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Tim Walz steps back onto national stage as Minnesota exit nears

The outgoing governor appeared at a conference in Spain and on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" this week.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/05/tim-walz-drop-out-minnesota-governor-race" data-vars-content-id="75153b31-8711-4656-8b27-65f7e6082e97" data-vars-headline="Tim Walz steps back onto national stage as Minnesota exit nears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/05/tim-walz-drop-out-minnesota-governor-race" target="_self">Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz</a> is back on the road, with recent trips to Spain for a progressive leaders conference and Los Angeles for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationally televised late-night interview" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utjt7lg7MwM&amp;time_continue=520&amp;source_ve_path=NzY3NTg&amp;embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mprnews.org%2F" data-vars-content-id="75153b31-8711-4656-8b27-65f7e6082e97" data-vars-headline="Tim Walz steps back onto national stage as Minnesota exit nears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utjt7lg7MwM&amp;time_continue=520&amp;source_ve_path=NzY3NTg&amp;embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mprnews.org%2F" target="_blank">nationally televised late-night interview</a>.The big picture: The DFL governor&#x27;s ramped-up travel schedule, combined with this week&#x27;s announcements that he&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="writing a book" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/tim-walz-book-minneapolis-3b72c0fa8173cc2971098f1d4c1005af" data-vars-content-id="75153b31-8711-4656-8b27-65f7e6082e97" data-vars-headline="Tim Walz steps back onto national stage as Minnesota exit nears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/tim-walz-book-minneapolis-3b72c0fa8173cc2971098f1d4c1005af" target="_blank">writing a book</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="launching a federal PAC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startribune.com/walz-rolls-out-small-town-pac-to-rebuild-democrats-rural-bench/601782385" data-vars-content-id="75153b31-8711-4656-8b27-65f7e6082e97" data-vars-headline="Tim Walz steps back onto national stage as Minnesota exit nears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startribune.com/walz-rolls-out-small-town-pac-to-rebuild-democrats-rural-bench/601782385" target="_blank">launching a federal PAC</a>, offer early clues about what Walz hopes to do after he leaves office next year.<ul><li>While he won&#x27;t be on the ballot this fall, he&#x27;s said he plans to use the PAC to help Democrats &quot;expand the map&quot; by recruiting and supporting candidates in rural areas.</li></ul>

What to do with the distressed Dayton's Project

The $350M redevelopment now has a city-assessed value of $27M

A judge&#x27;s recent ruling approving the potential foreclosure of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dayton&#x27;s Project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/11/15/daytons-project-macys-minneapolis-open-photos-tour-leasing" data-vars-content-id="456dd814-eb15-4206-8f0b-c1edd7fde525" data-vars-headline="What to do with the distressed Dayton&#x27;s Project" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/11/15/daytons-project-macys-minneapolis-open-photos-tour-leasing" target="_self">Dayton&#x27;s Project</a> sets up a thorny question: What&#x27;s going to happen to one of the biggest — and emptiest — buildings in downtown Minneapolis?Why it matters: If some creative developer can&#x27;t figure it out, there&#x27;s a risk that one of the city&#x27;s largest properties, in the heart of Nicollet Mall, could remain hollow and fall into neglect.

Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands

Ducks on Lake will open on East Lake Street as soon as next month, Longfellow Whatever reports.

Food and Drink

Duck Duck Coffee is expanding to East Lake Street, Longfellow Whatever <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.longfellowwhatever.com/ducks-on-lake-coffee-shop-opening-in-the-former-milkweed/" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.longfellowwhatever.com/ducks-on-lake-coffee-shop-opening-in-the-former-milkweed/" target="_blank">reports</a>. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ducks on Lake" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/ducks_on_lake_mpls/" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/ducks_on_lake_mpls/" target="_blank">Ducks on Lake</a> will open in the former Milkweed space as soon as next month.<ul><li>In more coffee news, Eden Prairie&#x27;s Smith Coffee &amp; Cafe is adding a new location at 50th &amp; France this fall, owners told the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota Star Tribune" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startribune.com/smith-coffee-cafe-edina-j-carver-lowry-closing-owamni-patio-party/601667768" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startribune.com/smith-coffee-cafe-edina-j-carver-lowry-closing-owamni-patio-party/601667768" target="_blank">Minnesota Star Tribune</a>.</li><li>And Arya Cafe, the Ethiopian coffee shop on Minnehaha Avenue in Minneapolis, has reopened after a three-month closure, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per its social media" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXWmLaQgJZa/" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXWmLaQgJZa/" target="_blank">per its social media</a>.</li></ul>🇫🇷 Restaurant Aubergine, the neighborhood French bistro by Gavin Kaysen alums, opens Friday in Cathedral Hill. As of Thursday afternoon, a few reservations were still available.🍗 Beast Barbecue in Northeast Minneapolis will permanently close on May 2 after seven years in operation, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="it announced this week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/BeastBarbecueMN/posts/pfbid02DmeqJ1AMgcgW2aA6UCaajxXsK62BCMCrV9drTqt4aFrmGiCFkV9mzNiyJz6Za9fTl" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/BeastBarbecueMN/posts/pfbid02DmeqJ1AMgcgW2aA6UCaajxXsK62BCMCrV9drTqt4aFrmGiCFkV9mzNiyJz6Za9fTl" target="_blank">it announced this week</a>.<ul><li>No reason was given for the closure, but the building was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on the market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.downtownvoices.news/posts/elis-restaurant-and-bar-closes-downtown-northeast-location-goes-up-for-sale" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.downtownvoices.news/posts/elis-restaurant-and-bar-closes-downtown-northeast-location-goes-up-for-sale" target="_blank">on the market</a> in 2024.</li></ul>🇵🇱 Black Duck Spirits &amp; Hearth has rebranded as a &quot;wood-fired Polish bistro&quot; with 16 new Slavic-inspired menu items, per a release.<ul><li>Meanwhile, Brian Ingram&#x27;s North Loop pasta spot Salt &amp; Flour Kitchen will relaunch May 4 with &quot;nothing over $15,&quot; Ingram announced <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on Instagram" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXeraazmtDB/?img_index=1" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXeraazmtDB/?img_index=1" target="_blank">on Instagram</a>.</li></ul>🍻 Four Minnesota breweries, including Northbound Smokehouse &amp; Brewpub and Forgotten Star Brewing Co., took home medals at the 2026 World Beer Cup. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Full list of winners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.worldbeercup.org/winners/award-winners/" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.worldbeercup.org/winners/award-winners/" target="_blank">Full list of winners</a>

Hall Monitor: Witch's Hat repairs move forward

Plus: A top public safety official's job remains in limbo after a busy day the Minneapolis City Council.

A few notes from a busy day at Minneapolis City Hall on Thursday:🧙‍♀️ The Prospect Park water tower&#x27;s observation deck — aka &quot;the Witch&#x27;s Hat&quot; — could finally reopen to the public this fall.<ul><li>City council members voted to hire a contractor to complete necessary repairs to reopen the tower, which has been closed since 2019.</li><li>Minneapolis originally budgeted $350,000 for the work in 2024, but needed to reopen the bidding process three times before a suitable contractor came forward, a city spokesperson told Axios.</li></ul>❓ Minneapolis&#x27; top public safety official&#x27;s job remains in limbo. The council failed to override Mayor Jacob Frey&#x27;s veto of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="their rejection" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/04/09/minneapolis-council-votes-to-oust-top-public-safety-official" data-vars-content-id="a1fc9477-b617-491e-a518-556f0a5b3e90" data-vars-headline="Hall Monitor: Witch&#x27;s Hat repairs move forward" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/04/09/minneapolis-council-votes-to-oust-top-public-safety-official" target="_self">their rejection</a> of community safety commissioner Todd Barnette&#x27;s reappointment.<ul><li>Barnette, who oversees all emergency response in the city, including police, cannot serve past August without an affirmative council vote.</li></ul>💾 Next month, the city council could, in effect, enact a one-year moratorium on data centers — just by opening debate on the proposal.<ul><li>Under city zoning codes, any &quot;interim ordinance&quot; becomes effective as soon as the council takes what&#x27;s usually a pro-forma vote to &quot;introduce&quot; the legislation, city attorney Kristyn Anderson explained.</li><li>Some downtown boosters see data centers as a means of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rescuing falling property values in office towers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/19/how-data-centers-could-help-revive-downtowns" data-vars-content-id="a1fc9477-b617-491e-a518-556f0a5b3e90" data-vars-headline="Hall Monitor: Witch&#x27;s Hat repairs move forward" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/19/how-data-centers-could-help-revive-downtowns" target="_self">rescuing falling property values in office towers</a>, but some council members want the city to study the environmental and development risks.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;I do see the upside of increasing revenue for the city, but I want to know what the cost of it is, and I don&#x27;t feel like that&#x27;s clear,&quot; ordinance co-author Council Member Aurin Chowdhury told Axios.<ul><li>She moved to delay the ordinance&#x27;s introduction to May 21.</li></ul>

Scoop: Mayor Frey wants Wolves arena at City Center site

The mayor is pushing a Nicollet Mall NBA arena, but it's not clear if the Wolves are on board

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is pushing the City Center complex as a potential site for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Timberwolves/Lynx arena" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/07/timberwolves-lynx-new-owners-arena-location-options" data-vars-content-id="8f5f02b7-c1f2-4a6a-94cf-b9a49373280d" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Mayor Frey wants Wolves arena at City Center site" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/07/timberwolves-lynx-new-owners-arena-location-options" target="_self">new Timberwolves/Lynx arena</a>, according to multiple sources familiar with the talks. Why it matters: The idea — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first floated by Axios" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/02/23/build-wolves-arena-city-center-minneapolis-downtown" data-vars-content-id="8f5f02b7-c1f2-4a6a-94cf-b9a49373280d" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Mayor Frey wants Wolves arena at City Center site" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/02/23/build-wolves-arena-city-center-minneapolis-downtown" target="_self">first floated by Axios</a> — would mean demolishing one of the city&#x27;s tallest towers and bringing an NBA arena onto the struggling Nicollet Mall.

Vikings on the clock: Will their pick come from Oregon?

Dillon Thieneman and Kenyon Sadiq are popular picks in mock drafts

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vikings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/12/vikings-sign-kyler-murray" data-vars-content-id="ab6bf7ea-6841-4bda-9513-044d4fe83b17" data-vars-headline="Vikings on the clock: Will their pick come from Oregon?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/12/vikings-sign-kyler-murray" target="_self">Vikings</a> hold the 18th pick in Thursday night&#x27;s NFL Draft and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vikings.com/news/2026-nfl-mock-draft-predictions-prospects-version-7" data-vars-content-id="ab6bf7ea-6841-4bda-9513-044d4fe83b17" data-vars-headline="Vikings on the clock: Will their pick come from Oregon?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vikings.com/news/2026-nfl-mock-draft-predictions-prospects-version-7" target="_blank">most</a> of the pundits think they&#x27;ll select Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman. Why it matters: Only one other NFL team has a worse draft record than the Vikings since 2022, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ESPN&#x27;s Kevin Seifert." data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47780122/nfl-minnesota-vikings-gm-kwesi-adofo-mensah-fired-kevin-oconnell-jj-mccarthy" data-vars-content-id="ab6bf7ea-6841-4bda-9513-044d4fe83b17" data-vars-headline="Vikings on the clock: Will their pick come from Oregon?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47780122/nfl-minnesota-vikings-gm-kwesi-adofo-mensah-fired-kevin-oconnell-jj-mccarthy" target="_blank">ESPN&#x27;s Kevin Seifert.</a> That&#x27;s a big reason why the team fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in January.

Round 3 in the Rocky Mountain rivalry

This marks the third postseason matchup between Denver and Minnesota since 2023.

The Timberwolves&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="quest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/22/wolves-continuity-prediction-season-preview" data-vars-content-id="c84dffd1-bd26-40ad-b3e1-2a97e6fe9d6f" data-vars-headline="Round 3 in the Rocky Mountain rivalry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/22/wolves-continuity-prediction-season-preview" target="_self">quest</a> for a third straight trip to the Western Conference Finals — and maybe more — begins Saturday against a familiar foe. Why it matters: This is a pivotal postseason for the Wolves. If they bow out early, it could prompt a shakeup of the roster and put head coach Chris Finch&#x27;s job in jeopardy. <ul><li>But if they make another deep run, it could help boost public sentiment as the team <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seeks subsidies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/21/wolves-raising-season-ticket-prices" data-vars-content-id="c84dffd1-bd26-40ad-b3e1-2a97e6fe9d6f" data-vars-headline="Round 3 in the Rocky Mountain rivalry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/21/wolves-raising-season-ticket-prices" target="_self">seeks subsidies</a> for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new arena" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/07/timberwolves-lynx-new-owners-arena-location-options" data-vars-content-id="c84dffd1-bd26-40ad-b3e1-2a97e6fe9d6f" data-vars-headline="Round 3 in the Rocky Mountain rivalry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/07/timberwolves-lynx-new-owners-arena-location-options" target="_self">new arena</a>. </li></ul>

First round Wild-Dallas series could be a conference final

We're about to find out — as the Wild have insisted — whether this team's the Wild have insisted "Stanley Cup window is now."

Sports

Yes, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="it&#x27;s absurd" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/20/wild-stars-game-preview-playoff-format" data-vars-content-id="94c123e6-72b1-4bab-b491-5b0d6d586fc0" data-vars-headline="First round Wild-Dallas series could be a conference final" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/20/wild-stars-game-preview-playoff-format" target="_self">it&#x27;s absurd</a> for the NHL to pit the Wild against the Dallas Stars — by far the No. 2 and 3 teams in their conference — in a first-round playoff series.Why it matters: After <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nine straight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/09/wild-season-preview-2025-2026" data-vars-content-id="94c123e6-72b1-4bab-b491-5b0d6d586fc0" data-vars-headline="First round Wild-Dallas series could be a conference final" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/09/wild-season-preview-2025-2026" target="_self">nine straight</a> playoff series losses, the Wild deserve better odds at getting a huge monkey off their backs.Reality check: Round Two is no longer this team&#x27;s goal. Since <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="trading for Quinn Hughes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-twin-cities-92733640-d6c9-11f0-b149-139d470d522e.html?chunk=7&amp;utm_term=emshare#story7" data-vars-content-id="94c123e6-72b1-4bab-b491-5b0d6d586fc0" data-vars-headline="First round Wild-Dallas series could be a conference final" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-twin-cities-92733640-d6c9-11f0-b149-139d470d522e.html?chunk=7&amp;utm_term=emshare#story7" target="_self">trading for Quinn Hughes</a>, the Wild have insisted their &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Stanley Cup window is now" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1428216152091648" data-vars-content-id="94c123e6-72b1-4bab-b491-5b0d6d586fc0" data-vars-headline="First round Wild-Dallas series could be a conference final" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1428216152091648" target="_blank">Stanley Cup window is now</a>&quot; — and any path to the trophy probably goes through Dallas and/or Colorado.<ul><li>We&#x27;re about to find out exactly how well this team measures up against the league&#x27;s best.</li></ul>The big picture: On paper, this series is a toss-up between two heavyweights.<ul><li>The Wild&#x27;s star power — Hughes, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kirill Kaprizov" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/09/30/kirill-kaprizov-re-signs-wild-nhl-hockey" data-vars-content-id="94c123e6-72b1-4bab-b491-5b0d6d586fc0" data-vars-headline="First round Wild-Dallas series could be a conference final" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/09/30/kirill-kaprizov-re-signs-wild-nhl-hockey" target="_self">Kirill Kaprizov</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Matt Boldy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/04/03/minnesota-wild-hockey-nhl-matt-boldy-kirill-kaprizov" data-vars-content-id="94c123e6-72b1-4bab-b491-5b0d6d586fc0" data-vars-headline="First round Wild-Dallas series could be a conference final" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/04/03/minnesota-wild-hockey-nhl-matt-boldy-kirill-kaprizov" target="_self">Matt Boldy</a> — is matched by Dallas&#x27; Miro Heiskanen, Mikko Rantanen and the red-hot Jason Robertson.</li></ul>The intrigue: Wild GM Bill Guerin <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="left Robertson off the U.S. Olympic roster" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nhl.com/news/jason-robertson-talks-about-being-left-off-united-states-olympics-roster" data-vars-content-id="94c123e6-72b1-4bab-b491-5b0d6d586fc0" data-vars-headline="First round Wild-Dallas series could be a conference final" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nhl.com/news/jason-robertson-talks-about-being-left-off-united-states-olympics-roster" target="_blank">left Robertson off the U.S. Olympic roster</a>. He has a goal in four of his last five appearances against Minnesota.Reasons for optimism: This is a much deeper Wild team than last year, and not only because of the Hughes deal.<ul><li>The addition of Vladimir Tarasenko&#x27;s 23 goals to the third line makes the team overall much trickier to defend.</li></ul>Reasons for anxiety: The Wild face a dilemma in goal. In the season&#x27;s final games, rookie Jesper Wallstedt shined, and veteran Filip Gustavsson looked wobbly — but Wallstedt lacks playoff experience, or a start against Dallas this year.<ul><li>A mismanaged goalie rotation — and the mind games they can play with netminders — can sink a playoff series.</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: Whether Dallas&#x27; injured top center, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Roope Hintz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/48497346/dallas-stars-roope-hintz-miss-start-playoffs-injury-setback-miro-heiskanen-expected-back" data-vars-content-id="94c123e6-72b1-4bab-b491-5b0d6d586fc0" data-vars-headline="First round Wild-Dallas series could be a conference final" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/48497346/dallas-stars-roope-hintz-miss-start-playoffs-injury-setback-miro-heiskanen-expected-back" target="_blank">Roope Hintz</a>, is able to play.What&#x27;s next: Game 1 in Dallas starts at 4:30pm Saturday on ESPN or FanDuel Sports Network.Bottom line: Strap in for what should be the NHL&#x27;s most compelling first-round series this year.

NHL players are blocking more shots. These students want to help.

Blocked-shot injuries are a growing problem for the NHL — a serious financial and competitive risk.

Twelve University of St. Thomas engineering students spent their spring break working with the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota Wild" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/09/wild-season-preview-2025-2026" data-vars-content-id="815459f6-8136-4dcd-9210-2d58891ad9d0" data-vars-headline="NHL players are blocking more shots. These students want to help." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/09/wild-season-preview-2025-2026" target="_self">Minnesota Wild</a> to prototype more protective hockey gear.Why it matters: These Minnesota students are helping to solve a growing problem for the NHL: blocked-shot <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="injuries" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/04/10/wild-kaprizov-eriksson-ek-return-playoff-push" data-vars-content-id="815459f6-8136-4dcd-9210-2d58891ad9d0" data-vars-headline="NHL players are blocking more shots. These students want to help." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/04/10/wild-kaprizov-eriksson-ek-return-playoff-push" target="_self">injuries</a>, which pose serious financial and competitive risks.

Twins 2026 preview: At least there are $2 beers

The season doesn't look promising, but at least there are $2 beers.

The announcement that Target Field will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sell $2 pre-game beers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/03/twins-should-offer-cheap-beer-to-bring-fans-back" data-vars-content-id="0290e0fa-8966-4c46-816e-5863c2ba9479" data-vars-headline="Twins 2026 preview: At least there are $2 beers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/03/twins-should-offer-cheap-beer-to-bring-fans-back" target="_self">sell $2 pre-game beers</a> generated more buzz than any other Twins move this offseason.Why it matters: When cheap beers are the biggest offseason draw, it underscores how much fan interest has spiraled in recent years.

Minnesota making big push for 2028 NFL Draft

The draft would take place in downtown Minneapolis.

Minnesota leaders submitted a bid to host the 2028 NFL Draft in downtown Minneapolis. Why it matters: The three-day event in late April is a spectacle, with an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="estimated 600,000 people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/44875626/attendance-green-bay-nfl-draft-hits-600000" data-vars-content-id="fdbf4d0e-e400-4fa4-a497-82b623a36b58" data-vars-headline="Minnesota making big push for 2028 NFL Draft" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/44875626/attendance-green-bay-nfl-draft-hits-600000" target="_blank">estimated 600,000 people</a> attending last year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="draft" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/04/24/vikings-nfl-draft-2025-picks-preview" data-vars-content-id="fdbf4d0e-e400-4fa4-a497-82b623a36b58" data-vars-headline="Minnesota making big push for 2028 NFL Draft" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/04/24/vikings-nfl-draft-2025-picks-preview" target="_self">draft</a> in Green Bay.

Saturday's Wild-Dallas game is a playoff preview

Wild GM Bill Guerin is not a fan of the playoff format and his team is likely to face Dallas in the first round.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Wild" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/23/quinn-hughes-minnesota-wild-trade-deadline" data-vars-content-id="191efec1-c38a-42b5-8715-ac1bd3c19111" data-vars-headline="Saturday&#x27;s Wild-Dallas game is a playoff preview" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/23/quinn-hughes-minnesota-wild-trade-deadline" target="_self">The Wild</a> will try to break a four-game home <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="losing streak" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startribune.com/takeaways-minus-injured-kirill-kaprizov-wild-take-a-rare-2-1-loss-to-blackhawks/601588412" data-vars-content-id="191efec1-c38a-42b5-8715-ac1bd3c19111" data-vars-headline="Saturday&#x27;s Wild-Dallas game is a playoff preview" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startribune.com/takeaways-minus-injured-kirill-kaprizov-wild-take-a-rare-2-1-loss-to-blackhawks/601588412" target="_blank">losing streak</a> tomorrow when they host their likely first-round playoff opponents: the Dallas Stars.Why it matters: On the ice, it&#x27;s a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="litmus test" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/09/wild-season-preview-2025-2026" data-vars-content-id="191efec1-c38a-42b5-8715-ac1bd3c19111" data-vars-headline="Saturday&#x27;s Wild-Dallas game is a playoff preview" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/09/wild-season-preview-2025-2026" target="_self">litmus test</a> for both teams.

Minnesota Vikings sign Kyler Murray

QB whisperer Kevin O'Connell's next project is Kyler Murray

Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is signing with the Vikings. Why it matters: Head coach Kevin O&#x27;Connell is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="betting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/09/vikings-qb-search-kyler-kirk-rodgers" data-vars-content-id="04ab7aef-69e8-4bc3-ad32-5636b3389bc8" data-vars-headline="Minnesota Vikings sign Kyler Murray" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/09/vikings-qb-search-kyler-kirk-rodgers" target="_self">betting</a> that he can get the most out of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="supremely talented" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07b4qWDICZI" data-vars-content-id="04ab7aef-69e8-4bc3-ad32-5636b3389bc8" data-vars-headline="Minnesota Vikings sign Kyler Murray" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07b4qWDICZI" target="_blank">supremely talented</a> player who has struggled with consistency and injuries over his 7-year career. <ul><li>Murray won Rookie of the Year in 2019 and was selected to two Pro Bowls. But he also tore an ACL in 2022 and Arizona cut him after last season.</li></ul>

Cricket's rise in Minnesota reaches the state Capitol

A bipartisan bill to make it an official high school sport statewide is working its way through the Legislature.

Some Minnesota lawmakers are taking a crack at adding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cricket" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/04/24/major-league-cricket-us-expansion-grand-prairie" data-vars-content-id="7d7c4789-fca1-409f-9541-7d8ca509b8b8" data-vars-headline="Cricket&#x27;s rise in Minnesota reaches the state Capitol" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/04/24/major-league-cricket-us-expansion-grand-prairie" target="_self">cricket</a> to the state&#x27;s roster of official high school sports. Why it matters: The centuries-old sport, one of the world&#x27;s most popular games, is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gaining a growing fan base across the United States" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cricket-popularity-u-s-world-cup/" data-vars-content-id="7d7c4789-fca1-409f-9541-7d8ca509b8b8" data-vars-headline="Cricket&#x27;s rise in Minnesota reaches the state Capitol" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cricket-popularity-u-s-world-cup/" target="_blank">gaining a growing fan base across the United States</a>.<ul><li>Interest is expected to rise in the years ahead, as cricket returns to the Summer Olympics lineup in 2028.</li></ul>

Sports 🏅

Wolves, Wild have chance to close out series the same night

Scoop: Mayor Frey wants Wolves arena at City Center site

Matt Boldy emerging as a star of Wild-Dallas playoff series

Vikings on the clock: Will their pick come from Oregon?

Round 3 in the Rocky Mountain rivalry