Minnesota Wild
· 2026-07-01
The Minnesota Wild's seven-year run with Mats Zuccarello may come to an end as he hits free agency.
The Norwegian winger will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, unless the team agrees to a new contract.
The Wild and Zuccarello had mutual interest in a new deal, but no extension is in place.
Mats Zuccarello has called Minnesota home and the team values him on and off the ice.
The team has multiple openings on the wing and needs to add skill to their top-six forward group.
Vladimir Tarasenko is also headed to free agency and Marcus Johansson has signed in Sweden.
The Wild are entering a critical offseason, with Bill Guerin aiming to get younger while remaining a Stanley Cup contender.
Zuccarello recorded 15 goals, 39 assists, and 54 points in 59 games this season.
He also recorded 2 goals, 7 assists, and 9 points in 8 playoff games.
The Minnesota Wild currently stand 3rd in the Western Conference with a 46-24 record, on a W1 streak, after losing 4-3 to the Colorado Avalanche on May 14, 2026.
Zuccarello has been a key player for the Wild, with 118 goals, 271 assists, and 389 points in 452 career games.
He is fourth all-time in Wild career assists and first among wingers.
The team will need to make several roster decisions, including whether to bring Zuccarello back.
Every dollar matters as the Wild try to reshape their roster around Kirill Kaprizov, Quinn Hughes, and Brock Faber.
The Wild's future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Mats Zuccarello's departure would leave a significant gap in the team's lineup.
And with the free agency period opening on July 1, the Wild will need to act quickly to address their needs.
But for now, the team and its fans can only wait and see what the future holds for Mats Zuccarello and the Minnesota Wild.
So the question on everyone's mind is: what's next for the Minnesota Wild and Mats Zuccarello?