The Minnesota Wild are staying the course with their long-term strategy, resisting the temptation for a major trade ahead of the deadline. GM Bill Guerin acknowledged the addition of Gustav Nyquist and Justin Brazeau, but reiterated it's not their time yet, emphasizing that a four-year plan is in place to not jeopardize the team's future. With significant contracts looming for stars like Kirill Kaprizov, and other potential free agents like Brock Nelson and Mitch Marner, the Wild are prioritizing stability over short-term gains.

Limited cap space has constrained their options, particularly in acquiring more penalty-killing assets. The team has made recent trades to bolster their roster, yet must navigate the complexities of roster management. The Penguins, for their part, opted against moving defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, indicating they are also considering the long-term implications of their decisions.