Even though the Minnesota Wild were recently able to snap a too-long losing skid, they aren't looking like they'll be Stanley Cup contenders as they're currently constructed. St. Paul's favorite hockey team could be players off the ice, however, as the NHL trade rumors continue to build as the trade deadline comes closer.
Marek Zidlicky has been included in the majority of the Wild trade rumors to this point, but SB Nation's Hockey Wilderness took a look at some of the other candidates that could be moved if the Wild decide to make an attempt at bolstering their roster. The site looked at the veterans the Wild might be willing to move, but with Zidlicky as the top player listed, it seemed to make more sense to pay attention to possible prospects that might be on their way out.
The most interesting player listed is probably 21-year-old goalie Matt Hackett, currently biding his time with the Houston Aeros. Hockey Wilderness summed Hackett's availability up as such:
Why is he available: The Minnesota Wild have a history of developing goaltenders. There hasn't been a single season without at least one solid goalie: Manny Fernandez, Dwayne Roloson, Niklas Backstrom and Josh Harding with Hackett, Darcy Kuemper and Johan Gustafsson all currently developing. Hackett is considered the most NHL-ready out of all of them but Kuemper and Gustafsson each have their own impressive resumes.
What he might be worth: Probably not much alone due to the popular trend of acquiring hot but cheap goaltenders (sounds weird, I know). However, if I had to value him, I would say a 2nd or 3rd round pick. He's talented but again, he's a goaltender and goalies are the hardest to value.
The trade deadline isn't far away, and it doesn't seem like it will be all that exciting, but if a decent prospect is sold and the Wild miss the playoffs? Well, that might get some people excited.
For more on the Minnesota Wild, check out Hockey Wilderness. You can check out more hockey news from around the league at SB Nation's NHL page.