With the NHL lockout coming to an end and games returning sooner rather than later, staff reporter Michael Russo takes a look at the Wild's depth chart which indicats coach Mike Yeo’s plans as of the State Fair in late August (pre-lockout):

Minnesota Wild Depth Chart

FORWARDS

(Left wing-Center-Right wing)

First line: Zach Parise-Mikko Koivu-Dany Heatley

Second line: Matt Cullen-Mikael Granlund-Devin Setoguchi

Third line: Pierre-Marc Bouchard*-Kyle Brodziak-Cal Clutterbuck

Fourth line: Darroll Powe-Zenon Konopka-Torrey Mitchell

Extra: Matt Kassian

Vying for spots: Stephane Veilleux, Jake Dowell, Jason Zucker, Charlie Coyle, Johan Larsson, Nick Palmieri**, Justin Fontaine, David McIntyre.

DEFENSEMEN

(Left-Right)

First pair: Ryan Suter-Jared Spurgeon

Second pair: Marco Scandella-Tom Gilbert

Third pair: Clayton Stoner-Justin Falk/Nate Prosser

Extra: Falk/Prosser

GOALTENDERS

No. 1: Niklas Backstrom

No. 2: Josh Harding

*Has not been officially cleared to play yet

** Must be signed to NHL deal first