5 Burning Questions For Minnesota Wild Entering 2015-16 NHL Season

By Nick Villano

5 Burning Questions For Minnesota Wild Entering 2015-16 NHL Season

2016 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series Wild Blackhawks — The Minnesota Wild are a team on the cusp. They are a perennial playoff team, but they aren't a real contender. There always seems to be something missing (mostly the ability to beat the Blackhawks). They had a quiet offseason, so they are going into the year with almost the same roster. Can they finally make it beyond the second round? That is one of many questions looking for answers going into this season.

5. Should Zach Parise Become Captain?

Minnesota Wild

5. Should Zach Parise Become Captain?

Minnesota Wild — Zach Parise has been a captain before, as he took the Devils to the Stanley Cup Finals in that role. Mikko Koivu has been falling off as a former star player. He is now a role player, at least with his current production. The problem is when you strip someone of captaincy, it causes a lot of drama. The Wild don't need that right now.

4. What To Expect From Mike Reilly?

Minnesota Wild

4. What To Expect From Mike Reilly?

Minnesota Wild — Mike Reilly made the somewhat surprising decision of coming to the Minnesota Wild. He had a lot of opportunities, and he chose this team. So what can he bring to the table this season? It looks like he has an uphill climb in the preseason, which happens often with defensive players transitioning to the NHL game. He has a bright future, but this season may be a rough one.

3. Can Thomas Vanek Turn It Around?

Minnesota Wild

3. Can Thomas Vanek Turn It Around?

Minnesota Wild — Thomas Vanek was trending downward when he signed with the Wild, but they hoped he could turn it around with a change of scenery. That was not the case. He only scored 21 goals in a full season and was minus-6 on a playoff team. Can he find the scoring touch that had him scoring 40 goals in a season?

2. Is Charlie Coyle Actually Good?

Minnesota Wild

2. Is Charlie Coyle Actually Good?

Minnesota Wild — Charlie Coyle is leading the preseason in points. Not just for the Wild, but for the entire NHL. Can this be legit? He hasn't even played in all of the Wild's games. He looks like a legit threat in the bottom six.

1. Will Devan Dubnyk Do It Again?

Minnesota Wild

1. Will Devan Dubnyk Do It Again?

Minnesota Wild — Devan Dubnyk was on the edge of losing his NHL career. He went from almost out of the league to a Vezina Trophy finalist seemingly overnight. Was it just a fluke, or is Dubnyk a legit star goalie? His play will dictate how good or bad the Wild's season is.

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