Minnesota Wild place rookie defenceman Matthew Dumba, enforcer Matt Kassian on opening roster

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Minnesota Wild have included rookie defenceman Matthew Dumba on their season-opening roster.

The Wild activated right wing Pierre-Marc Bouchard from injured reserve and reassigned defenceman Steven Kampfer to their AHL affiliate Thursday. Bouchard received final clearance from the concussion he suffered last season. They also placed centre Jake Dowell, right wing Nick Palmieri and left wing Stephane Veilleux on waivers.

The Wild start the season Saturday against Colorado.

Dumba was the team's first-round draft pick this year, the 12th overall selection, and will be one of seven defencemen on the initial roster. Marco Scandella remains in the AHL while he's recovering from a groin injury.

Left wing Matt Kassian, a 6-foot-5, 247-pound enforcer, also has a spot. Coach Mike Yeo said he's important for protection of the team's stars.