With the NHL lockout coming to an end and games returning sooner rather than later, staff reporter Michael Russo takes a look at the Wild's depth chart which indicats coach Mike Yeo's plans as of the State Fair in late August (pre-lockout):

Minnesota Wild Depth Chart FORWARDS (Left wing-Center-Right wing) First line: Zach Parise-Mikko Koivu-Dany Heatley Second line: Matt Cullen-Mikael Granlund-Devin Setoguchi Third line: Pierre-Marc Bouchard*-Kyle Brodziak-Cal Clutterbuck Fourth line: Darroll Powe-Zenon Konopka-Torrey Mitchell Extra: Matt Kassian Vying for spots: Stephane Veilleux, Jake Dowell, Jason Zucker, Charlie Coyle, Johan Larsson, Nick Palmieri**, Justin Fontaine, David McIntyre. DEFENSEMEN (Left-Right) First pair: Ryan Suter-Jared Spurgeon Second pair: Marco Scandella-Tom Gilbert Third pair: Clayton Stoner-Justin Falk/Nate Prosser Extra: Falk/Prosser GOALTENDERS No. 1: Niklas Backstrom No. 2: Josh Harding *Has not been officially cleared to play yet** Must be signed to NHL deal first