MINNEAPOLIS — There's about a month to go before the NHL trade deadline, plenty of time for this recalibrated Wild team to make a move that improves their odds of winning a playoff series, or two, or four.
The Wild have reached the All-Star break with 58 points, 14 behind the pace of their club-record 113 points last season. Their offense has taken a hit, mostly because they miss Kevin Fiala (traded to Los Angeles in June). But some observers, including this one, think they might be built better for the postseason, when the ice shrinks under the playoff spotlight, than a year ago.
They are bigger and better defensively. And they should consider doubling down on their strength in the next month.
