Three Franchise Legends Return as Wild Wraps Up 25th Anniversary Celebration
**ST. PAUL, Minn.
** - When the Minnesota Wild host the Florida Panthers on January 24, it won’t just be another midseason matchup on the schedule. It’ll mark the final chapter in the team’s 25th-anniversary celebration-and it comes with a special reunion.
Three players who helped define different eras of Wild hockey-Marc-Andre Fleury, Alex Goligoski, and Eric Staal-will be back in the building, this time as honored guests.
All three veterans share a unique milestone: each played their 1,000th NHL regular-season game wearing a Wild sweater. That’s no small feat in a league where longevity is earned, not given. And for a franchise still relatively young by NHL standards, having that kind of history rooted in its own locker room is worth celebrating.
Marc-Andre Fleury: The Future Hall of Famer in Green and Iron Range Red
Fleury may have made his name in Pittsburgh and Vegas, but his time in Minnesota was far from a footnote. In 123 regular-season games with the Wild, the veteran netminder posted a 64-42-10 record, with a .902 save percentage, a 2.90 goals-against average, and five shutouts. He brought more than just numbers-he brought poise, leadership, and a calm presence between the pipes that helped stabilize the crease during key playoff pushes.
These days, Fleury is still around the team in a different capacity. While he hasn’t stepped into an official front-office or coaching role just yet, he’s a regular at The TRIA Rink, where he suits up to help injured players stay sharp. He’s also been spotted in the press box during games, staying close to the action and the organization he clearly still cares about.
Alex Goligoski: The Hometown Kid Who Came Full Circle
For Alex Goligoski, playing for the Wild was more than just another stop on a long NHL journey-it was a homecoming. The Grand Rapids, Minnesota native suited up for 154 games with the Wild between 2021 and 2024, tallying four goals and 46 points. He wasn’t just a steady presence on the blue line; he was a veteran voice in the room and a mentor to younger defensemen.
Goligoski officially hung up the skates as a member of the Wild and quickly transitioned into a new role with the team. Now serving as a player development advisor, he’s taken his experience and turned it into guidance for the next generation of Minnesota defensemen. It’s a natural fit for a guy who’s always been known for his hockey IQ and leadership.
Eric Staal: One of the Wild’s Most Productive Centers Ever
Eric Staal’s time in Minnesota was nothing short of impactful. Over 311 games in a Wild uniform, he scored 111 goals and racked up 240 points. He led the team in scoring during the 2017-18 season, a campaign that included a franchise-record 42 goals-until Kirill Kaprizov came along and broke it with 47 in 2021-22.
Staal wasn’t just a stat-sheet stuffer; he was a cornerstone of the Wild’s offense and a key figure in multiple playoff runs. His ability to lead by example made him a fan favorite and a respected figure in the locker room. These days, Staal is working in a front-office role with the Buffalo Sabres as a special assistant to the general manager, continuing to shape the game from behind the scenes.
A Night of Reflection and Celebration
The Wild’s 25th anniversary has been a season-long tribute to the players, coaches, and moments that have made the franchise what it is today. Bringing back Fleury, Goligoski, and Staal for the final celebration night is more than a trip down memory lane-it’s a recognition of the impact these players had on the team’s identity.
Each of them represents a different piece of the Wild’s puzzle: Fleury, the veteran goalie who brought championship pedigree; Goligoski, the hometown defenseman who returned to give back; and Staal, the offensive leader who helped carry the team through pivotal seasons.
As fans pack the Xcel Energy Center on January 24, they won’t just be watching a game-they’ll be honoring three players who left their mark on Minnesota hockey. And for a franchise still writing its story, moments like this serve as a powerful reminder of how far the Wild have come in 25 years.