Mattias Janmark should be someone the Wild target in Free Agency.
Minnesota missed the playoffs for just the second time in the last 12 seasons and the first since 2019. They will try to get back into the playoffs next year and signing one or two players in Free Agency could help them do that.
The Wild aren't going to sign Sam Reinhart, Jake Guentzel, or Elias Lindholm. They would likely look to a few bottom-six type players to round out their depth.
Mattias Janmark – Left Wing (Edmonton Oilers)
Stats: 12 points (4 G, 8 A) in 71 games, 8 points (4 G, 4 A) in 25 playoff games
2023-24 Salary - $1,000,000
It's not super flashy but Mattias Janmark could be an intriguing option for the Wild to pursue in free agency. Especially after how he played in the playoffs.
Janmark, 31, recorded four goals and eight points in 25 playoff games for the Edmonton Oilers. He scored the only goal for the Oilers in game seven of the Stanley Cup.
According to Evolving Hockey, Janmark is projected to get another one-year deal worth just $1,164,000.
He made a huge impact in the playoffs on the penalty kill. The Oilers had a record breaking penalty kill and Janmark's efforts were a big reason why. The Wild have struggled on the penalty kill the last three seasons when it has mattered the most. Janmark could help make it better.
As you can see from JFresh's player card, Janmark excels defensively and on the penalty kill. He doesn't provide much offense, despite what Wild fans remember, but that is fine considering the role he would play in.
Fans would have to forgive him for what he did in 2021. Janmark scored a hat trick to beat the Wild in Game 7 of the first round against the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2021 Playoffs.
Janmark played in 137 games with the Oilers across two seasons. He had 14 goals, 23 assists, 37 points, and was a plus-9. His real impact comes defensively and on the penalty kill. He plays hard, is aggressive, and seems like the type of player the Wild would want on their team.
The 6-foot-1 forward shouldn't cost too much as well.
Make sure you bookmark The Hockey News' Minnesota Wild page for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.