Wild Re-Sign Defenseman Kurtis Foster

[VodkaFish]

SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - Minnesota Wild President and General Manager Doug Risebrough today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has re-signed defenseman Kurtis Foster to a 2006-07 contract.

Foster, 24 (11/24/81), led team defensemen in scoring with 28 points (10-18=28) in 58 games during the 2005-06 campaign logging an average of 19:13 in ice time after being recalled by Minnesota from the AHL’s Houston Aeros on November 17, 2005. The Carp, Ontario-native also led team rearguards in goals with 10 and ranked tied for second in the NHL among rookie defensemen in goals and eighth in points. Foster scored two goals in his Wild debut against the Nashville Predators on November 19, including the game-winner for his first two career NHL goals and became the first player in team history to score twice in his debut.

The 6-foot-5, 235-pound defenseman has collected 29 points (10-19=29) and 40 penalty minutes (PIM) in 63 career NHL contests in parts of three seasons with Atlanta and Minnesota. Foster was signed as a free agent by Minnesota on August 4, 2005 and was originally selected in the second round (40th overall) of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft by the Calgary Flames.

[full force five]

Biggest 6-5 238 pound puss in the NHL. Had about 2 hits for the season. He does have a good shot from the point. He is like a less skilled softer Pronger.

[JKidd]

Probably the only offensive defenseman on the roster, as sad as that is, and he happens to be the biggest dman that should be the most physical. Good to see his cannon returning but hope he develops an overall better game and becomes more physical.