Minnesota bolsters their prospect pool by aggressive maneuvering, securing a physical 6-foot-4 presence from the WHL to add size and grit to their future offensive core.
The Minnesota Wild didn't make any headlines during the opening night of the 2026 NHL Draft. Without a first-round pick the Wild did not make a pick or any type of trade.
But day two has now seen two trades for the Wild.
Minnesota traded up from 89 to 83 and added pick 153 to the trade and selected Adam Andersson.
They have now traded up again. The Wild sent picks 121 and 185 to the Columbus Blue Jackets for pick 112. With the pick, the Wild took forward Kayden Lemire.
Lemire is a 6-foot-4 forward at 195-pounds. He had nine goals and 20 assists in 68 games for Prince George of the WHL. He is a physical forward who hunts pucks and plays a hard-nosed style of play.
Minnesota has one more picks in the draft.
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