Minnesota Wild Looking For Upgrades

The Minnesota Wild have played very well over the past 10 games, going 8-1-1 and winning five games in a row. They are doing this with a makeshift lineup while multiple regulars are injured. This isn't anything new for the Wild, who have regularly been able to outperform expectations, waiting for their time to be true contenders.

I wouldn't say they are there yet, but the pieces are in place for the Wild to contend with all of the young and skilled players entering the NHL and stepping up. This is a group that deserves to be upgraded and general manager Bill Guerin may do just that.

Elliotte Friedman reported, "Guerin is...out there looking around. There's been some reports he's looking for a forward. I've kind of wondered about a defenseman too."

Four players - Marco Rossi, Vladimir Tarasenko, Ryan Hartman, and Vinnie Hinostroza - are all injured and out of the lineup. Nico Sturm has also just returned and played one game, while Mats Zuccarello has played eight total games this season.

Players like Danila Yurov and Marcus Johansson have had to step up. The Wild can't expect everyone to get healthy and stay healthy for the rest of the season and into the playoffs, so going out and addressing the need makes sense. The team has $4 million to work with to improve.

On defense, it makes sense that they could look for an upgrade there as well, considering the 3RD spot hasn't had someone firmly hold it. David Jiricek, now in the AHL, played 12 games, Daemon Hunt has played seven games, and Zach Bogosian has played seven games and is the one currently being dressed.

The Wild made smaller additions last season, but at some point, they are going to have to get a little more serious. Anyone can win in the playoffs and this is a team that has to at least get out of the first round, as they haven't in years.

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