Aaron Heckmann

Jan 9, 2025 | hockeywilderness.com | Aaron Heckmann

The Minnesota Wild have faced plenty of adversity this season, with an injury-riddled first half like a year ago. However, while injuries, firing Dean Evason, and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2018-19 defined last season, the Wild have been one of the league’s toughest matchups this season. The Wild are second in the Central and fourth overall with a 26-11-4 record. Better yet, they have even found success in times of adversity.

Nov 22, 2024 | hockeywilderness.com | Aaron Heckmann

The Minnesota Wild have faced their biggest test this season: playing without veteran winger Mats Zuccarello for potentially a month. Zuccarello is a dual-threat playmaker and scorer. However, he underwent surgery last week and is reportedly out for three to four weeks after scoring six goals and 14 points in 16 games. It’s a tough break for the Wild, who hope to continue their blistering start. However, they must do so without their top-line right wing and one of their most important players.

Nov 15, 2024 | hockeywilderness.com | Aaron Heckmann

Liam Ohgren showed promise during his audition late last season, taking a major step toward his NHL future. The 20-year-old left winger recorded two points in his four-game stint with the Minnesota Wild in April, including his first NHL goal in San Jose. Ohgren made an impact and held his own. Most importantly, he looked ready for the NHL. Ohgren earned a job out of training camp this fall,but it was short-lived.

Nov 7, 2024 | hockeywilderness.com | Aaron Heckmann

The Minnesota Wild are off to one of their best starts in franchise history with an 8-2-2 record and .750 points percentage through the first 12 games of the season. Entering Tuesday night’s 5-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings, the Wild had collected 18 of a possible 22 points in their first 11 games. That matched the best start in franchise history; they had 18 points in its first 11 games in 2002 and 2006. However, Minnesota also set a franchise record with 41 goals in its first 11 contests.

Oct 17, 2024 | hockeywilderness.com | Aaron Heckmann

The Minnesota Wild need this version of Filip Gustavsson to reach their full potential and make a playoff run this season. The 26-year-old Swede is off to a better-than-anticipated start this season, posting a .948 save percentage and 1.66 goals against average through three starts. Gustavsson is 2-0-1 and is playing like the confident and composed netminder he showed flashes of during his first season in Minnesota in 2022-23.