Nikita Kucherov in action for the game© AFP
The Minnesota Wild could consider a move for Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov next summer if Quinn Hughes does not sign a contract extension. The possibility was raised by The Athletic’s Joe Smith, who identified Minnesota as a potential destination for the veteran forward when he becomes a free agent next July. The Wild are not the only team linked to a possible major move. The San Jose Sharks have also been connected to Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson after reportedly making an unsuccessful attempt to acquire him.
Wild Could Consider Kucherov if Hughes Does Not Re-Sign
Smith suggested Minnesota could pursue Kucherov if Hughes does not agree to an extension. The Wild are projected to have almost $46 million in salary cap space for the 2027-28 season. Smith also pointed to Kucherov’s friendship with Kirill Kaprizov, noting that the two forwards would like to play together. Their connection could make Minnesota an appealing option for the Lightning star.
Guerin has already made a major move to bring Hughes to Minnesota, trading away part of the club’s prospect pool in a deal with the Vancouver Canucks last December. He has also been trying to acquire Detroit center Dylan Larkin. However, if Hughes does not re-sign, the Wild would have to address the defensive vacancy before or after pursuing another forward.
Sharks’ Simon Edvinsson Offer Reportedly Rejected by Red Wings
San Jose’s interest in Edvinsson comes as the Sharks look for help on defense. After narrowly missing the playoffs last season, they were viewed as one of the Western Conference’s rising teams alongside Anaheim and Utah. A five-game losing streak has since left them near the bottom of the standings.
TSN’s Chris Johnston reported last Thursday that the Sharks were “big-game hunting” and that general manager Mike Grier was attempting to acquire Edvinsson from Detroit. Curtis Pashelka of The Mercury News later reported that San Jose had made an offer, but the Red Wings rejected it.
Pashelka raised the possibility that Grier was unwilling to include young center Michael Misa in a deal. Earlier reports had identified Sharks prospects Filip Bystedt, Igor Chernyshov and Keaton Verhoeff as players who could be available, though the proposed package for Edvinsson was not known.
The Sharks added defensemen Jacob Trouba and Darnell Nurse during the offseason, but Grier is still looking to strengthen the blue line. It is unclear whether Edvinsson remains his target.
Topics mentioned in this article
