Minnesota Wild forward Bobby Brink is cementing his place in the lineup after arriving from Philadelphia on March 6 in a trade that sent defenseman David Jiricek to the Flyers. The 34th overall pick in the 2019 NHL draft, Brink signed a one-year deal to remain in St. Paul.
Brink's acquisition brings the Minnetonka native back to his home state, providing a crucial test of the forward's NHL trajectory. He quickly carved out consistent minutes on the third line during the 2025-26 regular season, logging 2 goals and 4 points across 13 appearances for Minnesota. Through his first 11 games of the new campaign, the winger added 5 assists while maintaining an average ice time of 13 minutes per contest.
Brink's performance has been impressive, with 55 games played and 41 points scored in his previous season. His ability to play both offense and defense has made him a valuable asset to the Wild. Brink's contract with the Wild is a team-friendly one-year deal, which will allow him to prove himself and potentially earn a longer-term contract in the future. The Wild's general manager, Daniel Briere, and coach, John Tortorella, have been instrumental in helping Brink develop his skills and reach his full potential.
Tortorella Shaped Forward
Former Philadelphia coach John Tortorella played a pivotal role in molding Brink's defensive responsibility. "We were hard on him, We pushed him, and there were hiccups along the way," Tortorella stated regarding Brink's growth. Brink embraced the demanding coaching style, recognizing that accountability remained non-negotiable regardless of the arena. "Torts taught me that if you’re not going to be able to show up every night that it doesn’t matter whether we’re in Minnesota, Montreal or back home in Philly," Brink said. "You’re not going to be in the lineup." Brink's teammates, including Travis Konecny and Owen Tippett, have also been supportive of his development.
Brink's experience playing for the University of Denver has also helped him prepare for the NHL. He was selected 34th overall in the 2019 NHL draft and has played 79 games in the NHL. Brink's average ice time has been around 13 minutes per contest, and he has scored 2 goals and 4 points in 13 appearances for the Wild. The Wild's leadership, including Guerin, has been impressed with Brink's performance and expects him to continue to contribute to the team's success.
Establishing Team Standard
That rigorous standard allowed Brink to earn trust in defensive situations, even when offensive production stalled. "There was a standard that had to be kept, and if I wasn’t playing up to that standard, I wasn’t playing no matter where we were," Brink noted. Tortorella praised Brink's resilience and team-first mentality during their time together in the Eastern Conference. "He didn’t take anything personally," Tortorella noted. "He tried to get better every day. And he became one of my best players. He did everything for us." With the regular season underway, Brink continues to apply those lessons in the Western Conference, playing alongside teammates like Tyson Foerster and Danila Yurov.
As the season progresses, Brink will look to continue to make a name for himself in the NHL and help the Minnesota Wild succeed in the competitive Western Conference. With 12 games remaining in the 2025-26 regular season, Brink will aim to score more than 2 goals and 4 points, and maintain his average ice time of 13 minutes per contest. The Wild's fans, including those in Minnetonka and St. Paul, will be watching Brink's progress closely, hoping he can lead the team to a successful season.