The Minnesota Wild already won the summer of 2026 while still in the summer of 2025 after they re-signed star Kirill Kaprizov to a record-breaking eight-year, $136 million contract extension. Sure, it came at a high price, but the team couldn't afford letting Kaprizov hitting free agency next summer. That already gave the Wild a huge win entering the season. After that, it was a matter of the team actually winning the games on the ice.
Through 20 games this season, the Wild are 9-7-4 on the year, good enough for 22 points. However, the Wild sit in sixth place in the Central Division entering Wednesday night. Even so, the Wild are still expected to make a run, according to ESPN.
ESPN's Greg Wyshynski released an article detailing the entire playoff picture and the cause for concern for each team. Wyshynski gives the Wild a 82.7 percent chance of making the playoffs, thanks in part to the play of Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, and Marcus Johansson. But Wyshynski does bring up the lack of scoring from other players on the roster as a cause for concern.
Wild's lack of scoring cited as cause for concern in ESPN playoff projections
"Alas, they were 32nd in the NHL in goals per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 through 20 games (1.79). There's a significant drop-off after those top three scorers," writes Wyshynski. "The Wild have dealt with some injuries up front, including one to center Marco Rossi that has him week-to-week. That obviously has played a role in this, but overall it's been a sputtering offensive start for Minnesota."
The lack of scoring behind Kaprizov, Boldy, and Johansson, is concerning. Their next leading scorer is Rossi, who is currently out with an injury. The only other players with double-digit points are Joel Eriksson Ek (13), Zeev Bulum (10), and Vladimir Tarasenko (10). They will need more scoring, not only if they want to make the playoffs, but also to contend against some of the top Western Conference teams, such as the Colorado Avalanche, Anaheim Ducks, and Winnipeg Jets.
While the scoring from their top three players has been praised, Wyshynski also heaped praise on goaltender Jesper Wallstedt, their backup goaltender behind Filip Gustavsson. Wallstedt started in six games, where he recorded a 2.10 goals allowed average, a .924 save percentage, and a 4-0-2 record. Not to mention, Minnesota as a whole is the fifth-best team in 5-on-5 goals allowed per 60 minutes.
The Wild still have over 60 games remaining to improve and get into better position for a playoff berth. If they are to get more scoring from other players not named Kaprizov, Boldy, and Johansson, they can potentially break through in what has become a very crowded and top-heavy Central Division.