Petr Sykora was offered a tryout with the Minnesota Wild. He flew in for practice Wednesday and was signed to a contract the next day.
Michael Russo of the Star Tribune writes:
"The quickest “tryout” in NHL history came to an end this morning when the Wild signed winger Petr Sykora to a one-year contract for $1.6 million.
'I’m shocked,” Sykora said sarcastically. “I guess my practice yesterday made them sign me.' "
Of course, it is now evident that Wild GM Chuck Fletcher had designs on signing Sykora all along.
Fletcher was the Assistant GM in Pittsburgh during Sykora's tenure there and is very familiar with his game and abilities. Although Sykora was a clutch performer for the Penguins, he was scratched for much of the playoffs, as he seemed to struggle fitting in to new coach Dan Bylsma's system. He will have no such trouble with the Wild.
Sykora is a great signing for Minnesota. He fills a need in many aspects, providing them with goal scoring ability, natural leadership capabilities and a locker-room presence.
If he can light the lamp in the regular season as fast as he can sign a contract, the Wild may find themselves back in the post-season mix again.
I'm actually surprised no other team (like Minnesota) tried to pick him up earlier...the guy is a multi-Cup winner, and has been in the Stanley Cup Finals 5 times in his career!
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