2026-27 Minnesota Wild Season Preview

The Minnesota Wild enter the 2026–27 season with expectations to push for another deep playoff run. The Wild’s basically only big move this offseason came in early July when they traded for Blake Coleman and Olli Maatta. There has been lots of talk this offseason about a Quinn Hughes extension, but as of the time of writing, that extension remains unsigned.

Key Additions

Blake Coleman (LW) – Acquired from Calgary on July 2nd with Olli Maatta in exchange for Jake Middleton, a 2027 third-round pick, a 2028 fourth, and a 2029 second. The 34-year-old scored 20 goals and 35 points in 69 games last season, bringing two-way play, physicality, and top-six scoring punch. He’s expected to slot on the second line with Ryan Hartman and Maxim Shabanov.

Olli Maatta (D) – Also acquired from Calgary in the Coleman trade. The 31-year-old left-shot defenseman had 14 points in 21 games last season after being acquired from Utah, bringing stability, veteran presence, and third-pairing minutes. He’s expected to slot alongside Jared Spurgeon.

Maxim Shabanov (LW) – Signed a one-year deal on July 2. The 25-year-old brings speed, skill, and middle-six depth, expected to compete for a top-nine role.

Calvin Pickard (G) – Signed a one-year deal on July 1. The 34-year-old provides goaltending depth.

Key Subtractions

Mats Zuccarello (LW) – Signed a one-year, $1 million deal with Los Angeles on July 1. The 38-year-old had 54 points (15 goals, 39 assists) in 59 games last season, a significant loss of elite playmaking and top-six scoring.

Marcus Johansson (LW) – Signed with Farjestad BK in the Swedish Hockey League on June 5. The 35-year-old had 49 points (15 goals, 34 assists) in 75 games, removing veteran depth and scoring from the middle six.

Vladimir Tarasenko (RW) – Departed in free agency (unsigned). The 34-year-old had 47 points (23 goals, 24 assists) in 75 games, a notable loss of top-six scoring and physicality.

Jake Middleton (D) – Traded to Calgary in the Coleman deal. The 30-year-old left-shot defenseman had 16 points in 75 games, removing veteran presence and physicality from the third pairing.

Jeff Petry (D) – Departed in free agency. The 38-year-old had nine assists in 67 games, a loss of veteran depth on the right side.

Core Retained

Minnesota kept its core intact, with Kirill Kaprizov, Joel Eriksson Ek, Matt Boldy, Ryan Hartman, Marcus Foligno, Brock Faber, Jonas Brodin, Jared Spurgeon, Filip Gustavsson, and Jesper Wallstedt all under contract.

Impact on 2026–27

The Wild’s offseason moves signal a clear push toward competitiveness. Coleman adds two-way play and scoring to the top six, while Maatta bolsters the defense. The departures of Zuccarello, Johansson, and Tarasenko remove significant scoring and veteran presence, but will the additions should push Minnesota up the standings, or will they fall back?

Salary Cap Situation

Projected cap hit – $102,847,499
Roster – 23/23
Projected cap space – $1,152,501
Deadline cap space – $5,323,457

Minnesota Wild Depth Chart

Minnesota Wild Depth Chart from PuckPedia.com – Aug. 23rd