Coach Hynes Review, Mason Shaw's 2nd Chance, & 2023 Departures
Looking at Hynes first 30 games with the Wild, Mason Shaw's remarkable 4th ACL recovery, and checking in on players that left during the off-season.
Welcome to the THW Minnesota Wild Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Wild writers.
In today’s edition, we look at the rollercoaster that is John Hynes first 30 games as head coach, talk about Mason Shaws determination and how he has earned another shot at the NHL, and review how the players that left the Wild in the 2023 off-season have been fairing with their new teams.
Don’t forget to check out all of our FREE team Substacks, and sign up for your favorites…or all of them if you want.
You can also upgrade your subscription to a paid THW account, and get access to ALL of our Premium content from ALL of our team Substacks for one low price.
How Has John Hynes Done so far as Minnesota Wild Head Coach?
February 5, 2024 by Mariah Stark (Holland)
It’s been over two months since the Minnesota Wild decided to fire their former head coach, Dean Evason, and hire their current coach, John Hynes. Since that day they’ve played 30 games and have a record of 16-13-1 over that time. They’ve also had possibly the most injuries (seven players) at one time the Wild have ever dealt with during a season
Hynes has faced a lot of adversity in his first 30 games with the Wild, but he’s handled it all in stride. He’s even gotten them through a couple of losing streaks that looked like they may never end. They seem to be struggling again as they lost their past two games before the All-Star Break after giving up a lead, and we’ll take a look at how he has done so far this season.
Wild Have to Give Mason Shaw Another Chance to Shine
February 2, 2024 by Mariah Stark (Holland)
It’s safe to say the Minnesota Wild’s season is on the rocks and is teetering very close to no return. They’ve had issues all season, from penalty problems, lack of defense, lack of offense, and, most recently, injuries. The Wild have had almost every problem a team can face, and that includes a coaching change thrown in.
Now that they’re without Jared Spurgeon for the season and they’ve lost Connor Dewar for an unknown amount of time, they need to make a change. They’ve brought up different players throughout the season, but one recently made a return that deserves a chance and could be a help. That player is Mason Shaw, and we’ll look at how he can contribute, starting with his go-getter personality.
Former Wild on New Teams: Checking in on 2023 Departures
January 30, 2024 by Tyson McKay
In 2022-23, the Minnesota Wild put up 46 wins and collected 103 points, which was good enough for third place in the Central Division. They were a completely dominant squad that could find ways to win games in a variety of ways on any given night. I don’t think anyone foresaw the team falling face-first off a cliff this season to the point where they are currently on pace for just 35 wins and 78 points.
The change in fortune came about this season despite the team looking mostly the same as last, with just a few seemingly minor changes being made throughout the lineup. It’s time we take a look at those players who left in the offseason and see how they are fairing with their new teams. Let’s get to it.