2013-14 record: 43-27-12 (98 points)
Lost to Chicago in Conference semi-finals
Captain: Mikko Koivu
Year three of the Parise/Suter experiment will begin with the same expectations as the previous two had, which means a deep run in the playoffs or else. A good start would be to make the playoffs with room to spare, as they've practically had to play to the last game in the regular season to get there. The offense should be better than tied for 24th in the league, and while Zach Parise, Jason Pominville, and newly acquired Thomas Vanek will help, it is up to the young players such as Charlie Coyle, Mikael Granlund, and Nino Niederrreiter to step up. Defensively, they did well despite having a revolving door in goal due to injuries. Ryan Suter is a minute-munching defenseman that sets the tone for the other blue liners, and it's possible that either Matthew Dumba or Christian Folin could be in the mix for a third pairing role. The Wild had five players play a game in goal, beginning with Nicklas Backstrom and ending with Ilya Bryzgalov. Health is something the Wild would like to have on their side, but Josh Harding is already injured, leaving Backstrom and Darcy Kuemper as the prohibitive duo that will be on the roster come opening night.
Prediction: 3rd in the Central Division
The Wild have the pieces to make a deep run. However, an offense that plays less than what is on paper and a goaltending unit that hasn't had the best of luck in terms of health will likely make it another down the wire season for the Wild.
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