Wild name Spurgeon captain

The Minnesota Wild have named defenseman Jared Spurgeon captain, the team announced Sunday.

Spurgeon takes over for Mikko Koivu. Koivu became Minnesota's leader in 2008-09 but left for the Columbus Blue Jackets in free agency this past offseason. Before Koivu, the Wild used multiple captains each season.

Spurgeon, 31, has been a staple on the Wild's back end since 2010-11 after being drafted by the New York Islanders in 2008. One of the NHL's most underrated defenders, he posted 32 points in 62 games last season while averaging more than 22 minutes per contest.

The Edmonton native is under contract in Minnesota until 2026-27 after signing a seven-year, $52.025-million extension last September.

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