Scouting the Division: Minnesota Wild
We’re looking around the division and see what the Hawks’ competition has done since the 2021 season ended. We started with the Arizona Coyotes and have also looked at the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars.
Now let’s look at the Minnesota Wild.
- Expansion Draft: Carson Soucy
- Key Losses: Zach Parise, Ryan Suter, Marcus Johansson, Nick Bonino, Ian Cole, Kyle Rau
- Key Additions: Frederick Gaudreau, Alex Goligoski, Dmitry Kulikov, Jon Merrill
- 2021-22 Cap Space: $13,114,745
(per CapFriendly)
Departures
The Wild bought out Parise and Suter, the two biggest contracts in franchise history. They’ll hit the books for the next six years in Minnesota, but the moves open roster space for others — and create cap space for a potentially major addition via trade later (read: Jack Eichel).
Additions
The additions of Goligoski and Kulikov add veteran depth to the blue line but neither figures to replace with Suter meant to the Wild on the ice. They’re still waiting in the weeds for a big trade to become available.
What Does It Mean?
Nothing. None of this means anything if the Wild cannot re-sign restricted free agent forward Kirill Kaprizov. They were an interesting team last year that decided to clean up their roster in dramatic fashion. The buyouts of Parise and Suter created more cap flexibility but the need to keep Kaprizov is paramount.
To all the hockey fans , will it be focused or “ Wee,look at me “ ! I remember when Magnuson , Jarret and Russel were into it ! FOCUSED! POPS
I think they’re a playoff team if they sign Kaprizov – if not they will be scratching to make it
It’s kinda crazy that a 2nd year player who was barely on the radar of anyone except the Wild fanbase before he swept in and took the league by storm is the key to the team’s success but that seems to be the case. For their sake and for the sake of the NHL I hope they get the kid signed – what an exciting player. Kevin Fiala isn’t bad either.
That said, their roster is underwhelming. They were a team where the sum was greater than the parts and I don’t know if they can reproduce that this season. I think the Avs and Stars have better rosters and probably the Jets, Blues and Hawks do too. Another team that could finish anywhere in the division except first and last.
Look like they may a few pieces short, but maybe under estimating them. One of last years big surprises but definitely reloading now with Sutter and Parise moved out.
Ian- I think this team has some really solid young players.
I think they were smart to lose Parise/Suter and head to the future
Kaprizov is really good
If they “score ” a Hossa type player- they could be in the Playoffs on a regular basis soon.
Bluto agree totally, Wild have a good group of young talent.
I am certainly pulling for young Austrian Marco Rossi to find success with the Wild. His story is compelling in that he has had to overcome some tough health issues. His heart and commitment are very impressive.
Let’s Go Hawks!
Without a center to speak of Kaprisov did alright (Calder Cup.) He is and has been for several years mentioned in the same breath as Panarin. Top 5-10 winger in league. Rossi is ready and will have to punch up in class as he’s more a 2C in size… Fiala, Zuccarello, rookie stud Boldy and provisional center Gaudreau round out top 6.
Our top line is our 3rd line, the shut down Ek, Greenway, Foligno line who showed they can score too. Some think part of this line will get sprinkled with other lines to distribute player size and muscle and experience.
Suter’s first pass is almost always right, he’s smooth and calming. But he never took chances, he rarely left it all on the ice, and wouldn’t stick his neck anywhere he might get hurt. If he can play that many minutes he wasn’t trying hard enough. Too careful.
This team is going to score goals, especially with a #1 center…. Dumba will step into the light this year, and a gaggle of grissly Dmen should stand in the way of pucks aimed at Talbot, as well as stand in when any of the smaller goal scoring forwards gets hassled. More scoring, balanced line up, tougher, offense from D. A lot rides on performance of #2 goalie.