Grading Bill Guerin’s Wild Offseason: A B- So Far

Bill Guerin’s offseason moves have helped Minnesota withstand injuries, but the Wild’s strong start doesn’t mean every addition has delivered. Maksim Shabanov is the standout, while Blake Coleman has been useful at a notable trade cost. Several others remain unproven or underwhelming, leaving the group with an overall B- as injured regulars prepare to return.

• Minnesota is 12-3-4 with 28 points and an eight-game point streak (6-0-2).
• Shabanov has 8 goals and 13 points in 18 games on a one-year, $1.6 million deal.
• Coleman has 5 goals and 8 points in 19 games; Minnesota retained a $2.45 million cap hit for him and gave up 3 draft picks.
• McCarron has 8 points and 53 hits in 18 games; his extension runs 6 years at $3.33 million annually.
• Hunt played 11 games for Minnesota before Nashville claimed him off waivers.

The depth additions have helped cover for injuries, but the team’s record may overstate their impact. Shabanov’s early production has leaned on the power play, Coleman cost a second-round pick among other assets, and McCarron’s six-year commitment carries long-term risk. Other players have offered limited production, while Foligno and Pickard have seen too little action for a firm assessment.

• Shabanov is the clearest success; Coleman and Määttä have provided useful minutes.
• Brink, Bogosian and McCarron still have questions to answer, while Hunt’s stint ended quickly.
• Faber, Spurgeon and Gustavsson are traveling with the team as Minnesota manages its injured roster.

As injured regulars return, the depth players are likely to lose ice time. That shift should reveal which offseason additions can hold meaningful roles—and whether the group’s contributions extend beyond simply filling in.

Guerin’s low-key approach has kept Minnesota competitive through injuries, but one breakout signing does not make the whole class a win. The real measure will be whether these additions remain valuable once the Wild’s core is healthy.