Minnesota Wild Signs Forward Michael McCarron to Six-Year Contract Minnesota Wild President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin announced on Thursday that the team has signed forward Michael McCarron to a six-year, $20 million contract. The deal, which begins with the 2026-27 season and extends through the 2031-32 season, carries an average annual value of $3.33 million. McCarron, 31, joins the Wild after being acquired from the Nashville Predators on March 3, 2026, and will bring his experience and physicality to the team’s forward lines. McCarron’s performance with the Wild this season has been notable, as he skated in 20 regular-season games, recording five points (three goals, two assists), 20 penalty minutes, 23 shots on goal, 40 hits, and a face-off win percentage of 51.4 percent. His contributions during the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs were equally impactful, as he played in all 11 games, tallying four points (two goals, two assists), 14 shots on goal, 27 hits, and leading the team with 14 blocked shots. He also ranked second on the team with a 54.5 percent face-off win rate (90-of-165). The 6-foot-6, 232-pound forward’s season with the Predators and Wild was marked by consistency and durability. In 79 games for both teams, McCarron recorded 17 points (eight goals, nine assists), 93 penalty minutes, and set career highs with 109 shots on goal, 205 hits, 77 blocked shots, and 14:02 of ice time per game. His face-off success rate of 52.5 percent (522-of-994) further highlights his role as a key player in the team’s defensive structure. McCarron’s NHL career has spanned nine seasons, with stops in Montreal, Nashville, and Minnesota. Across 381 games, he has accumulated 79 points (36 goals, 43 assists), 515 penalty minutes, 463 shots on goal, and 884 hits.#nashville_predators #minnesota_wild #bill_guerin #michael_mccarron #2026_stanley_cup_playoffs
Blackhawks Send Nick Foligno to Play With Brother on Wild The Minnesota Wild have acquired Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno in a trade that allows him to reunite with his brother, Marcus, on the team. The deal, which involves future considerations, is seen as a gesture from the Blackhawks to support Foligno’s pursuit of a Stanley Cup. The Blackhawks have already used their three retention spots, so the trade includes no retention clause. Foligno, 38, is entering the final year of his two-year contract with the Blackhawks, which pays him $4.5 million annually. The move places the Wild near the salary cap, as they have already acquired forward Bobby Brink and defenseman Michael McCarron earlier in the week. According to PuckPedia, Minnesota has $5.25 million in available cap space after taking on Foligno’s full salary. The Wild also sent center Vinnie Hinostroza to the Florida Panthers in exchange for future considerations. Foligno had previously hinted at a potential trade during a media session with the Blackhawks. “It’s tough,” he said, reflecting on his situation. “I’ve made it clear how much I care about this group. You feel weird when you have those hard conversations, but it’s the reality of where we’re sitting. There’s always a personal thing you go through too. You still want to compete, battle and win. So that’s the fight that you have.” Foligno emphasized his commitment to the Blackhawks, stating, “I believe in this group so much. It’s been an absolute honor to be the captain here. I’m still fully committed to that until I’m told otherwise. But there’s a competitor inside of you too, that wants to play meaningful games.” Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill confirmed the trade, expressing support for Foligno’s decision. “Obviously, one, I’m happy for him,” Blashill said.#minnesota_wild #nick_foligno #chicago_blackhawks #michael_mccarron #bobby_brink
