The Minnesota Wild continued their season-long dependence on the Aeros on Tuesday when they recalled captain Jon DiSalvatore and defenseman Nate Prosser. The injury-depleted Wild have surprised the Western Conference all season long in part due to the help of recalls from the Aeros and under the tutelage of head coach Mike Yeo, another former Aero.
The Wild currently sit in sixth place in a crowded Western Conference, but were once at the No.1 spot until a recent losing streak took them back down to earth. DiSalvatore brings exactly what the Wild need to the table. DiSalvatore is a hard-working, character guy who can play the team’s grinding style.
Jon DiSalvatore scored seven goals during the Aeros Calder Cup run last season. (Thomas B. Shea/ For the Chronicle)
The right winger leads the Aeros in points this season with 26 points on 10 goals and 16 assists. DiSalvatore’s last NHL game came back on March 7, 2006 with the Blues.
Prosser was called up for Jared Spurgeon, (another ex-Aero) who did not practice with the Wild today due to an injury suffered from a hit from behind by Colorado’s Cody McLeod on Monday. Prosser, a Minnesota native, has two assists and a +/- rating of 9 this season for the Aeros. Last season, he put up impressive offensive numbers with eight goals and 19 assists.
Also, Wild prospect and potential future Aero, Charlie Coyle recorded a hat trick in the United States 11-3 win over Denmark in the World Juniors Championship. Coyle was a key component of the Dany Heatley trade.
