Full Breakdown
Minnesota Wild Finalizes Roster Ahead of NHL Season Opener
10/6/2025, 1:36:52 PM
Roster Reductions and Waivers
The Minnesota Wild has officially reduced its training camp roster to 27 players as they prepare for the upcoming NHL season. President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin announced that forward Hunter Haight and defenseman Matt Kiersted have been assigned to the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League (AHL). Additionally, goaltender Calvin Petersen and forward Tyler Pitlick have been placed on waivers, signaling their potential assignment to Iowa as well.
Key Additions to the Roster
As the Wild finalize their opening roster, young talents Danila Yurov, Liam Ohgren, Zeev Buium, and David Jiricek have made the team out of training camp. Yurov and Ohgren, both forwards, are expected to contribute significantly, while Buium and Jiricek bolster the defensive lineup. The Wild's roster currently includes 13 forwards, 8 defensemen, and 2 goalies, with notable players such as Kirill Kaprizov, Marco Rossi, and Brock Faber among them.
Injuries and Strategic Decisions
The Wild's roster is technically at 27 players, exceeding the maximum allowed, due to several players starting the season on injured reserve. Veteran Mats Zuccarello, who underwent surgery for a lower body injury, will begin the season on IR, along with minor leaguers Michael Milne, Stevie Leskovar, and Cameron Butler. The team is still evaluating whether defenseman Jonas Brodin will also start on IR.
Implications of Waivers
The placement of Calvin Petersen and Tyler Pitlick on waivers is part of a broader trend across the NHL as teams finalize their rosters. Many players have been waived in hopes of being assigned to AHL clubs, including notable names from other teams such as Max Jones from the Edmonton Oilers and Sammy Blais from the Montreal Canadiens. The deadline for NHL teams to submit their final opening-night rosters is set for Monday at 5 p.m. ET.
Official Statements & Responses
Bill Guerin emphasized the importance of these roster decisions, stating, "We have a lot of good depth in the organization." This sentiment reflects the Wild's strategy of balancing experienced players with emerging talent, aiming for a competitive edge in the upcoming season.
Criticism & Opposition
Some analysts have raised concerns regarding the decision to place experienced players like Pitlick on waivers, suggesting that it may weaken the team's depth. Critics argue that the Wild could face challenges if injuries occur early in the season, potentially impacting their performance.
What's Next
The Minnesota Wild will open their regular season on Thursday, October 9, against the St. Louis Blues. As the team prepares for this matchup, they will finalize their roster and address any last-minute changes that may arise from trades or further waiver claims. The excitement builds as the NHL season approaches, with the Wild looking to make a strong start.
