When the Minnesota Wild claimed Teemu Pulkkinen off of waivers from the Detroit Red Wings the State of Hockey was abuzz with speculation and hope. The young Finn had a lot to offer the Wild who were a bit starved for NHL ready talent. He was expected to step in and add instant depth to after some of the Wild’s preseason options to fill out their forward depth chart did not work out.
Pulkkinen was actually a very valuable part of the Red Wings organization that the Wings did not want to lose, but due to roster priorities and just lack of room he was put on waivers.