NHL · Central · Est. 2000 · Xcel Energy Center
Updated March 16, 2026
The blockbuster acquisition of Quinn Hughes from Vancouver in December was the move of the season. Minnesota sent Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren, Zeev Buium, and a first-round pick to the Canucks for the Norris Trophy-caliber defenseman, and the results have been immediate. The Wild rank fifth in the power rankings.
After signing the richest contract in NHL history — eight years, $136 million — Kirill Kaprizov has 24 goals and 48 points through 42 games. The pace is slightly below his scorching start last season before surgery, but the underlying numbers suggest his game is rounding into form for a deep playoff push.
For years, Minnesota was a good team that never quite had enough. With Hughes anchoring the defense and Kaprizov leading the attack, the Wild finally look like they can compete with the elite teams in the Western Conference. This might be the franchise's best roster since relocating from Dallas.