Wild sign newly acquired Staubitz to 2-year deal
The Minnesota Wild have signed right wing Brad Staubitz to a two-year, $1.15 million contract.
The deal was done Tuesday, the day after the Wild acquired Staubitz from San Jose for a fifth-round pick in this weekend's draft. Staubitz would have been a restricted free agent. He will make $550,000 this season and $600,000 next season.
The 25-year-old Staubitz had three goals, three assists and 110 penalty minutes in 47 games last season for the Sharks, his first full NHL season. The Wild have been trying to add more gritty players, and Staubitz fits that role as a frequent fighter. He did not appear in any playoff games for the Sharks this year, but he was with the club the entire season. Staubitz received a one-game suspension from the league last October for an excessive hit.
``I'm an energy, hardworking kind of team guy,'' Staubitz said in a phone interview late Tuesday. ``I fight for my teammates when I need to - for the team and for the momentum of the game. I think I bring grit, and I hope to contribute in that way. I'm a straightforward guy. What you see is what you get. I crash and bang and do what I do.''
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound native of Edmonton, Alberta, went undrafted and made his NHL debut in 2008. Previously a defenseman, Staubitz made the switch to the front line at the request of San Jose general manager Doug Wilson. His feisty play helped make him one of the Sharks fans' favorites.
``I think they appreciated the hard work and my willingness to do what I had to do to contribute to the team,'' Staubitz said.
