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Q: Who scored the fastest goal in Wild history, just 10 seconds into a game? A: Jim Dowd (2004)
Q: Who was the first Wild goaltender to win the Vezina Trophy? A: Nobody yet! (The Wild have never had a Vezina winner)
Q: The Wild’s logo has a hidden image inside it—what is it? A: A wilderness landscape forming the shape of an animal’s head.
Q: Before joining the NHL in 2000, Minnesota previously had an NHL team that moved to Dallas. What was that team? A: Minnesota North Stars
Q: Which Wild forward scored 5 goals in a single game in 2007? A: Marian Gaborik
Q: What’s the one scoring milestone the Wild have never had a player reach in a season (as of 2025)? A: 100 points
Q: Which Wild enforcer, standing 6’7”, was known as “The Boogeyman”? A: Derek Boogaard
Q: What is the name of the giant flag the Wild pass around the crowd before every home game? A: The “State of Hockey” flag

Minnesota Wild Season Preview: A Year of Promise

Preview By Greg Olson

The energy in Saint Paul is buzzing as the Minnesota Wild prepare for the 2025–26 NHL season. With a roster that blends established stars, emerging young talent, and steady leadership, the Wild are positioned to make serious noise in the Western Conference.

Read full preview

Minnesota Wild 2025–26 Season Preview:

The energy in Saint Paul is buzzing as the Minnesota Wild prepare for the 2025–26 NHL season. With a roster that blends established stars, emerging young talent, and steady leadership, the Wild are positioned to make serious noise in the Western Conference.

Depth and Balance

Minnesota enters the season boasting one of the deepest forward groups in the Central Division. Kirill Kaprizov continues to shine as the face of the franchise, bringing game-breaking speed, dazzling creativity, and highlight-reel goals. Around him, veterans like Mats Zuccarello and Joel Eriksson Ek provide consistency and leadership, while younger players such as Marco Rossi and Matt Boldy look ready to take the next big step forward.

Blue Line Strength

On defense, captain Jared Spurgeon leads a unit that balances shutdown ability with puck-moving skill. Jonas Brodin remains one of the most underrated defensemen in the league, and Brock Faber has quickly established himself as a cornerstone for the future. This group is tough, mobile, and reliable — exactly what’s needed to handle the grueling NHL schedule.

Goaltending Confidence

Between the pipes, Filip Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt give the Wild both immediate stability and a glimpse of the future. Gustavsson has proven he can steal games, while Wallstedt’s development adds excitement and optimism that Minnesota’s crease is in excellent hands for years to come.

A Team Built for Success

With solid special teams, a strong home-ice advantage at the Grand Casino Arena, and one of the most passionate fan bases in the NHL, the Wild are set up for success. This season feels like more than just another year — it feels like a chance to take a real step forward toward contending for the Stanley Cup.

Fans can expect a fast, competitive, and entertaining brand of hockey every night. From the opening puck drop in September to the playoff push in the spring, the Minnesota Wild are ready to deliver a season filled with excitement, pride, and unforgettable moments.

Get ready, State of Hockey — this could be a special year.

Rising Wild: Prospects & Breakout Candidates

Prospects By Greg Olson

A wave of young talent is pushing for NHL minutes. From a poised, NHL-ready netminder to dynamic skaters with top-six upside, here are the names most likely to break through in 2025–26.

Read the prospects list

Prospect Watch

  • Zeev Buium (D) — A dynamic offensive defenseman with excellent skating and vision. Buium thrives in transition and can quarterback a power play with poise. His creativity and puck-moving ability make him a potential game-changer on the blue line, and he adds another layer of excitement to Minnesota’s deep defensive prospect pool.
  • Brock Faber (D) — While he’s already established himself, Faber is still just scratching the surface. His leadership, skating, and all-around defensive game make him a cornerstone piece. Expect him to continue to grow into one of the NHL’s top young blueliners this season.
  • Riley Heidt (C) — Drafted for his speed and skill, Heidt has been a standout in junior play. Though still developing, his offensive flair and high motor make him a name to watch as he works toward cracking the NHL lineup.
  • Carson Lambos (D) — A poised defender with good vision and mobility, Lambos is trending upward. He’s shown flashes of being a reliable two-way defenseman who can transition the puck smoothly and log tough minutes when called upon.
  • Liam Öhgren (LW) — A strong two-way winger with a scorer’s touch, Öhgren impressed in Sweden and international play. He combines size, skating, and high hockey IQ, giving him the tools to be a middle-six contributor early, with top-six potential down the road.
  • Jesper Wallstedt (G) — Minnesota’s top goaltending prospect and one of the most highly regarded young netminders in hockey. Calm, technically sound, and confident beyond his years, Wallstedt is pushing for NHL starts. His development could make the Wild’s crease one of the strongest in the league for the next decade.
  • Danila Yurov (RW) — The skilled Russian forward has turned heads with his offensive instincts and dynamic playmaking. If his transition to the NHL goes smoothly, Yurov could quickly become a fan favorite thanks to his creativity and scoring touch.