The Milan-Cortina Olympics mark a long-awaited return of NHL players, with Minnesota Wild stars eyeing a Team USA, Germany and Sweden presence. Brock Faber, Matt Boldy, Nico Sturm, Jonas Brodin and Joel Eriksson Ek have Olympic potential, with Boldy prioritizing Wild form over looming gold. The league pause runs Feb. 11–22, elevating the season's drama as rosters tighten and injuries ripple through the lineup.

The piece also tracks Wild developments—cuts, injuries, and lineup logistics—while framing Russia’s absence and Tarasenko’s remarks within a broader Olympic context. Guerin and Hynes’ USA roles tighten the connection between club and country as the 4 Nations backdrop foreshadows Milan-Cortina. Fantasy angles hinge on who lands Olympic spots and how the break reshapes Wild momentum.

Kaprizov eight-year, $136 million extension locks in Minnesota’s franchise centerpiece and signals a championship horizon for the Wild, with a sharper penalty kill and more offensive ceiling. The Twins’ managerial search and a tribute to longtime Twins writer Phil Miller anchor a week of transition for Minnesota sports.

Two bold predictions anchor the piece: the Wild push past 100 points and Tarasenko tallies 21 goals, while the Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy won’t start until Oct. 23 as health and line stability take center stage. The local scene is buzzing as hockey, baseball and leadership change shape the winter.