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Minnesota Wild: Top 3 players they should trade at the deadline

By Dave Stevenson

SAINT PAUL, MN - DECEMBER 31: Ryan Suter #20 celebrates his goal with teammates Mikko Koivu #9, Jared Spurgeon #46 and Kevin Fiala #22 of the Minnesota Wild against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the game at the Xcel Energy Center on December 31, 2019 in Saint Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI via Getty Images)
SAINT PAUL, MN - DECEMBER 31: Ryan Suter #20 celebrates his goal with teammates Mikko Koivu #9, Jared Spurgeon #46 and Kevin Fiala #22 of the Minnesota Wild against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the game at the Xcel Energy Center on December 31, 2019 in Saint Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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3. Jason Zucker

Cap hit: $5.5 million

Term: 3 more years after 2019-20 season

Clauses: Modified no-traude clause (10-team no-trade list)

The Minnesota Wild have already tried to trade Jason Zucker more than once. A rumored deal with the Calgary Flames fell through at the 2019 trade deadline. In the summer of 2019, a deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins that would have sent Phil Kessel to Minnesota and Zucker to Pittsburgh was rejected by Kessel.

Though Guerin wasn’t the general manager for either of those attempts, it’s understandable if Zucker is sick of it. If he wanted to be traded, I wouldn’t blame him one bit. Zucker recently missed some time due to an injury, but he returned on Jan. 12.

This season, he has 12 goals and 24 points in 36 games despite playing on a team that ranks 21st in scoring. Zucker has a very affordable cap hit and a good amount of term left on his deal. Those two factors could lead to the Wild getting a significant haul for him.

Usually, an NTC limits a player’s suitors. However, considering how fed up Zucker has to be with the Wild nearly trading him twice in the past 12 months, it’s likely he’ll be willing to be traded to one of those 10 teams he has on his no-trade list.

Potential Suitors

As mentioned before, both the Flames and Penguins nearly traded for him earlier. Currently, both teams are looking to add a top-six forward. His term would make things a little bit complicated, but Zucker would still be a terrific fit on either team.

Keep an eye on the Edmonton Oiler as well. Much like the Flames, they’re looking to add a top-six forward. They’d prefer to do it for cheap too. Zucker could fit the bill, especially if the Oilers are willing to part with defenseman Darnell Nurse, who’s likely going to get a fairly significant raise this offseason.

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