Minnesota Wild Face Another Trade Deadline: Will Fans Be Disappointed Again?

As it happens every year in the NHL, we find ourselves just days away from the trade deadline, leading us deep into the regular season and ever closer to the playoffs.

Last season’s trade deadline revealed the Wild spending “big money,” picking up Chris Simon for a sixth-round draft pick.

Last year’s team needed more of a physical presence on the offensive side of the ice.

This year, we have a number of guys that have stepped up their physical game. The Wild also have unleashed their own little cannonball in Cal Clutterbuck. Guys like James Sheppard have also gained confidence and stepped up the hitting aspect of their games.

Last year in the offseason the Wild went out and picked up Marc-Andre Bergeron and Marek Zidlicky to add an offensive punch on the point.

Goaltending hasn’t been an issue, with Niklas Backstrom being a top-five goaltender all season long and Josh Harding being a more than competent backup, even without much playing time this season.

The Wild penalty kill has been the top PK all season long, so no need for defensive forwards. The Wild have even managed to score a couple short-handed goals in the last dozen games.

So where are the Wild lacking? Five on five hockey.

Whether or not you are a fan of Marian Gaborik, you have to admit his scoring presence is extremely dangerous—when he is healthy, that is. The one thing the Wild will need down the stretch and into the playoffs is a scoring threat that can carry the load that a player like Gaborik brings to the table. 

I’m not about to speculate as to who the Wild should go after or who will fit within the Wild’s salary cap space. I will simply leave that to the imagination of the reader.

I have been hearing a rumor that Ilya Kovalchuck may possibly be shopped by the Atlanta Thrashers at this trade deadline. On the last year of his multi-year contract, Ilya could be a short term rental for the Wild, or dare I say a Gaborik replacement?

If the Wild want to secure a playoff spot and make a run deep into the playoffs, I can’t help but think they need desperately to strengthen their forward lines and add to their scoring depth up front.