Wild prospect Mikey Milne is set to make his NHL debut tonight against the Dallas Stars.

ST. PAUL - Minnesota Wild prospect Michael Milne was injured during the last two training camps and rookie camps. He wasn't able to show much right before the season started but he has proven to be a solid prospect in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Iowa Wild. 

After being drafted in the third round of the 2022 NHL Draft with the 89th overall pick, Milne spent the last two seasons in the AHL with the Iowa Wild. 

He recorded seven goals and 13 points in 57 games for Iowa two years ago. Milne had eight goals and 21 points in 40 games last year and has been off to a fast start this year for his third season of professional hockey. 

"No, it hasn’t. There’s been bumps along the road," Milne said on if his journey to the NHL has been easy. "Kind of a late bloomer, but just try to work every day. Kind of had this as my goal in mind and for it to kind of come true tonight, it’s gonna be surreal."

This season in ten games for Iowa, Milne has four goals and four assists. He was rewarded with a call-up after his quick start when the team went on the road to California and Chicago but Milne didn't make his debut. 

When the Wild returned home the following week, they sent Milne back down to the AHL. But injuries to Mats Zuccarello and Joel Eriksson Ek opened a spot for Milne to get called back up. 

"The reason we put him in as well was he deserved the call even if he didn't get in," Wild head coach John Hynes said on why they recalled him but didn't play him on the road. "But then when you see him come on the ice with an NHL team and you're like, Okay, this guy's got, he definitely has NHL attributes, and he's playing really well this year, so it's good to see him."

Milne, 22, didn't play a game when he was called up earlier last week but he stood out in practice like Hynes mentioned. He proved he was ready to take the jump from the AHL to the NHL so when the Wild needed another forward, he was the guy. 

"I ended up going back to Des Moines, I think it was on a Monday, and then I got called up the next day, so went to practice then drove up the next night," Milne said on being recalled, sent down, and being called up again. "But, I’ve just tried to stay ready the whole time and got the opportunity to show myself and let’s get a win tonight."

Even though he didn't play on the first call-up, Milne took a lot of valuable lessons out of just being around the NHL guys. Lessons that will help him for years to come. 

"Yeah, it (was) incredible. Obviously, joining a team that's been winning hockey games. It's good vibes in the dressing room, and everyone's super nice," Milne said. "But yeah, I'm just trying to keep my eyes open, listen to everyone, see what everyone has to say, and kind of experience that NHL lifestyle. The first day was great, and just going to continue to work hard and see what happens."

The 5-foot-11 forward will play on the fourth line tonight with Jakub Lauko and Marat Khusnutdinov. He should fit in perfectly with Lauko and Khusnutdinov just based on how the three play. 

Milne is a feisty forward who brings speed and an in-your-face type of game. He has some offensive upside as well. In 68 WHL games, before he turned pro, Milne recorded 38 goals, 43 assists, and 81 points.  

"I like to use my speed to get to the dirty areas," Milne said. "I like to get to the net and make plays but tonight, gonna use my speed, do my best to get in on the forecheck, cause chaos and go from there."

The native of Abbotsford, BC., will have his mother Deryn, his father Jerry, and his girlfriend Madison at the game tonight for his NHL debut. Milne will try to treat this like any other game, but there is no doubt he is excited to show the Wild what he is made of in his debut.

"Yeah, I’m super excited," Milne said. "I’ve been working hard all year, and to get this opportunity, I can’t wait. Saturday night, State of Hockey, couldn’t ask for much more, so I’m fired up."

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