from Michael Russo of the StarTribune,

The Wild has had trade talks with the Edmonton Oilers about center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, although all Oilers skilled forwards not named Connor McDavid are also said to be in play. The Oilers appear to want right-shot Matt Dumba and other pieces, including next year’s second-rounder. The problem is the Wild no longer owns that pick.

Fletcher, after trading scores of second-round picks since 2013 and seeing second-rounders Brett Bulmer and Raphael Bussieres flame out, is hesitant to mortgage the future further anyway.

“I can understand the fans’ frustration, but you have to make the right deal,” said Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli, Fletcher’s former Harvard pal, referring to his fan base and not talking about the Wild specifically. “I’m having lots of discussions. It’s hard to get a No. 1 defenseman. … As I’ve said, I’d prefer a right-shot defenseman. That’s what I’m focusing on....

It’s also believed the Wild has talked to the Rangers about center Derek Stepan and the Arizona Coyotes about veteran center Martin Hanzal and prospect Christian Dvorak.

But with Saturday’s start to the free-agent courting period, Fletcher has begun contacting agents to gauge interest. Free agency opens Friday.

Part of Fletcher would prefer that path because it makes him sick to have to trade a Dumba or Jonas Brodin. But the other part of Fletcher knows that he has gotten into trouble signing free agents in the past.

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