Jake Middleton avoided a serious injury when he was pushed head-first into the boards on Friday in Elmont, N.Y., but was unavailable for Sunday’s matinee against Dallas at Xcel Energy Center.

Officially, Middleton is out with an upper body injury after a push from Islanders alternate captain Bo Horvat in the second period of the Wild’s 3-1 loss. Middleton was racing to retrieve a puck in the corner when Horvat gave him a shove with his left hand, simultaneously tripping him with his stick.

Middleton went face-first into the boards and collapsed in a heap, and Horvat was immediately contrite, and later banged his stick on the ice while standing in the penalty box as Middleton left the ice.

“I would say day to day,” Hynes said.

Middleton wasn’t the only regular unavailable Sunday. Forwards Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek remain out with lower body injuries. Although both skated with the team before a March 27 victory over the Capitals, neither has played a game in weeks and it’s unclear whether either will return before the regular season ends April 15 against Anaheim.

Kaprizov, tied for second on the team with 23 goals and third in points with 52, hasn’t played in a game since Jan. 26, and Eriksson Ek’s last games were in the Four Nations Cup in February. He’s on injured reserve.

“You know why I don’t like to give timelines; because it changes every day,” Hynes said when asked about the forwards on Sunday. “I truly do not have one. I can’t give you one.”

Before Sunday’s game, the Wild held the eighth and final postseason spot in the Western Conference by four points over Calgary, where the Wild will play on Friday night. After Sunday, Minnesota has four regular-season games left.

Briefly

Defenseman Cameron Crotty, recalled from AHL Iowa on Saturday, was a healthy scratch.

Related Articles

Wild GM Bill Guerin: ‘It’s up to the guys in that locker room’

Wild return to NHL duty still missing their best player

Wild about to receive a salary cap windfall of roughly $22 million

Wild shutting Kirill Kaprizov down again

Wild move clears way for returns of Kirill Kaprizov and Jared Spurgeon

As a St. Paul City Council candidate running in this year’s special election, I’ve been talking to neighbors in every neighborhood in Ward 4. Lack of affordability in our city is a growing concern, and understandably so. Housing costs are climbing for both renters and homeowners.

We know there are many causes for this ranging from rent stabilization and rising property taxes to insurance costs, utilities, and interest rates. If we are going to tackle rising costs, then addressing St. Paul’s severe housing shortage is key to ensuring all our residents have access to stable, affordable homes.

I’ve been working in affordable housing for over a decade, both in the Twin Cities and statewide. In my work, I’ve helped first-generation homeowners make their first purchase and also financed and expanded affordable housing options across Minnesota. In one of my favorite books, “Homelessness is a Housing Problem,” Gregg Colburn and Clayton Paige Aldern conclude that housing market conditions — cost and availability — are the central factors to homelessness. As the title clearly states, homelessness is a housing problem, and so are unaffordable rents and mortgages.

The Twin Cities region has a shortage of more than 71,000 affordable housing units. In other words, for every 100 extremely low-income households, there are only 39 rental units available. This gap is leading to an increase in evictions in our region, while other communities have returned to pre-pandemic eviction rates.

This is our reality, and it’s putting community members at greater risk of housing instability, increasing rates of homelessness and placing a housing cost burden on our families, our seniors and our workers.

Fortunately, we know how to solve this: We need more housing of all types, sizes, and locations.

We need both market-rate and deeply affordable housing. The city has taken steps by updating its residential zoning code to allow for more diverse housing development, but more needs to be done. To start, we should adjust density bonuses to incentivize affordable rental and ownership housing.

Addressing this challenge will require collaboration. For-profit developers, who can build at scale and handle large commercial-to-residential conversions, must be part of the solution. St. Paul needs large-scale development projects, such as The Heights and Sherman Associates’ downtown conversion project. We also need smaller-scale local developers and investments in starter homes priced under $300,000 in our neighborhoods, like the work Rondo Community Land Trust is leading in the Selby-Dale neighborhood.

A thriving housing ecosystem requires contributions from all parts of the system, and our City’s policies and administrative procedures need to make building easier for everyone.

This is why I believe St. Paul must pass the updated rent-stabilization changes proposed by the City Council, alongside strengthened tenant protections. These measures together will encourage investment in new housing while protecting renters from unfair evictions and excessive security deposits. Adding language or other efforts to strengthen our “Source of Income Protection” laws would also expand housing choices for Section 8 voucher holders.

Some argue that St. Paul’s decline in housing production isn’t due to rent stabilization. However, the data suggests otherwise. In 2022, St. Paul issued 79% fewer building permits than in 2021, while Minneapolis saw a 293% increase. I have heard firsthand from developers and investors who see St. Paul as a risky environment, leading to higher costs and stalling much-needed development. If rent stabilization is discouraging investment, we must acknowledge and address its impact and make changes.

Our current shortage puts renters at risk. When supply is low, prices rise, and landlords can be more selective, increasing discrimination, evictions and annual rent hikes. The original intent of rent stabilization was to protect renters, but without sufficient housing supply, it has not delivered on that promise.

We can build a St, Paul that is affordable, vibrant, and safe for everyone. To do so, we must stop pitting business and development against community needs. Instead, we need to celebrate the strengths that each partner brings to the table and work collaboratively to support each other and our vision. St. Paul community members have always taken care of each, and we can do that now too. By working together, we can create a housing ecosystem that supports all of St. Paul’s residents, renters, and property owners. Our city’s long-term prosperity depends on it.

Cristen Incitti is a nonprofit affordable-housing CEO, past St. Paul renter and current homeowner, and a candidate for the St. Paul City Council seat representing Ward 4. The special election for the seat is scheduled for Aug. 12.

 

Does the City of Saint Paul value small businesses, or not?

I see two versions of St. Paul’s business community. On the one hand, St. Paul is rich with historic spaces and entrepreneurs that embody our city’s unique culture and potential. On the other hand, St. Paul’s existing businesses are closing at an alarming rate: Just last month the downtown’s Lunds & Byerlys joined that list. St. Paul’s Mayor Carter has publicly acknowledged small businesses as the “lifeblood” and “backbone” of the community. But the City’s Planning and Economic Development Department’s indifference toward Saint Paul Brewing at the Hamm’s complex redevelopment tell a different story.

The Hamm’s Brewery campus on St. Paul’s East Side is one of our city’s most iconic landmarks and has unlimited potential. Since taking ownership of Saint Paul Brewing in 2020, I’m proud that the business has become a valued asset on the East Side, attracting tens of thousands of annual visitors from within the neighborhood, the city, across the state, and beyond. Saint Paul Brewing is growing, and we are ready to expand services to two more floors. As early as this summer, the old 11 Wells is poised to re-open as a cocktail tasting room and a 21+ mini golf attraction. Unfortunately, the City PED is advancing a Hamm’s redevelopment concept that threatens the survival of my business and jeopardizes the jobs of 100+ employees, as well as over $3 million in annual payroll and benefits.

The City’s Hamm’s development vision has two parts. I fully support the first part, the renovation of the historic Hamm’s buildings into 89 affordable housing units and a commercial marketplace for 30-50 entrepreneurs. However, I’m concerned about the second part of the proposal, which would permanently eliminate the critical on-site patron parking to make way for a new-construction apartment building.

Over the past two years, I have asked that the city “press pause” on this second component, allowing the historic buildings to be completed before the new construction begins. I do not believe this needs to be an “either or” situation. I deeply support the reuse of the Hamm’s site, I support affordable housing, and I believe a phased approach to the development will advance both AND help everyone be successful.

I have repeatedly asked the City to discuss this logical phased approach. But the City has informed me they remain unwilling to compromise and plan to proceed with both phases of the redevelopment. Just in recent days, we invited City officials to participate in an open house to hear community response to the proposed redevelopment, but they did not attend. I am not able to stand by and watch the city destroy the destination businesses my team has built and our vision for the future without exhausting all of my options, ideas, and resources.

The City’s “thoughts and prayers” style response to my requests for creative problem solving and assistance is troubling. Supporting small businesses is not simply a matter of rhetoric; it requires concrete action and a genuine commitment to creating an environment where these businesses can thrive. I urge the City to recognize the positive contributions my business has made to the neighborhood, the potential we have if we work together, and to take action to support and protect it — before it is gone.

I remain committed to collaborating and finding a solution that benefits all parties involved and aligns with City leaders’ emphasis on the importance of small businesses. I am open to exploring all options and keen to discuss them before further time and resources are expended.

Rob Clapp is a social entrepreneur and developer. He is the co-founder and chief experience officer of Can Can Wonderland, a whimsical arts and entertainment venue in St. Paul, and owner of Saint Paul Brewing, a destination eatery and patio in the historic Hamm’s Brewing Complex.

MANUFACTURING

Jay Lund and Chris Galvin

Andersen Corp., a Bayport-based maker of windows and doors for the residential market, announced that Chris Galvin, chief executive officer, has been appointed chairman of the board of directors. Galvin succeeds Jay Lund, who has served as chairman since 2013.

ADVERTISING/PUBLIC RELATIONS

McClung PR, Minneapolis, announced the following appointments: Kathleen McClung joins the firm as vice president, Public Relations & Corporate Communications, and Kate Raddatz has been promoted to vice president, Media Relations. McClung previously led external PR at Ameriprise Financial, Minneapolis, and is the wife of firm founder and CEO, Brian McClung; Raddatz previously was an Emmy-winning journalist at WCCO-TV, Minneapolis.

ATTRACTIONS

Mercedes McFarland Jackson has been elected to a two-year term as vice chair of the Science Museum of Minnesota’s board of trustees. The museum is in St. Paul. McFarland Jackson is a shareholder at Minneapolis law firm Fredrikson, which made the announcement.

EDUCATION

Spark-Y: Youth Action Labs, a Minneapolis-based STEM activity-based educational program, announced the appointments of Pamela Meade and Kristine Martin to its board. Meade is CEO/president at Designs for Learning, St. Paul; Martin is past president/CEO at East Side Neighborhood Services, Minneapolis.

FEDERAL RESERVE

The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis announced the following appointments: Daniel From, assistant vice president of Federal Reserve Financial Services, and Jacqueline Galligan, vice president of Supervision, Regulation, and Credit. From has been with the Fed for 14 years; Galligan has been with the bank since 2011.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Abdo, an Edina-based accounting and advisory firm, announce the appointment of Abigail (Abby) Smith as its first-ever chief financial officer. Smith is rejoining Abdo after having previously worked with the firm’s nonprofit division. Most recently, she was the director, corporate controller and treasurer at Intricon Corp.

HONORS

The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced the following Community Awards recipients: Ambassador of the Year: Randy Gutzmann; Nonprofit of the Year: Limitless Cycling; Educator of the Year: Bob Manning, Stillwater Area High School; Small Business of the Year: Big Red Dog Studios; Large Business of the Year: Lift Bridge Brewing Co.; Behind the Badge: Brian Mueller, Stillwater chief of police; Volunteer of the Year: Chad Rogness, and Service with a Smalley: Joe Ehlenz, Stillwater Proper. … Du Nord Social Spirits, a Minneapolis-based distillery, announced it received top honors at the 11th Annual American Craft Spirits Competition in Tucson, Ariz. Foundation Vodka, Du Nord’s flagship spirit, was awarded both a Gold Medal and Best in Class distinction, while Pronounced Apple Liqueur also secured a Gold Medal.

LAW

Attorneys Shantal M. Pai and Maliya G. Rattliffe have been named 2025 Pathfinders by the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, a seven-month program offering high-potential, early-career attorneys from diverse backgrounds leadership skills training and relationship-building resources. The attorneys are with Fredrikson, Minneapolis, which made the announcement. … National law firm Thompson Hine announced the opening of Minneapolis office; partners include  Christopher K. Larus, William E. Manske and Rajin Singh Olson. Larus will lead the office and chair the firm’s Intellectual Property & Technology Litigation practice.

MILESTONES

North Sky Capital, a Wayzata-based investment firm, announced its 25th year in business.

NONPROFITS

Animal Humane Society, Golden Valley, announced the appointment of board member Todd Lee. Lee is EVP/banking and lending administration at Bell Bank.

ORGANIZATIONS

The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers has named Randy Gilbert to its board of directors. Gilbert is CFO at Table Trac, a Minnetonka-based global provider of software and services to the gaming industry, which made the announcement.

UTILITIES

Allete, a Duluth-based multi-state energy utility, announced that Vice President and Corporate Treasurer Jeff Scissons has been promoted to chief financial officer, succeeding Steven W. Morris, who announced his plan to retire in July. Scissons joined the company in 2013 and was promoted to vice president and corporate treasurer in 2024.

Related Articles

Knight Foundation names Charlene Bradley as St. Paul director

Business People: Hennepin Healthcare CEO Jennifer DeCubellis to step down

Business People: John Heinmiller to chair Fairview board

Business People: Former U.S. Bank chief Richard Davis to chair Mayo board of trustees

Business People: Sleep Number Corp. names Linda Findley president and CEO

EMAIL ITEMS to businessnews@pioneerpress.com.