Minnesota Wild fantasy projections for 2023-24

As part of NHL.com's 32 in 32 series, the fantasy hockey staff has projections for relevant players on the Minnesota Wild. Players are listed in order of fantasy rank for this season.

Kirill Kaprizov, LW

NHL.com fantasy rank: 11

Reason for optimism: Across the past two seasons combined Kaprizov ranks sixth in the NHL in goals per game (0.59) and is coming off back-to-back 40-goal seasons. Last season Kaprizov was tied for the 14th-most goals in the League (40) despite being limited to 67 games. He led the Wild in points (75), goals, power-play points (32), even-strength points (43) and shots on goal (261) last season. His elite scoring ability makes Kaprizov a fringe top-10 overall player in fantasy drafts this season.

NHL.com point projection: 110

Matt Boldy, LW/RW

NHL.com fantasy rank: 45

Reason for optimism: In his first two NHL seasons combined Boldy has 102 points (46 goals, 56 assists) in 128 games. Boldy, drafted 12th overall in 2019, ranks third among all members of his draft class in points per game (0.80) behind only Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils and Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks. The 22-year-old ranked second on the Wild in goals last season (31 in 81 games) behind only Kaprizov and was tied for their most even-strength goals (23). Boldy should be prioritized especially in keeper and dynasty leagues.

NHL.com point projection: 71

Joel Eriksson Ek, C

NHL.com fantasy rank: 83

Reason for optimism: Eriksson Ek ranked fourth on the Wild in points (61 in 78 games), hitting a new career best in the category. Eriksson Ek also reached career highs in shots on goal (247) and power-play points (23). He ranked third on Minnesota in goals (23) and has high upside on their top man advantage with Kaprizov, Boldy and Mats Zuccarello.

NHL.com point projection: 68

Filip Gustavsson, G

NHL.com fantasy rank: 87

Reason for optimism: Gustavsson ranked second among all NHL goalies in save percentage (.931; minimum eight games) last season behind only Vezina-winning Boston Bruins netminder Linus Ullmark. He had a 22-9-7 record last season and should be considered a top ten overall fantasy goalie option.

NHL.com win projection: 26

Mats Zuccarello, RW

NHL.com fantasy rank: 98

Reason for optimism: Zuccarello ranked second on the Wild in points (67 in 78 games) and power-play points (29) behind only Kaprizov. Zuccarello also led the Wild in points per game (0.86; minimum 70 games). He has been consistent across the past two seasons with 146 points (46 goals, 100 assists) in 148 games. Zuccarello has the potential to be a draft steal if he plays on a line with Kaprizov.

NHL.com point projection: 69

Other MIN players to consider in fantasy: Marc-Andre Fleury, G; Ryan Hartman, C/RW