It seemed only a matter of time before the Minnesota Wild committed to winger Matt Boldy long term. And it happened Monday morning when Boldy officially signed a 7-year, $49 million ($7 million average annual value) contract extension.
The move will keep the 21-year-old Boldy under contract through the 2029-30 season.
This has been in the works for a couple of weeks. Talking to reporters last week, general manager Bill Guerin lauded Boldy for the impact he already has had on the franchise.
“I think Matt’s a really good player. I do,” Guerin said. “I think Matt’s got a lot of ability to make plays.”
The only gripe Guerin has had with Boldy so far is that he wants him to shoot the puck more. To this point, Boldy has 12 goals and 17 assists through 42 games. He currently is playing on a line alongside Freddy Gaudreau and opposite Ryan Hartman.
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“I think he tries to get too cute at times,” Guerin said. “That’s what playmakers do. You’ve got reel them back in. This is a fancy league for very few players. Very few. Like three. Everybody else has to simplify and be a little more direct. I think Matt, when he’s more direct in his game, when he’s using his big frame, when he’s shooting the puck, is at his best. The plays will be there for him.”
The No. 12 overall pick in the 2019 draft, Boldy made his NHL debut on Jan. 6, 2022. He reached the 50-point milestone in his 60th career game and the 25-goal milestone in his 74th game. He is the second-fastest player to reach either milestone after debuting with the Wild.
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