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.
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