Kirkland was a third-round pick of the Predators in 2014 but signed with the Flames last summer. He spent the entire 2020 season with Stockton (AHL), where he had six goals and 22 assists (28 points) in 53 games.
Trenin closed out the 2020 season with the Predators after spending much of the year in the AHL. During his time with the Predators, he scored two goals with four assists (six points) in 21 games. He was tied for third on the Milwaukee Admirals in scoring with 20 goals despite playing just 32 AHL contests before being called-up. Trenin will likely factor in on the Predators' third or fourth line in 2021.
Brodin is entering the final year of a six-year deal that he signed in 2014. Starting in the 2021-22 season, Brodin's AAV will go up from $4.167M to $6.0M, tying him for the 26th highest-paid blueliner in the NHL. Brodin is a terrific defensive-defenseman but is also coming off of a career-high 28 points (2G / 26A) in 69 games.
Kaprizov was drafted in the fifth-round back in 2015 but has been regarded as one the best NHL affiliated prospects in the world over the last few years. The 23-year-old Russian took his game to new heights in 2020, setting KHL career-bests in goals (33) and points (62) in 57 games. With the KHL playoffs cancelled due to Covid-19, Kaprizov became eligible to sign with the Wild and come to the NHL.
Hughes missed Tuesday's practice and Wednesday's morning skate but head coach Travis Green still thinks there's a chance that he plays tonight vs. the Coyotes. Hughes is officially a game-time decision, so monitor his status as they hit the ice for warmups at 10:00 PM ET.
Marcus Hogberg was not on the ice for Monday's practice, so you have to think Gustavsson's call-up is related to a Hogberg injury. Gustavsson has gone 15-5-3 with a 3.28 GAA and .885 SV% in 23 AHL games this season.
Coleman is with his wife while they are expecting their first child and it's unclear whether or not he will play on Thursday. Monitor his status when the Lightning hit the ice for warmups at 6:30 pm ET. They will likely dress seven defensemen if Coleman can't play.
Bogosian recently had his contract terminated in Buffalo and became a free agent. With Ryan McDonagh and Jan Rutta out for multiple weeks and Erik Cernak getting hurt on Saturday, Bogosian provides some blueline depth for the remainder of the season.
