The Minnesota Wild are all-in.
In a stunning move, Minnesota acquired Martin Hanzal (and Ryan White) for a steep package:
ARI sends Martin Hanzal, Ryan White and 2017 4th rder to MIN.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 27, 2017
MIN sends 2017 1st rder, 2018 2nd rder, 2019 conditional 4th rder (conditions to follow) and minor leaguer Grayson Downing to ARI.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 27, 2017
It’s a nice addition for Minnesota without factoring in the cost. Hanzal is a solid two-way center with scoring touch. In 51 games, Hanzal’s got 15 goals and 26 points on an offensively challenged Coyotes roster. The 30-year-old is a perfect middle-six forward for a team looking to beef up its depth. White is a fourth-liner who will provide toughness.
However, the cost is absurd. Before seeing the details, I assumed the Coyotes would net a single first-round pick and a marginal prospect for Hanzal. But, John Chayka took Cliff Fletcher to work. It’s a massive overpay for a solid, unspectacular center.
Hanzal will no doubt help the Wild in their Stanley Cup boom. He’s a good player.
The clear winner in the deal is Arizona. Chayka continues to build assets in Arizona and rebuild the team to respectability. He won’t see an immediate payoff as the picks fall in different years, but, it’s a no-brainer for the franchise.
Minnesota and Arizona are on different paths to contending. For the Wild, the future is now. As for the Coyotes, they’re still a long way from being competitive. The trade reflects that.
