As Wild roster cuts near, five players are trying to burst the Wild rosters bubble

EAGLE, Colo. – Only two exhibition games remain, opening-day rosters are due Tuesday and the Wild's regular season starts in a week.

In other words, time is running out to make an impression at training camp.

And while many of the forward lines and defensive pairings are starting to solidify, Wild officials are still evaluating a handful of players vying for an opportunity as the team wrapped up its three-day summit in the Rocky Mountains and headed for Dallas to take on the Stars on Thursday.

"We wanted to bring guys that were going to be either call-ups or on our team," coach Bruce Boudreau said. "We want everybody here to feel part of it."

Here's a look at five players on the bubble:

His last appearance Sunday was arguably Belpedio's best of the preseason. Not only did he score in the 3-2 shootout loss to the Avalanche, but the right-shot defenseman skated with much more poise and awareness.

Belpedio's audition continues amid uncertainty with the blue line.

Defenseman Brad Hunt, who missed practice Tuesday because of back spasms, skated Wednesday.

"I wanted to have the goal of making the team out of training camp," Belpedio said. "As of right now, I think I'm doing pretty much everything I can to give myself that opportunity."

The leading goal-scoring leader in Iowa last season with 27, the forward showcased his nose for the net in last Sunday's game when he was the only Wild player to convert in the shootout. Boudreau has praised Mayhew's energy, and the work ethic Mayhew displays every time he's on the ice has been noticeable.

Initially, the 6-5 defenseman wasn't supposed to accompany the Wild to Colorado but his play merited the invite.

Through three exhibition games he's looked comfortable in his own end, flexing his size and reach.

In camp on a professional tryout, the forward has looked as advertised: a veteran who has experience in a support role.

While winger Kevin Fiala was awaiting a work visa, Stafford worked with winger Jason Zucker and center Eric Staal. But once Fiala joined practice this week, Stafford slid down the depth chart to the fifth line.

At this point, it's unclear how many forward spots are up for grabs since Boudreau isn't sure how many extras the Wild plans to carry.

After turning pro in the spring, the center was expected to push for a roster spot and that's exactly what he's done.

He scored in his first game of the preseason in a 4-1 loss to the Jets on Sept. 18 and added an assist last Saturday in the 4-3 win over the Avalanche, but the center also has been used on the penalty kill.