The Minnesota Wild shook the NHL last month with a blockbuster move to acquire Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks, and it doesn’t look like they’re finished reshaping their roster just yet.
Minnesota is enjoying a strong season, sitting third in the Central Division with a 27-13-9 record and wins in two of its last three games. With their sights set firmly on a deep playoff run, the Wild appear ready to take another big swing.
Wild Not Done Yet After Quinn Hughes Deal
The Wild landed Hughes on Dec. 12 in a headline-making trade that sent Marco Rossi, Liam Öhgren, Zeev Buium, and a 2026 first-round pick to Vancouver. It was a clear statement from general manager Bill Guerin that Minnesota believes its championship window is wide open.
After a sluggish start in October, the Wild have surged up the standings and now sit with 63 points, tied with the Dallas Stars near the top of the Central Division. That success hasn’t slowed Guerin’s aggressive approach.
Speaking on The Sheet with Jeff Marek, NHL insider David Pagnotta revealed that Minnesota continues to explore ways to bolster its lineup, particularly up front. “Trocheck there are teams one team that has been circling on him, the Minnesota Wild,” Pagnotta said. “And we know that Minnesota is not afraid to continue to make moves and to and (Wild GM) Bill Guerin has been very active.”
Pagnotta noted that Minnesota was already looking for a second-line or top-six forward even before the Hughes trade, and that mindset hasn’t changed. “So, whether it’s going to be at the at the center position or somebody else on the wing, but it certainly sounds like at the very least Minnesota has poked around on Vincent Trocheck’s availability in New York.”
The timing could be notable. The Rangers currently sit at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division, and general manager Chris Drury recently told fans the team plans to “retool,” potentially opening the door to significant roster changes.
Trocheck stands out as one of New York’s most valuable trade assets, especially with stars like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, J.T. Miller, and goaltender Igor Shesterkin all holding full no-movement clauses. Unlike them, Trocheck has only a 12-team no-trade list. And Chris Drury has indicated he’s open to having conversations if the player is willing to explore a move.
Now in the fourth year of his seven-year, $39.375 million contract, Trocheck has delivered solid production this season with 11 goals and 29 points in 35 games.
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It’s still unclear whether Minnesota will land Trocheck or pivot to another top-six forward. For now, the Wild will focus on Monday night’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, though it wouldn’t be surprising if Bill Guerin has another big move in the works.
