The Minnesota Wild have yet to re-sign star defenseman Quinn Hughes or take a big swing on a first line center like Dylan Larkin, but the team has made one offseason deal that will have a huge impact on its fanbase: the launch of a new, organization-owned-and-operated broadcast network, according to a press release from the team.
In collaboration with NHL Productions, fans will be able to watch the Wild broadcast on cable, satellite, or streaming. Though exact details have yet to be announced, fans can expect all options to be owned by the Wild, with the help of NHL Productions.
The NHL announced on July 21 that they were expanding the capabilities of the NHL Productions team, including centralized production for local broadcasts, like the Wild’s. Other teams who will utilize this centralized production include the reigning Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, the Columbus Blue Jackets, and the St. Louis Blues.
Fans endeared to the long-serving FanDuel crew can rest easy, as Anthony Lapanta and Ryan Carter are returning as play-by-play and color commentators, respectively, and Kevin Gorg is returning as rink-side reporter. Alex Stalock and Lou Nanne will also serve as analysts from time to time, as they have in previous seasons.
The final FanDuel Sports North (formerly Bally Sports North, which was formerly Fox Sports North) was April 30, when the Wild defeated the Dallas Stars 5-2 in Game 6 of their first-round matchup, sealing the series.
The Wild’s first game of the regular season is on Oct. 1 against the Nashville Predators.
