Minnesota Wild Trade Rumors: Mikael Granlund, Jonas Brodin

Minnesota Wild Trade Rumors: Mikael Granlund, Jonas Brodin on the Trade Block This Summer?

Minnesota Wild trade rumors should begin to heat up soon in what’s expected to be a very busy offseason for certain teams.

TSN’s Frank Seravalli released his top 20 players who could be on the move this summer; ranking 6th was Mikael Granlund, while Jonas Brodin came in at 13th.

Rumors have swirled around Minnesota’s blueline for the entire 2015-16 season. That speculation often links defensemen Jonas Brodin or Matthew Dumba.

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Given the progression in Dumba’s game this past season, all signs seem to point to Jonas Brodin as the odd man out. It’s not that Minnesota needs to unload a blueliner, but they certainly have the depth to do so in order to address other needs.

Mikael Granlund’s name hasn’t often made its way into Minnesota Wild trade rumors, but it’s less than surprising. Hopes in 2015-16 were that Granlund would shoot the puck more and develop into that no.1 center. Unfortunately, it seems he may be nothing more than a solid second liner.

Don’t be surprised if the Wild look to move both listed on Frank Seravalli’s list. It’s time for Minnesota to shake the roster up a bit, which could include trimming salary in other ways as well.

Hopes will be that a young prospect (i.e. Alex Tuch) can emerge next year, but GM Chuck Fletcher won’t take any chances with his job (which could be on thin ice) – expect Minnesota to acquire an impact player or two this summer.

Minnesota Wild Trade Rumors: 5 Potential Targets/Scenarios

Jonas Brodin to Boston Bruins

Mar 5, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins center Ryan Spooner (51) gets set for a face-off during the second period against the Washington Capitals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The B’s have a pair of aging left-handed defenders in Zdeno Chara and Dennis Seidenberg. Their young stars Torey Krug and Colin Miller are both right-handed.

It’s time to start thinking about upgrades in the top four on that left-side.

Potential Return Targets for Minnesota: David Krejci, Ryan Spooner, Jimmy Hayes, Brett Connolly, Seth Griffith

Depending who Boston would be willing to give up, the make-up of this trade would likely be a multi-player deal for both sides.

Jonas Brodin to Dallas Stars

If GM Jim Nill opts against re-signing defenseman Alex Goligoski, he could look to the trade market for John Klingberg‘s new partner.

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It might be asking Brodin to play a bit above his level on the top pairing, but the defensively responsible blueliner has blossomed, and at least deserves an opportunity.

Potential Return Targets for Minnesota: Radek Faksa, Valeri Nichushkin, Brett Ritchie, Antoine Roussel

Dallas isn’t likely to move any of those top six forwards (Tyler Seguin, Jamie Benn, Patrick Sharp, Jason Spezza), which only leaves the promising younger players.

It would need to be a nice package of players to pry Brodin away considering the preference would be a top-six guy who can play up the middle.

Jonas Brodin to San Jose Sharks

Currently immersed in their first ever Stanley Cup Final, the Sharks have a chance to win with a mediocre defensive core. It doesn’t happen often, but Carolina did the same back in 2006.

Regardless of the result, GM Doug Wilson should look to make defensive upgrades a priority this offseason.

Somewhat of a mystery beyond that top pairing, Brodin would be a solid addition as a number three to Brent Burns and Marc-Edouard Vlasic.

Potential Return Targets for Minnesota: Logan Couture or Tomas Hertl

Any trade between these two teams would teeter on the blockbuster nature, especially if either name from above is involved. The Sharks have an abundance of offensive talent, and could sacrifice a piece of it for defensive help while they’re still in their Stanley Cup window.

Mikael Granlund to Nashville Predators

The Preds did a great job addressing their hole up the middle with Ryan Johansen – the work to improve should continue this summer.

Nashville should look move Mike Ribeiro‘s contract (one year remaining); push Mike Fisher down to the 3c slot; and perhaps make an another upgrade – Mikael Granlund would fit nicely.

Potential Return Targets for Minnesota: Calle Jarnkrok, Kevin Fiala, Colin Wilson, Miikka Salomaki

A nice package containing a couple of the above listed, plus other prospect or draft picks, and the two teams might be able to hammer out a multi-player deal. It doesn’t address Minnesota’s need up the middle, but they could look to free agency to address that (i.e. Eric Staal).

Mikael Granlund to Ottawa Senators

Jan 16, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Alec Martinez (27) defends Ottawa Senators center Kyle Turris (7) in the first period of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Expectations are that Ottawa will be active this offseason moving players. The most likely of names is Kyle Turris or Bobby Ryan.

With Mika Zibanejad molding himself into that no.1 center, a potential need a 2c arises should Turris be traded. Why not target Mikael Granlund, he’s a playmaker who loves to dish the puck, and would fit nicely alongside Mike Hoffman on the second line.

Potential Return Targets for Minnesota: Kyle Turris, Bobby Ryan, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Curtis Lazar

It would be difficult to make the money work for Bobby Ryan, the other three however would be easy additions financially. This could be a scenario where both teams trade two or three NHL quality players in a package deal.

Next: NHL Weekly Roundup: Latest News and Rumors

The rumblings suggest GM Chuck Fletcher could be busy this offseason.

Are there any off-the-radar moves you see the Minnesota Wild making? A surprise trade, or signing? Maybe a buy-out? Their draft picks are also slim heading into Buffalo (four total), could Minnesota look to trade down in the first round? Let us know what you think.