This article is part of our Team Previews series.
The Wild took some big steps forward last season due in part to a group of young forwards who began to exhibit some growth. Mikael Granlund emerged as a potential star for the Wild with an explosive finish to the regular season, a strong playoff performance, and through his impressive showing with the bronze-winning Finnish team in the 2014 Winter Olympics. Charlie Coyle stepped up at the end of the season, proving to be the physical force with offensive upside that the Wild thought they had gotten when they drafted him in 2010. Nino Niederreiter also delivered on some of his promise with a 14-goal, 22-assist season, while Justin Fontaine and Erik Haula both surpassed expectations, adding depth scoring to a talented top six.
Though the Wild are sound defensively as a forward group, questions remain about how their depth chart on the blue line will round out. Will Justin Falk grab some time in a second or third pairing? And how will rookie defensemen Matt Dumba and Christian Folin factor into the team's plan on defense?
Meanwhile, the more significant question mark for the Wild is in net. Minnesota's crease was a carousel last year featuring all of Niklas Backstrom, Josh Harding, Darcy Kuemper, Ilya Brygalov and John Curry seeing action, while two more tenders who sat on the bench and didn't get to the ice.
In short, injuries were a concern in net and they're still a concern. But the team is in a predicament.
The Wild took some big steps forward last season due in part to a group of young forwards who began to exhibit some growth. Mikael Granlund emerged as a potential star for the Wild with an explosive finish to the regular season, a strong playoff performance, and through his impressive showing with the bronze-winning Finnish team in the 2014 Winter Olympics. Charlie Coyle stepped up at the end of the season, proving to be the physical force with offensive upside that the Wild thought they had gotten when they drafted him in 2010. Nino Niederreiter also delivered on some of his promise with a 14-goal, 22-assist season, while Justin Fontaine and Erik Haula both surpassed expectations, adding depth scoring to a talented top six.
Though the Wild are sound defensively as a forward group, questions remain about how their depth chart on the blue line will round out. Will Justin Falk grab some time in a second or third pairing? And how will rookie defensemen Matt Dumba and Christian Folin factor into the team's plan on defense?
Meanwhile, the more significant question mark for the Wild is in net. Minnesota's crease was a carousel last year featuring all of Niklas Backstrom, Josh Harding, Darcy Kuemper, Ilya Brygalov and John Curry seeing action, while two more tenders who sat on the bench and didn't get to the ice.
In short, injuries were a concern in net and they're still a concern. But the team is in a predicament. Kuemper, who is still without a contract, looks like the future, but Harding and Backstrom are on one-way contracts and general manager Chuck Fletcher has indicated that both are healthy. It would be tough to turn away from Harding given his sensational numbers (18-7-3, 1.65 GAA, .933 save percentage in 29 games) before his season ended prematurely due to his treatment for multiple sclerosis, but how long can you trust him (or Backstrom) to stay healthy? It's a messy situation that probably won't be cleared up until after fantasy drafts have already taken place. There's probably a viable and potentially mid- to upper-tier goaltender in the mix here; it's just not clear what his name is.
The Big Guns
Zach Parise, LW (RotoWire Position Rank*: #6): Parise is a player who does it all. Through 67 games last season, he posted 29 goals, 27 assists, a plus-10 rating, 14 power-play goals (fourth-best in the league) and 245 shots (22nd) over an average ice time of 22:06 (17th). His possession ratings were fantastic, and his overall numbers should increase now that the team has improved its top six, meaning he'll no longer need to carry the load alone. Parise will continue to see loads of power-play time, as he was on the ice for 63.8 percent of the team's power-play time in games he played last season. If health permits, Parise could be in store for an excellent season, making him a worthy consideration for the opening rounds of your draft.
*RotoWire Position Ranks reflected for points-based leagues*
Jason Pominville, RW (RotoWire Position Rank: #13): Pominville may be 31, but he isn't slowing down at all. His skills alone are reason enough to draft him, but his chemistry with center Mikael Granlund had both men racking up the points. There's every reason to believe he's got a couple of strong seasons left in him until the inevitable decline begins, so a repeat of his 30-goal, 30-assist production from 2013-14 is within reach, regardless of whether his center is Granlund or Mikko Koivu.
Thomas Vanek, LW (RotoWire Position Rank: #18): Many have derided Vanek's postseason performance in Montreal or even his regular-season production from 2013-14, crying out that Vanek is in decline. If anyone in your league believes that, all the better for you. Many people will have been fooled by Vanek's so-called decline, but there's little reason to dismiss what he's accomplished. His past season was nothing but exhausting -- he switched teams twice and played in the Olympics, and then skated for the Habs as they advanced all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals. And sure, his slow feet were exposed playing in Montreal. But in joining the Wild, Vanek will skate on one of the best lines of his career (outside John Tavares, of course). Minnesota's top six is deep enough that even as line shuffling takes place, he'll be playing with playmakers like Mikael Granlund, Mikko Koivu, Jason Pominville and Zach Parise. Vanek stands to have a solid year in his new home and come within striking distance of 30 goals and 70 points. Don't select him too high, but don't shy away from him when his time comes in your draft, either.
Ryan Suter, D (RotoWire Position Rank: #18): Suter is an elite defenseman, but his production is quieter than most other big guns on the back end. His best total points output for a season to date is in the mid-40s. He's never scored 10 goals a season and maybe never will. But he led the NHL in ice time (29:25) for the second-straight year -- that's more than two minutes more than the second-place finisher, Ottawa's Erik Karlsson. Suter also posted a solid plus-15 rating, eight goals and 35 assists to finish 18th in scoring among blue liners. If ever there were a time Suter might come close to that coveted 50-point plateau, it would be in 2014-15, particularly with talented forwards like Zach Parise, Jason Pominvile, Mikko Koivu and Thomas Vanek surrounding him on the top power-play unit. That kind of production would elevate him into the NHL's top-10 from the back end. Draft accordingly, as there's still might be some upside to be had.
Josh Harding, G (RotoWire Position Rank: #27): Harding had an incredible season last year...or should we say, first half of the season. In 29 games, he posted a league-best .933 save percentage and a 1.65 goals against average. Those numbers would normally be a recipe for a top goaltending draft pick, but his situation is complicated. Harding continues to suffer from complications due to multiple sclerosis, missing the second half of the season after he had to undergo a change in medication. The netminder could very well play outstanding hockey again this year, but it's tough to predict how many games he'll play given the fatigue that typically accompanies MS. General manager Chuck Fletcher has said that Harding is healthy, but it's not clear how long you'll be able to trust him. You'll need a "Plan B" if you're drafting him, or any other Wild goalie for that matter. The team has both Harding and former starter Niklas Backstrom under contract, with young netminder (and future of the franchise) Darcy Kuemper waiting in the wings. Tread carefully.
On the Rise
Charlie Coyle, RW (RotoWire Position Rank: #63): The 22-year-old winger continued to grow last season, notching 12 goals and 18 assists over 70 games. The turning point for Coyle appeared to be his closed-door meeting in the second half with coach Mike Yeo, who requested that the forward rediscover his physical game. Coyle did exactly that, and unsurprisingly, his late-season and his postseason performances -- prior to playing with two separated shoulders -- was outstanding. The 22-year-old has probably played himself into Minnesota's top-six forwards, a group that is going to be even stronger in 2014-15. But his role in that group could still be at risk because of his skills on both ends of the ice, unlike the defensively-challenged Nino Niederreiter, who struggles in his own zone. As a result, it could mean that Coyle is the one who might be trusted on the third line. If Coyle is able to remain in a top-six role for the bulk of the season, a true breakout year could be on the horizon. At this point, it's most prudent to watch camp closely and see how the lines might shake out. Otherwise, stick Coyle at the end of the bench for your fantasy squad and hope for fireworks.
Nino Niederreiter, LW (RotoWire Position Rank: #33): Niederreiter had the breakout campaign the Wild had been counting on last season, recording 14 goals, 22 assists, 44 penalty minutes and 143 shots. El Nino is going to get more responsibility this season -- he and Charlie Coyle will vie for the right side on the second line -- and there's every reason to believe we will see those numbers climb. In fact, he probably has the inside track because he's a little more one-dimensional than Coyle, who can probably adjust better to the defensive responsibilities of a third-line role. Don't expect an explosion and a 30-goal season, but you can expect a 40-point campaign. Next season's output will be the leap point.
Mikael Granlund, C (RotoWire Position Rank: #79): It didn't just seem like Granlund got better with every game last season -- he actually did. He delivered an impressive 21 points in his last 25 games, which makes it hard to believe he wasn't guaranteed to make the roster at the start of last season. He's now the Wild's No. 2 center on the back of his solid season, which included an Olympic nod with the bronze-winning Finnish team and fantastic showing in the playoffs. He's slated to skate with some combination of Jason Pominville, Thomas Vanek, Zach Parise, Nino Niederreiter and/or Charlie Coyle on the wing this season, which is about as fruitful as it gets for fantasy purposes. Granlund is a puck distributor who is going to helm the second-unit power play, if not climb his way into the top unit. He posted eight goals and 33 assists overall last season and there's every reason to believe he'll top the 50-point mark in 2014-15.
Two to Watch
Erik Haula, C (RotoWire Position Rank: NR): Haula emerged as a serious player for the Wild in his rookie season, though it wouldn't seem so based on the surface numbers. During the season, he played just 46 games, posting six goals and nine assists. But it's his play at the end of the season and during the playoffs that's worthy of note here. He had played respectably throughout most of the campaign, but an injury to Mikael Granlund in the final month elevated him to the second-line center role. He thrived in that capacity, ultimately posted four goals (including one game-winner), three assists and 29 shots over 13 playoff games. With Granlund back in the fold, Haula is slotted into a third-line role to start the season, and he could surprise if injuries force him to move up the depth chart again. He's still a bit of an unknown, but he could be a killer sleeper pick in a very late round of your draft.
Jared Spurgeon, D (RotoWire Position Rank: #98): Spurgeon's star is on the rise, what with career-high totals last season in goals (five), assists (21), plus/minus (plus-15), penalty minutes (16), and average time on ice (22:38). He accomplished all of that in just 67 games last season, and then followed up with three goals and three assists in 13 playoff games. He's a smaller defender, but is in line to get some serious minutes in the top four. Thirty points are within reach.
Don't Overrate
Mikko Koivu, C (RotoWire Position Rank: #58): Tales of Koivu's decline are largely overblown, but his totals are indisputably decreasing. His goal total took a dive last season, partially a result of a 7.5 shooting percentage, producing his lowest output in that category since his rookie campaign. That should at least bounce back a little. Despite that, he still posted 43 assists and averaged 20:56 of ice time a night, seventh-best among NHL forwards. Koivu is going to get solid power-play time and will have two stellar wings playing with him after Minnesota increased their top-six depth with the addition of Thomas Vanek. Koivu should find his way into your draft in the middle rounds, making him a great find if you're grabbing him after that. Don't reach for him.
Darcy Kuemper, G (RotoWire Position Rank: #61): Kuemper is in a strange spot in Minnesota. In one sense, he's the third-string goaltender behind Niklas Backstrom and Josh Harding, who are both on one-way contracts. In another, he's the heir apparent behind two guys who miss time because of injury or illness, and he'll likely to see a significant number of games this season. General manager Chuck Fletcher has already stated that he's OK carrying three goaltenders on the team this season, and after an impressive performance from Kuemper in limited time last year, it seems a foregone conclusion that he'll be the man in Minnesota sooner rather than later. But in reality, nothing is guaranteed. Backstrom is a capable starting goaltender and Harding was outstanding last season, leading the league in both save percentage and goals against average prior to missing the last half of the season following a change to his treatment for multiple sclerosis. He's a must-own as a handcuff to the other Wild goalies, but he's not really a starter yet. By the time it's clear that he's the starter in Minnesota -- when that time comes -- it's probably going to be too late to grab him off waivers.
Keith Ballard, D (RotoWire Position Rank: #181): Ballard is no longer the 20-plus point player he was before moving to Vancouver in the 2010-11 season. His game is in decline and his possession numbers have been in the negative for three of the last four seasons. He's not providing the Wild with what they need, despite being a calming veteran presence in the locker room. So, like last season, he's likely to be scratched in favor of younger players like Matt Dumba or Christian Folin. He'll get 40-50 games, but there may be better alternatives with higher upside available in your draft or on waivers.
Top Prospects
Matt Dumba, D (RotoWire Prospects Rank: #18): Dumba has been a force on the ice at every level he's played. He has a strong shot at making the parent club, but there's going to be stiff competition from a handful of young defensemen that will also get a chance at claiming one of the open spots in Minnesota. Dumba could surprise and have a stellar rookie year, but he could also spend a significant amount of time playing in the AHL as well. He's not draftable in redraft leagues this season, but if he starts getting regular time with Minnesota, keep an eye on him. He has serious offensive upside and could prove to be a key waiver pickup.
Mario Lucia, LW (RotoWire Prospects Rank: #100): Lucia is set to enter his junior season at Notre Dame, after finishing with 31 points in 40 games for the Fighting Irish a year earlier. A former second-round selection by the Wild in 2011, Lucia could opt to begin his professional career after Notre Dame's season ends, but doesn't figure to make an immediate impact for the parent club. The Wild are well-stocked at forward talent on their top three lines, meaning a stint in the minors probably looms for Lucia once he leaves college.
Christian Folin, D (RotoWire Prospects Rank: NR): Folin was one of the most sought-after free agents coming out of the NCAA last season and probably ranks as the current favorite from the pool of defensive prospects to make the Wild roster out of camp. The big-bodied Folin played just a single game last year after being signed, and wasn't eligible to suit up during the playoffs since he was inked after the trade deadline. As a consequence, there isn't much of a sample size to predict how he'll perform for the Wild. We do know that the Wild are going to give him a shot on a decent pairing and may even let him lead the second power-play unit. If you're into high-risk, high-reward moves, Folin might be worth a gamble, given his offensive upside. But it's impossible to know how many games he'll actually play and that makes it a risk to draft him. He's a great waiver grab, but don't be afraid to leverage any early hot streak he has into a trade in your re-draft league. Like Justin Schultz last year, Folin could tire over the course of a much-longer NHL season. He'll more than likely hit the proverbial wall around the 45-game mark. It'll be a couple seasons before we see his fantasy potential fully realized.
