MN Wild Deal for More Forward Depth

This offseason is an important one for the Minnesota Wild. Not only are they able to make Kirill Kaprizov the highest paid player in the league, but they finally have room to operate with regards to the salary cap.

Bill Guerin turned Thursday into a busy day when he moved Freddy Gaudreau in a salary dump that was just one of two moves on the day. The MN Wild general manager also acquired some forward depth in the form of Cameron Butler.

Cameron Butler lands with Minnesota Wild in trade

Last season forward Brendan Gaunce played in just 12 games for the Minnesota Wild. Geurin found him expendable and sent the 30-year-old to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Cameron Butler.

The #CBJ acquire Brendan Gaunce from #MNWild for Cameron Butler.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 26, 2025

Butler didn’t play in the NHL last season after making a one-game cameo for Columbus in 2023-24. He is now 23 years old and gives the MN Wild some addition depth with added youth.

Last season with the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL, Butler played in 37 games. He had two goals and one assist while generating a -5 plus-minus. He also had 74 penalty minutes.

Prior to his time in the AHL, Butler played in 257 games across four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League. He has 74 goals and 80 assists to account for a total 154 points. Of his 74 goals, 23 came on the power play.

Related: Minnesota Wild Trade Away Forward in Salary Dump Move

Minnesota is still looking for center help, and Butler won’t represent that. He does give head coach John Hynes some additional linemaking options, and it’s possible that he’ll see more run with the Wild than Gaunce did.

Butler signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Columbus back in 2023.