Boudreau confident Wild's forwards are 'as strong as anybody in the league'

Bringing on two players who finished last season with a combined goal total of 18 doesn't usually instill a ton of confidence in the team adding those players.

But, for Minnesota Wild head coach Bruce Boudreau, that's exactly the case with newly added forwards Marcus Foligno and Tyler Ennis, who were both acquired via trade with the Buffalo Sabres last month.

Related: Boudreau: 3 unsigned RFAs are 'glue that's going to hold' Wild together

"I think people are going to love Marcus Foligno. He hits a ton. I think he can score. " I think he's going to be a fan favorite and people here are going to love him," Boudreau told Chad Graff of the Twin Cities Pioneer Press.

Despite being hampered by injuries throughout his time in the NHL - Ennis has played a full 82-game season only once - Boudreau is especially hyped about the addition of the diminutive centerman.

"Tyler Ennis, I've seen and talked to and met. I don't want to put pressure on him, but three years ago, he was a great player in this league," said Boudreau. " ... I'm very excited about having him."

"In our top-nine forwards, I think we're as strong as anybody in the league."

With three key forwards still unsigned, including Foligno and last year's point leader Mikael Granlund, Boudreau's confidence surrounding his forward group seems almost foolhardy. Especially when you consider the fact the Wild failed to produce a single 30-goal scorer a season ago.

Boudreau will be looking to qualify for the postseason for a second straight season as Minnesota's bench boss, while the Wild as a franchise have made the playoffs every year since 2013.

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