Staubitz was recently replaced by the since-demoted Matt Kassian as the team's enforcer. Doesn't seem like Mike Yeo plans on playing him with any regularity.
Staubitz gets back in the lineup after sitting out during the team's last game. With the Red Wings not dressing an enforcer, he is unlikely to drop the gloves tonight.
While Bouchard was surely missed on Tuesday, the presence the Wild may have lacked more was that of Brad Staubitz.
Staubitz posted 173 PIM in his first season as a member of the Wild while chipping in nine points. With Darcy Hordichuk on the other side, expect him to drop the gloves in his return.
NEW YORK (AP) — The NHL hit Minnesota Wild forward Brad Staubitz hard, suspending him for the rest of the preseason and the first three regular-season games for an illegal check on Columbus' Cody Bass from behind.
Staubitz finished last season with 173 PIM along with four goals and nine points. Expect a similar amount of PIM but he has never produced more than 10 points in a season.