The Minnesota Wild are set up for success. Kirill Kaprizov is one of the best forwards in the NHL. Matt Boldy and Joel Eriksson-Ek are signed to affordable long-term deals. To top it all off, their defensive core of Brock Faber, David Jiricek and soon-to-be NHLer Zeev Buium make up one of the youngest and best cores in the league.
What could make a good thing even better, though, are bounce-back campaigns.
While there are plenty of great things going for the Wild, a few factors still need improvement. A lack of depth scoring and power play efficiency doomed their playoff hopes last season.
“I believe our D is set,” said general manager Bill Guerin on the “Wild on 7th Podcast“. “We need veteran-type guys who’ve been through it, who’ve got some battle scars and can help in that way. But we could always use more skill too. That’s everybody, but definitely in the forward position.”
Two candidates in particular are set up for big seasons in 2025-26: one, a newly acquired forward, and another, a goaltender ready for his big break.
Vladimir Tarasenko Gets Fresh Start with Wild
In order to address depth, Guerin traded with the Detroit Red Wings to acquire forward Vladimir Tarasenko. To say Tarasenko had an underwhelming season with the Red Wings is putting it mildly. Despite ample top-six time, the Stanley Cup-winning forward 11 goals and 33 points in 80 games. At 33 years of age, he’s not at the level he was in his prime.
Having said that, a fresh start might be just what Tarasenko needs to reinvigorate his career. Tarasenko played the majority of his minutes last season alongside center Andrew Copp. Copp, a defensive forward, doesn’t bring a lot to the table when it comes to offense. With the Wild, however, he’s set up for success.
Daily Faceoff has Tarasenko on Marco Rossi’s wing, mirrored by Matt Boldy on the other side. Two young, high-flying forwards with a penchant for passing and scoring seems right up Tarasenko’s alley. It wouldn’t be surprising to see an uptick in his numbers next season.
Jesper Wallstedt Has Big Opportunities Ahead
Last season was supposed to be Jesper Wallstedt’s big breakout. Unfortunately, the 22-year-old netminder ended last season with an abysmal .879 save percentage, letting in five or more goals in seven of 27 games. While these numbers are far from ideal, goaltenders develop at a different rate than other players. After all, Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers didn’t secure a full-time role as a starter until he was 24 years old.
Still, if Wallstedt wants to become the Great Wall of St. Paul, he needs to show some progress next season. With Marc-Andre Fleury retiring and Filip Gustavsson approaching free agency, the net is open for Wallstedt to claim.
“The goal is clearly to crack the NHL,” Wallstedt told Daily Faceoff. “I believe I’m capable of that when I’m at my best – but I still have to work on some things around my game. That’s definitely where I want to be.”
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