The 32-in-32 Series is an annual event here at DobberProspects and has been condensed from two articles to one. The article will bring you: The highlighted team’s draft; insights into its off-season moves; looking at prospect risers, fallers and likely prospects to play NHL games; and of course, the writers’ top-20 prospects. Articles may be brought back when an important team update occurs, so check back because we plan to fill your hockey withdrawal needs all off-season!

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All things considered, the Minnesota Wild have a lot of positives to draw from the 2024-25 season. Even though the Vegas Golden Knights got the better of their playoff match-up, the Wild looked good, despite some key hits to the lineup. Superstar Kirill Kaprizov and two-way center Joel Eriksson Ek only played around half of the season, with the team seeing just three players hit the 82 games played mark. Despite the lack of lineup consistency, John Hynes’ first full season saw the team near the 100-point plateau. 

The Wild did not make too many flashy off-season moves, signing Nico Sturm and trading for Vladimir Tarasenko to round out the depth of their forward core. Perhaps the most exciting move that Bill Guerin made was signing 2022 first rounder Danila Yurov to an entry-level deal. Expectations are that Yurov will compete for an opening night roster spot, but his full deployment is still to be seen. 

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Be sure to check out the Minnesota Wild team page here: https://dobberprospects.com/team/minnesota-wild/ 

To view past 32s go here: https://dobberprospects.com/category/feature/32-in-32-series/

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NHL Draft Recap 

Round 2, 52nd overall; Theodor Hallquisth, D

Hallquisth spent a majority of the season on Orëbro’s J20 team, where he recorded 22 points in 41 games. He is a big, mobile defender that is able to skate his way out of a lot of trouble. He moves well with and without the puck and features elite edge-work that is instrumental to his game. Additionally, Hallquisth put together an impressive U18 World Junior run with Team Sweden. While the point totals did not come in waves, he was disruptive and found a lot of ways to make a big impact. Hallquisth’s calling card is his skating, which could provide the foundation for further strong development. 

Round 4, 102nd overall; Adam Benák, C

Make no mistake, Benák is a playmaker. He also skates like the wind and is able to create numerous opportunities for his teammates, no matter how small the window may be. However, Benák does have some physical development ahead of him, which may have been one of the reasons he slipped to the fourth round. He stands at just 5-8, 163 pounds that makes board play and net-front maneuvers harder. That being said, his 42 assists, tied for second in the entire USHL, is nothing to scoff at. There is real potential that Benák could be an impact playmaker for the Wild in the future. Minnesota hopes to see him progress up their organization in the coming years. 

Round 4, 121st overall; Lirim Amidovski, RW

Amidovski is a big, rugged winger who is a force on the forecheck. While he did nearly crack 20 goals with the North Bay Battalion, Amidovski’s future impact may not necessarily show up on the stat sheet. He is the kind of winger that should excel in a team’s bottom six, if given the right opportunity. 

Round 4, 123rd overall; Carter Klippenstein, C

In both statistical and general on-ice play, Klippenstein showed notable improvements across the board. He can do a bit of everything, showing good puck skills, while also using his 6-3 size to his advantage. Klippenstein could be a solid addition to Minnesota’s system when he is ready to sign. 

Round 5, 141st overall; Justin Kipkie, D

Kipkie is one of the more intriguing depth draft selections in this class. He was initially drafted in 2023 by the Arizona Coyotes before re-entering the draft in 2025 at 20 years of age. Kipkie is a big, rangy left-shot defender who takes up a lot of space and features a booming shot from the point. There is a lot to like about Kipkie’s potential, which Minnesota will continue to see as he will head to Arizona State for this season. 

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Off-Season Moves 

Incoming 

Vladimir Tarasenko – Acquired from Detroit Red Wings 

Danila Yurov – Signed three-year entry-level contract 

Nico Sturm – Signed two-year contract 

Nicolas Aube-Kubel – Signed one-year contract 

Cal Peterson – Signed one-year contract 

Tyler Pitlick – Signed one-year contract 

Jack Johnson – Signed professional tryout agreement 

Outgoing 

Frederick Gaudreau – Traded to SEA 

Declan Chisholm – Traded to WSH 

Marc-Andre Fleury – Retired 

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In The System 

Risers 

Zeev Buium (D) – Buium is one of the best prospects in the sport, regardless of position. He is a dynamic skater and one of the most impactful puck movers in hockey. He will absolutely start the year with the Wild and certainly be given every opportunity to showcase what he can do. Buium has not played a regular season game, only joining the club for four playoff games. The only question after his dominant career at the University of Denver was how he would adjust to NHL action and speed. In the playoffs against a hard-to-play-against Vegas Golden Knights, Buium quickly put those questions to bed. Buium has certainly risen to the top of the Wild’s prospect list, but also near the top of the league-wide prospect rankings. 

Ryder Ritchie (RW) – While Ritchie was already regarded as one of Minnesota’s top prospects, his 2024-25 campaign with Medicine Hat only cemented that belief. Statistically, he was third on the team with 61 points in 53 games. He played on a line with Gavin McKenna, but was just as dominant as McKenna. While he does not boast blazing north-south speed, Ritchie is one of the most deceptive players with the puck. Defenders never know when he will either release it with his quick release, or dish the puck with his excellent vision and deception. While Medicine Hat had numerous high-level talents, such as McKenna, Hunter St. Martin, Andrew Basha and Tanner Molendyk, Ritchie firmly established himself near the very top of that list. He will take his talents to the NCAA and play for the Boston University Terriers this year, showcasing his talents on a bigger stage. 

Riley Heidt (F) – After four full seasons with the Prince George Cougars, Heidt is finally ready to make the jump to the AHL. It’s hard to say Heidt had a “down year,” as he finished with 31 goals and 90 points, but it is a noticeable statistical drop off. Regardless, Heidt is still a top Wild prospect and an effective player. He is a good playmaker, has a good shot and plays the perfect ‘Bill Guerin’ style of tough, rugged hockey. This combination of skills put together is one of the key reasons why Heidt could be one of Minnesota’s most effective players in the future. If he is able to adjust well to professional hockey, Heidt could easily see himself in the Minnesota lineup during the regular season. He is certainly a player to watch.

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Fallers

Caeden Bankier (F) – Bankier’s final WHL season was his best, in which he tallied 85 points. However, he has yet to really put together a complete campaign with the Iowa Wild. This is not to say that Bankier could not become an NHLer at some point, as his skills and responsible play style are tools that players need to succeed. However, Minnesota already has many impact players both already in the NHL and in the pipeline waiting for their opportunity. This season will be a big one for Bankier to prove that he belongs in the conversation of Wild prospects who are creeping up on NHL jobs. 

Jesper Wallstedt (G) – Last season was a tough one for Wallstedt. He played in both the NHL and AHL, with his numbers dipping in both leagues. He surrendered eight goals in his only two NHL starts, never getting the call back up. In Iowa, he began the season with some quality starts, even posting a shutout. But after returning from the NHL, Wallstedt limped to the finish line. He allowed two goals or more in each start and three or more in each of his last five. It’s not fair to completely give up on Wallstedt as a player, but he certainly did not do himself any favors with his play. This is a big season for the club to get an evaluation of Wallstedt, but it is also vital for Wallstedt’s confidence. 

Rasmus Kumpulainen (F) – After a relatively solid 2023-24, point-per-game season with the Oshawa Generals, Kumpulainen has failed to put it together on loan in the Liiga. Both on-ice and statistically, he fell behind in his development after going across the pond. His frame is a plus, but he struggles to really make an impact with his skating. He can be loose with the puck and is not finding ways to create advantages for either him or his teammates. As mentioned, the Wild have many forwards vying for NHL roster spots, so a big campaign for Kumpulainen is key for him to stay on the radar of the Minnesota brass. 

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Likely to see NHL action

Zeev Buium 

Liam Öhgren

Jesper Wallstedt

David Jiricek 

Danila Yurov

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Top 20 Prospects 

This section is intended to paint a picture of the Minnesota Wild prospects whose current trajectory projects them making the most positive fantasy impact at the time that they reach the NHL. Arrival date and NHL certainty have been taken into consideration; however, potential upside is the most important factor in determining this list. 

1. Zeev Buium
2. Danila Yurov 
3. David Jiricek
4. Liam Öhgren
5. Jesper Wallstedt
6. Ryder Ritchie 
7. Charlie Stramel 
8. Riley Heidt 
9. Aron Kiviharju
10. Hunter Haight 
11. Caeden Bankier 
12. Adam Benák 
13. Carson Lambos
14. Lirim Amidovski
15. Justin Kipkie
16. Rasmus Kumpulainen 
17. Theodor Hallquisth 
18. Carter Klippenstein
19. Sebastian Soini
20. Rieger Lorenz

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Final Thoughts

The Wild are in one of the most fascinating situations in the NHL. They certainly have the current core that is needed to win now, but some of the most potentially impactful prospects found anywhere around the NHL. The big question mark this season is Kaprizov, who is entering the final year of his contract. GM Bill Guerin will likely make every effort to lock up their star player, and with all of the talent in Minnesota, the Wild could become the team to beat in the Central Division, both now and for years to come. 

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Be sure to check out the Minnesota Wild team page here: https://dobberprospects.com/team/minnesota-wild/ 

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Thank you for reading! Be sure to follow me on X @norr028 for coverage of Russian prospects all season long!