The Minnesota Wild recalled forward Sammy Walker from AHL Iowa this morning, per the team, adding some extra reinforcements to their playoff roster. He’s not expected to play tonight for Game 2 against Dallas, with coach Dean Evason telling reporters this morning that Walker’s recall is just the team “protecting itself” from any further injuries to their forward corps.
If he does suit up while on this recall, though, it will be the first Stanley Cup Playoff appearance for the 23-year-old. The free agent signing out of the University of Minnesota wrapped up his AHL regular season with 48 points in 56 games and will be a crucial absence for Iowa as they begin their playoff run. Walker earned nine games of NHL experience with Minnesota this season, recording his first NHL goal and assist.
- Both Joel Eriksson Ek and Ryan Hartman practiced with the Wild this morning, according to The Athletic’s Joe Smith. Hartman suited up in Game 1, scoring the double-overtime winner, but most watching the game would indicate he didn’t look at 100 percent health. Eriksson Ek, on the other hand, has missed nearly two weeks with a lower-body injury but could be ready to return sooner than expected. His return would be a gigantic boost for a Wild team that’s already stolen home ice in the series, giving the team a more well-balanced offensive attack between their first and second lines.
- Dallas Stars head coach Peter DeBoer told reporters this morning that Joe Pavelski is “feeling better” after leaving Game 1’s loss due to a collision with Wild defender Matt Dumba, although he remains in concussion protocol. Pavelski will not suit up in Game 2 but has not been ruled out for a return during the series. In his absence, Tyler Seguin is expected to slide in on the top line alongside Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz.
“collision”
He’s trying “to capture the spirit of the thing.”