Still seeking center, Wild take pass on Allison, Yashin

While the Minnesota Wild are still interested in upgrading at the center position, Michael Russo of the Minnesota Star Tribune reports that the club has no interest in signing unrestricted free agents Jason Allison or Alexei Yashin to fill the void.

Wild GM Doug Risebrough has made it known in the media as saying he would love to acquire a top-line pivot, neither Allison nor Yashin are expected to suit up for the Wild any time soon.

Risebrough hasn’t even “contemplated contacting” the 32-year-old Allison, “who is attempting a comeback after not playing last season.”

And although Wild Assistant GM Tom Lynn admitted the club made an inquiry about Yashin sometime in June, conversations ended quickly when they were told the Russian forward was asking for $4 million a year.

So, the search goes on.

However, the lack of available quality centers, Risebrough feels as though his chance to bring in a pivot via trade or free agency may have past him by.

“I think [we] do, but I’m a realist too. You get the best chance to make an external move in the summer.”