I think he can [play in the NHL]. He’s not as fast as he once was, but he’s smart enough to make plays. He controls the game back there, Bob. He’s very calm, he finds breakout passes, makes the pass on the tape. He has a lot of experience, he’s a calming presence for us back there. I think that given the opportunity he’s a guy that could fill a role at that level as maybe a five/six. Right now I still think he has a lot left in him. He enjoys the game, he enjoys coming to the rink. I think he’s the biggest kid coming to the rink because he always has a smile on his face, he brings attitude. He’s a very welcome addition to our back end.

Per @brianlawton9 Not sure yet on Parise but word is Ryan Suter will be playing for the MN Wild next season!

Jason Zucker was drafted with the reputation of being a defense-first guy with problems finishing, but his numbers in college suggest that the offense has come along, and he’s the icing on the cake for the Wild here. Mikael Granlund, the ninth overall pick, is a superb player while sixth-round pick Johan Gustafsson has been lights-out tending net in Sweden this year. Toss in the second-round trio of Zucker, Larsson and Bulmer and 2010 might end up as a huge year for the Wild.

Yeo on Heatley: "He played hurt for much of the season. Leadership-wise, everything he did for us can't be overstated." Doogie: How hurt was he? That's the first I am hearing that. Yeo:"It's significant. So significant that he now needs a procedure. It's nothing that will cause him any further problems, but he has to get it taken care of now. Lucky for us we have time this offseason for him to recover and to still have a good summer of training." Doogie: Can you disclose what the procedure is? Yeo: "Not right now."

Tyler Cuma to make NHL Debut @ Phoenix per Russo pending his arrival from Vancouver last night to Phoenix today. Edit: "This is a whole new level of nervousness. Headed to Phoenix. Very excited" -@TCuma61

mnwild has recalled Matt Hackett. No reason given yet. @Russostrib

#mnwild has placed Brad Staubitz on waivers Courtesy: @mnwild and @russostrib

We have reached an agreement with Fox Networks to continue carrying all Fox Networks (including FX, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, SPEED, FUEL TV, FOX Soccer, FOX Soccer Plus and FOX Deportes), Fox’s regional sports networks, Fox Broadcasting (FOX), the FOX local stations, Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network. We know the past ten days have been challenging, but we’re pleased that both sides could eventually come together to ensure our viewers continue to enjoy Fox programming.

GRANLUND UPDATE According to his agent Todd Diamond, Mikael Granlund will stay for another year in Helsinki, Finland. Before moving to Minnesota he is willing to finish school and the mandatory military service. He will report to the camp. Smart decision of a fine young bloke! http://www.iltalehti.fi/jaakiekko/2011052013751806_jk.shtml

For anyone wanting to catch a glimpse of Granlund, Finland is taking on Russia in the IIHF World Championships, Versus is carrying it live right now. Check it out.