Is Wild coach John Hynes on the hot seat? Could they sign Mitch Marner? Ask Russo and Smith, part 2

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We trust you’re having a wonderful weekend, and as a treat while you enjoy your morning cup of joe, we thought we’d give you some more reading material.

On Thursday, Part 1 of our Ask Russo and Smith mailbag popped. Here is Part 2.

Read every single word, as there will be a pop quiz this week to test your knowledge. We wish you a terrific summer, and we’ll make sure you have plenty more Wild stories to read before next training camp. It could be a busy, eventful offseason for the Wild.

(Note: Some questions are edited for length and clarity.)

What’s a realistic trade for Marco Rossi look like? — Allan W.

Smith: This is a tough one. There should definitely be a good market for Rossi, a 60-point scorer and strong defender who is not afraid to go to the dirty areas of the ice — even at his size. Most of his goals are scored within five feet of the goal, as president of hockey ops and general manager Bill Guerin often points out.

The Wild could look at what the compensation would be for losing Rossi in an offer sheet (let’s say a first and a third for contracts between $4.6 million and $7.02 million average annual value) as the low bar. But if you’re trading Rossi, one of the very few homegrown centers you’ve developed, you probably should aim to get a strong roster player in return, whether it’s a scoring winger or another (bigger) center.

The Wild have traded a ton of draft picks in recent years, so dealing Rossi for a pair of picks would feel like an underwhelming return. Rossi could be dangled as part of a larger deal, as well. But timing is of the essence before July 1, when Rossi can receive an offer sheet.

Who says no: Marco Rossi, Riley Heidt, Carson Lambos (or another D prospect not named Zeev Buium or David Jiricek) for good ole 87? Marc-Andre Fleury and Billy Guerin are also great friends of Sidney Crosby’s, so you’d better believe they would try to sweet-talk him into this the same way Nathan MacKinnon is. — Connor B.

Russo: Connor, buddy, you trying to give me a heart attack? Is Sidney Crosby turning 38 or 28? You don’t think that’s a tad of an overpay, giving up what the Wild hope are three pieces of the future for a Hall of Famer with one year left on his contract? If Crosby ever leaves Pittsburgh, unless it’s to a team like the Montreal Canadiens that drafted his dad and he grew up rooting for, it’s going to be to try to chase a Cup with MacKinnon. They’re from the same place, they train together, they are having a blast playing together at worlds, and they were inseparable at the 4 Nations.

“It’s far from done.” 🤣

Sid and Flower’s prank wars will never end. pic.twitter.com/ZkReY0lz29

— BarDown (@BarDown) May 16, 2025

Is John Hynes’ job anywhere close to the hot seat, and will Kirill Kaprizov ever wear the “C” as opposed to Jared Spurgeon? — Bryan L.

Smith: There’s no indication Hynes’ seat is close to hot. You’d have to imagine, though, that it’d be important to show progress next season, especially if the Wild make sizable additions this summer.

Kaprizov has seen his leadership role increase over the past few years. Part of that, he’s said, is his comfort level with English. He’s been given more ownership in the team as Guerin gave him an “A” before the 2023-24 season. If Kaprizov signs an eight-year deal this summer, you could see him eventually wearing the “C.” But it truly feels like if Spurgeon is dealt or his Wild tenure is done when his contract’s up in a couple of years, Brock Faber might be the next captain.

Faber acts and talks like a captain, plays a monster role with the team and is signed long-term. Kaprizov seems like the perfect “A” — a leader by example whose voice carries weight when he speaks up.

What would it take for the Wild to sign Mitch Marner? And if not Marner, with the Wild looking for a top-six center, who is the best player they could net this offseason via free agency or trade? — Matteo I.

Russo: I’d say $12 or $13 million buckaroos, maybe. Not often does a star like this hit the open market, so after Mikko Rantanen got $12 million, you could see the 28-year-old getting at least that.

Evolving-Hockey has him getting $12.7 million on a seven-year term if he signs with a team other than the Toronto Maple Leafs. And with every eyeball scrutinizing his every move in Toronto, it wouldn’t be shocking if he’s ready for less noise and a new start elsewhere. I can see a team like Utah taking a big swing. Or could you imagine him signing in Carolina after not waiving his no-trade clause at the deadline to go there for Rantanen?

As much as Marner loved hanging in the Twin Cities last summer with Jake Gardiner and Justin Holl, I just can’t see the Wild pursuing him. Barring trades, they only have $16.4 million in cap space after Friday’s signing of Danila Yurov ($950,000 cap hit). This includes $2.76 million in dead money for the Zach Parise/Ryan Suter buyouts and bonus overages for Rossi and Faber. It doesn’t include potentially re-signing Rossi and Declan Chisholm, and this is with other forward spots on the roster needing to be filled.

It just doesn’t work in my eyes unless more cap space is created.

One name I never hear about: Elias Pettersson. Judd Brackett drafted him. He’s at a low point in his career, but it’s not often a center with that production history is available at his age. — MNWildWatcher

Russo: Funny enough, one of his best games of the season was against the Wild on trade-deadline night (power-play goal, three shots).

At $11 million on a long-term deal and with his baggage, I can’t see the Wild being interested, though. I feel bad that I seem to be throwing cold water on every idea you all have after you’ve waited four years for this summer. But money is still tight (they didn’t expect Faber would turn into an $8.5 million defenseman, and remember they extended Jake Middleton to the tune of $4.35 million) and the free-agent class ain’t sexy. So other than a Brock Nelson pursuit, I just really believe trying to trade for an impact center like JJ Peterka or Tage Thompson makes the most sense.

Would free agency next summer provide better options for the Wild long-term as opposed to this summer? I know the fans and the front office are itching to spend money. I would just hate to finally get over previous bad contracts just to pick up another this summer. — Lucas B.

Russo: Fabulous question because I know even Guerin probably figures his clock starts now and he’s tired of sitting on the sidelines and wants to join the frenzy. But you’re right: If the right players aren’t there this summer, they should wait to spend their money wisely.

Now, to answer your question, as of this very second, there are better options. But we also know that some of the forwards who are free in 2026 could get extensions this offseason, as the Wild hope to do with Kaprizov. But as of now, the current pending UFA forwards include Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Kyle Connor, Artemi Panarin, Martin Necas, Adrian Kempe, Alex Tuch, Nick Schmaltz and Anders Lee.

Are GMs allowed to talk to their players’ agents regarding extensions before they are allowed to agree to terms? Or is that technically not allowed? — Tyler S.

Russo: Yes. (How shocked is our editor, Jake, that his most long-winded writer gave a one-word answer?)

With Ryan Hartman’s improved “attitude,” do you see him in a Wild uniform next year? I was convinced BG would trade him until his playoff performance. — Andrew S.

Smith: It does seem like Hartman will be back next year. There was a time during this season that didn’t seem like a slam dunk. Hartman’s eight-game suspension in February was a tipping point, with everyone seeming to lose patience with him, from the commissioner to the Wild brass. Guerin said Hartman needed to be on his “best behavior” and there was no wiggle room.

Hartman’s response and how he played during the playoffs have likely won a lot of people over. If Hartman can channel that side of him — a skilled, smart, agitator and playoff gamer — during the regular season, he’s going to be a very valuable piece going forward.

“That is the Ryan Hartman that we need. He played incredibly well. Stayed composed and did not give in to the other team trying to push his buttons,” Guerin said. “He has that ability. We need him to be more like that than the guy that flies off the hammer. He has that ability and I think sometimes he is frustrated with himself and he just blows a gasket. Which I get. But we need the playoff Ryan Hartman, then the other guy.”

Plus, it’s not like the Wild should be getting rid of centers, especially if Rossi isn’t being re-signed.

How is Jiricek’s rehab going? Is he going to spend time in Minnesota this summer to work on his skating and conditioning? — Anonymous U

Russo: Guerin said at his season-ending presser that Jiricek is doing a lot better from his lacerated spleen and does plan to spend the latter part of the offseason working out with the Wild’s staff. I know skating was the area he was most criticized about when he was traded to Minnesota, but the Wild are more focused on strength and adding some muscle and becoming sturdier on his feet. So strength coach Matt Harder and his staff will work with him a lot.

Same with Buium, by the way. Buium plans to spend a lot of his summer in Minnesota trying to get stronger. Yurov will also come to the United States early, but train in Connecticut with a training staff that his agent works with.

I chatted with Iowa coach Brett McLean on Thursday for another story I’m working on, and I asked about Jiricek’s time in Iowa: “He’s a big, long guy, and one thing he does really well is he closes and shuts down plays. He can really read plays and close and shut down those plays early. I think with him it’s just getting to build his whole game, and I think what he’s going to be is a real good 200-foot defenseman that can end plays quickly. And then obviously he’s got the skill to break those pucks out and to make those really high-end plays. I think using his length and using a stick will be a real asset for him, and with the size, he should be able to play against anyone.”

McLean said he was very coachable, adding, “He was very honest with us and said how it was challenging coming to a new organization and being traded for the first time and the way we do things, the way we have structure on our breakouts, and things like that. That was a real challenge for him. But he’s a great kid to coach. He’s got a great personality, and he always wanted to talk to the coaches, which is really good. We saw a huge improvement with him. His last couple of games were really, really good, and so we were pretty bummed out when his season ended.”

Will Jiricek make the team next season? — Johnny K.

Russo: With what they gave up for him, I’ve got to think he’ll be given every opportunity.

I’ll be curious to see if Zach Bogosian comes to camp penciled in as the seventh defenseman. It almost feels like Bogosian is blocking Jiricek, and now Jiricek is blocking David Spacek, which is a shame because I’ve got to think Spacek must want a change of scenery by now. He’s always great in international play, and when I talk to guys like David Pastrnak, Radko Gudas and Tomas Hertl, they all rave about him and believe he can be an NHLer. But now Jiricek has leapt him.

“We wanna see him on this team,” Guerin said of Jiricek. “He will create it. Not me. Yes, we’ll have a spot, but how much he plays or where he plays or how high up the lineup he plays, situations, that’s up to him. He’s got to earn it. But we believe in him. He had a crazy year. But his attitude has been amazing. He’s got a strong personality; he believes in himself. We believe in him, and we’re just looking forward to him getting healthy and getting back on track.”

How does Guerin justify no changes in Iowa? Just look at the numbers. — Budman 

Smith: We’ll have a deeper dive on Iowa next week, but you’re right. The numbers aren’t good. AHL Iowa missed the playoffs for the third time in the past four years — the second straight season under McLean. They ranked near the bottom of the league in goals for (2.79, 28th), goals against (3.49, 29th), power play (13.8 percent, 32nd) and penalty kill (73.0 percent, 32nd).

Clearly, something needs to change. Guerin has shown patience, noting that while winning is important at the AHL level, it’s also a developmental league, and that includes for coaches. The fact that this is McLean’s first time ever being a head coach, having been hired without a search, has led to some growing pains. It’s unfair to pin everything on him. By all accounts, players appreciate his positivity and work ethic. But for the Wild to have such a touted prospect pool, there needs to be more emphasis on improving their program in Iowa. There were only a few bright spots this past season, with Hunter Haight’s strong first pro season being one of them.

Judging by Guerin’s answer in his exit interview press conference, it’s important for Iowa to show some improvement next season. If it’s not heading in that direction, we could see some changes made.

I know injuries/cap played a part, but did the Wild totally botch the season for Jesper Wallstedt? Got off to a horrible start by telling him to find an apartment and then sending him down immediately. Can his struggles be pinned to that or did he just simply struggle playing behind a terrible Iowa team? — Aaron B.

Smith: The failed idea of a three-goalie rotation definitely didn’t help, though Wallstedt took his share of the blame for how he handled it in a recent, candid one-on-one. Wallstedt admitted he didn’t effectively “land” mentally in Iowa until Christmas, but that was only part of the problem.

Wallstedt suffered three injuries, including a concussion and a groin issue. He struggled with consistency. And, yes, the team in front of him wasn’t good. From talking to him and his coaches and staff in Iowa, they truly believe this will be a critical learning moment — something that’ll help Wallstedt bounce back quicker if he deals with similar issues in the NHL.

It’s too early to give up on Wallstedt, who has been labeled one of the best goalie prospects in the world for years. He’s only 22. But he’s not just going to get handed the keys to the Wild net. He’s going to have to earn it.

The strategy that has probably never been tried before, putting a 60-point scorer onto the fourth line, with the third-fewest minutes, has proven to be not too successful. How come there isn’t more discussion about the coaching staff being responsible for the playoff loss? — Hans F.

Smith and Russo: It’s easy to second-guess after the fact, or from where we sit up top, but coaching decisions certainly played a part in the loss — and it wasn’t just putting Rossi on the fourth line, though the staff probably felt that was justified with him being on the ice for two critical goals against in the series.

The coaching staff’s insistence on sticking with Freddy Gaudreau and Gus Nyquist on the third line was curious. You couldn’t argue they were “going” and producing. Hynes said Buium played in a six-on-five situation late in Game 1 because, if you didn’t, why even put him in the lineup? Then the Wild sat Buium for overtime after his double minor in Game 4, even on the power play. Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy was surprised the Wild didn’t put a traditional checking line together against his top line of Eichel, Mark Stone and William Karlsson when they heated up late in the series. Instead, Hynes kept rolling his top line that included Kaprizov and Matt Boldy, not using his last change during Game 5 to get them away from the shutdown defender in Karlsson.

As Hynes put it, the staff spends “hours” debating and breaking down lineup decisions. And it’s up to players to execute on the ice. But with Vegas looking beatable and the Wild feeling they had the better of the play for a good portion of the series, every decision is going to be magnified.

It isn’t the first time, either. Remember the Wild’s decision, with Dean Evason as coach, to start Marc-Andre Fleury instead of Cam Talbot against St. Louis in the 2022 playoffs? Evason started Fleury in Game 2 against Dallas in the 2023 playoffs after Gustavsson’s brilliant performance in a double OT win in Game 1.

Finish the sentence: “Next season will be considered a failure for Guerin if the Wild …” — Kevin K.

Smith and Russo: Don’t win a first-round series.

It’s time. It’s been a decade. The buyouts are almost completely off the books. There are no excuses.

Guerin hopes to significantly improve his team this summer, and there’s pressure that comes with that. This first-round series loss to Vegas might have felt “different” to players and staff, because the Wild felt they “deserved” to win. But, at some point, you have to get over the hump here.

Let’s not forget they also almost missed the playoffs after being the league’s point leader in mid-December, which would have been a massive collapse. It took a Joel Eriksson Ek goal with 22 seconds left in the season finale to clinch a postseason berth. How would the tenor of this offseason feel had the Wild missed the playoffs for the second straight year? What would Kaprizov think?

I know Yakov Trenin has underperformed, but where did Guerin envision him playing in the lineup? Paying $3.5 million for fourth-line minutes seems like a waste of salary cap space. — Matt M.

Russo: They envisioned a Marcus Foligno-Hartman-Yakov Trenin checking line when they acquired him, and that he would be a top penalty killer.

While he played third line for most of the year, you’re right. There’s no way Guerin signed him to a four-year deal thinking he’d play fourth line at times and play the second-fewest minutes in the playoffs. I was surprised Hynes, especially since Trenin was portrayed as his guy from their days with the Nashville Predators, didn’t elevate him more in the playoffs when it was pretty clear he was playing the best we’d seen from him.

Maybe it was the weight of the contract. Maybe it was that big guys often take a bit to get going at the start of the season. Maybe it was the new system. Regardless, the Trenin we saw down the stretch and into the playoffs is the Trenin he must be during the life of his contract. Not only was he physical, but his pace of play and, yes, speed were impressive. More of that, please.

Any buzz on new naming rights to the arena? Who/what would you like to see? — Dominic L.

Russo: Starbucks Center, of course, with a personal press box barista at my beck and call, ready to brew me an Americano anytime I snap my fingers.

Joe is hoping for Diet Coke Arena since nobody in the world drinks more Diet Coke in a day than him. He makes my coffee habit look like a kindergartner.

All jokes aside, they’re still negotiating the rights and are at a critical juncture, so I’ve been given no hints other than that those giant Xcel Energy Center signs will still sit atop the outside of the arena until June 30.

I’m 67 and plan on living ’til 97. That’s 30 years. Can you guarantee at least one Stanley Cup for the Wild before I die? — Nicethings R.

Russo: I’ve covered two dozen Stanley Cup Finals and 30 NHL seasons, and neither of the teams (Minnesota and the Florida Panthers) I’ve covered won the Cup while I was covering them. (Though I was on the ice after the Panthers won the Cup last June.) So … no promises, but I do admire your health and anticipated longevity.

(Photo of Mitch Marner: Claus Andersen / Getty Images)

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