Regardless, the Wild have a pretty good plan in place if Boldy isn't ready. Ryan Hartman took Boldy's spot on the power play in Friday's game against the Winnipeg Jets. The Wild scored two power-play goals that game and Hartman finished the night with one assist.

A significant blow for a team that GM Bill Guerin said is counting on better health to rebound from an injury-riddled 2023-24 season.

The Wild’s plan to improve their beleaguered penalty kill includes recruiting one of their top scorers in Matt Boldy to the cause, the thought being Boldy’s size and smarts will help neutralize like-minded power plays.