Still, a report indicates that the average annual value range for the defenseman’s next contract is set, and it may only be a matter of ironing out the final details and getting Hughes’ signature. It may sound easy, but Wild fans should know that’s usually one of the hardest things to do. For the time being, they might be better off staying wary than becoming overconfident.

“What does [Hughes] want? Because the money is going to be the money. It’s going to be probably somewhere in between Macklin Celebrini [18.8m AAV] and Cale Makar [20.4m AAV]. That’s going to be his number, we all strongly suspect,” Jeff Marek stated on The Sheet with Jeff Marek.

Hughes could match Makar

It was always expected that Makar and Hughes would mirror or at least take inspiration from each other’s contracts. Whoever signed first would set the bar, and it was wise to think Makar would put pen to paper first.

At the end of the day, the Colorado Avalanche’s blueliner never hinted he wanted to leave the Mile High City, while Hughes has left the door to his future virtually wide open. Now that Makar has put pen to paper on the largest contract in NHL history, and by a wide margin, Hughes could follow suit.

However, although Hughes could match Makar’s AAV, there’s no way he reaches Makar’s $163.2 million total value because the Olympic gold medalist has no interest in signing a max-term contract. Most likely, he will agree to a mid-term deal, around two or three years long. Still, what exactly Hughes wants to see from Minnesota to be convinced remains a mystery.

Hughes leaves Wild in the dark

“Is it [Hughes] needs [GM Bill] Guerin to show him he has the team to be competitive for the next, however many, years? What is it as when Guerin mentions ‘[Hughes] may want different things’? What are those things?” Jeff Marek said.

For the time being, the Wild remain clueless about Hughes’ needs and wishes. As a result, Minnesota remains in the dark, and rumors continue to haunt them with the prospect of losing him soon. In the meantime, the New Jersey Devils can’t help salivate and steeple their fingers. It might finally go down.

Just as the Red Wings face a major problem because of their high asking price for Larkin, the Wild lack the assets that would make Detroit interested in sending its captain to Minneapolis. Minnesota has seemingly accepted its fate.

Perhaps the only way the Wild could trade for Larkin is if another organization chimes in and lends them a hand. Indeed, the only way for Larkin to head to the Land of 10,000 Lakes may be through a three-way trade.

“The problem is the Wild’s assets are what they are,” Michael Russo reported on The Sheet podcast. “They aren’t going to suddenly magically give up [Matt] Boldy in a Dylan Larkin trade. So unless [the Red Wings] are going to want futures that aren’t sure things, I don’t know how that deal is going to get done. Unless it’s a three-way trade.“

Wild need to convince Detroit, not Larkin

Dealing with a player signed through the 2030-31 NHL season and under a full NMC, the Wild know they must sell their pitch to the Red Wings, not Larkin. In fact, the center needs no further convincing. Larkin wants to move to Minnesota, and he’s made that clear.

However, as much leverage as he currently has, he can’t automatically trade himself to the Wild. He needs the Red Wings to accept an offer so he can waive his clause. That’s where things get tricky. Detroit wants NHL-ready talent in return for Larkin, and Minnesota can’t afford to lose key pieces of its puzzle.

At the end of the day, the Wild are eyeing their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, and giving up too much for Larkin could result in them taking steps backward rather than forward. The most realistic scenario, as things currently stand, appears to be a three-team trade. Still, help would come at a cost for Minnesota, and all eyes across the NHL are fixed on Quinn Hughes.

Speak of the Devils

Anything can happen in the NHL, and the conclusion may not be the most logical. If it were, however, the New Jersey Devils would make a lot of sense. Perhaps they could help out the Wild by providing the assets the Red Wings are after in exchange for Quinn Hughes. It would definitely be an eye for an eye, and then some.

Still, it could happen, especially if the trade for Larkin ends up being delayed until the trade deadline, or if Hughes tells Minnesota he doesn’t plan on re-signing before, during, or after the 2026-27 NHL season.

Faced with the prospect of losing Hughes to free agency in the summer of 2027, the Wild may pull off a wild move. Such desperation may lead the team in Twin Cities to make a pact with the Devils. Make no mistake, the team in Detroit may have wings, but they are no angels, either. Minnesota should keep that in mind when negotiating in the near future. Every organization in the NHL only looks after itself, and no one is a philanthropist.

When Larkin requested a trade out of Detroit after the 2025-26 NHL campaign, he handed Steve Yzerman and the front office a three-team trade list, with reports suggesting a fourth candidate may have been added in the Dallas Stars. However, since then, Yzerman is no longer the Red Wings‘ general manager, and two teams have apparently taken themselves out of the sweepstakes.

According to a report from Michael Russo of The Athletic during an appearance on The Sheet with Jeff Marek podcast, the Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights have no interest in Larkin. That would mean two of the three—or perhaps four—teams Larkin is willing to waive his NMC for aren’t asking him to do so.

Where Panthers, Golden Knights, and Wild stand

The Cats won two Stanley Cups in the last three seasons and made it to three of the last four Stanley Cup Finals. Moreover, the Panthers have their core locked up for the long term, and adding another top-six center in Larkin would be a luxury rather than a necessity.

As for the Golden Knights, they have made it to two of the past four Stanley Cup Finals and won it once. They have more than enough talent to be confident in what they currently put on the ice and may not want to go through the trouble of negotiating with Detroit and its steep asking price.

Minnesota, on the other hand, may have no choice but to go all in on Larkin. Lacking a true top center all these years, the Wild can’t let this chance go to waste, especially when a great candidate actively wants to join them. Whether the Wild could put together an appealing offer is another question.

The Wild are still lurking around Larkin

Larkin’s original three-team trade list included the Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Minnesota Wild. Months after asking Detroit to trade him before the new NHL season, only the latter are showing interest.

However, Minnesota understands nothing can happen until Detroit finds its new general manager. Reports suggest the Red Wings are ready to hire their new GM, but until that actually happens, no one will pick up the phone on the Wild’s calls.

“The Wild still have interest,” Russo, who covers the Wild, reported. “So, [the Wild] have got to see who the [Red Wings’] GM is, and then if the Wild can make some sort of trade.”

Quinn Hughes is Wild’s secret agent

Having close ties with Larkin, Quinn Hughes spends much of his summer skating and practicing with the Michigan native in Ann Arbor, where the U.S. National Team Development Program has its headquarters.

Both Hughes and Larkin are products of the program and became even closer friends while playing for Team USA at the Olympics. (Hughes missed the 4 Nations Face-Off in 2025 due to injury.)

“The Wild are still really holding out hope for Larkin,” Russo stated. “Obviously, [Hughes] has a lot of inside information because he skates with Larkin on a daily basis in Ann Arbor. He knows Larkin’s preference would be to go to Minnesota, Vegas or Florida. But Florida and Vegas right now don’t have interest in him.”

Hughes and Larkin could help each other

Maybe Hughes can help Larkin find his way to the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Doing so would benefit the defenseman as well. Hughes has yet to sign an extension with the Wild, and there’s reason to believe he won’t put pen to paper unless he’s certain Minnesota is a contender for years to come.

The franchise finally landing a first-line center would go a long way. In more ways than one, Larkin and Hughes could help each other out, with the Wild being the biggest beneficiary.

Thus, that is something to keep an eye on as Quinn Hughes makes up his mind. According to a report, the eldest sibling is keen on re-signing in Minnesota, but only if he gets to choose the term of his contract, putting him on track to become an unrestricted free agent in the same year Jack will become one in the NHL.

“I have believed that Quinn Hughes is going to sign [a three-year, $18 million AAV contract] in Minnesota,” Elliotte Friedman stated on NHL Tonight. “People are starting to wonder, what’s going on here. I don’t have any panic about it yet.”

Three-year deal would align Quinn and Jack’s contracts

With Quinn Hughes entering the final year of his six-year, $47.1 million contract, he is set to become a UFA in the summer of 2027. Thus, if he were to put pen to paper on a three-year extension with the Wild, he would postpone his UFA status until 2030.

That year is far from random. Jack Hughes will become a UFA in the summer of 2030, as well. The New Jersey Devils‘ star is signed to an eight-year, $64 million contract running through the 2029-30 campaign.

If Friedman’s estimation is correct and Quinn signs to stay in Minnesota for the next three seasons, then he and Jack could hit the market in 2030 determined to find a team that will have them both. Quinn will be 30 years old in the summer of 2030, while Jack will have recently turned 29.

Other alternatives

There is also the possibility that Quinn decides next season is his last in Minnesota and hopes to sign with the Devils in free agency, getting to play with Jack and Luke as well. If that were the case, the Wild would likely trade Hughes—Quinn has no trade protection—before the deadline to get something in return.

The Devils would be among the suitors, but they could also let Quinn be a rental for another playoff team and go after him in free agency. However, reports state that Quinn wants to show his gratitude to the Wild for pursuing him when he asked out of Vancouver and offer his services for a few more years in the Twin Cities.

Options abound, but it’s clear the Hughes brothers saga will be one to watch as the 2026-27 NHL season looms closer. If Hughes is unsigned by the time the puck drops, then the drama will truly skyrocket.

“The Red Wings and Wild previously talked without finding common ground. The Red Wings aren’t enamored with the younger players the Wild are willing to give up,” as reported by Kevin Allen on Detroit Hockey Now.

Although the Red Wings have put Larkin’s trade on hold for the time being and are focused on their search for a new general manager, they have made their asking price clear.

Red Wings’ asking price for Larkin

While draft selections would come in handy, what Detroit is really after are NHL-ready players who can replace Larkin and replicate his production. The Winged Wheel has little interest in acquiring prospects who are still wet behind the ears. At least that was the plan before Steve Yzerman stepped down from his role as GM.

As things stand, Minnesota lacks the type of assets that would convince Detroit to green-light a deal. At least for the time being, there’s no chance the Wild part with any of Matt Boldy, Brock Faber, or Quinn Hughes.

However, given enough time, much could change. The fact that reports suggest Larkin could start the season with the Red Wings might actually be a good sign for a potential blockbuster trade.

Potential deadline trade between three teams

The Wild have made it clear they want—and hope—to re-sign Hughes as soon as possible. However, the delay in reaching an extension has created uncertainty. If the eldest of the three Hughes brothers enters the 2026-27 NHL season without a new deal, speculation will only intensify.

Minnesota’s need for a top-six center isn’t going away, and it could all lead to a blockbuster three-team trade involving the Red Wings, Wild, and New Jersey Devils. The organization in Newark knows that if Quinn Hughes reaches unrestricted free agency next summer, he’ll most likely be waiting for the Devils’ call.

However, there’s no guarantee he’ll make it that far. Minnesota will do everything it can to convince Hughes to stay, but if all else fails, the Wild could trade him before the deadline. Hughes’ expiring contract doesn’t include any form of trade protection, meaning Minnesota is free to shop him.

Such a trade will take time

All in all, every moving piece of this intriguing puzzle could fall into place and produce a three-team trade unlike anything the league has seen before. Larkin could still end up in Minnesota before the trade deadline. Quinn Hughes could reunite with his brothers at the Prudential Center, and the Red Wings could walk away with NHL-ready talent from both the Wild and the Devils.

It’s an extremely complicated scenario that hinges on far too many factors. Still, it may be the perfect storm. All it would take is patience. And even though Larkin wants to leave Detroit, he may be willing to wait a little longer. After all, the 30-year-old center must measure twice and cut once—and so must the Red Wings.

According to Michael Russo of The Athletic, Guerin is expected to meet with Hughes’ camp as both sides continue exploring a potential contract extension. “Believe Bill Guerin will be meeting with Quinn Hughes and his camp in Michigan today/this week. As we’ve long reported, Wild want to go 5-8 years (7-year max term after Sept. 16 in new CBA). 3-year extension still makes most sense for Quinn so he can align with Jack’s deal in New Jersey.“

Hughes joined Minnesota after the Wild acquired him from the Vancouver Canucks in a major trade that sent defenseman Zeev Buium, forwards Marco Rossi and Liam Ohgren, and a first-round draft pick to Vancouver. The veteran defenseman immediately became a key piece of the franchise’s plans.

What contract length could Quinn Hughes sign with the Wild?

Minnesota reportedly prefers a long-term commitment, with the organization interested in a deal ranging between five and eight years. However, Hughes could have a different priority as he evaluates his future.

A shorter three-year extension could allow Hughes to reach free agency at a similar time as his brother Jack Hughes, who remains under contract with the New Jersey Devils through 2030. That timeline could provide the defenseman with additional flexibility later in his career.

The upcoming decision will also be influenced by the NHL’s salary structure. Hughes is entering the final season of his six-year, $47.1 million contract, which carries an annual cap hit of $7.85 million.

How important has Quinn Hughes been for Minnesota?

Hughes continued to prove why he is considered one of the NHL’s elite defensemen. In the 2025-26 season, he recorded seven goals and 76 points in 74 games between Vancouver and Minnesota while averaging 27:44 of ice time per game.

During the playoffs, Hughes elevated his performance even further, producing four goals and 15 points in 11 postseason games while averaging more than 30 minutes of ice time per contest.

His impact has extended beyond the NHL as well. Hughes helped the United States win Olympic gold at Milano Cortina 2026 and was named the tournament’s best defenseman.

Larkin’s trade situation remains unresolved after the veteran center reportedly requested a move earlier this offseason. “Still, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to see it happening before training camp,“ Matt Larkin wrote, pointing to Detroit’s front office situation and salary-cap challenges among interested teams.

He also added, “For one, Detroit, uh, needs a GM in place to make the trade. Secondly: Larkin’s three-team list, which expanded to four with the Stars, consists of four teams who are seriously lacking in cap space at the moment, meaning they’d have to move some important players out to make a deal work. The Wild still seem like the frontrunner.”

The Red Wings must first complete their front office plans before moving forward with any major trade discussions. With Larkin holding a no-trade clause, the process is also complicated by the limited number of teams he would accept as a destination.

Why are the Wild considered the frontrunner for Dylan Larkin?

After a former NHL GM questioned whether the Red Wings can repair their relationship with Dylan Larkin, Minnesota has emerged as the leading candidate because the Wild are among the teams believed to be on Larkin’s approved trade list. However, a deal would require additional moves, as several interested clubs currently have limited salary‑cap flexibility.

Larkin’s reported list includes the Wild, Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers. The Stars were added later to the list, but the Red Wings still have fewer options because the center controls where he can be traded.

What is delaying a potential Larkin trade?

The Red Wings reportedly received a worrying update on Dylan Larkin after his trade request. The biggest obstacle is timing, as Detroit needs to finalize its front‑office structure before making a significant roster decision involving its captain. Even once that happens, interested teams may still need to clear salary‑cap space to build a realistic trade package.

While Larkin could potentially expand his list of approved destinations, there is currently no indication that more teams have been added beyond Dallas. For now, the Red Wings and the rest of the NHL continue to wait for clarity on one of the offseason’s most significant potential moves.

According to a report from the Detroit Free Press, Larkin would be willing to waive his no-movement clause (NMC) for a trade to the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, or Vegas Golden Knights. Although the Red Wings will stand firm on their asking price for Larkin, the captain ultimately holds all the leverage. If Detroit won’t deal him to one of those three destinations, it can only sit him. Doing so causes more harm than good, though.

As for the Rangers, the reported trade list completely rains down on their parade. New York could have been a dark horse to trade for Larkin—they still can, but it seems highly unlikely. Larkin is asking out of Motor City because he wants to win and a move to Broadway would put those aspirations on hold for a while.

New York general manager Chris Drury and head coach Mike Sullivan, who were around Larkin on Team USA, would’ve hoped their national team connections could come in handy. Unfortunately, if they want to acquire Larkin, they won’t be able to cut any corners. And even that may not be enough.

Larkin favors Team USA connections

The fact that Larkin’s trade list features three organizations filled with Team USA teammates and executives only makes it a tougher pill to swallow for the Rangers. After all, those connections do play a role, just not to New York’s advantage. The overall struggles and concerns in Manhattan are too significant for Larkin to dismiss.

Moreover, leaving the Red Wings, who missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs by fewer than 10 points, for the Rangers, who finished last in the East, wouldn’t exactly be considered an upgrade for the Winged Wheel’s hometown captain. If Larkin is to leave the Wolverine State for the first time in his hockey career and life, he would surely want to go somewhere he won’t regret.

Team USA connections in Minnesota

As soon as Larkin’s trade request went public, the Wild emerged as the obvious frontrunners. Bill Guerin (Team USA’s GM during the 2026 Olympics) was expected to be all over it, and it’s clear he’s done just that.

Plus, Minnesota’s lineup features Larkin’s fellow American teammates Quinn Hughes, Brock Faber, and Matt Boldy. Combine that with the fact that the Wild are the most top-six center-needy organization in the NHL and that it’s the main obstacle preventing them from becoming a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, and the puzzle is complete.

Why Florida makes sense for Larkin

As for the Panthers, the fact they’ve been to three of the last four Stanley Cup Finals and have won back-to-back Stanley Cups should be enough to explain why any player would want to join the powerhouse in the beautiful, income tax-free Sunshine State.

From Larkin’s perspective, joining Bill Zito (Team USA assistant GM), Matthew Tkachuk, and a state-of-the-art roster built to win is just the cherry on top. Florida doesn’t really need another top center, but it seldom helps itself from going after NHL stars.

When in doubt, there’s always Vegas

Meanwhile, the Golden Knights continue to be the go-to franchise for players in search of fresh starts and immediate playoff success. The organization’s way of doing business leaves room for criticism, but the results speak for themselves.

Watching Mitch Marner become a Conn Smythe Trophy favorite less than a year after leaving another Original Six market might be enough to convince Larkin that Sin City is perfect for him. Plus, he’d get the chance to join Team USA friends Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin.

Eichel is another example of how leaving the team that drafted you and heading to the Entertainment Capital of the World can do wonders for a player’s career. They say the house always wins in Las Vegas, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing for those that get to call T-Mobile Arena home.

Larkin is sending Detroit a message

Larkin’s trade list is very narrow. He sends a clear message to the Red Wings that way. Detroit may ask him to expand his list a bit to gain more room to maneuver and negotiate.

Larkin may indeed add a few more options, but the odds of the Rangers even making that director’s cut remain low. Still, if there’s one thing the Big Apple teaches its residents, it’s to shoot for the stars, and one has just become available in the 313.

“Welcome to the Minnesota Wild, Dylan Larkin,” Stanley Cup champion and ESPN analyst Erik Johnson jokingly said on his X account. He wasn’t breaking any news, simply stating the obvious as Minnesota is arguably the most logical landing spot for Larkin. Greg Wyshynski also pointed at the Wild as the clear-cut number one suitor for Larkin.

The Wild need a center. There’s no way around it. Minnesota was among the biggest bidders for Vincent Trocheck at the NHL trade deadline. Ultimately, the two sides couldn’t reach an agreement, but the need for a centerman is still there. Larkin’s trade request out of Detroit spoils the Rangers’ plan, and it could also take one of the biggest suitors out of the market for New York and Trocheck.

In more ways than one, Detroit could take the only positive thing New York has going for it away from it. And the worst part of it all may be that the Red Wings would love not to be in this position.

Wild makes too much sense

The Wild’s desperate need for center help and Larkin’s trade request have created the perfect storm. The main factors behind Larkin’s trade request appear to be that he is tired of missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs and has grown apart from the front office in Detroit.

Joining the Wild, he’d be killing two birds with one stone. Minnesota is a perennial playoff team—even if it has only made it out of the first round once in the last decade—and its front office, led by GM Bill Guerin, would reunite Larkin with several familiar faces from Team USA’s administration.

Moreover, Larkin won the gold medal at the 2026 Olympics alongside Quinn Hughes, Brock Faber, and Matt Boldy. That’s three more potential teammates than Larkin has ever won anything with among his Red Wings peers. Similar to Trocheck’s case, the Wild and Larkin have history, even if he never played for the organization in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. They seem to be connected, and the trade request may finally bring them together.

Trading for Larkin could solve everything for Wild

For the Wild, acquiring Larkin, who is under contract for the next five NHL seasons, could also help them convince Hughes to re-sign in Minneapolis-St. Paul rather than head to New Jersey, where his brothers Jack and Luke await on the Devils.

If Minnesota can put together an appealing offer, Detroit may not put up much resistance, and Larkin would waive his no trade clause (NTC) to chase glory with the Wild, one of 10 NHL franchises that have never won the Stanley Cup.

The dots simply connect smoothly for Larkin and Minnesota. If the Wild miss out on this chance, they may come to regret it forever. For Larkin, this may be the best chance he ever gets at a fresh start.

Just another Wild postseason run

The Wild witnessed a promising season come to a crushing end at the hands of the Colorado Avalanche in the Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, many could make the case that Minnesota shot itself in the foot. The organization in the Twin Cities didn’t address its clear void at the centerman position, and it came back to bite the Wild.

They had everything else covered. All they needed were some anchors to fill out the top six. They missed out on Trocheck, and it was only downhill from there. Once one thing failed, the house of cards came crashing down for Minnesota.

It’s no use crying over spilled milk, but it should serve the Wild as a lesson. Heading into yet another long offseason, they must finally address the elephant in the room. With Larkin’s out-of-the-blue trade request, they may have come across just the perfect opportunity. And this train will only stop once.

“I won’t sit on my hands,” Guerin said, via Michael Russo of The Athletic, during his end-of-season media availability. His message was in response to a question about exploring the market for a No. 1 center or any opportunity to make the Wild better.

For the Wild, losing Joel Eriksson-Ek to injury during the Stanley Cup Playoffs underlined the lack of depth at the center position. Though Trocheck may not be the ideal No. 1 center, he does make for an exciting addition to the top-six, and who knows? Maybe he can grow into a bigger role in Minnesota. Playing with Kirill Kaprizov, the highest-paid player in NHL history, on his wing should definitely help.

What’s in it for the Rangers?

The Rangers held on to Trocheck through this year’s trade deadline, but that doesn’t mean they won’t explore the market ahead of the 2026-27 NHL campaign. In fact, many would consider New York foolish if it didn’t listen to offers.

The free-agent class is quite shallow, and most franchises agree trading is the better route this offseason. Keeping Trocheck proved to be the right decision for the Blueshirts, and they may finally cash in on the opportunity.

With NHL franchises still chasing for their first Stanley Cup, like the Minnesota Wild, growing desperate, the timing may never be better for the Rangers to strike a deal and send Trocheck to a contender.

Trocheck’s trade protection

In addition to his strong numbers amid troubling times in the Big Apple, Trocheck feels like the perfect candidate because he is under contract for the next three NHL seasons at a more than reasonable $5.6 million cap hit. That makes him even more appealing.

However, his contract includes a modified no-trade clause (M-NTC). As of July 1, Trocheck’s 12-team no-trade list will shrink to 10 teams. Although Trocheck has made it clear he wishes to stay on the East Coast, many believe the club in the Twin Cities lies in a diffuse gray area.

Because of Trocheck’s Team USA connections with Bill Guerin, Quinn Hughes, Brock Faber, and Matt Boldy, there is reason to believe Minnesota may not be on his “no-go” list. Still, that remains unknown. Only Trocheck and New York can answer that, and one can guess why that confidentiality won’t ever go public.

Expected timeline for trade

Any move involving Trocheck would most likely occur after July 1, and the odds of Minnesota being the highest bidder would also increase exponentially by that date. Especially if the Wild don’t pursue another centerman and the Rangers play their cards right with Trocheck.

So far, so good. New York may not have been able to play its situation any better, but it’s a long game, and one slip-up could wipe away all progress.

“Colorado’s Josh Manson has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for butt-ending Minnesota’s Michael McCarron,” the NHL‘s Department of Player Safety announced on its social media, @NHLPlayerSafety.

Though many argued Manson should have been assessed a major penalty and a game misconduct for the dangerous maneuver involving the butt end of his stick, several rule analysts agree officials got the call right. However, supplemental discipline was to be expected. Colorado may have escaped with a slap on the wrist, as Manson will not face a suspension and is cleared to play in Game 5 against Minnesota.

Manson and McCarron will meet again

Fortunately for McCarron, he came away pretty much unscathed from his abrupt meeting with Manson’s butt end. With Manson healthy and eligible to dress as well, the two are set to meet again in Game 5.

Needless to say, fans can expect the Wild to respond in some fashion. However, Minnesota can’t lose sight of what really matters or get too carried away in its quest for vengeance. Down 3-1 in the series and with a trip to the Western Conference Final on the line, McCarron knows the stakes far exceed any personal vendetta.

Avs are one win away from WCF

The best way to get back at Manson and the Avalanche is by coming away with a massive road win to stay alive and drag the Avs back to the Twin Cities. In order to force a Game 6 back in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, the Wild must steal one in the Mile High City.

So far, no team has beaten Colorado at Ball Arena in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The last time the Wild won a playoff game in Denver was in Game 7 of their first-round matchup in the 2014 postseason. Since then, they are 10-12-4 in road games against the Avs—all in the regular season.

It’s all easier said than done. As if overcoming a 3-1 deficit wasn’t already a nearly impossible task on its own, doing so against the Presidents’ Trophy winners—with two of the potential three remaining games being played in their own barn, and that same team being Colorado—could well be all she wrote for Minnie.