Reeling Minnesota Wild Recalls D-man Jonathon Blum

Feb 5, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Jonathon Blum (7) takes a shot against the St. Louis Blues during the third period at the Scottrade Center. The Predators defeated the Blues 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

According to the team’s official website, the Minnesota Wild has recalled former Nashville Predators first round pick Jonathon Blum from Iowa of the American Hockey League.

Recalled due to a banged-up Jared Spurgeon, Blum will very likely make his Wild debut whether or not Spurgeon is in the lineup. If Spurgeon plays, Elk River, Minn. native Nate Prosser will be the odd man out. Drafted 23rd overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, the talented defenseman found himself on the outside looking in for the Preds as youngsters like Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis, Mattias Ekholm and Seth Jones climbed up the depth chart. Prior to signing with the Wild as a free agent this summer, Blum would score seven goals and 15 assists for 22 points and a negative-7 rating in 91 games over the course of three seasons in Nashville.

This season, Blum is tied for the team lead in scoring for the Baby Wild, and leads all Iowa defensemen with three goals and 13 assists for 16 points and a negative-1 rating in 29 games. In addition, all three of his goals have come on the man advantage. The Minnesota Wild are hoping his talent and puck-moving ability will help them turn things around in the middle of a gigantic tailspin.

In addition to Blum, there have been hints suggesting a forward call-up may be coming shortly as well. We’ll keep you updated as the situation develops.