NHL Training Camps officially opened on Wednesday, with the Wild’s opening today. Here are some storylines to watch heading into the season.
Goaltending Battle
Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
Wild head coach John Hynes indicated on Tuesday he is looking for the goalies to decide who will be the starter and who will be the backup.
The Wild also have Jesper Wallstedt in the wings, their prized top prospect and goalie of the future who already has two full seasons on AHL hockey under his belt. Wallstedt could be in the rotation to get regular games in the NHL.
A three goalie rotation could be in the mix for the Wild.
“We are prepared if that is the case. I don’t know if that will be the case, I think the players will tell us if it is,” Hynes said about having a three goalie rotation. “I don’t even want to say Jesper, I think Flower’s performance and Gus’s performance in camp and training camp games will ultimately determine whether we start with three.”
Related: ‘There’s no rush’: State of the Wild’s goaltending next year
If Gustavsson can get back to 2022-23 form then the Wild may opt for Wallstedt to start in Iowa until they need him.
“If it doesn’t make sense to do it then we are not going to do it,” Hynes said. “We’re not going to force it. We feel that we have three capable goalies that can help us win games, it will come down to performance.”
But even if both Fleury and Gustavsson look great in camp and in training camp games, Hynes still feels that if Wallstedt looks good, he will get a shot.
“The big question is if Jesper proves himself, looks ready, and he’s having a really good camp then he is going to earn some NHL games.”
Spurgeon/Foligno’s Health and Role
Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Both Jared Spurgeon and Marcus Foligno had season ending surgeries last year. Spurgeon played in only 16 regular season games and Foligno played in 55.
They both are healthy heading into training camp after some captain’s practices with the team but the question becomes how well will they perform and will they be back at the elite level they have been before?
Spurgeon, 34, had one offseason surgery on his back and another on his hips. After getting hurt in a preseason game last year the Wild’s captain was already battling some injuries. He went in and out of the lineup but decided to step away from the game and start recovering.
With the arrival of Brock Faber and how well he performed on the power play last year, also Declan Chisholm and his role as a power play specialist, what will Spurgeon’s role look like?
Related: ‘Like an F-150 getting new suspensions’: Foligno ready for next season following season-ending surgery
Foligno, 33, had the same surgery this offseason as the one in the previous offseason. This time it was on the other side of his body.
There is reason to think and believe Foligno will get back to where he originally was as an elite defensive forward but getting a second surgery after having the same one done a year back, may draw concerns.
It will be interesting to keep an eye on both Foligno and Spurgeon as they are big pieces of this Wild team. Especially if the Wild want to get back into the playoffs again, they are going to need them both.
A Rookie Surprise?
Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Riley Heidt should get a great opportunity this camp and one that might grant him a nine-game trial in the NHL.
The Wild’s 2023 second-round pick has had back-to-back very good seasons in the WHL with the Prince George Cougars. It seems the young center could get a real chance at making the club’s roster at the start of the season.
Heidt, 19, recorded 37 goals and 80 assists across 66 games last year for Prince George. He jumped from a 97 point season the previous year to 117 last year while posting career highs in every offensive category.
He certainly is playing like he is ready for the next jump.
Related: Wild Prospect breaks Prince George playoff record
Being that he is only 19-years-old, Heidt can’t go to the AHL yet. If he doesn’t make the NHL team out of camp he will return to the WHL for one more year.
“Personally I believe that I’ve got a good shot. I’ve worked hard my whole life. I think I fit right in,” Heidt said on whether he’s ready for the NHL. “So it’s just going to come down to myself to compete every day and try and make it. So that’s what I’m going to do. It’s been my dream since day one. I wouldn’t be playing this sport if I didn’t want to do that.”
The Wild could give Heidt a nine game trial though. If he plays more than nine games in the NHL this year his rookie contract will begin. Which is why the Wild may be inclined to give him nine games and see what happens. The Buffalo Sabres did it with Zach Benson last year and decided to keep him past the nine game sample.
All and all, it should be an exciting year.
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