Ravaged by center injuries, the Minnesota Wild recalled Warren Peters for Friday's game against the Anaheim Ducks. They are hunting for forward help and, according to the Edmonton Journal, are interested in the Edmonton Oilers' Dustin Penner.
The Wild played Friday without captain Mikko Koivu, who has a broken finger. They also have lost ailing Kyle Brodziak and Cody Almond, who the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports has a lower-body injury.
A wild exchange is possible if Minnesota pursues Edmonton's Dustin Penner. (AP Photo)
Matt Cullen might be the Wild's most healthy center, because dependable John Madden is nursing an apparent chest injury. Guillaume Latendresse could return soon after multiple surgeries in November, including for his hip and a sports hernia. But Latendresse continues to have pain -- and likely will the rest of the season, the Star Tribune reports. How soon he will be ready is in doubt.
Dealing for Penner, a left winger, could help the Wild, but the Journal reported it appears the teams might not be able to make a straight swap. The Wild reportedly as want to move pending free-agent center Chuck Kobasew, but the Oilers would prefer a bigger player.
Other options for the Wild might include Stephen Weiss from the Florida Panthers or Marty Reasoner from the Atlanta Thrashers. The Wild don't appear interested in the Buffalo Sabres' Tim Connolly, the Star Tribune reported, adding that the Montreal Canadiens aren't expected to trade Jeff Halpern.
In addition to his lack of size, Kobasew is having a down season, with nine goals. That and his expiring contract are among reasons why, despite their center needs, the Wild would offer him up in trade.
The Wild are loath to trade their 2011 first-round pick and don't have a second-rounder, the Journal noted.
If not getting picks, the Oilers would want an abrasive forward -- which Kobasew is not.
The Oilers also are in the market for a defenseman.
There's one other major obstacle to a deal between the teams -- both are in the Northwest Division.
Source:
No comments:
Post a Comment