The Minnesota Wild's offensive struggles continue, but there's hope for more goals in 2025-2026. Kirill Kaprizov's injury-shortened season and Joel Eriksson Ek's limited games played impacted scoring. A healthy roster could boost the Wild from 29th in 5-on-5 goals to a top-10 offense. Vladimir Tarasenko's acquisition adds intrigue to the second line, a crucial spot for offensive success.

Host Seth Toupal analyzes potential line combinations, including the promising Boldy-Rossi-Zuccarello trio. Key players like Kaprizov and Eriksson Ek are primed for progression, while veterans face potential regression. Will the Wild's offense finally break through?

Explore this in-depth analysis of Minnesota's scoring potential and lineup dynamics to gear up for an exciting NHL season ahead.

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The Minnesota Wild face a pivotal 2025-2026 season with high stakes and mounting pressure. Will Bill Guerin's tenure crumble if playoff goals aren't met? Kirill Kaprizov's contract negotiations loom large, with an $16 million per year offer on the table. The Wild's first season of cap relief from buyouts brings both flexibility and expectations.

Host Seth Toupal and guest Alex Micheletti dissect the Wild's crucial upcoming campaign. They explore potential roster moves, analyze Vladimir Tarasenko's addition, and debate regression risks for veterans like Mats Zuccarello. The duo also tackles the Kaprizov contract situation, drawing parallels to asteroid impact scenarios to contextualize fan anxiety.

Can the Wild finally break through in the playoffs? Will Kaprizov commit long-term? Uncover key insights on Minnesota's roster, cap situation, and championship aspirations in this must-listen episode for Wild fans.

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For your next listen, check out the Locked On NHL podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

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Rugiet - 150,000 men have made the switch →https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONNHL Use code LOCKEDONNHL to get 15% off your order!

Monarch Money - Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.

5-Hour ENERGY - Head to 5-hourENERGY.com to find over 15 flavors to choose from, including Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, and Peach-Mango. Need one now? Grab a 5-hour ENERGY shot at your local grocery or convenience store—they’re everywhere! Stock up today and stay energized.

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Gametime - Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel - Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins!

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Jared Spurgeon's 2024-2025 season for the Minnesota Wild hinged on health issues, despite solid performance. The Wild captain tallied 32 points in 66 games, showcasing offensive prowess and defensive reliability. Spurgeon's analytics impressed, particularly in 5-on-5 play. Host Seth Toupal breaks down Spurgeon's impact, from power play contributions to postseason effectiveness alongside Jake Middleton.

At 35, questions loom about Spurgeon's future with the Wild. His modified no-trade clause and the emergence of young defensemen like Zeev Buium add intrigue to roster decisions. Explore Spurgeon's role, the Wild's defensive depth, and potential scenarios for the veteran blueliner.

Get the full analysis on Spurgeon's season grade and what it means for Minnesota's blue line moving forward.

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Have a Question for the Show or a Topic you want Covered? Email lockedonwild@gmail.com

For your next listen, check out the Locked On NHL podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Rugiet - 150,000 men have made the switch →https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONNHL Use code LOCKEDONNHL to get 15% off your order!

Monarch Money - Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.

5-Hour ENERGY - Head to 5-hourENERGY.com to find over 15 flavors to choose from, including Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, and Peach-Mango. Need one now? Grab a 5-hour ENERGY shot at your local grocery or convenience store—they’re everywhere! Stock up today and stay energized.

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Wonderful Pistachios - Get snackin’ and get crackin’ with the snack that packs a protein punch. Visit WonderfulPistachios.com to learn more!

Gametime - Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel - Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins!

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)