The Olympic break has brought a collective sigh of relief for the Minnesota Wild - at least so far. None of their players participating in the Games have suffered injuries, which, let’s be honest, is half the battle for NHL general managers watching their stars compete on the international stage. But while the Wild have avoided the worst-case scenario, the same can't be said for the Los Angeles Kings.
In a tough blow, former Wild forward Kevin Fiala fractured his leg after a hit from Tom Wilson. The Kings confirmed that Fiala’s surgery was successful, but he’s done for the season.
That’s a major setback for a team already walking a tightrope in the Western Conference playoff race. Heading into the break, the Kings were just three points behind the Anaheim Ducks for the second Wild Card spot - and now they’ll have to make that push without one of their most dynamic offensive weapons.
To their credit, the Kings didn’t wait around. Just before the roster freeze, they made a big move, acquiring Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers.
It was a clear signal: they’re not backing down from the playoff chase. But with Fiala sidelined, Los Angeles may not be done.
There’s a very real chance they’ll be hunting for more scoring help - and that could put them in direct competition with the Wild on the trade market.
Minnesota has its own offensive needs to address. Despite a strong run since their blockbuster move for Quinn Hughes, the Wild know that to survive the Central - and the playoff gauntlet that includes the Avalanche and Stars - they’ll need more strength down the middle.
That’s why names like Robert Thomas have been floated as potential targets. But there’s another veteran center who might check all the boxes for GM Bill Guerin: Nazem Kadri.
Kadri’s name has come up in recent trade speculation, and for good reason. He’s got the playoff pedigree - 44 points in 52 career postseason games - and he knows what it takes to win, having played a key role in Colorado’s 2022 Stanley Cup run. That year, he posted 15 points in 16 games, including some clutch moments that helped push the Avs over the top.
At 35, Kadri’s not the flashiest name on the board, but he brings exactly the kind of two-way, playoff-tested game that fits the Wild’s identity. He’s physical, he’s tough in the corners, and he doesn’t shy away from the hard areas of the ice - traits that matter even more when you’re battling the likes of Dallas or Colorado in a seven-game series.
This season, Kadri’s still producing. He’s got 39 points through 56 games with the Flames, who appear headed toward seller status as the deadline approaches.
He’s logged over 1,000 regular season games in his career, with stops in Toronto, Colorado, and now Calgary. And while his defensive impact has dipped slightly during his time with the Flames, a system like Minnesota’s - structured, hard-nosed, and defensively sound - could be the perfect environment for a late-career resurgence.
Of course, there’s the contract. Kadri carries a $7 million cap hit for three more seasons after this one.
That’s a big number, no doubt. But it’s also a known number, and that kind of cost certainty could be valuable for Guerin as he navigates future negotiations - especially with Quinn Hughes’ camp likely eyeing a hefty extension.
The Wild do have some financial flexibility coming their way. A few veteran deals will come off the books this summer, and with the cap expected to rise, Minnesota might be in a position to take on Kadri’s full contract.
If that’s the case, it could help lower the asking price from Calgary. A package built around a future first-rounder - say, in 2027 - and a younger prospect like Charlie Stramel or Ryder Ritchie might be enough to get Calgary’s attention.
Jesper Wallstedt is likely off the table, and he wouldn’t make much sense for the Flames anyway, given that Dustin Wolf is already penciled in as their goalie of the future.
So now the clock’s ticking. With the roster freeze lifting and the trade deadline looming on March 6, things are about to heat up. The Kings losing Fiala has added another layer of urgency to the market, and if they jump back in for more offense, it could spark a bidding war - one that might include the Wild.
One thing’s for sure: Minnesota knows what it needs. Another center to anchor the top six.
Someone who’s been through the playoff wars. Someone who can take a hit, give one back, and still make the play.
Kadri checks a lot of those boxes. Now it’s just a matter of whether the price - and the fit - makes sense.