Did Granlund leave money on the table?

Armed with new contracts for both of their emerging stars Mikael Granlund and Nino Niederreiter, the Minnesota Wild looked poised to do big things in 2017-18. And, while both players’ cap hits are similar, $5.75 million for Granlund and $5.25 million for Niederreiter, the two received very different term on their new deals. 

While the Wild and Neiderreiter re-upped on a five year commitment, Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher and Granlund elected to only commit to a three year deal. This begs the question ‘why’? Granlund is undoubtedly the team’s most offensive player and is poised to break out even more under his new deal. At just 25-years-old, Granlund will be 28 when his new deal expires and if his career continues on its current trajectory, the Wild will be forced to pay several more millions to keep him in Minnesota. 

Wouldn’t it make sense for the Wild to lock this kid up long-term? In an age where seven and either year commitments seem to be the norm for core players, Granlund’s three-year deal is almost quaint. Judging Granlund’s new deal is tricky, it’s not quite a bridge contract given the term and dollars, but it’s also not a big ticket deal. In this respect, perhaps it’s exactly what both sides were looking for in negotiations. From the team’s standpoint, they want to see more consistent production from Granlund before they make a big money, big term commitment. From the player’s standpoint, he doesn’t want to tie himself up for years at what could potentially be an under-market value price. 

Regardless of your thoughts on the new deal, both sides are relieved to have negotiations over. Now all Granlund has to do is go out and earn his next deal over the next three seasons, which will be pivotal seasons for the Wild as the team transitions its core from veterans like Zach Parise and Mikko Koivu to youngsters like Granlund and Niederreiter.