Wild forced to deal?

Michael Russo of the Minnesota Star Tribune reports that the Minnesota Wild may be forced to make some moves to stay under the maximum roster limit of 23 players.

So, here is the problem: the Wild want to keep forward Aaron Voros on their roster. The youngster’s play has earned him a roster spot in with the Wild long enough to make him have to clear waivers if he were to be demoted. And that’s unlikely to happen.

“I would say this: I wouldn’t feel very comfortable putting him on waivers right now,” General Manager Doug Risebrough said.

But when forwards Mikko Koivu and Derek Boogaard, and defensemen Petteri Nummelin and Nick Schultz return from injury, something will have to give.

“Realistically, I don’t think you ever play with 23,” Risebrough said. “There’s usually 24 because of injuries, so the way I look at it, I have a one-player decision, not a two-player decision.”

Risebrough could move one of three blueliners, namely Keith Carney, Kurtis Foster and Nummelin. However, the Wild GM may not be so keen on that idea.

“Some say we only need seven [defensemen], but then if two guys get hurt …” he said

Another option would be for the Wild to let Nummelin return to Europe. According to Russo, Nummelin is unhappy being the team’s eighth defenseman and talk is that he wants to play in Switzerland next season. So why not let him go this season? It would save the team $1.2 million.

Lastly, Risebrough could waive forwards Matt Foy or Todd Fedoruk.

One player that Risebrough isn’t interested in moving, is Boogaard.

“Boogaard’s a part of the team and he creates a lot of confidence for players,” Risebrough said. “I’d even say, don’t be surprised if Boogey plays more because he’s got the same type of players to play with.”