After seven years of political squabbling, following the Northstars move to Dallas, on where to build an arena, and if Minnesota should take an existing team, or get an expansion team the NHL returns to the "State of Hockey," home of the U. S.

Hockey Hall of Fame, as the Wild are one of two new teams, in the last of a four team expansion over three years. The Wild coached by Jacques Lemaire made debut on the road losing to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim 3-1 on October 6th as fast skating rookie Marian Gaborik scores the team's first goal.

Five days later the Wild would make their debut at the Xcel Energy Center skating to a 3-3 tie with the Philadelphia Flyers. A week later the Wild would get their first win as Gaborik scored twice in the 3rd period as the Wild beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-5 at home.

Marian Gaborik would go on to lead the team in scoring with 18 goals and 18 assists as the Wild finished in last place in the Northwest Division with a typical expansion-like record of 25-39-13-5.