ST PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild got a small bit of business out of the way before the puck drops on the 2023-24 season, signing wingers Mats Zuccarello and Marcus Foligno to contract extensions.
The team announced that Zuccarello signed a two-year extension totaling $8.25 million while Foligno's contract was extended four years totaling $16 million.
Zuccarello is 36 years old, not a spring chicken by NHL standards, but is arguably playing the best hockey of his life. He recorded 67 points last year (22 goals, 45 assists) and set new career highs for power play goals, shots and average minutes played.
Nearly as important as Zuccarello's personal numbers is his role as superstar Kirill Kaprizov's linemate and best bud off-ice. The two have amazing chemistry, seem to instinctively know where the other is and regularly combine for highlight reel goals.
“Their chemistry is so good. They work hard at it. They trust each other. …. You want to keep those guys together,” Wild owner Craig Leipold told The Athletic.
Mats Zuccarello joined the Wild in 2019 as a free agent, having previously skated for the New York Rangers and Dallas Stars. Since then, he's notched 72 goals, 146 assists and played in 255 games.
Foligno, who is an alternate captain, joined the Wild in 2017 after a trade with the Buffalo Sabres. Known more for his enforcer skills, Foligno, 32, led the team with 237 hits last season. He's tallied 116 career goals and 156 assists.
The Wild are 2-1 so far this preseason, with three more exhibition games to play. The Wild open the regular season Oct. 12 as hosts to the defending Eastern Conference champion Florida Panthers.
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