This Day in Hockey History

2012 - Wild sign Suter and Parise

The Minnesota Wild make a gigantic splash into the free-agent pool, signing Zach Parise and Ryan Suter to twin 13-year, $98 million contracts.

"This is a great day in the history of the Minnesota Wild," Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher said of the signings (via CBC). "We are extremely excited to add the collective skill, experience and character of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter to an already promising roster.

"We view this as a rare opportunity for us to transform our franchise by adding two marquee players, who are both in the prime of their careers, at the same time."

Suter, who spent seven seasons patrolling the point for the Nashville Predators, finishes second in Norris Trophy voting in his first season with the Wild, and amassed 12 goals and 75 points in 130 games in the North Star State.

Parise, a Minnesota Native, adds some much needed scoring punch to an offensively challenged Wild club, notching 47 goals and 94 points in 115 games in his first two seasons playing in his home state.

Birthdays

1940 - Pat Stapleton

1971 - Steve Rucchin

1972 - Mike Knuble

1990 - Jake Gardiner