There are many different ways to communicate.
In the following case, actions speak louder than words.
This week, the Minnesota Wild announced they would offer a seriously injured player a contract, even though, technically, they are not required to do so to retain his playing rights.
The player is Kurtis Foster, a young defenseman who suffered a badly broken leg in a controversial icing-play incident.
Wire stories reported that Wild GM Doug Risebrough had already decided on a course of action.
One story, from TSN.com, reports that the Wild are not sure if Foster will be able to play in the NHL again, because of the seriousness of the injury.
"I don't have to qualify him [to retain his rights], but I will," Risebrough told the (Minneapolis) Star-Tribune. "It's a bad message not to do that. He's a good player. He needs a motivation [to rehab], and he doesn't need that stress in his life."
The Wild will offer Foster a one-year, $1.025 million contract before the June 25 deadline, which insurance would not have covered according to Wild assistant general manager Tom Lynn.
The professional sports world often reflects a kind of ego-driven and self-centered attitude, an environment which can be very cold and all about “business”.
In this instance, it seems clear that the Wild recognize that one of their own was hurt while in the line of duty, and they aren’t prepared to let him worry about his immediate future.
They have sent a message and they have done the right—and honorable—thing.
