Wild Sign Josh Harding to Three-Year Deal

The Minnesota Wild have announced that they have re-signed goaltender Josh Harding to a three-year contract extension worth $5.7 million.  The deal will average out to $1.9 million per season.  He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1.  In 34 games this past season, he posted a 13-12-4 record, two shutouts, a 2.62 GAA, and a .917 save percentage.  Not a bad move for the Wild, as Harding has developed into a solid backup goalie for the club.  He has good size and some upside to take on a starting goaltender role.  More than likely, he will play backup to Niklas Backstrom once again next season, which will allow prospect Matt Hackett to develop his game a little more in the minors.

Wild Re-Sign Clayton Stoner for Two Years

The Minnesota Wild have announced that they have signed defenseman Clayton Stoner to a two-year contract extension worth $2.1 million.  The deal will average out to $1.05 million per season.  He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer.  In 51 games this past season, he had one goal and four assists for five points and 62 penalty minutes.  Not a bad signing for the Wild, as Stoner has great size and is a quality stay-at-home defenseman.  He plays a physical game and should continue to be an excellent fit for the Wild over the next two seasons.

Bruins Acquire Greg Zanon from Wild

The Boston Bruins have announced that they have acquired defenseman Greg Zanon from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for defenseman Steven Kampfer. Zanon will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, while Kampfer still has one more year left on his current contract. In 39 games so far this season, Zanon has two goals and four assists for six points. He missed 16 games with a groin injury. In 10 games with the Bruins this season, Kampfer has two assists. He also appeared in 12 games with Providence of the AHL, scoring one goal and four assists for five points. This is a decent move for the Bruins, as Zanon will add plenty of grit, experience, and shot-blocking prowess to the blueline. His shutdown skills should be a welcome addition to Boston's defense. As for the Wild, they have added a defenseman with some mobility and offensive upside in Kampfer, but he may not hit his full potential for a few years. With all the defensive changes in Minnesota over the past week or so, the team looks to be rejuvenating their blueline for the future. The Wild have also shed quite a bit of salary over the past week, so they could be making room to make some big splashes on the free agent market this summer, as it's believed they are interested in both Ryan Suter and Zach Parise, both of whom could command a premium on the open market.

Wild Acquire Tom Gilbert from Oilers for Nick Schultz

The Minnesota Wild have announced that they have acquired defenseman Tom Gilbert from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for defenseman Nick Schultz. Both players still have two years remaining on their current contracts. In 47 games so far this season, Gilbert has three goals and 14 assists for 17 points, while Schultz has one goal and two assists for three points in 62 games. This is a solid move for both teams, as it addresses needs on both of their bluelines. After trading Marek Zidlicky to the New Jersey Devils, the Wild were in need of a puck-moving defenseman with offensive talent and they got that in Gilbert. The Oilers were in need of a solid, veteran, shutdown defenseman and they got that in Schultz. He should also bring some grit to Edmonton's defensive corps, as well as some skill on the penalty kill. In the end, it's a good, solid trade for both teams.

Canadiens Claim Brad Staubitz Off Waivers from Wild

The Montreal Canadiens remained active on Trade Deadline Day by claiming right wing Brad Staubitz off re-entry waivers from the Minnesota Wild. Montreal will now only be responsible for half of his salary for the remainder of the season. Staubitz will be eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer. In 43 games so far this season, he has been held pointless and has 73 penalty minutes. Not a bad depth move for the Canadiens, as Staubitz will bring a lot of grit and toughness to the checking lines.

Devils Acquire Marek Zidlicky from Wild in Multi-Player Deal

The New Jersey Devils added some veteran depth to their blueline on Friday night by acquiring defenseman Marek Zidlicky from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for defenseman Kurtis Foster, right wing Nick Palmieri, left wing Stephane Veilleux, a second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft, and a conditional draft pick in the 2013 Entry Draft. The second round pick was originally acquired by the Devils from the Washington Capitals last season in the Jason Arnott trade. The details of the conditional pick have yet to be released. Relations between Zidlicky and the Wild soured in recent days when it became known that he was not getting along with Head Coach Mike Yeo. In 41 games so far this season, Zidlicky has 14 assists. He missed 13 games this past November and December with a concussion. Foster, who was acquired by the Devils from the Anaheim Ducks this past December, has four goals and 10 assists for 14 points. He is currently day-to-day with a back injury. Palmieri has appeared in 29 games so far this season, scoring four goals and three assists for seven points. He has also played in 25 games with Albany of the AHL, scoring five goals and six assists for 11 points. Veilleux has gone scoreless in only one NHL game so far this season. He also appeared in 40 games with Albany, scoring 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points. Both Foster and Veilleux are beginning their second stints with the Wild.

This is quite the trade for the Devils, as they gave up quite a bit to land Zidlicky, who still has one more year left on his current contract. However, the Devils had been seeking some veteran depth and offensive skill on the blueline and they got that in Zidlicky. He also has a good shot and is excellent on the power play. Despite his struggles this season in Minnesota, he should be a good fit in New Jersey, where the change of scenery will hopefully help him improve his game. As for the Wild, they definitely added quite a bit of depth in this deal. Foster will bring lots of size and offensive skill to their blueline, while Palmieri gives them a young forward with some offensive upside, good size, and a little bit of gritty play. Veilleux could see some time on their checking lines late in the season, but for now he will likely remain in the minors. Both Foster and Veilleux will be unrestricted free agents this summer, so it remains to be seen if the Wild will keep them beyond this season. More than likely, their play throughout the rest of the season will dictate whether or not they get a contract offer from Minnesota this summer.

Wild Re-Sign Kyle Brodziak to Three-Year Contract

The Minnesota Wild announced on Sunday that they have re-signed center Kyle Brodziak to a three-year contract extension worth $8.5 million. The deal will pay him $2.5 million next season, and $3 million in both 2013-14 and 2014-15. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 59 games so far this season, he has 15 goals and 14 assists for 29 points. Not a bad signing for the Wild, as Brodziak has become an effective checking line center for the team. He works hard on the ice, possesses some two-way ability, and is versatile enough to play on the wing. It was believed Brodziak was on the trading block with the February 27 Trade Deadline approaching, so his re-signing should put an end to that speculation.

Wild Sign Defenseman Nate Prosser to Two-Year Extension

The Minnesota Wild announced on Monday that they have signed defenseman Nate Prosser to a two-year contract extension worth $1.65 million. The deal will pay him $800,000 in 2012-13 and $850,000 in 2013-14. The deal is also one-way, so he will make the same amount of money whether he's playing in the NHL or AHL. In 23 games so far this season with the Wild, he has six assists. He has also appeared in 19 games with Houston of the AHL, scoring four assists. Not a bad depth signing for the Wild, as Prosser does have some offensive upside and good size. For the remainder of the season, look for him to play a role on the team's third defensive pairing.

Wild Acquire Erik Christensen from Rangers for Casey Wellman

The Minnesota Wild have announced that they have acquired center Erik Christensen and a conditional seventh round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft from the New York Rangers in exchange for right wing Casey Wellman. The draft pick will likely depend on whether or not Christensen re-signs with Minnesota over the summer. In 20 games this season with the Rangers, he had one goal and four assists for five points. He also appeared in five games with Connecticut of the AHL, scoring two goals and one assist for three points. In 14 games this season with the Wild, Wellman had two goals and five assists for seven points. He also appeared in 26 games with Houston of the AHL, scoring 14 goals and 11 assists for 25 points. Christensen wasn't getting very much ice time with the Rangers, so his trade comes as no surprise. He has dealt with inconsistency throughout his NHL career, but he still brings some offensive depth to the Wild. He is excellent on the faceoff and is also good in the shootout. Look for him to play a role on Minnesota's checking lines. Wellman has some offensive upside and lots of speed, but hasn't been able to earn a full-time role in the NHL thus far. The change of scenery may help him earn that NHL roster spot, but for now he will remain in the minors.

Blue Jackets Claim Colton Gillies Off Waivers

The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced that they have claimed left wing Colton Gillies off waivers from the Minnesota Wild. In 37 games with the Wild this season, has has two assists. Not a bad depth move for Columbus, as Gillies has lots of speed, good size, and some forechecking skill. However, he has struggled quite a bit at the NHL level and likely won't make much of an impact to the current Blue Jackets roster.

Wild Claim Nick Johnson Off Waivers from Penguins

The Minnesota Wild announced on Thursday that they have claimed right wing Nick Johnson off waivers from the Pittsburgh Penguins. In four games last season with the Penguins, he had one goal and two assists for three points. He also appeared in 48 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL, scoring 20 goals and 19 assists for 39 points. He missed the last 23 games of the regular season and all seven of Pittsburgh's playoff games with a concussion. Not a bad pickup for the Wild, as Johnson has good size, works hard on the ice, and has a little offensive upside. If he secures a roster spot with the Wild for this upcoming season, it will likely be as a fourth-line complimentary winger.

Sharks Acquire James Sheppard from Wild

The San Jose Sharks announced on Saturday that they have acquired left wing James Sheppard from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a third round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft. He was still a restricted free agent and apparently signed a new deal with the Sharks after the trade. The length and financial terms have yet to be released. Sheppard missed all of the 2010-11 season due to a knee injury he suffered last off-season. In 224 career NHL games, all with the Wild, he has 11 goals and 38 assists for 49 points. Not a bad depth move for the Sharks, as Sheppard has good size and reach and has some two-way upside. When drafted ninth overall in the 2006 draft, he was projected to become a high-scoring forward, but was rushed into the NHL and has been a major disappointment thus far and likely won't develop any higher than a third line forward. Hopefully the change in scenery will help Sheppard improve his offensive game.

Wild Re-Sign Colton Gillies to Two-Year Deal

The Minnesota Wild have announced that they have re-signed left wing Colton Gillies to a two-year contract worth $1.25 million. The deal will pay him $600,000 next season and $650,000 in 2012-13. In seven games last season with the Wild, he had one goal. He also appeared in 64 games with Houston of the AHL, scoring 11 goals and 15 assists for 26 points and 82 penalty minutes. Not a bad depth signing for the Wild, as Gillies has lots of speed, good size, plays with some grit, is a good forechecker, and is versatile enough to play at center. Look for him to push hard at training camp to make the team for the 2011-12 season.

Wild Sign Jeff Taffe to One-Year Contract

The Minnesota Wild have announced that they have signed center Jeff Taffe to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He appeared in one game last season with the Chicago Blackhawks, scoring no points. He also played in 74 games with Rockford of the AHL, scoring 30 goals and 37 assists for 67 points. This is really just a depth signing for the Wild, as Taffe will likely play much of next season in the AHL. If he sees any NHL action in 2011-12, it will likely be on Minnesota's fourth line and as an injury replacement.

Wild Sign Darroll Powe to Three-Year Contract

The Minnesota Wild have announced that they have signed newly acquired center Darroll Powe to a three-year contract worth $3.2 million. The deal will pay him $950,000 next season, $1.1 million in 2012-13, and $1.15 million in 2013-14. He was acquired by the Wild on June 27 from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a third round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft. In 81 games last season with the Flyers, he had seven goals and 10 assists for 17 points. Not a bad signing for the Wild, as Powe will provide some grit and energy to their checking lines, as well as some skill to the penalty kill.

Wild Re-Sign Josh Harding and Drew Bagnall

The Minnesota Wild have announced that they have re-signed goaltender Josh Harding to a one-year contract worth $750,000 and defenseman Drew Bagnall to a two-year contract. The financial terms of Bagnall's deal were not disclosed. Harding missed all of the 2010-11 season due to a knee injury he sustained in an exhibition game on September 24 against the St. Louis Blues. He last played during the 2009-10 season with the Wild, posting a 9-12-0 record, one shutout, a 3.05 GAA, and a .905 save percentage. Bagnall played in two games last season with Minnesota, scoring no points. He also appeared in 72 games with Houston of the AHL, recording two assists and 112 penalty minutes. Harding is not a bad signing for the Wild, provided he has fully recovered from the knee injury. If he is healthy, he will be a solid backup goalie for the team, and has plenty of upside to jump into the starter's role if Niklas Backstrom should struggle or succumb to injury. As for Bagnall, he is just a depth signing for the Wild and will likely spend the majority of next season in the minors.

Wild Acquire Dany Heatley from Sharks for Martin Havlat

The Minnesota Wild completed a blockbuster trade on Sunday evening by acquiring right wing Dany Heatley from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for right wing Martin Havlat. Heatley still has three years remaining on his current contract, while Havlat has four years left on his current deal. This is the second major trade the two teams have completed with each other this off-season. On June 24, Minnesota sent Brent Burns and a second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft to San Jose for Devin Setoguchi, prospect Charlie Coyle, and the Sharks' first round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft, which the Wild used to select Zack Phillips. In 80 games last season with the Sharks, Heatley had 26 goals and 38 assists for 64 points, while Havlat had 22 goals and 40 assists for 62 points in 78 games with Minnesota. This is an excellent move for the Wild, as Heatley will add lots of offensive skill to the re-vamped team. He also brings a great shot and plenty of skill on the power play to the team. As for the Sharks, Havlat will bring plenty of offensive skill and speed to the wing, as well as a cheaper salary than Heatley. With the Sharks faltering in the Western Conference Finals for the second year in a row, there's no doubt GM Doug Wilson was looking to shake-up the team a bit in order to get them to the Stanley Cup Finals. Only time will tell if the two trades with Minnesota will give the Sharks enough of a jolt to win the Stanley Cup in 2012.

Wild Acquire Darroll Powe from Flyers

The Minnesota Wild announced on Monday that they have acquired center Darroll Powe from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a third round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft. He will be a restricted free agent on July 1. In 81 games last season, he had seven goals and 10 assists for 17 points. Not a bad depth move for the Wild, as Powe will provide some grit and energy to their checking lines, as well as some skill to the penalty kill.

Sharks Acquire Brent Burns from Wild for Setoguchi, Coyle

The San Jose Sharks announced on Friday evening that they have acquired defenseman Brent Burns and a second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for right wing Devin Setoguchi, prospect right wing Charlie Coyle, and their first round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. The Wild used the first round pick to draft center Zack Phillips. Burns will be an unrestricted free agent next summer, while Setoguchi just signed a three-year, $9 million contract extension. Coyle has yet to sign a standard entry-level contract. In 80 games last season with the Wild, Burns had 17 goals and 29 assists for 46 points and 98 penalty minutes, while Setoguchi had 22 goals and 19 assists for 41 points in 72 games with the Sharks. Coyle appeared in 37 games with Boston University, scoring seven goals and 19 assists for 26 points. Not a bad move for the Sharks and Wild, as all three players involved in the trade will satisfy needs for both teams. San Jose gets a very strong offensive blueliner in Burns who should be an excellent fit alongside Dan Boyle even though they paid a steep price to acquire him. Setoguchi will bring some much-needed offensive depth and goal-scoring skill to the Wild's lineup despite being a bit inconsistent in his scoring. Coyle gives Minnesota a decent offensive prospect, but he is still a few seasons away from seeing any NHL action.

Wild Sign Nate Prosser to One-Year Deal

According to thehockeynews.com, the Minnesota Wild have signed defenseman Nate Prosser to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In two games this past season with the Wild, he had no points. He also appeared in 73 games with Houston of the AHL, scoring eight goals and 19 assists for 27 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Wild, as Prosser has good size and some offensive potential. However, he will more than likely spend most of next season in the minors.