Wild’s perfect trade target amid 2026 NHL Free Agency

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Wild’s perfect trade target amid 2026 NHL Free Agency

Originally posted on NHL on ClutchPoints | Last updated Jul 27, 2026 2:12 AM ET

The Minnesota Wild are looking to make a run at the Stanley Cup sooner rather than later. Minnesota won its first playoff series since 2015 when it defeated the Dallas Stars in round one. They were unable to secure a spot in the Western Conference Finals. But it’s hard not to feel good about where this team is at right now.

Minnesota’s run began back in December when they swung a trade for Quinn Hughes. Hughes, one of the best defensemen in this league, completely transformed how the Wild played on the ice. He is a major reason this team is close to contending in the Western Conference.

The superstar rearguard has not agreed to a contract extension at this time. As a result, Minnesota’s contention window could be quite small. If they don’t prove they can compete for a Cup soon, Hughes could look for greener pastures in 2027 NHL Free Agency.

The Wild certainly have time to bolster their roster. And to be fair, they have made some intriguing moves. They acquired winger Blake Coleman and defenseman Olli Maatta in a trade with the Calgary Flames, for instance. They also retained important depth pieces such as Nick Foligno and Zach Bogosian.

Minnesota could certainly stand to do more, though. As it turns out, there is a clear and obvious perfect trade candidate the Wild should continue pursuing as things die down in 2026 NHL Free Agency.

Red Wings’ Dylan Larkin is well-connected to Wild

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When discussing the biggest news of the NHL offseason, it may be harder to find anything more impactful than a trade that has yet to actually happen. Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has requested a trade from the franchise. After 10 seasons without a playoff berth, the Michigan native has decided that now is the time to move on.

A fit with the Wild makes all the sense in the world. They need more talent in their top six. And Larkin would certainly work as their No. 1 center for a potential run at the Stanley Cup. On top of his existing friendship with Hughes, it’s hard not to see this going off well. Of course, this is nothing new, but there are new complications to discuss.

The Red Wings technically have a general manager, but they also technically don’t. Steve Yzerman was recently removed from the general manager’s chair earlier in the month. He will remain as the GM until a new one is found. For now, though, Detroit is effectively adrift at sea, waiting for someone to come along to guide it back to the shore.

When the Red Wings hire a new GM, things won’t be all that easily settled. The new front office boss has to take care of internal business, such as signing Simon Edvinsson and Alex DeBrincat to contract extensions. Then, a sit-down discussion with Larkin will likely take place to see if the captain would consider rescinding his request.

Even after all of that, how the new GM operates is another matter. Will they value Larkin as highly as Yzerman reportedly has in trade talks? Would they bring the asking price down to fulfill the request? There are so many variables at play in this situation, and things seem to be changing all the time.

Still, the fit makes too much sense for the Wild to give up. Minnesota has a chance to win a lot of games and truly contend in the West. If they are able to make it happen, a trade for Dylan Larkin is a no-brainer move to make.

This article first appeared on NHL on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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