All it took was a global pandemic for the Minnesota Wild blue line to break up and allow some younger players a chance to flaunt their stuff in the big league. Calen Addison is set to make his NHL debut on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Kings after a couple key figures remain either injured or on the league’s COVID protocol list.
Not making light of the situation—sprinkling “oh God, we’re in hell” vibes anytime I discuss the absences throughout the lineup—but forcing the 20-year-old blueliner into a major role for his first game, just weeks after making his first regular start in professional hockey, can be beneficial.