A two-time Stanley Cup champion has signed a new contract. News has emerged that forward Nico Sturm has signed a contract to return to the Minnesota Wild. This deal is for two years and for $4 million. The contract has an average cap hit of $2 million and runs through the end of the 2026-27 season.
Michael Russo of The Athletic was the first to report the deal.
SOURCES: #mnwild bring back Nico Sturm on a 2-year, $4 million contractwww.nytimes.com/athletic/646…
— Michael Russo (@russohockey.bsky.social) 2025-07-01T20:18:52.213Z
Nico Sturm Signed by the Minnesota Wild
Sturm has played for the Wild, Colorado Avalanche, San Jose Sharks and Florida Panthers across his seven-year NHL career. The Augsburg, Germany native notched seven goals and seven assists for 14 points in 62 games this season. Sturm split time between the Sharks and Panthers this season after being dealt at the deadline.
The 30-year-old had an average ice time of 10 minutes, 25 seconds between the two teams. He had a Corsi for of 47.6 and a relative Corsi of -8.6. Sturm signed as an undrafted free agent after a successful career at Clarkson University. He was a two-time ECAC Defensive Forward of the year in 2018 and 2019.
He’s also represented his native Germany on the international level. Sturm won a silver medal with Germany at the 2023 IIHF World Championships. He was also part of the 20215 World Junior team and 2024 IIHF senior team.
What It Means
Sturm doesn’t light up the scoresheet with goals. However, he’s still an important forward. He is the type of player that’s called upon late in games to help preserve a lead.
The veteran forward recorded a combined faceoff winning percentage of 58.8. Those stats aren’t flashy, but they can stull win games for teams.
This signing isn’t one that grabs headlines. However, it’s one that can help a team win games with his strong defensive game. He’s been solid in his own end ever since he was with Clarkson in the NCAA. That defensive prowess has helped him carve out a nice professional career.
Main photo by: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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