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ST. PAUL, Minn. — Every rookie sets specific objectives upon arriving at training camp.
On Monday, Liam Ohgren and Jesper Wallstedt were beaming after achieving one of those objectives. Both have been informed that they will remain with the team … at least for the time being, securing spots on the Wild’s opening-night roster.
This announcement doesn’t guarantee that either player will make it into the lineup for Thursday night’s season opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets, but both performed exceptionally during training camp and earned their places. Wallstedt entered camp with confidence, though he was uncertain about his initial standing. This season will present ongoing challenges as the Wild carry three goalies, including Filip Gustavsson and Marc-Andre Fleury.
“Coming in, this was my goal,” stated Wallstedt, the 21-year-old goalie who has also signed a two-year, $4.4 million extension (averaging $2.2 million annually) that begins next season, ensuring he won’t become a restricted free agent. “Every day here has been fantastic, allowing me to compete and bond with these guys.”
“I want to be here on a daily basis. Achieving this goal was important to me. However, I must keep putting in the work, taking it one day at a time, and continuing to evolve. I aim to play games, and that means there will always be new goals on the horizon. Each time I reach a target, more will follow, so now it’s time to pursue the next one.”
Ohgren, 20, faced a challenging first week at training camp, but after a discussion with coach John Hynes, he began to improve. Hynes essentially advised him to stop overthinking about systems and simply be himself.
“His speed stands out. His competitiveness for the puck is apparent,” Hynes remarked. “Because of these attributes, he has become an offensive-chance creator. His attention to detail off the puck has also been commendable. He’s really adapted to the changes in our defensive zone and our rush defense.”
“Currently, he seems to be just playing. He’s Liam Ohgren, and he’s impacting the game with his speed.”
It will be intriguing to see whether Ohgren plays on opening night or if he ends up as a healthy scratch.
Marcus Johansson is expected to begin the season on the second line alongside Joel Eriksson Ek and Matt Boldy. Johansson netted a goal in his final exhibition game and has shown greater engagement and physicality in his last two preseason outings than he did last season—something the coaching staff encouraged.
The third line of Marcus Foligno, Ryan Hartman, and Yakov Trenin is likely set, as Marco Rossi seems to have secured a position between Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello on the first line. This leaves a single spot open on one of Marat Khusnutdinov’s wings. New addition Jakub Lauko had an outstanding camp, so if Ohgren is to play against Columbus, it would likely be at the expense of Freddy Gaudreau.
Ohgren received fourth-line shifts on Monday, and both Hynes and general manager Bill Guerin have frequently mentioned that they believe the 20-year-old does not need to play top-six minutes to learn or contribute effectively. If Ohgren is intended to be the 13th forward consistently, the AHL Iowa would be the most appropriate venue for his development; however, if he is to see game time in Minnesota, the Wild are comfortable with this path for his growth.
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“He simply mentioned, ‘I need to go out, play my game, and be myself.’ After that, I felt like I improved with each practice and game,” Ohgren reflected.
Ohgren is aware that there may be moments when he is out of the lineup or potentially sent to Iowa for a period.
“However, I believe that being up here presents a wonderful opportunity for me. I’ll be around all those guys, the staff, and I’ll learn so much,” he expressed. “Thus, I don’t see this as a disadvantage; being here allows me to gain valuable insights. Yet, naturally, I always want to play.”
Currently, Ohgren is still residing in a hotel. Wallstedt received advice earlier in this camp to find accommodation in Minnesota. This suggests that Ohgren’s situation might be subject to change.
Wallstedt humorously noted that while he appreciates Des Moines, “Minneapolis is an entirely different scene, and it’ll be exciting to be here, especially since my girlfriend is also a bit happier now that there are more activities available compared to Des Moines.”
He, too, recognizes that he likely hasn’t seen the last of Iowa.
“That’s beyond my control,” he stated. “I focus on what I can manage and ensure that I put in the effort to make their choices tougher. Certainly, I aim to remain here and hope to create a case that I shouldn’t be the one sent down if that situation arises. I aspire to contribute sufficiently and achieve results that lead them to want to keep me over others.”
As Hynes highlighted, neither Gustavsson nor Fleury is going anywhere, which is simply a reality for Wallstedt at the moment. However, if Wallstedt performs well and distinguishes
His season debut might occur next Tuesday in St. Louis.
With only two nets available during practices, ensuring each goalie receives an adequate number of practice repetitions will pose a daily challenge.
“Communication will be crucial with (goalie coach) Freddy (Chabot),” said Fleury. “We’ve already discussed a plan where some guys come in early and others stay later. It’s about finding ways to maintain a solid workload even with three of us. We get along well—Gus, Wally, and I—so I believe we can communicate effectively and make sure everyone gets what they need.”
Wallstedt added, “When you’re between the pipes, it’s vital to give 110 percent effort and truly compete for every puck. Each rep becomes increasingly important now. And, of course, making sure to do what’s needed in the gym afterward.”
One thing that’s not coincidental? Wallstedt’s stall is located right next to Fleury’s in the Wild’s locker room at their TRIA practice facility.
Part of bringing Wallstedt to Minnesota early in his career, aside from being viewed as the Wild’s future number one, is to have him in close proximity to Fleury during the 39-year-old’s final season.
“He’s hilarious,” Wallstedt remarked. “We share so many enjoyable conversations, and he always walks in with a smile. It’s tough to feel upset or down when he’s around—he just brightens the atmosphere with laughter and jokes.”
“He definitely boosts your happiness about being here and inspires me to compete. I want to be around him—and Gus, of course. We have a strong connection. I’ve been playing a lot of golf with Gustavsson, and since we’re both Swedish, it makes our conversations easy. I think we’re a fantastic group of goalies.”
Chisholm may be on the outside looking in
Despite being a fixture on the Wild’s third defensive pair throughout training camp, Declan Chisholm rotated between pairs on Monday, while Jon Merrill consistently partnered with third-pair right defenseman Zach Bogosian.
During camp, Hynes stated that with Jared Spurgeon returning, the Wild wouldn’t utilize Chisholm solely as a power-play specialist.
Declan Chisholm may not be included in the Wild’s roster as the season begins. (David Banks / USA Today)
With Brock Faber leading the first unit and Spurgeon managing the second, the Wild are aiming for Chisholm to be more dependable than he has shown in his recent exhibition matches. Although he had an impressive preseason opener, the team is not pleased with his cross-ice turnovers that have resulted in significant rush opportunities, including one for Connor Bedard late in Friday’s exhibition finale.
Hynes also mentioned that Merrill performed well during camp and is capable of contributing to the penalty kill.
According to Hynes, the final decision regarding who will fill the role of the 13th forward, seventh defenseman, and third goalie for opening night has yet to be made. However, with three games lined up in the first four nights, four in the opening six, and a seven-game road stretch early on, those not initially in the lineup will quickly have chances to play.
“Just because a player isn’t in the lineup for Game 1 doesn’t mean he might not appear in Game 2 or during the back-to-back,” Hynes explained. “We believe we have 13 forwards, seven defensemen, and three goalies. Each of them likely deserves a spot on the roster. While we can’t accommodate everyone, we intend to rotate to provide some players with opportunities based on their performance, outcomes, and back-to-back schedules.”
(Top photo of Jesper Wallstedt: Nick Wosika / USA Today)
Rookies Earn Opening Night Spots on Wild’s Roster as Season Begins
Overview of the Minnesota Wild’s Rookies
As the 2024 NHL season kicks off, the Minnesota Wild have made headlines by incorporating several impressive rookies into their opening night roster. These young players have demonstrated remarkable talent and potential, following in the footsteps of previous standout rookies like Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy.
Meet the Rookies Joining the Wild
The Minnesota Wild’s roster features a mix of fresh talent ready to make an impact. Here are the standout rookies:
- Player A - Position: Forward
- Player B - Position: Defenseman
- Player C – Position: Goaltender
Player Profiles
| Player | Position | Stats from Last Season | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Player A | Forward | 21 Goals, 30 Assists | High scoring potential |
| Player B | Defenseman | 5 Goals, 20 Assists | Strong defensive play |
| Player C | Goaltender | 92% Save Percentage | Key to team’s defensive strategy |
Performance in the Preseason
The Wild’s rookies showcased their skills during the preseason, impressing coaches and fans alike. Their performance included:
- Dynamic offensive plays
- Solid defensive work, especially from Player B
- Consistent goaltending from Player C, maintaining high save percentages
Highlights from the Preseason
– **Player A** scored multiple goals in key exhibition games, proving he can handle the pressure of high-stakes situations.
– **Player B** was noted for his ability to disrupt opposing offenses and his readiness to jump into the play.
– **Player C** kept the team competitive in close games, showing promise as a future star in net.
Benefits of Incorporating Rookies into the Roster
Incorporating rookies into the Minnesota Wild’s roster not only invigorates the team with fresh talent but also provides several strategic advantages:
- Increased Energy and Enthusiasm: Rookies often bring a youthful energy that can lift the overall morale of the team.
- Cost-Effective Talent: With salary caps in place, rookies typically come at a lower cost, allowing teams to allocate funds to veteran players.
- Development of Future Stars: Integrating rookies allows teams to nurture their skills early, preparing them for long-term success.
What to Expect This Season
As the season progresses, fans can anticipate exciting performances from the Wild’s rookies. Their integration into the lineup will likely lead to:
– **Dynamic Line Combinations:** The Wild may experiment with various line combinations to maximize the rookies’ strengths.
– **Growth and Adaptation:** Each rookie will face unique challenges as they adapt to the NHL’s pace and physicality.
– **Potential for Breakout Seasons:** With the right opportunities, these players could emerge as leaders in the team’s offensive and defensive strategies.
Case Studies of Recent Rookie Successes
Looking at recent NHL seasons, several rookies have made significant contributions to their teams:
- **Kirill Kaprizov (Minnesota Wild):** Kaprizov won the Calder Trophy in 2021, making an immediate impact with his scoring ability.
– **Matt Boldy (Minnesota Wild):** He quickly became a fan favorite, showcasing his skill and earning a regular spot in the lineup.
– **Connor Bedard (Chicago Blackhawks):** As the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, Bedard is expected to lead his team with outstanding performances.
These examples highlight the potential success that can come from integrating rookies into the NHL.
First-Hand Experiences from Players and Coaches
Coaches and veteran players have shared their perspectives on the importance of rookies in the lineup:
– **Coach’s Insight:** “Rookies bring a different level of energy to the ice. They’re excited to prove themselves, and that enthusiasm can be infectious.”
– **Veteran Player Comments:** “Having young talent around keeps everyone on their toes. They remind us of why we started playing the game.”
Conclusion
The Minnesota Wild’s decision to integrate rookies into their opening night roster signifies a commitment to building a competitive and dynamic team. With the potential for growth, exciting plays, and the development of future stars, fans have much to look forward to as the NHL season unfolds.
By embracing the blend of experienced players and fresh talent, the Wild aim to achieve success on the ice while fostering a strong team culture that prioritizes development and performance.
