NHL free agency has opened with a series of big moves, including the Minnesota Wild signing defenseman Alex Goligoski to a one-year, $5 million contract, according to Michael Russo.
Just as Goligoski was finalizing a deal with the Wild, ex-Minnesota defenseman Ryan Suter reportedly signed with the Dallas Stars.
Goligoski had 3 goals and 19 assists in 56 games with the Arizona Coyotes last season. The 35-year-old Grand Rapids native is entering his 16th NHL season, having spent the past five in Arizona, and before that six years in Dallas and five seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Goligoski won the Stanley Cup with the Penguins in 2009. His teammate during that championship season was current Wild GM Bill Guerin.
The Wild added another former Penguin at the start of free agency adding center Fredrick Gaudreau to a two-year deal worth $2.4 million.
Gaudreau broke into the NHL with the Nashville Predators during the 2016-17 season and played last season with the Penguins.
In four NHL seasons, Gaudreau has 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) but is a favorite of head coach Dean Evason from his time in the AHL.
#mnwild sign center Freddy Gaudreau. 2 years, $2.4M ($1.2 AAV), as we’ve predicted. Dean Evason loves him from their time together in Milwaukee.
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) July 28, 2021
Zach Parise, who like Suter had the final four years of his contract bought out by the Wild, is reportedly signing with the New York Islanders.
The Wild also made a small trade, sending Toronto defenseman prospect Brennan Menell for a conditional seventh-round draft pick, according to the Star Tribune’s Sarah McLellan.
