Wild ‘willing to entertain’ offers for 2 key young players
The 2023–24 Minnesota Wild season was underwhelming. They were hoping to make a run at the Stanley Cup Playoffs this year after missing out in 2023. Additionally, certain athletes, like Filip Gustavsson, regressed while others, like Marco Rossi, advanced. Minnesota therefore missed the postseason completely.
It’s conceivable that Minnesota hopes to contend for the postseason in 2025. The squad doesn’t have much space to add the players they need to upgrade their lineup, though. The Dead Salary Cap Space that the Wild have on the books is close to $15 million. This is a result of their 2021 buyouts of defenseman Ryan Suter and veteran forward Zach Parise.
Bill Guerin, the general manager, will therefore have to think outside the box. And it seems that’s exactly what he’s doing. This summer, The Fourth Period claims that the Wild are “willing to entertain” trade proposals for Rossi and Gustavsson.
Marco Rossi advanced in 2023–2024.
For a lengthy now, the Wild had want to see Rossi make progress. He was selected ninth overall by Minnesota in the 2020 NHL Draft. At the next level, the Austrian centre seemed like a possible member of the top six. But getting used to the NHL game takes some time. He actually only scored one point in his first twenty-one games.
In 2023–24, Rossi was a member of the Wild’s opening night roster. He also displayed some of the potential that helped him rank among the top 10 picks for the 2020 NHL Draft. The Austrian centre participated in all 82 games and finished with 21 goals and 40 points. Seven Wild players have scored 40 or more points this season, including Rossi.
He might be about to have a breakthrough season, according to the advanced numbers. He had -1.6 offensive goals above replacement at the end of the season. His predicted offensive goals above replacement, though, was 7.6. He could have a successful season in 2024–2025 if he continues to elevate his power play performance.
For a few different reasons, the Wild might be considering trading Marco Rossi. They might try trading the young centre for an experienced player in a hockey swap first. It might also boil down to a matter of roster fit. Since Danila Yurov is their more versatile centre, they have a stronger defender in reserve in Rossi.
Filip Gustavsson made a U-turn.
In 2022–2023 Filip Gustavsson was a treasure for the Wild. He was among the league’s top goalies in terms of statistics. In several aspects, his performance was comparable to that of Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck. For Minnesota last season, he recorded three shutouts and a brilliant.931 save percentage.
Gustavsson, though, had difficulty in 2023–2024. He equaled his three shutouts from the previous year. However, over 45 games, his save percentage fell from.933 to.899? Upon closer inspection, the Wild goalie had -7.51 goals saved beyond expectations and -5.69 goals saved above average. Gustavsson saved 30.4 goals above average and 24.54 goals above expectations in 2022–2023.
Gustavsson can undoubtedly put things back on track because he is only 25 years old. Jesper Wallstedt, a young goalie for Minnesota, is vying for a full-time position. The Wild must create place for their future goalkeeper, as Marc-Andre Fleury is back for one more season.
If a team needs goalie in the summer, Filip Gustavsson could be a very interesting alternative. It’s unclear what general manager Bill Guerin has planned. However, one thing is certain. As other teams get ready for the 2024–25 NHL season, fans should keep a watch on the Wild this summer.