Rumor: Big move coming from Wild GM Paul Fenton?

When Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas acquired defenseman Jake Muzzin from the Los Angeles Kings he unofficially kicked off the NHL’s trade season. Since then there have been some moves, but aside from the Derick Brassard and Riley Sheahan for Nick Bjugstad and Jared McCann deal between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Florida Panthers, there haven’t been any earth-shattering transactions. 

One team to watch over the next few days, at least according to a report from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman is the Minnesota Wild. Rookie GM paul Fenton is under pressure to deliver a playoff spot for his underachieving club and there’s no doubt he’ll have the support of ownership to do whatever is necessary.

Check out this quote from Friedman’s latest 31 Thoughts column for Sportsnet:

One GM who could change the market over the next few days? Minnesota’s Paul Fenton. His team is still clinging to a playoff spot, but Mikko Koivu is out for the year. Ownership always pushes for the playoffs, but what do the Wild honestly think about their situation?

As Friedman points out, captain Mikko Koivu is out of the remainder of the season with a knee injury and the team will be hard pressed to fill his minutes from within. Joel Eriksson Ek has been playing as the team’s third line center, but there’s no doubt that the team would love to fill his position with a more experienced player. The Wild also have a glaring need for some scoring on the wing. Could Fenton be intrigued by some of the “big fish” targets like Artemi Panarin, Matt Duchene or Mark Stone? Or maybe New York Rangers forwards Kevin Hayes and Mats Zuccarello could provide the team with just what they need?

In any case, don’t be surprised if Fenton and the Wild shake things up on the trade market this week. Stay tuned, Wild fans.