After the initial frenzy of free agent signings, which saw some very large annual value contracts given out with lengthy terms, the Dallas Stars made a move to bolster their blueline. They signed defenseman Dan Hamhuis, formerly of the Vancouver Canucks, to a two-year, $7.5 million ($3.75 million annual average value) contract today.
Hamhuis to DAL. 2 years at $7.5M. Better state taxes
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2016
Hamhuis was one of two trade targets the Stars were going after at the trade deadline. Plenty of speculation at the time when the deal fell through was that the Vancouver Canucks continuously kept asking for additional assets in order to make the deal, and Dallas eventually balked. They ended up trading for Kris Russell later on in the trade deadline day.
Now, Vancouver has lost the defensman for nothing. Not a single asset, pick, prospect, roster player, or otherwise in return.
The Stars get a blueliner that adds some experience to their rather young group. With those under contract, the blueline now is comprised of:
Dan Hamhuis
Johnny Oduya
John Klingberg
Stephen Johns
Jordie Benn
Patrik Nemeth
Jamie Oleksiak
Pairings will sort themselves out once the dust settles and a more finalized roster takes shape. Initial reaction to the deal is that it is good for the Stars, with experience and veteran presence added as well as some additional depth to help with the young guys. But not so long of a deal or high of a price that the Stars will block development of the prospects in the system with the signing.
Love the Hamhuis signing in Dallas. Has more hockey left in him. Motivated player. Still a top-4 blue-liner
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) July 1, 2016