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It's been a productive early off season for the Minnesota Wild, but there's still a player to be signed for them that is causing a bit of trouble.
Johan Gustafsson was chosen by the Wild back in 2010 in the sixth round of the NHL draft but the Swedish goaltender is still unsigned by the team, and the two year deadline for signing is coming up quickly. It's not looking good for the Wild either, as it's likely a contract dispute based on where he was selected in the draft as reported by Michael Russo of the Star Tribune:
Again, pure conjecture because neither side is really explaining the holdup yet, but usually contract disputes with draft picks taken this late (sixth round) revolves around an agent believing that if his client re-entered the draft, he would be taken a lot higher this time around.
That means he usually wants the current team to pay him the type of money now that a higher draft pick would typically receive. Often times teams scoff at that, and that could be the case here.
His superb performances overseas and in international tournaments do make him a viable high pick in the NHL draft should he want to re-enter, but it would be a shame for the Wild to lose their chance at him simply because of some balking at a contract.
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