Minnesota Wild Postseason Grades
Play-in Report Card: Dumba good on defense, great on activism
Dumba couldn’t make a scoring impact in the Wild’s qualifying series against the Canucks, but his actions outside the game, geared toward justice and equality, left a lasting impression.
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Regression
It’s not all bad news in here, folks!
Evaluating The Goaltending Tandem of Dubnyk and Stalock
After a disappointing season, both Dubnyk and Stalock need to have bounce-back years if Minnesota wants any shot at returning to the postseason.
Evaluating the Defensive Corps
Yeah, defense isn’t the problem here.
Evaluating The Forward Corps
Overall production was down, but there is a bit of sun peeking through the clouds for the Wild.
Mikael Granlund Had a Career Year
Just in time for his RFA negotiations too
Erik Haula turns in average season, faces uncertain future
There are several roads that lead out of, but just as many that lead back to Minnesota
Despite His Size, Alex Tuch Didn’t Cast Much of a Shadow
Tuch failed to capitalize on his opportunities this season, but he’ll get another chance next year
Jared Spurgeon’s career year shows that size isn’t everything
The Minnesota Wild’s best defenseman continues to get better despite the odds.
A Tale of Two Seasons for Devan Dubnyk
Sustaining Dubnyk’s elite play throughout next season will require a solid second goaltender.
Darcy Kuemper has likely played his last game for the Wild
After losing the starting gig to Devan Dubnyk, it was only a matter of time before Kuemper left for other pastures.
Jonas Brodin got his groove back and took a step offensively
But there remain questions about the recent IIHF Gold-medalist’s future
Mathew Dumba and the breakout year that wasn’t... or was it?
Dumba had an odd statistical season that may mean he is on his way out of Minnesota. Wild fans could regret that.
Gustav Olofsson improved throughout the Wild’s season
Despite some injuries, Olofsson showed he’s ready for the big time next season.
Ryan White was not the 4th line hero he was billed to be
White came to Minnesota as a throw away piece in a trade to fill a void that wasn't there.
Ryan Suter can maintain elite status for many more seasons
Suter’s ‘16-’17 performance was more of the same, another solid and subtly dominant campaign.
Martin Hanzal was effective in his short time with the Minnesota Wild
Brought in at the trade deadline, Martin Hanzal solidified the Wild’s center depth.
Zucker earned his spot on the protected list for the expansion draft
A career-year likely means Zucker has made his home in Minnesota.
Joel Eriksson Ek’s next challenge: Seize a spot on the Minnesota Wild
The Swedish center impressed, but still must improve to claim a full-time NHL job.
There is still another level to Zach Parise’s game
2016-2017 was the season of illness for Parise
Mikko Koivu Excelled in His New Role
Mikko Koivu played his way to a Selke-worthy year as the Wild’s defensive stalwart and third highest scorer.
Chris Stewart shaved his little beard and performed as expected
In his second stint with the Wild, Stewart again performed well in his role, but left us wanting more.
