Prosser's contract is one year (mandatory because of his age) at $810,000 (prorated to about 97K). His contract expires at the end of the season and he'll have to be re-signed after July 1.

So why sign him if his contract's going to expire anyway? Now the Wild owns his rights to re-sign. The plan is for him to stay with Minnesota the rest of the season -- not Houston. But unless there's a ton of injuries, it's doubtful he'll play. Regardless, he's not eligible to be sent to Houston because of some confusing loophole.

He'll fly to Nashville this morning, attend tonight's game and be on the charter afterward aimed for Columbus.

(updated) The Wild, two days after signing UMass' Casey Wellman, continues to dip into the college free-agent market.

As I reported on Twitter a few hours ago, according to sources, the Wild is close to signing Colorado College senior defenseman Nate Prosser to an entry-level contract. He's agreed to terms and will stick with the Wild the rest of the season to practice. Prosser, 23, from Elk River, finished second in the WCHA among defensemen scoring this season with 28 points. In 137 collegiate games, Prosser scored 12 goals and 64 points. Prosser led Sioux Falls of the United States Hockey League to an Anderson Cup championship in 2005-06 when he was the Stampede's captain and scored 35 points in 72 games. He played for Elk River High, where he was a two-time all-conference selection and played in two state tournaments. The Wild's interested in a few other college players, as well.