The Dallas Stars have announced the re-signing of defenceman Nils Lundkvist on a one-year contract worth $1.25 million. The Swedish defenceman played in 39 games this season for the Stars, scoring just five assists. Now, the Stars will be hoping to get more out of the former first-round pick. In 158 games since he was traded to the Stars, Lundkvist has just eight goals and 32 assists for 40 points. He’s not been able to stay in the Stars lineup.
Stars Lundkvist Re-Signs
Lundkvist signs this deal knowing the Stars need more from him. He’s going into his fifth NHL season and has yet to play more than 60 games in a season. With the departures expected to come to the Stars this season, he’ll have a significant role next season. He had had injury issues after having shoulder surgery this season . Now, Dallas will need him to stay on the ice and play hockey.
Lundkvist’s Role in Dallas
Going into next season, the Stars know they will be looking at their young players to step forward. Many great players will be departing in free agency due to their teams’ cap situation. Lundkvist is going to be asked to fill a larger role on the right-hand side of the defence. With Mathew Dumba and Ilya Lyubushkin falling out of favour, the Stars missed Lundkvist during the playoffs. If he had been healthy, the Stars may have taken that next step. He has been a good player when he’s been available for Dallas.
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His problem is in the three seasons he’s been in Dallas, he’s missed 88 games. He’s missed more than a season’s worth. He has a 7.2 point share with Dallas in his time there so far. The Stars need him to be on the ice because he can keep the puck out of his net. He may never live up to the trade price the Stars paid for him from the New York Rangers, but there is talent here.
Dallas’ Cap Situation Now
With the Stars now signing Lundkvist, they are down to just $3.7 million in cap space. They have to re-sign or replace six unrestricted free agents and one restricted free agent. It’s going to be a purge on or before July 1 for the Stars. Completing the Lundkvist deal means they won’t have to worry about arbitration or an offer sheet. Lundkvist is also coverage for the departing Brendan Smith and Cody Ceci . This is a brilliant signing from general manager Jim Nill to get this done now.
It’s also worth noting that should this deal head south, the Stars could bury the entire cap hit of this contract. It’s a clever way of avoiding another Dumba or Lyubushkin situation where they must sit in the press box. The Stars give themself flexibility with this, though it does mean Lundkvist’s qualifying offer for next season is now more expensive.
Dallas now needs to focus on addressing the rest of the roster. It’ll be a long summer for the Stars. Matt Duchene has been brought back ; they’ve moved on from Mason Marchment , but the work won’t be over yet. Dallas will continue to be in and around the NHL news. Dallas needs a new head coach and multiple more forwards, and that doesn’t touch the other major rumors with this team. Lundkvist provides a little certainty to a fanbase looking for a touch more stability. He may not be perfect, but he’ll be a good way to begin replacing the departed. Dallas will hope that Lundqvist signing this deal is good value for the future.
Main Photo Credit: Jerome Miron – Imagn Images
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