Wilderness Walk: 1 More Sleep!

It's opening night in the NHL and there are finally live games that count.  Though we have to wait one more day to see our team, we no longer have to wait for hockey.  It is always exciting to see how all of the offseason storylines play out as the level of compete inevitably finds a new gear when games start to count, and there's plenty to look for around the league.  The Central continues to be a juggernaut division, full of teams that are built to make the playoffs, which all but guarantees another full season of meaningful games with a playoff atmosphere throughout.  And that's just one of the many storylines we will be tracking.

What are you most looking forward to in the 2015-16 NHL season?

Yesterday, we saw the Wild set their opening night roster, placing Justin Fontaine on Injured Reserve, sending Mike Reilly to Iowa and placing Jordan Schroeder on waivers (*sob*) to gain the ability to go to Iowa.  That leaves one roster spot open, which could still be filled by Schroeder or another waiver wire pickup.  Tyler Graovac has officially made the team.

Check out our latest podcast as special guest @AnthraxJones helps preview the Central Division:

You can subscribe to the show on iTunes or Stitcher Radio, your choice. Feel free to leave a review of the show, too! It’s always great to hear your feedback. Visit HockeyWilderness.com for all your Wild news and analysis as the season starts, and follow the show on Twitter @HWildernessCast.

So while the league kicks off its first games tonight, we Walk through our last day that we have to have patience.

Wild News

Wild roster set; former Gophers star Reilly sent to minors - StarTribune.com
Shredder on waivers has me all upset.

Area Of Concern: Mike Yeo - Minnesota Wild - Articles - Homepage - Wild Xtra
#YEOLO

Wild’s Niederreiter lives off-ice life to the fullest - StarTribune.com
Part of the fun of following Nino Niederreiter on Twitter is the Wild sharpshooting winger gives fans inside access into his life during the offseason.

Take a multi-sport road trip to Phoenix in December - StarTribune.com
By some serendipity of schedule-making, the Vikings, Wild and Timberwolves are all playing road games against Phoenix-area teams between Dec. 10 and Dec. 13.

Tending the Fields

Article: Wild Prospect Roundup: Jordan Greenway starts on BU's top line - Minnesota Wild Talk - Wild Xtra
Big Man Greenway earns 1st line time at BU

Off The Trail

Sharks F Raffi Torres suspended 41 games for illegal check to head - CBSSports.com
The headhunter gets a stiff penalty. Is it enough?

30 bold team predictions for the NHL season - Article - TSN
There's a good Wild prediction in here

Lightning start on top of NHL Power Rankings - Article - TSN
Not shabby starting position por les Wild.

Top 30 lines heading into NHL season - Article - TSN

NHL Expert Picks: Capitals, Lightning and Ducks poised for big year - CBSSports.com
Gretz and Peters make their predictions.

Jaromir Jagr says he is letting his hair grow and bringing back his mullet - CBSSports.com
Florida Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr says that he is letting his hair grow and bringing back his mullet.

Sharks name Joe Pavelski captain, Thornton and Couture alternates - CBSSports.com
The Sharks finally #StripTheC

Did Jimmy Kimmel guest admit cheating on ex with Tyler Johnson? (Video) | Puck Daddy - Yahoo Sports
From Yahoo Sports: "The most impressive thing I’ve ever done?" asked the woman, on camera. "I don’t know … cheat on my boyfriend, not have him find out."

Canadiens GM unhappy after Zack Kassian broke nose, foot in accident - CBSSports.com
Canadiens forward Zack Kassian broke his nose and left foot in an accident over the weekend and his general manager is not happy about it.

Kassian into substance abuse program - Article - TSN
Explains why he was put on waivers.