Zigeunerzelt » contributed to this report.

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. Discount Nike Shoes China ... maybe even more than that. Maybe all season I have to take a few blows. Discount Nike Shoes Website . The Suns termed Fridays surgery by team doctor Thomas Carter a success. 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Nike Shoes Discount Outlet .com) - A chant of Zeke reverberated around AT&T Stadium before Ezekiel Elliott powered into the end zone for his fourth and final touchdown.England wing Jonny May made a try-scoring comeback to help Gloucester open their European Challenge Cup campaign with a 47-27 away win over Bayonne. May, who had been sidelined with a knee injury since last December, was involved throughout and got over the line 12 minutes into second half to strengthen the Cherry and Whites grip on the game.Gloucester had made a perfect start with two tries from Mark Atkinson and another from Matthew Scott giving them a 21-6 lead inside the first quarter and the bonus point was secured just before half-time when Billy Twelvetrees went over for their fourth try. Watch NOW TV Watch Sky Sports for just ￡6.99. No contract. 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Rhys Priestlands boot earned Bath victory in France Pau touched down three times, through full-back Romain Buros, openside Sean Dougall and centre Watisoni Votu, with Brandon Fajardo kicking two conversions and a penalty.Worcester went down 19-12 to Russian side Enisei-STM in MMoscow despite scoring two tries to their opponents one.ddddddddddddThe home side led 10-0 thanks an early try from David Kacharava and the first of three crucial penalties from the boot of Yury Kushnarev.Full-back Josh Adams, one of several youngsters in the Warriors line-up, kept his side in contention with an 11th minute try, converted by Jamie Shillcock, and they trailed only 10-7 at the break. Derrick Appiahs try was not enough to salvage victory for Worcester in Russia Kushnarev kicked the home side into a nine-point lead but a try from replacement Derrick Appiah pulled the score back to 16-12 before the Russians clinched victory with a drop goal from Ramil Gaisin three minutes from the end.Olympic Gold medallist Viliame Mata scored two tries on his debut for Edinburgh in their 59-17 win over Romanian club Timisoara Saracens.Nasi Manu and Stuart McInally both scored hat-tricks and Michael Allen got Edinburghs other try while Jason Tovey kicked seven goals.Stephen Shennan scored two tries for the home side, who trailed 45-10 at half-time.In the other afternoon match, Treviso lost 41-10 at home to in-form French Top 14 side La Rochelle.You can watch Champions Cup rugby, Liverpool v Man Utd, Englands tour of Bangladesh and the British Masters on Sky Sports. Upgrade now and enjoy six months at half price! 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