TNT Analyst, Former NHL Player Thinks Minnesota Wild Miss Playoffs

Former NHL player and TNT analyst Paul Bissonnette predicted on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast that the Minnesota Wild will miss the playoffs in the 2026-27 season. Bissonnette cited a potentially slow start, limited depth at center behind Joel Eriksson Ek, and looming distractions regarding defenseman Quinn Hughes' future with the team.

Fellow analyst Keith Yandle agreed with Bissonnette's prediction, while Ryan Whitney disagreed and suggested Minnesota could start strong and extend Hughes. The Wild have qualified for the playoffs in six of the past seven seasons and feature a roster that includes Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, Brock Faber, and Jesper Wallstedt.