Minnesota Wild
· 2026-06-28
The Minnesota Wild used their first pick in the NHL draft on some blue line girth, selecting forward Adam Andersson with the 83rd overall pick.
Andersson, who will turn 18 next week, is a 6-foot-4 center who skated for Leksands IF in the Swedish U-20 league last season.
The Wild traded away their picks in the first two rounds but worked a trade with the Los Angeles Kings to move up six spots in Round 3.
The team's director of European scouting, Ricard Persson, ran the 2026 draft with input from assistant general manager Mat Sells.
Andersson was ranked 20th among European skaters by NHL Central Scouting prior to the draft and is a big centerman with strong work ethic.
He was a member of Sweden's U18 gold medal team in the spring and played a heavy checking role primarily.
The Wild also selected 6-foot-4 forward Kayden Lemire in Round 4 and 6-foot-7 goalie Filip Ruzicka in Round 5.
The Minnesota Wild are currently standing 3rd in the Western Conference with a 46-24 record and are on a W1 streak after losing 4-3 to the Colorado Avalanche on May 14, 2026.
Wild general manager Bill Guerin has had preliminary conversations with star defenseman Quinn Hughes and his agent about a contract extension.
Guerin did not have an updated timeline on the return of goalie Filip Gustavsson, who had hip surgery last month.
The team's smallest draft class in franchise history included just three picks, with the latest initial selection being in 2017 when they grabbed forward Ivan Lodnia 85th overall.
Andersson is expected to attend the team's development camp, which may be his first visit to Minnesota.
The Wild's focus on defense is a strategic move to bolster their lineup and improve their chances in the upcoming season.