The 2024-25 NHL season has officially concluded, with the Florida Panthers once again raising the Stanley Cup. Now, all 32 teams shift their focus to the off-season, hoping they can be in the Panthers’ position next year.
Minnesota Wild and Team USA general manager Bill Guerin joined The FAN Hockey Show on Thursday to discuss the NHL team's off-season plans.
Marco Rossi is one name on the roster that has come up in trade talks lately, as negotiations on a new contract have stalled between Minnesota and the restricted free agent. Guerin made it clear that while he loves Rossi as a player, there’s still a certain price point he’s willing to go to.
“The only thing that bothers me is that there’s kind of a narrative out there that I don’t like Marco, and there’s nothing further from the truth,” stated Guerin. “I like Marco, I like all our players, but I also like them at certain dollar numbers — this is nothing personal, it just takes time.”
Another player whose future in Minnesota could be up in the air as he enters the final year of his current deal is Kirill Kaprizov. The Russian will be eligible to sign an extension with the Wild on July 1, and Guerin made it clear he wants Kaprizov in Minnesota.
“I think Kirill likes it here, it’s a good fit. We obviously love him, he’s a great player,” said Guerin. “These are things that sometimes just take time, and you just have to work through it, but we want Kirill here for his entire career, and we’ll just work through it.”
Danila Yurov, who was selected 24th overall by Minnesota at the 2022 draft, signed a three-year entry-level contract with the team back in May, and Guerin believes he will play a huge role on the team next season.
“It’s the combination of size and skill — he’s accomplished a lot in the KHL,” Guerin said when asked what he liked about Yurov. “It’s time for him to come over and prove himself here; we’re really excited about him.”
The 21-year-old has recorded 41 goals and 88 points in 209 career KHL games over five seasons with Metallurg Magnitogorsk.
This off-season is shaping up to be a busy one for teams around the league, and Guerin believes things will only pick up in the coming weeks.
“This is the tire-kicking time where you’re calling everybody and just finding out what their general plans are. I wouldn’t expect anything really to get going until next week — but I've had my fair share of phone calls.”
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