Bill Guerin Addresses Minnesota Wild’s Struggles Early in Season

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Wild President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin expressed concern over his team’s difficult start to the 2025 NHL season. With only three wins in their first ten games, the Wild have faced disappointing losses to both the Utah Mammoth and the San Jose Sharks.

Guerin emphasized the need for urgency during an interview with The Athletic before Saturday’s 6-2 defeat against the Mammoth. He noted that while it is early in the season, a poor start can jeopardize playoff hopes. “You can’t say, ‘Oh, we have 70-something games left.’ It doesn’t work like that,” he said. “If you fall too far behind, you can really put yourself in a bad spot for the playoffs. So it is serious. I’m concerned because it’s very fixable.”

Amid the challenges, Coach John Hynes has been meeting individually with players to address underperformance. Guerin held conversations with team leaders, including Kirill Kaprizov, captain Jared Spurgeon, and Marcus Foligno, who is currently injured. He stated that understanding player perspectives is crucial for improvement.

“We can’t sit here and try to figure it out without talking to them,” Guerin said. “We are in a partnership with these guys.” His approach seeks to foster collaboration rather than dictate demands.

Despite their struggles, Guerin has acknowledged the players’ commitment to improvement. He stated, “I never question how much this team cares and how much they want it.” However, he recognizes the urgency required to turn things around, especially after the team’s recent performance against teams like the Sharks, known for their defensive weaknesses.

Kaprizov, while determined to win, has struggled with turnovers. “Sometimes we just give too much space to the other team,” he noted after a recent game. His approach of attempting to force plays has led to costly mistakes, contributing to the team’s current woes.

Both Guerin and Hynes agree on the importance of players playing to their strengths and maintaining a consistent effort. Hynes remarked on the need to find chemistry among teammates to enhance on-ice performance.

Looking ahead, the Wild hope to welcome back veteran player Mats Zuccarello, who is recovering from surgery. Guerin believes his return will bolster the team. “Zuccy is an important player for the team,” he said.

As the season progresses, the Wild continue to seek answers to their problems. “Every single guy on this team wants to win,” Faber said. “We’re gonna keep working,” he added, indicating a collective resolve to improve.