On Wednesday, Minnesota put forward Jason Zucker on injured reserve with a concussion, stemming from the big hit he took from Chicago blueliner Michal Rozsival during Sunday’s outdoor game at TCF Bank Stadium.
Zucker was severely shaken up on the play, which netted Rozsival a game misconduct. The Wild forward needed assistance leaving the ice, and appeared to have struck his head on the playing surface after being checked.
The 24-year-old didn’t play in Minnesota’s loss to the Isles on Tuesday.
Looking ahead, two things to monitor: 1) how long Zucker will be out of the lineup, and 2) if his absence will force Wild GM Chuck Fletcher into making a move by the Feb. 29 trade deadline.
Zucker had a highly productive season last year, with 21 goals in 51 games, and had 22 points through 58 games this year.
To fill his spot on the roster, the Wild have recalled Jordan Schroeder from AHL Iowa.