Buyers or Sellers?
The Minnesota Wild were spiraling out of control with eight straight losses leading to the firing of coach Mike Yeo. Interim coach John Torchetti stepped up and the Wild's fortunes have changed - winning four of five to perhaps alter the team's outlook for the remainder of the season.
So, does this recent ascent make Minnesota (27-23-10) a buyer or seller at the upcoming trade deadline? Well, Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher isn't revealing his cards but the club has some needs to fill if it wishes to make a postseason run and - gasp! - overcome the Chicago Blackhawks should the Central Division rivals meet in the playoffs yet again.
Team Needs
Minnesota struggled to put the puck in the net prior to the team's recent offensive eruption. A top-six forward would be music to the Wild's ears as the team primarily has relied on Zach Parise (18 goals) and Charlie Coyle (18 goals) to pick up the slack. Thomas Vanek (17 goals) also is included in that mix, but the veteran Austrian could be shipped if the price is right.
Fletcher and Minnesota benefit from the team's deep array of defensemen, which serves as a position of strength heading into the trade deadline.
Key Players
Loui Eriksson
Taken at face value, Minnesota could benefit from the services of the veteran Swede - who has been on quite the tear with eight goals and an assist in his last nine games.
Eriksson has struggled to fit in with the Boston Bruins since being acquired in the 2013 blockbuster seven-player deal that included Tyler Seguin. The Bruins, in turn, are in dire need of a defenseman - with the following two names being mentioned in a potential deal.
Jonas Brodin
The Wild were rumored to have included Brodin in a trade proposal for then-Columbus Blue Jackets star Ryan Johansen earlier in the season before the forward found his way to Music City.
Although recovering from a broken foot, the 22-year-old Swede could fit right in with the Bruins should he be dealt for his fellow countryman in Eriksson. Brodin, who was the 10th overall pick of the 2011 draft, logs considerable minutes and isn't shy about putting his body on the line - as he recorded a career-high 128 blocks last season.
Matt Dumba
Dumba is another promising defenseman who is in the midst of his best season with the Wild. The seventh overall pick of the 2012 draft, Dumba has set personal bests in goals (nine), assists (11) and points (20) this season.
With Minnesota deep in defensemen, Dumba could be used to land a potential top-tier forward.
