The Minnesota Wild have been dealing with a slew of injuries and absences lately, but they've been getting some valuable contributions from an unlikely source: practice call-ups.
Travis Boyd and Dylan Ferguson were the latest players to get the call, skating with the team on Wednesday as the Wild prepared for their next game.
The team is still missing five regulars, who are away competing in the 4 Nations tournament, but the practice call-ups have been helping to fill the gap.
Boyd, in particular, has been making a strong case for himself, bringing a level of energy and enthusiasm to the team that has been infectious.
Ferguson, on the other hand, has been providing some much-needed depth in goal, giving the Wild's starter a chance to rest and recover.
The Wild's coaching staff has been impressed with the contributions from the practice call-ups, and it's clear that they're making the most of their opportunity.
With the team still missing some key players, the practice call-ups will continue to play an important role in the coming games.
The Wild will be looking to build on their recent momentum, and the practice call-ups will be key to their success.
As the team gets healthier and the regulars return from the 4 Nations tournament, it will be interesting to see how the practice call-ups continue to contribute.
One thing is certain, though: the Wild are getting some valuable experience and depth from their practice call-ups, and that can only be a good thing for the team in the long run.