Minnesota Wild Sign Former First-Round Pick

The Minnesota Wild have signed Sam Steel to a one-year, $825,000 contract.

Steel was one of the most interesting free agent forwards still on the market, but he will now be joining the Wild for the 2022-23 season. The former first-round pick will be aiming to get things back on track in Minnesota and cement himself a notable role in their lineup.

After recording 20 points in 68 games this past season with the Anaheim Ducks, Steel was not sent a qualifying offer - thus becoming a UFA. In 197 games as a Duck, the 24-year-old scored 24 goals and recorded 65 points.

It will be intriguing to see how Steel performs from here with the Wild. Perhaps the change of scenery could be exactly what helps him take that next step. At worst, Minnesota has added a decent depth forward at a cheap cap hit.