The Minnesota Wild didn't have the most eventful two days at the NHL Draft, given the lack of capital they carried. But, fans were on the lookout for alerts indicating that Minnesota made a big trade. It's no secret that the Wild are looking for a top line center this offseason, and have been heavily linked to Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings. Yet, Larkin still remains in Detroit for now, as their general manager Steve Yzerman said he will not trade him unless he gets a good offer.
While the Wild are searching for a new center, the rival Dallas Stars are not just looking to find a solution to their Jason Robertson contract issue. They are also looking to make a big move for a big-name player. There is now a new name they are pursuing.
Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Zach Werenski's future with the Columbus Blue Jackets is in doubt, as the two sides are set to speak after the draft. Wiith Werenski due for a new contract in two years, there is a chance Werenski could request a trade. You can count on the Stars being interested.
Stars reportedly interested in Zach Werenski trade
Realistically, if Werenski were on the trade block, any team should be interested. But reporting indicates that the Stars are seriously interested in the Norris Trophy winner.
The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported that the Stars were one of the teams with early interest in Werenski. Specifically, the Stars' interest is described as "keen."
TSN's Darren Dreger reports that while Werenski's preference would be to be traded to an Eastern Conference team, he could be persuaded to go to the West. When talking about the Stars, Dreger said that they are "very interested" and that they'd even be willing to trade top defenseman Thomas Harley to acquire Werenski.
If these reports prove anything, it's that the Stars are willing to do whatever it takes to land a big player this offseason to ensure they are able to continue competing at the top of the Central Division. If the Stars were to land Werenski this offseason, it is only going to make the Wild's goal of getting through the division, to the Western Conference and to the Stanley Cup Final that much more difficult.
The Wild's desire for a top center has hit a snag, especially as their or any other interested teams' offers haven't convinced Yzerman to willingly move on from Larkin. Taking that and Yzerman's comments into consideration, there may not be a solution to the Larkin trade drama any time soon. It could very well extend close to or during the regular season. So, the Wild will have to work hard to convince the Red Wings to send Larkin over as soon as possible.
The last thing Minnesota needs is for one of their main division rivals to get better. It's unknown if Werenski will actually get dealt by the Blue Jackets this offseason, as they still have two years until he becomes a free agent. But the worst-case scenario for the Wild is if the Stars get Werenski while they are still in search of a center.
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