Nico Sturm, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, is facing a challenging start to the new NHL season as he competes for ice time with the Minnesota Wild. At 31, Sturm entered the campaign as the team’s 13th forward, a position he said he has often found himself in throughout his career, but one he is determined to overcome.

Sturm’s journey with the Wild began in 2019 when he signed as an undrafted free agent. He rejoined the team in the offseason before the 2025 season on a two-year, $4 million contract aimed at strengthening the club’s fourth line and penalty kill units. However, his return was derailed when he aggravated a back injury on the first day of training camp last fall, requiring surgery and causing him to miss eight weeks.

His recovery period coincided with a difficult stretch for the Wild, who lost eight of their first 12 games. During this time, Sturm’s physical activity was limited, and he struggled with his confidence on the ice after his return. He noted a particularly low point following the 2026 Winter Olympics, where his willingness to accept a reduced role with Germany seemed to affect his self-assurance upon returning to Minnesota. His playing time diminished later in the season after the Wild acquired Michael McCarron, a fourth-line center, in a trade deadline deal.

Despite these setbacks, Sturm identified a key moment in March when he scored a pivotal goal against Colorado, the team with which he won his two Stanley Cups. That performance, coupled with consistent contributions in the subsequent playoff series, helped restore his confidence and cemented his belief that he could still make a meaningful impact for the Wild.

During the offseason, Sturm focused heavily on maintaining his health, particularly his back, by working with a Pilates instructor and chiropractor multiple times per week. He spent most of his summer training in the Twin Cities and also emphasized the importance of mental balance, drawing strength from his faith and striving to separate his professional and personal lives.

The Wild’s roster underwent notable changes this summer, including signing McCarron to a six-year contract and bringing back veteran Nick Foligno on a one-year deal. Younger players like Bobby Brink, Maxim Shabanov, Danila Yurov, Charlie Stramel, and Hunter Haigh are also expected to compete for roles, intensifying competition within the forward group.

Despite entering the season as a healthy scratch for Minnesota’s opener, Sturm remains optimistic about his role on the team. Wild head coach John Hynes praised Sturm’s ability to contribute when given the opportunity, highlighting his impact down the stretch last season and in the playoffs. “He’s picked up where he left off,” Hynes said.

Sturm expressed confidence that when he returns to the lineup, he will help the Wild move closer to their ultimate goal. “I’m here for a reason, to bring the team closer to eventually winning a Stanley Cup,” he said, appreciating the trust placed in him by general manager Bill Guerin dating back to his college days at Clarkson. Sturm hopes to repay that trust with his performance this season.