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stfrank -> RE: Wild 2025-26 Season (3/7/2026 7:46:38 AM)
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2026 NHL trade deadline report cards:
From the Athletic
Minnesota Wild: A+
The Wild’s heavy lifting was done with their mid-December blockbuster for Quinn Hughes, who has absolutely been a game-changer for the franchise. At the deadline, they basically overhauled their bottom six. Michael McCarron brings some size, snarl and strong faceoff ability to the fourth line and the penalty kill. Bobby Brink brings some speed and skill to the middle six, plus he fits Minnesota’s defensive identity and forecheck. Robby Fabbri is a four-time 15-goal scorer who is open to any role and can help with his experience in the room. Nick Foligno, the former Columbus Blue Jackets and Chicago Blackhawks captain, is another potential fourth liner/depth piece who may not play much, but Chicago is doing the veteran a solid to give him a chance to chase the Cup with his brother, Marcus. Nick Foligno has played center all year, so that gives the coaching staff options. The addition of Jeff Petry (for a seventh-round pick) offers an experienced, right-shot defenseman who is OK being a seventh or eighth defenseman. Overall, the Wild didn’t make any flashy moves at the deadline — the Hughes addition brought plenty of that — meaning Guerin and company still have useful assets they can parlay into a bigger move this offseason. This is still a really good team and a Cup contender. Guerin showed some patience here, and time will tell whether the Wild reward his faith. — Joe Smith and Michael Russo
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