Who Will Step Up In Matt Boldy's Absence?

Matt Boldy suffered a lower-body injury shortly after the start of training camp, and the Minnesota Wild are listing him as "week to week," indicating that he may miss some time but could return soon. John Hynes has suggested that his injury isn't a major concern and that they expect him to be ready for the season opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 10.

Boldy's injury is significant for the Wild, who want to improve their health and performance after a challenging season marked by injuries last year. 

Boldy scored a career-high 69 points last year and a total of 60 goals over the past two seasons. His recent performance at the World Championships, where he led USA scoring, highlighted his potential and importance to the team.

Boldy's decision to remain in Minnesota over the summer to work on his conditioning and skill development showed his strong dedication to improving his game. His preparation is crucial for his consistency and overall contribution to the team.

Hynes maintained his optimism about Boldy's training camp performance before the injury, suggesting that Minnesota’s coaching staff views him as a core player for the upcoming season. Hynes’ calm demeanor in addressing the injury may help alleviate concerns among fans and teammates.

“Matt was obviously having a very good training camp for the first few days and had a really good summer,” Hynes said. “So I think if he just has a little bit of a break here, he should be fine. But we’re anticipating him near the end of camp and ready for the start of the season.”

Boldy started slow last season due to an AC joint sprain, which affected his early performance. That raises concerns about his ability to stay healthy and contribute effectively from the beginning of the season. Boldy's injury could provide a mix of opportunities and challenges for the Wild. 

The Wild may give Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren, Caedan Bankier, and Riley Heidt increased ice time and responsibilities, allowing them to prove themselves and gain valuable NHL experience. Jakub Lauko has likely solidified his place in the bottom-six. Graeme Clarke has shown his scoring ability so far. They could be slotted into more significant positions in the lineup, potentially leading to better performance. 

With Boldy out, the Wild may move Freddy Gaudreau up in the lineup, which could help him regain confidence after a disappointing season. The opportunity to play with better-quality linemates may lead to improved performance.

Minnesota expected Boldy to play a role in the penalty kill, which has been a weakness. His absence could have the team have Marat Khusnutdinov or Lauko showcased on the penalty kill. The new-look penalty kill could serve as a crucial evaluation period for younger players. If they perform well in Boldy's absence, it could influence the team's decisions regarding roster cuts and line combinations when he returns.

Boldy’s injury presents challenges concerning penalty kill effectiveness and line stability. Still, it also opens the door for younger and depth players to rise to the occasion and potentially solidify their spots on the roster.

Hynes's assessment of Boldy’s recovery suggests that the team remains hopeful for a strong start to the season. Boldy’s achievements and commitment to training may play a pivotal role in his return and the team’s overall success.