NASHVILLE – In just a seven-day span, forward Mikael Granlund was traded for the first time in his career, became a father and returned to Xcel Energy Center to face his former teammates.
"I don't know if that kind of week is ever going to come up again," Granlund said.
But the milestones kept rolling in Tuesday, as Granlund made his home debut with the Predators at Bridgestone Arena — yet again against the Wild after reuniting with the team Sunday in St. Paul during a 3-2 shootout victory for Nashville.
"It's been a pretty crazy week," Granlund said. "But thank God everything has gone well. Now it's just get in here and get used to everything here."
It was just nine days ago Granlund was still with the Wild but shortly before the trade deadline expired Feb. 25, he was sent to Nashville in exchange for winger Kevin Fiala — a move that surprised him initially.
"But it's part of the business, and it's not that big of a deal," Granlund said. "But obviously I'm going to miss a lot of guys from that team, and it's been a huge seven years in Minnesota. But I'm very excited about being here with this team."
Drafted by the Wild ninth overall in 2010, Granlund will remember Minnesota as where he developed as a player and how "the whole state" was friendly to his family — which now includes son Milo, who was born Feb. 26 — the same day Granlund turned 27.
During Sunday's action, Granlund received a standing ovation from the crowd at Xcel Energy Center after the Wild acknowledged his return with a video tribute. He was also able to catch up with former teammates after the game, but Granlund is glad that first visit back to St. Paul is over and he can focus on his future with the Predators.
