Defensmen on the move...what kind of value is out there?

The trade deadline is quickly approaching, and some teams have already gotten a jump on the frenzy that surrounds February 27th. Defensemen, in particular, have been moving around. Teams looking to take that next step are loading up on the blueline, as there is a shortage of top-6 forwards on the market thus far. Prices are being inflated by the lack of sellers versus the high amount of buyers.

Done Deals

Who the Wild can deal

Based on how the prospects and trades that I mentioned above, a 1st-round pick and a prospect are well within range for a player like Zidlicky.

Based on the Grossman deal, a 2nd and a 3rd has to be the starting asking price. He gained valuable playoff experience with Tampa Last year, so he has youth and experience all rolled into one. While that could get talked down considering that Lundin isn't as good on the PK, two picks can't be out of the questions. I believe, to the right team, Ludin brings back a 2nd-round pick and a conditional 3rd or 4th round pick.

What should the Wild do?

If I were Chuck Fletcher, I would place a call to the Florida Panthers. GM Dave Tallon is known to covet puck-moving defensmen, and the Panthers have two rookies (Tyson Strachan and Colby Robak) in their starting lineup. The Panthers basically need to win the Southeast to have a realistic shot at making the postseason. Package a deal including Zidlicky and Lundin. In return, get a 1st-round pick, a 3rd-round pick, and a high prospect. Denver Pioneer captain Drew Shore would be a welcome addition to the Wild.

I would also hang on to Greg Zanon. The Wild have had health problems all year, and having an insurance policy isn't the worst idea. Zanon's age and limited skating makes him the least valuable of the three defenders. He can stay and insure that the Wild blueline doesn't completely fall apart.

Your turn, Wilderness. Angry fan bias aside, what do you see as the market value for the extra blueliners the Wild are carrying? Who (if anyone) bites on the guys the Wild can deal away? Aren't you glad that the trade deadline has artificially inflated value?