Islanders Kevin Fiala update: Wild GM uncertain they can keep him

One of the big offseason targets for New York Islanders fans is Minnesota Wild's, Kevin Fiala. The 25-year-old is at the end of his contract and the Wild's cap situation doesn't really allow them the money to keep him.

The Wild don't likely have the room to re-sign the winger who scored 85 points in 82 games this season. But that's speculation from the outside looking in. The people on the inside, like Wild GM Bill Guerin, might sing a different tune.

Well, in the Wild's end of season press conference we got an update on the Fiala front.

New York Islanders Kevin Fiala update: Wild uncertain they can keep him

When Geurin was asked re-signing Kevin Fiala he wasn't confident his team could. The word he used for the Fiala situation was "uncertain":

As a pending RFA, it's not as if the Isles can swoop in on July 1 and toss Fiala enough money to entice him to swap jerseys for the Blue and Orange.

...I guess they could but Minni will be able to match (or not) what would effectively be an offer sheet. Of course, that's assuming the Wild hand Fiala that 1-year $5.1 million qualifying offer. Although, do you see Lou Lamoriello putting in an offer sheet for a player? Because I sure don't.

The Isles are going to have to trade for him. While the Wild are in a pickle with Fiala, the cost to acquire him via trade won't be cheap.

But, what we care about right now is the confirmation that the Wild are going to have to look at the possibility of moving him. Because before now it was pure speculation. Based on Guerin's comments it seems the Wild don't have a metaphorical "get-out-of-jail" card when it comes to Fiala.

For now, Johnny Gaudreau and Filip Forsberg are perhaps the preferred options for the Islanders offensive re-tool. But if both are re-signed or Lou deduces that there's no chance he'll be able to sign them Kevin Fiala is an excellent third option to fall back on.