Judd Zulgad

Wild's failure to make impact move at center could be cause for regret come postseason Bill Guerin's acquisition of Quinn Hughes remains the biggest trade of the season in the NHL, but will not adding a top center cost the Wild a chance to make a playoff run?

On the Wild's failure to add a top-line center at the trade deadline and will it cost them? juddzulgad.substack.com/p/wilds-fail...

In a rush: The Vikings will sever ties with Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave after one season The pair of veteran defensive tackles were part of an interior defensive line that showed improvement in 2025, but it wasn't enough to save their jobs. Both reportedly will be released.

The Vikings spent substantial money on Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. A year later, it will cost them. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/in-a-rush-...

Vikings would miss Jonathan Greenard, but trading him could be wise move for the future The soon-to-be 29-year-old edge rusher reportedly wants a raise at a time when the Vikings are looking to cut costs in order to get below the salary cap.

The Vikings reportedly could be looking to trade Jonathan Greenard. Here's why that might not be a bad idea. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/vikings-wo...

As Twins' spring training woes mount in Florida, it's clear apathy reigns supreme at home Losses and injuries have been an issue for the Twins as they prepare for the season, but checked out fans don't seem concerned about a team that has given them little reason for excitement.

On the Twins' issues at spring training and how little interest there seems to be in this team. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/as-twins-s...

Reports from scouting combine only create more confusion about Vikings' quarterback plan The Vikings have been linked to numerous QBs, and speculation on J.J. McCarthy is that he's either still very much in the team's plans or about to be traded. On a whirlwind of information from Indy.

According to reports from the scouting combine, the Vikings are pursuing every available QB in the NFL. It wasn't supposed to be like this. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/reports-fr...

Price for a top center at deadline will be high but can Wild general manger afford not to pay it? Vincent Trocheck leads the list of available centers whom Wild GM Bill Guerin is in the market to obtain before the trade deadline on Friday.

As the NHL trade deadline approaches, here's the question facing the Wild. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/price-for-...

Would Vikings really consider taking on another project QB in Anthony Richardson? NFL Media reported Thursday that there is "mutual interest" between the Vikings and the Colts quarterback, but Richardson landing in Minnesota to compete with J.J. McCarthy seems like a big gamble.

The timing seems all wrong for the Vikings to acquire Anthony Richardson. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/would-viki...

Reading between the lines, Vikings appear to favor leaving J.J. McCarthy on the bench in '26 It remains uncertain who will be the Vikings' starting quarterback next season, but it's becoming more and more apparent that McCarthy is a long shot to hold the job on opening day.

On the Vikings' QB situation and reaction to what was said at the combine by the brass on Tuesday. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/reading-be...

Here's the best way T.J. Hockenson and Vikings can avoid a separation The veteran's salary cap hit of $21.3 million would be the highest for an NFL tight end in 2026.

The Vikings need to cut their salary cap and almost certainly will be looking at T.J. Hockenson's contract. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/heres-the-...

The gold standard: United States men and women leave Olympics with bragging rights in hockey The U.S. men and women both captured 2-1 victories over Canada in overtime of their gold medal games, and while neither win was a miracle that didn't diminish the significance of the accomplishments.

On a magical time for U.S. hockey. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/the-gold-s...

Careless whisper: Anthony Edwards might love Atlanta, but his greatest success will come in Minnesota The Wolves' star caused a stir with his comments to the Hawks' Jalen Johnson following the All-Star Game, but that's no reason for Minnesota fans to think Edwards wants to leave an NBA contender.

Minnesota sports fans are always afraid of being left by top talent, but this is one case where that worry makes little sense. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/careless-w...

U.S. men's hockey team has a chance to author its own story and move on from the past A win over Canada on Sunday in the gold medal game of the Winter Olympics would fulfill a lifelong dream for many U.S. players who weren't alive the last time their country won gold.

A group of U.S. hockey players whose memories of the last gold medal for men's hockey are based on a Disney-produced docudrama they saw as kids have a chance to write their own ending. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/us-mens-ho...

Quinn Hughes' heroics come as no surprise to those who have watched him lift Wild His overtime goal for the U.S. in the quarterfinals of the Olympics on Wednesday was only part of a standout performance by one of the NHL's best defenseman.

Whether playing for the Wild or the U.S., Quinn Hughes never seems to tire and makes the very difficult look routine. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/quinn-hugh...

Twins owner has a chance to back up his words now that Pablo Lopez is lost for season Tom Pohlad has tried to say all the right things since taking over the Twins in December. But with the team's ace now lost because of a torn UCL, will Pohlad do the right thing?

Loss of Pablo Lopez presents Twins owner Tom Pohlad with opportunity to show he means business. Otherwise ... juddzulgad.substack.com/p/twins-owne...

Vikings have been linked to Kyler Murray but does adding the veteran QB make sense? NFL insiders continue to mention Murray landing in Minnesota, but concerns about injuries and his potential contract could be sticking points.

We talked about Kyler Murray to the Vikings again on Purple Daily today, so I decided to take a closer look at how many obstacles could be presented. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/vikings-ha...

Vikings' front office structure for offseason is a concern -- especially when it comes to the draft It's unclear who will have final say for the team in this year's draft, but there has to be concern that some shortsighted decisions could be made.

The Vikings no longer have a GM and Kevin O'Connell's power likely has increased. Is that a good thing? juddzulgad.substack.com/p/vikings-fr...

Signs of spring don't mean a thing for disgruntled Twins fans The club made major changes at the top this offseason, but that had little impact on a franchise that seems intent on keeping its player payroll as low as possible.

Twins pitchers and catchers opened workouts on Thursday. Does anyone care? juddzulgad.substack.com/p/signs-of-s...

On sports media: Twins' best offseason move might be adding Paul Molitor to television team The Hall of Fame player and former manager will bring his phenomenal baseball IQ to about a dozen games on Twins TV this season.

The Twins might not be very entertaining this season, but Paul Molitor will make games on Twins TV more interesting. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/on-sports-...

Long overdue: The U.S. men's hockey team is filled with talent, but can they deliver gold? The U.S. hasn't won gold since the Miracle on Ice 46 years ago. It's about time the Americans ends that dry spell -- especially with many top NHL players representing the team in Italy.

The U.S. men's hockey team shouldn't need a miracle to win gold. On a drought that has gone on too long. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/long-overd...

Vikings find themselves in familiar situation as they begin to explore QB options for 2026 Could Kyler Murray be wearing purple next season? Now that the NFL season is complete, the Vikings must decide who will be their starting quarterback.

The end of the NFL season today means the Vikings work is only beginning. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/vikings-fi...

Rudy Gobert doesn't hold back in criticism of Wolves' top players and coach's handling of them The veteran center didn't name names but it's clear he's had enough of watching Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle take nights off on defense, and he wants to see Chris Finch do something about it.

Whenever a player calls out teammates -- he doesn't have to name them -- and includes the coach, it can go in a lot of different directions. Some good, some very bad. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/rudy-gober...

One more year? Harrison Smith still hasn't officially announced he's retiring The Vikings safety was honored in what was assumed to be his final game on Jan. 4 against the Packers. But could the team be trying to talk him into playing a 15th season?

Could Harrison Smith return for another season? It seems unlikely but ... juddzulgad.substack.com/p/one-more-y...

Jaden McDaniels' potential departure might not be popular but it could prove fruitful for Wolves There has been trepidation from Wolves fans about giving up the forward in a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but The "Greek Freak" could be what this team needs to win a title.

Wolves fans and Tim Connelly might not agree when it comes to potentially trading Jaden McDaniels. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/jaden-mcda...

On the lack of work-life balance in the NFL Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's decision to take paternity leave during training camp in 2023 was met with disbelief from some rival executives and coaches. Here's why that shouldn't have come as a surprise.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah did what was right for his family, but that doesn't mean that's considered normal by many in the NFL. Especially once training camp starts. On the lack of work-life balance in the league. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/on-the-lac...

Brian Flores has six million reasons to have more involvement in Vikings' decisions on defense The Vikings' coordinator returned on a contract that reportedly will pay him more than $6 million a season.

On Brian Flores' return to the Vikings and what it means now that we know how much he will be making thanks to @SeifertESPN. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/brian-flor...

Derek Falvey's departure raises questions about Tom Pohlad's intentions when it comes to Twins Does the fact Falvey and the Twins mutually agreed to part ways mean that even more cuts are coming for the cash-strapped team?

There are many reasons why Derek Falvey and the Twins parted ways two weeks before spring training. Many of them are concerning. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/derek-falv...

Zygi and Mark Wilf need to examine how they run the Vikings before making any more hires The decision to fire general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on Friday was the latest sign that ownership needs to do some self-reflection.

The Wilfs need to take a closer look at how they operate the Vikings. Unlocked for all to read. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/zygi-and-m...

Vikings make right move by firing Kwesi Adofo-Mensah -- only question is what took so long? Adofo-Mensah, the first NFL GM with a background in analytics, was jettisoned in part because of the Vikings' quarterback issues in 2025 and because of his poor track record in the draft room.

On the Vikings' decision to fire Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/vikings-ma...

Timberwolves' pursuit of Giannis comes as no surprise considering who's in charge Tim Connelly hasn't shied away from making blockbuster trades since taking over as the Wolves' president of basketball operations, and he now could have the chance to pair two of the NBA's best.

On the Wolves being involved in trade talks for Giannis Antetokounmpo. This one's on the house. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/timberwolv...

On sports media: Vikings likely will avoid being featured on HBO's "Hard Knocks" this summer The team has never been on the training camp version of the show and that's likely to continue, considering the Kansas City Chiefs and both Super Bowl finalists are eligible to be selected.

The Vikings are eligible to be featured on "Hard Knocks" this summer. Here's why it's a long shot they are picked. juddzulgad.substack.com/p/on-sports-...