Hnidy Joins Free Agent Frenzy

Neepawa product Shane Hnidy has inked a one-year deal with the NHL's Minnesota Wild.

The 33-year old Hnidy (right) had three goals, 12 points and 45 penalty minutes in 65 games with the Boston Bruins last season.

Hnidy is entering his ninth season in the NHL. He has 14 goals, 57 points and 565 penalty minutes in 477 career games.

You can listen to an interview with Hnidy about joining the Wild here...

In other moves involving NHLers with ties to Western Manitoba...

--the Vancouver Canucks inked Nesbitt product Aaron Rome to a 1-year, $545,000 contract. The 25-year old Rome played eight games with the Columbus Blue Jackets last season, picking up one assist. He also added seven goals, 21 points and 153 PIM in 48 games with the AHL's Syracuse Crunch last season.

--the Anaheim Ducks re-signed former Brandon Wheat King Erik Christensen to a one-year contract extension. Christensen had seven goals and 28 points in 64 games with Atlanta and Anaheim last season.

Here a few other Westman players or ex Wheat Kings who are awaiting new contracts...

Available UFA's: D Brett Skinner (Atlanta), F Peter Schaefer (Boston), D Nolan Yonkman (Nashville).

RFA's: F Eric Fehr (Washington), D Ole-Kristian Tollefsen (Columbus), F Ryan Stone (Edmonton), F Brady Murray (Los Angeles), G Josh Harding (Minnesota), F Ashton Rome (San Jose).