It feels like only yesterday I saw my first game, the MN Wild line up had grit, hustle, and chaos that instantly made me a fan.
Today, not much has changed, except that I now know the difference between a faceoff and a forecheck infraction. And yeah, I still get chills when I read the MN Wild line up before the puck drops.
This in-depth look at the MN Wild line up is for you, whether you’re a casual fan checking out the latest combinations, a devoted fantasy hockey nut, or just trying to figure out who is skating with Kaprizov tonight.
What You'll Discover:
Table of Contents
- Why Lineups Are Important in the NHL, Especially in Minnesota
- The Wild’s Current Lineup
- How to Break Down the Forwards
- A Closer Look at the Defence Pairs
- Goalie Situation: Between the Pipes
- Strategy for Power Play Units and Special Teams
- Injuries, Call-Ups, and Healthy Scratches
- How Line Chemistry Affects the Game
- A Personal Rant: Why I Can’t Stop Thinking About Line Combinations
- How to Get the Latest Wild Line Information
- The Wild Ride Goes On: Final Thoughts
1. Why Lineups Are Important in the NHL (Especially in Minnesota)
Hockey is a sport that requires rhythm, trust, and timing. And the lineup? That’s the band. When the combinations work, it’s like music. When they don’t, it’s like me trying to play the piano after three drinks. Not good.
Dean Evason and now John Hynes like to tinker with the mn wild line up, which makes it even more interesting. Some coaches keep the same lines for weeks. The Wild? If the same three guys skate together for more than two games in a row, you’re lucky. And that’s not a bad thing; it’s part of what makes following this squad so fun and hard.
2. The Wild’s Current Line Combinations
The most recent lineup for the Minnesota Wild for tonight’s game versus the Colorado Avalanche is as follows:
Forwards:
- Line 1: Kirill Kaprizov, Joel Eriksson Ek, and Mats Zuccarello
- Line 2: Marcus Johansson, Marco Rossi, and Matt Boldy
- Line 3: Brandon Duhaime, Freddy Gaudreau, and Pat Maroon
- Line 4: Vinni Lettieri, Ryan Hartman, and Connor Dewar
Defence:
- Pairing 1: Jared Spurgeon and Jonas Brodin
- Pairing 2: Brock Faber and Jake Middleton
- Pairing 3: Calen Addison and Jon Merrill
Goalie:
- Starter: Filip Gustavsson
- Backup: Marc-André Fleury
Of course, this lineup could alter. But this is the most likely setup as of the warmups.
3. Breaking Up the Forwards
Line 1: Eriksson Ek, Kaprizov, and Zuccarello
I like to call this line the “Krazy Line” because when they’re on, they make things very hard for the other team’s defence. Kaprizov is dynamic, Zuccarello’s passes are silky smooth, and Ek? That guy is a human battering ram in front of the goal.
I could watch Kaprizov deke through a whole squad with a smile on his face all day. He plays like he’s in a video game on “All-Star” level.
Line 2: Boldy, Rossi, and Johansson
There is a serene assurance about Boldy. Rossi has finally found his place after a rough start last season. You can tell the kid has vision just by looking at him now. Johansson’s pace makes the line work well. I’ve seen folks sleep on this line, but when they do connect, they truly do.
Lines 3 and 4: The Grit Squad
Not as glamorous, but very important. Maroon has played in championship games before. Dewar and Hartman? Total workhorses. These lines are meant to wear down the other team, and they do a good job at it.
4. A Closer Look at the Defensive Pairings
This is where things start to get extremely Minnesota.
Pairing 1: Brodin and Spurgeon
Two solid rocks. Brodin is so smooth that he could play jazz at night. Spurgeon is smaller, but he plays with more heart than men who are twice his size. It looks like synchronised swimming with pucks and body checks when these two control the blue line.
Middle Pairing: Middleton and Faber
Middleton gives the team that physical edge. Faber? Wow, this kid has a lot of potential. He is smart, can move about, and doesn’t get scared. In a few more seasons, we might talk about him the same way we talk about Ryan Suter, but hopefully without the contract issues.
5. Between the Pipes: The Goalie Situation
Filip Gustavsson
After that playoff performance in 2023, expectations went through the roof, as they should have. Gus has been good, especially when the pressure is on. He stays calm and thinks things through, even when the stakes are great.
Marc-André Fleury
I know he’s older. But he’s a legend. I get nostalgic every time I see him on the rink. His presence in the locker room is worth its weight in gold, even if he isn’t the starter anymore.
6. Strategy for Power Play Units and Special Teams
The Wild’s power play has been on and off, just like my cardio.
Power Play Unit 1:
- Kaprizov
- Zuccarello
- Boldy
- Eriksson Ek (in front of the net)
- Addison or Faber (QB)
Power Play Unit 2:
- Rossi
- Johansson
- Gaudreau
- Hartman
- Spurgeon
To be honest? The way the puck moves has gotten better, but the finishing still needs work. If the Wild want to go far in the playoffs, their special teams will be very important.
7. Injuries, Call-Ups, and Healthy Scratches
If you’ve been following the Wild for a while, you know how injuries can change things.
Currently:
- Zach Bogosian: Day-to-day (lower body)
- Sammy Walker: Just moved back to Iowa
- Dakota Mermis: Healthy scratch rotation
Minnesota’s depth is put to the test a lot. That’s why players like Lettieri and Maroon are so valuable: they can play wherever and not skip a beat.
8. The Effect of Line Chemistry on the Game
I used to think “line chemistry” was simply a cliché until I played in a local beer league. First couple games? A total calamity. We were all skating in separate directions, like little kids on Red Bull, chasing the puck. Then our coach (thank him) drew up the same lines for three games in a row, and all of a sudden, passes were working, goals were being scored, and we looked like we belonged.
The same idea works in the NHL. Trust comes from being consistent. Trust makes chemistry. Chemistry is what makes games fun.
9. A Personal Rant: Why I Can’t Stop Thinking About Line Combinations
Okay, time to come clean: I’ve spent hours on CapFriendly and Daily Faceoff refreshing the line projections. I know it’s almost compulsive. But when you’re this into the mn wild line up, every little thing matters.
A tweet from Michael Russo regarding line adjustments in the middle of the morning had me modify my fantasy lineup, and I won the week. Is it a coincidence? Maybe. Is it worth it? Yes, of course.
10. Where to Get the Most Recent Wild Line Information
When I want the most up-to-date mn wild line up news, I use these resources:
- Michael Russo’s Twitter/X (@RussoHockey) – Best insider information
- DailyFaceoff.com – Great place to find out about expected lines and special teams
- Left Wing Lock – Great for fantasy purposes
- NHL.com – Minnesota Wild Roster Page – Official source
- The Athletic – Wild Coverage – In-depth looks and breakdowns
Key Takings
- Being a fan of the Minnesota Wild means being okay with the unknown.
- We score a lot of goals some nights. Other nights?
- The puck seems to hate the net. But the wild line up is what keeps me interested through it all. The changing combinations.
- The plots. The possibilities.
- I think about what could happen every time I read the lineup before a game. Who could turn on the light?
- Which line will be the most important during the shift? I recall that chilly January night when my dad and I watched the Wild come to life.
- The mn wild line up is more than just a list of names, whether you’re just here to see tonight’s combo or you’re a big fan like myself. It’s the start of a new part of a story that never gets old.
Additional Resources
- Minnesota Wild Line Combinations: Find today’s projected line combinations, power play units, and updates for the Wild perfect for fantasy players and die-hard fans.
- Projected Lineups & Goalies: Stay on top of daily NHL lineups and starting goalies, including confirmed Wild game day rosters and last-minute changes.
