Martin Havlat talks to the media after signing a six-year contract with the Wild on Friday. (Kyndell Harkness, Associated Press / July 3, 2009) ST. PAUL, Minn. - When Chicago would no longer give him a long-term contract, Martin Havlat turned his focus to Minnesota. He was intrigued by the Wild's hockey-savvy fans, well-regarded arena, young core players and new up-tempo style, enough that he was willing to take a little less money than offered elsewhere to leave general manager Chuck Fletcher salary-cap flexibility. "I think that speaks volumes about him. He wanted to be here," Fletcher said. Havlat, who signed a six-year deal worth $30 million Wednesday, was introduced at Xcel Energy Center on Friday. The 28-year-old right wing is similar to the player he was essentially signed to replace, the 27-year-old Marian Gaborik.... [read full story]
