Offseason Meanderings: Part I

As we get into the dog days of the offseason, I figured I would start a weekly series to keep the blog somewhat active while there is little to no news. Basically these posts will just be a collection of thoughts from the previous week or so that dont really need to have an entire post on them. So lets get to it, eh?

A New Face In The State Of Hockey: Jordan Schroeder

Jordan Schroeder

Forward

5'8"

175 lbs

Shoots: Right

Born: September 29, 1990

Birthplace: Lakeville, Minnesota

Acquired: Signed a two year, two-way contract on July 11, 2014.

On July 11, Minnesota announced a pair of signings. The first was the re-signing of defenseman Jon Blum, and the second was the signing of Jordan Schroeder to a two year two-way contract. Schroeder previously spent his NHL/AHL career with the Vancouver Canucks organization.

A New Face In The State Of Hockey: Joel Rechlicz

Joel Rechlicz

Forward

6'4"

220 lbs

Shoots: Right

Born: June 14, 1987

Birthplace: Brookfield, Wisconsin

Acquired: Signed a one year contract on July 2, 2014

On July 2nd, the Wild signed free agent forward Joel Rechlicz to a one year, two-way contract. Capgeek lists Rechlicz as having a AHL salary of $125,000 and a NHL salary of $600,000 for the upcoming season.

A New Face In The State Of Hockey: Cody Almond

Cody Almond

Forward

6'2"

199 lbs

Shoots: Left

Born: July 24, 1989

Birthplace: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Acquired: Signed a one year contract on July 8, 2014

On Tuesday, the Wild officially announced they have signed Cody Almond to a one year, one-way contract. The deal is reportedly worth $550,000.

Wild Set To Kick Off Development Camp

Photo: Wild.com

Tomorrow, the Wild kick off their annual prospect Development Camp at Xcel Energy Center. During their time here, the players will take part in on ice and off ice drills, strength and conditioning drills, nutritional instruction, and a few fun activities (as previously seen in the Becoming Wild series).

A New Face In The State Of Hockey: Thomas Vanek

Thomas Vanek

Forward

6'0"

217 lbs

Shoots: Right

Born: January 19, 1984

Birthplace: Vienna, Austria

Acquired: Signed a three year contract on July 1, 2014

After a year of speculation and to the surprise of no one, Thomas Vanek turned down more lucrative offers and signed a three year deal on Tuesday with Minnesota.

A New Face In The State Of Hockey: Stu Bickel

Stu Bickel

Defenseman

6'4"

207 lbs

Shoots: Right

Born: October 2, 1986

Birthplace: Chanhassen, Minnesota

Acquired: Signed a one year, two-way contract on July 1, 2014

In their first post Vanek signing move, the Wild announced they had signed Chanhassen native and former Gopher Stu Bickel to a one year, two-way contract.

A New Face In The State Of Hockey: Brett Sutter

Brett Sutter

Forward

6'0"

200 lbs

Shoots: Left

Born: June 2, 1987

Birthplace: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Acquired: Signed a two year, two-way contract on July 1, 2014

As a part of the free agency opener yesterday, the Wild signed Brett Sutter (Darryl's son) to a two year, two-way contract. Sutter has previously spent time in the Calgary and Carolina organization.

A New Face In The State Of Hockey: Guillaume Gelinas

Guillaume Gelinas

Defenseman

5'10"

185 lbs

Shoots: Left

Born: June 14, 1993

Birthplace: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

Acquired: Signed a three year entry level contract on July 1, 2014

Yesterday behind their more high profile signings, the Wild also announced that they have signed defenseman Guillaume Gelinas to a three year entry level contract. Gelinas has spent the past five seasons playing the Val d'Or in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Vanek Watch: Home For The Winter

After a year of watching him move around the league, the Thomas Vanek watch has officially come to an end. And with no surprise, it ends in the place Vanek calls home: Minnesota.