Minnesota Wild Re-signs 2008 1st Round Pick Tyler Cuma

Apr 5, 2012; St. Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Tyler Cuma (65) during the first period against the Chciago Blackhawks at the Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

According to the team’s website, the Minnesota Wild have officially come to terms with 2008 1st round pick Tyler Cuma on a one-year, two-way deal. The final top pick of the Risebrough Era, it’s now or never for the former NHL top defensive prospect.

Per the team’s press release:

The Minnesota Wild today announced they have re-signed defenseman Tyler Cuma to a one-year, two-way contract.Cuma, 23 (1/19/90), recorded 12 points (1-11=12) and 14 penalty minutes (PIM) in 42 games with the Houston Aeros in the American Hockey League (AHL) last season and appeared in one playoff game with the Aeros. The 6-foot-1, 194-pound native of Toronto, Ont., owns 25 points (2-23=25) and 77 PIM in 146 career AHL matches during three seasons with Houston. Cuma made his NHL debut with Minnesota in 2011-12 appearing in one game against Chicago on April 5, 2012. He was originally selected by the Wild in the first-round (No. 23 overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

In the years since his draft year, Cuma has been long overshadowed in the prospect pool by names such as Nick Leddy, Jared Spurgeon, Marco Scandella, Jonas Brodin, Mathew Dumba and now Gustav Olofsson. At 23, with just one NHL game under his belt in an injury-plagued career, the count is 3-2 for Cuma and the ball has already left the pitcher’s hand. He may have just signed a deal, but it’s still a contract year and it’s up to him to make sure he doesn’t strike out.