The Minnesota Wild is a professional ice hockey team based in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is a member of the National Hockey League (NHL). The team was founded in 2000 and has been playing their home games at the Xcel Energy Center since their inception. The Wild have a dedicated fan base and have been steadily improving their performance over the years.
Team History and Record
The Minnesota Wild began play in the 2000-01 season, and their first few years were marked by struggles on the ice. However, under the leadership of head coach Jacques Lemaire, the team started to show improvement, making the playoffs for the first time in the 2002-03 season. Since then, the Wild have become a consistent playoff contender, with several players like Marian Gaborik, Zach Parise, and Ryan Suter contributing to the team’s success.
Season-by-Season Record
The Minnesota Wild have played over 20 seasons in the NHL, with varying degrees of success. Here is a breakdown of their season-by-season record:
| Season | Wins | Losses | Overtime Losses | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000-01 | 25 | 43 | 12 | 62 |
| 2001-02 | 26 | 35 | 12 | 64 |
| 2002-03 | 42 | 29 | 10 | 94 |
| 2003-04 | 30 | 29 | 20 | 80 |
| 2005-06 | 38 | 36 | 8 | 84 |
| 2006-07 | 48 | 26 | 8 | 104 |
| 2007-08 | 44 | 28 | 10 | 98 |
| 2008-09 | 40 | 33 | 9 | 89 |
| 2009-10 | 38 | 36 | 8 | 84 |
| 2010-11 | 39 | 35 | 8 | 86 |
| 2011-12 | 35 | 36 | 11 | 81 |
| 2012-13 | 26 | 19 | 3 | 55 |
| 2013-14 | 43 | 27 | 12 | 98 |
| 2014-15 | 46 | 28 | 8 | 100 |
| 2015-16 | 38 | 33 | 11 | 87 |
| 2016-17 | 49 | 25 | 8 | 106 |
| 2017-18 | 45 | 26 | 11 | 101 |
| 2018-19 | 37 | 36 | 9 | 83 |
| 2019-20 | 35 | 27 | 7 | 77 |
| 2020-21 | 35 | 16 | 5 | 75 |
| 2021-22 | 53 | 22 | 7 | 113 |
The Wild have had their fair share of playoff appearances, with their most successful season being the 2021-22 campaign, where they finished with 113 points and won the Central Division title. The team has also had some notable players throughout their history, including Mikko Koivu, who played for the team from 2005 to 2020 and holds the franchise record for most games played.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead to the future, the Minnesota Wild have a promising young core of players, including Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, and Calen Addison. The team has also made some key additions in recent years, including the signing of Ryan Hartman and the acquisition of Sam Steel. With a strong mix of veteran leadership and young talent, the Wild are well-positioned to remain a competitive team in the NHL for years to come.
Offseason Moves
The Wild have been active in the offseason, making several moves to bolster their roster. One of the key additions was the signing of Marc-Andre Fleury to a two-year contract extension, which will keep the veteran goaltender with the team through the 2023-24 season. The team also re-signed Jordan Greenway to a two-year deal and added Brennan Menell on a one-year contract.
In terms of draft picks, the Wild have a strong pipeline of young players, including Liam Ohgren, Danila Klimovich, and Nikita Nesterenko. The team will be looking to develop these players and integrate them into the lineup in the coming years.
What is the Minnesota Wild’s most successful season in franchise history?
+The Minnesota Wild’s most successful season was the 2021-22 campaign, where they finished with 113 points and won the Central Division title.
Who is the Minnesota Wild’s all-time leading scorer?
+Marian Gaborik is the Minnesota Wild’s all-time leading scorer, with 219 goals and 248 assists in 502 games played.
What is the name of the Minnesota Wild’s home arena?
+The Minnesota Wild play their home games at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Who is the current head coach of the Minnesota Wild?
+Dean Evason is the current head coach of the Minnesota Wild, having taken over the position in 2020.
