Stuart Skinner, a promising goaltender for the Edmonton Oilers, is expected to command a significant salary in his upcoming contract negotiations. Currently earning $2.6 million, his performance, particularly during the playoffs, suggests his market value could exceed $6 million per year, similar to Lukas Dostal’s recent contract with the Anaheim Ducks. The Oilers will need to weigh their options carefully, especially as Skinner approaches unrestricted free agency.

Meanwhile, the team is exploring the possibility of adding depth players, such as gritty wingers Brett Leason and Klim Kostin, and a left-handed defenseman like Jon Merrill, as they prepare for the season ahead. The financial implications of these decisions will be critical as the Oilers aim to maintain competitiveness while managing the salary cap.

The Minnesota Wild are gearing up for the playoffs with a roster more intact than usual, despite a season plagued by injuries. Defensemen Jon Merrill and Declan Chisholm have been healthy scratches recently, a decision that coach John Hynes acknowledges is tough but necessary for team depth. With Jake Middleton back and rookie Zeev Buium making history with his playoff debut, Hynes emphasizes the importance of having multiple capable defensemen for a successful playoff run.

During the regular season, players like Devin Shore provided depth but faced competition as injured stars Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek returned. Hynes believes that a well-rested team coming off a grind of a March can strike the right balance heading into their first playoff game against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Wild have qualified for the playoffs for the 14th time, reflecting a determined effort to navigate both injury challenges and a competitive postseason.

Matt Boldy secured a crucial tiebreaking goal early in the third period, leading the Minnesota Wild to a thrilling 6-4 comeback victory over the St. Louis Blues. This win marks the Wild's fourth consecutive triumph as they overcame a two-goal deficit. Boldy's decisive shot came on a 2-on-1 break, assisted by Mats Zuccarello, after a stick malfunction from Blues' Jake Broberg.

The game unfolded with the Blues taking an early advantage, as Jordan Kyrou, Jake Neighbours, and Robert Thomas found the net, granting St. Louis a 4-2 lead in the second period. In response, Minnesota's Joel Eriksson Ek and Jake Middleton scored to level the game.

Kirill Kaprizov demonstrated his scoring prowess by netting his 19th goal of the season in a unique fashion. During a game against the Philadelphia Flyers, he managed to bank the puck off goalie Samuel Ersson's helmet, showcasing his ability to capitalize on unconventional opportunities.

The play unfolded when defenseman Jon Merrill's shot bounced off the boards, setting up Kaprizov for the unexpected goal. This achievement places him among the top scorers in the NHL this season.

Defenseman David Jiricek has been traded from the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Minnesota Wild, marking a significant shift for both teams. The Wild received Jiricek and a 2025 fifth-round pick, while the Blue Jackets acquired several draft picks and defenseman Daemon Hunt.

This trade reflects the Wild's strategy to bolster their defense with younger talent, particularly as they aim to maintain their strong performance this season. Jiricek, once a highly regarded prospect, will continue developing in the AHL before potentially making an NHL impact.

For the Blue Jackets, this move provides them with a wealth of draft picks, allowing them to build for the future while also integrating a capable defenseman in Hunt. The trade highlights the contrasting directions both franchises are taking as they seek to improve their rosters.