Minnesota Wild: Is There Space For Justin Kloos?

Justin Kloos hasn’t shied away from trying to make an impact for the Minnesota Wild this pre-season; with twelve shots on goal and a goal to show for his efforts in the three games so far. Should he make the final 23-man roster?

You can’t argue with the efforts of the player. Kloos has made himself prominent across all three of the Minnesota Wild’s pre-season games, and not just with his shot totals.

It’s not like this is necessarily unexpected either; last year as an American Hockey League rookie he netted 19 goals and added a further 31 assists to hit 50 points with the Iowa Wild.

He might not be appearing high on any depth chart predictions, but Kloos has clearly got some level of talent. Maturity too, come to think of it; his time as the captain with the University of Minnesota side is testament to that.

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At twenty-four, whilst he hasn’t aged out yet; he may be nearing a make-or-break year for finding his feet in the NHL. He seems to understand that though if his drive in the pre-season is anything to go by.

He has been rewarded for his effort with time on the power-play and time at his preferred center position. He sure as heck was among the best players against the Winnipeg Jets.

Unfortunately, he has a challenge on his hands to crack the final twenty-three.

The lines seem to be all but set ahead of the new campaign; Kloos, for all his effort, isn’t likely to be in those lines. He seems more likely to be starting out in Iowa; hopefully in the top-six.

If he can do that, he is setting himself up very well to be the first or second call-up should a player go down injured on the Minnesota Wild.

Per NHL.com, Minnesota Wild head coach Bruce Boudreau is very much impressed:

"He didn’t play much tonight but it seemed like every time he was on, there was an opportunity to score for him. – Bruce Boudreau (NHL.com)"

Being in the coaches’ good books is the way forward and I fully expect to see Justin Kloos in NHL action at some point this year.

I’m genuinely hopeful his pre-season is rewarded and he starts the year in the NHL, but realistically he’s more likely to arrive mid-year as the injury niggles build up among the playing roster.

What do you think? Should Kloos make the opening night roster? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.