ST. PAUL -- Minnesota Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has agreed to terms with restricted free-agent forward Marcus Foligno on a four-year, $11.5 million contract ($2 million in 2017-18, $3 million in 2018-19, $3.5 million in 2019-20 and $3 million in 2020-21 for a $2.875 million average annual value). Foligno was acquired by the Wild on June 30, along with forward Tyler Ennis and a third-round selection in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, from Buffalo in exchange for forward Jason Pominville, defenseman Marco Scandella and a fourth-round selection in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

"We are happy to officially have Marcus as a part of our club for the next four seasons," Fletcher said. "Marcus is a big, physical forward who is capable of playing a heavy game while also contributing offensively. We are excited to add his presence to our lineup and watch him continue his growth as a player."

Foligno, 26, registered 23 points (13-10=23) and 73 penalty minutes (PIM) in 80 games with Buffalo in 2016-17. The 6-foot-3, 228-pound forward ranked fifth in the NHL with a career-high 279 hits last season, and also set career highs in goals and blocked shots (57) while averaging 15:28 in TOI/game. The Buffalo, N.Y., native owns 116 points (49-67=116), 334 PIM and 1,023 hits in 347 career NHL contests during six seasons with Buffalo (2011-17). He also won a silver medal while playing for Canada at the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship. Foligno was originally selected by Buffalo in the fourth round (104th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft and will wear jersey number 17 with the Wild.