The Minnesota Wild just pulled off one of the biggest trade deals in NHL history.
Minnesota landing Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks late last week sent shockwaves throughout the hockey landscape. Undoubtedly, the Wild have cemented themselves in the conversation regarding true Stanley Cup contenders in the Western Conference.
Just because they made a gargantuan trade doesn’t mean they are done, however. In what could lead to an arms race with the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars, the Wild may have another move to make.
Minnesota Wild’s Center Depth Now a Glaring Weakness
GettyThe Minnesota Wild have been recommended by ESPN to trade for a Center to sure up their lineup down the middle.
The Wild’s acquisition didn’t come with no cost, however. In the transaction, the Wild sent Zeev Buium, Liam Ohgren, and Marco Rossi to Vancouver along with a 2026 first-round pick. While Buium feels like the biggest hit long-term, Rossi is a hit short-term.
Marco Rossi provided the Wild with 60 points last season at the center position. A large amount of his ice time came when he was centering Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy.
Minnesota never seemed completely married to the idea of Rossi being in the State of Hockey long-term. They were shopping him in trades this off-season before eventually inking him to a 3-year deal at $5 million AAV.
With Rossi gone, the Wild now sport the center corps of Joel Eriksson Ek, Danila Yurov, Ryan Hartman, and Nico Sturm. Not a truly awful group, but a cup contender would require some buttoning up.
Another Big-Time Trade Recommended for Minnesota
GettyST PAUL, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 13: General manager Bill Guerin of the Minnesota Wild addresses the media prior to the start of the game between the Ottawa Senators and Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena on December 13, 2025 in St Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Rachel Kryshak of ESPN‘s NHL team suggested a trade that could find an answer for the Wild at center.
The mock-deal would send Wild F Yakov Trenin and a 2027 first-round selection to the Utah Mammoth for C Nick Shmaltz.
Kryshak explained the rationale:
“Schmaltz gives the Wild a top-six center capable of providing reliable offense outside of their top line. Moving Yurov to the third line — where he will face secondary matchups — gives him a better opportunity to thrive. The domino effect of adding Schmaltz to the lineup is meaningful for the Wild, and given their all-in approach, it’s an option they should explore.”
It would be a good deal for the Wild. Trenin has played well this year, although he is replaceable. Minnesota can also afford to give up the 2027 first-rounder, as the trade for Quinn Hughes was as clear of a signal as ever that they are all-in on winning a Cup in the next two seasons.
Utah may not go for this deal, though, since they are in the playoff race and may not want to part ways with a producer like Schmaltz.
In 36 games this year, Schmaltz has put up 29 points (12G and 17A) for a Mammoth team that is looking to sneak into a wild card spot in the post-season.
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