Minnesota Wild Recall Carson McMillan From Houston Aeros

FEB 11, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild defensemen Carson McMillan (45) checks Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Grant Clitsome (14) in the third period at Xcel Energy Center. The Blue Jackets defeated the Wild 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY SportsAccording to Star Tribune Minnesota Wild beat writer Michael Russo, the team has recalled right wing Carson McMillan from the Houston Aeros.

McMillan, drafted in the 7^th round, 200^th overall, by Minnesota in 2007, made his NHL debut late in the 2010-11 season and has scored two goals and three assists for five point and a plus-2 rating in 15 career NHL games. This season, he has potted nine goals and added nine assists for 18 points, 31 penalty minutes and a plus-4 rating in 64 games in his fourth with the Aeros. McMillan’s best season was 2010-11, when he scored 12 goals and 10 assists for 22 points, 80 penalty minutes and a negative-4 rating in 78 games.

There’s no question about whether he was brought in as an offensive fire power—if Minnesota wanted that, they would have recalled Jason Zucker or Mikael Granlund. This is clearly a move to add some grit and depth in the expected absence of former Sabres captain Jason Pominville as the team makes its final push for the playoffs. The status of Mike Rupp has also yet to be determined; however, he did skate in a full practice with his teammates yesterday. If Rupp is ready to go, it’ll likely be down to McMillan or Torrey Mitchell to replace Pomminville’s spot in the lineup.

Gone Puck Wild will have more once the situation develops.

UPDATE: Mike Rupp is in, Torrey Mitchell is taking Jason Pominville’s spot, leaving Carson McMillan in the press box for tonight’s critical showdown between the Minnesota Wild and Edmonton Oilers.