"The Minnesota Wild has its head coach. It's now time to start putting together the roster. While that will include the addition of prospects in this week's NHL Entry Draft as well as the potential signings of free agents and trades, the Wild also needs to lock up current players projected to be instrumental as the team looks to get younger and faster.

The club took a step toward that today by re-signing defenseman Nate Prosser to a one-year contract.

"It's always nice to get it out of the way," said Prosser minutes after putting his signature on the dotted line. "It's time to get the summer going and start working out."

The Elk River native, who originally signed with the club last year as a free agent out of Colorado College, is coming off his first professional season with the Houston Aeros. By season's end, he emerged as one of the most reliable defensemen on the roster, ranking third on the team with a +12 rating. In 73 regular season games, he tallied eight goals and 19 assists to rank second among team blueliners. He added four points (2-2=4) in 24 playoff games as the Aeros reached the Calder Cup Finals."