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This week, from July 9-11, the Minnesota Wild will be hosting its annual development camp at TRIA Rink, located within Treasure Island Center in St. Paul.

Both attendees and the Wild’s development staff eagerly anticipate the thrilling summer camp each year. Fans who are present will have the opportunity to attend an autograph signing on Wednesday, July 10.

According to Wild.com, Brad Bombardir, the Director of Player Development for the Wild, expressed his enthusiasm whenever the chance arises to gather all our potential players in a single location.

Once the development camp ends and before our NHL and AHL seasons pick up pace in mid-September, this is the sole chance we have to gather all of them together. Our European and Russian prospects are already engaged in regular season games, while our NCAA prospects have returned to school to prepare and train with their teams for their upcoming seasons. Hence, when September arrives, our camps and games primarily involve our CHL prospects and first-year professionals.

This week, a total of thirty-five team prospects and invitees are set to attend the camp. They will engage in both on-and-off ice sessions throughout its duration. The camp will include daily on-ice and skating sessions, as well as strength and conditioning training. Moreover, participants will also receive crucial off-ice instruction on topics like social media, leadership, and nutrition education.

Every summer, this extensive camp plays a crucial role as a checkpoint for the Wild’s development staff to assess the progress of each player.

Bombardir stated that NHL development camps have greatly improved in recent years, making them highly advantageous. These camps enable prospects and future Wild players to establish connections within the group and organization. Additionally, they offer the opportunity to monitor the progress of their training and address any areas of improvement. Consequently, this ensures that players are in optimal condition to achieve early success in their upcoming seasons.

Forwards to watch

Liam Ohgren

The Wild’s 2022 first-round draft pick gained valuable NHL experience during the past season, which will help him in his goal of making the team out of training camp next season. Ohgren had an impressive performance in the Swedish Hockey League, scoring 12 goals and 19 points in 26 games, with a .73 point-per-game rate and a +12 rating. At the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship, the 20-year-old winger led Sweden to a silver medal as the team captain. He then had a brief stint with AHL Iowa before showcasing his skills in a four-game NHL appearance with the Minnesota Wild. Ohgren scored his first NHL goal in San Jose on April 13, recorded an assist, took eight shots, drew a penalty, and averaged 14:31 of playing time per game.

“You get to feel how it is on the ice and off the ice as well. You get to know everyone on the team and everyone on the staff,” Ohgren told Wild.com inside TRIA Rink in April. “So, it’s been really good for me, I think, and I’m gonna do everything I can to make the team next year, and I think this is a good first step.”

LIAM OHGREN HAS HIS FIRST NHL GOAL pic.twitter.com/4jgt6zAk60

— NHL (@NHL) April 14, 2024

Riley Heidt

During the 2023-24 season, the Wild’s second-round pick from 2023 displayed remarkable improvement. After signing his three-year, entry-level contract in March, Heidt dominated the ice for the Prince George Cougars in the WHL. He achieved a career-high of 37 goals and 117 points in just 66 games. Additionally, Heidt excelled with a +34 rating and a 51.8% faceoff win percentage. His 117 points ranked him second on his team and third overall in the WHL. In the playoffs, the 19-year-old center continued to shine with 16 assists and 19 points in 15 games. As a result of his outstanding season, Heidt was selected for the WHL’s First All-Star Team. With such impressive performance, he may have a chance to secure a roster spot on the Wild for the upcoming season.

RILEY HEIDT, BACK TO BACK.@mnwild #mnwild https://t.co/ckXmdf9hdm pic.twitter.com/yM8F7gCxXw

— Prince George Cougars (@PGCougars) April 20, 2024

Hunter Haight

In his first full season with the Saginaw Spirit of the WHL in 2023-24, the Wild’s 2022 second-round pick showcased tremendous growth. Haight, who was acquired from the Barrie Colts in 2022-23, had an impressive record of 25 goals and 67 points in 68 games, earning a +14 rating. Additionally, the 20-year-old center contributed nine goals and 13 points in 17 playoff games and concluded the season with an impressive 52.8% faceoff win percentage. Haight’s season reached a memorable climax as he played a pivotal role in Saginaw’s triumph at the Memorial Cup on June 2, tallying two goals and assisting on another goal in five tournament games.

​​“Honestly, it’s a surreal feeling,” Haight told Wild.com about what it was like to hold up the Memorial Cup. “I remember picking it up and handing it to the next guy. I was just so happy. So excited. So proud of everyone who’s a part of the Saginaw Spirit and our season. Friends and family are running through your mind in those moments. The people that support you. It was really cool.”

HUNTER HAIGHT IS ON ANOTHER LEVEL. @SpiritHockey | @mnwild | #mnwild pic.twitter.com/64j4T1uq1i

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) March 3, 2024

Rieger Lorenz

During the 2023-24 season, the 20-year-old winger selected by the Wild as their second-round pick in 2022 showed significant growth in his skills. Playing for the University of Denver, he managed to score 16 goals and accumulate 30 points, resulting in an impressive +21 rating in just 44 games. This was a significant improvement compared to his performance in the previous season, where he only scored two goals and accumulated nine points in 37 games. Towards the end of the season, Lorenz experienced a surge in his scoring abilities, netting eight goals and contributing 13 points in the final 15 games.

Lorenz concluded his second season with the Pioneers in a remarkable fashion, as they clinched the national championship title with his significant contribution. Notably, Lorenz ranked third among the team in goals scored and was honored with a spot on the prestigious 2024 Frozen Four All-Tournament Team.

“Each day kind of sinks in a little bit more,” Lorenz told Wild.com in April after winning the national title. “I get emotional thinking about it every morning I wake up and to kind of watch the videos that have been posted about us. It’s still surreal.”

Rieger Lorenz goes top cheese to make it 2-0 Pios!

: @NCAAIceHockey x @DU_Hockey pic.twitter.com/LiyTQiOXxG

— EVERYTHING COLLEGE HOCKEY (@TeamECH) April 13, 2024

Rasmus Kumpulainen

During the 2023-24 season, the Oshawa Generals of the OHL witnessed an impressive performance by the Minnesota Wild’s 2023 second-round pick. At only 18 years old, Kumpulainen showcased his skills by scoring 28 goals (tying for third place on the team) and accumulating 56 points (ranking seventh) in 58 games. Additionally, he achieved a remarkable +14 rating. Having signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Wild in March, Kumpulainen continued to excel in the playoffs, contributing 11 points in 21 games.

Rasmus Kumpulainen

The #mnwild prospect scores from an impossible angle @Oshawa_Generals | @mnwild pic.twitter.com/auW6CjsUSb

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) January 27, 2024

Matthew Sop

In June, Sop, a 21-year-old undrafted forward, was signed by the Iowa Wild on a one-year contract. Impressed by his performance, Minnesota has now extended an invitation for him to join this year’s camp. Last season, Sop showcased his talent with the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL, scoring an impressive 43 goals and 90 points in 67 games, resulting in a +19 rating. This outstanding performance earned him the prestigious Leo Lalonde Trophy in April, where he was recognized as the Overage Player of the Year in the OHL. His goal tally ranked tied for fifth, while his point total ranked tied for 11th in the league. Sop also made a significant impact in the playoffs, contributing six points in 10 games. Overall, during his time with the Kitchener Rangers, Sop accumulated an impressive 76 goals and 169 points in 203 games.

Matthew Sop, 40-goal scorer

Raised on the @OHLRangers, the overage forward netted a milestone marker in Kitchener's 40th win on Friday pic.twitter.com/cbRXdzn7ul

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) March 9, 2024

Ryder Ritchie

Despite missing two months due to injury, the Wild’s 2024 second-round pick had a standout season in 2023-24. Ritchie displayed impressive scoring ability, finishing with 19 goals (fifth on the team) and 44 points (sixth) in 47 games for the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders. In the playoffs, the 17-year-old winger contributed three goals and seven points over five games, leading the Raiders in scoring. Ritchie, who was named the WHL’s rookie of the year in 2022-23 and won the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy, also represented Team Canada at the U-18 World Championship. He played a crucial role in Canada’s success, scoring four goals and eight points in seven games to help secure a gold medal in May.

Ryder Ritchie's got the magic#USACAN#U18MensWorlds @HockeyCanada pic.twitter.com/Qsd9L8YbqC

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 5, 2024

Charlie Stramel

After a mixed sophomore season at the University of Wisconsin, the Wild’s first-round pick from 2023 has decided to transfer to Michigan State during the offseason. Stramel, who is 19 years old, will experience a new environment in his junior season, following his performance of eight points in 34 games with Wisconsin during the 2023-24 season. Hailing from Rosemount, Minnesota, this native possesses a notable combination of size and physicality.

Stram the man (@charliestramel) nets his first of the year!

: Carson Bantle & Ben Dexheimer pic.twitter.com/Vm1LuGicSj

— Wisconsin Hockey (@BadgerMHockey) November 26, 2023

Other forwards attending camp and 23-24 teams: Caedan Bankier (2021 Rd 3; Iowa Wild, AHL), Pavel Novak (2020 Rd 5; Iowa Wild/Heartlanders, AHL/ECHL) and Jimmy Clark (2023 Rd 7; University of Minnesota, NCAA), Luke Loheit (Invitee; University of Minnesota-Duluth, NCAA), Dylan Hryckowian (Invitee; Northeastern University, NCAA), Kody Dupuis (Invitee; Shawinigan Cataractes, QMJHL), Mason Zebeski (Invitee; Mississauga Steelheads, OHL), Jackson Nevers (Invitee; Edina High/Waterloo Black Hawks, MN High/USHL) and Felix Lacerte (Invitee; Shawinigan Cataractes, QMJHL).

Defensemen to watch

Zeev Buium

The Wild’s first-round pick for 2024 is an exceptional player with a proven track record of success. This 18-year-old defenseman, who shoots left, has already won multiple championships, including the 2023 U-18 World Championship, 2024 World Junior Championship, and 2024 NCAA Championship. Buium played a crucial role in the University of Denver’s victories in both the NCHC and NCAA tournaments last season. In fact, he had an outstanding freshman year, scoring 11 goals and accumulating 50 points in just 42 games. Buium’s performance was unprecedented, as he became the first freshman defenseman in over two decades to reach the 50-point mark. Additionally, he finished the season with a remarkable +33 rating, making him the leading defenseman in the nation in terms of points, and second on his team, the Pioneers. Buium’s list of achievements from last season is extensive, including being named NCHC Rookie of the Year, NCHC Offensive Defenseman of the Year, All-NCHC First Team, and NCHC All-Rookie Team. He was also selected for the NCAA Frozen Four All-Tournament Team and the NCHC Frozen Faceoff All-Tournament Team. Furthermore, Buium was a finalist for the Tim Taylor National Rookie of the Year Award and nominated for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award.

WINNER WINNER!

Zeev Buium tallies his 1st career game-winning goal and it's a big one for tonight's @Safeway Goal of the Game!#GoPios pic.twitter.com/9M5o5x18IZ

— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) March 23, 2024

Jack Peart

Peart, who was chosen by the Wild in the second round of the 2021 draft, inked a three-year entry-level contract with the team in March. The 21-year-old defenseman, known for his left-shot skills, had an impressive season with the St. Cloud State Huskies last year, tallying 14 points in 38 games. This outstanding performance earned him All-NCHC Second-Team honors for the second consecutive year. Peart was a key player on the Huskies’ second defensive pairing and showcased his abilities on both the power play and penalty kill units. Following the Huskies’ elimination from the playoffs, Peart seized an opportunity to gain valuable experience by joining the Iowa Wild on an amateur try-out agreement. He made the most of this opportunity, playing nine games in the AHL.

“I know the offense wasn’t there, but I definitely think I took a step as a player,” Peart told Wild.com in March. “I thought I defended a lot better than I have in the past, and I think there was definitely some growth in my game.”

first pro goal for jack!!

: Jack Peart#ItStartsInDSM | #IAvsCHI pic.twitter.com/a2cKXX4GZy

— Iowa Wild (@IAWild) April 21, 2024

Carson Lambos

Lambos, a first-round draft pick by the Wild in 2021, recently concluded his debut season with the Iowa Wild in the AHL. Despite being thrust into a prominent top-4 position in Iowa, due to injuries and Minnesota recalls, Lambos showcased his skills. He had an impressive record of 48 points in 61 games with the Winnipeg Ice during the 2022-23 season. As a 21-year-old left-shot defender, Lambos adapted well to the professional league, accumulating 14 points in 69 games and contributing in various game situations.

“He’s got amazing raw abilities, and I didn’t realize he was such a good skater, and he’s able to close so much on players and able to skate himself out of trouble,” Iowa Wild Head Coach Brett McLean said of Lambos in an interview with me last November. “Reminds me of (Jonas) Brodin in some ways — the way he can move.”

what a shot from the rookie for his second of the season!

: Carson Lambos
: Nic Petan#ItStartsInDSM | #COLvsIA pic.twitter.com/FbcVAoecxl

— Iowa Wild (@IAWild) December 31, 2023

Kalem Parker

Since being drafted last summer, the Wild’s sixth-round pick for 2023 has experienced a notable increase in his value. Parker had a remarkable season in the WHL, beginning with a trade from the Victoria Royals to the Moose Jaw Warriors in October. During his time with Moose Jaw, Parker had an impressive debut season, scoring six goals and accumulating 42 points (ranking 21st among WHL defensemen) in 63 games, while maintaining a +21 rating. Furthermore, the 19-year-old right-shot defenseman played a crucial role in helping the Warriors secure their first-ever WHL championship in franchise history. In the playoffs, he contributed nine points and achieved a +9 rating before their third-place finish in the Memorial Cup tournament.

“It was sweet hoisting the cup and in front of the whole crowd,” Parker told Wild.com in May as he reflected on winning the WHL title. “Something I’ll never forget.”

Kalem Parker gets in on the fun! #ProtectTheHangar | #mnwild pic.twitter.com/A9Wi6wU26i

— Moose Jaw Warriors (@MJWARRIORS) April 14, 2024

Ryan Healey

In the 2023-24 season, the Wild’s fourth-round pick from 2022 showcased impressive offensive skills while playing for Harvard University in the ECAC. This right-shot defender scored nine goals and accumulated 22 points in 29 games, ranking second in scoring for Harvard. Healey’s exceptional performance also placed him at the forefront of ECAC scoring among defensemen, as his nine goals tied for first and his 22 points secured him seventh place. As recognition for his outstanding contributions, Healey was selected for the All-Ivy First Team and received the prestigious title of ECAC Defenseman of the Month for January.

Ryan Healey through traffic

https://t.co/cStAkBpGxV
https://t.co/i63oY19BLS
https://t.co/WDIppfZotr#GoCrimson | #OneCrimson pic.twitter.com/Uhj3uUZSdU

— Harvard Men's Hockey (@HarvardMHockey) November 24, 2023

Other defensemen attending camp: Kyle Masters (2021 Rd 4; Iowa Wild/Heartlanders, AHL/ECHL), Nate Benoit (2021 Rd 6; University of North Dakota, NCAA), David Spacek (2022 Rd 5; Iowa Wild, AHL), Aaron Pionk (2023 Rd 5; University of Minnesota-Duluth, NCAA), Aron Kiviharju (2024 Rd 4; HIFK, Liiga), Sebastian Soini (2024 Rd 5; Koovee, Mestis) and Stevie Leskovar (2024 Rd 6; Mississauga Steelheads, OHL).

Goalies to watch

Kyle McClellan

After signing a one-year contract with AHL Iowa for the 2024-25 season in April, the Wild extended an invitation to the 6-foot-1 goaltender to join their camp this year. The 25-year-old showcased his exceptional skills during the previous season, achieving a remarkable 24-12-1 record, a 1.94 goals-against-average, and a nation-leading .931 save percentage with seven shutouts in 37 games for the University of Wisconsin. These outstanding performances earned McClellan various accolades, including the prestigious Mike Richter Award as the best goaltender in the nation, the title of Big Ten Goalie of the Year, and a finalist spot for both the Big Ten Player of the Year and the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, where he finished as a top-10 contender.

KYLE! MCCLELLAN!

The save that started the offensive rush… pic.twitter.com/XVvjHOzQt0

— Wisconsin Hockey (@BadgerMHockey) March 10, 2024

Samuel Hlavaj

In April, the Wild inked a two-year entry-level deal with a 6-foot-4 goalie, set to expire after the 2025-26 season. Last season, the 23-year-old played 28 games for HC Škoda Plzeň of the Czech Extraliga, boasting a .903 save percentage. In May, Hlavaj represented Slovakia at the IIHF Men’s World Championships, where he recorded a 3-2 record, .925 save percentage, and a 2.54 goals-against-average in five games. These impressive performances earned him the title of Slovakia’s top player in the tournament.

Samuel Hlavaj Is keeping Slovakia in this game! The score stays 0-1 Latvia after 40 minutes #SVKLAT#MensWorlds pic.twitter.com/yVeRolUpnZ

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 19, 2024

Chase Wutzke

The Minnesota Wild chose the 6-foot-2 goalie in the fifth round of the draft this summer. He is 17 years old and had an impressive performance last season for the Red Deer Rebels of the WHL. In 36 games, he achieved a record of 19-10-2, one shutout, and a save percentage of .904. Wutzke was recognized as the WHL Goaltender of the Month in both December and January. Additionally, he had a solid postseason with a record of 4-2-1, a goals-against-average of 2.48, and a save percentage of .924 in seven games. Unfortunately, his season came to an end in the second round due to an injury.

CHASE WUTZKE ARE YOU KIDDING?!! pic.twitter.com/Wg8NNwl970

— Red Deer Rebels (@Rebelshockey) March 4, 2023

Other goalies attending camp: Kaidan Mbereko (Invitee; Colorado College, NCAA), Riley Mercer (Invitee; Drummondville Voltigeurs, QMJHL) and William Rousseau (Invitee; Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, QMJHL).