BREAKING: Minnesota Wild Re-Sign Defenseman

In a long-awaited contract extension, the Minnesota Wild have signed defenseman Jake Middleton to another four years with the team. With a $4.35 million yearly cap hit, Middleton forms part of the long-term defensive core for Minnesota.

Middleton was traded to Minnesota at the 2022 Trade Deadline by the San Jose Sharks. After the 2022 season ended, he signed a three-year contract with a $2.45 million yearly cap hit. This contract still runs through the 2024-25 season, so the new contract will not go into effect until the 2025-26 season.

Last season, Middleton had the best offensive year of his career. As a stay-at-home defenseman, he isn’t known for his scoring prowess. But with the defensive core depleted by injuries, Middleton stepped up to play top pairing alongside rookie Brock Faber. 

Playing 80 games during the 2023-24 season, Middleton ended the season with 25 points (7 goals and 18 assists). Previously, his career high was 15 points with the Wild the year before. The Wild encourage defensemen to step up in the action and Middleton has slowly been taking advantage of that more and more.

Middleton struggled during the beginning of the season, splitting multiple seasons between NHL and AHL teams before finally finding a more permanent home in Minnesota. He brings a veteran presence along with a fun personality. Outside of the rink, he seems to have found a place as the leader of young players who stay in Minnesota over the summer. Along with Brandon Duhaime, Connor Dewar, Calen Addison, Mason Shaw, and Matt Boldy, Middleton has been enjoying his time here and looking like a true Minnesotan.

For more Minnesota news and vibe checks, listen to Her Wild Side Hockey Podcast.

Throwing Walleye and Dented Jock Straps Her Wild Side Hockey Podcast

The pod is back! The hockey world has been all a tizzy the past 24 hours, so Mikki is back to discuss. From the fish-tossing debate with the Seattle Kraken and Auston Matthews's mysterious trip to Germany to Nashville's bench minor and Zuccarello's unfortunate injury, there is plenty to talk about.Links:Her Wild Side Merch Shop!Ticketmaster Affiliate LinkSocial Media:TwitterInstagramFacebookFor more from us, visit Inside The RinkHow to support us and our sponsors:Columbia Sports ApparelESPN+ SubscriptionFanaticsDraft Kings – CODE ITR  
  1. Throwing Walleye and Dented Jock Straps
  2. Zuccarello's All-Star Game and the McDavid Wedding
  3. Let's Talk About Brock Faber's Contract Extension
  4. Summer Hockey and Why Minnesota Is the State of Hockey
  5. PWHL Minnesota is a Mess. Can It Be Saved?

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