With little salary cap space this offseason to acquire free agents, besides forward Yakov Trenin, General Manager and President of Hockey Operations Bill Guerin has directed his attention to the current roster. The Minnesota Wild have extended defenceman Jacob Middleton to a four-year, 4.35 AAV contract.
4 year extension for Jake Middleton in Minnesota. Aav of $4.35 million.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2024
Minnesota Wild Extend Jake Middleton
During season 2021-22, Minnesota traded backup goalie Kaapo Kahkonen for San Jose Shark defenceman Jake Middleton. At first, the trade seemed underwhelming. In Middleton’s 59 games before joining the state of hockey, the defenceman had a total of 12 points, a plus/minus rating of 02, and 82 PIM on his stat sheet. However, once Middleton joined the franchise, his game elevated.
Last season, Middleton played 80 games, acquired 25 points, and averaged for TOI for 19 minutes and 49 seconds. With the Wild, Middleton has become a trusted D-man. When needed, the 6-foot 3-inch skater can serve as an enforcer and defend his teammates. Before 5 foot, 9-inch Captain Jared Spurgeon was injured, Middleton served as his skating partner on the top pairing.
Why Now?
This is not the first offseason extension Guerin has granted. Last offseason, Guerin extended forwards Ryan Hartman, Mats Zuccarello, and Marcus Foligno, despite having another year on their prior contracts. Guerin was criticized for the early extensions. If Guerin had waited longer to visit the idea of an extension, perhaps he would have seen Foligno’s and Zuccarello’s decrease in scoring. With that, those extensions would have been cheaper, shorter or nonexistent. This offseason, we see Guerin again drawing up an extension contract with Middleton.
Furthermore, Minnesota’s AHL team the Iowa Wild has been going through growing pains. Prospects Carson Lambos, Ryan O’Rourke, Jack Peart, Kyle Masters, Daemon Hunt and others are not ready to perform at the NHL level. Additionally, Minnesota believes Middleton could be worth more if the contract is done later. Thus, extending Middleton now is an opportunity to solidify a trusted top-four pairing defenceman at a cheaper cost.
Main Photo Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
