Kunin has split his 2018-19 campaign between the AHL and NHL. The 2016 first-round pick (No.15 overall) has five points (1G / 4A) in 21 games with Minnesota and 16 points (9G / 7A) in 25 games with Iowa. Kunin will likely draw onto the third line on Tuesday with Pontus Aberg injured.
Kunin has spent the last two-plus months in Iowa working his way back from knee surgery and an injury to Mikko Koivu has finally opened the door for an NHL return. The 2016 No.15 overall pick has registered 15 points (8G / 7A) in 21 games with Iowa this season.
Kunin tore his ACL in Sunday’s game against the Red Wings and his season is over. This is a tough break for the former first-round pick (No.15 overall in 2016) who appeared to have earned a role with the Wild down the stretch after picking up 19 points (10G / 9A) in 36 games with Iowa (AHL).
Kunin has appeared in the last three games with the Wild, but was likely sent down for salary cap purposes. Kunin recorded two assists in their most recent game in Calgary and is expected to be back in the lineup tonight vs. the Canucks.
Kunin, 19, was the No.15 overall pick in the 2016 NHL draft and comes up looking to make his NHL debut this weekend. Kunin turned pro at the end of last season after two years at the University of Wisconsin. In 14 AHL games, Kunin has six goals and four assists (10 points).
