Kipkie, the Wild’s final pick, was drafted by Arizona previously, at No. 160 in 2023, but had two strong seasons since with the Victoria Royals (WHL). As a 6-3 left-shot defenseman, Kipkie is the kind of player Brackett said the Wild felt comfortable taking a later pick on. — Joe Smith

Here are the Wild’s picks, made Saturday in the 2025 NHL entry draft in Los Angeles, with comments by Judd Brackett, director of amateur scouting.

After a quiet first day for the Minnesota Wild with no picks in the first round, the Wild have made their first pick from the 2025 NHL Draft. With pick No. 52, the Wild selected defenseman Theodor Hallquisth from Orebro of the Swedish Junior League.