Dan Wallace: Regular Season Finale: Nick Swaney Debut

Yay. Not sure how I feel about Gaudreau getting 5 year extension… but I guess 2 mill a year isn’t bad for a middling centerman “maybe” coming into his own…?

5 years might be a year long however for a player that has increased his career high in goals each of the past two years, is a plus player with almost 500 FOW, that's a very team friendly contract

Gaudreau led the NHL in shootout goals so there’s that. His reasonable salary should make it easier to move him at the TDL in 3-4 years when their youth is developed.

Yes, I almost started crying when they announced that Guadreau was signed for another 5 years. Sadly, Boldy is going to have to continue to have Gaudreau as his center. If Evason would allow Freddie to be the 3C, then I wouldn't mind. But his crush on Gaudreau doesn't allow Evason to think like that. I have been trashed on other sites now, since I have said that is might have been an overpay. The reason I say it is an over pay is because I think Guerin could have found someone else with the same skill set and at a tad cheaper rate. Now with the raise that Gustavsson is going to get (and Duhaime to a lesser extent), cap space is pretty much completely eaten up. Makes me think I should start sitting by my phone, waiting for the Guerin offer of $20 and 10-piece McNugget meal to suit up for them next year...because that is about all they are going to have left.

I think it's a foregone conclusion that Goligoski is gone after this year, so that opens up $2. Makes we wonder if Guerin is looking at moving the security blanket, I mean Zuccarello. He has a modified NTC, so at least there are some teams he can be moved to. What would that do to #97 though. I don't think Zuccarello is built like Pavelski, who will probably play until he is 108. Is this the last go around for Zucc, or will Guerin keep KK happy by keeping Zuccarello around for another year.

A lot will depend on this year's playoffs I guess.

I forgot to add this earlier. Happy to see another UMD Bulldog skating with the Wild. I am guessing Guerin was using this as a chance to see if Swaney or Giroux can fill in at the Mason Shaw spot early next year on that 4th line. Both are about the same size, with Swaney looking like he has a little more upside offensively. Both are RFAs after this season and the Wild are going to need some cheap contracts.

Of course, I am in the corner for Swaney, since he's a former Bulldog and has won 2 national championships. Giroux is 2 years younger. Neither is ever going to be a standout NHLer, but if they understand that they can play a role, that will help. Also helping Swaney in the aspect is the Bulldog rarely have someone that looks like a standout NHLer, but their system is built to win with people all playing the role they need to play to win.

And I think the secret is out on what the weakness is with Rossi. he just isn't strong enough on his skates. To see how many times he was shoved off the puck (if not knocked to ice in general) was a real telling weakness. I think he is going to have to figure out a way to 10-15 lbs of muscle this upcoming offseason to cement a spot on the NHL roster.