The Dallas Stars announced the signing of their first restricted free agent earlier today, signing Cameron Gaunce to a one year contract. So far there have been no conditions announced with the signing. The likely issue for Gaunce is whether his contract is one way or two way. We’ll find out in time.
Cameron Gaunce was one of two Dallas Stars players to have filed for salary arbitration along with Antoine Roussel. By signing Gaunce now the Dallas Stars have avoided an arbitration hearing that was scheduled for the 25th July. Antoine Roussel is still unsigned and his hearing is scheduled for the 22nd July. It is still possible that the Stars sign Roussel before the arbiter makes a decision on what the appropriate contract would be for him.
Dallas Stars sign restricted free agent defenseman Cameron Gaunce to a one-year contract. Gaunce had filed for salary arbitration.
— Mark Stepneski (@StarsInsideEdge) July 11, 2014
The Dallas Stars originally acquired Cameron Gaunce from Colorado in exchange for Tomas Vincour. Gaunce has played nine games the 2013-2014 season with the Dallas Stars and went pointless throughout them. He spent most of the season with the Texas Stars of the AHL, finishing with 18 points through 65 games.
It is likely that Gaunce will spend next season in the AHL considering the crowded nature of the blue line in Dallas with Goligoski, Daley, Dillon, Benn, Connauton and Gonchar on one way contracts. Patrik Nemeth is also likely to be in the starting line up as well. Other younger Dallas Stars prospects might also have a shot at cracking the NHL squad before him.
Heres the official press release from the Dallas Stars:
FRISCO, Texas – Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill announced today that the club has signed defenseman Cameron Gaunce to a one-year contract. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Gaunce, 24, skated in nine regular-season games with Dallas this season, posting nine shots, seven penalty minutes and a +1 plus/minus rating. Gaunce spent the majority of the season with the Texas Stars (AHL). The Markham, Ontario native led Texas defensemen with a +15 rating, and registered 18 points (3-15=18) in 65 regular-season AHL contests. Gaunce posted four assists and a +6 rating in 18 Calder Cup Playoffs games during the postseason, in helping Texas win the Calder Cup Championship.
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound defenseman has one career NHL goal in 20 career NHL games with Colorado and Dallas. Gaunce was originally drafted by Colorado in the second round (50th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, and was acquired by Dallas on April 2, 2013 in exchange for Tomas Vincour.