Wild Seek to Bolster Prospect Pool by Signing Free Agent Cruz Lucius

Undrafted forward Cruz Lucius could provide scoring depth for Minnesota as they look to extend their contending window

Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:07pm

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The Minnesota Wild have depleted their once-vaunted prospect pool in recent years, graduating top talents like Danila Yurov and Jesper Wallstedt to the NHL while also trading away other prospects. With no first or second-round picks in the 2026 draft, the Wild may need to get creative to rebuild their prospect depth, and signing undrafted free agent Cruz Lucius could be one avenue to do so. Lucius, a 22-year-old forward, had a breakout senior season at Arizona State and is looking to sign with an NHL team that can provide him a fast track to the league. The Wild have several aging wingers set to hit free agency, potentially opening up a roster spot for Lucius to compete for next season.

Why it matters

The Wild's prospect pool has declined in recent years as they've graduated top talents to the NHL and traded away other prospects. With limited draft capital in the upcoming draft, signing an undrafted free agent like Cruz Lucius could help the Wild restock their prospect depth and extend their contending window, especially as they look to lock up core players like Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy long-term.

The details

After struggling as a junior at Arizona State, Cruz Lucius bounced back with a strong senior campaign, leading the Sun Devils with 15 goals and 43 points. Lucius, who turns 22 on Sunday, has announced his intention not to sign with the Pittsburgh Penguins, who drafted him in the fourth round in 2022, and will instead become an unrestricted free agent. The Wild have several aging wingers in Mats Zuccarello, Marcus Johansson, and Vladimir Tarasenko set to hit free agency, potentially opening up a roster spot for Lucius to compete for next season. Lucius' balanced skillset of shooting and passing ability, as well as his speed and work ethic, could make him an appealing option for the Wild as they look to supplement their core of Kaprizov, Boldy, and potentially re-signed defenseman Quinn Hughes.

  • Lucius announced his intention not to sign with the Pittsburgh Penguins, making him an unrestricted free agent.
  • Lucius is set to turn 22 years old on Sunday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Cruz Lucius

A 22-year-old forward who had a breakout senior season at Arizona State, leading the Sun Devils with 15 goals and 43 points. Lucius is now an unrestricted free agent after deciding not to sign with the Pittsburgh Penguins, who drafted him in the fourth round in 2022.

Kirill Kaprizov

The star forward for the Minnesota Wild, part of the team's core along with defenseman Matt Boldy.

Matt Boldy

The talented young forward for the Minnesota Wild, part of the team's core along with star winger Kirill Kaprizov.

Quinn Hughes

The star defenseman for the Minnesota Wild, who the team is looking to extend this summer as part of their core group.

Mats Zuccarello

The 38-year-old veteran winger for the Minnesota Wild, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent.

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What they’re saying

“Lucius was operating at maximum speed all game long. Everything he did was at top speed; his skating, passing, shooting, and decision-making were all lightning-quick in this game.”

— Austin Broad, Analyst, Elite Prospects

What’s next

The Wild will need to evaluate their roster needs and determine if Lucius could be a fit as they look to bolster their forward depth and extend their contending window. If they decide to pursue Lucius, they will need to convince him that they can provide the fast track to the NHL that he is seeking.

The takeaway

By signing an undrafted free agent like Cruz Lucius, the Minnesota Wild could find a skilled, cost-effective forward to supplement their core and extend their contending window, especially as they look to lock up players like Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy long-term.