Harper Grant’s first full season in Minnesota ended in the Western Conference Final.

She finished with 41 goals and 84 points—career highs—earning second-team All-Star honors and the quiet respect of a locker room that had once viewed her as “the traded star.” The Wild fell in Game 7 to Edmonton in double overtime, but the city embraced her. Banners reading “Harper’s House” appeared in the stands. Kids wore #18 in youth leagues across the state.

Theo’s career had found its ...