Spurgeon to Remain With Wild

The Minnesota Wild will be having one of their reliable defensemen around for a little while longer.

They have signed Jared Spurgeon to a four-year contract worth $20.75 million that begins next season. The deal was announced on Monday, before the Wild played the Dallas Stars.

So far this season, the 26-year-old defenseman has four goals and 12 assists with a plus-four rating through 31 games. He also has 65 blocked shots this season, a team-high. Only defenseman Ryan Suter has been on the ice more than Spurgeon.

Certainly, the Wild want to lock up one of their best defenseman for a few more years. 65 blocked shots is impressive and helps his goalie. The Wild are currently fourth in the Central, behind Dallas, St. Louis, and Chicago. If they want to make a move and jump to the top of the Central, they certainly need Jared Spurgeon. But good for Jared Spurgeon that he's with a club that wants him long-term and for a guy who definitely wants to be there.

Good luck, Minnesota!