AFTER THEIR RUN of four straight playoff berths ended in April, the Wild will hit the draft floor looking to build upon a period of success that has seen them turn first-rounders into NHL talent in relatively short order. Following the late-season debut of Liam Ohgren, each of Minnesota’s top choices from 2019 through 2022 – a list that includes Matt Boldy and Marco Rossi – have made their NHL debuts.
IMMEDIATE NEEDS: Brock Faber was beyond a revelation this season, and Jonas Brodin can do the job as a top-pairing defenseman. But the Wild’s path away from mediocrity and into legitimate and long-term contention is reliant on upgrading defensively. More than a pure shutdown type, too, what Minnesota desperately needs is a top-tier puck-mover who can help transform the attack.
LONG-TERM…
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The Hockey News (Digital) - 1 Issue, Draft Preview 2024