The Minnesota Wild made headlines earlier this season with their blockbuster acquisition of Quinn Hughes, a move that signaled their intent to contend in a loaded Western Conference. But even with that big splash, the Wild find themselves grinding through a stretch of .500 hockey over their last 10 games-thanks in large part to a string of injuries that’s tested their depth. Still, they’re tied with the Dallas Stars for second in the Central Division, and that’s no small feat in a division that also includes the high-flying Colorado Avalanche.
But here’s the thing: while Minnesota’s roster has plenty of talent and depth on paper, there’s a growing sense that they’re still a piece away from truly matching up with the Stars or Avs in a potential playoff series. And that piece might be a top-six center.
According to recent reports, general manager Bill Guerin is actively exploring options to bolster his forward group before the trade deadline. Names like Vincent Trocheck, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Ryan O’Reilly, and Brayden Schenn have surfaced as potential targets. The question now is: who actually fits?
Kotkaniemi: A Risky Bet
Let’s start with Kotkaniemi. On paper, he’s a young, skilled center who could benefit from a change of scenery.
But the production just hasn’t been there this season. He’s on pace for just 15 points over 61 games-a tough sell for a team looking to add immediate offensive punch.
Injuries have certainly played a role, but even when healthy, Kotkaniemi hasn’t looked like a player ready to step into a top-six role on a playoff contender.
Then there’s his playoff track record. In 83 career postseason games, he’s managed just 26 points.
That kind of output doesn’t exactly scream “difference-maker” for a team that just pushed its chips in to acquire one of the league’s elite defensemen. Sure, there’s value in experience, and maybe he figures it out on a new team-but that’s a big gamble for a Wild squad that doesn’t have much margin for error.
Trocheck: A Safer, More Versatile Option
Vincent Trocheck, on the other hand, feels like a much more stable option. He’s been one of the few bright spots on a struggling Rangers team this season, and his playoff resume is impressive-20 points in 16 games during the 2023-24 postseason. He may not be the kind of player who carries a first line anymore, but for a middle-six role, especially in the playoffs, he checks a lot of boxes.
Trocheck brings a blend of grit, two-way reliability, and enough offensive upside to make him a legitimate asset in a tight playoff series. He’s the kind of player who won’t wow you with flash, but he’ll win key faceoffs, kill penalties, and chip in timely points. For a team like Minnesota that’s already solid defensively, he could be the glue guy that helps balance out their forward corps.
O’Reilly and Schenn: Veteran Presence, But At What Cost?
Then there’s the veteran duo of Ryan O’Reilly and Brayden Schenn. Both have been linked to the Wild, and both bring leadership, playoff experience, and a physical edge that tends to shine in the postseason.
O’Reilly might be a tougher get. The Predators are still in the mix for a wild card spot, sitting just a few points out, and they may not be ready to wave the white flag just yet.
If he does become available, though, O’Reilly would bring instant credibility to Minnesota’s top six. He’s a former Conn Smythe winner and one of the most respected two-way centers in the game.
But given Nashville’s current position, prying him away could require a steep price.
Schenn, meanwhile, is a more realistic target. The Blues are once again buried in the Central Division standings, and unless they pull off a miracle run, they’ll likely be sellers at the deadline.
Schenn’s offensive numbers have dipped-he’s on pace for the lowest point total of his career-but his value goes beyond the scoresheet. He brings a physical, hard-nosed style of play that’s tailor-made for playoff hockey, and he can slot into a middle-six role without disrupting chemistry.
The Bottom Line
The Wild are in a fascinating spot. They’ve already made a major move by adding Quinn Hughes, but with the West as competitive as it is, standing pat likely won’t be enough. If Guerin wants to push this team deeper into the postseason, finding the right center to stabilize the top six is a must.
Trocheck looks like the most practical fit-productive, playoff-tested, and versatile. O’Reilly would be a home run if available, while Schenn offers a more affordable mix of grit and leadership.
Kotkaniemi? He’s the wildcard-high risk, potentially high reward, but not the kind of move you make when you’re in win-now mode.
One thing’s clear: the Wild are close. But in a conference where the margins are razor-thin, the next few weeks could determine whether Minnesota is just a playoff team-or a real contender.