Minnesota Wild Roster Battles to Watch for 2024 Training Camp – Hockey Writers – Wild Prospects

With the Minnesota Wild officially opening training camp, it's time to discuss the roster openings and any upcoming battles for those spots. The Wild didn't make many offseason moves, so most spots are locked up this season, but that doesn't mean there won't be surprises. There is plenty of young and up-and-coming talent looking to snag an unexpected veteran.

In this article, we'll take a look at each player who isn't guaranteed a roster spot but will be fighting. Few players can steal a spot due to Wild cap space and the current roster, but there will still be battles to watch. We'll take a look at the bubble players who might make the opening night lineup but who might lose out to someone else if they're deemed unfit to start with Marat Khusnutdinov.

Wild's Khusnutdinov Ready

After his 16-game debut at the end of last season, it was clear that Khusnutdinov was ready for the NHL. He has the size and speed to go with everyone, and has even proven that he can score a goal and three assists. He has shown his ability to sneak behind defenders without being noticed and to check the goalie with ease, something the Wild need to do more of.

Perhaps the best aspects of his game are his ability to seamlessly transition into the lineup and win faceoffs. While Joel Eriksson Ek is clearly the Wild's best center right now, they need someone else who can win faceoffs and be their “look guy”. Eriksson Ek has so much in his game that someone else could be the “face guy”, leaving Khusnutdinov's place.

It won't be easy, however, as there are plenty of young, talented players to find their place, but Khusnutdinov made a play last season. If he can do the same during training camp, he will likely secure a spot to start the NHL season.

Wild's Ohgren Eager To Start

At the Wild's development camp earlier this summer, Liam Ohgren took the time to speak to the media and discuss how he and the Wild's staff decided it would be best for him to follow in Marco Rossi's footsteps by staying in Minnesota during the offseason and how. that helped Rossi make the team 82 full games. Ohgren obviously hopes the same can be said for him next season.

Ohgren had the shortest window for Khusnutdinov, as he played four games at the end of last season. However, he clearly left his nerves behind as he scored his first NHL goal and his first assist in his second NHL game. They may have come up against the struggling San Jose Sharks at the time, but a goal is a goal; the same can be said for help.

Like his teammate Khusnutdinov, he fit into the lineup well and showed speed and rebounding ability, which led to his first goal. He's also strong in board battles, even when pressured on the boards, which should help his chances in the lineup.

Wild's Heidt on Brink

The last player we will look at is Riley Heidt, and like Ohgren, he has been highly anticipated since the Wild selected his name in the 2023 Draft. He's only 18 years old, so it's likely at least a season before he joins the roster, but that doesn't mean he can't commit and beat someone who isn't doing the same.

He was highly touted at Tom Kurver's Prospect Showcase last week and now he'll get the same attention in training camp, except he'll be meeting the Wild's usual lineup. He is a fast skater who always keeps his head up and works hard to anticipate what will happen next.

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While Heidt has proven he can score goals, he's also very good at assisting, and that's something the Wild could use on their roster. Several of their players could use someone to feed them the puck, and Heidt is the perfect player for that. However, we probably won't have enough room for him on the roster, at least initially, so he'll have time to develop, which is always a good thing for young players like him.

Wild Be Deep

Fortunately for the Wild, if they are dealing with injuries this season because there are always injuries, they have many talented young players to call upon. All three of these players will be fighting for a place along with many others who are fighting for the same. Of course, most of the roster is already filled, but that doesn't mean one can't have a stellar training camp and have the Wild staff make the roster. It will be interesting to see who shines in these opening days of training camp.