The Minnesota Wild have apparently decided that Krys Kolanos was around long enough, and they clearly don't have any need for his offensive help in these three must-win games.

Krystofer Kolanos

#39 / Center / Minnesota Wild

Height: 6-2

Weight: 200

Born: Jul 27, 1981

Okay, frankly the guy hasn't been outstanding, and Houston really needs him for the playoff run. I think that says a lot about where he stands in the organization. He's more valuable to get the Houston Aeros to the second round of the AHL playoffs than he is trying to help get the Wild into the post-season.

Thanks Krys, it's been fun.

In other news, the Wild signed Marco Scandella from Val-d'Or of the the Q to an entry level deal. What do we know about him? He's a big defenseman who needs help moving the puck. That's fine. We need someone to push people around.

Look for him to start next season in Houston.

From Hockey's Future:

Talent Analysis

A strong-skating, physical, stay-at-home blue liner, Scandella takes great delight in using his size and long wingspan to clear the front of his net. He thrives by playing a no-nonsense, simple game in his own end. His decision making and puck skills have room for improvement.

Future

Scandella is a late-bloomer physically, having grown tremendously over the last three years so it's hard to say where his ceiling is at this point, but he will most likely be a second-pairing, possible shutdown-type of defenseman at the pro level. He will probably play at the junior level for two more seasons, and then begin his pro career in the AHL in 2010.