Welcome to another installment of our "Meet the Buyers" series. We've already explored potential trade partners for the Toronto Maple Leafs, including the Carolina Hurricanes and Edmonton Oilers. Now, let's turn our attention to the Minnesota Wild, a team making waves in the Western Conference.
Wild general manager Bill Guerin has already made a significant splash by acquiring defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks. This aggressive move has paid off, with Hughes fitting seamlessly into Minnesota’s lineup.
But Guerin isn’t done yet. With the March 6 trade deadline approaching, he's on the hunt for top-nine forwards to bolster the Wild’s playoff aspirations.
Free from the financial constraints of past buyouts, Guerin has over $12 million in cap space to play with, despite Kirill Kaprizov’s salary set to increase next season.
Enter the Maple Leafs and their GM, Brad Treliving. While Toronto is likely to wait until closer to the deadline for any major roster decisions, they're under pressure from ownership to make a playoff push. This means Treliving will hold onto his trade assets until the last possible moment.
The Wild could be eyeing several Leafs forwards, such as Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, and Nicolas Roy. McMann, with his speed, scoring touch, and physical presence, seems like a perfect fit for Minnesota.
His affordable $1.3 million AAV makes him an attractive trade chip for Toronto. The big question is: what can Treliving get in return for McMann?
Minnesota's trade assets are somewhat limited. There's buzz that they’ve dangled goaltender Jesper Wallstedt in hopes of landing a top-line forward. While Wallstedt would be a significant addition for the Leafs, Toronto's crease is already crowded with Joseph Woll, Anthony Stolarz, and Dennis Hildeby.
Without a first or second-round pick in 2026 due to prior trades, the Wild’s options are constrained. If McMann heads to Minnesota, who might the Leafs receive in return?
Ryan Hartman is a name to watch. The 31-year-old forward, signed through next season at $4 million AAV, has a 15-team no-trade clause.
In 54 games this season, Hartman has tallied 14 goals and 26 points, but his inconsistency in Minnesota leaves Guerin wanting more.
Toronto could benefit from a right-handed forward, especially with potential changes looming in their lineup. Hartman’s versatility and style could provide the Leafs with much-needed balance and flexibility.
If talks progress, Treliving should inquire about Minnesota's defensive prospects, David Jiricek and David Spacek. Jiricek, a former sixth-overall pick, has struggled this season and is currently in the AHL.
His potential makes him an intriguing option for Toronto. Spacek, a bit older, has shown promise with 20 points in 37 AHL games and a brief NHL stint.
Both could significantly enhance Toronto’s thin defensive prospect pool.
While the Wild are eager buyers at the deadline, their fit as trade partners for the Leafs isn’t seamless. However, if a deal is struck by March 6, expect McMann and possibly Scott Laughton to be key pieces heading to Minnesota.
Stay tuned as the trade deadline approaches, and don’t miss any action from the 2026 Milan Games. The world's top hockey talents are set to compete for Olympic gold, and you can catch every moment on the Daily Faceoff YouTube channel.