Minnesota Wild News

*Marcus Johansson did not practice today, 12 hours after the second-year center left the game in Chicago with an illness. Boudreau said Johansson caught a cold and was feeling dizzy on the ice “without getting hit.” So they’re resting him.

Just a precautionary measure as Johansson likely has an illness opposed to a concussion. Johansson scored 13 goals and 27 points in his first 69 NHL games. He should be centering the top line and Alex Ovechkin once healed.

Marcus Johansson
"He doesn't play like a sophomore," said rookie coach Mike Yeo, victorious in his debut, which is not too shabby considering the Wild went winless last preseason. "He plays like a guy that's played in the league for eight years."

In 53 games, Spurgeon posted six power play points. With Brent Burns now in San Jose, the 21-year-old should see even more offensive minutes from the blue line.

Jared Spurgeon
This season, Zuccarello said he also needs to shoot more. Yesterday, coach John Tortorella said while he liked a lot of what he saw from Zuccarello, there does need to be an improvement in his consistency.

Zuccarello looks to make the NHL out of camp and stick for the entire season. The former SEL MVP posted decent totals as a rookie -- 6 goals, 23 points in 42 games.

Mats Zuccarello
With training camp just around the corner, the Jets signed defenceman Zach Bogosian to a two-year deal for $5 million, according to capgeek.com.

Bogosian will look to improve on his worst professional season where he scored 5 goals and 17 points in 71 games. While the former third overall pick displayed mounds of talent in Juniors, his production has been sporadic over his three NHL seasons. A change of scenery, system and coach could help him improve this season but be cautious before paying for his potential.

Zach Bogosian
“I think he’s going to come in with a little more confidence, but at the same time, knowing his character, he’s going to be the player he was at the end of the year and not the beginning of the year.”

Johansson should receive even more valuable minutes in the upcoming season after his solid rookie season and postseason. Should Nicklas Backstrom falter or succumb to injury, expect Johansson to step up as Alex Ovechkin's pivot.

Marcus Johansson
“A lot of times I was going against the other team’s top lines. It’s good to get experience like that. I know I’m not going to blow anyone out of the water every year. But you just take it in stride and try to move forward. You can’t dwell on it.”

Not exactly words you want to hear from a budding defensive star. Sounds like Bogosian lost a bit of confidence over his first three seasons and could be hurt even further by moving to a hockey market with actual pressure. Monitor this situation closely as Bogosian has high-end potential which could be filled in the right situation.

Zach Bogosian