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Dallas Stars Sign Defenseman Jamie Oleksiak to One-Year Contract

The Stars announced today that defenseman Jamie Oleksiak has signed a one-year contract. Mike Heika reports that Oleksiak signed his qualifying offer of $918,750 on a one-way deal.

The signing gives the Stars eight defensemen at the NHL level, when figuring in those blueliners signed that are also waiver-eligible:

Dan Hamhuis
John Klingberg
Johnny Oduya
Stephen Johns
Jordie Benn
Patrik Nemeth
Jamie Oleksiak
Mattias Backman

Mix in Esa Lindell, whom the Stars organization is big on and is expected to compete for a roster spot this season, and the Stars have quite a log jam on the blueline yet again this season. Even with at least one staying in the AHL this season, the Stars will either carry eight defensemen this season, or one (or possibly even more) are sent out in a trade to bolster the roster at some point prior to or during the season.

One thing is for sure, the Stars definitely have some depth at the position at this point.

Two RFAs Remain

With Oleksiak’s signing, the Stars only have two unsigned restricted free agents. At the NHL level, forward Valeri Nichushkin will be looking for a new contract. At the AHL level, it’s forward Matej Stransky that is looking for a contract. Both have been extended qualifying offers, which means the Stars still maintain their rights while contracts are being negotiated.

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