The Minnesota Wild are a good hockey team - no doubt about that. Just how good?
That’s still up for debate. But with the playoffs all but locked in, the focus in the Twin Cities is shifting from the standings to the strategy board.
Four games and an Olympic break stand between now and the trade deadline, and the Wild’s front office has a decision to make: swing big for the future, or shop smart for the now.
Here’s the thing - while many contending teams will be chasing players locked into long-term deals signed before the NHL’s salary cap is set to rise through the 2027-28 season, the Wild don’t need to play that game. They’re in a different position, and that opens the door to a different kind of move: the one-year rental.
Now, let’s be honest. “Rental” is a word that tends to make fans uneasy.
It sounds temporary, maybe even a little desperate. Why give up future pieces for a player who might only wear your sweater for 20 regular-season games and a playoff run?
But that line of thinking doesn’t hold up when you look at the bigger picture - especially in Minnesota’s case.
Why “Rental” Doesn’t Have to Be a Dirty Word
The skepticism around rentals isn’t unique to hockey. It’s baked into American culture.
We like owning things - homes, cars, our future. Renting feels like a compromise.
But in the NHL, players aren’t appreciating assets. They don’t gain value over time.
In fact, the opposite is usually true. As players age, their production tends to dip, and their contracts tend to get more expensive.
So instead of thinking of NHL players like real estate, think of them like cars. You don’t buy a car expecting it to be worth more in five years.
You buy it to get where you need to go - and when it’s no longer reliable, you move on. NHL teams operate the same way.
Their goal isn’t to own players forever - it’s to maximize value while they’re still productive.
And sometimes, the best way to do that is to rent.
Minnesota’s Forward Depth Needs Help - Now
The Wild have a solid foundation. Three high-end players lead the charge, and the blue line is deep and dependable.
But up front? That’s where the cracks start to show.
There’s no true first-line center on this roster. The second line still includes Marcus Johansson, and even when fully healthy, the bottom six features players who might be better suited for AHL minutes. That’s not a recipe for playoff success.
Look at the 2025-26 forward group and it’s clear: Minnesota needs at least two more NHL-caliber forwards. One of them has to be a center.
If any of Joel Eriksson Ek, Ryan Hartman, Danila Yurov, or Nico Sturm goes down, the Wild are suddenly looking at Ben Jones taking meaningful playoff shifts. That’s a risk they can’t afford.
And because of that, Yurov - a young, promising piece - likely stays off the trade table. Minnesota can’t afford to weaken its already thin forward group just to make a move.
So What Can They Trade?
The Wild don’t have a full set of 2026 draft picks, but they’ve got prospects like Charlie Stramel who could help bridge the gap in trade talks. That makes the short-term rental route even more appealing. While other contenders are busy outbidding each other for players with term, Minnesota can swoop in and grab the one-year options - the guys who might not be flashy, but can fill a role and make an impact.
And here’s the kicker: the Wild are well-positioned to do this without sacrificing their future. Thanks to some smart cap management, they’ll enter the 2026-27 season with $14.5 million in cap space. That’s room to replace players like Vladimir Tarasenko, Mats Zuccarello, Marcus Johansson, Vinnie Hinostroza, and Zach Bogosian.
It won’t be easy, but it’s manageable. Daemon Hunt and David Jiricek are in the pipeline and could step into bottom-pair roles on the blue line.
Up front, replacing two middle-six forwards and a third-liner will cost money - but not so much that it’s out of reach. And if the Wild make the right rental moves now, they can reload again in 2027 with a stronger hand.
Looking Ahead: Cap Space and Contention
The Wild are also in a good place when it comes to long-term flexibility. In 2027-28, they’ll have $48.4 million in cap space. That’s more than enough to cover a projected $17 million extension for Quinn Hughes and still leave nearly $17 million to re-sign or replace Jesper Wallstedt, Ryan Hartman, Nico Sturm, and Jared Spurgeon.
That’s the kind of room most contenders would love to have - and it’s a big reason why Minnesota can afford to be aggressive at this deadline without tying their hands in the future.
The Bottom Line: Go Get the Rentals
There’s no perfect formula for navigating the NHL trade deadline. Every team has different needs, different resources, and different timelines. But for the Wild, the path is clear.
They don’t need to chase long-term contracts or overpay for players who might not fit into their future plans. What they need is immediate help - specifically, forwards who can step into the lineup and contribute right away.
And the best way to do that? Target one-year rentals. Use the cap flexibility now, and keep the long-term assets intact for a bigger swing down the road.
Bill Guerin has a chance to solidify this roster for a real playoff push. But it’s going to take conviction - not compromise.
Minnesota can’t afford to hedge its bets. If this team wants to take the next step, it starts with bold, focused action at the deadline.
Rentals might not be glamorous, but they might just be the right move to push the Wild from “really good” to something more.