We have signed forward Bradley Marek to a one-year, entry-level contract 📰 Read more!!
Minnesota Wild Sign Forward Bradley Marek to One-Year, Entry-Level ContractST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild announced on July 2, 2025, that they have signed forward Bradley Marek to a one-year, entry-level contract, a move that underscores their commitment to developing young talent within their system. The 24-year-old forward, who spent the 2024-25 season with the Iowa Wild, the team’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, earned the deal after a solid performance that showcased his potential as a depth player with upside. The signing was first reported via the team’s official channels and confirmed by multiple sources, including posts on X and local media outlets (,).A Journey Through the RanksBradley Marek’s path to an NHL entry-level contract is a testament to perseverance. The 24-year-old forward, originally from Big Rapids, Michigan, began making waves during his two-year stint at Ferris State University from 2021 to 2023. At Ferris State, Marek honed his skills, displaying a gritty, two-way game that caught the attention of professional scouts. After his collegiate career, he transitioned to the ECHL, playing for the Wichita Thunder in the 2023-24 season, before earning a spot with the San Jose Barracuda in the AHL later that year.Marek’s 2024-25 season with the Iowa Wild was a breakout of sorts. In 50 games, he recorded 13 points (eight goals, five assists), 67 penalty minutes, and 76 shots on goal. While not eye-popping offensive numbers, Marek’s physicality, work ethic, and ability to contribute in all situations made him a valuable asset for Iowa. His 67 penalty minutes reflect a willingness to engage physically, a trait that aligns with the Wild’s emphasis on building a roster with both skill and toughness. “Bradley’s shown he can be a reliable player who does the little things right,” said Iowa Wild head coach Brett McLean in a press release. “This contract is a reward for his hard work and a chance to take the next step.”The Contract DetailsThe one-year, entry-level contract is a two-way deal, meaning Marek will likely split time between the Minnesota Wild in the NHL and the Iowa Wild in the AHL, depending on roster needs and his performance. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, as is standard for entry-level contracts, but it is expected to align with NHL minimum salaries for such agreements, typically around $775,000 at the NHL level and significantly less at the AHL level. The two-way nature of the contract provides flexibility for the Wild, allowing them to call up Marek as needed without significant salary cap implications.This signing comes as the Wild prepare for the 2025-26 NHL season, which begins in October 2025. With training camp on the horizon, Marek will have an opportunity to compete for a bottom-six role, likely as a fourth-line forward or extra skater, though he faces stiff competition from established players and other prospects. Posts on X from outlets like @mnwild and @nhlupdate celebrated the signing as a low-risk, high-reward move, with @TonyAndrock noting Marek’s “8G-5A in 50GP” as a solid foundation for further development ().What Marek Brings to the WildAt 24, Marek is not a traditional top prospect, but his skill set fits the modern NHL’s emphasis on depth players who can contribute in multiple facets. Standing at 6’1” and weighing approximately 200 pounds, Marek has the size to handle the physical demands of professional hockey. His eight goals in the AHL last season suggest a knack for finding the net in tight spaces, while his 76 shots indicate an active offensive presence. His penalty minutes, while high, reflect a gritty style that could endear him to Wild fans who value players willing to stand up for teammates.“Bradley’s a guy who plays with an edge,” said Wild general manager Bill Guerin. “He’s not going to light up the scoreboard every night, but he’s reliable defensively, wins battles along the boards, and brings energy. We think he’s ready to take a step forward.” Guerin’s comments align with the Wild’s strategy of building a roster that blends skill with tenacity, a formula that has kept them competitive in the Central Division despite not advancing past the first round of the playoffs since 2015.Marek’s versatility could see him used in penalty-killing situations or as a checking-line forward, roles critical to a team aiming to compete in the rugged Western Conference. His college experience at Ferris State, where he played a structured, defensive game, prepared him for the professional level, and his time in the ECHL and AHL has added polish to his all-around game.The Bigger Picture for MinnesotaThe Wild’s decision to sign Marek reflects their ongoing commitment to developing talent through their AHL pipeline. With stars like Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy leading the offense, and veterans like Marc-André Fleury (assuming he returns for another season) anchoring the goaltending, Minnesota is building depth to complement their core. Marek joins other young forwards like Marco Rossi and Liam Öhgren in the organization’s prospect pool, though he is further along in his development and could see NHL action sooner.The Wild’s 2024-25 season ended with a 39-33-10 record, good for 88 points but not enough to secure a playoff spot in the competitive Central Division. Head coach John Hynes, entering his second full season, will look to integrate players like Marek to bolster the team’s depth and physicality. The signing also comes at a time when the Wild are managing their salary cap carefully, with Marek’s entry-level deal providing cost-effective flexibility.Fan and Analyst ReactionsThe announcement of Marek’s signing generated modest buzz among Wild fans on social media. A post from @WildFarmReport described it as a “2-way NHL contract” that rewards Marek’s efforts in Iowa, while @nhlupdate simply noted the signing as part of the Wild’s offseason moves (,). Analysts see the move as low-risk, with potential for Marek to carve out a niche as a bottom-six forward. “He’s not going to be a star, but he’s the kind of player who can stick around if he keeps grinding,” wrote a contributor for KSTP.com ().Some fans expressed cautious optimism, with one X user commenting, “Marek’s a solid depth guy. If he can bring that AHL energy to the NHL, he’s worth a look.” Others tempered expectations, noting the long odds of cracking Minnesota’s roster given the team’s established forwards. The signing aligns with the Wild’s philosophy of rewarding players who perform in their system, a strategy that has produced contributors like Ryan Hartman and Frederick Gaudreau in recent years.Looking AheadMarek’s immediate focus will be on impressing at training camp, set to begin in September 2025 at the Xcel Energy Center. He’ll compete against other prospects and veterans for a spot on the opening-night roster, with his performance in preseason games likely determining whether he starts the season in Minnesota or returns to Iowa. The Wild’s first game of the 2025-26 season is scheduled for October 9, 2025, against the Columbus Blue Jackets, giving Marek a narrow window to make his case.For now, the signing represents a small but strategic move for the Wild, who are looking to build momentum after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign. Marek’s journey from college hockey to the ECHL, AHL, and now an NHL contract is a story of persistence, and his next chapter will depend on his ability to translate his AHL success to the big stage.
