Minnesota Wild Sign Mats Zuccarello, Other Players Monday In Free Agency Frenzy
The Minnesota Wild are making moves in NHL free agency, with the banner signing of the day so far being forward Mats Zuccarello. As of the time of this post, the Wild have signed four players.
Zuccarello comes to Minnesota having earned 40 points last season (12 goals and 28 assists) in 48 games in his time with the New York Rangers and Dallas Stars. The 31 year old forward agreed to terms with the Wild on a 5-year deal worth $30 million. Wild GM Paul Fenton called Zuccarello "A very competitive, high-energy player," saying "He brings a high level of skill and character to our lineup and we're very excited to add him to our team." The Norway native is the all-time leading Norwegian-born scorer in the NHL.
Zuccarello, a Norwegian, shared a stat that makes it seem like he'll feel right at home.
Another addition includes 24 year old forward Ryan Hartman on a two-year, $3.8 million deal. Hartman spent the 2018-2019 season split between the Nashville Predators and Philadelphia Flyers, notching 26 points in 83 games (12 goals, 24 assists). The Wild's GM said the following about Hartman: "Ryan will bring grit and competitiveness to our lineup. His compete level is what we are looking for from our team each and every night."
The Wild have also added a few players on two-year, two-way deals so far today.
Grand Forks native Luke Johnson is another offensive addition for the Wild, having previously played 15 games for the Chicago Blackhawks. Johnson, 24 years old, was part of the 2016 North Dakota Fighting Hawks team that won the NCAA Championship in a 5-1 win over Quinnipiac.
Forward Gabriel Dumont also joins the Wild on a two-year, two-way deal. Dumont tallied 43 points (15 goals, 28 assists) for the Syracuse Crunch in the AHL during the 2018-2019 season. The 28 year old Canadian was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the 5th round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, getting NHL ice time with Montreal, Tampa Bay, and Ottawa, during which he has a total of 4 goals and 5 assists in 87 games.