Wild Acquire Michael McCarron from Predators in Trade

The Minnesota Wild have added size and physicality to their forward group, acquiring veteran center Michael McCarron from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 2028 second-round draft pick, the teams announced Tuesday. The Predators announced McCarron would not play against Columbus Tuesday night for roster management purposes.

A Physical Presence for Minnesota

McCarron, 30, brings a significant physical presence to the Wild lineup at 6’6” and 232 pounds. He has recorded 74 career points (33-41=74) in 361 NHL games with the Montreal Canadiens and Nashville Predators. This season, he has 12 points (5-7=12) in 59 games for Nashville, leading the Predators and ranking tied for 17th in the NHL with a career-high 165 hits.

The Wild also inherit McCarron’s reasonable $900,000 cap hit, which expires at the end of the current season.

Predators Receive Future Asset

For the Predators, the trade yields a 2028 second-round draft pick. Although parting with McCarron removes a fan favorite and a key penalty killer, GM Barry Trotz gains a valuable asset in the draft. A steep price to pay, Minnesota has again supplemented their bottom six, having claimed Robby Fabbri off waivers from St. Louis yesterday.

Familiar Territory for McCarron

Wild head coach John Hynes previously coached McCarron in Nashville. The two have a pre-existing relationship that could facilitate a quick integration into the Wild’s system. Hynes coached McCarron for parts of three seasons in Nashville.

Minnesota has struggled with defensive zone face-offs, and McCarron offers more of a indicate streak than Nico Sturm. He has reached the 100 penalty minute mark in each of the last two seasons, and currently at 73, it’s not impossible he could keep the streak going especially while motivated to endear himself to the Wild faithful.

Wild Continue to Bolster Playoff Push

The acquisition of McCarron, following the claim of Robby Fabbri, signals the Wild’s intent to strengthen their roster for a playoff run. Minnesota hasn’t advanced past the first round of the playoffs since 2015. GM Bill Guerin has been aggressive in pursuing upgrades, previously acquiring defenseman Quinn Hughes in December.

Minnesota Wild President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin: Faceoffs are one element of his game that we really like. Hynsie’s had him before, so there’s some comfort there with the coach and the player, which I think is fine. A bigger body, heavier guy. But he gets around the ice. He’s a good penalty killer, and he’s incredibly competitive, which is attractive. So there are a lot of elements to his game that we like.

What This Means for Nashville

The Predators now turn to Tyson Jost to fill the role vacated by McCarron. Nashville will likely seek another physical, face-off specialist in free agency this summer.

FAQ

• What did the Wild give up for McCarron? A 2028 second-round draft pick.
• What position does McCarron play? Center.
• What is McCarron’s current cap hit? $900,000.

McCarron could make his Wild debut as soon as Friday when the team travels to Vegas.