NHL Free Agency 2012: Minnesota Wild Signs Zach Parise and Ryan Suter

The Minnesota Wild made major headlines today when they landed the top two free agents on the market. Multiple sources have now confirmed that Zach Parise and Ryan Suter will be members of the Minnesota Wild for the next 13 years.

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#mnwild has agreed to terms on Zach Parise to 13-year deal; Now it's official. Maybe they'll announce Winter Classic today for trifecta. ha

— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) July 4, 2012"

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Confirming both Parise and Suter to the Wild. Great work by all on this story...most noteworthy @Russostrib. Congrats!

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 4, 2012"

This move came out of left field for most but it makes sense when you think about it. The Wild were off to a promising start last season until Mikko Koivu went down with an injury. When you add the prospect of having Mikael Granlund, Charlie Coyle and top end defensive prospect Jonas Brodin join the team in a few years, things are certainly looking up for the Wild.

These moves have made the Wild a surprise contender for next season. The Wild now will be a team that can attract other free agents in the coming years so years of underspending has finally paid off for Minnesota.

Once the contract figures become official, check back on the Bleacher Report NHL page for up to the minute news on additional free agent signings.