For the first time since Kirill Kaprizov’s rookie season in 2020-21, the Minnesota Wild will embark on a future where Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello aren’t stapled together on the top line.
The duo has been attached at the hip ever since Kaprizov arrived in Minnesota. You can argue that the two eventually became too reliant on each other, and at times their chemistry may have limited experimentation elsewhere in the lineup. Still, there’s no denying what they accomplished together. Zuccarello quickly became Kaprizov’s favorite running mate, and the connection between the two helped fuel some of the most productive offensive stretches in franchise history.
That makes the void a significant one to fill.
It’s also worth mentioning that reports continue to connect the Wild to Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin. If Bill Guerin finds a way to pull off that blockbuster, everything below goes out the window. Until then, this is what I believe the Wild’s forward group is most likely to look like entering the season.
My Preferred Top Line
Kirill Kaprizov – Danila Yurov – Maxim Shabanov
If I’m drawing up the lineup, this is where I start.
I would love to see the Wild commit to giving second-year center Danila Yurov an opportunity in the middle of the top line. In a limited sample last season, Yurov showed encouraging chemistry with Kaprizov without looking overmatched playing up in the lineup. The offense will need to increase (and it assuredly would if playing with Kaprizov) but the defensive ability as a centerman is already there.
On the opposite wing, I’d roll with newly signed Maxim Shabanov. The dynamic winger put up impressive numbers in the KHL and has flashed elite skill throughout his professional career. There will undoubtedly be some adjustment time, but the talent level is obvious.
Putting the all Russian line of Kaprizov, Yurov, and Shabanov together would give the Wild an exciting, highly skilled line with legitimate game-breaking potential.
The Easiest Line to Predict
Matt Boldy – Joel Eriksson Ek – Blake Coleman
The second line is probably the easiest projection on the roster.
Joel Eriksson Ek and Matt Boldy have already established themselves as one of the NHL’s better duos over the last several years. They’ll now be joined by offseason addition Blake Coleman.
Whoever ended up replacing Marcus Johansson was always going to change the look of this line. Johansson’s decision to continue his career in his native Sweden leaves a vacancy that had become somewhat underrated. Say what you want about Johansson, and I’ve certainly had my criticisms, but the reality is Boldy genuinely loved playing with him.
Coleman brings a much different style. He’ll add grit, forechecking pressure, and championship experience to a line that already features two proven top-six players.
Sorting Out the Bottom Six
This is where things get interesting.
With the top six mostly set, Ryan Hartman would slide back into a more familiar third-line center role after spending much of last season as Minnesota’s top-line center.
My hope for the opening-night third line would be:
Yakov Trenin – Ryan Hartman – Bobby Brink
Personally, I’d rather see a younger, more offensively gifted player such as Hunter Haight get a look alongside Hartman and Brink. There’s enough skill between Hartman and Brink to potentially create offense, and Haight could complement that nicely.
That said, I don’t see a realistic scenario where Trenin doesn’t begin the season in the lineup.
Frankly, he earned it.
After a disappointing first year in Minnesota, Trenin bounced back in a big way last season and led the NHL in hits by a ridiculous margin. His physicality became a major identity piece for the Wild.
Brink also enters a fascinating season. He did the organization a favor by signing below market value, but he’ll undoubtedly be motivated to produce and set himself up for a much larger payday on his next contract.
The Fourth Line and the Wild Cards
The fourth line feels almost guaranteed to feature both Foligno brothers.
Nick Foligno – Michael McCarron – Marcus Foligno
No matter who ends up centering or winging this group, one thing is certain: it will be a painful line to play against. McCarron brings size down the middle with the ability to win draws, and the Foligno brothers have built entire careers around physical, hard-nosed hockey.
However, there are several players who could shake things up.
Nico Sturm remains in the organization and quietly put together a strong playoff performance last spring. He’ll absolutely be in the mix for regular ice time.
The previously mentioned Hunter Haight is another player I’ll be watching closely. If he forces the issue during training camp or early in the season, the Wild may have a difficult time keeping him out of the lineup.
And then there’s Charlie Stramel.
The towering center remains one of Minnesota’s top prospects and appears poised to be first in line should injuries arise or if someone higher in the lineup struggles. Whether it’s this season or next, Stramel could be increasingly close to playing in the NHL as opposed to the AHL sooner rather than later.
My Preferred Lineup
Kaprizov – Yurov – Shabanov
Boldy – Eriksson Ek – Coleman
Trenin – Hartman – Brink
N. Foligno – McCarron – M. Foligno
My Actual Prediction
What I’d do and what I think John Hynes will do are two different things.
My prediction for opening night is:
Kaprizov – Hartman – Shabanov
Boldy – Eriksson Ek – Coleman
Trenin – McCarron – Brink
N. Foligno – Yurov – M. Foligno
I don’t think the coaching staff immediately hands Yurov the 1C role, and Hartman’s versatility makes him the safest option to begin the season between Kaprizov and Shabanov. I also think that McCarron begins the season on the 3rd line after signing a long term deal this offseason. That leaves Yurov as the “odd man out” so to speak down the middle, but still a meaningful role with the Foligno’s.
Of course, line combinations are never permanent. Injuries happen. Players get hot. Players get cold. Coaches tinker constantly, and sometimes lines change in the middle of a game.
But as things stand today, those are the combinations I’d like to see and the combinations I expect we’ll actually get. The further we get from the Kaprizov-Zuccarello era, the more fascinating this lineup becomes. Minnesota finally has some young skill pushing for opportunities, and that’s something Wild fans have been waiting to see for a long time.
Trenin on the first line with Kaprizov?! 😳
Where are you getting that?
My bad I misread! Getting late here