The Minnesota Wild are making their presence felt on the Olympic stage in Italy, with both current and former players playing key roles as the men’s hockey tournament gets underway. And if the opening action is any indication, Wild fans have plenty to keep an eye on.
The tournament opened with a stunner: Slovakia knocked off Finland in a major upset, and the star of the show? None other than Wild goaltending prospect Samuel Hlavaj.
The young netminder was lights-out between the pipes, turning away shot after shot in a performance that not only stole the game but could end up being one of the defining moments of the group stage. It’s the kind of breakout showing that puts a prospect on the map - and gives Minnesota brass even more reason to be excited about their pipeline.
Now, the attention shifts to Team USA - and three current Wild players are suiting up with big-time responsibilities.
Matt Boldy is skating on a high-powered line alongside Jake Guentzel and Auston Matthews. That trio has the potential to be electric.
Matthews brings the elite scoring pedigree, Guentzel adds playoff-tested versatility, and Boldy? He’s the glue guy who can make plays in tight spaces and finish when it counts.
It’s a line built to control the puck and tilt the ice.
On the back end, Quinn Hughes and Brock Faber are both logging top minutes for the U.S. Hughes is paired with Charlie McAvoy, forming a dynamic duo that blends Hughes’ elite skating and vision with McAvoy’s physical edge and shutdown ability.
Meanwhile, Faber is paired with Jaccob Slavin - a pairing that screams reliability. Faber’s steady presence and hockey IQ make him a perfect complement to Slavin’s calm, mistake-free style.
For the Wild, this Olympic break is more than just a pause in the NHL schedule - it’s a showcase. Their players aren’t just participating; they’re playing pivotal roles on one of the tournament’s top contenders. And in the case of Hlavaj, they’re stealing headlines.
As the games continue, keep an eye on how these Wild players handle the pressure and pace of Olympic hockey. It’s a different beast - faster ice, shorter tournaments, and national pride on the line. But for Minnesota’s representatives, it’s also a chance to shine on the world’s biggest stage.