Minnesota Wild Sit Out First Round Of NHL Draft

The Minnesota Wild will not be making a selection in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft, which takes place tonight in Buffalo.

The team is currently standing 3rd in the Western Conference with a 46-24 record, on a W1 streak, after winning their last game 3-2 vs Anaheim Ducks on 2026-04-15.

What happened to the Wild's first-round pick?

The Wild's first-round pick was sent to the Vancouver Canucks in the blockbuster trade that landed Quinn Hughes.

Why it matters for Minnesota Wild

General Manager Bill Guerin has shown an ability to make moves during draft weekend, and this year could be no different, with the team already connected to several centers and top-six forwards throughout the offseason.

The Wild's draft will truly begin on Saturday, when they still own multiple selections on Day 2.

What comes next for the Wild?

The decisions made by other teams during the first round could influence the trade conversations that follow, and create additional opportunities for the Wild to find offensive help.

And with the draft being conducted in a decentralized format, NHL front offices operating from their home markets instead of gathering in one location, the Wild's scouting staff will have to be sharp to find value outside the first round.

But the absence of another first-round pick reflects Bill Guerin's aggressive approach to building a contender, with the acquisitions of David Jiricek and Quinn Hughes costing Minnesota consecutive first-round selections.

So while the Wild may not hear their name called during Friday night's opening round, the first night of the NHL Draft could still have a significant impact on the team's offseason.

The Wild have shown an ability to find productive NHL players in the later rounds, making Saturday an important opportunity for the organization.