Minnesota Wild Trade Freddy Gaudreau to Seattle Kraken

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild traded center Freddy Gaudreau to the Seattle Kraken on Thursday, clearing cap space and adjusting their roster ahead of the offseason.

The trade was a clear move to relieve the Wild of Gaudreau’s contract, which has three years remaining at $2.1 million per season. Minnesota received a fourth-round pick in return.

Gaudreau, 32, joined the Wild in 2021, signing a two-year, $2.4 million contract. He was awarded a five-year, $10.5 million extension after an impressive 2021-22 season where he scored 19 goals and 19 assists in 82 games. However, despite a strong comeback last season with 18 goals and 37 points, he struggled in the playoffs without a point in six games.

In total, Gaudreau played 307 games with the Wild, scoring 56 goals and earning 134 points. He also had stints with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators.

This trade increases the Wild’s salary cap space to approximately $17.7 million, allowing them to pursue other centers this summer. Currently, their roster features Joel Eriksson Ek, Marco Rossi, and Ryan Hartman.

Among potential targets are New York Islanders‘ Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who is under contract for one more year at $5 million, and Colorado‘s Charlie Coyle, a former Wild player whose contract is $5.25 million. Pageau is particularly appealing due to his strong faceoff skills and consistent scoring.

Additionally, Minnesota is eyeing several free-agent centers, including Sean Kuraly and Nico Sturm, to enhance their roster depth.