The Minnesota Wild are among the NHL’s hottest teams at the moment. They shook off a bit of a slow start and have turned things around. They are now firmly entrenched in the Central Division playoff hunt and could be looking to bolster their lineup.
That’s the sentiment that insider Pierre LeBrun echoed during an appearance on Early Trading. LeBrun discussed the Wild’s interest in an impending UFA. The Wild, of course, will have to get in line as plenty of teams have been kicking the tires on said player.
The UFA in question is Vancouver Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood. LeBrun had this to say about the Wild’s interest in Sherwood:
“Among the teams that I believe have inquired, one is the Wild…they’ve been out there looking at top 6 options…”
LeBrun’s comments signal that Minnesota GM Bill Guerin has, at the very least, inquired about the asking price for the 30-year-old winger. Some of the chatter around the league posits that the Canucks want a first-round pick for Sherwood. While Vancouver can ask for as much as they want, there’s a slim chance they’ll get it.
Still, the Wild could find themselves in a bidding war for Sherwood. If that’s the case, Guerin would have to figure out if it’s worth upping the ante to get another key offensive piece. Since the Wild view themselves as playoff contenders, they’ll be looking to make key moves this season.
Wild Cannot Afford to Waste Prime Kaprizov
The Wild made a huge commitment to the team and their fan base by backing up the Brinks truck to extend Kirill Kaprizov this season. So, the Wild now have to put their money with their mouth is. That situation means getting Kaprizov the help he needs to be successful.
With that in mind, the Wild need more scoring in their top six. In particular, the onus will be to reduce the reliance on Matt Boldy and Kaprizov playing together in crucial situations. While the Wild could certainly stack their top line late in games, having more weapons beyond Kaprizov and Boldy is critical.
It’s also worth pointing out that Kaprizov is just now hitting his prime years. As a result, the Wild would hate to see some of his best years go to waste. That’s why it would behoove Bill Guerin to make as many solid moves as he can this season and beyond.
Minnesota Has to Go All In This Season
Bouncing off the previous point, the Wild have no choice but to go all in. After all, why extend Kaprizov to that monster contract, only to force him to go through a rebuild or non-playoff seasons?
The situation calls for the Guerin to be bold. Despite not having a deep prospect pool to draw from, the Wild could find some attractive pieces to barter for help down the line. As the Wild have shown this season, they’re not afraid to make deals happen.
Who knows, the Wild could be the team that makes the season’s first big trade happen. That could be the linchpin that unlocks this season’s trade market.
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