[The Athletic] Analysis: Wild’s Brock Faber could get richest extension in team history this offseason

8 comments

1. >Bartlett knows firsthand, representing Cale Makar, whom many consider the best defenseman in the game. At age 22, Makar agreed to a second contract with the Colorado Avalanche to the tune of six years, $54 million ($9 million average annual value) in 2021.

   >And that’s a number Faber can realistically push for. There are other examples of young defensemen in that range beyond Makar, from Aaron Ekblad and Quinn Hughes in the high $7 million range to Adam Fox and Zach Werenski around $9.5 million.

   >Faber profiles more toward being a shutdown defenseman — though his offense has been trending up, especially since getting power-play opportunity starting in December — but shutdown defensemen are also getting paid.

   >Charlie McAvoy, a player many NHL folks compare Faber to, is a prime example, and he signed an eight-year contract carrying a $9.5 million cap hit a year before his entry-level contract expired. All-around defender Miro Heiskanen signed for eight years at $8.45 million per.

   >With the cap on the rise — to a projected $87.7 million next season and as high as $92 million the next season — the percentage of the cap that Faber comes in at could be more worth comparing than the actual salaries here.

2. I’m down to lock Faber up Long term. Although I still hate how hockey contracts are so casual with their 7 and 8 year length, far too long in my opinion after one single season of output.

   Rarely do we see an immediate impact player from the draft. So he’s worth it.

3. I was bummed to lose Fiala at the time, but was excited to get a Gopher in return. Faber was playing really well in maroon and gold, and at the time I was hoping he’d eventually make the team and provide some decent minutes for us.

   Little did I know what a beast he would be, right from the jump. It’s awesome to watch him play, and hope he stays here for a very long time!

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6. Side question; why does it seem like the wild can draft and develop the hell out of defenseman, but when it comes to centers and wings we never can?

7. I am so ready for this.

8. It’s the old man in me, but it cracks me up how baby faced these athletic monsters are. Granted, when I was 21 I was miss identified as a middle schooler *Self Burn* (But also 100% true)

   No value to the discussion here, I know, just a pointless observation.