Young Wild Tracker: Luke Kunin joins Team USA

By Ryan Lund
Published

With signees and draft picks spread out across two continents and more than a dozen junior leagues, keeping up with the Minnesota Wild's various prospects can be a daunting task.

From managing streaming plans and tracking down cable channels, to learning a few new languages (Puhutko suomea?), keeping tabs on the next generation can be a full-time job.

FOX Sports North has you covered.

From Finland to Fargo, we're breaking down the stats and bringing you a comprehensive look at the Wild's prospect pipeline each and every week.

So, let's take a look at the week that was in the latest edition of the Young Wild Tracker.

FIRST STAR

Luke Kunin, C, Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)

The Badgers wrapped up the first half with a series split against conference rival Michigan over the weekend, and Kunin once again led the way. He was named the Big Ten's second star of the week after scoring twice to power the Badgers to a 7-4 win over the Wolverines on Friday, before adding an assist in a 4-1 loss Saturday. Next up for Kunin is the World Junior Championships, where he'll look to help Team USA improve on last year's bronze-medal performance.

SECOND STAR

Kaapo Kahkonen, G, Lukko Rauma (Liiga)

Now in his third season in the Finnish elite league, Kahkonen earned the second shutout of his Liiga career last week, making 26 saves in a 4-0 win over HIFK. The 20-year-old also made 37 saves in a 4-1 win over Vaasan, upping his save percentage to .926 on the season.

THIRD STAR

Braydyn Chizen, D, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

A truly raw defender who is reportedly still growing into his 6-foot-6 frame, Chizen was a bit of an off-the-board pick for the Wild last summer. Still, Kelowna's reputation as a defenseman factory (Duncan Keith, Shea Weber, Tyler Myers and Tyson Barrie are all Rockets alums) is well known, even if Chizen's fists are probably his most notable attribute at the moment. He got involved on offense last week, scoring the game-tying goal in an 8-7 loss to Medicine Hat after assisting on the game's first goal.