NHL Rumors: Wild Could Use Shocking Name As Trade Bait

Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt defends the crease during 2025 game.

Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin didn’t land Quinn Hughes and call it a day. 

The Athletic's Michael Russo and Joe Smith speculated Minnesota is still hunting for a legit first line center or an elite scoring winger, and the wildest twist is that Jesper Wallstedt could be the “shocking” name dangled to make it happen.

Jesper Wallstedt as trade bait changes everything

Moving a blue chip goalie is the kind of idea that makes a fanbase flinch, but there is some logic to the idea. Zeev Buuim was considered untouchable before the blockbuster trade that acquired Quinn Hughes, as well.

Filip Gustavsson is under contract through 2031, and Wallstedt’s value has climbed with a strong 2025-26 run, including a 12-5-4 record with a 2.71 GAA and .914 save percentage. 

Russo and Smith basically framed it as simple math for a win now team, if Wallstedt is what it takes to pry loose a true top of the lineup forward, Guerin may at least listen.

Why the Wild are still shopping after the Quinn Hughes swing

The Wild have looked like a real team for stretches, but the recent wobble (4-4-2 in last 10) and a leaky patch has only sharpened the need for one more needle mover up front. 

Kirill Kaprizov has 25 goals and 57 points in 50 games, and Matt Boldy has 27 goals and 51 points in 48 games, but Minnesota still looks like it’s missing that one more piece that turns “dangerous” into “Cup level,” especially down the middle. 

The timing matters too, with the Olympic break looming and Minnesota sending a big group, including both goalies, which adds injury risk and could slow the market until teams feel safer about their rosters.

If Guerin actually plays the Wallstedt card, it probably won’t be for a pure rental. The sense from the reporting is the return would need term, or a pending UFA who is ready to extend, because you do not move a premium goalie asset just to take a short term swing and hope.

It would be an absolute shock if this ever happens, but Bill Guerin likes to take big swings, so it's worth keeping an eye on.

Photo Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

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