Wild Look to Trades After Tepid Free Agency

The Wild's free agency moves, including acquiring Vladimir Tarasenko and Nico Sturm, have modestly improved the team, but haven't made a splash.

GM Bill Guerin is now focused on the trade market to make a more significant impact, citing past successful trades by other teams as examples.

The Wild have approximately $10 million in cap space, providing flexibility for potential trades.

Re-signing Kirill Kaprizov is a top priority for the Wild, but the team's free agency performance may not have increased his likelihood of re-signing.

The team needs to find a top-tier defenseman, a goalie, and another forward.

Vladimir Tarasenko: Acquired from Detroit, Tarasenko is expected to bring offensive capabilities, though his recent performance has been inconsistent. The Wild are banking on him recapturing his scoring touch.

Nico Sturm: Sturm, a veteran penalty killer with a strong faceoff record, addresses specific needs within the team. He is likely to fill a fourth-line role.

A:: The available free agents were not seen as top-tier, and the Wild's acquisitions were considered modest improvements rather than significant upgrades.

A:: Guerin is prioritizing the trade market to acquire impactful players and address the team's needs.

A:: The Wild have approximately $10 million in cap space, allowing them to pursue trades.

A:: The Wild need to find a top-tier defenseman, a goalie, and another forward.

The Wild's free agency moves were incremental improvements.

GM Bill Guerin is actively pursuing trades to make a more significant impact.

The team has financial flexibility with $10 million in cap space.

Re-signing Kirill Kaprizov remains a top priority, but the team's recent moves may not sway his decision.