Bill Guerin, the general manager of the Minnesota Wild, continues to actively refine his roster following one of the most significant trades of the 2025-26 NHL season, acquiring star defenseman Quinn Hughes. This move has positioned the Wild as a competitive force in the Western Conference, but it came with a hefty price, as the organization had to part ways with top prospects Zeev Buium, Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren, and a first-round pick in 2026.
Despite this, the Wild still maintains a wealth of prospects that could attract interest from other teams, providing Guerin with various options as the trade deadline approaches. Last year, the Wild were highly regarded for their prospect pool, sitting second in The Athletic’s annual rankings. Although the recent trade has depleted some of that depth, several valuable names remain, potentially making them appealing for future negotiations.
Guerin still has access to first-round picks in 2027 and 2028, which have grown increasingly valuable in trades, especially for teams looking for unrestricted free agents. Notably, future picks are becoming more common as sweeteners in deals, as seen in recent trades involving first-round picks from teams like Toronto and Florida.
The Wild’s prospects can be divided into two categories: those who are nearly NHL-ready and those who may require more development time. For immediate impact, players like goaltender Jesper Wallstedt, who boasts solid numbers this season, could be attractive to rebuilding teams seeking a long-term solution in the crease. While the Wild are unlikely to part with Wallstedt without a blockbuster deal, his potential makes him a significant asset.
Another intriguing option is defenseman David Jiricek, who has had an inconsistent season. He might benefit from a fresh start, potentially enticing teams looking for young defensive talent. Additionally, Carson Lambos, who made his NHL debut this season, offers promising potential, specializing in providing both solidity on defense and offensive contributions.
On the front line, emerging players like Danila Yurov have impressed during their tenure with the Wild, likely drawing attention from teams interested in two-way centers. Meanwhile, younger prospects like Adam Benak, who is excelling in the OHL, and Charlie Stamel, revitalized after transferring to Michigan State University, showcase the future talent that the Wild possess, further enhancing their trade value.
Despite the recent loss of top prospects, the Minnesota Wild’s roster remains loaded with potential, enabling Guerin to explore trade opportunities that could solidify the team’s position among NHL elites. With careful maneuvering, the franchise still has a bright future ahead, supported by an impressive collection of young talent poised to make an impact.