Beyond Rossi: Analyzing The Minnesota Wild's Most And Least Likely Trade Candidates

Shawn

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Post on Jun 20, 2025

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Beyond Rossi: Analyzing the Minnesota Wild's Most and Least Likely Trade Candidates

The NHL trade deadline is looming, and the Minnesota Wild find themselves in a familiar position: needing to make some tough decisions to bolster their playoff push. While the future of young star Marco Rossi remains a topic of much speculation, he's far from the only player whose name might be bandied about in trade rumors. This article delves into the Minnesota Wild's most and least likely trade candidates, examining the factors influencing potential moves.

The Contenders: Likely Trade Bait for the Wild

Several players on the Wild's roster fit the profile of a potential trade candidate. Their situations, contracts, and performance all contribute to their likelihood of being moved before the deadline.

• Jonas Brodin: A veteran defenseman, Brodin's contract is substantial, and while a valuable player, his age and the Wild's cap situation could make him a tempting asset for a team needing defensive experience. His leadership and defensive prowess would be attractive to contenders looking for a boost on the blue line. Trading Brodin would open up cap space and potentially accelerate the development of younger defensemen within the organization.

• Mats Zuccarello: While Zuccarello provides valuable offensive skill and leadership, his age and contract could make him a difficult fit long-term. His playoff experience would make him a highly sought-after asset for teams hoping to make a deep playoff run. A contending team might be willing to part with valuable assets to acquire his scoring touch and leadership.

• Frederick Gaudreau: Gaudreau's consistently solid bottom-six performance makes him an attractive asset for teams seeking depth and reliability. His contract is relatively manageable, making him a potentially affordable addition for many teams. His versatility, ability to play both center and wing, further increases his trade value.

The Untouchables: Least Likely to be Moved

Not every Wild player is on the trade block. Several players are considered essential to the team's current and future plans, making a trade highly unlikely.

• Kirill Kaprizov: The Wild's star player, Kaprizov is untouchable. His offensive talent is integral to the team's success, and moving him would be detrimental to their immediate and long-term future.

• Joel Eriksson Ek: Eriksson Ek's defensive prowess and two-way play are vital to the Wild's identity. He's a key part of their core, and trading him would leave a significant hole in their lineup.

• Matt Boldy: Boldy represents a significant part of the Wild's future. While still developing, his offensive potential is undeniable, making him a crucial piece of their long-term plans.

The Wild Card: Marco Rossi and the Unpredictability of the Deadline

The situation surrounding Marco Rossi is the most unpredictable. While his talent is undeniable, his recent injury history and need for consistent playing time complicates matters. Trading Rossi would be a significant risk, but it might be considered if the return is exceptionally compelling and addresses an immediate need. Ultimately, his inclusion in any trade discussions will depend heavily on the offers received.

Conclusion: Navigating the Trade Deadline Maze

The Minnesota Wild face a complex situation heading into the trade deadline. Balancing the need for immediate improvement with the long-term vision requires careful consideration. While certain players are more likely to be traded than others, the unpredictability of the deadline means that anything is possible. Stay tuned as the NHL trade deadline approaches for updates on the Wild's moves and their impact on the playoff race. What are your predictions for the Wild's trade deadline activity? Share your thoughts in the comments below!