The Minnesota Wild have been through a frenzy in the NHL offseason. As if the drama surrounding restricted free agent (RFA) Marco Rossi and Kirill Kaprizov’s projected ground-breaking extension weren’t enough. Now, the Wild have made a shocking decision ahead of training camp.
The Wild currently feature the third-oldest roster in the NHL by average age, according to Elite Prospects. Still, general manager Bill Guerin might believe they are in need for a bigger veteran presence in the locker room and on the ice.
As Rossi remains without a contract in Minneapolis-St. Paul and Kaprizov’s projected contract value continues to rise, the Wild are trying to take their minds off those candid topics in the NHL. However, Minnesota steered away from them only to touch on another scorching theme.
As announced by the organization, the Wild has signed veteran defenseman and Stanley Cup champ Jack Johnson to a professional tryout (PTO). This signing means the 38-year-old blueliner will compete in training camp for a spot on the franchise’s NHL roster next season.
Jack Johnson #3 of the Colorado Avalanche carries the Stanley Cup following the series winning victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game Six of the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena on June 26, 2022 in Tampa, Florida.
“Minnesota Wild President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has signed defenseman Jack Johnson to a professional tryout (PTO),” the statement on NHL.com read.
see also
Marco Rossi’s last contract with the Minnesota Wild: How much did he earn until 2024-25 NHL season?
Expected fuss
Although Johnson’s pedigree reads Stanley Cup champion for his contribution to the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, he isn’t precisely widely-acclaimed in the NHL. His offensive numbers won’t blow anybody away, and his defensive production follows a similar trend.
In the NHL, coaches and players seem to be on a carousel, and Johnson’s signing to a professional tryout (PTO) signals just that. Fans are growing tired of the same faces getting chance after chance. They would like to see some fresh legs for a change.
Kirill Kaprizov #97 of the Minnesota Wild looks on against the Detroit Red Wings in the second period of the game at Xcel Energy Center on February 14, 2022 in St Paul, Minnesota.
Let’s get Wild
Still, that doesn’t take anything away from a veteran like Johnson. The 38-year-old has earned his spot and will battle to earn a place on the Wild’s opening night roster when training camp and preseason come around.
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As for the Wild, they still have an urgent order of business to get done before the 2025–26 NHL season kickstarts. Re-signing Rossi is at the top of the list, along with extending Kaprizov’s contract. Once that’s taken care of, the puck will drop, and the chase for the first Stanley Cup in the State of Hockey will be back on.
