The 2025-26 season is expected to be a pivotal year for the young Minnesota Wild roster. Key players such as David Jiricek, Danila Yurov, Liam Ohgren, and Zeev Buiium are anticipated to play essential roles in the team’s success. Ohgren, in particular, has shown dedication during the offseason, as evidenced by an NHL photo showcasing his intensified training and muscle gains.
Liam Ohgren, whose father Andreas Ohgren is a well-known Swedish hockey coach and trainer specializing in elite Swedish NHL athletes, clearly benefited from professional guidance during his training period. The 21-year-old forward tallied two goals and five points in 24 games with the Wild in the 2024-25 season, while also contributing 19 goals, 18 assists, and 37 points over 41 games with the Iowa Wild in the American Hockey League (AHL).
Selected 19th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, Ohgren looks set to be a major contributor for the Wild this season, having already gained experience in 28 NHL games across parts of two seasons. Additionally, Danila Yurov, picked five spots after Ohgren in the draft, is also poised to join the team and make an impact. It promises to be a significant year for both players, with Ohgren showing readiness to step up.
Other Wild-related news includes former Minnesota Wild defender Matt Dumba being traded from the Dallas Stars to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Vladislav Korikonok. Meanwhile, Wild forward Matt Boldy has earned recognition as one of the NHL’s top 10 forwards under 25, ranking third on the list. Former Wild forward Gustav Nyquist has signed a one-year, $3.25 million contract with the Winnipeg Jets.
Fan Take: This season marks a critical moment for the Minnesota Wild as they lean heavily on their promising young talent, signaling a potential shift towards a new era of competitiveness. Keeping an eye on these rising stars will be exciting for fans and could influence the future dynamics of the NHL.