Top prospects for Minnesota Wild

NHL.com is providing in-depth prospect analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 8-Sept. 8. Today, the top five prospects for the Minnesota Wild, according to NHL.com.

Wild 32 in 32: [Season preview | 3 Questions | Fantasy breakdown]

1. Marco Rossi, F

How acquired:Selected with No. 9 pick in 2020 NHL Draft
2021-22 season:Minnesota (NHL): 2 GP, 0-0-0; Iowa (AHL): 63 GP, 18-35-53
There is a vacancy at center this season for the Minnesota Wild, and Rossi (5-foot-9, 182 pounds) is poised to fill it. The 20-year-old is coming off a productive rookie season with Iowa of the American Hockey League despite missing most of the 2019-20 season after being diagnosed with COVID-19 in mid-November and myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart muscle, after reporting to Wild training camp in early January. He led Iowa in assists (35) tied for first in points (53) and was fourth in goals (18) in 63 regular-season games last season.
"He's got to come to training camp and play his game and perform well," Wid director of player development Brad Bombardir said. "If he does, and he takes a spot, then that's great. If he doesn't, then he starts in the American Hockey League, and at some point, he gets back up here. He will be here eventually."
Projected arrival:This season

2. Brock Faber, D

How acquired: Trade with Los Angeles Kings on June 29
2021-22 season: Minnesota (NCAA): 32 GP, 2-12-14
Acquired in the trade for Kevin Fiala, Faber has earned himself the top spot among defensemen in the Wild's prospect pool. The 20-year-old recently completed his sophomore season at the University of Minnesota, where he was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and played for the United States at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, getting one assist in four games. Faber (6-1, 200) served as captain for the United States at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship and had two points (one goal, one assist) in five games. When he was on the ice at 5-on-5, the U.S. outscored opponents 10-0, and he was only on the ice for one goal against, an empty-net goal in a 4-2 loss to Czechia in the quarterfinals.
"I just think that [Faber] was really, really high-end prospect, somebody that we think is not far away from playing at all," Wild general manager Bill Guerin said in June. "I know he's just going back for his third year at [Minnesota], but in all actuality, Brock could probably play sooner than that. But it'll be a good year for him back there and we'll cross that bridge at the end of the season. … You can never have too many defensemen."
Projected arrival: 2023-24

3. Liam Ohgren, F

How acquired:Selected with No. 19 pick in 2022 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Djurgarden Jr. (SWE-JR): 30 GP, 33-25-58; Djurgarden (SHL): 2 GP 1-1-2
The 18-year-old signed a three-year, entry-level contract July 16 after attending Minnesota's development camp. A native of Stockholm, Ohgren (6-0, 187) moves with speed and had impressive edgework for a player with his frame. Though not confirmed, it is likely he will return to Djurgarden for another year before coming to North America.
"He's a poised kid," Bombardir said. "He skates really well, handles a puck really well, and he's competitive. He's going to be a fun, fun one to watch. It's going to be exciting to see his growth over even just the next year."
Projected arrival:2023-24

4. Jesper Wallstedt, G

How acquired:Selected with No. 20 pick in 2021 NHL Draft
2021-22 season:Lulea HF (SHL): 22 GP, 12-10-0, 1.98 GAA, .918 save percentage
Wallstedt (6-3, 214) continues to see his game improve. He has seen growth in his lateral movements while playing in Sweden, but will need to continue to work on it as he gets adjusted to playing on a North American sheet. The 19-year-old will begin those adjustments by playing with Iowa this season.
"It can be a long process," Bombardir said. "We just have to be patient with him. It's going to take a while. He's a young kid."
Projected arrival:2024-25

5. Calen Addison, D

How acquired: Trade with Pittsburgh Penguins on Feb. 10, 2020
2021-22 season:Minnesota (NHL): 15 GP, 2-2-4; Iowa (AHL): 43 GP, 7-27-34
The 22-year-old saw limited action with the Wild after injuries to Jared Spurgeon and Matt Dumba last season. Addison (5-10, 181) has shown prowess on the power play and penalty kill. Last season, quarterbacking the power play, he led Iowa defensemen with three power-play goals. He may be on the smaller side as a defenseman but is quick to get out of trouble with his body movement.
"He showed a lot of strengths last year," Bombardir said. "He's continuing to grow into his game and I think with more consistent ice time, we will see what he's truly capable of.
Projected arrival: This season