NHL Rumors: Senators Interested In Wild Forward

According to Shawn Simpson, the Ottawa Senators are expressing interest in Minnesota Wild forward Kevin Fiala

Hearing the Sens are interested in Fiala from Minnesota. That would certainly be a great fit in the top 6. He turns 26 in July and is on a one year deal at 5.1, and is an RFA this summer. With only one year until UFA status you would want a long term deal in place.
— Shawn Simpson (@TSNSimmer) February 9, 2022

Fiala's future with the Wild is hard to determine, as the buyout penalties for the Ryan Suter and Zach Parise go up to $12.75 million combined for next season. After that, it jumps up to $14.75 million for the following two campaigns. They also have already re-signed Jordan Greenway to a three-year, $9 million extension earlier this month, so money is already looking tight. Fiala is a restricted free agent this offseason and only one year away from being eligible for unrestricted free agency, too.

With all of this, the possibility of the Wild moving Fiala is there. With Minnesota sporting a 28-11-3 record, it may be something they should wait until the offseason to consider. Either way, with the Senators looking to inch closer to becoming a playoff team, adding a top-six winger like him would certainly be beneficial.

In 42 games this season, Fiala has 13 goals, 21 assists, and a plus-10 rating. Overall, it's been a very good season for him, and he will be seeking a raise from his current $5.1 million salary because of it. If Minnesota can find a way to keep him around long-term, they will, but it will be challenging. Until then, there's no harm in the Senators pursuing him.