The Wild is close to signing Johan Larsson to his three-year, entry-level deal. Not done yet, but close.
Larsson, an 18-year-old left wing taken 56th overall, will be the second of the Wild's top-four picks from the 2010 draft to sign. The other was Brett Bulmer last month. Bulmer has been playing for Houston on an amateur tryout, but he sustained a knee injury in this series against Hamilton.
Next focus from 2010 will be Mikael Granlund. At the very least, the Wild would like to sign Granlund to bring him to training camp. Larsson is expected to attend both the July development camp and September's training camp. But he'll almost certainly return to his Swedish club, Brynas.
But you can bet the Wild would love to try to convince Granlund to give the Wild a try.
In an MTV3 interview here, Wild captain Mikko Koivu said he spoke to Granlund's parents:
From my pal, Juha Hiitela: "I don't want to comment about him coming to Wild next year. I've spoke about it with Mikael and his parents. He can make his own decision and tell that when time comes. I've gave them help and met them, that's all I'm going to say about it."
Now that the "glee" of Finland's world championship has worn off, Koivu returned to his military service Wednesday night.
On Thursday, he was at the rainy recruit camp in the town of Nurmes learning to use a rifle.
Here are two links for pics: Here and here
Courtesy: MTV3 (Finland)
If you need a refresher, here's the original blog I wrote last month on Koivu fulfilling his military obligation
On Friday, Koivu will bring the dented world championship trophy to his hometown of Turku. He will be on a special ferry, I'm told, on the Aura River. It's expected to be the biggest party ever in Turku. A few top Finnish bands and singers will get on stage, too.
