Stars Make it official today with the extensions of Barch and Wathier. Interesting, if only because of our earlier discussions, that they would send them both out in the same release. After watching Wathier in person during the AHL playoffs, I must say I like the way he plays and would have liked to have seen him get a chance with this team since the price is right. Maybe through injuries he still can.
From Stars PR....
DALLAS STARS SIGN KRYS BARCH TO TWO-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION
Frisco, Tex. – Dallas Stars General Manager Joe Nieuwendyk announced today that the hockey club has signed forward Krys Barch to a two-year contract extension worth $1.675 million ($825,000 first; $850,000 second). This extension puts Barch under contract through the 2011-12 season.
"Krys Barch is a competitive player who adds character, grit and toughness to our hockey club," Nieuwendyk said. "He gives everything he has each night and we are pleased to have him back for two more years."
Barch, 30, played in 63 games for Dallas last season, collecting 6 assists and 130 penalty minutes. He has played 209 NHL games over the past four seasons, all with the Stars, recording eight goals and 15 assists with 475 penalty minutes. The Hamilton, Ontario, native was originally signed as a free agent by Dallas on July 18, 2006.
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DALLAS STARS SIGN FRANCIS WATHIER TO TWO-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION
Nieuwendyk also announced today that the club has signed right wing Francis Wathier to a two-year, two-way contract extension. This extension puts Wathier under contract through the 2011-12 season.
Wathier, 25, made his NHL debut with Dallas last season, recording four shots and five penalty minutes in five games with the Stars. He spent the majority of 2009-10 with the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League (AHL), skating in 76 games and collecting 40 points (19g, 21a) with 101 penalty minutes. The St. Isidore, Ontario native also played 24 playoff games with Texas, tallying eight points (2g, 6a).
The 6-4, 208-pound left wing has played in 240 career AHL games and has scored 41 goals and 38 assists with 349 penalty minutes. Wathier was drafted in the sixth round (185th overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.