Wild Rumors: Will Minnesota Bring In Another Defenseman?

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

The Minnesota Wild’s strong 5-1-2 start has come without captain Jared Spurgeon, who remains sidelined as he recovers from offseason back and hip surgeries. 

While the team insists Spurgeon's absence isn't due to a setback, his lingering discomfort could extend his time away from the lineup. 

According to Michael Russo of The Athletic, the Wild are taking a cautious approach, allowing the situation to "calm down" before he resumes skating. 

This uncertainty has fueled speculation about whether the Wild need to acquire another right-shot defenseman, especially if Spurgeon’s absence becomes long-term.

GM Bill Guerin is not expected to make a move immediately, as the team is managing well defensively, currently allowing just 1.83 goals per game, the second-best mark in the NHL. 

Players like Declan Chisholm have filled in on the right side, but Russo notes that internal options like David Spacek are not quite ready for full-time NHL duty. 

Guerin is weighing whether the Wild are truly "a right-shot defenseman away from being a legitimate contender" and will only consider significant moves if Spurgeon lands on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) or faces a prolonged recovery.

Potential targets could include a high-profile option like Calgary’s Rasmus Andersson, who fits the bill but comes with a hefty price tag. 

Russo suggests that any trade for Andersson would be contingent on Spurgeon's LTIR status and Guerin’s belief that the addition could push the Wild into legitimate contender status. 

Toronto’s Timothy Liljegren has also been mentioned as a possibility but appears unlikely.

Photo Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images



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