Minnesota Wild Prepare for Major Roster Changes Amid Struggles

St. Paul, Minnesota – The Minnesota Wild are facing a challenging start to the 2025-26 NHL season, currently holding a record of 5-6-3, placing them 30th in the league standings. General Manager Bill Guerin is reportedly considering trade moves to boost the team’s performance.

Despite recent victories, the Wild’s lack of scoring depth has raised concerns. Bill Guerin is in the market for a top-six winger to enhance the team’s offensive capabilities. According to hockey insider David Pagnotta, the team had been initially searching for a mid-six player but is now focusing on acquiring a more significant asset.

“They’re definitely exploring,” Pagnotta said on a recent episode of DFO Rundown Insider Edition. “Minnesota is looking and trying to see if there’s a scoring winger that they can add to the mix.”

Currently, Kirill Kaprizov stands out as Minnesota’s sole prolific scorer with eight goals and 18 points through 14 games. Matt Boldy is performing well too, with 13 points, but after that, there is a noticeable drop in production. Other players like Marco Rossi and Marcus Johansson have each contributed 12 points, while Joel Eriksson Ek and offseason acquisition Vladimir Tarasenko have managed only nine.

The Wild’s offense is averaging just 2.79 goals per game, ranking 23rd league-wide. The team’s performance must improve significantly if they hope to secure a playoff position by April.

Guerin does have some financial flexibility, which could assist in making any necessary roster changes. The burden of previous high-value contracts has lifted, allowing for potential trades without requiring roster sacrifices.

The Wild are scheduled to face the Carolina Hurricanes next, a crucial matchup as they seek to turn around their season following a recent 4-3 loss. In some positive news, veteran winger Mats Zuccarello has been activated off injured reserve and is expected to return for Friday’s game against the New York Islanders.

Zuccarello’s addition to the lineup may provide the much-needed spark for the team. He has previously formed an effective partnership with Kaprizov, which could be vital to the Wild’s success going forward. The upcoming game promises to be a pivotal opportunity for the Wild to showcase their potential during a tough stretch of the season.