Through the first two games the competition for roles particularly the battle among Tyson Jost, Sam Steel, and prized prospect Marco Rossi looks to be in full swing.
Rossi had two assists in the opener including the game winning dish to Ryan Hartman in overtime. Rossi impressed the Wild brass playing in all situations including both special teams. He is a strong two way player and the job looks to be his for the taking. That all boils down to how Rossi performs throughout the remainder of camp.
Tyson Jost scored two goals last night against his former club while Sam Steel chipped in with two helpers as the Wild cruised to a 5-2 victory.
Training camp is a bit more intriguing than many years past with the Wild and their well publicized cap constraints. The void left behind from having to deal Kevin Fiala has created that aforementioned competition for top six minutes up front.
Calen Addison has also been given a big opportunity to make the Wild full time with the trade of Dmitry Kulikov combined with the extended injury status of Jon Merrill to start the season. Addison has done everything he can at the AHL level and his time has come to make his mark at the next level. Addison scored a powerplay goal in Sunday and would be a welcomed addition to the Wild powerplay which needs a boost in a very big way.
What would a Wild season be without Matt Dumba trade talk? We know this year that becomes more of a hot topic as Dumba's contract runs out at the end of the season. The 28 year old right shot defenseman has oft been the topic of trade talk both actively by Wild brass and figuratively by the media and fans.
Since Bill Guerin took the helm as Wild GM, the Dumba situation has taken on a whole new outlook. Guerin is the first Wild GM to embrace Dumba and that was made perfectly clear when he announced the buyout of Ryan Suter's contract and protecting Dumba from the expansion Seattle Kraken. Then came the announcement that Dumba would take on the role of assistant captain replacing Suter in that role as well
Many Wild fans have their issues with Dumba, while an equal number of the local crowd laud Dumba not only for his on ice play but also what he does within the community. There is no other player that is more polarizing than Dumba that is for sure, but no one can argue that the Wild are a better team when #24 is in the lineup.
Both Guerin and Dumba are taking the approach that thie situation will play itself out and that winning hockey games is all either cares about.
Minnesota Wild Blogger • 
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