May 7, 2021; San Jose, California, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Alex Goligoski (33) controls the puck during the second period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
The Wild added some much-needed help on the blue line as free agency opened Wednesday, signing veteran defenseman and former Gopher Alex Goligoski to a one-year, $5 million contract.
Goligoski, who will turn 36 on Friday, has played for Pittsburgh, Dallas and Arizona since entering the NHL during the 2007-08 season. Goligoski had three goals and 19 assists in 56 games with Arizona last season.
The Wild also signed free agent forward Frederick Gaudreau to a two-year, $2.4 million deal.
Welcome, welcome!
The #mnwild has agreed to terms with forward Frederick Gaudreau on a two-year, $2.4 million contract ($1.2 million AAV).
More 🗞 » https://t.co/Tbt7e0r4bz pic.twitter.com/dULWAiUcJV
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) July 28, 2021
Other free agent moves:
- Defenseman Ian Cole, whom the Wild was hoping to bring back, signed a one-year, 2.9 million contract with Carolina.
- Former Wild defenseman Ryan Suter, who had his contract bought out by the team, agreed to a reported four-year contract with an average annual value of $3.65 million with the Dallas Stars.
- Nick Bonino, who spent last season with the Wild, reportedly agreed to a two-year contract with the San Jose Sharks with a reported AAV of $2.05 million.