NHL Rumors: 2 Minnesota Wild Trade Candidates

The Minnesota Wild have surprised many this season with all their success as they appear destined for the postseason. Offseason question marks included their goaltending and depth on defense, along with who was going to be their #1 center. Turns out the team has gelled and they sit in third place in the Central division. While general manager Bill Guerin made some bold moves last offseason by buying out both Ryan Suter and Zach Parise, this trade deadline could be a quiet on for the Wild. Regardless, let's take a look at two current players who could be moved out before March 21.

Matt Dumba

There continues to be some trade rumors connected to the 27-year-old defenseman as a number of teams are trying to acquire a right-handed defenseman with term on his contract. Dumba is signed through next season at $6-million and so far in 45 games he's registered 22 points. A down year for the veteran defenseman as he's shown in the past he's capable of hitting 50 points. The Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs would love to add the long-time Wild defender, however it's going to take a mega-offer to even get Guerin to consider the conversation. While he's not known for the rough stuff, Dumba recently showed he's not afraid to back down as this was an ugly exchange with Detroit Red Wings rookie Lucas Raymond:

Ugly stuff from Matt Dumba on rookie Lucas Raymond pic.twitter.com/e3MjfDC2PB
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) March 11, 2022

Victor Rask

The 29-year-old center is buried in the minors at the moment, making $4 million against the cap. Rask is a 6-foot-2 pivot who is a pending free-agent and someone the Wild may be interested in retaining some salary on if it means the return is sweetened by the acquiring team. While Rask only registered 13 points in 29 games to start this season, he's managed a respectable nine points in eight games since being sent down. He's become a prime trade candidate for the Wild and look for Guerin and company to use him, along with a pick and prospect to hopefully bring in some help for down the middle of their lineup.