Voros says he reluctantly left team

By MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune

Last update: October 15, 2008 - 8:06 AM

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ATLANTA - Aaron Voros says he "begged the Wild for something to get done" last summer, but when the Wild only wanted to sign him to a one-year contract and he wanted two, he became a free agent.

"The Rangers called at 12:01 and made their offer. They said, 'We want you to be a Ranger. It's your decision,'" Voros said Tuesday.

So Voros signed a three-year, $3 million deal to play on Broadway. Five games into the season, the Rangers are 5-0. Voros, a gritty combatant who showed flashes of scoring early last season in Minnesota, was tied Tuesday with linemate Brandon Dubinsky for the NHL scoring lead (seven points) and tied for second in goals (three).

"I just took everything Jacques [Lemaire] taught me and brought it here," Voros said. "I wanted to stay in Minnesota. I loved that team, loved playing in front of those fans, in that state. I was very proud to be a Wild. I wanted to play my whole career there.

"But it didn't make any sense to sign one year. ... I wanted security. I thrive when I'm not worried about being in the lineup and when all I know is I've got to do my job every night and the team wants me.

"They didn't want me over a year. They kept saying to me, 'You've only played [55] NHL games.' When a team is only offering you one year, it makes the decision for you."

Assistant GM Tom Lynn said a "two-year deal would have been less per year than a one year because of risk, so it was a non-starter for the agent."

"We told him if he had a great year on the one year he would have more earning power," Lynn said.

The Wild was worried about Voros drying up in the second half. After scoring six goals and 13 points, Voros had one assist in his final 34 games, although that could be attributed to decreased ice time and fourth-line duty.

But that's why Voros is keeping level-headed.

"If there was one thing I learned last year, it's don't get too high, don't get too low," Voros said. "Right now, things are great. I fit in with [Dubinsky and Nikolai Zherdev]. We're just three young guys having fun playing hockey in New York City."

Etc.

• Right wing Pierre-Marc Bouchard missed Tuesday night's game and will return to Minnesota this morning to rest a sore back for the remainder of the Wild's road trip. Lynn wouldn't provide any further information. Bouchard missed the Wild's first three exhibition games with the same ailment.

• Winger Owen Nolan was lost in the first period with a "lower body injury." He will be evaluated today in Florida.

• Right wing Craig Weller made his Wild debut Tuesday after being scratched opening night.

• The Wild will recall right wing Cal Clutterbuck today.

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