Wild sign center Zholtok to multiyear contract

ST. PAUL (AP) -- The Minnesota Wild re-signed center Sergei Zholtok to a multiyear contract Sunday night. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.

Zholtok, who scored one goal Sunday night in the Wild's 5-0 win over Columbus, has 17 goals and 17 assists for Minnesota this season. His nine power-play goals tie him for first on the team.

Zholtok, 29, came to the Wild from Edmonton in June 2001 and provided some much-needed offense. The Wild's power play ranked last in the NHL last year but led the league earlier this season, thanks in part to Zholtok.

He was eligible to become a free-agent at the end of this season.

"My family and I are very happy in Minnesota and I look forward to helping the team continue its development," Zholtok said.

Coach Jacques Lemaire said Zholtok fits into the team well.

"He's a guy with experience. He's a guy who's good with the puck. He's got hockey sense. Not a fast skater, but knows what to do and does what other people ask of him," Lemaire said.

Wild general manager Doug Risebrough echoed Lemaire.

"This season he has established himself as a valuable member of our team, and we wanted him to continue to build on his success with the Wild rather than with another team," he said.