The rest of the NHL should pay attention to significant seasons ahead for the Minnesota Wild's Marc-Andre Fleury, Kirill Kaprizov and Brock Faber.

This is the latest edition of THN.com’s series in which we break down important issues facing each of the NHL’s teams. In today’s file, we’re looking at the Minnesota Wild. 

While it's uncertain whether they'll be in the playoff battle at the end of the season, they have a legendary goaltender in his likely final NHL season, a sophomore who challenged Connor Bedard for the Calder Trophy and a top forward who could potentially improve even more as a scoring machine.

1. What can goalie Marc-Andre Fleury accomplish in his final NHL season?

Fleury – who will be 40 years old in November – saw his individual numbers worsen last season. In 2022-23, Fleury had a 2.85 goals-against average and .908 save percentage in 46 appearances, but in 2023-24, he had a 2.98 GAA and .895 SP.

That said, Fleury and Wild GM Bill Guerin still see gas in his tank, so he’s back on a one-year, $2.5-million contract. He will share the crease with Filip Gustavsson, who played 45 games to Fleury's 40 last season.

Fleury has had a terrific career with three Stanley Cups, but on a Wild team that isn’t a lock to make the Stanley Cup playoffs, the netminder and squad hope his final NHL season isn't somewhat anticlimactic.

While anything is possible in the hockey world, don’t put too much stock in the possibility of Fleury being traded during the regular season if Minnesota is well out of the playoff picture. He has a full no-move clause in his contract, and unless he has a change of heart and sees a golden opportunity to join a legitimate Cup front-runner, Fleury will almost certainly finish his NHL days with the Wild. 

He can go out on a high knowing he was one of the top netminders of his era, but jumping from team to team at this late stage in his career isn’t something people will expect from Fleury. 

Even if you’re not a Wild fan, you can appreciate Fleury's legacy and love for the game, and Fleury's challenge this year is to go out on a high note with a long playoff run.

2. Can star winger Kirill Kaprizov score 50 goals?

As Minnesota’s highest-paid player with a $9-million cap hit, Kaprizov has high expectations to try and live up to. 

The 27-year-old has twice come close to the 50-goal plateau, including a 47-goal sophomore NHL season in 2021-22 and a 46-goal season last year. But the Wild would benefit greatly from Kaprizov reaching and passing the 50-goal mark this coming season.

Kaprizov will play on Minnesota’s top line in 2024-25, potentially with youngster Marco Rossi and veteran Mats Zuccarello or with Joel Eriksson Ek and Matt Boldy. Those aren't exactly the most imposing first lines in the league, but it's seen positive offensive production before. If Kaprizov is to get to the 50-goal mark, he will probably still do most of the heavy lifting. 

With the Wild finishing 21st overall in goals-for last season, Kaprizov doesn’t have as much support for him on offense as squads with more secondary scoring. But in his prime, Kaprizov has what it takes to join the elite 50-goal club. The more Minnesota’s young talent steps up, the easier it will be for Kaprizov – and if he doesn’t score 50 this year, he’ll probably get there shortly afterward.

3. What will young star defenseman Brock Faber do for an encore in his sophomore season?

Faber finished second in voting for the Calder Award as the NHL’s top rookie last season taking a chunk of first-place votes away from Bedard. He raised expectations this summer by signing a contract extension that will pay him $8.5 million annually beginning in 2025-26. But the 22-year-old blueliner has what it takes to elevate his game at both ends of the ice.

Indeed, Faber’s rookie totals of 39 assists and 47 points in 82 games are just the starting point for him. He should easily surpass the 10-goal and 50-point marks in 2024-25 and push to even greater heights in the seasons that follow. 

If all goes well for him, Faber could maybe even play a prominent role for Team USA at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off. That high-stakes platform will raise Faber’s identity throughout the hockey world. 

All things considered, Faber’s profile is only going to grow in a positive way, and this sophomore season for him will be part of the foundation he builds on as he puts his imprint on the sport.