Speculation links Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid to the Minnesota Wild if the Oilers fail to achieve another Stanley Cup run. The Wild possess salary cap flexibility and a young core, making them a potential destination.
Colorado Avalanche defeated Minnesota Wild 9-6 in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series, marking the 10th playoff game with at least 15 combined goals. Cale Makar scored twice in the third period after returning from an earlier injury, Nathan MacKinnon added an empty-netter, and 14 different players scored. The Avalanche improved to 72-1 since 1995-96 when leading a playoff game by three or more goals.
The New Jersey Devils are also said to be scouting Minnesota Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson following a series of NHL playoff rulings that have cast doubt on his future. Gustavsson has recently renewed a $34 million contract, but his poor performances on the field during the postseason have added more fuel to the NHL trade rumors. As Jacob Markstrom grows older, and long-term issues in goalie Peterson persist, the Devils might consider Gustavsson to be a real offseason option.
The Minnesota Wild defeated the Dallas Stars 4-2 in Game 5 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series, taking a 3-2 lead and moving one win away from their first playoff series victory since 2015. Rookie goalie Jesper Wallstedt made 20 saves while the Wild blocked 26 shots and frustrated a Stars offense that finished in the top 10 in goals per game during the regular season. Kirill Kaprizov added an empty-net goal to seal the victory, with Game 6 scheduled for Thursday in St. Paul.
