The Minnesota Wild have a boost of momentum entering the regular season after signing star left wing Kirill Kaprizov to a contract extension that's the richest deal in NHL history. The Wild have the longest active streak in the league with 13 consecutive winning seasons. They have not won a series in the playoffs since 2015, however. They're aiming to contend for their first Stanley Cup by banking on better health after missing Kaprizov and center Joel Eriksson Ek to injuries for roughly half of the regular season and seeing steps forward from young cornerstones Matt Boldy and Marco Rossi.

Minnesota Wild

Last season: 45-30-7, lost to Vegas in first round of playoffs.

COACH: John Hynes (third year with Wild, 363-309-75 over 10 seasons with three teams).

SEASON OPENER: Oct. 9 at St. Loui

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