Minnesota opts for redemption after finalizing a Calen Addison contract. Addison was awarded a one year contract worth $825k. After three rocky seasons with the Wild, the new agreement will carry the young defensemen through season 2023-24. The combined factors of the defenceman’s power play ability, his potential for growth, and the Wild’s salary cap limitations are the stars that aligned for the contract to happen.
Minnesota Wild Grant Calen Addison Contract of Redemption
Minnesota Wild Give Calen Addison Second Chance
Early in the 2022-23 season, Addison made a positive impact on a struggling Wild power play unit. The defensemen’s vision and ability to diagnose the power play helped elevate the Wild to ninth in the league in power play percentage. Whilst on the power play unit, Addison became one of the league’s leaders in rookie scoring. In 62 games, Addison registered 29 points.
Undoubtedly, Addison is a skilled and gifted offensive defenceman. However, Addison spent a good second half of the season benched. With a plus/minus rating of -17, the Wild believed the rookie to be a defensive liability. Commenting on Addison’s success in the power play, Head Coach Dean Evason told the media the “league is too hard to just be a specialist.”
General Manager Bill Guerin showed how little faith he had in Addison when he acquired John Klingberg from the Anaheim Ducks at the trade deadline. Klingberg essentially replaced Addison for the rest of the season thereafter. Klingberg was also a master on the power play unit. But, proved to be a sore spot on the Wilds’ blue line with a plus/minus rating of -25 in season 2022-23.
Cap-Strapped Wild Invest in Youth
This offseason, Minnesota has minimal room to make moves. With the Zach Parise and Ryan Suter buyouts effective until 2025-2026, the cap-strapped Wild needs young and inexpensive players like Addison. With such little cap space left, the Wild were unable to re-sign veteran defenders Matt Dumba, and Klingberg. Thus, Addison may have been the only option for Minnesota.
Hopefully, this contract can be the start of a new beginning for the Wild and Addison. With a new Calen Addison contract official, Minnesota has revealed their belief in the defenceman’s potential for growth. The rookie has shown his dedication to the franchise by agreeing to remain in the Twin Cities during the offseason and work with the team’s trainers. If Addison can maintain his power play prosperity, improve his five-on-five play, and hone in on his defensive capabilities, the Wild will be glad not to have passed on the youngster.
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