Marek Svatos

posted by Mike Boone at 14h57 EST on Jul 26

Minnesota Wild and Pierre-Marc Bouchard have avoided arbitration – and the Wild have locked up a talented young player who would have been eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer.

Bouchard, 24, has signed a five year, $20.4 million deal that breaks down to $3.35 million this season, $4.25 million the following three seasons and $4.3 million in 2012-13.

Bouchard scored 11 goals, added 50 assists and made $2.6 million last season.

It is thought that his long-term signing improves the Wild's chances of retaining Marian Gaborik.

• The dollar figures on Marek Svatos's two-year deal in Colorado: $1.75 million this season (very reasonable for a 26-goal scorer) and $2.35 million in 2009-'10.

• Boston made it official today, buying out Glen Murray's $4.15 contract. Doing so reduces the Bruins' cap hit on Murray to $700,000-something this season. He's now a UFA.