St. Louis Blues & Minnesota Wild linked to blockbuster deadline deal

The Minnesota Wild already pulled off one blockbuster trade this season, and it sounds like there's growing speculation that there's another one coming.

Word is, GM Bill Guerin is using goaltender Jesper Wallstedt as a trade chip in talks, and one team that has aligned perfectly as a trade partner - the St. Louis Blues. Wallstedt is by far the Wild's best trade chip, and he could be landing multiple pieces from the Blues if this deal comes to fruition, projected by The Athletic's James Mirtle: 

Goaltending has been one of the biggest issues for the Blues this season, and it may well finally be time to turn the page on Jordan Binnington seven years after his Cup-winning heroics.

Could a package that includes Brayden Schenn (or Robert Thomas) and Binnington entice the Wild to move their goalie of the future, plus other assets, to go really big on the present? If so, this could be a deal that makes sense for these two Central rivals at different ends of the standings.

Guerin has certainly shown a willingness to be bold, and this could set them up for multiple runs at a championship after decades in the mushy middle.

The Wild have $9.8 million in cap space to work with, so Guerin can get creative with his deadline plans. Adding Stanley Cup pedigree in Schenn and Binnington could be the perfect boost to take the Wild over the hump this season.

Photo credit:  Jeff Curry-Imagn Images