With 17 games left in the Minnesota Wild's season, the team is showing its true colors, and it's an impressive sight. Since the trade deadline, the Wild have taken down the Vegas Golden Knights, matched the Colorado Avalanche stride for stride, and blanked a Utah Mammoth team that had previously bested them.
Quinn Hughes is playing like an MVP, while Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy are each making a run at 50/50 seasons. The team is on a 114-point pace over 82 games since Hughes joined the fold.
Their defense is rock solid, and the forward group has gained some grit thanks to savvy deadline moves. Plus, their goaltending duo is second to none in the NHL.
However, there's a noticeable gap at the top of the lineup. The Wild couldn't secure a center to pair with Kaprizov.
While Vincent Trocheck or a seasoned vet like Ryan O'Reilly might not be "True No. 1 Center" material, they would've added valuable depth with their proven track records alongside elite NHL talent.
Currently, Ryan Hartman is stepping into the No. 1 Center role.
Surprisingly, it's working better on the ice than it might seem on paper. Though Hartman's standout 34-goal season is a memory from four years ago, his current line with Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello is delivering.
They're scoring 56.5% of the goals (13 for, 10 against) and controlling 56.6% of the expected goal share in 5-on-5 play.
But will this hold up in the playoffs?
After nine consecutive postseason series losses, the playoffs are the ultimate test for the Wild. They'll be judged by their ability to overcome the Dallas Stars in the first round. They couldn't do it in 2023 with Hartman centering Kaprizov, and Hartman just broke a 15-game goal drought despite his top-line role alongside one of the league's top scorers.
Hartman is a decent stopgap for the regular season, especially after the trade of Marco Rossi in the Hughes deal. But the playoffs demand more than just keeping pace; the Wild need someone who can challenge the likes of Roope Hintz or Wyatt Johnston.
Enter Danila Yurov.
Though he's a rookie with just 24 points this season, Yurov has quietly excelled as his responsibilities have grown. Mainly working on the third line, he's tied with Joel Eriksson Ek for fifth in 5-on-5 goals (nine) and shares fourth among forwards with Mats Zuccarello in 5-on-5 points (22). His defensive play is equally impressive.
And let's not forget his highlight-reel goal last night, showcasing strength, agility, and puck control under pressure against MacKenzie Weegar.
Yurov's flashes of brilliance, combined with his NHL-ready two-way game, make him a prime candidate for a top-line role. Coach John Hynes has 17 games to test this out before the playoffs. The big question is, will he take the plunge?
He should. There's little risk in giving Yurov an extended run on the top line.
The Avalanche have an eight-point lead in the Central Division and are likely out of reach. Dallas holds a three-point edge with a game in hand, giving them the inside track for home-ice advantage.
While catching Dallas is a worthy goal, Minnesota can manage it even if they experiment with Yurov.
The Wild's next five games are against non-playoff teams, with four at home, providing Hynes the chance to deploy a Yurov-led top line strategically. While there are still significant matchups on the horizon (two against Dallas, and road games against the Lightning and Red Wings), 10 of their final 17 games are against teams unlikely to make the playoffs.
It's an opportune moment to shake things up and ignite Kaprizov at 5-on-5. While Kaprizov will get his points, especially on the Hughes-powered power play, his 5-on-5 production is lagging.
He's tied for 33rd in the NHL with 33 5-on-5 points and for 52nd in goals. Last year, he had 12 goals and 31 points in just 41 games.
So why not try something new?
Concerns about Yurov's faceoff skills might be holding the Wild back. As a recent convert to center, he's won only 38.9% of his draws. Yet, these worries are overblown, especially since Hartman isn't much better at 44.2%.
The importance of faceoff wins is situational. At 5-on-5, possession changes frequently, diminishing the impact of faceoff outcomes.
It's on the power play, penalty kill, and in critical moments that faceoffs matter most. Even in a top-line role, Yurov won't be taking those crucial draws.
He has limited power play time and doesn't play on the penalty kill. In clutch situations, particularly against Dallas in the playoffs, the Wild will likely turn to a loaded line featuring Kaprizov, Boldy, and Eriksson Ek.
With depth and flexibility in their lineup, the Wild have 17 games to experiment and find the right mix. If Yurov thrives with Kaprizov, it could be a game-changer against Dallas. If not, Hartman remains a reliable option, and Yurov can continue to develop on the third line with Vladimir Tarasenko and Bobby Brink.