Wild sign Brodziak to three-year extension

By foxsports
Published

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Kyle Brodziak didn't know what his future held and was beginning to let the thoughts of free agency enter his mind.

Brodziak, 27, was slated to be an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career after this season. But about an hour after beating the defending Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins, 2-0, on Sunday, the Wild announced they signed Brodziak to a three-year contract extension. Terms were not disclosed.

The versatile center has spent the past three seasons with the Minnesota
Wild and was hoping for the chance to stay in Minnesota, where he is on
his way to a career-best offensive season with 15 goals and 14 assists
so far.

"Obviously I'm really happy and just happy it's done with and now I can concentrate more on playing hockey," Brodziak said.

Brodziak was acquired from the Edmonton Oilers in 2009. A seventh-round draft pick by Edmonton in 2003, Brodziak played four seasons with the Oilers before coming to Minnesota. His first time nearing unrestricted free agency was beginning to weigh on him and he's gone seven games without a point.

"I've never had to deal with anything like this before, so it was definitely on my mind," Brodziak said. "I'm happy to be part of the organization for a few more years and looking forward to it."

Brodziak, who has 40 career goals and 58 assists, has spent time on the Wild's top line at times this season when injured captain Mikko Koivu has been out of the lineup. Among forwards, he's fourth on the team in average time on ice, playing in all situations.

Despite Minnesota's faltering season, Brodziak sees potential in the future for the Wild and he wanted to be a part of the growth.

"I think that my goal as a player is to keep getting better every year," Brodziak said. "I think there's definitely belief in this organization. I want to be part of us building into a winning team. Like I said, I think the culture is changing around here and I just want to be part of the future and part of helping turn this around into a winning club."


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