The Minnesota Wild have recalled forward Michael Milne to their NHL roster. This move follows the absence of defensemen Jonas Brodin (lower-body), Marcus Johansson (illness), and Zach Bogosian (personal) from Wednesday’s team practice, as reported by Michael Russo of The Athletic. Head coach John Hynes indicated that Johansson and Bogosian are expected to play Thursday, while Brodin’s status is questionable.
With seven defensemen already on the roster, Declan Chisholm likely steps in for Brodin if he’s unavailable Thursday. However, the Wild were short a forward, necessitating Milne’s recall to cover Johansson’s potential absence. Chisholm has played 10 games this season, recording three assists but yet to score his first goal.
Milne rejoins the NHL roster just two days after being sent down. He received the first recall of his pro career last week and was expected to make his NHL debut, but instead spent three games in the Wild press box. He’s unlikely to be a guaranteed starter this call-up unless Johansson remains out. Milne ranks second on the AHL’s Iowa Wild in scoring with eight points in 10 games this season, including three points in his last two games.
Here are other notable roster moves from around the Western Conference:
- The Colorado Avalanche have also made roster moves, recalling forwards T.J. Tynan and Nikita Prishchepov after brief stints with the minor leagues. Both Tynan and Prishchepov have been regular contributors to the Avalanche lineup amid their injury woes this season, each playing in six games and recording four points—although Prishchepov’s single goal is the only between them.Colorado anticipates the return of Valeri Nichushkin from suspension and Jonathan Drouin from injury soon. The pair of recalls serve as backups in case any changes occur regarding those players’ timelines.
- While Minnesota and Colorado prepare for potential injuries, the Vancouver Canucks have sent down top prospects Jonathan Lekkerimaki, Arshdeep Bains, and Aatu Raty in a paper transaction, per Jeff Paterson of Rink Wide: Vancouver. This move nets the Canucks just over $15.5K in cap space accrual, helping them manage their cap space throughout the season. All three players are expected to return ahead of Vancouver’s Thursday matchup against the New York Islanders.
- Rounding out Western Conference roster moves is Seattle’s assignment of goaltender Ales Stezka, who served as backup in the team’s Tuesday win over Columbus. Stezka has been the starter for the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds this season, posting a 2-5-0 record and a .894 save percentage in seven games. He’s played ahead of top Kraken goalie prospect Niklas Kokko, who’s managed an .880 save percentage in four games. Stezka’s assignment suggests that Philipp Grubauer will soon return following an undisclosed injury away from the rink that forced him out of Tuesday’s game.
