Minnesota missed the playoffs for just the second time in the last 12 seasons and the first since 2019. They will try to get back into the playoffs next year and signing one or two players in Free Agency could help them do that.
The Wild aren't going to sign Sam Reinhart, Jake Guentzel, or Elias Lindholm. They would likely look to a few bottom-six type players to round out their depth.
Kevin Stenlund – Center (Florida Panthers)
Stenlund's defensive skills is what Minnesota needs.
Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports
Stats: 15 points (11 G, 4 A) in 81 games, 1 points (0 G, 1 A) in 23 playoff games
2023-24 Salary - $1,000,000
It's not super flashy but Kevin Stenlund could be the type of player the Wild are missing. He is a right-shot defensive center who is a bit physical. Stenlund has 47 hits in the playoffs for the Panthers so far and is set to play in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final tonight.
Stenlund, 27, is on his third team in the last three years and is on a one-year deal. Evolving Hockey has Stenlund projected to get a one-year deal worth $837,600.
The 6-foot-4 center has played well defensively this year. He ranked fourth on the Panthers in Def and fifth in xGA. He had a 51.4% rate on face-offs during the regular season and a 52.5% rate on face-offs so far in the playoffs.
Stenlund's defense could help the Wild.
JFresh.com
As you can see by JFresh's player card, Stenlund doesn't provide much offense to your team. He ranks in the 13th percentile in offense. Most of his value comes on the defensive side of things.
Stenlund's numbers were a lot better this year than they were in the three-year weighted data that is shown above. The native of Stockholm, SWE., has been a well liked player in Florida's lockeroom he has helped turn the Panthers struggling penalty kill around.
"He's a bright man. Conscientious. He wants to be a good player," Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said about Stenlund after the first round of the playoffs. "Being in the lineup on a regular basis has helped him greatly so we can use his brain and use his skill set that he has without always being afraid to make a mistake. You can't kill penalties without some anticipation. You can't just go out and hold water. You've got to be better with that and he has been, for sure"
Maurice and some of Stenlund's teammates have raved about him all playoffs and what he brings to the locker room and the penalty kill on a nightly basis. If he hits the free agent market, the Wild should send him an offer for sure.
Should the Wild sign Kevin Stenlund? Tell us what you think here.
