The Impact of the Minnesota Wild’s Expansion Draft Decisions on the Stanley Cup Final

The Minnesota Wild may not have played in the Stanley Cup Final, but their impact was certainly felt in the final matchup. Back in 2017, the Vegas Golden Knights selected Wild forward Erik Haula in the expansion draft, a move that would have lasting effects on the league.

The Wild had to make tough decisions on who to protect in the expansion draft, ultimately leaving Haula exposed. They had to protect key players with no-movement clauses, leaving young talents like Matt Dumba and Alex Tuch vulnerable. Tuch, the 18th overall selection in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, was sent to Vegas to ensure they took Haula.

Fast forward to today, and the decisions made by the Wild have had a significant impact on the league. Haula was eventually traded to the New Jersey Devils, while Tuch was traded to the Buffalo Sabres in a deal that landed Vegas Jack Eichel. Eichel’s performance was instrumental in Vegas’s journey to the Stanley Cup, showcasing the ripple effects of the Wild’s decisions.

In hindsight, the Wild’s choices during the expansion draft directly contributed to Vegas’s success in the Cup Final. It’s a reminder of how every decision in the NHL can have far-reaching consequences, shaping the league for years to come.