Three potential trading options following the Golden Knights' series defeat:
Reframed Wild's Trade Targets and Offseason Priorities
Following their elimination by the Vegas Golden Knights, the Minnesota Wild are gearing up for a transformative offseason, eyeing significant roster renovations. Here's a rundown of potential trade targets and priorities for the Wild as they aim to bolster their roster and inch closer to contending for the Stanley Cup.
Top-Shelf Reinforcements
- Alex Tuch: A former Wild draft pick in 2014, Tuch may return to Minnesota after stints with the Vegas Golden Knights and Buffalo Sabres. Bringing back the familiar face could work in the Wild's favor, especially given his promising stint with Vegas.
- Alexis Lafrenière: Although not officially targeted, Lafrenière's name has circulated as part of the potential talks surrounding the Wild's young center, Marco Rossi. The latter's uncertain future with the Wild, along with Lafrenière's potential as a top-six scorer, makes them an intriguing fit.
- Brock Boeser: Boeser, a free agent soon, has been speculated to be a fit for the Wild's potentially vacant roster space. His scoring prowess would certainly boost the Wild's offensive output.
Depth and Defense
With an emphasis on improving their overall roster, the Wild will also consider depth and defensive plays:
- Dawson Mercer: Struggling to replicate his breakout 2022-23 season with the New Jersey Devils, Mercer might find a new home in Minnesota. The Wild could be the fresh environment he needs to regain his form as a potential top-six scorer.
- Noah Cates: With the Philadelphia Flyers missing the 2025 playoffs and some impending roster changes, Cates - a restricted free agent this season - could find himself in the Wild's lineup. While not a gamebreaker, Cates' solid offensive chops and stellar defensive game could serve the Wild well as they seek depth in the middle-six.
As the Wild venture into the offseason, they'll need to consider several factors, including Kirill Kaprizov's extension, the future of restricted free agent Marco Rossi, and the expiration of their dead cap space. With these elements in mind, the Wild are poised to make strategic trades, signings, and of course, keep one eye on the Stanley Cup.
- The Wild, in their pursuit of a Stanley Cup run, are contemplating trades for top-tier players such as Alex Tuch, a former draft pick, Brock Boeser, a potential free agent, Dawson Mercer from the New Jersey Devils, and Noah Cates from the Philadelphia Flyers, who could strengthen the team's offensive output and depth.
- As the team eyes strategic improvements, they are also considering trade targets with defensive prowess, like Dawson Mercer and Noah Cates, who could complement the Wild's existing roster and help bolster the team's defensive game.
- In addition to potential trades, the Wild will focus on offseason priorities, including extending Kirill Kaprizov, addressing the future of restricted free agent Marco Rossi, and managing the expiration of their dead cap space, all while keeping an eye on the NHL playoffs and striving to contend for the championship.
