GLENDALE, ARIZ. — Because left winger Matt Cullen has a sore shoulder and neck, the Wild recalled 20-year-old power forward Charlie Coyle from AHL Houston on Saturday.
The 6-2, 222-pounder from East Weymouth, Mass., is expected to make his NHL debut Monday even if Cullen can play.
Coyle has scored 14 goals and 10 assists in 44 games in Houston. Acquired from San Jose in the 2011 Brent Burns trade, Coyle left Boston University in January 2012 and ultimately helped Saint John to a Quebec League championship with 17 goals and 34 points in 17 playoff games. He was named MVP of the playoffs.
Defenseman Jared Spurgeon skated Saturday but didn't practice and will miss his sixth consecutive game because of a foot injury. He has likely been placed on injured reserve to make room for Coyle on the 23-man roster.
