Minnesota Wild Staying Hot Leading Up To Holiday Break

Minnesota made waves a few months ago when they gave alternate captain Kirill Kaprizov the biggest contract in NHL history, but so far, it’s been worth it. The six-year veteran has been the biggest offensive contributor for the Wild in 2025-26, leading the team in points (41) and goals (22). 

Given that Kaprizov has been tabbed as Minnesota’s franchise player of the future, the level of production from the Russian native has made a difference for the Wild. The team has greatly benefited from his goal-scoring and ability to create opportunities for his teammates. That skill was on full display Thursday night, as Kaprizov tallied his fifth three-point performance of the season during the Wild’s seventh straight win. 

Kaprizov will only get more productive as the season enters the holiday stretch. That’s great news for Minnesota, especially as they look to make up ground in a tightly-contested Central Division race. This run has made one thing clear: the Wild aren’t going anywhere, especially not if Kaprizov has anything to say about it.

Matt Boldy Flying Under The Radar For The Wild

With the amount of attention on Kaprizov and new teammate Quinn Hughes, Matt Boldy has flown under the radar for most of the season. The 24-year-old tallied three points of his own Thursday night, marking his team-leading sixth such performance this season. Boldy also reached the 20-goal mark during the Wild’s contest against the Blue Jackets, joining Kaprizov as the second Minnesota player to reach the mark this season. 

There’s a lot at stake for Boldy heading into the new year, as his name has been mentioned in many conversations regarding the United States Olympic team. The Massachusetts native represented the stars and stripes at the 4 Nations-Face-Off last February, and he deserves to do so again in 2026. Boldy’s production has taken a huge step forward this season, and it’s not a stretch to say it’ll be the same for the United States in just a couple of months.

Quinn Hughes Adding Offensive Edge To New-Look Wild Defense

The biggest story in the NHL over the last week has been the Wild’s acquisition of Quinn Hughes, for good reason. The 26-year-old continued to showcase his skill during his third game for Minnesota, creating plenty of chances and holding down the blue line with defensive counterpart Brock Faber. 

Although the newcomer didn’t find the scoresheet against the Columbus Blue Jackets, fans who tuned in for the game can see just how much he changes the Wild’s dynamic on the ice. Hughes’ ability to clear pucks and stop the rush has been lights out over the last few games, and it’ll only get better as he plays more games with his new squad. The trade continues to pay off for Minnesota as Hughes assimilates himself into the Wild’s systems, and it’s showing on the ice.

End Of My Minnesota Wild Rant

The Wild haven’t gotten the attention they deserve due to the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars having incredible seasons, but that should be changing now that they’ve gone on a huge run. The team’s win streak is a product of teamwork on both sides of the puck, and anyone who watches their games can see how well they work together. 

Minnesota also seems to have found its missing piece in Hughes, who could prove to be a total game-changer as he gets more comfortable with the Wild. To see him fitting in so well in Minnesota is a good sign for Wild fans, as the team looks poised to make a run at the division. 

That being said, the team will have its hands full over the next few days as it takes on the Edmonton Oilers and the Avalanche. The games could serve as a good test of where they’re at as a group, and I expect the contests to be highly competitive. If the team can extend its win streak past the weekend, it might finally get the respect it deserves. 

Either way, the Wild have solidified themselves as real contenders over the past few weeks. For a team that hasn’t been front-page news basically at all in 2025-26 outside of the past week, they look solid and ready to compete. That’s a dangerous combination for a hockey team, but watching it play out as a fan will be such a joy.