What the Wild need to make a deep playoff run
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Wild fans got their first look at Zeev Buium (#8) during last year's playoff series against the Vegas Golden Knights. Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images
At least the Minnesota Wild checked off their most important offseason to-do list item: re-sign superstar Kirill Kaprizov.
Yes, but: As the team's new season begins Thursday night, only a few bullish experts see the Wild as a dark-horse contender — and the most pessimistic say they're still mired in the NHL's mushy middle.
- If the Wild want to advance past the first playoff round for the first time in a decade, here's what probably has to go right:
🎰 Buy at the trade deadline. A huge reason why Kaprizov's signing is key is it should make Minnesota intriguing to high-profile free agents — and for the first time in years, the Wild actually have the payroll room to land one.
- The Wild struck out looking for a serious upgrade at center this offseason, and now may need to consider trading for one.
- Catch up quick: The Wild added winger Vladimir Tarasenko, making a high-upside bet on a relatively cheap but aging player; and brought back Nico Sturm, a center who should help the team win more faceoffs.
🩻 Stay healthy. The Wild literally can't afford last year's extraordinary injury struggles: Kaprizov — their new $16-million-a-year man — endured surgery and missed 40 games, and it nearly cost the team a playoff spot.
- Plus: Joel Eriksson Ek's injury troubles underline the case for acquiring another center to eat tough minutes: He may be fearless, but his body hasn't been able to withstand the punishment.
🇦🇹 Marco Rossi proves his worth. The Wild re-signed their second-leading scorer last season after some offseason contract drama, but Rossi's demotion to the fourth line during the Vegas series points to lingering doubts.
⚡️ Zeev Buium is as good as advertised. The latest rookie phenom will likely be a defensive liability at first, but scouts are salivating over the Wild D-man's play-driving potential. Maybe his leadership can elevate a middling power play.
- We're also about to find out what former sixth-overall draft pick David Jiříček, 21-year-old Liam Öhgren, Russian newcomer Danila Yurov, and training camp's breakout performer Hunter Haight are made of.
❤️ Role players play like they did vs. Vegas. Playoff Ryan Hartman was a revelation — and Yakov Trenin injected jump into what had been an inert fourth line.