First the Wolves, Now the Wild!

Although Minnesota sports have been a disappointment these last few weeks, the trade rumors and reports have done the complete opposite. For the Wolves, it has been the nonstop speculation of a potential Giannis and/or Kyrie trade this summer. But now, with Erik Johnson speculating a few days ago on the Pat McAfee Show that he thinks the Wild will end up with either Auston Matthews or Connor McDavid by 2029. While the Matthews trade had already been brought up briefly, a potential trade for the best hockey player in the world, to the Wild of all places, now that surprised all hockey fans around the world.

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DISCLAIMER As amazing it would be if McDavid made his way to Minnesota, I do want to take a moment to set a disclaimer to my readers. I know this is a highly unrealistic move, however I will (like with the Wolves) take this time to have some fun and experiment with some potential trade offers in this blog. My Thoughts

The Matthews "report" didn't shock me as much because that one just makes a little more sense for me personally. He probably wants to leave Toronto, which is heading into a rebuild. The Wild need a number one line center, and of course, Matthews has built a relationship with Bill Guerin, as he was a part of the USA team Guerin put together.

However, unlike the Matthews rumor, when I first heard from Erik that he thought McDavid could end up in Minnesota, I, of course, thought that this was AI or made up, as it just didn't make total sense. Yet, what Erik said he said, so of course, let us brainstorm what the Oilers would want in return for arguably the best hockey player in the world. The good thing for the Wild is, of course, that McDavid is only on a two-year deal making 12.5 million dollars each of those years. This makes the salary part of the trade actually pretty easy; however, the difficult part is what pieces (players + draft picks) the Oilers would want. Personally, I believe they would definitely be interested in either of the Wild's goalies, to provide that clutch goalie they have been looking for, really since Connor arrived in Edmonton. Secondly, they would most likely ask for multiple first-round draft picks, prospects, and of course, one or two players that could contribute to the Oilers' success almost immediately. The Package

While I am, of course, not an NHL General Manager or any hockey expert, I think that the trade I have come up with is definitely something you could use as the framework or starting block for a potential McDavid blockbuster.

My starting proposal for the Oilers superstar would be: Jesper Wallstedt, Matt Boldy, Jonas Brodin, Riley Heidt, and then either 2 or 3 first-round picks.

With this proposal, the Oilers would receive a young, proven starting goaltender, a star to play alongside Leon Draisaitl, an excellent veteran defenseman, a highly promising prospect, and a haul of draft capital. While one might say the Wild are giving up too much for one player, I say to them, it's for the best player in the world.

Also, imagine just for a moment a lineup of: Connor McDavid, Kirill Kaprizov, Quinn Hughes, and Brock Faber. Who is stopping that group? I would say unless injuries happen, nobody would be good and deep enough to beat that squad, which is why you (the Wild) should be totally willing to part ways with almost everyone in return for Connor McDavid.

Of course, I have no idea what the Oilers' plan with McDavid is; however, I think if Guerin calls their front office with this offer or something similar, you should definitely be interested, and who knows, maybe Edmonton ends up better as well. You just never know.

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Let me know if you think this trade would get accepted or if you even think Connor or Auston will be acquired by the Minnesota Wild. Until my next post, have a great day, and I'll catch you later!