Here’s a bold statement: Throwing young players into the NHL isn’t as simple as just ‘play the kids.’ It’s a high-stakes balancing act that can make or break a team’s season—and a player’s career. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about talent; it’s about timing, development, and the unforgiving nature of the world’s toughest league.
In St. Paul, Minnesota, Wild coach John Hynes is facing a unique challenge. Known for his ability to work with young talent, Hynes now finds himself relying heavily on rookies and prospects early in the season—partly due to injuries. Take Thursday’s season opener, for instance, where Hunter Haight made his NHL debut, and Liam Ohgren, David Jiricek, and Zeev Buium all took the ice. Danila Yurov and Jesper Wallstedt are also poised to join the fray soon, with Wallstedt potentially starting this week due to back-to-back games. But here’s where it gets controversial: is the Wild organization rushing these players, or is this the right moment to test their mettle?
Hynes admits there’s unease. ‘For sure,’ he said. The Wild aren’t in a rebuilding phase like the Chicago Blackhawks or San Jose Sharks. Owner Craig Leipold has made it clear: this team isn’t just aiming for the playoffs—they want to be a contender. After ten straight years without a series win, the pressure is on. But injecting youth into the lineup isn’t without risk. Can these young players handle the NHL’s intensity, or will they be overwhelmed?
‘It’s about balancing this,’ Hynes explained. ‘The NHL is the hardest league in the world. The difference between younger and veteran players is huge. Veterans know the game inside and out. The NHL isn’t college or junior hockey—it’s a different beast.’ So, while the idea of playing the kids sounds exciting, the Wild can’t just throw them into the fire without a plan. They’re not rebuilding; they’re competing. And that means finding the right balance between development and winning.
Take Ohgren and Yurov, for example. Both were given every chance to secure top-six spots in training camp, but neither fully seized the opportunity. They made the team partly out of necessity, but it’s telling that Haight outplayed them both, earning his spot after Nico Sturm’s injury. If the young players struggle early, it’ll be up to GM Bill Guerin to make bold moves to strengthen the lineup. Minnesota’s remarkable start last season barely secured them a playoff spot, and Guerin’s pursuit of Jack Roslovic shows he’s not satisfied with the current roster.
But this isn’t just about winning games; it’s about player development. Jiricek, for instance, was scratched against his former team, the Columbus Blue Jackets, despite a strong performance in St. Louis. Why? Because even though he was a plus-3, he made critical errors that could’ve cost the team. Instead of forcing him into action, the Wild took a patient approach. Longtime defenseman Alex Goligoski spent the game with Jiricek, breaking down every detail in real time. ‘If they’re not ready, we’re not going to force them,’ Guerin said. ‘The worst thing we can do is rush a kid into the league. This league is unforgiving. Young players can lose confidence in an instant, and it might take months—or even years—to get it back.’
The Wild’s approach with Marco Rossi is a perfect example. After a slow start in his rookie season, they sent him to the AHL to develop. Now, he’s their top-line center alongside Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy. Rossi’s success shows the value of patience, but it also raises a question: Are the Wild applying the same patience to their current crop of young players, or are they being forced into action too soon?
Zeev Buium, the 12th pick from 2024, is a standout talent. A two-time world junior champion and Hobey Baker finalist, he’s already making an impact—like his first career NHL goal during a power play. But even he isn’t immune to growing pains, especially playing a demanding position alongside Jared Spurgeon. The Wild are doing everything they can to support him, including Boldy inviting him to live with him to ease his transition off the ice. ‘It’s a big jump,’ Boldy said. ‘You’ve got to grow up quick.’
The veterans are stepping up, too. Vladimir Tarasenko and Kaprizov are mentoring Yurov, sharing their experiences transitioning from the KHL to the NHL. But what’s even more valuable is what the young players learn by watching. They see Marcus Foligno blocking shots in critical moments, Rossi battling in the dirty areas, and Ryan Hartman making an impact all over the ice. ‘From top to bottom, our team plays the right way,’ Boldy said. ‘For young guys, seeing that sets the tone.’
As the Wild celebrate their 25th anniversary season, former GM Doug Risebrough reflects on how much has changed. ‘Kaprizov’s salary for the first four years of his deal would’ve been our entire payroll back then,’ he said. The franchise has grown, but the relationship between players and fans remains special. Risebrough recalls the 2003 season, when the Wild became the first team in NHL history to rally from two 3-1 series deficits to reach the conference final. ‘It was a perfect storm,’ he said. ‘Everything was positive.’
Now, the Wild face a new challenge: integrating young talent while staying competitive. It’s a delicate dance, and the stakes are high. Are they setting these players up for success, or are they risking their development for short-term gains? That’s the question fans and critics alike are asking. What do you think? Is the Wild’s approach the right one, or are they playing with fire?
