Minnesota Wild Trade Tiers: Ranking Players' Chances Of A Deal This Offseason

Shawn

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Post on Jun 20, 2025

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Minnesota Wild Trade Tiers: Who's Moving This Offseason?

The Minnesota Wild are facing a pivotal offseason. After a disappointing playoff exit, General Manager Bill Guerin has a tough task ahead: navigating a salary cap crunch while simultaneously bolstering a roster that needs significant upgrades. This means some tough decisions are looming, and trade rumors are swirling around several Wild players. Let's break down the likelihood of a trade for key players this offseason, ranking them into distinct tiers.

Tier 1: Highly Likely to Be Traded

This tier includes players whose contracts are either too expensive for the Wild's current cap situation or whose performance simply didn't meet expectations. A trade seems almost inevitable for these players.

• Mats Zuccarello: While a valuable veteran presence, Zuccarello's $6 million cap hit is difficult to justify given his age and declining production. Finding a team willing to take on his contract will be key for Guerin. Several contending teams looking for scoring depth could be interested, making a trade quite probable.

• Marcus Foligno: Foligno's grit and physicality are undeniable, but his offensive contributions have waned. With his contract expiring, and the Wild needing to free up cap space, a trade is a strong possibility. Teams seeking a seasoned bottom-six forward who can bring energy and physicality could be a good fit.

Tier 2: Possible Trades, Depending on Circumstances

These players are valuable assets, but their trade status hinges on several factors, including the offers the Wild receive and their overall performance in training camp.

• Joel Eriksson Ek: Eriksson Ek is a reliable two-way center, but his contract is sizeable. If Guerin can find a team willing to match Eriksson Ek's value and alleviate cap pressure, a trade might be considered. However, he's a crucial part of the Wild's core, making a trade less likely unless a significant offer arises.

• Kirill Kaprizov's Contract Extension: While Kaprizov isn't likely to be traded, the terms of his upcoming contract extension could significantly impact other players' fates. A lucrative deal for Kaprizov could necessitate further salary cap maneuvering, increasing the likelihood of trades in other areas of the roster.

Tier 3: Unlikely to Be Traded (But Not Impossible)

These players are considered core pieces of the Wild's future, making a trade extremely unlikely unless an incredibly compelling offer emerges.

• Kirill Kaprizov: The Wild's star forward is untouchable. His offensive talent and leadership are essential to the team's success.

• Calen Addison: While young and developing, Addison has shown considerable promise. Trading him would be a significant blow to the Wild's future defensive prospects.

What to Expect This Offseason

The Wild's offseason will be a delicate balancing act between freeing up cap space and maintaining a competitive roster. Expect Guerin to be active in the trade market, potentially making multiple moves to reshape the team's composition. The players listed in Tier 1 are the most likely candidates for trades, while the fate of those in Tier 2 remains uncertain. Players in Tier 3 are largely considered safe. This offseason will be a crucial period defining the future direction of the Minnesota Wild.

Stay tuned for further updates as the offseason unfolds! What are your predictions for the Wild's trade activity? Share your thoughts in the comments below!