Minnesota Wild: Five Off-Season Signings in 2015

May 5, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild fans cheer on the team late during the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks in game three of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Wild will begin their 16th season in the National Hockey League on Thursday, October 8th against the Colorado Avalanche with much anticipation and hype. The Wild have gone to the Stanley Cup Playoffs the past three seasons, with hopes of getting over the second round hump this season. In doing so, here are five signings/re-signings for the Minnesota Wild during the 2015 off-season in hopes of finally getting to the Western Conference Finals and beyond.

Devan Dubnyk

Apr 11, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Minnesota Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk (40) in action during the first period against the Minnesota Wild at Scottrade Center. The Blues won the game 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports

Six years, 26 million

The Wild were very fortunate last season in making the trade of the year, acquiring Devan Dubnyk from the Arizona Coyotes for a third round pick. In finding their franchise goaltender last season, the Wild we very anxious in signing Dubnyk to a long term contract this off-season. They did so on July 4th for six years and 26 million dollars.

Signing Dubnyk gives the franchise some stability at the goaltender position. He won 27 games with the Wild last season before leading them to a first round playoff series victory against the St. Louis Blues. With a cap hit of 4.33 million a year, the Wild finally have some stability at the goaltender position for the 2015-16 season and beyond.

Mikael Granlund

May 5, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward Mikael Granlund (64) drives to the net during the second period against the Chicago Blackhawks in game three of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports

Two years, six million

The Wild were also fortunate enough to re-sign their 23 year old, 1st line center, Mikael Granlund, to a two year deal during the 2015 off-season. Granlund’s deal is worth six million dollars calculating out to three a year. He scored eight goals with 31 assists last season while working with Zach Parise and Jason Pominville.

“I don’t think anybody anticipates Granlund to be an eight-goal, 40-point guy for the rest of his career,”General Manager Chuck Fletcher said. “He is going to take off here over the next two years.”

The Wild will have high hopes for the young man from Finland moving forward.

Mike Reilly

Two years, entry level contract

The Minnesota Wild were very fortunate to sign one of the best defensemen in the entire NCAA last season, Mike Reilly. Reilly, a native of Chicago, Ill, who grew up in Minnesota, was signed to a two year entry level contract in July and will join the Wild after playing with the University of Minnesota last season. He was a fourth round draft pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2011, before choosing not to sign with Columbus to play collegiate hockey.

At Minnesota, Reilly was named a First Team All-American and the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year following his junior year. Totaling 33 points in 41 games with the Gophers last season, Reilly totaled 89 points in his three years at Minnesota. Reilly also won a gold medal in the World Junior Championships in 2013 and helped the United States National Team win a bronze medal at the 2015 World Championship.

Joel Eriksson Ek

Three years, entry level contract

The 20th overall, first round pick, Joel Eriksson Ek, was signed to a three year entry level contract this off-season.

“We’re excited to officially have Joel under contract,” said Assistant General Manager Brent Flahr. “He’s a top young player with an exciting package of size, skill, hockey sense and character. We are committed to working with him in the development process and look forward to seeing him in a Wild uniform in the near future.”

A native of Sweden, Erikkson Ek, has been praised for his shot release and vision with the puck. His velocity on his shot was among the best out of any prospect in the 2015 draft, while also possessing one of the better work ethics among prospects. He will need to work on his defensive game to translate well into the NHL and has been compared to Lars Eller of the Montreal Canadians