Mar 1, 2022; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild center Nico Sturm (7) at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images.ST. PAUL, Minn - As previously written, Nico Sturm would be a perfect fit for the Minnesota Wild. The Wild have now announced they have signed the free agent to a two-year contract at $2 million AAV.
The 6-foot-3 center started his NHL career in Minnesota after recording 36 goals, 67 assists, and 103 points for Clarkson University in three years.
He was named the ECAC Hockey Best Defensive Forward for the second consecutive season and a top 10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Award given to the best player in NCAA Division I hockey in his Junior year.
The native of Germany then signed a contract with the Wild instead of returning to Clarkson for his Senior year. He recorded 20 goals, 16 assists, 36 points, and 118 hits in 111 games with the Wild.
Minnesota traded him to the Colorado Avalanche during the 2021-22 season for Tyson Jost. Sturm won the Stanley Cup that season and then signed a contract with the San Jose Sharks. After two full years in San Jose, Sturm was traded to the Florida Panthers during the 2024-25 season and went on to win the Stanley Cup with the Panthers.
He ranked fifth in face-off percentage in the NHL last year at 58.8 percent. Adding face-off help will be huge for the Wild. The Wild finished 29th in face-off percentage during the 2024-25 season.
