Minnesota Wild Recalls Forward Stephane Veilleux
By Dakota Case
APR 7, 2012; St. Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward Stephane Veilleux (19) at center ice in the third period against the Phoenix Coyotes at the Xcel Energy Center. The Coyotes defeat the Wild 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports
According to the team’s official website, the Minnesota Wild have recalled forward Stephane Veilleux from Iowa of the American Hockey League. In addition, young forwards Carson McMillan and Jason Zucker have both been reassigned by the big club, possibly hinting at an impending goalie call-up later today.
If you weren’t aware, Minnesota lost No. 1 goalie Niklas Backstrom to a lower-body injury in the first period of last night’s 3-2 loss in Nashville. What’s more, the team almost lost backup Josh Harding after a close call with Richard Clune behind the net. With the uncertainty surrounding Backstrom, it is possible that the Wild brass are making room for the possible call-up of either No. 3 goalie Darcy Kuemper, or North American rookie Johan Gustafsson.
Star Tribune beat writer Michael Russo, like myself, believes it will be Kuemper (as it should).
As of now, no goalie callup. Backstrom being evaluated. Hopefully just a strain or something, but I'd still suspect Kuemper #mnwild
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) October 9, 2013
Be sure to check back throughout the day as we keep you updated on the situation, but let me leave you with some positive, if somewhat too-early-to-take-seriously, notes:
1. Zach Parise is currently on an 82-goal pace.
2. Minnesota’s power-play is currently 3rd-best in the league at 38.5%.
3. Mikael Granlund is on a point-per-game pace.
4. Jonas Brodin is beginning to show some real offensive talent.
5. Zenon Konopka is on an 82-fight pace.
Have a great hump day, everyone.
Follow Dakota Case at Twitter.com/Dakota_case