Wild Could Send Maple Leafs In Downward Spiral

Image courtesy of © Matt Krohn-Imagn Images By Thomas Williams - 48 minutes ago The Minnesota Wild have a unique opportunity that you don't see as often as you would like, for entertainment purposes. They are out in Ontario visiting the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night and have a chance to truly send that entire team and fanbase into a downward spiral. They keep on losing, have no future first-round picks except the one that belonged to Colorado, and Auston Matthews might have one foot out the door if they keep on having poor results. Something drastic doesn't happen because of the Wild winning in this game, potentially. But it could certainly be the first domino in what would end up being a Matthews trade before the end of the season, and the complete unraveling of that franchise. Maybe we're overhyping a Thursday game in November, but it's Toronto. That's Wild Bobby Brink is who he is. He's not some idea of the Minnesotan Cole Caufield who can also forecheck. Wild fans should appreciate him for what he does well, not for what people expect him to be. [Hockey Wilderness] There are vague reports that Matvei Michkov might want out of Philadelphia. There might not be a move for the Wild, but it could result in Dylan Larkin finally coming to St. Paul. [Hockey Wilderness] Quinn Hughes says he's playing the best hockey of his career. How convenient to say that when he needs a new contract for next season. [The Athletic] Off the trail... The Chicago Blackhawks are a disaster and with that, their GM continues to want to improve their NHL roster. They're done rebuilding and want solutions now. [Daily Faceoff] Zayne Parekh certainly looks like he's the real deal. [Sportsnet] By Thomas Williams Think you could write a story like this? Hockey Wilderness wants you to develop your voice, find an audience, and we'll pay you to do it. Just fill out this form .