2023-2024 Minnesota Wild Roster

The Minnesota Wild were founded in 2000 as an expansion team and compete in the Central Division of the Western Conference. They continue to chase a first Stanley Cup Championship, could the 2023-2023 Minnesota Wild roster be the first to claim it?

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Who is the Minnesota Wild captain?

Jared Spurgeon captains the Minnesota Wild, and is a testament to the adage that heart and skill can triumph over size in the game of hockey. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, Spurgeon may not have an imposing physical presence , but his impact on the ice is undeniable.

Born on November 29, 1989, in Edmonton, Alberta, he shoots right and has matured into a leader and a defensive stalwart since being drafted 156th overall in the 6th round by the New York Islanders in 2008, joining the Wild September 23, 2010.

Who is the Minnesota Wild’s best all-time captain?

By most Wild fans, Mikko Koivu is considered the best all-time captain. Born on March 12, 1983 in Turku, Finland, Koivu grew into a towering presence for the Wild, after being drafted 6th overall in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.

During his time with the Wild, Koivu boasts 1035 regular-season games, tallying 206 goals, 505 assists, and 711 points. In 59 playoff games he contributed 11 goals and 17 assists.

Who is the starting goaltender on the Minnesota Wild roster?

Filip Gustavsson currently holds the honor of starting goaltender for the Wild. Born on June 7, 1998, Gustavsson began his journey to the Wild in the Swedish Hockey League before being drafted 55th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016’s NHL Entry Draft.

Gustavsson joined the wold in 2022, and over 39 games, he earned a .931 save percentage and a 2.10 GAA (Goals Against Average), helping the Wild claim 22 wins and 7 ties.

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Who is the Minnesota Wild’s best all-time goaltender?

Niklas Backstrom, with his composed demeanor and impeccable technique, is etched in the annals of the Minnesota Wild as their best all-time goaltender. Born on February 13, 1978, in Helsinki, Finland,

His NHL journey began auspiciously in the 2006-07 season with a stunning 1.97 goals-against average (GAA) over 41 games, a statistic that complemented his impressive .929 save percentage. His performance earned him 23 wins against 8 losses, with an additional 6 ties and 5 shutouts,

During the peak of his NHL career, particularly in the 2008-09 season, Backstrom played a formidable 71 games, where he not only achieved a 2.33 GAA but also secured 37 victories, and a .923 save percentage.

Overall, with the Wild, he accumulated 196 wins across 413 games, paired with a solid .914 save percentage and an average of 2.49 GAA, alongside 28 shutouts.

Who is the most famous Minnesota Wild player?

The most famous Wild player of all-time has to be Marian Gaborik. Drafted 3rd overall by the Wild in 2000, Gaborik’s speed, skill, and scoring prowess made him incredibly popular with Wild fans.

In the 2000-2001 season, his rookie year, Gaborik netted 18 goals and 36 points. At his peak, in the 2007-2008 season, Gaborik recorded a career-high scoring 42 goals and tallying 83 points.

Over his 8 seasons with the Wild, his impressive total of 219 goals and 437 points in 502 games, make him the team’s all-time leading scorer.

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Why is Minnesota called the state of hockey?

Minnesota is known as the “State of Hockey” thanks to its unparalleled production of hockey talent and deep-rooted love for the sport. The nickname, which originated as a marketing campaign for the NHL’s Minnesota Wild in the early 2000s, transcended those promotional beginnings to become synonymous with the state’s identity.

Froom its six Division I collegiate programs to the state’s high school hockey championships, held annually at the Xcel Energy Center – Minnesota’s reputation as the State of Hockey is undeniable.