Minnesota Wild Offseason Trades: Assessing The Likelihood Of Player Moves

Shawn

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Post on Jun 20, 2025

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Minnesota Wild Offseason Trades: Assessing the Likelihood of Player Moves

The Minnesota Wild finished the 2022-23 season with a whimper, missing the playoffs after a promising start. This leaves General Manager Bill Guerin with some tough decisions to make this offseason. Will the Wild be buyers, sellers, or somewhere in between? Let's delve into the likelihood of various player moves this offseason.

The Need for Change: A Look at the Roster's Strengths and Weaknesses

The Wild's core remains strong, anchored by players like Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy. However, areas needing improvement are evident. The team struggled defensively at times, and scoring depth beyond the top line proved inconsistent. This necessitates a strategic approach to the offseason, likely involving both additions and subtractions. Guerin will need to carefully balance retaining core assets while addressing the team's weaknesses.

Players Most Likely to Be Traded:

Several players find themselves in uncertain situations heading into the offseason. Their trade likelihood varies depending on factors such as contract status, performance, and potential return:

• Jonas Brodin: A long-time Wild stalwart, Brodin's contract expires this summer. His age and potential salary demands make a trade a possibility, especially if the Wild prioritizes younger, cheaper options. His experience and defensive prowess make him a valuable asset for contending teams. Likelihood: Moderate to High

• Mats Zuccarello: While a valuable veteran presence, Zuccarello's age and contract status could make him a trade candidate. The Wild might look to shed salary and inject youth into the forward group. Likelihood: Moderate

• Marcus Foligno: Foligno's physicality and leadership are assets, but his injury history and contract situation could lead to trade discussions. His value might be higher in a trade than allowing him to walk in free agency. Likelihood: Moderate

Potential Trade Targets:

While assessing potential departures, the Wild also need to consider acquisition targets. Guerin may look to add players who can bolster the defense or provide secondary scoring. This could involve targeting players through trades or free agency.

Factors Influencing Trade Decisions:

Several factors will heavily influence Guerin's decisions:

• Salary Cap: The Wild are facing salary cap constraints, necessitating shrewd maneuvering to make any significant moves.
• Prospect Development: The team's prospect pool will play a role in determining whether to trade veterans for younger players or draft picks.
• Free Agency: The Wild's approach to free agency will be intertwined with their trade strategy. They might look to fill needs through free agency depending on the success of their trade efforts.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Offseason for the Wild

This offseason presents a pivotal moment for the Minnesota Wild. The team's success in navigating the trade market will significantly impact their prospects for the 2023-24 season. While predicting specific trades is impossible, the likelihood of some player movement is high. Guerin's decisions will be closely scrutinized by fans and analysts alike as he attempts to rebuild and revitalize the franchise. Stay tuned for further updates as the offseason progresses.

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