The Minnesota Wild are entering a crucial offseason with General Manager Bill Guerin actively exploring trades to bolster the team for its 25th season. With significant cap space opening up due to the Zach Parise and Ryan Suter buyout penalties decreasing, there’s an expectation to make impactful moves. However, the free-agent market is proving less than ideal, pushing the Wild to focus on trades. The big question is, besides Marco Rossi, who else might be on the move?
Marco Rossi’s situation is particularly intriguing as he is the most likely Wild player to be traded. Contract negotiations have stalled, and the team might want to resolve his future before he becomes eligible to sign an offer sheet with another team on July 1. While Rossi’s future remains uncertain, the Wild are also evaluating other players on their roster, ranging from untouchable stars to potential trade assets. This article breaks down the Wild’s roster into trade tiers, assessing the likelihood of each player being traded this offseason.
From untouchable players like Kirill Kaprizov to potential trade pieces like Freddy Gaudreau, we’ll explore each player’s situation, contract status, and value to the team. This analysis will provide insights into Guerin’s potential strategies and the Wild’s possible moves in the coming weeks. Let’s dive into the tiers and assess who is most and least likely to be wearing a different jersey next season.
The “Don’t Even Ask” Division
This category includes players who are virtually untouchable due to their importance to the team’s present and future success.
Kirill Kaprizov
Kirill Kaprizov is the cornerstone of the Minnesota Wild. As the best player in franchise history, the Wild are keen to sign him to an extension this summer, well ahead of his free agency. Expect Kaprizov to remain in Minnesota for the foreseeable future.
The “Not Going Anywhere” Division
These players are integral to the team’s core and are highly unlikely to be traded.
Matt Boldy
Matt Boldy has emerged as a star winger, showcasing his potential with an impressive playoff performance. His current contract, a seven-year deal with a $7 million AAV, is a bargain for a consistent 30-goal scorer. Boldy is seen as a key component of the Wild’s future and isn’t on the trade block.
Brock Faber
Brock Faber is set to be the team’s No. 1 defenseman for the next decade. His importance to the team’s defensive core makes him untouchable.
Joel Eriksson Ek
Joel Eriksson Ek has become the team’s most irreplaceable player, excelling as both a top center and a shutdown pivot. The Wild are actively seeking to support him rather than considering a trade.
Zeev Buium
Zeev Buium, a first-round pick, is expected to be a staple in the top four for the Wild. His potential and recent NHL experience solidify his place in Minnesota’s long-term plans.
Mats Zuccarello
Mats Zuccarello, heading into the final season of his career, is a close friend of Kirill Kaprizov. The Wild aren’t looking to trade him. Extending his contract might even be on the table to keep Kaprizov happy.
Marcus Johansson
Marcus Johansson, with a full no-trade clause, chose to return to Minnesota, turning down more lucrative offers elsewhere. He’s committed to finishing his career with the Wild.
The “Likely Not Going Anywhere” Division
These players are valuable contributors, but their situations might make them slightly less secure than the previous tier.
Filip Gustavsson
Filip Gustavsson has solidified his position as the Wild’s No. 1 goalie. After being considered for trades last summer, he’s now in talks for a contract extension. The inconsistencies of top goalie prospect Jesper Wallstedt make Gustavsson even more valuable.
Marcus Foligno
Marcus Foligno is a heart-and-soul leader for the Wild. His strong playoff performance, coupled with his identity as a rare power forward, makes him unlikely to be traded, especially with a full no-move clause still in effect.
Jake Middleton
Jake Middleton is highly valued in the locker room and can play with Faber or Spurgeon. Brodin’s health situation also makes it less likely that Middleton will be moved.
Declan Chisholm
The Wild are expected to tender Declan Chisholm a qualifying offer to retain his rights. His performance in the top four last season, due to injuries to Brodin and Middleton, makes him a valuable depth defenseman.
Jesper Wallstedt
Jesper Wallstedt is coming off a challenging year, but the Wild are hopeful that he can develop into Gustavsson’s backup. Unless a trade presents a significant upgrade, the Wild are unlikely to give up on Wallstedt’s potential.
The “It’s Possible” Division
These players could be traded under the right circumstances, depending on the offers the Wild receive.
Ryan Hartman
Ryan Hartman seemed to be on thin ice after his suspension in February, but his strong play down the stretch and in the playoffs improved his standing. His no-move clause turning into a 15-team no-trade list on July 1 adds another layer to his situation. If Hartman maintains his improved performance, he could be a valuable trade chip.
Jonas Brodin
Jonas Brodin is a top left-shot defenseman, but his age, injury history, and lack of no-trade protection make him a potential trade candidate. The Wild would have to listen to offers, but his current injury rehab makes a trade this summer less likely.
Jared Spurgeon
Jared Spurgeon had a strong bounce-back season and remains the Wild’s captain. However, his age and modified no-trade protection might tempt the Wild to listen to offers, especially given Faber’s emergence and the acquisition of David Jiricek.
Yakov Trenin
Yakov Trenin had a disappointing first season with the Wild, but his playoff performance showed potential. Trading him after one year would reflect poorly on Guerin’s signing, but it’s not out of the question.
Carson Lambos
Carson Lambos could benefit from a change of scenery after failing to make his NHL debut. While he’s close to getting a chance, he could be used as a trade chip to acquire immediate help.
David Jiricek
David Jiricek was acquired at a significant cost, making it unlikely the Wild would trade him. However, if he’s the final piece needed for a major package deal, the Wild would have to consider it.
The “Most Likely To Be Traded” Division
These players are the most likely to be moved this offseason due to contract situations, performance, or team needs.
Marco Rossi
Marco Rossi’s contract impasse makes him the most likely player to be traded. The Wild are expected to push for a deal before other teams can offer him a contract on July 1.
Liam Ohgren
Liam Ohgren, another first-round pick, could be used as a trade chip. His scoring ability in the AHL makes him an attractive asset for other teams.
Freddy Gaudreau
Freddy Gaudreau’s versatility is valuable, but his limited playoff production and the emergence of young centers in the pipeline could make him expendable.
David Spacek
David Spacek has struggled to transition to pro hockey and appears blocked from making the NHL jump. Entering the final year of his entry-level deal, he might want a fresh start, and the Wild would likely accommodate him.
As the Minnesota Wild navigate this critical offseason, General Manager Bill Guerin faces tough decisions on player trades. While certain players like Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy are untouchable, others, such as Marco Rossi and Freddy Gaudreau, are likely on the move. The Wild’s approach to these trades will shape the team’s competitiveness and future trajectory.
The decisions made regarding players like Jonas Brodin and Jared Spurgeon could signal a shift in the team’s long-term strategy. Integrating young talents such as Liam Ohgren and David Spacek into trade packages could bring in valuable assets to address immediate needs. The upcoming weeks will be pivotal in determining the Wild’s roster composition and their prospects for the 25th season.
Ultimately, the Wild’s success this offseason hinges on balancing the desire to improve the team immediately with the need to secure future assets. Guerin’s ability to navigate these trade tiers effectively will be crucial in setting the stage for a successful season and beyond.
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