Minnesota Wild Seek Center Upgrade Through Trades

The Minnesota Wild are looking to upgrade their center depth, with general manager Bill Guerin actively searching for a top-six center.

What is the current situation?

The Wild have been struggling with center depth, and the issue was magnified during the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs when top-line center Joel Eriksson Ek was injured.

The team has approximately $9.4 million in salary cap space, which they are willing to use to land a top center.

What are the Wild willing to trade?

The Wild are willing to package young center Danila Yurov, who recorded 27 points in 73 games during his first North American season in 2025-26, and at least one future first-round draft pick.

This move underscores the team's determination to upgrade their forward group after another season that ended short of expectations.

Who are the potential targets?

The Wild have been connected to Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, who recently requested a trade, and are believed to be among the teams on his preferred destination list.

They also previously targeted New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck, but were unable to acquire him.

The Wild submitted a "huge offer" for Brady Tkachuk before he was traded to the Florida Panthers.

What comes next?

The Wild's aggressive approach makes sense, given their win-now mode after acquiring Quinn Hughes and winning a playoff series for the first time in a decade.

Guerin is willing to sacrifice significant assets to solve the team's long-standing need at center, and it remains to be seen whether they will ultimately land Larkin, Trocheck, or another top-six center.

The team's willingness to move highly regarded prospects and future draft capital highlights their commitment to upgrading their roster.