Minnesota Wild had a pretty average season last year.
With a 39-34-9 record, they didn’t exactly set the NHL on fire. Their offense was meh, their defense slightly better, and their goalies had save percentages in the .890s range.
Kaprizov scored 46 goals and got 96 points in 75 games. Brock Faber was a bright spot, finishing second for the Calder Memorial Trophy after proving himself as a top-pairing defenseman. The team needs more stars from their prospects as Kaprizov nears free agency. With buyout money for Suter and Parise clearing up soon, they might have more cap space to attract talent but still need that elusive top-notch center.
Key Additions & Departures:
Additions:
- Yakov Trenin, RW
- Jakub Lauko, LW
- Graeme Clarke, RW
- Travis Boyd, C
- Devin Shore, C
Departures:
- Alex Goligoski (retired)
- Mason Shaw (WPG)
- Vinni Lettieri (BOS)
- Dakota Mermis (TOR)
- Jake Lucchini (NSH)
Offense:
Kaprizov had another great season with the Wild in 2023–24. But since it was during a non-playoff year, many might not have noticed. He has two years left on his $9 million AAV contract before he can become a free agent. Boldy is another standout player; he’s solidified his place as a top-six forward with 75 goals and 171 points over 203 games. However, both Kaprizov and Boldy are left-shot wingers .
Fans might feel frustrated seeing no true No.1 center on the team since Mikko Koivu’s days. Marco Rossi showed promise but has been inconsistent and involved in trade rumors due to size concerns.
Defense:
The Wild have always been known for their defense-first approach. The Brock Faber trade seemed like karma paying back for Brent Burns’ trade years ago. Faber’s new eight-year contract could be worth it if he continues performing well.
Captain Jared Spurgeon missed most of last season due to injuries but is expected back soon. Beyond Spurgeon and Brodin, Minnesota’s blueline lacks depth and proven talent .
Goaltending:
Gustavsson and Fleury were strong initially but faltered last season with save percentages dropping significantly to .893 from .914 the previous year. Gustavsson has two years left to prove himself again while Fleury is motivated for one last show before retirement.
If things go south with Gustavsson or Fleury retires early, Jesper Wallstedt could step up as an option between the pipes.
Coaching:
After firing Dean Evason early into last season, John Hynes took over but didn’t bring much change despite leading them at a decent pace afterward . His track record doesn’t inspire much confidence either from his time with New Jersey Devils or Nashville Predators.
Some teams need fresh messaging; maybe Hynes will surprise everyone this time around?
Rookies:
Jesper Wallstedt remains one of top goalie prospects globally despite mixed AHL performances so far .
Khusnutdinov showed potential too while Liam Öhgren impressed during his brief stint late last season alongside other promising wingers like Yurov who should keep wings strong long-term
Burning Questions:
1) When will Danila Yurov join? He’s already shining in KHL & could boost Wild next spring once his deal ends.
Fans hope he brings extra sizzle
Will Marc-André Fleury be traded? Retirement looms but another championship run might tempt him away.
Can Mats Zuccarello stay effective? At age 37 now – keeping good times rolling isn’t easy!
Prediction:
In any other division maybe playoffs would be likely…but Central Division is tough! Utah HC making moves means competition stiffens further St Louis Blues similar yet stronger centrally while Chicago Blackhawks unlikely leapfrogging seems reasonable enough too…
What do you think about this upcoming season?
