POINT SHOTS
Let’s talk about Ron Hextall’s moves, adding Mikael Granlund and trading Teddy Blueger while opting to not pony up for Jakob Chychrun or J.T. Miller, pictured above. I heard they made a significant push for Miller, in particular, but didn’t get it done.
If you are a regular reader of this column, you know that I was not in favor of a big trade unless it was an impact player signed beyond this season, such as Chychrun. Otherwise, I felt they should sit tight and try to retool this summer.
Instead of taking a giant leap forward or a calculated step back at the deadline, they made a lateral move. Granlund should make them better, but nowhere near enough for them to make it through the Eastern Conference gauntlet.
Looking beyond this year, Granlund sure looks to be a declining player and his contract, $5 million a season through 2024-25, clogs their cap sheet. It’s hard to see Hextall’s logic in using precious resources for this. If anything, it will decrease their odds of winning another Cup in the Sidney Crosby era.
Granlund skated on the third line Thursday but Mike Sullivan will tinker with his lines to find the optimal setup. I could see him getting a shot next to Jason Zucker. They were productive linemates in Minnesota. From 2016-2019, the Wild had a stellar 60.2 expected goals percentage with those two on the ice.
Maybe Sullivan will put Zucker and Granlund next to Jeff Carter on the third line, then try to find the right third wheel for Evgeni Malkin and Bryan Rust.
Interesting twist: Granlund’s presence might shut the door on Zucker, pictured, re-signing here. Unless they move out some salary, they likely won’t have space.
Blueger will be missed. He had a tough year, no doubt. But there is still a good player in there. Plus, he is a tone-setting worker and exceptional human.
The front office was criticized for waiving Brock McGinn and making other moves during their annual dads’ trip. Brian Burke told ace play-by-play man Josh Getzoff on their weekly radio show that team leaders were warned that could happen, but the players really wanted to take the dads to Nashville and Tampa.