Recent buzz has the Wild in the middle of the Peter Forsberg sweepstakes. The 34 year old center has been mulling a return to the NHL and for a long while it appeared as though the Philadelphia Flyers were the heavy favorites to land Forsberg, but with the Wild now in the picture it is possible that the tables have turned. Both teams would welcome a talent like his as they make their respective playoff pushes, but with Simon Gagne sidelined for the remainder of the season, the allure of Philly may not be what it was earlier for the Swedish pivot. A decision is expected within the next week.
Forsberg's achilles heal has always been his proclivity for injury, but even when he's at 50% he is better than most in the league and would be a fantastic addition to center a line with Marian Gaborik and Pavol Demitra on the wing. While the Wild look at options up front, they still have weaknesses on the blue-line that need to be shored up if they are going to make any sort of playoff run. Buffalo's Brian Campbell and Tampa Bay's Dan Boyle are both available via trade athough the cost to acquire both of them may be too high and the Wild have been hesitant to deal prospects in the past, especially when they are acquiring a player who could be a 2-month rental. In any event, it should be a busy trade deadline in the NHL and the Wild could be fairly active.
Update: 2/18-Forsberg officially announced he is not returning this year due to chronic ankle and foot injuries. Disappointing that he is no longer an option, but also a plus that he did not sign with Vancouver or Colorado.
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