Proposed Blockbuster Trade Between Blues and Wild Sparks Fierce Debate

It’s unclear how much validity there is to the pitch, but the Minnesota Wild may be exploring one of the boldest trade ideas to surface this season — and judging by the reaction online, it’s anything but unanimous, and for some, it’s hitting every nerve imaginable.

---

According to chatter making the rounds, Minnesota would be willing to move prized rookie goaltender Jesper Wallstedt, along with a first-round pick and veteran forward Ryan Hartman, in exchange for St. Louis Blues star center Robert Thomas. On paper, it’s a blockbuster.

Wild fans are sharply divided. Some see Thomas as the kind of high-end, play-driving center Minnesota has long lacked. Slotting him in the top six with Kirill Kaprizov, Mats Zuccarello, Matt Boldy, Joel Eriksson Ek, and Marcus Johansson would give the Wild one of the league’s most dangerous top two lines. It’s the type of aggressive swing that could push the Wild into Stanley Cup contender status, and frankly, they are already close.

Others, though, aren’t buying it. Many Wild fans balked at the idea of giving up Wallstedt, still viewed by large portions of the fanbase as the franchise goalie of the future. Add in Hartman — a playoff favorite and emotional leader — plus a first-round pick, and the reaction from some quickly turned hostile. Words like “overpay,” “joke,” and “awful trade” flooded social media, with some fans insisting Minnesota would be gutting its core for a player they view as very good, but not elite.

Would the Blues Automatically Win This Trade?

Not every Blues fan thought this was an automatic win, either. Several pushed back on the idea that this package would even be enough. They argued that Thomas is St. Louis’ best center, under contract, and a foundational piece. Getting rid of him is not something some fans are keen to do, no matter the return. But when you argue that the Blues would be swapping him for a rookie goalie, a middle-six forward, and a late first-rounder, it didn’t move the needle. Some then mentioned that the Blues already have Jordan Binnington and Joel Hofer, and this trade creates problems in goal.

This is all assuming Hartman is willing to waive his modified no-trade clause.

Whether this proposal has real traction or is just offseason noise, one thing is clear: the mere idea of trading Wallstedt for Thomas has created a reaction. Who do you think wins this trade?

Next: Insider Says Oilers Trying to Survive in Spite of Core Defenseman