Let's Meet: Kris Fredheim

With so many defensemen injured, the Wild had to turn to the Aeros again yesterday. In a move that was not seen coming, rather than call up a guy under contract, the Wild went ahead and inked one of the prospects on an AHL only deal. 

Why not, eh?

Could have been Tyler Cuma or Drew Bagnall, and Wild fans may have had a clue about who this kid is, and what game he plays. Heck even Chay Genoway or Jeff Penner may have given the fans an inclination about him. Instead, the Wild pull from the depth chart, and show why it is so important to have a strong affiliate in the AHL, stocked with players who can play, even if they are not one of the prospects of the big club. 

After the jump, we get to know Kris Fredheim. 

First off, let's get the basics out of the way, shall we? 

A sixth round pick by the Canucks? Well, let's hope the Nucks organization didn't leave any filth on him. The vitals look good, though. 6' 2", 195 lbs is about right for the size needed to be a regular in the NHL. With that size, he has good reach, and good body size to be able to position himself well, and also to throw a hit if need be. 

Playing his college hockey with another rival of the Minnesota college programs, college hockey fans have likely heard quite a bit about him. For those of you that haven't, let's take a look at some video and talk to the experts.

Well... let's just assume they didn't call him up to be the enforcer, shall we? 

Expert Opinion

From last year's T3I post about their incoming team:

It's pronounced FRED-haym. Rhymes with Dead Aim. Fredheim's a stay at home defenseman who earned an AHL deal out of camp after finishing up his college career at Colorado College (Wild must have a scout who lives in Colorado Springs... 

Well, at least we'll be able to say it correctly.

From MsConduct herself:

First of all, he earned this contract last season. Nobody was steadier and more durable anymore reliable night in and night out without any fanfare for it. I can't imagine how excited he is today, and then to make his NHL debut tomorrow (potentially)? Amazing.

As far as what to expect, expect to barely notice him, partly because he probaly won't get a ton of minutes, but also because he's just the kind of d-man that you don't have to worry about. He's not looking for glory or points, he just plays his position, has good speed, protects his goalie, doesn't shy from the hard stuff. 

I have maybe 2 times ever thought, "oh Freddy, what are you doing?" and I've seen him a lot.

There you have it, Wilderness. The newest member of the Minnesota Wild blue line, Kris Fredheim.