Wild sign 2023 first-round pick to 3-year contract

The Minnesota Wild are preparing for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Minnesota’s successful trade for Quinn Hughes has them in position to potentially make a run out of the Western Conference. However, the team’s latest move involved taking care of a member of their future core of players.

The Wild have signed prospect forward Charlie Stramel to a three-year contract, as reported by The Athletic’s Michael Russo. This move comes on the heels of Michigan State’s exit from the NCAA Frozen Four Tournament. Stramel could have hit unrestricted free agency on August 15th had he remained unsigned.

Stramel’s contract carries a cap hit north of $1 million. It will begin in 2026-26, rather than this year. As a result, it is unlikely the Wild will include him on their roster for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The 2023 first-round pick began his collegiate career with Wisconsin, but transferred after the 2023-24 campaign. It proved to be a wise decision, as he blossomed under Michigan State head coach Adam Nightengale. This year, he scored 19 goals and 44 points in 37 games for the Spartans en route to an appearance in the Frozen Four tournament.

However, Michigan State fell short of winning the National Championship. In fact, it was Stramel’s former Wisconsin squad that eliminated the Spartans in the Quarterfinals. Wisconsin will play North Dakota for a spot in the National Championship Game.

Stramel will now take his game pro beginning next season. The former first-round pick could prove to be a valuable member of the team moving forward. Minnesota had to make sure to keep him from hitting unrestricted free agency this summer.

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