Minnesota Wild sign UMass Star Center

The Minnesota Wild signed highly regarded UMass center Casey Wellman to a two year, $1.8 million dollar contract today. The 22 year-old sophomore center went undrafted out of high school (most likely due to playing his first 18 years in Northern California) and blossomed as a freshman, scoring 11 goals on his way to becoming a first team Hockey East member. His 23 goals and 22 assists this year were good for sixth in the nation. He is expected to make his debut tonight at home against the Edmonton Oilers.

Great pickup in my opinion. This should spell the wild of having to re-sign James Sheppard and also did not cost them a draft pick. He could be a bust, but at this point, anyone with the potential to score goals will be looked at. Should pair well with Latendresse.

More to come later.