After Hughes trade, Wild may still have big move coming

State of play: Even with Hughes, Matt Boldy and Kirill Kaprizov, Minnesota would still be underdogs against likely first-round playoff opponents Dallas or Colorado.

Who we're watching: The Wild's most glaring need is at center, which makes the New York Rangers' gritty two-way forward Vincent Trocheck a logical target.

• Speculation has also surrounded St. Louis' Robert Thomas, though this in-division move would be somewhat less likely.

Friction point: Either trade would likely cost the Wild a significant asset, including possibly the franchise's young "goalie of the future" Jesper Wallstedt, The Athletic has reported.

• "The Wall of St. Paul" looks increasingly tradeable. Filip Gustavsson is locked in through 2031 and minor-leaguer Samuel Hlavaj made a strong case for an NHL goaltending job with his Olympic performance for Slovakia.

The intrigue: There's a chance the Wild already have a deal basically done. General manager Bill Guerin is also Team USA's GM, and he spent the games in Milan with other NHL execs.

• Among the players Guerin picked — controversially — for the U.S. roster: Trocheck.

What's next: The Wild schedule resumes Thursday in Colorado.