NASHVILLE – The Wild left a chunk of their roster at home, paving the way for two NHL debuts on Thursday when they wrap up the regular season in Nashville.
Nick Swaney, who is from Lakeville and played at UMD, and Damien Giroux will skate in their first games after both were recalled from Iowa in the American Hockey League.
"They're up because they're ready to come up," coach Dean Evason said. The two will be on the fourth line with defenseman Calen Addison.
With the Wild already locked into third place in the Central Division and the Predators eliminated from the playoffs, this outcome won't affect the Western Conference playoff picture.
Forwards Kirill Kaprizov, Mats Zuccarello, Marcus Johansson, Ryan Hartman and Sam Steel remained in Minnesota along with defensemen Jared Spurgeon and Jonas Brodin.
Hartman is suspended one game for interference on Winnipeg's Nikolaj Ehlers last game, while Johansson is sore after taking a cross-check that same night from Neal Pionk that resulted in a five-minute major and $5,000 fine. Coach Dean Evason said nothing's broken with Johansson, and he's hopeful the veteran winger will play Game 1.
As for Steel, he's no longer under the weather but the team didn't want him to suit up after being sick.
Matt Boldy is on the trip but not in the lineup.