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ST. PAUL, Minn. - Thomas Vanek had Minnesota high on his list from the start. Hes not the first NHL free agent to do so, and the way the Wild have been progressing he probably wont be the last. Vanek agreed Tuesday to a three-year, $19.5 million contract, giving an improving lineup a potentially prolific scorer and allowing the Austrian-born left wing to settle in an area he has made his home since college. Two summers ago, the Wild turned heads by landing left wing Zach Parise and defenceman Ryan Suter. Now theyve added another top-market free agent in Vanek, whose 277 goals are the eighth-most in the NHL since his debut nine years ago. "What intrigued me the most was obviously with Zach signing here and Suter signing here, this team is getting really good and is very good," Vanek said, adding: "Im extremely thrilled to be a part of the Wild and of a group like this." According to a person with knowledge of the contract who spoke to on condition of anonymity because the team did not announce the value, Vanek will make $5.5 million this season, $6.5 million in 2014-15 and $7.5 million in 2015-16. Vanek lives with his family in Stillwater, an idyllic riverfront suburb a few miles from Xcel Energy Center. He played two seasons at the University of Minnesota before turning pro with Buffalo and called winning the national championship with the Gophers the "best thing" hes done in his hockey career. "To be a part of the Wild now and go after the big prize and having a chance to do it in Minnesota is beyond my wildest dreams," Vanek said. Vanek was the fifth overall pick by the Sabres in 2003. He had two 40-goal seasons for them, but last fall he was traded to the New York Islanders, who later dealt him to Montreal. He totalled 27 goals over 78 games with the three teams. In the playoffs with the Canadiens, he had five goals and five assists in 17 games. Vaneks production slipped at times this season, and he was even benched briefly during the post-season, but the Wild werent deterred. "It certainly wasnt my best one I can tell you that. But Ill take the blame for that," Vanek said. "Its not always easy moving around and being away from my family." Vanek will play on either the first or second line, with some combination of Parise, Jason Pominville, Charlie Coyle, Mikko Koivu and Mikael Granlund likely filling the other top five forward spots. Vaneks 113 power-play goals since his 2005-06 rookie season are the third-most in the NHL in that span. The 6-foot-2, 217-pound Vanek has the type of finishing ability around the net the Wild have lacked. "Theres no question that we do have some skill, but we dont score goals easily," coach Mike Yeo said. Vanek turned down seven-year offers, including from the Islanders. When Pominville was traded to the Wild last year, Vanek was the one who encouraged his long-time Sabres teammate. "He loved Buffalo a lot, which I did too," Vanek said. "But I told him, Youll like it there. Theres a lot of good fans. And after a week or so, he called me and said, You know what? Youre right. I do like it here a lot." Unlike in the other major pro sports, Minnesota can be a destination market in the NHL because of its hockey roots. The addition of Parise and Suter and the Wilds advancement to the Western Conference semifinals this spring were further steps toward NHL prominence. "People recognize the talent that you have. So were getting better. Were in a good place," general manager Chuck Fletcher said. Defenceman Clayton Stoner (Anaheim), left wing Matt Moulson (Buffalo) and centre Cody McCormick (Buffalo) departed the Wild as unrestricted free agents. Others in that category not expected back are left wing Dany Heatley and goalie Ilya Bryzgalov. Defenceman Nate Prosser could return for the right price. The Wild also signed defenceman Stu Bickel (one year) and centre Brett Sutter (two years) to two-way contracts, adding depth with players wholl likely bounce between AHL affiliate Iowa and the parent club. The 27-year-old Sutter, the son of Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles coach Darryl Sutter, has played in 54 career NHL games with Calgary and Carolina. Bickel, a native of Chanhassen who played one season for the Gophers, played in 67 games for the New York Rangers over a two-year span. He spent last season in the AHL. ___ AP Sports Writer John Wawrow in Buffalo, New York, contributed to this report. Richard Sherman Jersey . The Maple Leafs handed their embattled head coach a two-year contract extension on Thursday, while at the same time announcing that assistants Dave Farrish, Greg Cronin and Scott Gordon will not be back. D.K. Metcalf Jersey . Green-Ellis was Cincinnatis leading rusher each of the last two seasons. His role was reduced last year when Giovani Bernard was added to the backfield. Green-Ellis ran for 756 yards and a career-low 3. http://www.cheapseahawksjerseysauthentic.com/ . The Australian is competing in his final season in Formula One and still looking for his first win this year. He will look to end Vettels run of six straight race wins on Sunday. Webber, who is fifth in the championship, earned his second pole from the past three races and 13th of his career. Marquise Blair Jersey . -- LeGarrette Blount made one last big splash into a soggy end zone. Cheap Seahawks Jerseys China . CBS Sports Jon Heyman is reporting that Santana will sign a one-year deal, likely in the next two days with one of a trio of suitors, with the Toronto Blue Jays believed to be heavily involved.VANCOUVER -- Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson has seen his fair share of strange injuries over the years, and Nigel Reo-Cokers bizarre mishap is just another one to add to the list. Reo-Coker is expected to miss the Major League Soccer clubs game this weekend against the Houston Dynamo with a concussion after he tripped over a bike rack and banged his head in Vancouver on Sunday. The 29-year-old midfielder missed Tuesdays training session and was absent again on Wednesday, with Robinson revealing that Reo-Coker will likely sit out against the Dynamo. "Hes a little bit bruised and cut," said Robinson. "Hes not here with us today but we hope he makes a speedy recovery and hopefully (is) back very soon." A former Welsh international during his playing days, Robinson said Reo-Cokers tumble ranks among some of the more odd injuries hes come across. "Ive seen a few and heard a few in my time, picking up a remote control and pulling your hamstring and things like that. Its one of them that fits into that category," said Robinson. "Its quite a serious injury for him but its one that makes you chuckle when you hear about it and the story. Its a strange one." The injury occurred after Reo-Coker had returned with his teammates to Vancouver following the Whitecaps 0-0 road ddraw against the New England Revolution on Saturday afternoon.dddddddddddd "He just fell and tripped. I dont think he was looking where he was going, which is never a good sign for a midfield player," Robinson deadpanned, before adding: "Obviously youve got to be very careful with head injuries these days. "Hes done the concussion test and there was a slight issue so it was a little bit worrisome but hes fine. I spoke to him for half an hour today in the office. Its normal Nige back." Reo-Coker has started all three games for Vancouver (1-0-2) so far this season, but was subbed off after 70 minutes on Saturday in favour of Gershon Koffie, who seems like the most obvious candidate to take the Englishmans place in the lineup against Houston (2-0-0) this Saturday. A box-to-box central midfielder, Reo-Coker joined the Whitecaps in February 2013 after stops with Wimbledon, Aston Villa, Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United in his home country. He started 31 MLS games for Vancouver last season, collecting one goal and four assists. Reo-Coker has one assist in 220 minutes of action so far in 2014. "Youre always due for one or two strange injuries a season," said Whitecaps captain Jay DeMerit. "You feel for Nigel. Hell have to answer you to how it all happened." 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