Minnesota Wild forecast to miss playoffs; all-Russian line possible
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 23, 2026, 9:32 PM
Last updated Sep 23, 2026
Paul Bissonnette predicted on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast that the Minnesota Wild will miss the playoffs in the 2026-27 season. He cited concerns about the team's depth at center, particularly with Joel Eriksson Ek. Bissonnette's outlook was met with disagreement from co-host Ryan Whitney, who believes the Wild could thrive if they start strong. The Wild's lines at practice may suggest an all-Russian top line featuring Danila Yurov, Kirill Kaprizov, and newcomer Maxim Shabanov, as they prepare for their opener against Nashville next week.
- •Bissonnette predicts Wild will not make playoffs this season.
- •Whitney disagrees, cites potential for a strong start.
- •All-Russian top line featuring Yurov, Kaprizov, and Shabanov emerging at practice.
- •Wild's season opener is next Thursday against Nashville.
- •The team made playoffs in six of the last seven seasons.
- 9:32 PMYahoo Sports — Bissonnette thinks Wild miss playoffs; MN going with all-Russian top line?
"Paul Bissonnette of the Spittin' Chiclets podcast thinks the Wild will fall short of the postseason in 2026-27.
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