Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill has been making some announcements on behalf of the team this week. Here are the Stars’ latest announcements, starting with the team bringing back veteran forward Matt Duchene.
Dallas Stars Bring Back Matt Duchene
The Dallas Stars brought back veteran center Matt Duchene, according to Sportsnet. Duchene, 33, reportedly agreed to a one-year, $3 million contract with the Stars. The Haliburton, Ontario, native joined the Stars last summer on a one-year deal after the Nashville Predators bought out his seven-year, $56 million contract.
Duchene recorded 65 points (25 goals and 40 assists) during the Stars’ regular season and added six points (two goals and four assists) in 19 playoff games as the Stars reached the Western Conference Final.
Dallas Stars Sign Sam Steel
The Dallas Stars signed forward Sam Steel to a one-year, $1.2 million contract on Monday. Steel’s contract will run through the 2024-25 NHL season.
Stars general manager Jim Nill told NHL.com, “Sam was an integral member of our team during the regular season and playoffs … He’s a player we can trust in any situation. We’re looking forward to bringing him back for another season in Dallas.”
In his first season with the Stars, Steel appeared in 77 regular-season games in 2023-24, posting 24 points (nine goals and 15 assists) while setting new career-highs in games, shorthanded goals (two), and shorthanded points (two goals and one assist). The Sherwood, Alberta, native appeared in all 19 Stanley Cup Playoff games with Dallas, recording five points (one goal and four assists).
Dallas Stars Announce Qualifying Offer
The Dallas Stars issued a qualifying offer to defenseman Thomas Harley on Monday. As a result, Dallas retained Harley’s negotiating rights.
The Stars didn’t issue qualifying offers to right wing Max Ellis, defenseman Nils Lundkvist, goaltender Matt Murray, and center Sam Steel. All four players will become unrestricted free agents on Monday, July 1.
