Wild Recall Hunter Haight Ahead of Road Trip as Yurov Sidelined
ST. PAUL, Minn. - As the Minnesota Wild prepare to hit the road for a four-game swing, they’ll be doing so without one of their young forwards. Danila Yurov has been ruled out for Tuesday’s matchup against the Edmonton Oilers due to injury and is currently listed as day-to-day.
In response, the Wild have recalled center Hunter Haight from the Iowa Wild, their AHL affiliate. It’s the latest move in what’s been a back-and-forth stretch for the 21-year-old, who was recently sent down and is now heading back up to rejoin the NHL squad.
Haight, the 47th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, didn’t see any game action during his previous call-up, despite being with the team for five games. This time around, expectations are similar - he’s likely to be a depth option on the trip unless injuries or lineup changes open a door.
Still, the recall speaks to the trust Minnesota’s front office has in Haight’s development. In 14 games with Iowa this season, he’s posted four goals and five points - solid numbers for a young center still adjusting to the pro game. While his two NHL appearances so far haven’t resulted in any points, the organization clearly sees value in keeping him close to the big club.
The Wild, currently sitting at 14-7-5, will need all hands on deck as they head into a challenging stretch of road games, starting with a visit to Edmonton. Losing Yurov, a dynamic young forward, is a blow - but it also opens the door for others to step up.
And while Haight may not crack the lineup right away, this recall gives him another chance to stay in the rhythm of NHL life - practices, meetings, travel - all part of the learning curve for a player the Wild hope will be a bigger piece of the puzzle down the line.