Baggot: Captain Kunin ‘ready to play pro hockey’
March 23, 2017 | Men's Hockey, Andy Baggot
Minnesota Wild first-rounder headed to Iowa to begin pro career
 |
||
|
BY ANDY BAGGOT
UWBadgers.com Insider
MADISON, Wis. -- Before Luke Kunin headed out on his own Thursday, he spent an hour on the ice at LaBahn Arena getting one last tutorial from Wisconsin men's hockey coach Tony Granato.
These weekly one-on-one instruction sessions were commonplace for Kunin during his sophomore season with the Badgers. Sometimes the winger worked with Granato, but most of the time it was with his brother, associate head coach Don Granato.
This one was unique because of the scene that unfolded when it was done.
Kunin went into the UW dressing room, packed his equipment bag, bundled his right-handed sticks in clear plastic wrap and showered.
When he left the facility, Kunin's home away from home the last two years, his mind was on a whole new endeavor.
To no one's surprise, Kunin is turning pro, agreeing to a three-year entry level contract with the Minnesota Wild, the NHL club that drafted him in the first round in 2016.
NEWS: #mnwild has agreed to terms w/ @lukekunin9 on a 3-year, entry-level contract starting w/the 2017-18 season ? https://t.co/PZHahjXY6X pic.twitter.com/abXztdcG8a
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) March 23, 2017
Kunin left Madison on Thursday afternoon bound for Des Moines, Iowa. That's where the Wild have their American Hockey League affiliate. That's where he'll play the rest of the year – including 12 regular-season games – after signing an amateur tryout contract.
"I thought I was ready to play pro hockey," Kunin said.
So did Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher and his talent evaluators.
So did Tony Granato, a former NHL player and coach who said so publicly earlier this week.
"He's been helping me throughout the whole process, so for him to say that really kind of solidifies it all in making the right decision," Kunin said.
On draft day last June, when Minnesota picked Kunin with the 15th overall pick, he said he intended to turn pro when he was ready. He also hinted that might be sooner rather than later.
"We've had some chats here throughout the year," Kunin said of Tony Granato. "He knows that's where I want to be and I want to be there for a long time."
Kunin's powerful, accurate shot and his leadership skills are what stand out. He led the Badgers in goals as a freshman and sophomore – 19 and 22, respectively – becoming the first UW player since Dany Heatley (1999-2001) to do so his first two college seasons.
Kunin also became the first UW sophomore to wear the "C'' as captain since Mike Eaves in 1975-76.
"It was another learning experience for me," Kunin said of his captaincy. "Even being a captain in previous years you're always learning as a leader and growing.
"As a team we learned a lot and grew a lot."
Good luck @lukekunin9 A pleasure watching him play the last 2 seasons. Respectful, humble and a fantastic talent. @mnwild @BadgerMHockey
— Brian Posick (@brian_posick) March 23, 2017
Kunin, a 19-year-old from Chesterfield, Missouri, rode out some turbulent times at Wisconsin.
In 2015-16, the Badgers went 8-19-8 overall and finished last in the Big Ten Conference for the second consecutive season. That gave way to Eaves, who led his alma mater to the NCAA title in 2006, to being fired after 14 seasons.
Tony Granato, another former UW standout, took over nearly a year ago and helped guide the Badgers to a 20-15-1 mark and a runner-up finish in the Big Ten.
"Coming to the rink and expecting to win is huge," Kunin said of the upgrade between seasons. "I didn't think we had that the past few years, so it's nice to see."
Kunin, a second-team all-Big Ten choice this season, insisted his decision to leave was difficult.
"I love it here," he said. "I love playing here. It will be tough leaving, but you've got to move on to the next chapter. I'll miss it for sure."
Kunin said those extra weekly sessions with the Granato brothers involved a variety of skill and shooting drills, all designed to help him prepare for the pros.@BadgerMHockey @mnwild pic.twitter.com/9COLPynxOZ
— Luke Kunin (@lukekunin9) March 23, 2017
"Little details that matter at the next level," Kunin said.
Kunin is anxious for his new life to begin. He wants to keep developing while trying to help Iowa have success.
"You're playing against pros," he said. "It's your job now.
"I'm just excited to get there energized and show what I can do to help my team win."
