Marat Khusnutdinov was on the ice this morning for his first full practice with the Wild.
Marat Khusnutdinov was on the ice this morning for his first full practice with the Wild.
ST. PAUL - Marat Khusnutdinov was on the ice this morning for the Wild for his first full practice. He showcased his speed and his skill and even talked to the media for the first time.
As you can see in the video above, Khusnutdinov is quick. He has great edges and can use his skating and his speed to weave in and out of danger.
“We want to see him play,” Wild head coach John Hynes said. “He’s going to get an opportunity. He looks good on the ice. We want to make sure to communicate with him and give him the right opportunity to get in, whether it be tomorrow, Thursday, or Saturday, whatever that might be. It’ll be one of those.”
Hynes said that Khusnutdinov will prepare as if he is playing tomorrow against the Arizona Coyotes but if he doesn't end up playing, he will get in the lineup this week.
Khusnutdinov, 21, has played center so he is comfortable at that position but he also has played wing. His versatility is a plus and something that could help him get in the lineup soon but also get him in an elevated role.
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