Report: Wild linked to top-6 Flyers forward

With the National Hockey League Trade Deadline just a mere few weeks away, the Minnesota Wild will be looking to bolster their position in the Central Division standings and go on an extended run that will hopefully result in a far longer stay in this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs. With the bitter sting of last year's 1st round exit at the hands of the rival St. Louis Blues still fresh in their minds, the Wild aim to overcome the ghosts of playoff past - and could be looking for some reinforcements on the open market in order to make that dream a reality. 

According to NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman in his latest "32 Thoughts" column, he's linked the Wild with pending unrestricted free agent forward James Van Riemsdyk of the Philadelphia Flyers.

While discussing potential trades, he had this to say: 

"James van Riemsdyk in Minnesota. The Wild are looking for scoring."

With the Flyers well outside of the postseason picture as they continue their rebuilding effort with fiery head coach John Tortorella behind the bench, don't be surprised to see them attempt to unload some of their expiring contracts.

Van Riemsdyk is in the final year of the five year, $35 million deal ($7 million cap hit) that he inked in the summer of 2018, returning to the team that selected him with the 2nd overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft. Though he's been hampered by injuries this year, he's tallied eight goals with 13 assists in the 32 games that he's appeared in. However, he was able to light the lamp 24 times last season while appearing in all 82 regular season games. 

In 911 career NHL contests, he's scored 296 goals with 287 assists for a total of 583 points. Additionally, he's scored 20 goals in 71 career postseason games.

The NHL Trade Deadline falls on March 3, and we'll be keeping our eyes peeled as to what Guerin decides to do.