The Minnesota Wild have made a strategic move with defenseman Matt Kiersted, placing him on waivers once again. This decision comes as a bit of a surprise, considering Kiersted's recent performance and the team's current needs. But here's where it gets interesting...
Kiersted, a 27-year-old in his first season with the Wild, has been a solid contributor. He signed a two-year, two-way contract last summer, bringing a $775K AAV to the table. With 41 NHL appearances under his belt, he was expected to be a key player in the Iowa Wild and a reliable depth option for the main team. And that's exactly what he's been doing so far.
In 23 games with Iowa, Kiersted has played a significant defensive role, earning him a recall to the Minnesota Wild in December. However, his time with the main team has been limited, with only four games played so far. Despite this, he has contributed an assist and five blocked shots, showcasing his versatility and impact on the ice.
The issue arises because Kiersted has been with the Wild for 30 days, which means his waiver exemption has expired. This presents the team with a dilemma: they can either keep him in the reserve role he's been filling or send him back to Iowa, freeing up salary cap space and roster flexibility.
This move raises questions about the team's strategy and the value of waiver-eligible players. Is Kiersted's performance enough to warrant keeping him on the roster? Or is the team planning to send him back to Iowa, where he can continue to develop and contribute? The answer may lie in the team's long-term goals and their assessment of Kiersted's potential.
What do you think? Should the Wild keep Kiersted on the roster, or is it time to send him back to Iowa? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let's discuss this controversial move!
