Chris Johnston Links First-Round Pick to Former Team Ahead of Deadline
Ahead of the trade deadline, the insider Chris Johnston linked Mikael Granlund to his former team: the Minnesota Wild.
Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston released their predictions for the upcoming NHL trade deadline, linking each top trade target to two teams.
One of those targets is Mikael Granlund.
Set to become a free agent at the end of the season, the 32-year-old forward is currently leading the San Jose Sharks in points, with 34 in 37 games.
The Sharks could greatly benefit from trading him and his $5 million AAV contract amid their rebuild.
They could easily get a prospect or a top pick for him, which would be beneficial for the team's future.
According to Johnston, the Minnesota Wild should target him on the market.
Granlund took part in seven seasons with the Wild after they drafted him ninth overall in 2010, and Johnston thinks he could get back to his former team.
However, he added that his contract could complicate things, as the Sharks don't have any contract retention spots left, meaning the Wild would need to add his whole contract.
Here's what he wrote:
"A lot of water has passed under the bridge since Granlund was a first-round pick by the Wild who spent seven seasons playing for the organization. Still, wouldn't it be a nice homecoming story?
Minnesota could really use a forward who can toggle between center and wing while chipping in with some offense. Granlund ticks all of those boxes and should come with an added level of comfort given his familiarity with the organization.
The cap aspect will need to be worked out since San Jose doesn't have any retention spots still open and Minnesota has some added challenges while operating in long-term injured reserve, but those aren't big enough hurdles to keep this from happening."
Minnesota could really use a forward who can toggle between center and wing while chipping in with some offense. Granlund ticks all of those boxes and should come with an added level of comfort given his familiarity with the organization.
The cap aspect will need to be worked out since San Jose doesn't have any retention spots still open and Minnesota has some added challenges while operating in long-term injured reserve, but those aren't big enough hurdles to keep this from happening."
Do you think he'll get traded? Share your opinion in the comments!
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