Predators, Wild Swap Fiala for Granlund

In what was by far the most shocking move on deadline day, the Minnesota Wild acquired Kevin Fiala from the Nashville Predators in exchange for Mikael Granlund. The trade is believed to be a straight up, one-for-one deal.

To the Predators

The no.9-overall pick from the 2010 draft, Granlund has become an elite playmaker over the last few seasons in Minnesota. The 26-year-old is on pace for his third consecutive 40-assist, 60-point season. He has 15 goals and 34 assists in 63 games this season. Granlund is a legitimate first-line winger that provides a significant boost offensively to a Nashville team that’s been far too reliant on its top line. He carries a cap-hit of $5.75-million and is set to become an unrestricted free-agent following the 2019-20 season. His status for tonight’s game against the Oilers is unknown.

To the Wild

Unlike Granlund, Fiala is yet to fully realize the potential that made him a first-round draft pick (no.11-overall in 2014). In Fiala’s defense, he hasn’t posted an ATOI above 15:09 in his short-career. The 22-year-old scored 23 goals and added 25 assists in 80 games last season. In a year where many expected him to breakout, Fiala has seen his production take a step back in 2018-19. He has just 10 goals and 22 assists in 64 games this season. He should be afforded plenty of ice time and opportunity in Minnesota’s depleted top-nine.