The Minnesota Wild, led by head coach John Hynes, have completely flipped the script on the 2025-2026 season.
After a 3-6-3 start where the Wild looked horrid, the tides turned. Minnesota looked absolutely horrid to begin the season, but are now cemented as a top 5 team in the NHL at the worst.
They currently sit at 3rd in the Central, also meaning they are 3rd in the Central division and 3rd in the Western Conference. Frustrating to say the least.
Even before their massive trade for Quinn Hughes, the Wild were trending upward. However, the Hughes trade solidified them as a true Stanley Cup contender.
The Wild have undeniable talent with players like Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, and Quinn Hughes to name a few. However, it’s hard to say that the Wild’s turnaround doesn’t start at the top. Head coach John Hynes has done a marvelous job this season, and the effort could be rewarded with the Jack Adams Award.
Minnesota Wild Head Coach John Hynes Could Be in Award Running
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 04: Head coach John Hynes of the Minnesota Wild looks on against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period of a preseason game at the United Center on October 04, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Jacob Punturi of Sports Illustrated floated this idea, which seems like should be an obvious observation.
Punturi explained:
“Entering the season, the Wild made several roster changes. Recently, the lineup shifted yet again after adding superstar defender Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks. In came a former Norris Trophy-winning defenseman, and out went highly-touted youngster Zeev Buium and forwards Liam Ohgren and Marco Rossi.
Despite a series of roster moves, Hynes has seamlessly integrated these players into the lineup and maximized their production and impact.”
John Hynes Getting the Most Out of His Roster
GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 29: Minnesota Wild celebrate after a goal by Joel Eriksson Ek #14 against Carter Hart #79 of the Vegas Golden Knights in the second period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on December 29, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Punturi continued, highlighting how Hynes has been able to get the most out of his roster:
“23-year-old goaltender Jesper Wallstedt was heading down a slippery slope. Heading into this season, the former first-round pick was in danger of losing his standing as a promising goaltender. But with some minor adjustments and a vote of confidence from Hynes, Wallstedt has broken out this season.”
Breakout goalie Jesper Wallstedt currently leads the NHL in save percentage (.928) and shutouts (4). His 2.30 goals-against average is good for 4th in the league.
Punturi also calls out Danila Yurov, whom he says “looks like a top-6 forward in the making.” It’s hard to argue. Yurov isn’t lighting the world on fire with 16 points in 37 games. However, it is clear by the eye-test that already belongs at the NHL level.
Punturi finished his case for John Hynes to win the Jack Adams Award, given to the best head coach during the regular season:
“The Jack Adams Award will likely go to Bednar or McLellan if the Red Wings make the playoffs. Those would be fine picks, but incorrect ones. There is no coach in the NHL doing a better job this season than John Hynes with the Minnesota Wild.”
John Hynes would become the second Wild head coach to ever win the award, and the first since Jacques Lemaire took it home in 2002-2003.
Minnesota Wild Coach Speculated to Be in Contention for Jack Adams Award