The Minnesota Wild are in a pivotal stage of their season following a significant trade in which they acquired superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks. This bold move has positioned the Wild as genuine contenders in the Western Conference, a remarkable turn of events for a franchise that has never reached the Western Conference Finals despite the presence of notable talents like Marian Gaborik, Zach Parise, and Devan Dubnyk.
With the arrival of Hughes, the Wild’s roster has become more formidable, but they still face challenges in filling certain gaps. Chief among these is a lack of depth at the center position, a concern exacerbated by the departure of promising player Marco Rossi in the Hughes deal. As the NHL prepares to freeze rosters ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, which will soon limit trading opportunities until late February, the Wild need to take swift action to address their needs.
A trade that stands out as a sensible option for Minnesota is bringing in St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn. While the Wild have several potential candidates to consider, including Vincent Trocheck, Ryan O’Reilly, and Steven Stamkos, each comes with unique risks, from high salary cap hits to injury concerns. Schenn, however, presents a more accessible solution that could bolster the Wild’s lineup both for the short term and the future.
At 34 years old, Schenn brings leadership and a solid track record, typically contributing between 40 to 50 points per season while logging around 16-18 minutes of ice time. Although his defensive metrics are not stellar, he can be a stabilizing presence, especially with a more supportive cast in Minnesota. The concerns surrounding his age and a 15-team no-trade clause, along with his $6.5 million annual salary for two more seasons, complicate the potential deal. However, should the Wild manage the financial aspects wisely, Schenn could become an essential asset as they gear up for a playoff run.
With their sights set on advancing further than they ever have before, the Minnesota Wild must take calculated risks to fine-tune their roster. Adding a player like Brayden Schenn could provide the depth and experience they need to maximize their chances of success as they approach the Olympic break and look ahead to the playoffs.