The Minnesota Wild are evaluating their defensive depth as they aim to develop young prospects Zeev Buium and David Jiricek. With Declan Chisholm needing a raise that surpassed what the team is willing to pay for a seventh defenseman, he has signed a two-year deal with the Capitals. This decision leaves the Wild with the flexibility to seek additional blue line depth through the waiver wire at the end of training camp, should the need arise.

As the 2026 NHL free agency market approaches, excitement is building among fans. High-profile players like Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, and Artemi Panarin are poised to hit the market, while veterans such as Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin may seek new opportunities. The Buffalo Sabres face a dilemma with Bowen Byram, while teams eye players like Rasmus Andersson and Martin Necas for potential trades. Notably, Filip Gustavsson's future with the Wild remains uncertain as he approaches free agency.

The Minnesota Wild face a crucial Game 6 against the Vegas Golden Knights, trailing 3-2 in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. After a controversial Game 5, where a late goal by Ryan Hartman was disallowed for offside, the Wild are determined to avoid elimination. The absence of Golden Knights' leading scorer Pavel Dorofeyev due to injury adds to the stakes, while Filip Gustavsson returns to the Wild's lineup after missing the last game due to illness.

This matchup at Xcel Energy Center is paramount for the Wild, who must rally after a tough overtime loss in Game 5. Marcus Foligno emphasized the importance of resilience, noting the unpredictability of playoff hockey. As the faceoff approaches at 6:40 p.m., fans eagerly await to see if the Wild can force a decisive Game 7.

The Carolina Hurricanes are facing significant injury concerns heading into their next game. Goaltender Frederik Andersen was absent from the morning skate, with coach Rod Brind'Amour stating he is day-to-day. Spencer Martin took his place on the ice. Additionally, forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi is nursing a cut above his eye from a previous match. Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars report that Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson are both in stable condition regarding their injuries.

In other news, Marcus Johansson returned from a lower-body injury for the Minnesota Wild, while Filip Gustavsson missed the third period of his last game due to an illness. The New Jersey Devils have confirmed Luke Hughes and Brenden Dillon will miss the series. The St. Louis Blues' Tyler Tucker is also day-to-day after an injury, and Tampa Bay Lightning's Brandon Hagel will not play in their upcoming game. Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets are hopeful for Nikolaj Ehlers' return soon, although he is still considered week-to-week.

In Game 5 of the first-round playoff series, Marc-Andre Fleury stepped in as Minnesota’s goalie after Filip Gustavsson fell ill. Despite Fleury's solid performance, saving 6 of 7 shots during the game, the Wild lost 3-2 to the Vegas Golden Knights in overtime, with Brett Howden scoring the decisive goal. The Golden Knights now lead the series 3-2.

Fleury’s return was met with resounding cheers from the crowd, showcasing his enduring popularity among Golden Knights fans. His playoff experience now surpasses legends Patrick Roy and Martin Brodeur, as this marks his 18th postseason appearance. Gustavsson had initially kept the Wild competitive, stopping 23 of 25 shots before his replacement. Coach John Hynes noted that Gustavsson’s illness developed during the game, highlighting the unpredictable nature of playoff hockey.

In an electrifying playoff atmosphere, Minnesota's Filip Gustavsson was sidelined by illness after two periods, leading to Marc-Andre Fleury stepping in against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5. Fleury, a fan favorite during his tenure with the Knights, was met with resounding cheers from the crowd. This match marked his playoff encounter with his former team. Gustavsson made a commendable 23 saves on 25 shots, but the Golden Knights held a narrow 2-1 lead at the game's midpoint.

Fleury's presence added a layer of excitement to the matchup, as it was his 18th playoff season, breaking a tie with legends Patrick Roy and Martin Brodeur for the most playoff seasons. With the series tied 2-2, every save and every moment counted, amplifying the intensity of the postseason. The Wild's struggle to regain their footing in the series reflected the high stakes of playoff hockey.