Bill Guerin was wrist deep in a bowl of meatballs when he completed one of the biggest trades in Minnesota Wild history.

Hughes, who was tied with Miro Heiskanen of the Dallas Stars for the defenseman lead in power-play points (12) and tied for 11th at the position in points (23 in 26 games) this season prior to the trade, has had three seasons of 30-plus power-play points, including a career-high 38 in 2023-24.

Bill Guerin was wrist deep in a bowl of meatballs when he completed one of the biggest trades in Wild history.

In one of the biggest trades in NHL history, Minnesota acquired the Norris Trophy-winning star captain from Vancouver.

Last season Jiricek suffered a spleen injury that ended his season early. The MN Wild envisioned a scenario in which they improved upon Jiricek’s skating and got him to a place where he could be a top contributor on the ice.

This season has been chaos and brilliance, but the quietest twist might be the most telling: the Art Ross race has tilted almost entirely westward, with 14 of the top 15 scorers coming from one conference.

Joel Eriksson Ek scored with 23.1 seconds remaining to lift the Minnesota Wild to a 3-2 win over the Ottawa Senators.