The Minnesota Wild have made their intentions to win a Stanley Cup Finals crystal clear with their latest move ahead of the NHL trade deadline. According to Frank Seravalli, the Wild are set to acquire one of the game's best goaltenders. The Wild have reportedly landed Marc-Andre Fleury via trade with the Chicago Blackhawks in a huge splash right before the deadline.
Obviously, this is a massive get for the Wild, who will add the reigning Vezina Trophy winner to the mix and improve an already formidable defense. In exchange for the star goaltender, Minnesota will send a conditional second-round pick to Chicago, which could potentially become a first-round pick.
It appears a solid trade for both sides. The Blackhawks are well out of playoff contention, and with Fleury on an expiring contract, he seemed destined to be dealt at the deadline. The Toronto Maple Leafs will be kicking themselves for letting the experienced goaltender join a fellow contender, as they have a real need in goal.
Fleury will be replacing Kaapo Kahkonen in Minnesota, as the 25-year-old was traded to San Jose in a separate deal, per Elliotte Friedman. In exchange, the Wild received 26-year-old defenseman Jacob Middleton from the Sharks. That deal leaves Cam Talbot and Fleury as the Wild's two goalies going forward.
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The Wild sit in third place in the Central Division with 76 points across their first 60 games. Minnesota is one game behind St. Louis in the division, with a game in hand, and are on pace to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The addition of Fleury gives the Wild a huge boost ahead of their playoff run, as he boasts plenty of playoff experience, and is a 3-time Stanley Cup winner as well.
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