Wild's first-round pick Brodin signs, with eye on 2012-13

Jonas Brodin celebrated his 18th birthday in style Tuesday -- signing his first NHL contract.

Brodin, one of the Wild's two first-round draft picks last month, will still play next season for his Swedish Elite League club, Farjestads. The goal is for the free-wheeling defenseman to come to Minnesota in one year and try to make the club.

"It's every guy's dream to sign an NHL contract, so I'm really happy right now," Brodin, taken 10th overall, said minutes after his first on-ice workout with the Wild during development camp.

Brodin signed a three-year, $2.75 million deal, one that won't begin until he turns pro with the Wild. In the NHL, his salary-cap hit is $1.475 million when potential bonuses are taken into account.

"He'll have a good year back in Sweden and then come to camp next year and try to earn a spot," assistant General Manager Brent Flahr said. "His skating is effortless, as well as his mobility and footwork. He'll have to get stronger, but as he gets physically mature, this kid is going to get better and better."

Brodin had four assists in 42 games in limited ice time for league champion Farjestads last season. The 6-1, 169-pounder is expected to play for Sweden in the upcoming world junior championships in Alberta.

The Wild also has signed 2010 second-round picks Johan Larsson and Brett Bulmer but has yet to sign 2010 first-round pick Mikael Granlund and 2011 first-round pick Zack Phillips.

• The Wild announced it has hired Kirk Olson as its strength and conditioning coach, replacing Chris Pietrzak-Wegner, who held the position for the past two seasons. Olson was the Wild's strength and conditioning coach from 2003 to '09.

MICHAEL RUSSO