The Minnesota Wild have plenty of players that could make the case for team MVP. In a year where you score over 100 season points and are in a playoff spot for over half the season, that’s bound to happen.
Of course, there’s the obvious choice in Kirill Kaprizov. He’s the best player in Minnesota Wild franchise history, and is a shoe-in to get 90 points in a healthy year.
Then, there’s the undeniably elite Quinn Hughes. In just 48 games with the team this season, Hughes has racked up 53 points. He was an instant difference maker on the blue line, and is in conversations for best defenseman in the league.
However, the title of “Team MVP” could go to another, even younger superstar.
Matt Boldy Named Minnesota Wild Team MVP
GettyST PAUL, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 10: Matt Boldy #12 of the Minnesota Wild celebrates his power-play goal against the New York Islanders with teammates in the first period at Grand Casino Arena on January 10, 2026 in St Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Michael Russo of The Athletic recently named Boldy as Team MVP of the Minnesota Wild.
“The $7 million bargain became the fourth 40-goal scorer in Wild history. He has a career-high 85 points. A true difference-maker, he drives every line he’s on. As good a passer as he is a shooter, he makes linemates better and has become one of the league’s most complete players.”
Boldy has been incredible this season, and has really come into his own in his age-24/25 season. He’s gone point-for-point with Kirill Kaprizov, and plays a complete game on both ends of the ice. Whenever Boldy is on the ice, he’s an absolute difference-maker.
It’s hard to argue with Russo here. Sure, Kaprizov and Hughes have arguments, but Boldy cemented himself as one of the better players in the NHL in 2025/2026. Boldy has 85 points (42G, 43P) going into the final two games this season. This tops his former best of 73 points he achieved last season.
Nico Sturm Named Most Disappointing Wild Player
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 17: Head coach John Hynes of the Minnesota Wild talks with Nico Sturm #78 against the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period at the United Center on March 17, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
In the same piece that Boldy was named MVP by Russo, he also named Nico Sturm as the most disappointing Minnesota Wild player in 2025/2026.
“Fair or not, the free-agent pickup injured his back on Day 1 of camp and missed the first 22 games. Sturm filled his role — killing penalties and winning faceoffs, but nevertheless, the Wild weren’t overjoyed and spent a second-round pick on Michael McCarron. Now Sturm’s an every-night extra.”
Sturm signed a 2-year/$4 million contract with the Wild in July of 2025. Thankfully, he’s not that expensive, but there is still play left to be desired. While he can kill a penalty and win a faceoff, he is not a true difference maker, and it was probably unfair for anyone to expect him to be.
Minnesota Wild Star Matt Boldy Given Extreme Praise