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The Minnesota Wild's season is all but over, having already been kicked out of playoff contention. Now, we are just riding out to complete all 82 games -- but, fortunately, there are some reasons to still tune in. For instance, something like former first-rounder Liam Öhgren making his NHL debut after being recalled from the SHL this week.
But, what should we expect from the 20-year-old winger? Öhgren is set to start his North American pro career on the Wild's third line centered by fellow rookie Marat Khusnutdinov -- forming this ultra-competitive, hard forechecking duo that should carry a lot of the Wild's drive for the next decade.
Öhgren might not score right away, and with four games remaining in the season, there won't be much opportunity to really get rolling after he makes his debut. But, we should at least expect to see some solid two-way play from the young forward. He has that tenacity that the Wild's front office loves to have in every player, but also has the skill to potentially be a top-six contributor for a long time.
Patience might be needed, but who knows? Öhgren could very well start on a heater after coming back from injury and being able to finish off his SHL season well, scoring 12 goals and 19 points in just 26 games played.
Nevertheless, it's always exciting to see a draft pick come to fruition.
That's Wild
- The Minnesota Wild are closing out their season soon and are going to have a transitional summer. Lots of young talent is coming up to the surface, but with loads of veterans still on the books. They will simply have to forge a new identity. [Hockey Wilderness]
- And speaking of the roster, it sure does seem like the Wild are about to run it back for next season but expect different results for some reason.[Hockey Wilderness]
- Wild prospect Rieger Lorenz and the rest of Denver is in the National Championship game after winning in overtime over Boston University. [The Hockey News]
Off the trail...
- The standings over in the East are getting pretty tight. A few teams are all battling for that second Wild Card spot and with every game, things change. [Sportsnet]
- Will Auston Matthews hit 70 goals? He is currently at 68 and is red-hot. [TSN]
- Preparations are being made for the NHL to move the Coyotes from Arizona to Salt Lake City. [CBC]
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