A Wild Twist Before the Opener: Ohgren and Haight Step In, while Yurov and Sturm Sit Out Long-Term
The Minnesota Wild can’t seem to catch a break. After a season plagued with injuries, the team’s new campaign already looks shaky — and it hasn’t even officially begun.
Mats Zuccarello is already shelved until November following lower-body surgery. Now, the team’s hopes of addressing its faceoff and penalty-kill struggles have taken another hit, as newcomer Nico Sturm is expected to miss a significant stretch with a lingering back injury. The ailment, reportedly dating back to the very first day of training camp, may require surgery, according to sources close to the league.
Coach John Hynes hasn’t shared an exact timeline, but it’s clear Sturm’s absence leaves a major hole in the Wild’s plans. Hynes had envisioned using Sturm in several key roles beyond a standard fourth-line duty.
“You have to divide up the responsibilities,” Hynes explained. “Marco Rossi has taken real strides and is now part of our top-four penalty-killing group. Joel Eriksson Ek will also shoulder those key moments. We’re short a center, but we’ve got three experienced ones ready to step up. This is a real chance for Ryan Hartman to be the leader we need — a reliable player who can take on pressure shifts and help us win on a nightly basis.”
A Debut Born from Opportunity
With Sturm sidelined, 21-year-old Hunter Haight is getting his big break. Called up from AHL Iowa, he’s poised to make his NHL debut on the fourth line, flanked by Liam Ohgren and Vinnie Hinostroza. That also means Danila Yurov’s long-awaited debut will have to wait — a disappointment for many fans eager to see the promising Russian forward.
For Haight, the moment feels surreal. Just days ago, he was grabbing dinner with teammates in Iowa when he got the life-changing call from Matt Hendricks, Iowa’s GM. Now, as he prepares to take the ice with his parents and girlfriend in attendance, he knows how fast fortunes can change in pro hockey.
“I think I’m ready,” Haight said, smiling after practice. “It’s a huge opportunity — I just want to make the most of it, work hard every shift, and help the team.”
Interestingly, Haight already has built chemistry with Ohgren during their time together last season in Iowa — something that could make their transition to the NHL smoother. But can Haight realistically fill Sturm’s role? That’s the million-dollar question buzzing inside general manager Bill Guerin’s office.
If he struggles, the Wild will have decisions to make — possibly shifting Yurov to center despite his weaker showing there in training camp or exploring trade and call-up options.
The team even reached out to free agent Jack Roslovic this week. However, Roslovic apparently believes he can fetch a higher salary elsewhere — a bold bet considering he’s still unsigned as the regular season approaches. Had he agreed, he could have slotted into one of Minnesota’s middle lines as a flexible forward.
Projected Lines Heading into the Opener
Kaprizov–Rossi–Boldy
Foligno–Eriksson Ek–Tarasenko
Trenin–Hartman–Johansson
Ohgren–Haight–Hinostroza
Extras: Yurov
Defense pairs:
Middleton–Faber
Buium–Spurgeon
Bogosian–Jiricek
Brodin–Hunt
Judging by line rushes and travel plans (Haight’s parents are flying in, after all), it’s safe to assume Hynes will stick with this setup to start the year. He confirmed earlier that both Yurov and Ohgren weren’t likely to play together initially, emphasizing development over rushing young players.
“I’ve spoken with Danila,” Hynes said. “He’s improving every day. But for now, we might lean on guys who’ve had more experience in the North American game. Danila’s time will come — there are plenty of games ahead.”
Brodin Nearing Return
Another piece of good news: veteran defenseman Jonas Brodin could be nearing his return. Practicing in a regular jersey signals he’s cleared for contact — the final step before re-entering the lineup. Still, Hynes stopped short of confirming whether Brodin will play in the opener against St. Louis.
Brodin underwent offseason surgery for an upper-body injury but has steadily built up to full participation over the past few weeks. Once he returns, Hynes hinted he might keep rookie Zeev Buium paired with captain Jared Spurgeon. Brodin could then slot alongside Zach Bogosian, David Jiricek, or possibly reunite with Brock Faber — a pair that showed solid chemistry last year.
“Zeev keeps progressing well,” Hynes said. “He’s starting to understand every dimension of the pro game.”
A Homecoming for Daemon Hunt
Defenseman Daemon Hunt couldn’t stop smiling as he re-entered the Wild’s locker room this week, back with the team that drafted him in 2020. Traded to Columbus last November in the deal for Jiricek, Hunt called his return a “full-circle moment” — a chance to reclaim a spot where he belongs.
“It’s funny,” Hunt said. “It’s like a six-month vacation in Columbus and Cleveland, and now I’m home again. I didn’t know if anyone would claim me off waivers. Luckily, Minnesota did.”
Although he’s not expected to play immediately, Hunt provides crucial depth on the left side, especially while Brodin’s status remains uncertain. Due to waiver restrictions, the Wild will need to carry eight defensemen for now; if they try to send Hunt down, he could be claimed again.
“I’m very grateful,” he added. “Billy Guerin believes in me. I’m focused, I’m competing hard, and I truly believe I can be an NHL regular. I just need to bring that same consistency every night — because life in the NHL is something you have to earn.”
But here’s where it gets interesting — and maybe even a bit controversial: Should the Wild lean on young, hungry players like Haight and Ohgren, or bring in a proven veteran via trade or free agency while the season’s still young? Fans seem divided already, and this early roster shake-up might just be the first of many.
What do you think — should Minnesota trust its youth movement, or should Guerin make another move right now? Drop your thoughts below — the debate’s just getting started.
