An unexpected name is drawing significant interest as the NHL's free-agent frenzy draws nearer.

Over a third of the league's clubs are "hungry" to see Minnesota Wild defenseman Carson Soucy become an unrestricted free agent, reports TSN's Frank Seravalli.

However, the Wild are reportedly engaged in talks to retain him, and the 26-year-old has said he wants to stay with the team.

Soucy will be a Group 6 UFA by virtue of being at least 25 years old, playing at least three pro seasons, and appearing in fewer than 76 career games, the latter of which was reduced from the standard 80 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He's played in only 66 total NHL contests after missing the final nine regular-season games in 2019-20 due to injury before returning for all four of Minnesota's postseason matchups.

Soucy played this past campaign on a one-year, $750,000 pact he signed with the Wild in July 2019.

He inked a deal with Minnesota rather than opting for free agency in April 2017. Soucy agreed to a two-year, $1.85-million contract with the Wild at the time after playing four years at the University of Minnesota Duluth.

He collected 14 points while averaging 15:38 of ice time and posting a 51.33 expected goals for percentage in 55 regular-season games during the 2019-20 campaign.

The Wild drafted him 137th overall in 2013.

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