Five keys to the Wild's season

Equipped with a splashy new contract and the title of the NHL's reigning Rookie of the Year, Kirill Kaprizov is back with the Wild for Round 2 after his sensational debut last season.

Only seven NHLers scored more goals than Kaprizov's 27, leading the Wild and best among all first-year players. This production, however, came against the same seven teams in only 55 games; translating that to a meatier schedule will go a long way in asserting Kaprizov's status as a budding superstar.

The winger is reuniting with Mats Zuccarello, the veteran forward whose chemistry with Kaprizov last season was a catalyst for the offense, but they have a new center.

Joel Eriksson Ek is joining the No. 1 line, bringing a net-front presence that could create more space for Kaprizov and Zuccarello to maneuver.

Turnover on the Wild's defense was minimal in recent years. That wasn't the case over the summer.

The blue line underwent a drastic remodel in the offseason, with Ryan Suter's exit via buyout the most significant change. Ian Cole and Carson Soucy have also departed, making Jonas Brodin and Matt Dumba the only returning pair.

Alex Goligoski, a smooth skater and passer, will take Suter's spot on the No. 1 unit next to captain Jared Spurgeon, while Jordie Benn and Jon Merrill will vie to be the sixth defenseman alongside Dmitry Kulikov.

Getting these new partnerships on the same page will be important for the Wild, not only to keep its own end clean but also contribute on offense.

Kaprizov wasn't the only one to impress last season; plenty of players made a difference and elevated their games.

Eriksson Ek more than doubled his previous best goal output, scoring a career-high 19. Marcus Foligno has been one of the best defensive forwards in the NHL during his career year. And Cam Talbot was rock solid in his debut as the team's starting goaltender, going 19-8-5 with a 2.63 goals-against average and .915 save percentage.

More of the same wouldn't just be helpful to the Wild: It looks necessary to keep the team on track.

While there were occasional sparks, the power play mostly malfunctioned last season.

After a 3-for-50 start, the unit finished 24th in the NHL with a lowly 17.6% efficiency.

In training camp, the Wild changed its scheme by moving Kaprizov from the middle to along the wall — a spot that could create more shots for the winger. New personnel such as Goligoski, offseason pickup Frederick Gaudreau and returnees Foligno and Ryan Hartman could also be utilized.

But don't forget about Kevin Fiala.

More than a third of his points last season, a team-high 14, came with the man advantage.

The shortened schedule and division-only lineup brought on by COVID-19 is gone.

For the first time since 2018-19, the NHL could complete a normal 82-game slate that reintroduces the previous divisions and usual playoff format: The top three teams in each division advance along with two wild cards from both conferences.

What that means for the Wild is games against every NHL opponent, stops at all 31 arenas on the road and a longer grind that will put the team's strides from last season to the test.

Despite the familiar feel, the pandemic remains a factor. Already, teams such as Colorado and Pittsburgh have been affected by COVID-19. Staying healthy will still be key.