Brodin Returns After Hand Surgery
Minnesota might not have made any trade acquisitions at the deadline, but with top 2 defenseman Jonas Brodin returning from hand surgery, the boost will be the same.
Some might say all the boost without the unknown chemistry issues that come with actually doing a trade. A great result for the Wild.
Jonas Brodin has missed the last 9 games with a hand injury and hasn't played since February 6. While he's not a huge offensive contributor, having 5 goals and 10 assists in 53 games this season, the Swede's puck handling and passing skills have been an integral part of the Wild blue line.
Brodin's defensive responsibilities are also highlighted by his average of 21:22 per game on the ice and his 101 blocked shots.
For the Wild to go deep into the playoffs, Brodin is going to have to play an integral role. It's great to have him back.
Free Roster Spot Sees Kunin Called up from Iowa
With the latest moves at the deadline having freed up a roster spot, Minnesota today called up top prospect Luke Kunin.
This sees the St Louis native travel with the big club today, but won't dress for tonight's game ironically against the Blues. He will however, have 20 regular season games to get back in the NHL groove before the playoffs begin.
Kunin spent the first part of the season in Minnesota and played 17 games with the Wild, scoring 2 goals and 2 getting more assists. A nice return for a plater described as being a high energy, defensively responsible guy, rather than a pure goalscorer. Attributes that Bruce Boudreau is excited to get back.
“He brings energy. He’s a leader by nature. When was up here the previous times he was very responsible, plays very hard, and gives us a lot of energy. That youthful exuberance we need sometimes.”
After going down to Iowa in search of more game time for his development, Kunin scored 10 goals and got 9 more assists in 36 AHL games. Kunin was also Iowa's representative at the AHL's All Star game.
The kid has big expectations placed on him within the organisation. This is his chance.
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