Brock Faber

The Wild locked up Matt Boldy and Brock Faber to long-term deals before the market fully understood their value, and that prescience is looking smarter by the day as Leo Carlson's contract situation spirals into drama. Front offices that move early on their core pieces often get criticized for overpaying, but Minnesota's patience is being rewarded as comparable players command even more on the open market.

As NHL salaries continue their relentless climb, two Minnesota Wild cornerstones are looking like steals compared to what comparable players are signing for around the league. Matt Boldy and Brock Faber inked deals that seemed reasonable at the time, but the market has shifted dramatically in just a few months. Front offices are kicking themselves watching these contracts age like fine wine while their own cap situations tighten.