Wild Sign Free Agent Christian Folin
(Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
In the midst of their Monday night matchup against the LA Kings, the Minnesota Wild announced that they have signed free agent Christian Folin out of UMASS Lowell to a two-year entry-level contract that will begin this season. Folin’s season came to an end over the weekend as UMASS lost to Boston College in the 2014 NCAA men’s hockey tournament.
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Swedish defenseman was considered by many to be the premiere free agent coming out of the collegiate system this spring. He’ll be joining the team for practice in Chicago on Wednesday.
Assistant GM Brent Flahr noted, “Christian is an impressive package of size, mobility, and puck-moving ability. He plays a very mature game that we feel should allow him transition to the NHL very quickly. We’re very excited to have Christian join the Wild and further add to our group of emerging young players.”
Pioneer Press beat writer Chad Graff tweeted out, “One league official told me it was expected all 30 teams would inquire about Christian Folin, even if they didn’t anticipate interest back.” He also noted that interested teams “figured to offer Folin the same contract.” That means Folin was likely able to select a team that excited him. He chose Minnesota.
Here’s a couple good quotes from Fletcher on Folin:
Fletcher on Folin:"Physically, you don’t normally have a young man coming out of college or jr that possess his physical attributes" #mnwild
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) April 1, 2014
Wild GM Chuck Fletcher on Folin: "We think he's good enough to play right now."
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) April 1, 2014
Wild GM Chuck Fletcher: "We think (Folin) fits perfectly into our 'D' core going forward."
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) April 1, 2014
For more on Folin, read the piece we posted about him this morning.
Folin is not playoff eligible this season, but figures to be a big signing for the team.