitive and not lose too many key players. The Athletic has noted that the Wild will be looking to trade Calen Addison this offseason, and if contract talks with Brandon Duhaime go sideways, he could be dealt this offseason as well.

Both Addison and Duhaime are restricted free agents (RFA) this offseason and shouldn't get more than $1 million AAV each realistically. The Wild are definitely losing Matt Dumba in free agency, but John Klingberg is still an option to bring back. Either way, it seems as though Brock Faber surpassed Addison on the depth chart and should slot in higher than him on the right side next season, making Addison a trade candidate. Stuck in a third pairing role, he won't be able to develop properly or have room to. I can see a young team with space taking a chance on him. At this time, the former second round pick with 80 NHL games played, won't get anything higher than a second round pick in return.

Addison has potential, but I think Duhaime is more expendable. He's a 26-year-old winger who played on the fourth line and scored nine goals and 10 points in 51 games. His trade value won't be very high, but the Wild could likely get a depth forward for cheaper than what he will be asking for from the bargain bin in free agency. The Wild do have some talented young players expected to make the full-time jump to the NHL next season and beyond, so it won't be detrimental for one or both of these players to be moved.