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Minnesota Wild News

The Avalanche have assigned Calvin Pickard to Lake Erie (AHL).

Pickard had a great stint with the Avalanche, winning three games in three starts and two relief appearances, while posting a 1.99 GAA and .936 SV%. With Semyon Varlamov set to return on Thursday, the Avalanche had to send Pickard back to the AHL.

Calvin Pickard
Pickard starts on Monday vs. Montreal.

Pickard allowed two goals on 24 shots in the Avalanche’s win over the Stars on Saturday. Since being recalled, Pickard has posted three wins with a 1.41 GAA and .955 SV% in two starts and four appearances. He allowed three goals on 36 shots in a 3-2 loss in his first start against Montreal.

Calvin Pickard
Pickard starts for the Avs on Saturday.

Pickard allowed three goals on 45 shots in the Avs loss to the Blackhawks on Wednesday. Pickard has been sensational in his short time with the big clue, which has led to them placing Reto Berra on waivers, so it looks like the kid is here to stay. He has a 1.18 GAA and .966 SV% in his last three appearances.

Calvin Pickard
PIckard starts Wednesday for the Avalanche.

Pickard stopped all 25 shots he faced after replacing Reto Berra in the Avs’ come-from-behind win over the Coyotes last night. He has won the first two games of his career in relief efforts—stopping all 42 shots. He has earned the start tonight, but draws a tough matchup vs. the Blackhawks.

Calvin Pickard
Brodin (illness) will not travel to Philadelphia.

Brodin will miss his fourth straight game on Thursday. He is eligible to come off of IR tomorrow, but he is not quite ready to return to the lineup. Philly is the start of a three-game road trip, he could join the team in Tampa Bay for Saturday’s game.

Jonas Brodin
Spurgeon (shoulder) is expected to return to the Wild lineup on Thursday.

Spurgeon has missed the last five games with a shoulder injury that he suffered on October 30th against the Sharks. There is no word on who will come out of the lineup to make room for Spurgeon, but we will likely find out during tomorrow’s morning skate.

Jared Spurgeon
Spurgeon (shoulder) is skating in a no-contact jersey.

Spurgeon has missed the last four games with a shoulder injury that he suffered on October 30th. The Wild have not given many details on Spurgeon’s injury, but his return to the ice this morning suggests that he is not that far from a return. However, the Wild have a lot of capable NHL defensemen, so they won't rush Spurgeon.

Jared Spurgeon