Wild Sign Forward Havlat to Six-Year Contract

Just hours after losing Marian Gaborik to the New York Rangers, the Minnesota Wild signed right wing Martin Havlat to a six-year contract worth $30 million. The deal averages out to $5 million per season. In 81 games last season with the Chicago Blackhawks, Havlat scored 29 goals and 48 assists for 77 points. In 470 career games with the Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators, he has 169 goals and 227 assists for 396 points. The Blackhawks had been trying to sign Havlat to a contract extension just prior to July 1, but could not get anything completed and instead opted to pursue Marian Hossa. While this is not a bad signing for the Wild, it is also a risky one, as Havlat is extremely susceptible to injury. Last season was the first time in his career that Havlat did not miss a considerable amount of time due to injury. When healthy, he is an extremely talented forward with plenty of offensive and goal-scoring skills. If he can remain as healthy as he did last season, Havlat will be a good fit for the Wild. However, with him locked up for the next six years, the Wild had better hope Havlat stays healthy for most of his contract or else this could end up being a bad signing for the team.