“We didn’t deserve to win. We didn’t win enough [puck] battles. That’s why they were able to make us defend more than we want to. Just got to be stronger,” Rantanen stated after the game, via NHL.com.

Rantanen pointed to the Stars’ aggressiveness—or rather, their lack of it—as the root of the problems they had in Game 1 against the Wild. Minnesota dominated the action and virtually determined the result with a blistering surge in the first 6:30 of the second period. The Wild went on a run to jump out to a 4–0 lead, and that was essentially all she wrote for Dallas.

Stars fans headed home scratching their heads—and so did Rantanen and company. Dallas hadn’t lost by a five-goal margin since the 2023–24 NHL season. If there’s a silver lining, though, it’s that this is nothing new for the Stars.

Dallas has a history of losing Game 1

Last season, the Stars lost 5–1 at American Airlines Center in the opening game of their first-round matchup against the Colorado Avalanche. They went on to win the series in seven games.

Starting the Stanley Cup Playoffs on the wrong foot seems to be a common theme for the Stars. Going back to the start of the decade, the Stars have always lost Game 1 of the First Round. The last time Dallas won a playoff opener was in 2019, when they defeated the Nashville Predators.

Dallas wants the Cup

It might be unconventional and stressful, but it’s yielded results for the Stars—although they have yet to hoist their second Stanley Cup in franchise history. Since the 2018–19 campaign, the Stars have reached the Stanley Cup Final once and made it to the Western Conference Final on three other occasions.

If they keep on the same path, the hex is due to break sooner or later. Rantanen and company hope for the former, and they believe this could be their year. If the Stars can make it out of the Central Division playoff picture, then the sky is truly the limit. However, surviving a bracket with the likes of the Wild and Avalanche is much easier said than done.

“It hurts to not get anything out of this game,” McLellan admitted, via NHL.com. “Especially on a penalty 150 feet from our net and away from the play.” McLellan’s comment was a clear shot at Kane‘s stick infraction that handed the Wild a late power play opportunity.

Being booed off the ice at the sound of the second-period horn certainly served as a wake-up call for the Red Wings. In the third period, they found their footing and tied the game at 4–4 after trailing 4–1. However, there was still time left for the Red Wings to trip over the same stone once again.

Kane had scored the equalizer, yet he followed it up by committing a nonsensical tripping penalty on a possession-less Quinn Hughes. Minnesota went on the man advantage, Kirill Kaprizov cashed in with 1:51 left in the game—and that was all she wrote for Detroit.

Playoff implications for Detroit

A win would’ve put the Red Wings in a playoff spot with five games left in the 2025–26 NHL season. Instead, they remain in the jam-packed fight for a wild-card spot. A divisional ticket is no longer available, as the loss to the Wild meant the Montreal Canadiens punched their ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The only way into the postseason for Detroit is now through the wild card. However, there are six teams fighting for those two spots, so the Wings’ odds decrease tremendously.

Red Wings’ playoff drought

With the Buffalo Sabres clinching a playoff spot for the first time since 2011, and snapping their 14-season playoff drought, the Red Wings could now carry the burden of the longest active playoff drought. For a franchise that once prided itself on making the postseason 25 years in a row, these are unforeseen levels of misery in Motor City. Detroit’s last playoff appearance was in 2016, and its last playoff series win came in 2013.

The Red Wings can still turn things around, but the loss against the Wild had the feel of a playoff-elimination defeat, even if it was in a regular-season outing. Needless to say, McLellan, Kane, and company can’t afford to point fingers around the locker room. Instead, they must figure out a way to make the postseason and avoid yet another heartbreaking end to the season.

“I just feel like you’re so day-to-day, and the season is flying by. Like, so much has happened. You don’t even really think about it until it’s here,” Hughes commented on his return to Vancouver, via Rink Wide: Vancouver’s Jeff Paterson. “Probably won’t feel real until warmups. It’s been such a long year, you don’t even process everything that’s going on.”

Hughes was drafted by the Canucks with the 7th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. He quickly became a franchise cornerstone and blossomed into arguably the best defenseman in the league. In the 2022–23 season, he won the James Norris Memorial Trophy. Now, he returns to an arena he used to call home, only this time he will be wearing a different jersey.

For Hughes, it will also be his first game on Canadian ice since winning gold with Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Whether that memory will play a role in how the home fans greet him at Rogers Arena remains to be seen. One thing is clear, though: the stage is set for an emotional return by all accounts.

Hughes’ numbers this season

With Vancouver spiraling out of control, it became clear that Hughes’ time with the organization would run out soon in the 2025-26 season. On December 12, 2025, the Wild acquired Hughes, and the defenseman has been nothing short of lights-out ever since.

Hughes had registered 23 points in 26 games with Vancouver this season. Since being dealt to Minnesota, he has put up 49 points (four goals and 45 assists) in 42 outings. Against the Canucks, Hughes will look to record his 50th career point with the Wild.

Clinching scenario for Wild against Canucks

The realities couldn’t be more different for Minnesota and Vancouver. As they go head-to-head, that contrast is on full display. The Wild can clinch a playoff spot with just one point against Vancouver, while the Canucks would lock in last place in the league standings with a loss of any kind.

There are other scenarios around the league that could lead to the same outcome, but that’s the bottom line. If Hughes and his new team walk away with a win in Vancouver, they will punch their ticket to the postseason while also ensuring the Canucks finish at the bottom of the standings—and, in turn, secure the best odds of landing the first overall pick in the NHL Draft Lottery.

Along with the decision to keep their veteran center, the Rangers also made their final stance clear on several of Trocheck’s teammates who had been in the NHL rumor mill. Still, it appears New York set its price and no one met it. At the end of the day, the Rangers were in no hurry to move Trocheck and will continue to explore their options.

However, from a non–New Yorker perspective, much can be criticized about the Blueshirts’ stance, and that is exactly how Guerin sees things from his office in the Twin Cities. Guerin and the Wild are all in. Minnesota wants to take its name off the list of NHL teams that have never won the Stanley Cup, and its current roster may give it its best shot in a very long time.

“I thought winning gold with Chris Drury would have gotten me a little bit of a discount, but he wasn’t in that mood,” Guerin confessed in dialogue with Emily Kaplan of ESPN.

Rangers held their ground

Guerin’s comment only confirms what most reports suggested. New York knew its worth and, in a buyer’s market, set its asking price for Trocheck in stone. Aside from Trocheck, not many bona fide top-six centers were available, so the Rangers knew they had a chip every team would be after.

However, they weren’t going to have any of the lowball pursuits. Thus, one by one, suitors were crossed off the list, as no one brought enough to the table for the Rangers to accept.

What’s next for Rangers?

Now, the Rangers will keep Trocheck in town for the remainder of the 2025–26 NHL season. More likely than not, the Blueshirts will return to the market with Trocheck in the offseason. By then, though, who knows whether his price will go up or down.

One thing New York is encouraged by is the fact that Trocheck’s modified no-trade clause (M-NTC) will be more navigable, going from a 12-team veto list to a 10-team no-trade list. While two organizations may seem small on paper, perhaps one of them could become the trade partner the Blueshirts have been searching for a while.

NHL insider David Pagnotta provided an important update on the situation. “All indications are the Minnesota Wild are out on Vinny Trocheck. Focus shifting elsewhere for New York Rangers.”

If the Wild are indeed stepping away from negotiations, it could significantly change the landscape of the trade market for Trocheck. With one of the most aggressive suitors potentially out of the race, the Rangers may now turn their attention to other interested teams such as the Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes, Montreal Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche or even the Boston Bruins as they continue evaluating their options before the deadline.

Vincent Trocheck won’t be traded to Wild

Vincent Trocheck will not be traded to the Minnesota Wild after the team decided to step away from negotiations with the New York Rangers. Minnesota had previously made a formal offer for the veteran, positioning themselves as one of the most serious suitors ahead of the NHL trade deadline.

However, the high asking price set by the Rangers ultimately became a major obstacle in the talks. With New York reportedly seeking a significant return, the Wild chose not to meet those demands and instead shifted their attention toward other potential additions.

As a result, Minnesota focused on completing different roster moves, including trades involving Bobby Brink and Nick Foligno. Those deals appear to signal that the Wild have moved on from the pursuit of Trocheck as they continue shaping their lineup for the remainder of the season.

While Bedard and the Blackhawks have nothing but respect and gratitude for Foligno, the young team in Windy City is ready to turn the page. That sentiment was made visible after Bedard broke his silence on recent Blackhawks trades with a clear message for the front office.

Now, Bedard—who recently secured a key promotion—becoming an alternate captain for the remainder of the campaign, dropped yet another powerful statement. This time, clearly reflecting the unapologetic mindset that a roster as filled with youth as Chicago’s would take.

“He better keep his head up out there for the boys,” Bedard jokingly said about Foligno, via Ben Pope of Chicago Sun-Times. “I think he’s going to look a little ugly in those jerseys.” Bedard’s Blackhawks and Foligno’s Wild will meet in a home-and-home series on March 17-19. On a more serious note, Bedard posted a message for Foligno on social media. “Gonna miss you, brother. Go win one,” he posted on Instagram stories.

New leader in Chicago

While Bedard’s message for Foligno was meant as banter, it could also reflect the new direction the Blackhawks are headed in—at the very least, the direction Bedard hopes his team takes. Foligno’s trade didn’t catch anybody by surprise. It was a very real possibility, especially after reports hinted Bedard could lose his captain following Foligno’s cryptic comment on his NHL future.

Still, just because the team was ready for it and expecting such a trade doesn’t mean they walk away from it unscathed. However, the Hawks have seen so many faces head out the door that they might be immune to the pain by now. Bedard made it clear that’s not the case—it stings.

Fortunately for Chicago, Bedard has made it his goal to guarantee the 2025–26 campaign was the last time the Blackhawks were sellers before the trade deadline, at least for as long as he is in town. With him trending to re-sign and be named captain ahead of next season, it looks like Bedard will be around for a long while.

Nick Foligno could be on his way to Minneapolis-St. Paul. The former Blackhawks captain is reportedly the latest acquisition for the Wild, who are making their push for a Stanley Cup no secret around the NHL. Joining Quinn Hughes and company, Nick Foligno will be joining his brother Marcus, who plays left winger for Minnesota.

“Sources say the Wild are closing in on acquiring Nick Foligno from Blackhawks,” insider Frank Seravalli stated on his X account.

While Nick’s name had been very loud in the rumor mill, not many saw the move to the Wild happening—even if it made complete sense. Still, GM Bill Guerin witnessed the impact the Hughes and Tkachuk brothers had on Team USA and may have decided to try his luck with Nick and Marcus Foligno ahead of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

After the NY Rangers received the Wild’s final offer for Vincent Trocheck, Foligno’s addition along with other moves may well signal Minnesota is officially out of the race for the veteran center.

Trade details

According to Emily Kaplan from ESPN, the Blackhawks aren’t retaining any percentage of Foligno’s $4.5 million cap hit, as Chicago has no retention slots remaining. Moreover, the reported return for the Hawks are future considerations. Essentially, the Hawks have given the green light for their captain to go chase his first Stanley Cup, and do so with his brother Marcus in Minnesota.

As reported by Michael Russo of The Athletic, Nick Foligno came close to signing with the Minnesota Wild in 2021. Instead, he chose to join the Boston Bruins at that time.

It took a while, but NHL fate has finally driven him to the Twin Cities. The Foligno brothers grew up playing together in Buffalo, New York. Now, they will get to relive those childhood memories, but this time with a Stanley Cup as the ultimate goal.

Trocheck is arguably the most appealing center on the trade block. Heading into the NHL‘s trade deadline, the rest of the league acknowledges a severe shortage of top-six pivots who can dominate at the faceoff dot. As a result, the competition for the Blueshirt veteran is intense. According to reports, the field has narrowed and the Rangers have three potential trade destinations for Trocheck. Still, the Wild may still hold the pole position.

Minnesota has shown its aggressiveness throughout the season, most notably by going “all-in” for Quinn Hughes—a move that is already paying dividends. However, because of that seismic blockbuster, the Wild have already parted ways with several blue-chip assets, which would have made a deal for the Rangers much simpler.

Wild prepare offer for Trocheck

Regardless, the Wild believe they can still assemble an appealing package for Trocheck. According to an insider, New York has already gotten wind of what Minnesota could be sending its way.

“(Minnesota’s) trade offer I believe centers around prospect Charlie Stramel and a 2027 first-round pick as well as another player or prospect,” ESPN‘s Emily Kaplan reported.

Whether the deal is deemed sufficient by the Rangers or not is a whole different story. Reports have indicated that the 2026 trade deadline is a buyer’s market. Thus, New York may not be getting exactly what it’s hoping for. If a better offer doesn’t arrive by Friday’s deadline, the Rangers could hold the line amid the Trocheck rumors or settle for less.

Wild make trade for forward

Minnesota completed a trade with the Nashville Predators for forward Michael McCarron. Though listed as a winger on NHL.com, McCarron can play the center position and has been among the primary faceoff takers for the Preds. Such a move only adds to the suspense surrounding Minnesota, New York, and Trocheck.

Does McCarron’s addition mean the Wild are out of the race for Trocheck? Or can the two coexist in the Land of 10,000 Lakes? Fans across the NHL will have their answer by Friday’s 3:00 PM ET deadline.

The Minnesota Wild, Carolina Hurricanes, and Detroit Red Wings have emerged as the teams interested in Trocheck. It looks like they are all locked in a desperate race to land the center. As they all want to get Trocheck, the Rangers can easily get the most out of this deal.

Trocheck already said his preferred destination is not in the West. The fact is that the Rangers wouldn’t move Trocheck just because. But business is business, and that means that if the price is right, and now that price will be very high, you have to move on. Trocheck is a very good player and at 32-years-old, this could be the last big move in his career.

How did Trocheck fare in 2025?

Trocheck just won the Winter Olympics gold medal with Team USA. Trocheck played 45 games in 2025, scoring 38 points, and he has a strong defensive game too. He is a high-impact player. His two-way play is a very desirable assett and that’s why the Wild, Hurricanes and Red Wings are eager to land him.

Trocheck also has a clutch gene with him. His reputation is one of a player that steps up in big moments. He is right in the middle of a contract that carries a $5.625 million cap hit. During his four years with the Rangers, he has earned one All Star selection.

Why is Trocheck so desirable?

Not only is he an elite two-way player, Trocheck also delivers an instant offensive spark to a stagnant power play. All this while providing the heavy production needed to capitalize on the man advantage.

The Hurricanes, particularly, know what Trocheck brings to the table, as he played two and a half years for them before going to the Rangers. To big demand, huge offers, so the Rangers are absolutely ready to get the best deal possible.

Vancouver’s frustrations culminated in a blockbuster trade, sending Hughes to the Minnesota Wild. In return, the Canucks acquired young forwards Marco Rossi and Liam Ohgren, defenseman Zeev Buium, and a 2026 first-round pick.

The move marked the end of Hughes’ long tenure in Vancouver and signaled a clear reset in organizational direction. Hughes’ contract, carrying a $7.85 million cap hit through the 2026–27 season, factored heavily into discussions leading up to the trade.

While the deal was monumental, Hughes’ future beyond his current contract remained uncertain. His agent, Pat Brisson, emphasized a firm stance on negotiations: “The one thing I made certain about was that under no circumstances could we guarantee a contract extension with anyone,” he said, according to Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre.

Hughes himself acknowledged the human side of the transition but kept his focus on performance: “I mean, I’m obviously human, and I feel stuff.” He said according to dailyhive.com. “But for me, I feel more the results, where we are in standings… I’m trying to bring it every night and be a good teammate, and that’s what I’m trying to do.”

How will Hughes fit into Minnesota’s system?

In Minnesota, Hughes is expected to take on a familiar role, driving transitions, handling top matchups, and contributing offensively from the blue line. The Wild are counting on him to maintain his impact while adjusting to new teammates and systems. His presence is seen as a critical piece in stabilizing the team’s defensive and transitional play.

When will Hughes make his Wild debut?

Hughes is set to debut with the Wild on Sunday at home against the Boston Bruins. Minnesota is giving him a day to acclimate, ensuring he arrives prepared to take the ice and integrate seamlessly with his new lineup.

Growing up is never easy. There are several pains that come with it. For Bedard and the Blackhawks, the story isn’t any different. Chicago boasts the third-youngest roster in the NHL—per Elite Prospects—and the squad’s inexperience has shown time and again in the 2025-26 campaign. After yet another narrow-margin loss to a red-hot team like Minnesota, Bedard made his frustration visible with a blunt comment.

“It [stinks],” Bedard admitted postgame per NHL.com. “I thought we played a pretty good game, but just little mistakes that we’ll clean up. Overall, I thought there were a lot of positives to take away. But in the end, obviously you’ve got to come out with the two [points].”

Bedard and Blackhawks are struggling to put games away

The Blackhawks are falling victim to a double-edged sword. In many ways, how they view their season comes down to whether they look at the glass half full or half empty. On the one hand, they have held their ground against some of the most intimidating contenders in the league.

On the other hand, though, the Hawks have had no luck closing out games. Luck tends to favor the other side, as Chicago seems to lose almost exclusively in one-goal games. It’s all part of being a rebuilding team in the NHL. The Blackhawks are still wet behind the ears. Most seem to have made their peace with this fact, as it’s all part of the learning process.

However, with Bedard registering the best numbers of his career (33 points through 23 games) and looking for a seat at the grown man’s table, the constant heartbreaking losses are taking a toll on him. Far from giving up, the former first overall pick is determined to keep the Hawks afloat in the current best division in all of the NHL: the Central Division.

Blashill admits this game serves as a lesson

No player ever enters the NHL in hopes of learning. If they were after that, then most would opt to stay in college. However, whether they are enrolling in these classes willingly or not, the league is quick to teach youngsters what it takes to win. On that note, even Blashill admitted the loss to the Wild—who have now won six games in a row—serves that purpose.

“Yeah, it’s tough. You’re going to win that game more than not but it’s part of the learning process for us,” Blashill commented after the overtime defeat at home, via NHL.com. “I thought there were times throughout the year we did a good job of either coming back or winning those close games.

“Now, we’ve given up a couple of leads here in the last few games. I’m glad we’re in that spot, but part of the learning process is to find a way to make sure there’s no way to lose that game. We played too good to lose it. That’s what we’re trying to figure out here.”

Blashill made sure to remind Bedard and company that he is getting tired of being taught lessons. Now, the Hawks must find ways to be in charge of class from time to time. If there is something Blashill knows by heart, it’s that the student can always surpass the master.