The Minnesota Wild have recalled seven players from their AHL affiliate, Iowa Wild, to bolster their roster ahead of Game 2 in the first playoff round against the Dallas Stars. The players include forwards Nicolas Aube-Kubel, Hunter Haight, and Ben Jones; defensemen Carson Lambos and David Spacek; and goaltenders Riley Mercer and Chase Wutzke. This move comes after Iowa missed the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs and aims to add depth to the team as they look to build on their strong 6-1 victory in Game 1.

By the Numbers
  • Nicolas Aube-Kubel: 15 goals and 37 points in 62 AHL games.
  • David Spacek: 36 points in 59 AHL games.
  • Ben Jones: 3 points in 28 NHL games and 32 points in 37 AHL games.
Yes, But

While the newcomers provide additional options, only a significant injury to a higher-ranked player is likely to see them feature in the NHL lineup. The majority of these players have limited NHL experience and have spent much of the season in the minors.

State of Play
  • Wild dominated Game 1 against Dallas, winning 6-1.
  • Team is maintaining a competitive edge with additional depth players on standby.
What's Next

The Wild will aim to secure another win in Game 2 against the Stars on Monday, potentially utilizing the depth provided by the recalled players if circumstances change. The health status of key players will ultimately influence their integration into the lineup.

Bottom Line

The Wild's strategy to recall multiple skaters signifies their intent to fortify their roster as they pursue playoff success. While the incoming players add depth, their actual impact will depend on the performance and health of current roster members.