By Kalisha Turnipseed -
The Minnesota Wild’s signing of Yakov Trenin has the potential to be significant for several reasons. His playing style meshes with the team's desire to become more physical and energetic, particularly in their bottom six. Trenin plays with an edge and fits the bill as a player who can contribute defensively and offensively, which is critical for a team looking to improve its identity and competitiveness.
Minnesota needs to play a high-energy, high-forechecking game and fight for second and third chances for 60 minutes. Guerin wants the team to play with that kind of grit. Trenin can provide that because he isn’t suited for a flashy, puck-carrying style. Trenin can play a high-tempo game but won't facilitate it.
Trenin's defensive capabilities could be a game-changer for the Wild’s struggling penalty kill. He will play a crucial role if he can help in this area because special teams often play a significant role in a team's overall success. His experience and performance against the Wild, including scoring a goal in a 6-1 blowout against the Wild this past February in a playoff battle, also shows that he can step up in critical games.
Guerin knows this team lacks the offensive skill to win by a large margin and play high-scoring games. So, it's up to them to play with discipline and for their goalies. Trenin wants the Wild to be back to playing their identity and go on a run. Trenin won't make a difference offensively, but he will help the Wild’s producers play with more intensity.
Furthermore, Guerin signed Trenin because he’s physically imposing. While the Wild are still managing the cap complications from their previous contracts, they want to build a more cohesive and competitive team that can eventually contend for the Cup. Trenin's four-year deal, which will take him through what is likely to be his prime years, indicates that the team is investing in players who can contribute to their long-term goals.
However, signing Trenin also raises questions about the Wild's cap situation. With significant commitments already in place and the need to re-sign critical players like Kirill Kaprizov in the coming years, Guerin must navigate these challenges carefully to maintain flexibility. The concern is that while Trenin can help the team now, the financial implications may limit future moves if the Wild don’t manage them wisely.
Trenin will help spark Ryan Hartman and Marcus Foligno, who the Wild are expected to play on their third line. Hartman made it clear that the Wild are no longer the hard-nosed team opponents don’t like playing against. Foligno is a physical shutdown winger at his highest value, and the Wild will need to figure out a way to keep him healthy by limiting his minutes.
What if the Wild play Liam Ohgren in Foligno’s spot on some nights? Trenin and Hartman can help mentor Ohgren to be an effective power forward with more scoring potential than the other two. Ohgren and Foligno can be involved in a rotation to avoid rushing Ohgren into a high role.
Can Trenin help Hartman play with more discipline? In 299 career games, Trenin only has 164 penalty minutes compared to Hartman’s 577 minutes in 580 games played. Hartman’s a better player when he's not going to the penalty box. The Wild will need Hartman to produce in a depth role. He has the makeup to be in a shutdown role where he can agitate. Hartman will enjoy playing with Trenin.
Can Trenin help someone like Marcus Johansson play with more of an edge? Johansson is ineffective when he plays a passive game. His speed keeps him in the top-six, and it looks like Guerin is putting faith in him to rebound and produce. Johansson will need ice time with Trenin to stay consistent for the whole season.
What kind of spark will Trenin provide for Kaprizov’s production? Apparently, Kaprizov is pumped that Trenin will be on the team for the next four years. Kaprizov will need to take another offensive leap for people to take the Wild more seriously as a playoff contender. Minnesota will likely keep Kaprizov with Joel Eriksson Ek and Matt Boldy as they should. However, the Wild may play Trenin with Kaprizov, so Hynes has more line flexibility.
Can Trenin provide Marco Rossi, Marat Khusnutdinov, and Ohgren another valuable spark? Guerin wants the team to be grittier, and The Athletic’s Michael Russo reported that Rossi is sturdier and stronger. While Rossi’s under six feet tall, he will play with the heart of a 6-foot-3 center. Trenin can be another valuable mentor for Rossi.
Trenin's presence could help bolster the Wild's depth and contribute to a more aggressive playing style. However, how this fits into the larger financial picture will be crucial to monitor as the season progresses. Trenin's relationship with Kaprizov and the potential for on-ice chemistry could also be beneficial, adding more curiosity to how the Wild's roster develops.
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