Wild season preview: Long-term Quinn Hughes deal could boost Stanley Cup chances

The 2026-27 NHL regular season begins Sept. 29. Leading up to the season opener, NHL.com is identifying six things to watch for each team. Today, the Minnesota Wild.

Last season: 46-24-12, third in Central Division; lost in Western Conference Second Round

Coach: John Hynes (fourth season)

Biggest challenge

Three words: Signing Quinn Hughes. The defenseman is in the final season of the six-year, $47.1 million contract ($7.85 million average annual value) he signed with the Vancouver Canucks on Oct. 3, 2021. Hughes has been eligible to sign a new contract since July 1 and can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He said last week that he’s in no rush to sign his next contract before training camp begins. Hughes said Minnesota “has been a great fit for me.” He has a great relationship with Wild general manager Bill Guerin. Hughes has found a home with the Wild, where he had 53 points (five goals, 48 assists) in 48 regular-season games and led the Wild, with forward Kirill Kaprizov, with 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) in 11 Stanley Cup Playoff games. Now let’s see when the next contract is done and how long the drama drags out over the whole season.

How they make playoffs

It’s cliche to say the Wild will benefit from getting off to a good start but it’s true, especially in the Central Division where they’ll probably be once again fighting for the top spot with the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars and maybe even the Utah Mammoth. Team-wise, improving on the penalty kill wouldn’t hurt. Minnesota was at 79.8 percent on the kill last season (16th in the NHL). They’ll also want to fill the void left by forward Mats Zuccarello, who they chose not to re-sign (Zuccarello signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Los Angeles Kings on July 1). Zuccarello had 54 points (15 goals, 39 assists) in 59 games last season, third on the Wild. He was also second on the team in game-winning goals with five (Kaprizov led with seven).

Most intriguing addition

Blake Coleman should give the Wild a scoring punch, a veteran presence and someone who knows what it’s going to take to win the Stanley Cup (he won it with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021). The 34-year-old forward, who was acquired with defenseman Olli Maatta from the Calgary Flames for Wild defenseman Jake Middleton on July 2, had 35 points (20 goals, 15 assists) in 69 games last season. And speaking of that penalty kill, Coleman should be a big help to that for the Wild. Where he fits into the lineup is still up in the air – he’s played wing and center – but Coleman can help in several ways.

Biggest potential surprise

Charlie Stramel will be trying to make the Wild roster out of training camp. It would certainly help the Wild, who could use more depth at center, which Stramel could provide. The 21-year-old had 44 points (19 goals, 25 assists) in 37 games last season with Michigan State. The question is, how does Stramel look after sustaining a broken ankle in the NCAA regional final against the Wisconsin Badgers in March? Between that and the shorter training camp this season, it’ll be a challenge for Stramel but if he can make a great impression, he’ll be in the roster mix.

Ready to contribute

Maxim Shabanov should get a role in the top six with the Wild this season. The 25-year-old forward, who signed a one-year, $1.6 million contract with Minnesota on July 2, had 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) in 44 games as a rookie with the New York Islanders last season. Perhaps he plays with fellow Russian Kaprizov, which certainly doesn’t hurt anyone’s chances of putting up points in a season. That remains to be seen, but the Wild will be looking for more offense this season and Shabanov could help there.

Fantasy sleeper with EDGE stats

Blake Coleman, F: A four-time 20-goal scorer, Coleman could slot into Minnesota's top six forward group after being acquired by the Wild from the Calgary Flames this offseason. Despite being limited to 69 games last season, Coleman was one of two players with at least 20 goals and 150 hits (162) in fewer than 70 games (other: Brady Tkachuk). Coleman, who’s 34 years old, is a category coverage specialist; he has had at least 100 hits in each of the past nine seasons, and his four shorthanded goals last season ranked tied for second in the entire NHL (behind Ryan McLeod’s five). Per NHL EDGE stats, Coleman has ranked in the 90th percentile or higher among forwards in high-danger shots on goal in all five seasons of the League’s puck and player tracking era (since 2021-22). Coleman could be the missing piece for the Wild, who are coming off their first playoff series win since 2015, and is a high-floor fantasy option attainable late in drafts (going undrafted on average) or off the waiver wire. -- Troy Perlowitz

Projected lineup

Kirill Kaprizov -- Joel Eriksson Ek -- Matt Boldy

Blake Coleman -- Ryan Hartman -- Maxim Shabanov 

Yakov Trenin -- Danila Yurov -- Bobby Brink

Marcus Foligno -- Michael McCarron -- Nick Foligno

Quinn Hughes -- Brock Faber

Jonas Brodin -- Jared Spurgeon

Olli Maatta -- Zach Bogosian

Jesper Wallstedt

Calvin Pickard

Injured: Filip Gustavsson (hip surgery)