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We are just a few days away from the trade deadline. Big moves are already happening and the biggest splashes have already happened. While we saw Timo Meier trade results, we now wait on someone such as Patrick Kane, but there are names that have begun to swirl. One that has been mentioned is a James van Riemsdyk trade.
Minnesota Wild Interested in James van Riemsdyk
Rumour: Michael Russo discusses that the Minnesota Wild have interest in the forward.
#mnwild one of them https://t.co/CmWhrJvHoO
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) February 26, 2023
With all the big moves happening, we could see a James van Riemsdyk trade. The Philadelphia Flyers are bad this year and the time to sell is now. As bad as things are, a full-scale rebuild looms over the franchise. Van Riemsdyk has spent his career with the Flyers on two stints and could see him leave the city of Brotherly Love again. Unfortunately for the Flyers, they are selling off pieces, but for the player, he could be on a contending team.
Why Make The Trade
Bill Guerin has done well being the broker for a few teams this deadline, but now he may go shopping. Even though there is a weakness down the middle, Minnesota could bolster the wings. They have a nice group with Kirill Kaprizov, Mats Zuccarello, and Matt Boldy. Adding van Riemsdyk gives them a blend of size in the lineup.
Van Riemsdyk is having a down year with only nine goals and 23 points in 40 games. His production could rise as he joins a contending Wild team. He comes with valuable playoff experience which can help this group as well in that regard. This move would benefit the team but comes with a hurdle. Van Riemsdyk has a $7 million cap hit so there will be salary retention in order for a deal to work. Get the popcorn ready.
