I think one of Auston Matthews or Connor McDavid will be on the Minnesota Wild within the next three years. That’s my hot take,” said NHL and ESPN analyst Erik Johnson while on the Pat McAfee Show. He added, “I think they’re going to find a way.”

When he dug into why he believes this to be the case, he explained that the Wild badly need a center. “That’s Minnesota’s clear Achilles heel. They need a number one center, I think Bill Guerin finds a way to get a Matthews or McDavid in Minnesota to push them over the edge, I really do. That’s my one that’s my one hot take for the day.”

Johnson was asked about how active Guerin will be, given his recent comments that everyone is potential trade bait and no one is untouchable. Johnson said he’s been in both situations where he thought he was safe from being traded and was dealt. He’s also been thinking he’d be traded and was then safe. “Both are really uncomfortable positions.”

The difference when it comes to McDavid or Matthews is that they both have total control over where they go. That means either would need to agree to a trade or they would join the Wild in free agency.

Johnson is just spit-balling and there’s been no chatter of either player being dangled or the Wild touching base with Edmonton or Toronto. However, if this were a reality this summer or over the next few months, much of that will hinge on the Wild getting defenseman Quinn Hughes signed.

Next: Is Mike Babcock Really an Option for the Edmonton Oilers?