In a move aimed at bolstering their respective AHL affiliates, the Minnesota Wild and the Tampa Bay Lightning executed a minor league trade on Sunday, December 28, 2025. The Wild acquired forward Boris Katchouk from the Lightning in exchange for forward Michael Milne. Both players will report to their new teams in the American Hockey League; Katchouk will join the Iowa Wild, while Milne will suit up for the Syracuse Crunch.

Boris Katchouk, 27, brings a veteran presence to the Iowa Wild. Drafted by Tampa Bay in the second round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Katchouk has accumulated 179 NHL games with the Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks, and Ottawa Senators, recording 15 goals, 21 assists, and 36 points. This season with Syracuse, Katchouk has tallied 4 goals and 10 points in 21 games. He also had a brief recall to Tampa Bay in November, where he played in three games. Katchouk is viewed as a higher-floor, lower-ceiling option for the Wild, providing a potential call-up option with considerable experience.

Michael Milne, 23, heads to the Syracuse Crunch organization. The Wild selected Milne in the third round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Milne has played 15 AHL games with Iowa this season, notching two goals and five points. He played his lone NHL game on November 16, 2024, against the Dallas Stars. Milne is considered a potential higher-upside player, though he lacks the NHL experience of Katchouk.

The trade addresses specific needs for both clubs. The Wild gain a more seasoned player in Katchouk who can provide immediate support if needed at the NHL level. The Lightning, on the other hand, acquire a younger prospect in Milne with the potential to develop into a valuable asset.

In a related move, the Syracuse Crunch have also acquired defenseman Wyatt Newpower from the Iowa Wild in exchange for future considerations.