The Minnesota Wild officially announced five additions to the organization as they continue to fill out the rosters at both the AHL and NHL levels. Nicolas Aube-Kubel, Matt Kiersted, Cal Petersen, Ben Gleason, and Tyler Pitlick all joined the organization on two-way contracts. It is likely that all five of the players will spend the majority of the season with the Iowa Wild. In a separate press release, the Wild also announced that they had signed Bradley Marek to a contract.
The signings of Pitlick and Gleason had trickled out overnight, and there was an earlier report today that the Wild would be signing Petersen. In his Zoom call with the media yesterday, general manager Bill Guerin had mentioned that the team would be announcing several two-way contracts.
Nicolas Aube-Kubel - Center/Right-Wing
29-years-old, 6’0”, 214 lbs. 2014 2nd Round Pick (Philadelphia Flyers)
Perhaps the most recognizable name in the list, Aube-Kubel came out of juniors with a reputation as a point-producer, but has rounded out his game as he’s developed into a journeyman forward. The Wild will be the seventh NHL team he’s played for over his career.
Like Niko Sturm, he comes to Minnesota with a Stanley Cup on his resume. He was part of the 2021-22 Colorado Avalanche team that prevented the Tampa Bay Lightning’s attempted three-peat. He didn’t record a point in the 14 postseason games that he appeared in, but he did have a memorable moment after the Cup was awarded.
10:49 ET — Avs won the #StanleyCup
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 27, 2022
11:45 ET — Avs dent the Cup
🎥 @DimFilipovicpic.twitter.com/32FRFKx9no
His one-year contract pays $775,000 at the NHL level and $500,000 at the AHL level.
Matt Kiersted - Left-shot Defenseman
27-years-old, 6’0”, 181 lbs., undrafted
Kiersted might not have a Stanley Cup on his resume, but he has been a part of some championship celebrations as he’s won a NCAA championship with the University of North Dakota, and a USHL Clark Cup championship with the Chicago Steel. He’s also been part of the Panthers organization that has won the last two Cups.
An Elk River-native, Kiersted began his pro career as an undrafted free agent with the Florida Panthers. He’s bounced back-and-forth between the Panthers and their AHL affiliate in Charlotte. In 2022-23 he had his most NHL experience as he appeared in 20 games for the Panthers, recording one goal and adding three assists. He’s been more productive in the AHL with 85 points (16 goals, 69 assists) in 233 career games, all with the Checkers.
His two-year deal carries a $775,000 NHL salary that dips to $450,000 in the AHL.
Bradley Marek - Forward
24-years-old, 6’3”, 212 lbs. Undrafted
The name may be familiar to some Wild fans as Marek played in Iowa last year on an AHL contract. The Ferris State University product had 8 goals and 5 assists in 50 games last season and earned a NHL contract.