What Does Matt Boldy Have To Do To Take the Next Step?

According to The Athletic’s Michael Russo, the Minnesota Wild will start the season with Ryan Hartman centering Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello. That means Matt Boldy will start on the second line with Joel Eriksson Ek, and Marco Rossi or Marcus Johansson. It will be Boldy's job to lead the charge offensively and to have a breakout season. 

Minnesota’s decision to place Hartman between Kaprizov and Zuccarello indicates that John Hynes is reverting to the team's old ways. It also suggests that the coaching staff sees Hartman as a capable center who can facilitate Kaprizov and Zuccarello’s scoring ability. Perhaps Kaprizov likes playing with Hartman. The Wild need to keep Kaprizov content so he will extend with them. 

Boldy has 75 goals and 171 points in 203 career games, meaning the fourth-year winger could evolve into a 40-goal, 50-assist player. That level of production would represent a significant personal achievement and elevate the team’s overall scoring potential. Boldy already has a solid foundation. He's a proven 30-goal scorer and had 40 assists last season. 

If Boldy can become a point-per-game (PPG) player, it will help the Wild push past the second round and make a deeper run. Therefore, Minnesota’s success relies on his ability to score consistently, making himself a critical piece of its Stanley Cup puzzle.

Boldy and Eriksson Ek’s relationship is a positive factor, suggesting that Eriksson Ek's style of play could help Boldy develop a more robust, hard-nosed approach. That synergy could enhance both players' performances and contribute to a more effective second line.

Minnesota should explore putting Rossi on the wing with Boldy and Eriksson Ek, making him Mikael Granlund 2.0. Rossi can emulate Granlund’s success in a playmaking role to fulfill his potential. If Rossi can thrive alongside Boldy and Eriksson Ek, it could create an even more dynamic second line. 

Critics believe Boldy won’t take the next step because he lacks finishing ability. That’s crucial feedback because if Boldy improves his shot accuracy, he probably would score more. The Wild could also put him on the top power play to give him more scoring opportunities.

If he plays with Eriksson Ek, Boldy will develop a physical play style, which will help him thrive against tougher competition. That’s his first step in becoming a game-breaking player.

Boldy has stepped into a leadership role, suggesting that his growth is about individual statistics and contributing to the team culture and dynamics. Boldy is learning from established leaders like Eriksson Ek, which can help him become a more consistent and effective presence. 

Boldy needs to reach his potential for the Wild to make a deep run. Because of his play in his first three seasons, he's earned high expectations. Boldy's success could determine the Wild's pursuit of success this season. His ability to break out and elevate his game in crucial moments will be integral to the team's dream of a deep playoff run. Boldy’s outlook for this season is cautiously optimistic.