Just three days before the 2024 Trade Deadline, the Minnesota Wild have announced that they are re-signing defenseman Zach Bogosian. His contract is a two-year, $1.25 million AAV. Unlike other contracts signed earlier in the season, this one does not have a no-trade clause attached.
The gritty third-pairing defender was traded to Minnesota from the Tampa Bay Lightning on November 8, 2023, in exchange for a 2025 7th-round draft pick.
This move has revitalized Bogosian’s career. In Tampa Bay, he was relegated to a rarely-used third pairing or healthy scratch 7th D-man. In Minnesota, he has played a more significant role. When the blue line was full of injuries, Bogosian stepped up into a second-pairing role and skated 20+ minutes a night.
Bogosian brought a larger physical presence to the Wild’s generally undersized defensive corp. Despite his large size, he is surprisingly speedy. He also brings with him a veteran presence and a winning attitude. He won the Stanley Cup in 2020 with the Lightning. This contract is a perfect fit for Bogosian, who looks older than his 33 years. He’s also played in the league since he was drafted, adding to his credibility. This gives the Wild’s defensive prospects a few more years to develop with the Iowa Wild.
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