The Freddy Gaudreau chapter has closed in Minnesota. Four years ago, he joined as an AHL/NHL fringe player but quickly carved out a permanent role with the Wild. Versatile enough to play wing or center, penalty kill or power play, and across all four lines, Gaudreau’s skillful hands, skating, and adaptability made him a constant presence on the ice. In 2024-25, he rebounded impressively, scoring 18 goals and 37 points in all 82 games, regaining coach John Hynes’ confidence after a tough previous season. Yet, in the unpredictable world of hockey, strong play can make you a trade target. On Thursday, the Wild traded Gaudreau to the Seattle Kraken for a fourth-round pick.
The trade of Freddy Gaudreau to the Seattle Kraken for a fourth-round pick is a minor move on its own, given his bottom-six role and the low 17% chance of the pick becoming an NHL regular. However, its significance lies in the flexibility it creates for the Minnesota Wild.
Gaudreau’s $2.1 million AAV, a small 2.2% of next year’s salary cap, boosts the Wild’s cap space from $15.6 million to $17.7 million—a 12% increase. This opens doors to pursue top free agents like Nikolaj Ehlers ($8.89M AAV projected) or Brock Boeser ($8.15M AAV), while leaving room to re-sign RFAs like Marco Rossi and Declan Chisholm, maintaining in-season cap flexibility.
Alternatively, the Wild could target a center upgrade, with reported interest in Jean-Gabriel Pageau or Charlie Coyle, each costing about $3 million more than Gaudreau. These players offer longer-term stability at center compared to Gaudreau, whose three remaining contract years locked in a roster spot. Clearing that space is key with prospects like Danila Yurov and Liam Öhgren arriving next year, alongside others like Charlie Stramel, Ryder Ritchie, and Riley Heidt potentially vying for middle-six roles by 2026-28. While not all will pan out, creating room for one or two is strategic in a crowded forward group.
Swapping Gaudreau for a proven third-line center like Pageau or Coyle could also ease the transition for Yurov, a 21-year-old KHL standout with NHL center potential but no guaranteed success as a rookie. Gaudreau’s lackluster playoff performance against Vegas last year highlighted his limitations as a third-line center for a contender, whereas Pageau or Coyle bring established credibility, allowing Yurov to develop as a wing if needed.
Freddy Gaudreau’s time with the Minnesota Wild was a remarkable success story. Unlike many players—Vinni Lettieri, Jake Lucchini, Joseph Cramarossa, Nic Petan, Kyle Rau, Luke Johnson, and Gerry Mayhew—who grinded in the minors, got NHL chances, but couldn’t secure lasting roles, Gaudreau broke through. He didn’t just get a brief NHL stint; he seized his opportunity, earning a permanent spot and building toward a 500-game career. His skill and versatility made “Phone Booth Freddy” valuable enough for the Seattle Kraken to want him for the next three years—a testament to his impact.
For Wild fans, this trade bittersweetly closes Gaudreau’s chapter while giving GM Bill Guerin more room to maneuver this summer. The trade’s success hinges on what comes next, but Gaudreau’s legacy as the one who made it stick endures.
Source: HockeyWilderness
Leave a Reply