2025-26
Record: 46-24-12, 104 points, 3rd in Central Division
Playoffs: Lost to Colorado in Second Round
Key Losses
F – Marcus Johansson (Sweden), F – Mats Zuccarello (LA), F – Vladimir Tarasenko (Free Agency), D – Jacob Middleton (Trade w/ CAL)
Key Additions
G – Calvin Pickard, D – Olli Maatta (Trade w/ CAL), F – Blake Coleman (Trade w/ CAL), F – Maxim Shabanov (Signed via FA)
2026-27 Preview
Will Quinn Hughes be a Distraction?
After acquiring Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks during the 2025-26 season, the Minnesota Wild now face one of the biggest questions of their offseason: Can they convince him to stay long term?
Hughes is one of the NHL’s premier defensemen, making his next contract a top priority for the Wild. However, there has long been speculation that Quinn would eventually like the opportunity to play alongside his brothers, Jack and Luke Hughes, who are both members of the New Jersey Devils. That possibility adds another layer of intrigue to Minnesota’s negotiations.
Because of that, many around the league have speculated that Hughes could opt for a shorter-term extension rather than a long-term commitment. A three-year deal has been viewed by some as a logical compromise, as it would align the expiration of his contract more closely with Jack Hughes’ current deal in New Jersey, potentially creating an opportunity for the brothers to explore playing together in the future.
For Minnesota, the challenge will be convincing Hughes that the Wild can offer both a chance to compete for the Stanley Cup and a long-term home. Whether the organization can accomplish that—or whether Hughes keeps his future options open—will be one of the most closely watched contract situations in the NHL.
Can They Rise Above Colorado and Dallas?
The Wild took an important step forward during the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, eliminating the Dallas Stars in the first round before their postseason run came to an end against the Colorado Avalanche in the second round. While the finish was disappointing, it demonstrated that Minnesota has the talent to compete with some of the Western Conference’s best teams.
The challenge now is taking the next step. The Central Division remains one of the NHL’s deepest and most competitive divisions, with perennial contenders such as Colorado and Dallas expected to remain at the top of the standings. If the Wild hope to establish themselves as legitimate Stanley Cup contenders, they’ll need to continue building on last season’s success and prove they can consistently compete with the division’s elite over the course of an 84-game season and into the playoffs.
Minnesota also enters the season with heightened expectations. Last year’s postseason success raised the bar for a team that is no longer viewed as simply a playoff hopeful but as a club capable of challenging for the Stanley Cup. Veterans will need to continue leading the way, while the organization’s younger players must take another step in their development to provide the depth necessary for a long postseason run.
The biggest question for the Wild is whether they can translate last season’s breakthrough into sustained success. If they can remain healthy, receive consistent goaltending, and continue to get contributions throughout the lineup, Minnesota has the talent to not only return to the playoffs but also challenge for the Central Division title and make another deep run toward the Stanley Cup.
Projected Lineup
Offense
Kirill Kaprizov — Joel Eriksson Ek — Matt Boldy
Blake Coleman — Ryan Hartman — Maksim Shabanov
Yakov Trenin — Danila Yurov — Bobby Brink
Marcus Foligno — Michael McCarron — Nick Foligno
Defense
Quinn Hughes — Brock Faber
Jonas Brodin — Jared Spurgeon
Olli Maatta — Zach Bogosian
Goalies
Jesper Wallstedt
Calvin Pickard
Scratches/LTIR
Filip Gustavsson (Hip Surgery)