Russo note: Just went to the site and discovered the blog was no longer posted. Not sure why, but I've found it again and here it is. I'll post a fresh blog after the morning skates today.

(updated)

Good morning. Brief hello before my flight to Montreal, or Sin City East.

The Wild reassigned defenseman Jaime Sifers and goalie Anton Khudobin this morning and recalled defenseman Clayton Stoner, who will be meeting the Wild in Montreal. If Stoner plays on the trip, it'd be his NHL debut for the 2004 third-rounder.

Stoner impressed me in training camp if you remember. Riddled by injuries thoughout his pro career, he was a lot more mobile and grittier than previous camps. The 24-year-old leads the Houston Aeros and ranks tied for fifth in the AHL with a plus-14 to go along with three goals and seven assists in 26 games. He'll wear No. 7.

I'd think Stoner will see some action, if not in Montreal because he'll have had no practice time with the Wild, maybe Ottawa.

Khudobin was sent back because Josh Harding is feeling better and practicing today. Andrew Ebbett is practicing today as well.

The Wild's having an optional practice today. Those not practicing are getting in an off-ice workout. Owen Nolan is not on the ice.

I'll try to update blog before my flight if there's any definitive word on Nolan and Ebbett traveling. If I had to guess, Nolan won't be and Ebbett will be.

11:30 update: Ebbett has been cleared to play and will travel; Nolan will not make the trip with a leg injury.

Also, Wild prospect Marco Scandella made Canada's world junior championships roster and is expected to be on the top D pair. There's a story about him on the previous blog post. Tyler Cuma and Matt Hackett did not make the team.