Wild Rumors: 3 Trade Targets After Jared Spurgeon Injury

Following the season-ending injury to Minnesota Wild captain Jared Spurgeon, the team is faced with a pressing need to address their defensive lineup.

With Spurgeon on long-term injured reserve, General Manager Bill Guerin is actively exploring the trade market for potential solutions.

Guerin's objective is clear: find a cost-effective defenseman who can step in without compromising the team's salary cap situation, while maintaining flexibility for future moves leading up to the March 8 trade deadline.

Shorthanded breakaway goal by…Marco Scandella???

AND he roofed it on the backhand?? #stlbluespic.twitter.com/iUDyIt8H70

— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) December 13, 2023

Three notable candidates have emerged on Guerin's radar: Marco Scandella from the St. Louis Blues, Alexandre Carrier from the Nashville Predators, and Erik Johnson from the Buffalo Sabres, according to Joe Smith and Michael Russo.

Scandella has two goals, five points, a +1 plus/minus rating, and 30 blocked shots across 38 games played this season.

Carrier is having a nice season so far, amassing three goals, 13 total points, a +1 plus/minus rating, and an impressive 86 blocked shots over 41 games played.

Alexandre Carrier's winner tonight with 7.9 seconds left...what a brutal way to lose https://t.co/KhBkFhjZg8

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 14, 2024

The 31-year-old Johnson is currently in his 16th NHL season, sitting with three goals, no assists, a +2 plus/minus rating, and 57 blocked shots across 41 games played.

Each of these defensemen brings a unique skill set and experience to the table, making them suitable replacements for Spurgeon.

Guerin's approach is to avoid overcommitting by parting with valuable draft picks for a rental player, ensuring that the Wild can strengthen their blue line while preserving cap space for potential call-ups and minor-league players already on the roster.

Erik Johnson and J.T. Miller are THROWING hands 👀 pic.twitter.com/0MJ6onTAe7

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) January 13, 2024

The decision on which path to take will depend on the team's performance leading up to the trade deadline and the availability of these defensemen in the market, setting the stage for a critical period as the Wild aim to address their defensive needs and maintain their competitiveness in the playoff race.

The Wild are currently 18-21-5 with 41 points, sitting seventh in the Central Division. Photo Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports