Minnesota Wild Trade Deadline Primer: All-In or All-Out?
As the Olympic break looms and the NHL trade deadline creeps closer, the Minnesota Wild find themselves in rare air - not just as contenders, but as one of the league’s most aggressive buyers. After pulling off a blockbuster deal to acquire Quinn Hughes from Vancouver, the Wild have made it clear: they're not just interested in making noise - they want the whole Cup run.
And with a 16-5-5 record since Hughes joined the lineup, it’s hard to argue with the early returns. But even with Hughes anchoring the blue line, the Wild still have a few holes that could hold them back from going the distance. The question now is whether GM Bill Guerin will double down and push all his chips into the middle of the table.
Current Outlook
Record: 34-14-10 (2nd in Central Division)
Deadline Status: Buyers
Cap Space: $14.52 million available on deadline day
Retention Slots Used: 0/3
Contracts Used: 42/50
Upcoming Draft Picks:
- 2026: 3rd, 4th, two 5ths (including SJS), 6th, 7th
- 2027: 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
What They’ve Got Left to Deal
After sending Marco Rossi, top prospect Zeev Buium, winger Liam Ohgren, and a first-rounder to land Hughes, Minnesota’s trade cupboard isn’t exactly overflowing. But they do still have one major card to play - and it’s a big one.
Jesper Wallstedt is the name lighting up trade boards. The 21-year-old goaltender has stepped into the NHL this season and delivered, racking up 14 wins with a .914 save percentage in 23 games. That’s not just solid - that’s elite-level potential coming to life.
In a goalie market that’s seen top prospects like Yaroslav Askarov move for packages equivalent to two first-round picks, Wallstedt’s value might be even higher. And the Wild know it. They’ve floated his name in trade talks, hoping to bring in a high-end offensive piece in return.
Minnesota could sweeten the pot further by adding their 2027 first-round pick or prospects like Charlie Stramel or Ryder Ritchie. With plenty of cap space and at least one more year of Hughes on his current deal, there’s a real window here - and Guerin might be ready to kick it wide open.
Deadline Needs
1. A Legit No. 1 Center
The Wild have been playing musical chairs at the top-line center spot for years. Marco Rossi, Joel Eriksson Ek, Ryan Hartman, Danila Yurov - all have had their chances, but none have locked down the job as the kind of elite pivot that can carry a playoff offense.
That’s the missing piece. And this year, the market actually offers some intriguing options.
Robert Thomas is the dream target. He’s a dynamic, playmaking center in his prime, and while the Blues would be reluctant to move him - especially within the division - a package built around Wallstedt might be enough to get them listening.
Thomas would slot in perfectly between Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy, bringing the same kind of chemistry he’s shown with Jordan Kyrou in St. Louis.
If Thomas proves too tough to pry loose, the Wild could look toward Nazem Kadri in Calgary. Kadri brings playoff experience, edge, and offensive upside - but the Flames may not be as interested in a goalie-focused package.
Another wild-card? Elias Pettersson, if Minnesota dares to circle back to Vancouver. It’s a long shot, but the connection is there.
For more cost-effective options, Vincent Trocheck (Rangers) and Alexander Wennberg (Sharks) could be in play. Neither is a true top-line center, but both bring valuable experience and could round out the middle-six nicely. Trocheck has been productive in New York, with 12 goals and 36 points in 43 games, while Wennberg has quietly tallied 37 points in 55 games for a struggling San Jose team.
2. Goaltending Depth - If Wallstedt Moves
Trading Wallstedt would be a bold move - potentially franchise-altering - and it would leave a hole behind Filip Gustavsson on the depth chart. Neither Cal Petersen nor Samuel Hlavaj has shown enough in the AHL to inspire confidence, with both posting sub-.900 save percentages.
If Minnesota goes big on a center, they may need to loop in a veteran backup goalie as part of the deal. One intriguing option?
Jordan Binnington. The Blues netminder has a Stanley Cup ring, and his familiarity with Guerin from Team USA connections could make him a natural fit as a steadying presence behind Gustavsson.
There are other options, too. The Canucks - already trade partners - have Nikita Tolopilo and Jiri Patera battling for NHL reps after Thatcher Demko’s injury. One of them could be available if Minnesota circles back to Vancouver.
If the Wild prefer to split their moves across multiple deals, Joel Blomqvist (Pittsburgh) or Daniil Tarasov (Florida) could be targets. Both are young, promising netminders who would come at a cost - but not one that’s out of reach given Minnesota’s assets.
The Bottom Line
The Wild have already made their statement with the Hughes deal. Now comes the real test: do they stop there, or do they go all-in?
With Wallstedt’s value peaking, cap space to work with, and a clear need down the middle, the stars are aligning for Minnesota to make one more major splash. Whether it’s Thomas, Kadri, or a surprise name, the right move could elevate this team from playoff hopeful to legitimate Cup threat.
The clock’s ticking. The Wild are close - but in a league this competitive, close doesn’t cut it. It’s time to finish the job.