The Minnesota Wild began their season with a roster filled with promising young talent and recent draft picks. However, just two weeks in, the team has already seen three of these players reassigned to the AHL, highlighting the challenges they face as they navigate a slow start. This reliance on internal solutions for lineup issues seems to be contributing to their early struggles, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for the team.
General Manager Bill Guerin’s vision likely did not include having all seven young prospects—Hunter Haight, Danila Yurov, Liam Ohgren, Daemon Hunt, Zeev Buium, Jesper Wallstedt, and David Jiricek—on the opening night roster. Unfortunately, injuries to key players like Mats Zuccarello and Nico Sturm created openings for the youngsters, giving them a chance to make an impact. While Buium and Wallstedt have stepped up impressively, others have struggled to keep pace.
Haight was the first to be sent to Iowa, having failed to make an impression in his two-game stint without registering a single shot. Yurov stepped in but is still searching for his first point, although he has shown some potential by contributing to face-off success. Jiricek had a brief opportunity to demonstrate his skills before being shuffled back to Iowa when veteran Jonas Brodin returned from injury, only to be recalled after another injury to Zach Bogosian.
Perhaps the most unexpected development was Liam Ohgren’s reassignment to the AHL. Expected to build on a solid previous season, he struggled without registering a point on a line that had difficulties maintaining puck possession. The stats revealed a concerning trend, with the Wild generating a mere 35.7% of scoring chances while Ohgren was on the ice.
Currently, the Wild find themselves with a 2-3-1 record, facing difficulties in generating scoring at even strength. After a strong opening night where they netted four 5-on-5 goals, their offensive output has dwindled to just two goals in subsequent games. If they had been able to produce more consistently across their lines, perhaps the rookies would have had more room to develop at the NHL level.
As it stands, head coach John Hynes appears set to rely on veteran Tyler Pitlick, who was recently signed to a two-way deal, to help stabilize the lineup. In the recent game against the Flyers, Pitlick, alongside Yurov and Yakov Trenin, managed to create scoring chances, giving a glimmer of hope for the team’s chemistry.
Guerin is unlikely to make any major roster moves until Zuccarello or Sturm return, expected around late November. Until then, the Wild must focus on competing effectively and utilizing their young talent to remain in the playoff conversation. With most of their November games at home, they have a golden opportunity, but they need to avoid dropping more points, as they trail six points behind division leaders Colorado and are three points shy of the Central’s third playoff spot.
While the pressure is palpable, the young players still on the roster have a chance to rise to the occasion. Though they are not solely responsible for the team’s current standings, their performance will be crucial as the Wild aim to get back on track and create a more cohesive and competitive unit.