Are Parise and Suter worth $196 Million?

Minnesota sports have suffered. They have for a while. Zach Parise, Ryan Suter, and 196 million dollars changes it all.

The Minnesota Vikings are 0-4 in Super Bowls and their best two teams in franchise history never made the Super Bowl; 1998 and 2009. Gary Anderson missed wide left after being perfect the entire season in '98 (going 15-1) and then Brett Favre broke his leg and threw an interception in overtime during the New Orleans Saints Bounty Gate’s highlighted game in 2009.

Wild resign Harding; Won't trade Backstrom

The Minnesota Wild have locked up 28 year-old goaltender Josh Harding for the next three years, a deal worth $5.7 million over that stretch. The contract is a raise for Harding over his previous deal which paid him $750K last season. The contract sets the Wild up for the future after starter Nicklas Backstrom, who at age 34 is scheduled to become a UFA next season.  But for anyone playing "Brian Burke - Home Edition," don't make the mistake of believing that Harding's new deal in Minnesota makes Backstrom an option via trade for the Leafs next season, or any other team for that matter. Backstrom won't be going anywhere.

NHL 2011-2012 Season Preview

The NHL season preview is here! I give you my X-factor and breakout players for each team as well as their additions and departures. Enjoy!

By: Charlie Roumeliotis

Twitter: @CRoumeliotis