2006-07 record: 48-26-8, 104 points.  2^nd in division/7^th in conference.  Lost in first round to Anaheim Ducks.

The Wild lost the Northwest Division title to the Vancouver Canucks by a single point, and then suffered a quick exit from the playoffs when the Anaheim Ducks knocked them out of their first round playoff series in just five games. Still, when you consider that star forward Marian Gaborik played just 48 games, and that the team featured two goalies that each played 40 games, the season should probably be viewed as a success. With a healthy Gaborik in tow and a clearer goalie situation, coupled with minimal losses in the off-season, things are looking up for the Wild in the upcoming season.

The Wild spent this off-season replacing their expendable parts while getting a bit younger in the process. Goalie Manny Fernandez and his $6 million contract was traded to Boston during the NHL draft, and the Wild received promising 21-year old forward Petr Kalus in return. Niklas Backstrom will take over as the full-time goalie, and rookie Josh Harding will serve as the backup—Harding showed tremendous potential  when he played a handful of games last year. Center Todd White was lost to the Atlanta Thrashers, but Eric Belanger was signed as a free agent and should be an adequate replacement. Minnesota also raised a few eyebrows by signing defenseman Sean Hill to a 1-year contract; Hill was the first NHL player suspended for violating the league’s drug policy, and he will miss the first 19 games of the season due to a suspension. With NBA star Kevin Garnett traded away from the Timberwolves and the NFL’s Vikings rebuilding, the Wild have a chance to own the sports pages in Minnesota this winter.

Forwards

The Wild ranked seventh in the Western Conference in goals last season—an impressive showing given their traditional defence-first approach. Gaborik scored 30 goals and 57 points in just 48 games, and Brian Rolston chipped in 31 goals of his own. Pavol Demitra added 25 goals, and Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Mikko Koivu added 20 tallies each. Even Mark Parrish scored 19 times for the Wild last year. While the offence relies on Gaborik to be their dynamic player, Minnesota has done a good job of surrounding him with scoring depth. Parrish and Branko Radivojevic each slumped in the second half when Gaborik returned, and the Wild will need to make sure they find scoring chances for all of their forwards when everyone is healthy. Keep an eye on Dominic Moore, who was acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins for a third-round draft pick and could play a prominent role given the lack of depth at center.  Brent Burns led all Wild defensemen with seven goals, showing the team’s commitment to taking care of their own zone.

Defence

Forwards such as Koivu and Wes Walz are strong in their own zone, and the Wild play a sound defensive system that really benefits their goaltenders. Interestingly, the Wild have a pair of blueliners who were once considered strong two-way prospects but never really developed much offense: Martin Skoula and Kim Johnsson. Johnsson was an offensive force with the Philadelphia Flyers last season, but had an under-impressive season last year with Minnesota, scoring just 3 goals and 19 assists.  Nick Schultz anchors the defense, and Keith Carney adds veteran savvy. Hill will add another stay-at-home presence when he returns from his suspension, and the Wild also signed a potential two-way player in Austrian defenseman Andre Lakos.

Goaltending

The Wild took a gamble trading Fernandez to the Bruins for a 21-year old winger, but Backstrom’s performance last year (1.97 GAA, .929 save percentage) convinced them that he was ready to handle the pressure of being a full-time No. 1. The 29-year old Finn started just 23 games in his first American season, so fatigue could be a factor down the stretch. Former second round pick Josh Harding will assume backup duties – always a good place to post exciting fantasy numbers. Nolan Schaefer has been a solid minor league goaltender for many years, but will likely spend the entire season in the AHL again, barring injury.

Outlook

Avoiding injury will be key to Minnesota’s success next season.  Although Gaborik is a dynamic offensive talent when he’s healthy, he’s spent a good deal of time on the injured list in his young NHL career.  The same could be said of Demitra, who missed 11 games last year.  When the two Slovaks are healthy, there isn’t a better 1-2 scoring punch in the league.  As always, defense and goaltending will also be critical for Minnesota.  Coach Jacques Lemaire should have the team playing solid defensive hockey from day one, but Backstrom must carry his success over to this season.