BREAKING: Wild trade top player to Colorado for 2026 draft pick

As the NHL trade deadline approaches on Friday afternoon and the Minnesota Wild find themselves outside of a playoff position, they are not anticipated to engage in many trades, but they did manage one on Thursday.

The team finalized a deal with their rival, the Colorado Avalanche, sending forward Brandon Duhaime in exchange for a third-round draft pick in 2026.

Duhaime, aged 26, was selected 106th overall by the Wild in the 2016 draft and has accumulated 35 points (19 goals, 16 assists) in 193 career games with the team. This season, he has recorded 8 points (4 goals, 4 assists) in 62 games, known for his energetic and physical style of play.

Despite his contributions, Duhaime is approaching unrestricted free agency at the end of the season, prompting the team to opt for trading him to Colorado instead of pursuing a contract extension.

Earlier on the same day, the Wild placed forward Marcus Johansson on the injured reserve list