Ranking the Players the Minnesota Wild Should Covet at Trade Deadline

The Minnesota Wild have been thrust back into playoff contention on the back of Devan Dubnyk, and there's a good chance they will be buyers at the trade deadline. General manager Chuck Fletcher is never shy about making a splash, and there is some room for him to improve his club.

The Wild do have a number of outstanding stars and youngsters, but there are some areas in which it is possible for them to upgrade their roster.

With that in mind, here are the players they should covet at the trade deadline.

4. Chris Stewart, Buffalo Sabres

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Age: 27

Cap Hit: $4.15 million

Why He Should Be Targeted: The Minnesota Wild currently have Justin Fontaine playing as the second-line right wing, and that's because Jason Zucker is injured. The Wild could use a rugged offensive winger in that spot, and Chris Stewart would be a good fit.

He's averaged 47 points a season throughout his career, and Stewart would likely thrive if moved from a league-worst Buffalo Sabres squad to a playoff contender in Minnesota.

He is a free agent after this season, and he's the perfect rental for Minnesota to inquire about.

3. Jaromir Jagr, New Jersey Devils

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Age: 43

Cap Hit: $3.5 million

Why He Should Be Targeted: According to Dan Rosen of NHL.com, Jaromir Jagr is a player who could be on the Minnesota Wild's radar.

It makes sense, because the Wild are in need of a right winger for the second or third line. They could stand to add a better right wing than Justin Fontaine or Jordan Schroeder, as both are young wingers who aren't quite ready to produce consistently at the NHL level.

Jagr is a free agent at the end of the year, and he probably would enjoy another run after the Stanley Cup.

2. Daniel Winnik, Toronto Maple Leafs

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Age: 29

Cap Hit: $1.3 million

Why He Should Be Targeted: Daniel Winnik has been linked to the Wild by Dan Rosen, and he'd be a cheap solution for the interim while Jason Zucker is injured.

Winnik is the best temporary solution for a top-six role, because he could then be reassigned to the third line once Zucker is healthy. The Leafs winger is on pace to finish with over 30 points, he is solid in both zones, and by all accounts, he is an underrated winger.

1. Jeff Petry, Edmonton Oilers

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Age: 27

Cap Hit: $3.075 million

Why He Should Be Targeted: Jared Spurgeon was placed on injured reserve Tuesday according to beat writer Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune, and the Wild will be without him for the immediate future.

This injury opens up a spot on the second pairing, one that could be filled by 6'3", 208-pound Jeff Petry.

The Oilers defender has amazing advanced stats, is already averaging top-pairing minutes and could benefit on a team in which he doesn't have to be the main man on defense.

Petry to the Wild makes a ton of sense because of the role he could fill, and Chuck Fletcher should deal for him if the price is right.

Rumors via NHL.com and The Fourth Period. Stats via Hockey-Reference.com, NHL.com and Own The Puck.