Minnesota Wild Offseason Outlook: Trade Candidates Ranked – From Most To Least Likely

Shawn

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Post on Jun 20, 2025

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Minnesota Wild Offseason Outlook: Trade Candidates Ranked – From Most to Least Likely

The Minnesota Wild's 2023 season ended earlier than hoped, igniting a flurry of speculation regarding potential offseason moves. General Manager Bill Guerin faces a crucial summer, needing to navigate salary cap constraints while bolstering a roster that fell short of playoff expectations. This article analyzes the most likely trade candidates for the Wild, ranked from most to least probable, considering player performance, contract situations, and team needs.

Methodology: This ranking considers a combination of factors including player performance, contract status (including salary and term remaining), trade value, and the Wild's overall roster needs. We’ve also taken into account reported interest from other teams, though unsubstantiated rumors have been given less weight.

Tier 1: Highly Likely Trade Candidates

• Marcus Foligno: Foligno's physicality and leadership are valuable, but his $3.8 million cap hit and declining production make him a prime candidate for a trade. His contract expires after next season, adding further urgency for the Wild to seek a return before he potentially walks in free agency. Teams looking for veteran grit and playoff experience could be interested.

• Jonas Brodin: While a stalwart defender for the Wild for many years, Brodin’s age and contract ($6.0 million AAV through 2026) could make him a difficult fit for the Wild's evolving cap situation. Trading Brodin would free up considerable cap space, allowing for more flexibility in other areas. His experience and defensive prowess make him an attractive target for contending teams.

Tier 2: Moderately Likely Trade Candidates

• Mats Zuccarello: Zuccarello's skill and offensive contributions are undeniable, but his $6 million AAV through 2025 may be too much for a Wild team needing to prioritize younger players. His age and potential decline in performance could lead the Wild to explore trade options for a younger, potentially less expensive player with similar offensive upside.

• Alex Goligoski: Goligoski provides veteran experience on the blue line, but his contract ($4 million AAV through 2024) and the emergence of younger defensive prospects could push him towards a trade. A team seeking a reliable veteran defenseman on a reasonable contract could be a good fit.

Tier 3: Less Likely, But Possible Trade Candidates

• Joel Eriksson Ek: While a key player and important part of the team's core, Eriksson Ek's high cap hit ($6 million AAV through 2028) makes him a potential trade chip if the Wild needs to make significant cap space. However, given his importance to the team, it’s less likely than the others.

• Kirill Kaprizov: Trading Kaprizov would be a seismic event for the franchise. While highly unlikely given his status as the team's star player, it's not entirely outside the realm of possibility should the Wild opt for a complete rebuild. This scenario remains incredibly improbable for the foreseeable future.

Conclusion:

The Minnesota Wild's offseason will be pivotal in shaping their future. While the specific trades remain uncertain, players like Foligno and Brodin appear to be the most likely candidates to be moved to alleviate salary cap issues and inject fresh talent into the lineup. The Wild’s choices this offseason will have significant ramifications for the team’s competitive landscape in the coming years. It will be fascinating to see how General Manager Guerin navigates this challenging situation.

Call to Action: What are your predictions for the Minnesota Wild's offseason moves? Share your thoughts in the comments below!