3 Minnesota Wild Who Won't Be Back Next Season: Post Trade Deadline Fallout

The Minnesota Wild have done a great job being competitive while there has been so much dead cap on the books. That drops by a huge amount after this season and the team is really going to go all out. While some players have been on bargain deals or there have been short-term placeholders, the Wild are going to take some big swings this summer to really improve.

Marc-Andre Fleury

Marc-Andre Fleury could still play at least another season in the NHL, but he has been a great goaltender for so long and deserves the retirement he's planning after this season. This is an obvious member of the team who won't be back as he's made that clear. The Wild have Jesper Wallstedt to back up Jonas Gustavsson next season and that is a strong duo to head into the future with.

Jon Merrill

Jon Merrill hasn't had a huge role on the Wild this season, playing less than 15 minutes per game on average, but he is focused on the defensive side of the game, is cheap, and has been a body to get into games this season through a number of injuries. Merrill has played 55 games and with David Jiricek and Declan Chisholm taking on bigger roles next season, there just isn't room to bring back the veteran for another go around.

Gustav Nyquist

Gustav Nyquist was a solid trade deadline pickup for the Wild, but he is 35 years old and is a UFA after the season. He hasn't found his offensive touch through six games, which is a bit concerning, but he should. Unless the veteran really shows why the Wild should give him a contract after the season, I think there's a good chance he hits free agency and signs elsewhere. Minnesota already has to re-sign Marcus Johansson, who is a year younger, has been more productive, and has been on the team for a number of years. The team would prioritize him over Nyquist in this instance and there is going to be lots of cap space to add some nice pieces up front.