"With less than a month before the Feb. 27 trade deadline, contract discussions regarding an extension for Wild center Kyle Brodziak will start soon, both General Manager Chuck Fletcher and Brodziak's agent, Allain Roy, said, Thursday.

"We've talked about having talks," Roy said, laughing.

While both Roy and Fletcher said there is no rush, Brodziak can become a free agent July 1. Because of his age, 27, and valuable role on the team, it seems logical the Wild would want to try to lock him up before having to consider trading him this month.

"As long as things make sense, why wouldn't we want to sign Kyle Brodziak?" Fletcher said. "He's been a good player for us, he fits in well, I think he's enjoyed playing in Minnesota, and he's had success here. We enjoy having him here, so hopefully we can make it work."

Before Thursday's game at Colorado, Brodziak had scored 14 goals in 50 games -- two off his career high. He logs big minutes, is a trusted defensive cog and penalty killer, plays the power play and can move up and down lines seamlessly.

For instance, normally a third-liner, Brodziak has helped jump-start Dany Heatley on the same line the past four games.

Brodziak was the first player Fletcher traded for as Minnesota's GM. He's at the end of a three-year contract worth $1.15 million a season and is in line for a significant raise.

"He likes Minnesota, he likes the club, but we need to find out where they view him in the lineup," Roy said. "To his credit, he's having a good season and there definitely is a market for that type of center-man in the NHL. Hopefully, everything aligns for everybody, and if not, then it doesn't."

The key word there is "market." Centers are highly coveted on July 1 and Roy knows that.

Just look at the Wild, which so badly needed a center two summers ago. The team gave Matt Cullen a three-year contract worth $10.5 million."