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The Wild have options in search for forward depth

2012 NHL Entry Draft - Rounds 2-7

2012 NHL Entry Draft - Rounds 2-7

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Chuck Fletcher does not disagree with the notion that his Minnesota Wild could stand to improve their forward depth ahead of next week’s trade deadline.

“I think that’s fair,” the GM told the Star-Tribune. “I think we’ve got more unproven depth up front than we do on defense. ... That’s why you’re always talking to see if somebody you can get can fit in and contribute and upgrade your depth. If you can do that, I think you need to do that.”

It is no surprise, then, to hear that the Wild have interest in Vancouver winger Jannik Hansen. It is not known if Minnesota is on Hansen’s eight-team trade list, but adding the speedy and versatile forward would allow Charlie Coyle to move from right wing to center, which in turn would push Erik Haula down to center the fourth line, while pushing the struggling Tyler Graovac out of the lineup entirely.

If not Hansen, the Wild could look at adding Patrick Eaves from Dallas or Radim Vrbata from Arizona. Both Eaves and Vrbata are pending UFAs. Hansen is signed through next season for a cap hit of $2.5 million.