Stoner signs, LaPanta possibly moves to Xcel

The Wild have re-signed Clayton Stoner to a 2 year contract with a $1.05 million cap hit. Although Stoner has certainly been challenged by injuries, his aggressive physical play won over head coach Mike Yeo. Stoner emerged as one of the strongest defensive players on the Wild near the end of the season, especially following the loss of Jared Spurgeon to a concussion on yet another dirty hit that Shanahan refused to penalize. Not that I’m bitter.

Mike Russo of the Star Tribune is reporting that the Wild may be close to signing FSN in-studio talent and Gopher hockey play-by-play man Anthony LaPanta to replace former Wild play-by-play announcer Dan Terhaar. I wonder if the Wild will issue a separate contract for LaPanta’s hair…?