According to a few sources on Sunday, the Minnesota Wild are finalizing the details on a trade that will send Boston College star and pending UFA Jack McBain to another team prior to the NHL Trade Deadline. McBain has advised the Wild that he’s not intending to sign a deal with the franchise and will test free agency. As such, the Wild are trying to recoup assets for the player.
Bob McKenzie of TSN writes , “Sounds like MIN has tentative trade in place to deal unsigned collegian draft pick Jack McBain — as long as the acquiring team can finalize an entry-level contract with the Boston College forward.” He adds, “All eyes now apparently on ARI, but to be clear: no contract; no trade. Stay tuned.” Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli also reports that the Coyotes are acquiring McBain in exchange for the Canucks 2022 2nd round pick.” Seravalli adds that he expects the Olympian to sign with the Coyotes. He must be signed by August 15th or he becomes a UFA, but Craig Morgan of NHL Network also adds that the Coyotes knew they would have an extension in place before they made the trade.
The pick going back to the Wild is one of five seconds owned by the Coyotes in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. This particular pick was acquired by Arizona in last summer’s Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Conor Garland trade.
McBain was selected 63rd overall in the 2018 draft by the Wild (3rd round). He has 33 points in 24 games played for Boston College this season. He scored two points in five Olympics games played for Canada.
The Coyotes would not comment on rumors of the trade but Coyotes head coach André Tourigny said he coached McBain in a summer camp for Canada. That relationship might have had a lot to do with McBain’s willingness to sign in Arizona.
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