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Wild claim Pulkkinen off waivers from Detroit

San Jose Sharks v Detroit Red Wings

San Jose Sharks v Detroit Red Wings

NHLI via Getty Images

The Minnesota Wild are hoping that Teemu Pulkkinen’s AHL stats mean something. They’ve claimed the 24-year-old winger off waivers from Detroit.

Pulkkinen has twice scored more than 30 goals in a single AHL season. His big right-handed shot helped him to 31 in 2013-14 and then 34 in 2014-15 for Grand Rapids.

But for whatever reason (some have suggested his skating is an issue), his minor-league success has yet to translate into big NHL numbers. In 70 games with the Red Wings, he has 11 goals and nine assists.

In Minnesota, Pulkkinen will join a team that bought out right winger Thomas Vanek this past offseason. If Pulkkinen plays well, he could push for a spot in the top six. But again, he still has a lot to prove.

The Wild’s leading goal-scorer in 2015-16 was Zach Parise, who had 25. Charlie Coyle, their top right-winger, had 21 goals.