After only just being recalled for another chance at the NHL level, Minnesota Wild forward Luke Kunin will have to wait quite some time before getting back on the ice. The team announced that Kunin suffered a torn ACL in Sunday’s game which will require surgery, and faces a seven month recovery timeline.
Kunin was expected to make a big impact for the Wild this season after an impressive sophomore campaign at the University of Wisconsin, but has spent much of the year in the AHL with Iowa. At that level, the 20-year old forward has 19 points in 36 games, but has struggled at times to use his quickness to really create the separation he found in college. In 19 games in the NHL, including two since his most recent call-up, Kunin has just four points. While that performance is no cause for concern regarding his long-term future, it will go down as a disappointing rookie campaign for the first-round pick.
The Wild meanwhile will have to look elsewhere for an injection of youth and speed to the lineup, as they look to secure their playoff spot in the Central Division. Minnesota currently sits in third place with 81 points, while the Stars, Avalanche and Blues all remain within striking distance. They’ve gotten to this point without a huge impact from Kunin, but were counting on his depth down the stretch to help them into the playoffs. Players like Kyle Rau and Zack Mitchell will now need to be that depth, along with Jordan Greenway when his college season eventually ends.
Bummer