Minnesota Wild Reassigns Two, Signs Brady Brassart

Mar 8, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Steven Kampfer (38) carries the puck during the third period against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena. The Wild defeated the Coyotes 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

It may be a day off for the players, but the Minnesota Wild front office has been relatively busy.

Defenseman Steven Kampfer and goaltender John Curry have been reassigned to Iowa of the American Hockey League. It doesn’t come as a big surprise, as it means one thing for sure–defenseman Marco Scandella will likely be ready for Monday–and either Niklas Backstrom is healthy enough to ride the bench fulltime as Darcy Kuemper’s backup, or Minnesota is close to pulling the trigger on another goaltender. The Wild’s goaltending situation is certainly something fans need to keep their eyes on as the March 5th trade deadline draws near.

In other news, the club has signed Calgary Hitmen alternate captain Brady Brassart to a three-year entry level deal. In 62 games this season, the 6’2″ 196-pound right-shot center has 33 goals and 42 assists for 75 points and a plus-17 rating. In addition to leading the Hitmen in total point scoring so far this season, Brassart, 20, is also ranked 15th overall in the Western Hockey League in total point scoring. His 90 penalty minutes this season and a host of fight videos on YouTube would suggest the Vernon, British Columbia native can play with an edge and isn’t afraid to drop the gloves.

“Brady has had a strong overage season and we are very happy that he chose to sign with the Minnesota Wild,” said Wild Assistant GM Brent Flahr. “He’s a good-sized center that plays a mature two-way game. He can play in all situations and we look forward to his transition to professional hockey next season.”

The five-year WHL veteran’s contract is set to begin next season, meaning he’ll remain with Calgary for the rest of this one. This is certainly an interesting acquisition to be sure. Earlier in the season, Brassart spent a month-long stint in the Tampa Bay Lightning/Syracuse Crunch organization on a tryout basis but failed to earn a contract. That only fueled his drive to make the NHL. He’s not there yet, but this signing has him one step closer to the dream. Welcome to the Minnesota Wild organization, kid.