Wild Sign Defensemen Fraser and Sifers to One-Year Deals

The Minnesota Wild added some depth to their blueline on Wednesday by signing defensemen Jamie Fraser and Jaime Sifers to one-year contracts. Terms of both deals were not disclosed. Fraser appeared in only one game last season with the New York Islanders, scoring no points. He also played in 66 games with the Islanders’ AHL affiliate in Bridgeport, scoring seven goals and 14 assists for 21 points. Sifers appeared in 23 games last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, his first in the NHL, scoring two assists. He also played in 43 games with the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, scoring four goals and 16 assists for 20 points. These are merely depth signings for the Wild, as neither player will likely see much NHL action next season. Sifers will probably be a career sixth or seventh defenseman, so his role with the team will be limited. Fraser has been impressive at the minor league level and if given the chance, could develop into as a high as a top-four defenseman. If he plays well in the AHL next season, the Wild should consider re-signing him next summer.