The Wild will likely bring in some depth guys to split time in the AHL and NHL if needed. Who could that be?
After the end of the 2023-24 season, Wild President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin said he feels he could have done a better job of bringing in more depth guys.
"I have to look at myself in the mirror and say what could I have done better," Guerin said. "I feel like I could have done a better job at insulating our team, insulating our top players, creating more depth within the organization. I feel that’s something that we fell short on. That’s something I need to get better at."
So there is no doubt that Guerin will do that this year. The depth pieces will likely be forwards but there could be one defenseman as well. Here are some intriguing options.
Joel Kiviranta
Kiviranta played in 56 NHL games last season for the Colorado Avalanche and eight games in the playoffs. He has 19 goals, 18 assists, 37 points, and 271 hits in 219 career NHL games with the Avalanche and the Dallas Stars.
The 28-year-old forward has spent two years in the AHL as well where he has recorded 14 goals, 15 assists, and 29 points in 58 games for the Stars and Avalanche's AHL teams.
Vinne Hinostroza
Hinostroza, 30, played in 14 NHL games last year for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He notched one goal and three points. He has 54 goals, 97 assists, and 151 points in 374 career games across five teams.
The 5-foot-10 forward played in 42 games in the AHL last season with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. He notched 16 goals, 19 assists, and 35 points.
Jesse Ylonen
The Montreal Canadiens indicated they will not tender Ylonen which means he will hit the free agency market. The 24-year-old played in 59 games for the Habs last season where he recorded four goals and eight points.
Ylonen, a former 35th overall pick by the Canadiens, has 12 goals, 17 assists, and 29 points in 111 career NHL games. He also has 34 goals, 51 assists, and 85 points in 120 career games in the AHL with the Laval Rockets.
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