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Wild in trade talks with Bruins about Jonas Brodin

By Jake Andersen

Nov 17, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin (25) waits for the faceoff in the first period against the Boston Bruins at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin (25) waits for the faceoff in the first period against the Boston Bruins at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Wild are reportedly in trade talks with the Boston Bruins concerning young defenseman Jonas Brodin.

According to CSNNE.com, Jonas Brodin may be heading to the Boston Bruins before the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft on June 18-20. The report states that the Minnesota Wild are engaged in trade talks with the Bruins and may be willing to let go of the young, promising defenseman in exchange for the Bruins first round pick (18th overall) and a player or two.

With the expansion draft coming up, the Wild will lose a player to the Vegas Golden Knights. Jonas Brodin has long been rumored to be that player. The Wild are allowed to protect seven forwards, three defenseman and a goalie. With defensemen Ryan Suter, Jared Spurgeon and Matt Dumba on the roster, Brodin could be the odd man out. So, instead of losing him for nothing, a trade could be the best option.

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Brodin is coming off a career-high 25 points. Brodin has mainly played a top four defensive role for the Wild since entering the NHL in 2012, so the team would have to look for an offer that is of great value.

John Haggerty of CSNNE.com says that the Bruins could package 25-year old center Ryan Spooner with their first round pick in an offer for Brodin. Last season, Spooner had 11 goals and 28 assists for 39 points. The year before produced a career-high 49 points.

Yet, Spooner has a career 42.4 faceoff percentage, not ideal at center, and is also a restricted free agent. The Wild already have Mikael Granlund and Nino Niederreiter as restricted free agents in need of long term deals, so adding Spooner to that mix adds another player in need of a deal.

The Bruins’ first round pick would be an asset for the Wild. Minnesota traded their 2017 first round pick to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for Martin Hanzal and Ryan White at the trade deadline.

Time will tell if a deal between the Wild and Bruins materializes, but it is clear that the Wild are looking into their trade options prior to the upcoming expansion draft. Don’t be surprised to see Matt Dumba involved in trade rumors in the next week as well, especially if the Wild prefer to protect Brodin.

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