Forwards
The forwards will keep playing their two-way game. They do not have to chase the play so often, which was something which happened plenty last season.
Last year came down to the Minnesota Wild not being able to score when they needed it most. They are relying a lot on logical progressions and the hopeful avoidance of regression. That can be dangerous.
Does Mikael Granlund or Eric Staal slip scoring wise? That is something which will be answered during the second half. On the other hand, Minnesota has a bit more forward depth than last season. Guys like Ennis and Foligno could help. Also, they gained a huge year of experience. Matt Cullen could prove to be a perfect mentor (see Pittsburgh).
Will Parise stay healthy? The team runs through him for leadership and needs the Parise of old. If he produces like the last couple of years, that will not be enough. This is a team that needs consistency on the power play and on the road. Coyle, Zucker, and Niederreiter will be expected to deliver more too.
Defense
The Minnesota Wild blue line is in pretty good shape. Furthermore, the development of Matthew Dumba and Mile Reilly will be key here.
The problem is, can the unit do it again with Kyle Quincey possibly as a third pairing defenseman? That is a great question. The top four is expected to be status quo.
Minnesota’s initial top six looks to be Suter, Spurgeon, Dumba, Brodin, Olofsson, and Quincey. Reilly and Ryan Murphy might compete for ice time. The top six is optimal here as far as defense.
We’ll see what happens during training camp because there could be a minor shakeup.
With rearguard stability, expect the Wild forwards to have an easier time of things. The loss of Scandella impacts little.
Goalies
After another very good season, Devan Dubnyk is expected to start around 65 games again. The Minnesota Wild goalie posted 40 wins, a 2.25 GAA, and .923 save percentage. He is on an affordable contract until 2021 and has been an anchor in his time with Minnesota.
Alex Stalock is 30 but is serviceable enough to either be a backup. The Wild netminder is in a pretty good position, and he should see no more than 20 games. Minnesota should expect more of the same in net.
Questions
Looking ahead to trade deadline – if sellers who could be on the move, if buyers what area might they need to improve? Minnesota will be in the market for depth at the deadline. They will be mostly content with selling their forwards and picks unless injuries should occur.
What rookies could make the team? This is a tough question as most of the Minnesota Wild slots are set. Olofsson would be that guy honestly. After that, there is not much else other than Mike Reilly who qualifies because of games played.
Which player could take a step forward this season? Without a doubt, it has to be Dumba. If he can put up some more offense, that will keep his ice time up. The defenseman showed flashes of brilliance the past couple seasons and the ability to rush the puck up ice.
Which players could regress? Mikael Granlund and Eric Staal are both candidates. Both struggled for vast stretches in the second half, and that may happen again. It could be worse too with Staal. This is a Minnesota Wild team with some older players.
Are there any training camp battles expected? The bottom roles will feature some serious battles. Watch the Wild and how they start. Those who fare well early will have a leg up.
What sticks out about Minnesota? The Wild are in a fortunate position. They could be in line for a division title. Minnesota must stay healthy and need expected regressions out of Chicago and Nashville to materialize.
