NHL Season Preview 2016-17: Minnesota Wild
With a new head coach, are the Minnesota Wild prepared to take the next step during the 2016-17 season?
The Minnesota Wild had a season to remember in 2015-16. After a terrible January and start to February, head coach Mike Yeo found himself in the unemployment line. Interim head coach John Torchetti helped the team win 15 of their last 27 games in regulation to make the playoffs with a 38-33-11 record. They lost to the number one seed Dallas Stars in the first round.
Minnesota decided to move on from Torchetti as their head coach after the Anaheim Ducks fired Bruce Boudreau. Boudreau will join a team that has a lot of potential, but must win now. Will they be able to do so?
Offseason Review
Here’s a quick review of what the Wild have done this offseason.
Additions: F Chris Stewart (Ducks), C Eric Staal (Rangers), G Alex Stalock (Maple Leafs)
Losses: F Thomas Vanek (Red Wings), F Justin Fontaine, C Jarret Stoll, F David Jones
Retained: G Darcy Keumper, D Matthew Dumba, F Ryan Carter
The Minnesota Wild are bringing back a familiar face in Chris Stewart. In 2015-16, Stewart spent 20 games with the team with 11 points. He spent last season playing for Boudreau’s Ducks. He should bring some size and physicality to Boudreau’s offense.
Eric Staal got a relatively cheap three-year deal. His tenure with the New York Rangers was a disaster. However, in Boudreau’s system, Staal could get back to being the productive player that fans are used to seeing.
Alex Stalock will likely serve as goaltending depth in the AHL unless the Wild decide to carry three goaltenders. Ryan Carter is returning to the Wild after spending the past two seasons with them, but his spot is not set in stone.
Thomas Vanek was never a fit with the Wild and has since moved on to the Red Wings. Justin Fontaine and Jarret Stoll each got tryouts while David Jones is still trying to find a job.
Extending Matthew Dumba was important for the Wild. They will get two more years to evaluate if he is worth a long-term deal. Darcy Keumper will serve as the backup for goaltender Devan Dubnyk.
