Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1528872
M H J O N L I N E . C O M | N O V / D E C 2 0 2 4 30 Russo's Rants Photo / Boyd Family, Getty Images "He's a hockey smart player," Hynes said. "It looks like he's in good condition. He's got a com- petitive nature to him that you need to be successful in the NHL. And he's got some, along with his hockey sense, I think he's got some good skill, and he seems to be a fairly versatile player." Prior to last season's injury- ruined season, Boyd averaged 16 goals and 34.5 points in two seasons with the Coyotes. "I'd like to show them that I can do anything that they need me to do to help the team," Boyd said. "I think that's one of my bigger strengths as a player is versatility. I think if you look at my career in this league, I've played any where from the fourth line to the first line. I've killed penalties. I've played on the power play. I've played in every situation, and I feel like I can play in every situation." Boyd has learned a lot through- out his career and owns a Stanley Cup ring. He wasn't a full-time player for the Capitals in 2018, but he did get to play in the Caps' Game 6 win in the Eastern Conference final to eliminate the Penguins. That snapped a seven-series drought of Washington defeating its biggest rival. Unfortunately, because he didn't play the neces- sary 41 regular-season games or one game in the Final, his name isn't on the Cup. "If I'm being honest, I'd trade anything to get my name on it," he said. Experiences like that motivate Boyd to do everything in his power to remain in the NHL and hope- fully land a spot at some point with his beloved Wild. "This is my 10th training camp, so I've been doing it for a while," he said. "Knowing going into this season that this could easily be my last chance to stay around in this league with how many good play- ers there are and how many young kids come in every year, my goal was to be ready Day 1 of camp. "I really feel like I've put a good foot forward since Day 1 and really happy with how I've performed here." Michael Russo writes for The Athletic. This is his 20th season cov- ering the Wild and 30th covering the National Hockey League after previ- ously covering the Florida Panthers. He co-hosts the Worst Seats in the House podcast on talknorth.com and anywhere you get your podcasts. Russo can be heard weekly on KFAN (100.3-FM) and seen throughout the hockey season on NHL Network. Follow Russo on X and Instagram at @RussoHockey and Facebook at / michaelrussohockey. To subscribe to The Athletic, go to nytimes.com/ athletic/author/michael-russo and click any article for a discount. P R E S E N T E D B Y Travis and his wife Kelsey pose with their daughter Hayden after winning the Stanley Cup in 2018. LEFT TO RIGHT: Boyd, Shane Gersich (Chaska), T.J. Oshie (Warroad) "He's a hockey smart player. It looks like he's in good condition. He's got a competitive nature to him that you need to be successful in the NHL. And he's got some, along with his hockey sense, I think he's got some good skill, and he seems to be a fairly versatile player." –John Hynes, Minnesota Wild Head Coach