The Minnesota Wild are shaping their roster for the 2026 season with a mix of seasoned contributors and emerging talent, focusing on players who can fill second‑ and third‑line roles.
Forwards and Centers
Charlie Stramel, a second‑line center, brings a physical style and NHL‑average skating and puck skills, though his hockey sense remains below average and his competition level is high.
Danila Yurov, a second‑line winger, stands out for above‑average puck skills and offensive creativity, pairing NHL‑average skating and hockey sense with a knack for playmaking.
Kayden Lemire, a bottom‑six winger, contributes offensively despite poor skating and subpar hockey sense, while Hunter Haight offers off‑puck reliability and above‑average competition but is limited by size.
Adam Andersson combines offensive creativity with NHL‑average puck skills and hockey sense, yet his skating and shot quality lag, projecting him as a depth forward.
Carter Klippenstein provides physicality and penalty‑killing ability, but his puck skills and hockey sense are inconsistent, making his NHL projection modest.
Adam Benák, a junior‑level center, boasts above‑average skating, hockey sense and offensive creativity, but a small frame raises questions about his ability to translate to the NHL.
Goal‑Net Presence
Filip Růžička, a goaltending prospect, delivers strong defensive positioning and high‑percentage saves, yet his skating and lateral speed are below average, presenting a high‑risk, high‑reward profile.
The Wild’s draft grades reflect this mix: a 2025 ranking of 14 and a 2026 NHL Draft grade of C, underscoring a strategy that prioritizes developing talent for middle‑six minutes while acknowledging the varying readiness of each prospect.