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  • Wild Giving Big Opportunity to Hunter Haight

    Image courtesy of © Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
    Thomas Williams

    By Thomas Williams -

    That's Wild

    • Instead of the expected Danila Yurov debut, the Minnesota Wild might be actually handing the reins over to Hunter Haight, for him to make his NHL debut before the Russian forward. This is a sizeable heap of praise for the 21-year-old center after he had a pretty good rookie campaign in the AHL last season and was set to head back to Iowa but with the Nico Sturm injury, the Wild are giving the season-opening fourth-line center spot to Haight. [minnesotasportsfan.com]
    • But fear not, Yurov should eventually get in the lineup after he takes some time to apparently adjust. Plus, his versatility could potentially make the rookie an impact player right away. [Hockey Wilderness]
    • And this addition of youth is a growing sentiment on this Wild team. With the veterans all paid and everyone accounted for, Minnesota will be dependent on their prospects making a leap into prominent roles and there is a growing crowd of young players on this team. [StarTribune]
    • Just how good can this Wild team be, though? Is there a ceiling? Is there no ceiling? How low is the floor? [StarTribune]

    Off the trail...

    • Are the Anaheim Ducks the new Western Conference powerhouse? [ESPN]
    • The Edmonton Oilers lost their season opener to the archrival Calgary Flames after having a multi-goal lead. They said there's a lot to learn. Yeah, I think so. [NHL.com]
    • The Oilers also signed Jack Roslovic to a one-year deal. He's finally off the market. [Sportsnet]
    By Thomas Williams  

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    Imyourhuckleberry

    Haight was excited and looked comfortable in Wednesday’s practice. He had terrific chemistry last season in Iowa with his now-NHL linemate Ohgren. -- The Athletic.

    The wild likely would have signed Roslovic around $1M, but he wanted more money and found it with the Oilers.

    Defenseman Jonas Brodin practiced in a regular jersey Wednesday(rather than the non-contact jersey he'd been wearing) — the next step in his return to game action. He's close to a return, but that may not come in game 1.

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    SkolWild73
    21 minutes ago, Scalptrash said:

    It's just nice to finally see a prospect getting a chance on the big club. Even if they had no choice.

    It will be fun to watch all of them play.  Not sure if it will help our record with Zucc and Sturm both missing time, but at least the young guys will get to play and hopefully improve and perform.  7 guys 24 and under playing tonight.  Can't wait.

    • Like 4
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    raithis
    2 hours ago, Scalptrash said:

    It's just nice to finally see a prospect getting a chance on the big club. Even if they had no choice.

    Prospects are given chances every year.  Only a few have really seized the opportunity to show they belong when given those chances.

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    Up North Guy
    4 hours ago, raithis said:

    Prospects are given chances every year.  Only a few have really seized the opportunity to show they belong when given those chances.

    I sure hope Haight and the other rooks are in a group that succeeds.

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    Imyourhuckleberry

    Given how badly some people spoke about Guerin following the trade of Khusnutdinov last season, I think it's worth noting that Khusnutdinov is playing 4th line minutes for a team expected to miss the playoffs, and has zero points.

    Meanwhile, Justin Brazeau is leading the league in game winning goals, and tied for the NHL lead with 3 goals in 2 games. Malkin has the primary assist on all 3 goals, and a couple more primary assists to give him 5 assists on the year, which is currently also leading the league. Nice start for the Penguins.

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    NoJoSux

    Brazo didn't work out in MN, but I don't think that was such a bad deal. 

    I like Hater's chances this year. To me, he has the X-factor element that you struggle to define, but that shows up on the scoresheet or in the eye-test. If so, Guerin gains even greater opportunity and the Wild benefit. Any breakthrough young player would be big for MN this season.

    NoJo decline is inevitable. Haight'r highs are yet to come. Here's hoping it's sooner than later and the switch comes swiftly. NoJo could also get career-ending elbow-rash, Bob Marley toe, or his neck-beard could become permanently tangled in some brambles which would hurt the Wild not. At least that's a possibility we can consider and kinda pull for.

    • Haha 2
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