Aug 21, 2024 - Sports

Wild GM optimistic about playoff chances after quiet offseason

Kyle Stokes

Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin speaks at a press conference wearing a dark suit and pinkish lanyard — Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin speaking at a press conference in Las Vegas — a city where oddsmakers aren't as bullish on the team's playoff chances as he is. Photo: Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images

Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin was bullish on the Wild's postseason chances at a public taping of the team's official podcast on Tuesday.

What they're saying: "They're as good as every other year we've made the playoffs," he told a crowd at Xcel Energy Center.

"Advancing past the first round — it's doable. We can do it."

Reality check: Vegas Insider says Minnesota's an NHL playoff bubble team.

The team also hasn't advanced past the first round since 2015.

The big picture: Still burdened by huge salary cap penalties, the Wild were quiet in free agency.

The Wild's route would take them through legitimate Stanley Cup contenders, such as Colorado and Dallas, and division rivals like Nashville, poised to surge after significant signings.

Yes, but: The team's stars are healthy again after nursing injuries much of last season — and Guerin said he expects the team's younger players to play bigger roles this year.

What they're saying: "We need some of these young guys that we've drafted," Guerin told the audience at Xcel Energy Center, "to start pushing their way in the lineup, to start pushing our older veteran players either to playing better or to playing lower in the lineup."

What we're watching: Whether young guns Marco Rossi (21 goals last season) and Matt Boldy (29) can up their scoring production, and how touted rookie Liam Öhgren fits into the mix.

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Wild GM optimistic about playoff chances after quiet offseason

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