It's mostly fans asking about prospective trades. Nothing new on those fronts. I felt this was a pertinent bit:
What are the chances that Guerin re-signs Mats Zuccarello and Johansson to one-year, team-friendly extensions? – Walt B.
Better than you’d think. As Zuccarello recently told Russo, he’s going to see how he feels after this season whether he wants to play another year. But Zuccarello is still playing at a high level at 38 and has terrific chemistry and a relationship with their best player in Kirill Kaprizov, so we can see Guerin re-signing the veteran winger. We don’t think Zuccarello, soon to be a father of three, wants to play elsewhere.
Johansson, one of the best bargains in the league at 800K, told me he still feels like he has a lot of hockey left and he wants to stay, so another one-year deal could be in the cards. – Smith
Just so everyone knows, Zuccarello is eligible to extend at any time because he’s in the final year of a multi-year deal. Johansson can’t sign until after July 1 because he signed a one-year deal. – Russo
I hope to God, Gord, and any other pertinent deity that Guerin waits until AFTER the postseason. If we start signing the old folks for another season and flame out in…or don't even make…the playoffs, I will complain to both my family IRL and to you fine folk.
Other item of note is Russo doesn't think Stramel will burn a year to play in the playoffs and his contract will start next season.
Link: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6811846/2025/11/17/wild-trade-radar-guerin-zuccarello-mailbag/
9 comments
Some interesting trade speculation, Russo still mentioning Tage (don’t think it happens). Tuch seems like the most logical “big” acquisition. Funny he kicked the tires on Horvat and Barzal, which Horvat would’ve been a great fit. Stramel doesn’t have a spot this year so I agree with not burning the ELC. He should be Sturms 2028 replacement.
If we didn’t have the pieces for Peterka.. I can’t see what additionally we’d offer that Buffalo would accept in exchange for Tage. Barring a massive overpayment, of course.
I would imagine Mojo would extend tomorrow if he could and Zucc has retirement on his mind but still loves the game. Stramel is 60% going to sign elsewhere as there is not a clear path for him to play NHL here right away. Just guessing, but many college seniors with a little talent think they will slot in on a NHL team right away.
From the article:
>As for Artemi Panarin, if the Wild have interest, why give up any assets before the trade deadline if you can just sign him as a free agent?
Uhh, cuz that’s how deadline deals work? If anything this is a benefit because Panarin is older and we wouldn’t have to sign him to some major long-term deal.
With Kempe signed, you have further proof of “no game changer free agency” going forward. I understand Guerin’s reticence to trades if Rossi wasn’t enough for Peterka. No one just hands you players unless it is a Tarasenko situation.
He knows the team isn’t close, but anyone worth a damn is staying put. Not much he or the GMs can do but play things out.
Some of Billy’s comments frustrate me. If so many people are calling the phone on Foligno, leverage that. If that’s what would have made the difference in getting someone from Buffalo, he should be on the table.
It also sucks to see the sentiment confirmed that even though young players might like the organization, they don’t see a path forward with signing here. And quite frankly that isn’t wrong. The reticence to play younger players above the 3rd line and to insist that skill players fit into a checking role feels absurd.
If we don’t make the playoffs this year, Mojo is giving us the best chance we’ve ever had to snag some young, high ceiling talent from another team.
If we do make the playoffs Mojo is going to stay and get paid, and if I’m up to date on the rule, it won’t be considered a 35+ contract since it will be for more money. Meaning we can sign him for multiple years and if he decides to retire before the contract is up his cap hit would be dropped. Don’t quote me on that, I’m reallu dumb.
Agreed wait until after the season or playoffs if we make them. Playoff performance matters
Not hockey related but it’s absurd that Russo is ingesting over 1000 milligrams of caffeine a day.
I’m also a big Americano guy, but Christ bro, settle down. I’ve joked a few times that he needs to cut back on the caffeine when he gets all ornery on the podcast, but actually not really a joke anymore.