Over the past two years, Justin Kloos has gotten two different views of Luke Kunin. The former Gophers forward has seen Kunin as a cursed rival, during the years Kunin played for Wisconsin, then became his teammate when both represented the Wild at a recent NHL prospects tournament.
There is no question which picture Kloos prefers. "It's a lot nicer to have him on your side, battling with you, working toward the same goals instead of going opposite ways,'' he said. "He's just a really, really good player."
That's the opinion of many in the Wild organization as Kunin, 19, tries to make a big impression in his first NHL training camp. Following two stellar seasons with the Badgers, the native of suburban St. Louis decided last spring to get started on his pro career. He's already caught the attention of Wild coach Bruce Boudreau, who expects him to make a strong bid for a spot on the NHL roster.
The 6-0, 191-pound Kunin has shown off his vaunted work ethic during his first two days of camp. The forward also brings a solid all-around game and a knack for leadership.
"I'm just looking forward to the process,'' Kunin said. "I'm going to try to push for a spot on the team. That's my goal, to try to make it.
"I'm really excited to learn from the coaches and the guys who are here, guys I've looked up to. I just want to keep getting better every day."
Boudreau raved about Kunin's competitive spirit during the prospects tournament, in which he finished with two goals — including a game-winner. Before camp started, the coach said he wouldn't be surprised if Kunin quickly put himself in position to win a place with the Wild.
"Luke takes nothing from nobody,'' Boudreau said. "He outworks everybody. A guy like him, even if they do get sent to the minors for a little bit, they're going to the minors with one thing in mind: to get back to the NHL. You don't see him as a guy that's going to be denied.''