The Minnesota Wild appear to be in a comfortable spot as the season hits the holiday stretch. Sitting third in the Central Division with a 22-10-6 record, Minnesota has found its rhythm, winning seven of its last nine games.
With a deep postseason run in mind, the Wild aren’t just content with where they are. They’re exploring ways to strengthen an already competitive roster. According to one NHL insider, that search could lead them toward a proven, $18 million forward.
Minnesota Wild Could Target $18M Star Forward
The Wild already made a major splash earlier this month, pulling off a blockbuster trade with the Vancouver Canucks to acquire Quinn Hughes. Minnesota sent Marco Rossi, Liam Öhgren, Zeev Buium, and a 2026 first-round pick the other way.
But the Wild may not be finished making moves. The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun linked Minnesota with a move for Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly, who’s currently in the fourth year of his $18 million contract.
LeBrun admitted the idea came from Wild beat writer Michael Russo, saying, “OK, I stole this idea from our Wild expert, Michael Russo. But I agree it makes sense.”
He went on to explain why O’Reilly fits what Minnesota is looking for. “The Wild need a center who can win draws, and O’Reilly can still contribute offensively, is a Cup champion, and is the type of character guy Wild general manager and president of hockey operations Bill Guerin loves, as far as the culture piece of it.”
That said, O’Reilly may not be eager to move.
O’Reilly’s agent, Pat Morris, has reportedly told interested teams that the veteran sees himself as part of the solution in Nashville and isn’t looking to jump ship right now.
The Predators are currently fifth in the Central Division after an up-and-down season. And O’Reilly recently scored a goal and added an assist in Nashville’s 3-2 overtime win over the Wild. With the Predators still in the playoff mix, dealing O’Reilly to a division rival wouldn’t be an easy decision.
Still, LeBrun pointed out that things can change as the trade deadline approaches.
ALSO READ: Blockbuster Quinn Hughes Trade Already Driving Substantial Business for Minnesota Wild
“At a $4.5 million cap hit this year and next, O’Reilly is good value and especially so if the Wild could get the Predators to retain,” LeBrun said.
LeBrun suggests that Nashville would probably seek a first-round pick and a top prospect in return. Minnesota no longer owns its 2026 first-round pick due to the Hughes trade. However, they still have their 2027 first-round pick and other assets that could appeal to the Predators.
For now, it remains to be seen whether the Predators make him available. The Wild will return from the Christmas break on Saturday when they take on the Winnipeg Jets.
