Wild Winger Matt Boldy Fuels Offensive and Defensive Success

Breakout season for 25-year-old Minnesota forward propels team to playoffs

Apr. 19, 2026 at 4:24am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the motion and energy of a hockey game, with fragmented shapes and planes representing the players, ice, and equipment.Minnesota Wild winger Matt Boldy's two-way excellence has fueled his team's return to the NHL playoffs.Dallas Today

Minnesota Wild winger Matt Boldy, now 25 years old, has taken a major step forward in his third NHL season, leading the team in scoring and playing a key two-way role as the Wild have clinched a playoff berth.

Why it matters

Boldy's emergence as an elite two-way forward has been a driving force behind the Wild's success this season, as the team looks to make a deep playoff run after early postseason exits the past few years.

The details

In his third NHL campaign, Boldy has set career highs in goals, assists, and points, anchoring Minnesota's top line and power play unit. His strong two-way play has also made him a valuable asset on the penalty kill, helping the Wild become one of the league's stingier defensive teams.

  • Boldy, now 25, played in the playoffs as a 22-year-old in 2023, recording 3 assists in a 6-game series loss to the Dallas Stars.
  • This season, Boldy has set new personal bests in goals, assists, and points through 82 games.

The players

Matt Boldy

A 25-year-old winger for the Minnesota Wild who has emerged as an elite two-way forward in his breakout third NHL season.

Minnesota Wild

The NHL team that Boldy plays for, which has clinched a playoff berth this season behind Boldy's strong offensive and defensive contributions.

Dallas Stars

The team that eliminated Boldy and the Wild from the playoffs in 2023 in a 6-game series.

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What they’re saying

“Matt has really taken his game to another level this season. He's become a complete two-way player that we can rely on in all situations.”

— Dean Evason, Head Coach, Minnesota Wild

What’s next

The Wild will face the winner of the first-round series between the Dallas Stars and Seattle Kraken in the second round of the NHL playoffs.

The takeaway

Boldy's breakout campaign has been instrumental in the Wild's success this season, showcasing his ability to contribute on both ends of the ice and lead Minnesota back to the playoffs as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.