MORE PROOF: Minnesota Wild Nearing John Hynes Extension—Has He EARNED a Multi-Year DEAL?

Minnesota Wild zero in on a John Hynes extension, but does he truly have what it takes to lead a Stanley Cup push? Jesper Wallstedt cracks the NHL Network’s top 10 goalies, showcasing his rise as a franchise cornerstone, while the Wild still search for that elusive top-line center—once again absent from the league’s top 20 list. Seth Toupal breaks down Hynes’ postseason highs and first-round triumphs, questions the consistency needed to take Minnesota deeper, and spotlights Wallstedt’s clutch playoff heroics with Gustavsson sidelined. Key talking points include Minnesota’s lack of elite center options, Joel Eriksson Ek’s true role, and what it would cost for Bill Guerin to land a franchise-changing pivot. With the 2026-2027 NHL season approaching, the Wild’s roster strengths and glaring weaknesses take center stage. Can this squad overcome its biggest obstacle down the middle? Photo Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images Everydayer Club: If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.  Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonwild.supercast.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Locked On Wild Follow/Subscribe Anywhere: https://linktr.ee/LockedOnWild Follow Locked On NHL: linktr.ee/lockedonNHL Have a Question for the Show or a Topic you want Covered? Email [email protected] For your next listen, check out the Locked On NHL podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo - Today's episode is brought to you by Odoo ( OH - DO ). Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at Odoo Dot Com Slash lockedon. That’s O D O O dot com slash lockedon.  FanDuel - Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The biggest stage in world soccer is here, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit FANDUEL DOT COM to get started now. Gametime - Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.