An Optimist, A Pessimist and A Rationalist Discuss the Wild's Upcoming Draft and Free Agency

In today’s National Hockey League, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that there isn’t really an offseason anymore; there are just periods of time when games are being played, and periods of time when they’re not.

With longer seasons immediately followed by ever-present trade rumors, contract negotiations, speculation about offer sheets, buyouts, coaching changes, the draft, free agency, prospect camps, training camps, and the preseason, the media always has something to cover. Fans can continue having civil discourse and sharing their completely unbiased and correct opinions about all topics concerning their favorite hockey team until the day the puck drops to begin next season.

There’s plenty to keep Wild fans talking. The 2025 NHL draft takes place this Friday, followed by the start of free agency on July 1, the same date superstar Kirill Kaprizov becomes eligible to sign a contract extension if he feels so inclined.

That means it’s the perfect time to check in with our three friends, Optimist Brian, Pessimist Pete, and Rational Randy. You might remember their last meeting, when they discussed the fate of the Wild’s season as they entered the stretch run.

Don’t recall? That’s alright. Check any comment section of an article, and you’re likely to see something that looks pretty similar. Depending on your perspective and or philosophy of fandom, the Wild either always have nothing but bright skies ahead, are a constant disaster, or are doing exactly as you’d expect based on the circumstances.

This time around, the fellas discuss what is going to happen this summer as the Wild attempt to improve their team.

Optimist Brian: I can’t wait to see what the Wild do in the draft! If you don’t count the occasional blunder that every team is bound to make, they tend to draft pretty well. No doubt Judd Brackett and Co. are going to hit another home run this time. I see a future franchise player on the horizon.

Pessimist Pete: Again, with this, Brian? With the struggles they’ve had down in Iowa lately, I’m starting to wonder if this team is as scared of a good draft as Al Pacino in Donnie Brasco. And if we’re not counting blunders, somebody call up Gary Anderson and give him his ring.

Rational Randy: Well, guys, we have to remember that there are no sure things in the draft, just as in life. It might not be a crapshoot, but it’s pretty close a lot of the time, and even more so when you don’t have a first-round pick. All the scouting team can really do is put in their work and give their best shot. If the hockey gods are willing, things will work out. We just have to go with the flow, my dudes.

Optimist Brian: Sure thing, Randy. And I have a feeling that things are going to work out for us real soon here in the State of Hockey. The team is on the rise, Kirill Kaprizov is set to sign long-term, the prospect cupboard is full of high-quality pieces, and the days of salary cap misery are finally behind us. Methinks that Bill Guerin has some tricks up his sleeve this summer, and the hockey gods have his back.

Pessimist Pete: Tricks up his sleeve?? What in the name of Colton Gilles are you talking about? This isn’t a magic show; it’s professional hockey. There are no rabbits; there are dollars and sense. You make decisions, and they work, or they don’t. And unless you’re cool with first-round exits, it’s safe to say that what they’ve done so far isn’t working. For all we know, Kirill feels the same way. Why would I think everything will suddenly turn rosy?

Rational Randy: Well, guys, I see both of your points. A lot of pundits around the league seem to think that the Wild are poised to take a step, but it’s also fair to say that, results-wise, there hasn’t been tangible progress, either. And sure, the Wild might not have a rabbit, but they do have a lizard. Either way, we’re all just another scale on the skin of life as it is, so let’s just kick back and dig the scenery, bros.

Optimist Brian: Yeah, that’s what I’m TALKING about, man! The lizard, The Thrill, Bolds, Brodes, Brock, the boy wonder, and a boatload of cash; next season is going to rock! Between the draft, whatever the Wild get from the free agent market, and the trade that it sounds like the team plans to use to improve their team – everything is coming up Wild!

Pessimist Pete: Listen, Brian, whatever you’re smoking, it’s not helping. Let me tell you what’s going to happen this offseason: The Wild are going to use their measly four draft picks to pick up some gritty centers and tiny defensemen that might get called up from Iowa sometime next decade. 

Then, they’ll go shopping in free agency and get diddly, because the market is short on quality players that would actually sign here. Then, they’ll swap their devalued trade asset for another bottom-six center that they swear is bursting with top-six potential. How are you going to rationalize that, Randy?

Rational Randy: Easy, Pete. The universe tends to unfold as it should, and we as hockey fans don’t need to sweat it because we can rest easy, knowing that it’s out of our hands and all we have to do is enjoy the sport that we love. The Wild will do everything they can to make their team better this offseason, and we’ll see what that is. It’s gravy, Petey. 

Also, what are you smoking, Brian? Asking for a friend.

Optimist Brian: I’ll tell you what’s going to be smoking: the opposition, once the lean, mean, Norm Green-hating machine that is Wild Nation roasts them next season. Mark my words, it’s going to happen. Take it to the bank while Kirill and Co. take the rest of the Central Division to the cleaners. I’m predicting great things because everything has been set up for this season and beyond. When the universe unfolds next time, it’s going to reward the Wild and their fans with something special.

Pessimist Pete: What in the name of Filip Kuba is going on here? The Central Division is still stacked, the Wild haven’t done anything yet this summer except lock in the mighty Mo-Jo for another season, and if this magical universe of yours knows anything about analytics and depth scoring, then it’s looking like it’s going to unfold just as it always has. We’re headed for another short season next year. Randy, come on, you see it too, right?

Rational Randy: Well, my fellow traveler, all I see is the big picture, and as they say, sometimes you eat the bear, and sometimes, it eats you. There’s definitely a universe where the Wild do something special this year, and there’s definitely one where they don’t. 

In a game as random as hockey, all it takes is some fortunate bounces or a bunch of injuries to swing the pendulum one way or another from season to season. The way I figure it, the Wild have a seat at the table and they’ll either win, or they won’t. Not for us to worry too much about, we’re all just grains of sand on the beach of life, fellas.

Optimist Brian: The Wild are going to rock the offseason. Let’s go Wild!

Pessimist Pete: The Wild will blow it like always. I don’t know why I keep coming back here. You’re insane, Brian. Randy, are we done here?

Rational Randy: Whatever’s clever, my dudes. Enjoy the ride.