Wild Sign Fraser and Sifers

by Chris Nordenson
July 08, 2009 @ 3:05 PM ET

The Minnesota Wild announced today that they signed defensemen Jamie Fraser and Jaime Sifers to one-year contracts. Both reportedly are two-way deals.

Fraser played most of last season with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League. He posted 21 points and 30 penalty minutes in 66 games. The 23-year-old 6-foot-1, 200-pound defenseman also made his NHL debut last season April 4 with the New York Islanders.

Sifers split his season between the Toronto Maple Leafs and their American Hockey League affiliate. The Connecticut native played in 23 games with the Maple Leafs, where he recorded two assists and 18 penalty minutes. He also had four goals and 16 assists in 43 games for the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.

This is a great move by GM Chuck Fletcher because it gives the Wild a lot more depth at the blue line.

Before these signings the Wild had seven defensemen, not including 2008 first-round draft pick Tyler Cuma, who could be looking for a spot on the Wild’s roster. Itt would not surprise me if both Fraser and Sifers start the year in the AHL while Cuma spends another year with the Ottawa 67's.

About the Author: Chris Nordenson

Chris Nordenson received his B.A. from the University of St. Thomas. He has worked from MVN.com as a minor league baseball and hockey writer. He also was the play-by-play announcer for St. Thomas' men's and women's hockey teams during the 2008-09 season. You can also follow Chris on Twitter.