Minnesota Wild: Kuemper's Contract Solidifies Goaltending...For Now

The Minnesota Wild did a lot to secure their goaltending depth for next season with yesterday’s signing of backup netminder Darcy Kuemper. Still with so many variables at play Kuemper’s one year deal could be his last with the Wild.

There have been trade rumors all summer concerning Minnesota Wild back-up netminder Darcy Kuemper. Those rumors quieted down a bit late yesterday with the re-signing of the RFA to a 1-year $1.55 million contract. This signing completes the Wild’s goaltending plans for next season and gives a strong boost of security to the group. Also the $1.55 million is a slight raise for him, but still gives the Wild a very cap friendly number going forward.

Kuemper has had struggles in the past mostly having to deal with his ability to step up into the starting role for an extended period of time. In the hard season of 2014-15, he was counted on to step up out of training camp to start due to the injuries to Josh Harding and the decline and injury of Niklas Backstrom. He initially looked like he was on his way to being the next starter for the Wild for many years. Then his collapse was hard and left the team with no choice to acquire Devan Dubnyk.

That next offseason Dubnyk was re-upped for six years and sealed the fate of Kuemper as a back-up with the Wild for possibly the duration of his stay. Chuck Fletcher realizing this decided to shop Kuemper on the trade market for the right deal this offseason, but a good enough deal never materialized. He had to balance the benefits of a trade with losing a big piece of the Wild’s lineup. With no heir apparent to take his place as back-up, Fletcher looks to see no other course other than to sign him and keep him with the team for next season.