Wild Make Moves Ahead of NHL Trade Deadline

In a flurry of activity leading up to the NHL trade deadline, the Minnesota Wild made significant moves involving veteran forward Pat Maroon and center Connor Dewar. Maroon, who was on an expiring contract, was traded to the Boston Bruins, while Dewar found himself heading to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Maroon's departure from the Wild came as no surprise, as he would have become a free agent after the season. In return for the veteran forward, Minnesota received left winger Luke Toporowski and a conditional sixth-round draft pick in 2026. Toporowski, a promising 22-year-old, has shown potential in the American Hockey League with the Providence Bruins, recording 46 points over two seasons. He will report to the Iowa Wild.

Despite Maroon's contribution of four goals and 12 assists in 49 games this season, the Wild decided to part ways. However, his experience as a three-time Stanley Cup champion added considerable value to the team.

Dewar, a third-round pick by the Wild in 2018, showcased his skills with 10 goals and four assists in 57 games this season. With a point in three of the last five games, the young center proved his potential. The details of the compensation from the Toronto Maple Leafs for Dewar are yet to be released.

Having already dealt forward Brandon Duhaime to the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, the Wild had until the trade deadline to make further moves. Duhaime, who is expected to make his Avalanche debut on Friday night, expressed mixed emotions about facing his former team, calling it "strange." Head coach Jared Bednar also acknowledged the unusual circumstance and hoped Duhaime wouldn't accidentally pass to the wrong team.

Meanwhile, the Avalanche find themselves comfortably in a playoff spot and contending for first place in the Central Division, making the addition of Duhaime an exciting prospect for them.

Looking ahead, Dewar could be the next Wild player to be traded, as he, like Maroon and Duhaime, is on an expiring contract and will become a free agent after the season.

In other news, the Wild announced the acquisition of forward Turner Elson from the New York Rangers in exchange for forward Nic Petan. The 31-year-old Elson brings a wealth of AHL experience to the team, having played in 579 games and recorded 263 points. He will join the Iowa Wild, the Wild's AHL affiliate.

Adding to their roster, the Wild anticipates the arrival of Marat Khusnutdinov, a Russian forward who secured a work visa and signed a two-year entry-level contract last week. Additionally, they recently signed veteran defenseman Zach Bogosian to a two-year contract extension worth $2.5 million. Bogosian's performance, health, and experience were cited as valuable assets to the team.

As the NHL trade deadline passed, the Wild can now focus on the remainder of the season with their revamped roster and the hope of securing a playoff spot.