League: NHL Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Wild trade Jake Middleton to Flames, Mats Zuccarello signs with Kings

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 4, 2026, 5:13 PM

Last updated Jul 4, 2026

Hockey

Summary

The Minnesota Wild have traded defenseman Jake Middleton to the Calgary Flames, parting with three draft picks. General manager Bill Guerin acknowledged the trade was difficult due to Middleton's influence on and off the ice. This move follows the free-agent signing of forward Mats Zuccarello with the Los Angeles Kings, further impacting the team’s locker-room dynamics. Both players were noted for their strong personalities, leaving the Wild to address these gaps as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Minnesota trades Jake Middleton to Calgary alongside three draft picks.
•Mats Zuccarello signs with Los Angeles, leaving a leadership void.
•Bill Guerin cites the need to get younger and faster in the lineup.
•Middleton was known for his physical play, while Zuccarello was a team leader.
•Both moves highlight a significant shift in the Wild's roster strategy.

Latest Updates

5:13 PMYahoo Sports — Net loss of personality for Wild with Middleton and Zuccarello gone

What they're saying

"
Even though he was a beloved member of their blue line for the past four-plus seasons, very few Minnesota Wild fans likely owned Jake Middleton T-shirts. It would not have made any sense, for a shutdown shot blocker known for doing postgame interviews with his bare chest and myriad tattoos on full display. When the Wild traded the 30-year-old to Calgary on Thursday, the team’s general manager ...
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Calgary Flames Minnesota Wild NHL Hockey