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Jan 21, 2025 | 
hockeywilderness.com | Kalisha Townsell Turnipseed
It's time to worry about Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek's health. Eriksson Ek is on pace for 43 points in 68 games. He plays a demanding role as the team's garbage man in grueling matchups. Opponents constantly cross-check him in the back when he's in front of their net. Eriksson Ek has never played 82 games in a season. However, Eriksson Eik played all 56 games during the 2020-21 COVID-19 season. Imagine if there wasn't a shortened season. Would Eriksson Ek have played all 82 games?
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Jan 12, 2025 | 
hockeywilderness.com | Kalisha Townsell Turnipseed
The Minnesota Wild are looking for goal-scoring talent to create offense when opponents double-team Kirill Kaprizov or when he's injured. Fans and media have criticized Kaprizov because the Wild haven’t been able to produce the necessary goal-scoring depth to go on a playoff run. Teams like the Winnipeg Jets are Minnesota’s kryptonite. The Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights, and Los Angeles Kings also give the Wild headaches.
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Dec 7, 2024 | 
hockeywilderness.com | Kalisha Townsell Turnipseed
The Minnesota Wild are the best team in the NHL, and Kirill Kaprizov is the best player in the league right now. After years of suffering, the Wild are pleasing the fan base by entertaining them with dominance. The Florida Panthers ended their suffering by becoming Stanley Cup champions last year. The Wild recently traded for David Jiricek, who I in the Wild getting before the season started. Still, thank goodness they didn't give up Marco Rossi, who was in trade rumors.
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Nov 29, 2024 | 
hockeywilderness.com | Dustin Byfuglien |Kalisha Townsell Turnipseed
Minnesota Wild fans are already familiar with Jacob Trouba. He played alongside Dustin Byfuglien for the Winnipeg Jets for six seasons from 2013 to 2019. Trouba and Byfuglien physically dominated the Wild and stirred up chaos. Winnipeg traded Trouba to the New York Rangers for Neal Pionk and the 20th pick in the 2019 draft. Pionk has been a top-four contributor for the Jets, while Trouba has played five seasons for the Rangers (2020 to 2024).
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Oct 28, 2024 | 
hockeywilderness.com | Kalisha Townsell Turnipseed
The performance of veteran players often serves as a crucial indicator of success, particularly during critical moments in the season. As the Minnesota Wild look to establish themselves as strong contenders, evaluating their veteran players' capabilities and historical performances becomes essential.
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Oct 21, 2024 | 
hockeywilderness.com | Kalisha Townsell Turnipseed
Due to his injury history, the Minnesota Wild might have to place captain Jared Spurgeon permanently on Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR). Spurgeon's body has been taking a beating since November of 2021 with a combination of upper and lower body injuries. The Wild placed Spurgeon on LTIR the previous year, allowing them to open up $7.575 million in cap space.
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Sep 30, 2024 | 
hockeywilderness.com | Kalisha Townsell Turnipseed
Jared Spurgeon's health will likely be a decisive factor in the Minnesota Wild's success during the 2024-25 season. As the team's captain, Spurgeon's influence reaches far beyond his individual performance. However, his presence is crucial for the Wild, particularly for younger players like Brock Faber and Jake Middleton, because Spurgeon's experience and guidance can enhance their development and performance. Spurgeon's leadership is vital for maintaining the team's competitiveness.
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Sep 27, 2024 | 
hockeywilderness.com | Kalisha Townsell Turnipseed
Matt Boldy suffered a lower-body injury shortly after the start of training camp, and the Minnesota Wild are listing him as "week to week," indicating that he may miss some time but could return soon. John Hynes has suggested that his injury isn't a major concern and that they expect him to be ready for the season opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 10.
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Sep 23, 2024 | 
hockeywilderness.com | Dan Bylsma |Kalisha Townsell Turnipseed
With the 2024-25 season approaching, teams like the Calgary Flames, Seattle Kraken, and St. Louis Blues are at a crossroads this year. Each franchise enters the season playing with something to prove as they try to make the playoffs as a bubble team. If Minnesota is a bubble team again, Calgary, Seattle, and St. Louis could push the Wild out of a playoff spot. Each team has improved in the offseason and expects to make the postseason after a down year last season.
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Sep 20, 2024 | 
hockeywilderness.com | Kalisha Townsell Turnipseed
According to The Athletic’s Michael Russo, the Minnesota Wild will start the season with Ryan Hartman centering Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello. That means Matt Boldy will start on the second line with Joel Eriksson Ek, and Marco Rossi or Marcus Johansson. It will be Boldy's job to lead the charge offensively and to have a breakout season. Minnesota’s decision to place Hartman between Kaprizov and Zuccarello indicates that John Hynes is reverting to the team's old ways.
