Wild set to make a controversial blockbuster move before the deadline

The Minnesota Wild shook up the NHL last month with their acquisition of Quinn Hughes, but insiders believe GM Bill Guerin isn’t finished yet. According to Michael Russo and Joe Smith, the Wild are still “a scoring winger or first-line center away from true contender status,” and Guerin is in full “win-now” mode.

That could mean another big trade is on the horizon: one bold enough to involve young goaltender Jesper Wallstedt. While netminder Filip Gustavsson is locked in until 2031, Wallstedt represents the type of high-upside asset Guerin might be willing to part with for the right player. Young defenseman Zeev Buium was considered untouchable before being included in the Quinn Hughes deal, showing that Minnesota isn’t afraid to make tough calls when the opportunity arises.

“If Wallstedt’s what it would take to get a legit No. 1 center or star winger?, they ask.

Moving Wallstedt wouldn’t be a minor decision. Russo and Smith stress that it would take a first-line center or scoring winger capable of immediately turning the Wild into Cup contenders. Guerin is unlikely to trade Wallstedt for a short-term rental; the target would need at least another year on their contract, or a pending UFA willing to sign an extension.

If this speculation is accurate, Wild fans could be in for another whirlwind few weeks leading up to the trade deadline. Guerin has already demonstrated he’s willing to swing big, and the possibility of Wallstedt being on the table adds serious intrigue to Minnesota’s front-office strategy.

But it’s quite obvious that the Wild are playing for now, and if another blockbuster trade comes together, it could shift the balance of power in the Western Conference.