Nico Sturm Signs Two-Year Deal Returning to Minnesota Wild

The Minnesota Wild have signed forward Nico Sturm to a two-year, $4 million contract, marking his return to the team where he began his NHL career in 2019. Sturm, a native of Augsburg, Germany, brings valuable experience as a penalty killer and faceoff specialist, having played with the Wild for four seasons before stints with the Colorado Avalanche, San Jose Sharks, and Florida Panthers. He won two Stanley Cups, first with the Avalanche in 2022 and then with the Panthers in 2025. Last season, Sturm split time between San Jose and Florida, tallying 14 points in 62 games and contributing in eight playoff games during Florida's championship run. Known for his exceptional fitness and defensive skills, Sturm returns to Minnesota where he also resides off-season with his fiancée. The Wild view Sturm as a key addition to strengthen their lineup after finishing the previous season with a playoff appearance but an early exit.