The chips are in the middle of the table. After Bill Guerin stunned the hockey world by landing Quinn Hughes and shipping out Marco Rossi, there is no turning back. The Minnesota Wild are in “win-now” mode. But let’s be honest: the roster isn’t finished yet.
We all know the dream scenario involves bringing Alex Tuch home from Buffalo. It’s the story everyone wants. But dreams are expensive, and after emptying the cupboard for Hughes, the price for Tuch—likely a first-rounder and a top prospect like Danila Yurov—might be a bridge too far.
That is exactly why the latest rumors linking the Wild to Seattle Kraken captain Jordan Eberle shouldn’t just be viewed as a backup plan; they should be viewed as the smart plan. While fans clamor for the power forward in Buffalo, Guerin is quietly eyeing a veteran stabilizer in Seattle who knows exactly how to handle the pressure of a playoff run.
The Cost of Business: Tuch vs. Eberle
From an asset management perspective, this is where the conversation gets interesting. Alex Tuch is a unicorn—a massive power forward with soft hands. But the Buffalo Sabres aren’t just going to give him away, especially if they are within sniffing distance of a wildcard spot. The “Tuch Tax” is real, and it’s steep.
Enter Jordan Eberle.
The Kraken are firmly in seller mode. GM Jason Botterill has already moved Mason Marchment, signaling a teardown. Eberle is 35, a pending UFA in 2026, and holds a full No-Trade Clause. That NTC is actually good news for Minnesota. Eberle wants a Cup. The Wild, featuring Kirill Kaprizov and a revamped blue line with Hughes, offers him that chance.
If Guerin can acquire Eberle for a second-round pick and a B-level prospect, he preserves the few future assets the franchise has left while still addressing the glaring need for a top-six right shot.
The “Clutch” Factor
I’ve watched Eberle since his World Junior heroics. The man doesn’t panic. His game has aged gracefully because it was never reliant on burning speed; it’s built on elite hockey IQ and the ability to find soft ice in high-traffic areas.
Imagine Eberle on a line with Matt Boldy. Boldy does the heavy lifting and transition work, while Eberle finds the pockets to finish. It’s a classic veteran/youngster dynamic that screams playoff success. While Tuch brings the noise and the physical presence, Eberle brings the poise. When the game slows down in May, you want the guy who doesn’t grip his stick too tight.
The Wild have the star power. They have the defense. Now they need the finisher who doesn’t break the bank. If Buffalo decides to play hardball, don’t be disappointed if the Wild pivot to Seattle. In fact, you should probably hope they do.
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