Report: Wild have begun contract talks with Granlund, Coyle

The Minnesota Wild aren't shying away from the dangers associated with midseason contract negotiations.

Following the news of defenseman Jonas Brodin's six-year, $25-million deal, Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that general manager Chuck Fletcher is negotiating with pending restricted free agent forwards Mikael Granlund and Charlie Coyle.

Granlund and Coyle, both first-round picks from 2010, will each have their entry-level deals expire at the end of this season. Forward Erik Haula and defenseman Christina Folin will also become restricted free agents.

Entry-level players typically have a lot to prove in their third seasons, but despite the risk, Fletcher may have to be diligent in order to retain his group of budding young stars and avoid contract wars in the summer months.

Management typically gets the upper hand when contract talks get ugly, but the long-term faith the Wild are willing to place in their youngsters will provide ample opportunity to fit these puzzle pieces together - a strategy likely conducive to success.