With the 2026 Winter Olympics in full swing, the NHL has hit pause until Wednesday night, Feb. 25.
That means the Minnesota Wild-and the rest of the league-are officially on break. Their last outing before the pause?
A dramatic overtime win over the Nashville Predators on Feb. 4, a game that had a little bit of everything: an early lead, a mid-game slip, and a late-game comeback that ended with two points and a sigh of relief.
While the Wild won’t be suiting up for NHL action this week, they’re still very much part of the Olympic spotlight, with eight players representing their countries on the international stage. So, even though the skates are off in St.
Paul, there’s plenty for Wild fans to keep their eyes on from Feb. 9 through Feb. 16.
Minnesota’s Olympic Footprint
Let’s start with the obvious: Team Canada and Team USA always dominate the headlines when it comes to Olympic hockey. With Sidney Crosby wearing the “C” for Canada and Auston Matthews leading the way for the U.S., the star power is undeniable. And while the Wild don’t have any players skating for Canada this time around, they’re well-represented elsewhere.
Matt Boldy, Brock Faber, and Quinn Hughes are all suiting up for Team USA. Over on Team Sweden, the Wild have a strong core in Joel Eriksson Ek, Filip Gustavsson, Marcus Johansson, and Jesper Wallstedt. And don’t forget about Nico Sturm, who’s playing for Germany.
The U.S. and Germany are grouped together, so Wild fans will get a head-to-head matchup between teammates on Sunday, Feb. 15. Sweden, meanwhile, is in a separate group, meaning any potential clash with the U.S. or Germany won’t come until later in the tournament-assuming all three teams advance.
Rest Comes at the Right Time
Let’s be honest: this Olympic break couldn’t have come at a better moment for the Wild. The NHL’s compressed schedule this season has been a grind, and you could see it in the team’s play. Fatigue was starting to show, both physically and mentally.
Injuries have already taken their toll, and this pause gives those banged-up players a much-needed window to heal up before the final playoff push. The Wild have been battling through a tough slate, and this break gives them a chance to regroup, recharge, and reset.
Now, there’s always the risk that too much rest can lead to a little rust. When players step away from game action-even for just a couple of weeks-it can take a few shifts, or even a few games, to get back into rhythm. But that’s a trade-off most teams are happy to make, especially when the alternative is running out of gas before April.
The Olympic Trade-Off
Of course, not everyone is getting that rest. The Wild’s Olympic contingent won’t have the luxury of downtime. While it’s a tremendous honor to represent your country on the world stage, it also means extra wear and tear-and the potential for injuries in high-stakes, high-intensity games.
That’s the gamble. The hope is that players come back healthy, energized by the experience, and ready to bring that same level of intensity back to the NHL.
But the reality is, some may return more fatigued than refreshed. It’s a balancing act every team with Olympic talent has to navigate.
Trade Deadline Looms
Now, let’s shift gears to what’s waiting on the other side of the break: the NHL trade deadline. The Wild have just under two weeks once play resumes to decide whether they’re going all-in-or standing pat.
The acquisition of Quinn Hughes earlier this season has sparked plenty of conversation. Many believe the Wild are just one piece away from making a serious run.
That’s led to speculation around Jesper Wallstedt’s future. His name has been floated in trade talks leading up to the break, and while nothing materialized, the door isn’t closed.
Minnesota GM Bill Guerin has made it clear he’s not going to move Wallstedt unless the return is significant. That’s the right mindset. You don’t trade a high-upside goalie prospect unless you’re getting a legitimate game-changer in return.
Names have been tossed around, and rumors will only heat up as the deadline approaches. Whether the Wild pull the trigger on a big move or simply test the waters, they’ll be active in the market. The key is making the right move-not just any move.
Looking Ahead
Once the Olympic flame is extinguished and the NHL resumes, the Wild will be diving straight into the final stretch of the season. They’ve got momentum on their side, and if they can come out of the break healthy and focused, they’ll be in position to make some noise.
Whether it’s riding the wave of recent wins, navigating trade talks, or watching their stars shine on the Olympic stage, this is a crucial stretch for Minnesota. The pieces are there. Now it’s about putting it all together-and seeing just how far this team can go.