The Iowa Wild wrapped up a busy AHL campaign, finishing with a modest record but delivering several standout performances that have caught the attention of the Minnesota Wild’s management.
Prospects on the Rise
Hunter Haight, a 2022 second‑round selection, posted 18 goals and 14 assists in 54 games, a production level that helped the club’s power play surge down the stretch.
His brand of decisive, straight‑line play and physicality suggests a skill set that could translate well to the NHL, and with one more year left on his entry‑level contract he is poised to compete for a full‑time roster spot next season.
Riley Heidt, the 2023 second‑round pick, logged 8 goals and 17 assists over 71 games in his rookie year, showing flashes of the tenacious, relentless style the organization values.
However, his performance was inconsistent, often swinging with confidence one night and slipping into hesitation the next, which sometimes led to tripping or hooking penalties.
Despite the ups and downs, Heidt’s development trajectory remains on track, and the team believes he has two more years before he becomes a restricted free agent, giving him ample time to refine his game.
Both players embody the kind of depth the Minnesota Wild are cultivating, a strategy that leans on strong AHL affiliates like the Iowa Wild to nurture talent ready for the NHL’s next chapter.