Blue Jackets vs Wild Player Props Prediction: Matt Boldy to Keep Firing?
Updated October 18, 2026
Updated October 18, 2026
The Columbus Blue Jackets visit the Minnesota Wild on Sunday, October 18, with Minnesota looking to build on its impressive offensive start. The Wild have won three of their last four games, while Columbus arrives on the second night of a back-to-back after defeating the New York Rangers 1-0 in overtime.
Minnesota's top line has been particularly productive, with Matt Boldy and Kirill Kaprizov leading the way. However, rather than chasing goals from two players enjoying a hot start, I'm more interested in their underlying production.
My preferred angle is Matt Boldy to record at least four shots on goal, with Quinn Hughes' assist production also worth examining.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Minnesota Wild
Carolina Hurricanes
Calgary Flames
Boldy enters Sunday's matchup with 35 shots through eight games, an average of 4.38 per appearance. He has reached four shots in five of those eight contests, including eight in Thursday's 5-4 victory over St. Louis.
That performance also included a hat trick, but the goals aren't what interest me most here. It's the volume of opportunities he's generating.
Boldy recorded 254 shots in 76 games last season, so his current pace is considerably higher than his established baseline. Some regression is reasonable, but his increased involvement and top-line role suggest that the improvement isn't entirely accidental.
Columbus isn't necessarily a defensive disaster, despite allowing seven goals against Florida earlier in the week. However, playing its second game in as many nights, with travel between contests, isn't an ideal setup against Minnesota's rested forwards.
I estimate Boldy's probability of recording at least four shots at approximately 58%, although that's an early-season estimate rather than a precise model output.
Quinn Hughes has become an increasingly important part of Minnesota's offense, particularly with injuries affecting the defensive group.
The defenseman has collected 10 assists through eight games and recorded another two against the Blues on Thursday. He is averaging more than 26 minutes per game, providing plenty of opportunities to contribute at even strength and on the power play.
This is an interesting matchup for Hughes. Columbus has conceded 21 goals in six games, and Minnesota possesses enough finishing talent to capitalize on the chances he creates.
Nevertheless, assists are notoriously difficult to predict. A defenseman can control the puck, generate dangerous opportunities and still finish without a point if his teammates fail to convert.
My preliminary probability estimate for Hughes recording at least one assist is around 68–70%.
Kaprizov has scored nine goals in eight games, which is an extraordinary start even by his standards.
He has also accumulated 14 points and remains one of the NHL's most dangerous offensive players. In another matchup, that might make him an obvious candidate for an individual goal prediction.
But there's a complication.
Kaprizov left Thursday's game against St. Louis with an undisclosed injury, making his availability and expected workload important considerations ahead of Sunday.
Even if he plays, maintaining a scoring pace above one goal per game is an enormous ask. His finishing has been exceptional, but that doesn't necessarily mean his next goal becomes more likely.
I'm not ruling out another Kaprizov goal. I simply don't see a reason to chase an expensive contract, especially with his health still needing clarification.
Minnesota should have opportunities to generate offense against a Columbus team playing on consecutive nights. I expect Boldy and Hughes to be heavily involved, although Kaprizov's availability could influence how the Wild distribute their offensive responsibilities.
My preferred prediction is Boldy to reach four shots on goal. His shooting volume gives us a more convincing foundation than relying on another multi-goal performance.
Prediction | Entry threshold | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
Matt Boldy 4+ shots | 53¢ or lower | Moderate |
Quinn Hughes 1+ assist | 63¢ or lower | Moderate |
Kirill Kaprizov 1+ goal | No trade pending injury update | — |
Best Player Prop: Matt Boldy 4+ shots on goal.
This is a price-sensitive recommendation, not a suggestion to enter at any available price. The thresholds reflect preliminary probability estimates and require confirmation that the corresponding player contracts are actually listed.
