By Mikki Tuohy -
There are plenty of articles out there predicting who will win the Stanley Cup, where each team will finish in the league standings, and which player will come away with the Hart, Vezina, Calder, etc. How about a few predictions of fun, whimsical things that I would love to see the Minnesota Wild do?
Filip Gustavsson Goalie Goal #2…In St. Louis?
Every good Wild fan knows where they were last year on October 15 because that was the day that Filip Gustavsson scored the first Wild goalie goal ever.
Our quiet, unassuming, librarian-like goalie launched the puck down the ice, into the net, and our hearts at the same time. What if he managed another goalie goal? And what if he waited until April 13, 2026, so he can do it in St. Louis against Jordan Binnington? Gustavsson might have a heart of gold, but after the Wild’s history with Binnington, wouldn’t it be the ultimate FU for Gus Bus to hold it in until he’s once again at the Enterprise Center?
And speaking of Jordan Binnington…
Ryan Hartman Goes Sicko Mode
When Jordan Binnington is in the net for the Blues, Hartman tends to turn on the jets. Whether that means a multi-point game or inciting a brawl for the ages that ends with the goalie fight we will never get to witness, Hartman knows how to get under his skin.
This year, wouldn’t it be fun if Hartman had a hat trick or more against Binnington? I think Hartman would agree with us. (I sort of wanted to add that maybe they get into an actual gloves-off scrap, but while Binnington might try, I don’t think Hartman would agree to it out of principle.)
The Deweys Come Back
This might just be for a subset of fans who yearn for the good old Dewey days of yore, but what Bill Guerin just picked up Daemon Hunt off of waivers. What if he trades to get the Deweys back from their respective teams at the deadline?
Some of you might already be flipping through your little stat books to make an argument, but rest assured that this prediction is based solely on vibes and love of whimsy, nothing else. So go ahead and type out numbers if you’d like, but know that it doesn’t sway the argument for me.
Marco Rossi Drops the Gloves
Last year, the first actual drop-the-gloves fight of the season for the Wild featured none other than our homegrown golden retriever, Brock Faber.
It sends a big message when a non-enforcer type is willing to answer the bell. This year, I could see Marco Rossi do the same. He showed last year that he was willing to get in the fray. He put Radko Gudas in a headlock and rolled his eyes at Matthew Tkachuk. The next natural step in the progression is dropping the gloves. It might not be a good fight, and he might not win, but it would be entertaining and make him even more of an essential part of the team.
The Minnesota Wild Hoist the Cup
Listen, this is going to happen sooner rather than later at this point. Nailing down Kirill Kaprizov for 8 more years, along with the rest of the young core, is building a true contender. What if this is our year?
Think of the storylines: Kaprizov, fresh off a contract extension, puts his money where his mouth is. Two years after missing the playoffs completely, Minnesota defies the odds and goes all the way. Rossi fights for a contract and helps win a Cup. Mats Zuccarello wins it all before retiring. Brock Faber plays a significant role in bringing it home to The State of Hockey. Minnesota cancels everything for a weeklong celebration in the streets. It’s okay to dream big!
(Don’t worry, I also crossed my fingers and knocked on wood while writing this part.)
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