Addison ready to seize latest NHL opportunity

It's certainly not the way Calen Addison probably wanted his latest opportunity in the National Hockey League to come, but the 21-year-old could be counted on in the coming weeks to see his first extended time in the NHL.
Addison, a defenseman who has seen some time at forward this season, is the first man up with injuries to Jonas Brodin and Jared Spurgeon creating a couple of big voids on the Wild's back end.
And while the hope is that those two players won't be gone long, it does provide Addison with a good opportunity to stake his claim to stick around even when those two eventually make their returns.

Addison, who scored his first NHL goal against Ottawa on Nov. 2, was forced into action as a forward on Nov. 30, and didn't play with Minnesota again until the Winter Classic on Jan. 1.
Even then, it was no guarantee he'd be in.
Recalled that week from Iowa with Brodin on the COVID-19 protocol list, Addison's outlook for playing in the game changed on an almost daily basis.

First, he looked like a shoo-in, with Brodin placed on the list less than a week from puck drop. Then the NHL changed its protocols, allowing positive-testing players a way out of protocols after five days, a number which Brodin was within.
At that point, it looked like Addison might be a healthy scratch.
So tenuous was his status for that night that Addison said he didn't find out until late that he'd actually get a chance to play in the game.
"When I got to the rink for the game," Addison said of his advanced warning that day.
The pleasant and welcome surprise made for a fitting memory he can always remember.
Because Addison debuted last season while the NHL was playing in empty buildings, and with intermittent playing time in Minnesota this season, his family had been unable to see him play in an NHL game yet.
But they made the trek down from Brandon, Manitoba earlier in the week hoping they'd see him play in the Winter Classic. As it turned out, their trip was worth it.

"It was the experience of a lifetime," Addison said. "Those are the moments you never forget."
And while Addison has played two games at forward this season as injuries and illness has forced the Wild into some difficult decisions, it shouldn't be overlooked as to why Addison was trusted in those spots.
While it'd be easy to call up a forward to play in those positions, especially with the AHL affiliate just a four-hour car ride away, Addison has earned the trust of the coaching staff by his practice habits when he's been around.
The game in November where he played forward, the Wild had ample time and opportunity to get a forward to Minnesota in time for the game, but coach Dean Evason remarked that Addison's work ethic had earned him a chance to at least scratch into the lineup, even if it was at a position he's never really played until his time there this season.
"For me this year, it's all about being ready," Addison said. "Coming ready to play whenever I need to and when they need me, and obviously now, wherever they need me. I'm willing to do anything at any position at any time. It's just an awesome experience and I love being here."
There's no doubt, however, that Addison prefers his natural position and the Wild would rather have their bluechip blueliner playing back there as well.
"That's where I've played my whole life and that's where I'm comfortable," Addison said.
If not for strong starts to the season by veterans Jon Merrill and Jordie Benn, it sure seems likely Addison would have a few more NHL games under his belt already this season.

Still, the play of the vets will only help Addison in the long run. With no room on the NHL roster, Addison has played big minutes in all scenarios in Iowa, tallying two goals and nine points in 17 games down there.
A second-round pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2018, Addison was the centerpiece of the Jason Zucker trade that sent the winger east, and brought Addison and a first-round pick back to Minnesota.
Here, he's playing for General Manager Bill Guerin, part of the team that drafted him in Pittsburgh and someone who steadfastly believes Addison has a long future in front of him with the Wild.
When exactly that long-term future begins is anybody's guess, but for now, Addison says he'll bring his best every night in an effort to keep the Wild near the top of the Central Division standings.
"I don't think things ever really change: I come in ready to go no matter when it is," Addison said. "I'm always going to try and play my game and do what I do out there, make plays and move my feet. I don't think things really change depending on different situations, or games or whatever. I'm always going to come in with the same mindset."