WILD HOPE DUBNYK SOLVES GOALIE ISSUE
The Minnesota Wild acquired goaltender Devan Dubnyk from the Arizona Coyotes for a third-round draft pick in 2015.
What does it give the Minnesota Wild
The Wild have had goaltending issues for a few seasons now, mainly because of advancing age ({P Niklas Backstrom}, inexperience {P Darcy Kuemper}, illness ({P Josh Harding} and injury (all three netminders). Enter Dubnyk, who is now 28 years old and in desperate need of positive results at the NHL level. In fact, Minnesota might be his final shot to earn regular playing time at the highest level. This is Dubnyk's last chance saloon. Can he rise to the occasion?
What does it give the Arizona Coyotes
For the Coyotes, this move is all about asset management. Dubnyk was their backup goalie, though he was pushing incumbent starter {P Mike Smith} for playing time this season. Moving Dubnyk at this time, when his value was relatively high, was a great move by GM Don Maloney. Arizona is struggling badly this season, so getting another third rounder in a deep draft makes sense. Smith will return to being the team's No. 1 goaltender, but for how long?
Fantasy impact
This deal is good news for both Dubnyk and Smith, while terrible news for all of Minnesota's struggling 'keepers. That said, Dubnyk has never proven he can handle No. 1 duties, so his reign may be shortlived. This deal also helps {P Michael Lee}, who should become Arizona's new backup behind Smith. Down the road, expect {P Mark Visentin} to get a chance to show what he can do in the Coyotes' crease.
