The Minnesota Wild reached the postseason this past year, but they fell to the Vegas Golden Knights in six games. Minnesota will now be entering the offseason searching for a way to improve the club.
The Wild have a good core group of players, but they may need one more piece to help them get over the hump. Kirill Kaprizov is a special player, but he can’t do it all alone.
Minnesota could be active on the open market this year, and it could see them make some significant additions. NHL writer Lyle Richardson of Bleacher Report listed some surprising landing spots for free agents, with the Wild being named.
Richardson has the Wild signing Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett this offseason.
“Bennett will be a highly prized commodity if he goes to free agency. The Minnesota Wild could be among his suitors. After being hamstrung by limited cap space since buying out Zach Parise and Ryan Suter in 2021, the Wild finally have sufficient cap space to make a splash in this summer’s UFA pool.”
Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett (9) skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett (9) skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
“The Wild have a projected $20.6 million in cap space for 2025-26 with 16 active roster players under contract. They must ensure they have sufficient long-term cap room to re-sign superstar Kirill Kaprizov, but should have enough to sign Bennett to a long-term contract.”
If the team were to land a player like Bennett, it could help out tremendously. Bennett helped the Panthers win the Stanley Cup last season, and he has been instrumental in the team finding more success this year.
The veteran center posted 25 goals and 26 assists this season for Florida, showing his production. So far in the playoffs, Bennett has recorded six goals and three assists for the Panthers.
It remains to be seen how active the Wild will be, but Bennett could be an exciting potential addition to the team.