The Minnesota Wild have been looking for a top-line center this offseason, but a blockbuster trade hasn’t materialized as training camp is just over a month away. With plans to trade for Dylan Larkin on hold and most of the available names already joining new teams, the Wild’s training camp roster seems to be set and could leave the same group down the middle to open the season.
But if fans are disappointed by the lack of a big-name center joining the Wild, General Manager Bill Guerin may have suggested thinking outside of the box. Appearing on SKOR North’s Judd’s Hockey Show on Tuesday, Guerin hinted that the Wild’s next big move may not be a center and the team is still looking across all avenues to improve for next season.
“That’s something that, to be honest with you, that I wrestle with as well, because there has been such a dire need in this organization for that true No. 1 center, “ Guerin said. “...But you just hate to miss out on any really good player. Like last year, we weren’t really looking for a defenseman and Quinn became available and that happened and he really changed our team in a positive way.
“This isn’t 1988 where you have your traditional playmaking center going through the middle of the ice, carrying the puck and you’ve got your two wings. The game is different now. …And if you just have two guys on the line that are really driving the offense, then that, in my mind, can work.”
Wild’s trade for Quinn Hughes sheds light on their offseason philosophy
Guerin’s response to the question not only explains why the Wild have been focused on trading for Larkin, but also why they may be OK if they aren’t able to strike a deal. A true two-way center, Larkin is a six-time 30-goal scorer and finished with a career-high 34 goals last season. He also is a strong defensive player and would slot into the top line on the Wild’s current roster.
While the Wild would love to have Larkin, it may not happen. The Detroit Red Wings reassigned Steve Yzerman to become an adviser to owner Chris Ilitch last month and while they are currently looking for his replacement, that process could extend close to or even into the season, leaving the Wild to exercise patience and keep their options open.
The Hughes trade is a good example. The Wild seemed set on the blue line with Brock Faber, Jared Spurgeon, Jonas Brodin, Jake Middleton, Zeev Buium and Zach Bogosian on the opening night roster. But when the Vancouver Canucks made Hughes available, Guerin took action, sending Buium, Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren and the Wild’s 2026 first-round pick (Adam Novotny) to Vancouver.
Hughes fit in tremendously coming over, sparking the Wild’s offense and helping them become a true contender in a loaded Central Division and Western Conference. While his arrival solidifies the blue line, the forwards give Guerin plenty of options and could give him multiple opportunities to improve this year’s team.
Wild continue to look at all options to improve roster for next season
With Guerin’s comments, the Wild’s plan of attack makes sense. Minnesota has placed most of their chips in the Larkin basket and reportedly called about New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes according to The Athletic’s Michael Russo. But Russo also reported the Wild made “a huge offer” to the Ottawa Senators to acquire Brady Tkachuk before he was traded to the Florida Panthers.
Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff also reported the Wild inquired about Philadelphia Flyers wing Owen Tippett, although that also seemed like a pipe dream due to Minnesota’s lack of assets.
Either of those moves would have been met with raised eyebrows, but it shows the Wild may have more faith in their center group than people believe. Ryan Hartman has spent time on the top line for Minnesota in the past and Joel Eriksson Ek is a legitimate top-six center. The Wild also spent big to retain Michael McCarron ahead of free agency and keeping Danila Yurov could either help his trade value to begin the year or also become a solution to the Wild’s problem if he takes a big step next season.
In those situations, holding out for a star to become available doesn’t seem like a bad strategy and it could lead the Wild to land a talented hockey player no matter what position he plays.
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