Cameras capture Schultz live

The Wild defenseman will be a part of the NHL Network's "A Day in the Life."

By MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune

Last update: December 5, 2008 - 11:38 PM

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Nick Schultz felt like a reality star Friday.

The Wild defenseman was followed around all day by TV cameras as the NHL Network got behind-the-scenes footage for a future episode of "A Day in the Life" of Nick Schultz, scheduled to air Dec. 18.

As expected, Schultz, who was miked during the morning skate and Friday night's game against Vancouver, was tormented by his teammates.

"I don't think there will be a lot of talking," defenseman Kurtis Foster said. "It'll be a lot of following his son around and a lot of cleaning, because he's a neat freak."

Andrew Brunette was all over Schultz for wearing a baseball cap.

"He says it's because I've got a big forehead," Schultz said, laughing. "He says the glare from my forehead would have blinded the cameraman, so that's why I'm wearing the hat."

Brunette also noticed how when Schultz went into equipment manager Tony DaCosta's office, DaCosta would only show the left side of his face.

"Because he has a zit on the right side of his nose," Schultz said, laughing.

The cameras showed up at Schultz's Edina home at 7:45 a.m. As Foster predicted, the crew watched Schultz play with his son, Jake, then followed him to the rink. They went to lunch, and the plan was for the show to end with the crew following Schultz to the airport late Friday night for the team's flight to Nashville.

"It's a little uncomfortable but kind of neat, too," said Schultz, who assisted on his first goal since Nov. 1 in the game.

Gaborik's agent attends

Marian Gaborik's agent, Ron Salcer, attended Friday's game, but Salcer said he still has not spoken to the Wild about a contract since September.

Not wanting to step on the Wild's toes, Salcer would not reveal Gaborik's specific injury, but he said he believes Gaborik will be back soon.

"We're looking for a long-term solution to get him healthy and playing for a long time and not have to revisit this ever again," Salcer said. "He's making good progress. We're being cautious, but it'll be Marian's call [when to return]."

Nolan finds trouble

Things were starting to roll for veteran Owen Nolan. He was playing his 12th consecutive game after missing eight of 11 because of a right leg injury. He had scored goals in four of the past five games.

But early in the first period Friday night, Nolan seemed to aggravate the injury -- his right leg around the hamstring -- when he tried to check Henrik Sedin. He did not return.

Mitchell hearing over

Assistant GM Tom Lynn returned from New York, where the record is finally closed in the Willie Mitchell arbitration hearing. Mitchell filed a grievance against the Wild in 2005.

The Canucks defenseman claims he had a bulging disk in his neck and should have been paid his $1.775 million salary during the lockout. The Wild contends Mitchell never missed a game because of the alleged injury.

Lynn said an arbitrator is supposed to render a decision in 60-90 days.

Etc.

• Mikko Koivu on the "fight" between Montreal Canadiens captain Saku Koivu, his older brother, and the Rangers' Scott Gomez on Thursday night: "I watched the whole game, but I went to get some food, and I missed that!"

• Goalie Anton Khudobin, 22, the Wild's seventh-round pick in 2004, was named the ECHL Saver of the Month for November. He went 7-0 with a 1.26 goals-against average, .954 save percentage and three shutouts for the Florida Everblades.

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