The Minnesota Wild are poised to make noise in the 2023-24 season as they look to have a bigger impact in the playoffs.
2022-23
Record: 46-25-11 (103 pts) – 3rd in Central
Playoffs: Lost to Dallas in First Round
Key Losses
John Klingberg (D – TOR), Ryan Reaves (F – TOR), Sam Steel (F – DAL), Gustav Nyquist (F – NAS), Oskar Sundqvist (F – STL), Matt Dumba (D – ARI)
Key Additions
Pat Maroon (F)
2023-24 Preview
The Minnesota Wild, who are poised to make a lot of noise once more this season, have not had any issue when it comes to advancing to the postseason. This season looks to be no different.
The Wild has not advanced to the second round since 2015 and for a team that has been near the top of the division, they would be knocked out in the first round by the Dallas Stars in six games.
Minnesota’s line-up is going to be a little different, due to $15 million tied up in the Zach Parise and Ryan Suter buyouts. Those buyouts plus key departures will make things a bit difficult. However, this should not stop Minnesota from making noise.
Offense
Kirill Kaprizov remains the biggest piece on offence for the Wild, despite missing a month last year with an injury. With Matt Boldy locked up after signing a seven year, $49 million extension, the two young stars should continue to have fantastic offensive numbers.
In addition, Marcus Johansson would be brought back after being acquired at the trade deadline for two years, $4 million and should be grouped with Boldy on the second line.
Defense
The Wild did not have any additions on defense but that should be okay.
Minnesota’s defensive presence last season was akin to their earlier years, and this season is hopefully more of the same, as they gave up the sixth fewest goals. The rookie campaign of Brock Faber, after leaving college last April, should be a nice jolt, with Faber showing excellent overall skills in the postseason games he participated in.
Overall Look
If Minnesota can keep everything together, look for the Wild to go far in the postseason. This would be a delight not just for the entire organization, but for the fans as well. If the Wild can make all right moves, expect Minnesota to make a lot of noise and reach the Western Conference Final for the first time in 20 years.
Read our other 2023-24 Team Previews: ANA, ARI, BOS, BUF, CAL, CAR, CHI, COL, CLB, DAL, DET, EDM, FLA, LA
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