The Minnesota Wild are set to face-off against the Dallas Stars in the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.
It’s a tall, almost unfair task for a team as good as either Dallas or Minnesota to be facing off against each other this early. However, the current playoff format is what it is. There’s no telling if that’s changing anytime soon.
The first game will be played in Dallas on Saturday at 5:30pm EST. However, they’ve just released a concerning injury update regarding Quinn Hughes.
Minnesota Wild D Quinn Hughes Sick, Not Practicing Friday
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – FEBRUARY 26: Quinn Hughes #43 of the Minnesota Wild advances the puck against Valeri Nichushkin #13 of the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena on February 26, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
The report comes from Michael Russo of The Athletic.
“Sounds like Quinn Hughes won’t practice today for #mnwild and will fly to Dallas later today. Said a team source, ‘we fully expect Quinn to play tomorrow.’”
Hughes totaled 53 points (5G, 43A) in just 48 games with the Minnesota Wild in 2025-2026. Thankfully, he is expected to play on Saturday night. However, it’s hard to say he’ll be at 100%
The Wild will need all the help they can get against a team like the Dallas Stars. Having one of the two best defensemen in the world would certainly aid in the effort. Dallas is obviously no slouch, and Hughes’ elusiveness and magic puck handling and facilitating will be desperately needed.
As for the rest of the team, the Wild are mostly healthy. It feels like a miracle, considering their injury woes around this time in recent seasons. Minnesota will surely need to be at full-strength, even to beat a hobbled Stars team. After all, the winner likely gets the Avalanche in the second round.
Matt Boldy Given High Praise Amid 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs
GettyST PAUL, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 10: Matt Boldy #12 of the Minnesota Wild celebrates his power-play goal against the New York Islanders with teammates in the first period at Grand Casino Arena on January 10, 2026 in St Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Michael Russo of The Athletic recently named Boldy as Team MVP of the Minnesota Wild.
“The $7 million bargain became the fourth 40-goal scorer in Wild history. He has a career-high 85 points. A true difference-maker, he drives every line he’s on. As good a passer as he is a shooter, he makes linemates better and has become one of the league’s most complete players.”
Boldy has been incredible this season, and has really come into his own in his age-24/25 season. He’s gone point-for-point with Kirill Kaprizov, and plays a complete game on both ends of the ice. Whenever Boldy is on the ice, he’s an absolute difference-maker.
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