Wild Lock Up Michael McCarron for 6 More Years

The Minnesota Wild once again made news as they announced on Tuesday morning, June 9, that they had re-signed Michael McCarron to a six-year deal worth $20 million or $3.3 annually. The news comes right after being listed as a possible spot for Dylan Larkin, who requested a trade out of Detroit, and the announcement that Marcus Johansson was going back to Sweden to play. 

At the end-of-season interviews for the Wild, general manager Bill Guerin, head coach John Hynes, and McCarron himself all talked about wanting to find a way to bring him back. The Wild did just that and pretty quickly, too, which shows how much both parties wanted him to stay. In this article, we’ll look at how McCarron did last season, what he brings to the table, and how the Wild have a strong future. 

Wild Impressed by McCarron

I’ll be the first to admit that when the Wild announced they had traded a 2nd round pick in the 2028 NHL Entry Draft to bring in Michael McCarron at the trade deadline this season, I wasn’t exactly thrilled, mainly because bringing in players for size in the past hadn’t worked out the greatest for the Wild. However, McCarron stood out in his first game as he scored a goal, with his size being the main advantage, as he reached over a player to tip a shot in. 

While that was impressive in his first game for his new team after being traded, it was even more impactful seeing how well he could skate for his size and handle the puck in both practices and games. He worked hard through the regular season and earned himself a permanent spot between the third and fourth lines. He fit well with pretty much everyone he played with. He also did well on the penalty kill, which is something the Wild needed. 

“Yeah, I just think the group, I talked about the group a lot. I think when I came in, they embraced me, welcomed me with open arms, and put me right on their ship, so to say that was sailing, yeah, it was a good fit right away. I think from the coaches to the GM who believed in me to get me here, Billy (Guerin), and obviously gave up a high pick to get me. Sometimes that comes with a lot of baggage; they expect a lot out of you, and my teammates, coaching staff were able to help me along the way, there so everything was just a great fit for me. The wives were awesome too, to my wife Olivia, just everything from top to bottom was right up there with the top of the league…,” said McCarron to the media over Zoom following his signing when asked about what made Minnesota a good fit. 

Wild’s McCarron Brings More Than Just Size

McCarron was brought to the Wild mainly because of his 6-foot-6, 232-pound frame, but everyone has found out he brings more than just size. Of course, his physicality is the priority in his game, and he’s more than fulfilled that side of his game and likely always will. However, the more comfortable McCarron got in the lineup, the more details of his game showed that most would overlook. 

He has speed for his size, and he can handle the puck, which was already discussed above, but the side of his game that surprised many was his ability on the penalty kill. Of course, he was brought in to help in the faceoff circle, but his skills while shorthanded were something the Wild needed as well and will need in the future. Plus, his ability to play with almost anyone was a plus, and head coach John Hynes discussed that in their end-of-season interviews. 

“…the thing that we liked a lot about Mac (McCarron), was he played with a lot of different guys, but his game never changed. You know when he played later with Boldy and Jojo (Johansson), he was the same guy when he was playing if he was with the two Foligno’s. And that’s the value that he brought. He was just a very consistent player, playing to his strengths, regardless of the circumstances,” said head coach John Hynes to the media during their end-of-season interviews. 

Wild Have Promise 

The Wild have been taking big steps in the right direction, especially since the addition of Quinn Hughes, but their trade deadline was strong too, with bringing in McCarron. They knew they needed more size in the postseason, and he filled that role well. He also found a way to step up his game and be more effective. 

He does have a few things in his game he needs to adjust, but every player has something they need to get better at. While his physicality is good, sometimes it can go a little too far after the play, and it’s something he needs to adjust. Regardless, the Wild made sure they’ll have McCarron around for quite some time and make use of his whole game and not just his size. 

“Yeah, that’s the thing too, I think moving forward, this team is in a great spot, it’s in a great window to compete for the Stanley Cup, I don’t know about you guys but watching hockey right now is kinda killing me wishing we were there and what could’ve been but I think we’re in a great window right now and that’s why I did want to stay as every elite athlete would say winning the championship is probably their number one priority and what they want to get out of their professional career and I think with the Minnesota Wild it gives me and my teammates a great opportunity to go chase that thing…” said McCarron in his Zoom call after his signing when asked about the future of the team.

The Wild made sure they have size for the future, and while some may be questioning the decision to keep McCarron around, he proved to be quite valuable. It’ll be interesting to see what other moves the Wild make this offseason, and hopefully, they continue to be strong and make the team better.