Watch CBS News

Pominville Trade Timing Was Crucial

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- Josh Harding was back at practice for the Wild today and looked good.

Matt Cullen skated before the workout, but there's still no time table on his return.

And now with Dany Heatley out, the Minnesota Wild is searching for more offense -- that's exactly why they made the trade for Jason Pominville.

Even with rumors in the air, it was still a surprise when Pominville got the call that he was being traded from Buffalo.

"I was a little bit in shock," he said. "Not sure if it was going to happen or not. Then I got the call saying the deal was done."

The squad welcomed him into its playoff hunt.

"I think it's an easier transition when you have a good locker room and a good group of guys," Pominville said. "They were really nice right off the bat."

And it does help when Zach Parise is with you.

"I think he's a play-maker," Parise said. "I think he's complemented our line really well with how he controls the puck."

It's also nice to have Mikko Koivu at center.

"The adjustment has been easy and he's an easy player to play with," Koivu said. "He plays well at both ends of the ice."

So Pominville begins to adjust to his new surroundings on the fly.

"Coming to a great hockey city, a great organization, and team that's committed to winning -- it'll be good for me," Pominville said. "And I'm excited to be part of this group of guys."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.