Yakov Trenin has signed a four-year contract with the Minnesota Wild. The 27-year old forward has 48 goals in 299 NHL games. Furthermore, the deal is worth $3.5 million per year.
The #MNWild are expected to sign 27 y/o UFA C Yakov Trenin to 4 year $3.5M Cap Hit Deal
17P in 76 GP
Rep'd by Todd Reynolds @RazeHockey https://t.co/OBGbMdQwkI
— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) July 1, 2024
Yakov Trenin Signs Four-Year Contract With Wild
Trenin was drafted by the Nashville Predators in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Trenin participated in development camp the following summer. Notably, Trenin chose to attend development camp over returning overseas to play. Trenin’s commitment and skills impressed many in the camp.
Early Years In Nashville Showcased Trenin’s Potential
Trenin made his NHL debut in the 2019-20 season. He played in just 21 games, scoring two goals. However, Trenin remained on the Predator’s radar heading into the 2020-21 season. Trenin scored 5 goals in 45 games. The following season, Trenin had a breakout season. In 80 games, Trenin scored 17 goals and registered 46 points. In six Stanley Cup Playoff games, Trenin scored two goals in six games. Trenin put up 24 points again the following season.
Trade to Colorado
In March 2024, Trenin was traded to the Colorado Avalanche. The Avalanche made the trade in an attempt to bolster their roster for a Stanley Cup run. Trenin registered three points in 16 games with the Avalanche to finish the regular season. In ten playoff games, Trenin registered just one point, a goal.
Trenin’s Potential Makes Him A Low Risk, High Reward Signing
This signing is a great one by the Wild General Manager Bill Guerin. Trenin has shown he can put up numbers on offence. At worst, Trenin will be a bottom-six forward for Minnesota. At best, he will emerge as a top-six player, which will move the needle for the club.
Should Trenin emerge as said player, but the Wild find themselves outside of playoff contention, they could trade Trenin at the trade deadline and take advantage of his breakout year. In the same way Ivan Barbashev found another level with the St. Louis Blues and was traded, the same could happen with Trenin. In short, the sky is the limit for Trenin, Guerin, and the entire Minnesota Wild organization.
Main photo credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
