Minnesota Wild Recalls Haula, Blum; Koivu and Harding on IR

Dec 5, 2013; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward Erik Haula (56) against the Chicago Blackhawks at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Blackhawks 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

According to the Star Tribune’s Michael Russo, the Minnesota Wild has recalled rookie forward Erik Haula and defenseman Jonathon Blum from Iowa of the American Hockey League. The team has also placed top line center Mikko Koivu (foot) and No. 1 goaltender Josh Harding (illness) on Injured Reserve.

With Koivu out, there was a center spot open, and Haula has played well there in the few games he’s played with the team. The question now is where he’ll slot into. Mikael Granlund has played very well this season and is probably the best choice to center Dany Heatley and Jason Pominville on the top line. Depending on what Yeo wants for his third line, Charlie Coyle could be bumped up to No. 2 pivot between Nino Niederreiter and Jason Zucker. This trio would have a good combination of speed, physicality and scoring ability. That would leave Haula or Kyle Brodziak to center Matt Cooke and Torrey Mitchell on the third line.

With Jonathon Blum recalled, it brings into question what the immediate future holds for Wild rookie defenseman Mathew Dumba, who returns from helping Team Canada to a fourth place finish in the 2014 U-20 WJHC. If Blum is here to stay (for the next several games, that is), Dumba will very likely be sent back to Portland of the Western Hockey League. There he’ll be able to play top minutes for the rest of the season and there’s a very good chance he’ll be in for a deep playoff run, as well.

We’ll keep you updated as the situation develops.