BUFFALO, NY - FEBRUARY 23: Jack Eichel #9 of the Buffalo Sabres looks to make a pass during the second period against the Winnipeg Jets at KeyBank Center on February 23, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
The Wild are currently towards the end of a “retool” as the Wild’s veteran core shifts from the old guard to a newer younger core. We saw the departures of Mikael Granlund to Nashville, Nino Niederreiter to Carolina, Charlie Coyle to Boston, and Jason Zucker to Pittsburgh.
Veteran Captain Mikko Koivu is on the last year of his contract and his career is (likely) coming to a close, the “play-in” series may be his last opportunity to compete for a Stanley Cup.