Minnesota Wild: 5 Goalies to Target Via Trade
Dec 27, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward (30) and defenseman
Andrej Sekera(4) defends the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Cam Ward
Now, we finally arrive to the goalie I most want the Wild to acquire: Cam Ward. Ward is a Cup and Conn Smythe winner with a history of success. What’s more, he is a goalie who is playing well, yet is available. According to Russo on KFAN, the Hurricanes are in the midst of trying to find minority owners, and would like to shed salary in the meantime. Ward is due $6 million for the next couple of seasons, so he seems to be a prime candidate to be moved. The Wild do not have a cash flow problem, so he seems to be a fit on that end as well.
The main question will be one of compensation. According to Russo, the Wild have already contacted Carolina on Ward. Ward is only 30, so if he comes in and plays well, I see no reason why he couldn’t be our goalie of the future. The best goalies typically play into their late 30s, and if he earns another nice contract, so be it.
No matter what the case, the goaltending needs to be better if the Wild are going to have a prayer of making the playoffs. It is time to get proactive and find a solution.