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Sat Nov 16, 2019 11:01 am
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ST. Clearance Soccer Jerseys . PAUL, Minn. - Thomas Vanek had Minnesota high on his list from the start. Hes not the first NHL free agent to do so, and the way the Wild have been progressing he probably wont be the last. Vanek agreed Tuesday to a three-year, $19.5 million contract, giving an improving lineup a potentially prolific scorer and allowing the Austrian-born left wing to settle in an area he has made his home since college. Two summers ago, the Wild turned heads by landing left wing Zach Parise and defenceman Ryan Suter. Now theyve added another top-market free agent in Vanek, whose 277 goals are the eighth-most in the NHL since his debut nine years ago. "What intrigued me the most was obviously with Zach signing here and Suter signing here, this team is getting really good and is very good," Vanek said, adding: "Im extremely thrilled to be a part of the Wild and of a group like this." According to a person with knowledge of the contract who spoke to on condition of anonymity because the team did not announce the value, Vanek will make $5.5 million this season, $6.5 million in 2014-15 and $7.5 million in 2015-16. Vanek lives with his family in Stillwater, an idyllic riverfront suburb a few miles from Xcel Energy Center. He played two seasons at the University of Minnesota before turning pro with Buffalo and called winning the national championship with the Gophers the "best thing" hes done in his hockey career. "To be a part of the Wild now and go after the big prize and having a chance to do it in Minnesota is beyond my wildest dreams," Vanek said. Vanek was the fifth overall pick by the Sabres in 2003. He had two 40-goal seasons for them, but last fall he was traded to the New York Islanders, who later dealt him to Montreal. He totalled 27 goals over 78 games with the three teams. In the playoffs with the Canadiens, he had five goals and five assists in 17 games. Vaneks production slipped at times this season, and he was even benched briefly during the post-season, but the Wild werent deterred. "It certainly wasnt my best one I can tell you that. But Ill take the blame for that," Vanek said. "Its not always easy moving around and being away from my family." Vanek will play on either the first or second line, with some combination of Parise, Jason Pominville, Charlie Coyle, Mikko Koivu and Mikael Granlund likely filling the other top five forward spots. Vaneks 113 power-play goals since his 2005-06 rookie season are the third-most in the NHL in that span. The 6-foot-2, 217-pound Vanek has the type of finishing ability around the net the Wild have lacked. "Theres no question that we do have some skill, but we dont score goals easily," coach Mike Yeo said. Vanek turned down seven-year offers, including from the Islanders. When Pominville was traded to the Wild last year, Vanek was the one who encouraged his long-time Sabres teammate. "He loved Buffalo a lot, which I did too," Vanek said. "But I told him, Youll like it there. Theres a lot of good fans. And after a week or so, he called me and said, You know what? Youre right. I do like it here a lot." Unlike in the other major pro sports, Minnesota can be a destination market in the NHL because of its hockey roots. The addition of Parise and Suter and the Wilds advancement to the Western Conference semifinals this spring were further steps toward NHL prominence. "People recognize the talent that you have. So were getting better. Were in a good place," general manager Chuck Fletcher said. Defenceman Clayton Stoner (Anaheim), left wing Matt Moulson (Buffalo) and centre Cody McCormick (Buffalo) departed the Wild as unrestricted free agents. Others in that category not expected back are left wing Dany Heatley and goalie Ilya Bryzgalov. Defenceman Nate Prosser could return for the right price. The Wild also signed defenceman Stu Bickel (one year) and centre Brett Sutter (two years) to two-way contracts, adding depth with players wholl likely bounce between AHL affiliate Iowa and the parent club. The 27-year-old Sutter, the son of Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles coach Darryl Sutter, has played in 54 career NHL games with Calgary and Carolina. Bickel, a native of Chanhassen who played one season for the Gophers, played in 67 games for the New York Rangers over a two-year span. He spent last season in the AHL. ___ AP Sports Writer John Wawrow in Buffalo, New York, contributed to this report. Cheap Soccer Jerseys Authentic .com) - Charlie Davies netted a pair of goals, including the series-winner on Saturday, as the New England Revolution battled the New York Red Bulls to a 2-2 draw in the second leg of the Eastern Conference Championship at Gillette Stadium and advanced to MLS Cup final via a thrilling 4-3 aggregate victory. Cheap Soccer Jerseys . Smith, an eighth overall pick, had two goals in only 276 minutes of playing time over 16 appearances last season. The left side midfielder played only 43 minutes in three games this season. https://www.soccerjerseyschina.us/ . 11 Ana Ivanovic and American Sloane Stephens, and former world No.Scotland captain Darren Fletcher is available for Tuesdays World Cup Group F Qualifier against Slovakia, according to Sky sources. The West Bromwich Albion midfielder was rated a major doubt for the match at the Anton Malatinsky City Arena in Trnava, after a dead leg forced him to leave the field at half time of the Scots 1-1 draw with Lithuania last weekend.Speaking after the tie, the 32-year-old said: Its too early to tell if Ill be ready for midweek. Ill have loads of ice on it, but dead legs are the worst in the first few days so well see how it goes. Scotland boss Gordon Strachan has promised changes to his side after the dropped points at Hampden saw them slip two points behind group leaders England, who maintained their 100 per cent start to the campaign with a 2-0 home win over Malta.Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths, a late substitute on Saturday, is expected to lead the line while Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur, who came off the bench to grab the late equaliser against the Lithuanians, could be on from the start.Scotland are looking for a fourth away win in five matches against a side who have failed to take a point from the opening two matches of qualifying for the finals in Russia in 2018.Despite their position at the foot of the group, alongside Malta, Fletcher insists Scotland will have to be at their best to take anything from the match. Fake Soccer Jerseys. . Watch Now TV Watch Sky Sports for ￡6.99 - no contract They have a lot of quality and you cannot underestimate them because of the position they are in, he said. They are under pressure, but they are the second seeds in the group.They have quality players and they will be looking to rectify their situation quickly. It will be a very tight game but hopefully one where we can find a way of taking the three points. We are still right in this group and there is a long way to go.You can watch Englands tour of Bangladesh, plus Premier League football and the British Masters on Sky Sports. Upgrade now and enjoy three months at half price! Also See: 1-1 Lithuania. As it happened Charlies World Cup predictions Forrest: No need to panic Slovakia-Scotland preview ' ' ' |
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