The Minnesota Wild did not make the big signing many fans expected when NHL free agency opened, but general manager Bill Guerin is still working to improve the team.

Even after missing out on several top free agents, the Wild are still looking to add a top center. Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin is still one of their main targets.

The report by Joe Smith and Michael Russo was shared by the NHL Rumour Report on X, stating that the Wild still believe they have a chance to get Larkin despite their quiet start to the offseason. The report also said Minnesota could go after other big-name players if the opportunity comes up.

“The summer is far from over, and the Wild believe they are still in the mix for Larkin and who knows who else (Jack Hughes?).”

This update came after a tough first day of free agency for Minnesota. As per the report by Joe Smith and Michael Russo of The Athletic, several players the Wild wanted signed with other teams, while veterans like Mats Zuccarello also left. 

That created clear gaps in the team's top-six forward group. Instead of spending too much money in free agency, Bill Guerin decided to stay patient and keep his options open. He believes the team can still improve through trades.

The Wild still see Dylan Larkin as their best choice for the No. 1 center role, a position they have tried to improve for years. With a lot of the offseason still left, Minnesota is ready to wait for the right trade instead of making a move too quickly.

Wild Still Searching For Offensive Help After Quiet Free Agency

In the same report, Joe Smith and Michael Russo of The Athletic explained why Minnesota now faces more pressure during the rest of the offseason.

The Wild lost several key forwards in free agency, including Mats Zuccarello, Marcus Johansson, and Vladimir Tarasenko. Together, they scored 54 goals and recorded 150 points last season.

At the same time, many of the best free agents have already signed with other teams, giving Minnesota fewer proven scoring options to choose from.

Veteran players like Patrick Kane, David Perron, Reilly Smith, and Vladimir Tarasenko are still free agents. But the Wild seem more interested in adding the right player than signing someone just to make a move. Bill Guerin said the team talked with several players but decided not to complete deals that did not match its long-term plans.

In a separate report, David St-Jean of MarkerZone said some people around the league have linked Minnesota to Jack Hughes because his brother, Quinn Hughes, is on the team. However, that idea is still only speculation. Based on current reports, Dylan Larkin remains the more realistic trade target.

Minnesota has had a quiet start to the offseason, but the team's management still believes its biggest moves may be coming soon.

The Wild chose not to spend big in free agency and instead stayed focused on trade options, with Dylan Larkin as their top target. If that patient approach works, it could play a big role in Minnesota's hopes of becoming a true Stanley Cup contender next season.

What do you think? Will Bill Guerin find the top-line center the Wild need before the offseason ends? Let us know in the comments. 

Read more at the NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi