Kevin Allen

USA TODAY Sports

2013-14 results: 43-27-12, fourth in Central

Story line: Wild hope Vanek is missing piece

Arrivals: RW Thomas Vanek, C Jordan Schroeder, C Cody Almond (free agents)

Departures: LW Matt Moulson, RW Cody McCormick (signed with Buffalo Sabres), D Clayton Stoner, LW Dany Heatley (signed with Anaheim Ducks), D Nate Prosser (signed with St. Louis Blues), C Michael Rupp

Goaltending: The Wild used five goalies last season and already this season, their situation is muddled. Josh Harding (18-7-3, 1.65, .933) seemed set for a return from multiple sclerosis but broke his foot in an off-ice incident. Nicklas Backstrom (5-11-2, 3.02, .899) is coming off a poor season and injury issues. Darcy Kuemper (12-8-4, 2.43, .915) is unproven. Ilya Bryzgalov is in camp as a tryout.

Analysis: Anyone who watched the Wild upset the Colorado Avalanche and give the Chicago Blackhawks trouble in the second round appreciates that they have established themselves as contenders. Vanek was signed to bolster the team's offense. Thanks to Zach Parise, Mikko Koivu, Jason Pominville, Mikael Granlund and Vanek, the Wild have a forward group that can put up numbers. But they still are set up to try to win 2-1 games. Ryan Suter plays nearly half a game on defense, and Jonas Brodin is a talented defender. The Wild gave up 27.7 shots a game last season, fifth in the league, and ranked eighth in five-on-five scoring. They won almost 74% of the time when scoring first and 84% of the time when they took a lead into the third period. This is a team learning how to win big games.

Breakthrough candidate: Charlie Coyle could earn a place in the top six. He could score 20 goals this season.

Youngster to watch: D Matt Dumba played 13 games last season and is projected to make the squad this season.

What the team really needs: More goals. The team ranked 24th last season and has never been higher than 17th. The Wild have been trying to win 2-1 games since their expansion season.

Key question: Will the goaltending be good enough? At 36, Backstrom's best days are behind him. Contending teams must have reliable goaltending.

Forecast: For the first time in franchise history, the Wild will make the playoffs for three consecutive seasons.

Top returning leaders

Goals: Jason Pominville, 30

Assists: Mikko Koivu, 43

Points: Pominville, 60

Plus-minus: Ryan Suter, Jared Spurgeon, +15

Penalty minutes: Kyle Brodziak, 61

Shots: Zach Parise, 245