Around the NHL in 30 Days: Minnesota Wild

The Minnesota Wild are the enigma of the NHL. The Wild seemingly has the fan bae, the talent, and the financial backing to put together a true contender year in and year out, but finished 12th in the Western Conference last year. The arrivals of Dany Heatly and Devin Setoguchi have Wild fans excited about the upcoming season. Guest writer Jared Crozier examines what happened with the Wild last season, stating one of the issues was a lack of a consistent roster:

"The Minnesota Wild placed a disappointing 12th in the tough Western Conference last season with a record of 39-35-8. Turnover was an issue for the club, as thirty-seven different players suited up for the Wild last season.  The Wild were 26th in the NHL in goal scoring, and they were 16th in goals against.The futility of the season resulted in the firing of head coach Todd Richards as the Wild look for an answer to get back into the playoff picture.  Will they do it?  Let’s examine the evidence and then make the decision."

Read the rest of Crozer’s preview at Puck Gone Wild.