Minnesota Wild: Offseason Trade Predictions – Most & Least Likely Players Moved

Shawn

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Post on Jun 20, 2025

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Minnesota Wild Offseason Trade Predictions: Who's Moving On?

The Minnesota Wild’s 2023 season ended earlier than hoped, igniting speculation about potential roster shakeups this offseason. General Manager Bill Guerin faces crucial decisions, balancing the need for a playoff push next year with the team's salary cap situation. This article dives into the most and least likely players to be traded before the puck drops on the 2023-2024 NHL season.

The Most Likely Trade Candidates:

Several players are facing uncertain futures in Minnesota, making them prime candidates for trade discussions. These players often represent a mix of underperforming veterans with high salaries, and younger players who haven't quite lived up to expectations:

• Mats Zuccarello: While a fan favorite, Zuccarello's age (35) and $6 million cap hit could make him a tempting trade chip for a team needing veteran scoring punch. His skillset remains valuable, but a younger, cheaper option might be prioritized by Guerin.

• Jonas Brodin: A long-time Wild stalwart, Brodin's consistent play is undeniable. However, his contract ($6 million AAV) and the emergence of younger defensive prospects could push him towards a trade. Teams looking for a reliable, experienced defenseman will surely be interested.

• Marcus Foligno: Foligno's grit and physicality are integral to the Wild's identity. However, his contract and potential to be replaced by younger players make him a possibility for a trade, particularly if the Wild pursue a more offensive-minded approach.

Factors Influencing Trade Decisions:

Several factors will heavily influence Guerin's decisions this offseason:

• Salary Cap: The Wild are already up against the salary cap, necessitating some difficult choices. Trading higher-paid players opens up cap space for potential additions.

• Prospect Development: The success of young players in the AHL and even at the NHL level will impact which veterans are deemed expendable. The Wild's prospect pool offers potential replacements for some established players.

• Team Needs: Identifying areas needing improvement (e.g., top-six scoring, power play effectiveness) will dictate the type of players Guerin targets in trades, as well as who is considered expendable.

The Least Likely Trade Candidates:

While change is expected, some players seem entrenched in the Wild's future plans:

• Kirill Kaprizov: The team's superstar and offensive catalyst is untouchable. Kaprizov is the cornerstone of the franchise, and any trade involving him is highly improbable.

• Joel Eriksson Ek: Eriksson Ek's two-way prowess and leadership are vital to the Wild’s success. He’s a cornerstone of the team's future.

• Calen Addison: A young, promising defenseman, Addison's development is key to the Wild's long-term success. Trading him now would be premature.

Looking Ahead:

The Minnesota Wild offseason will be a crucial period shaping their playoff aspirations for the upcoming season. While the specific trades remain uncertain, expect Guerin to be active in reshaping the roster to optimize both short-term and long-term success. The upcoming NHL Draft and free agency will further clarify the Wild's strategy and provide additional insight into the potential moves they might make. Stay tuned for further updates as the offseason unfolds.

Keywords: Minnesota Wild, NHL, offseason trades, Mats Zuccarello, Jonas Brodin, Marcus Foligno, Kirill Kaprizov, Joel Eriksson Ek, Calen Addison, salary cap, NHL trade rumors, hockey news.