The Iowa Wild announced Tuesday that they have inked forward Blake Biondi to a one-year, two-way contract, a move that adds depth to the American Hockey League franchise as it looks to sharpen its lineup for the upcoming season.
Biondi, a 24-year-old native of Duluth, Minnesota, brings a blend of experience and youthful energy after spending the last two seasons navigating the AHL and ECHL circuits.
During the 2025-26 campaign he logged three goals, 11 penalty minutes and a minus-4 rating across 29 games with the Chicago Wolves, having previously appeared in seven contests for the same club during the 2024-25 stretch.
His professional résumé also includes a stint with the Greensboro Gargoyles, where he posted 25 points, 27 penalty minutes and a minus-5 rating in 27 games, and earlier work with the Sioux City Musketeers of the USHL.
Before turning pro, Biondi compiled 85 points, 71 penalty minutes and a minus-17 rating in 175 NCAA appearances for both the University of Notre Dame and the University of Minnesota-Duluth, a trajectory that culminated in his selection by the Montreal Canadiens in the fourth round of the 2020 NHL Draft.
What the Deal Means for Iowa Wild
The contract, which can swing between the AHL and the ECHL depending on roster needs, reflects the Wild’s intent to develop talent while maintaining a competitive edge on the ice.
Coaching staff say the addition of a Minnesota-born forward gives them flexibility in line combinations and adds a physical presence that could prove decisive in tight games.
General manager Matt Hendricks, who has been vocal about the team’s developmental pipeline, highlighted Biondi’s work ethic and adaptability as key factors in the decision.