The 29-year-old forward, who could have become an unrestricted free agent after the season, has 38 points, including an NHL career-high 19 goals, in 82 games. He had a career-high 44 points (14 goals, 30 assists) in 76 games last season, his first with Minnesota after signing a two-year, $2.4 million contract on July 28, 2021.
"My heart is here. I appreciate everybody in this organization, like I said, my teammates," Gaudreau said. "I felt like home the first day I got to Minnesota so it was a no-brainer and more than that I believe in this group big time. That's really important to me. I believe in this group. We have such a solid group. I believe in the culture. It's good people first and then good players. Everybody in the locker room are awesome people. I really believe in this group."
Signed by the Nashville Predators as an undrafted free agent on Jan. 5, 2016, Gaudreau has 100 points (38 goals, 62 assists) in 261 regular-season games with the Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins and Wild, and seven points (five goals, two assists) in 20 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
"The organization is excited to have not only a quality hockey player but a quality person," Wild coach Dean Evason said. "…He's willed himself to be a National Hockey League player. Clearly has a skill set, which all these guys do to play at this level. But what sets them apart is their battle, their compete, and them as human beings. He's one of the best that you'll find."
