Yesterday, the Dallas Stars re-signed Adam Cracknell to a one-year deal. All in all, it was a smart signing that will only pay off for the Stars.
Adam Cracknell has come a long way since signing a one-year, two-way contract worth $600,000 with the Dallas Stars back on July 3, 2016.
After a dominating 2015-16 season that saw the Stars win the Central Division title and advance to the second round of the playoffs, they advanced to the offseason with high hopes.
Their biggest strength without a doubt last season was their high-octane offense. They led the NHL with 3.23 goals per game and had four lines that produced on a consistent basis. In other words, all cylinders were firing.
It seemed as though their main focus would be on the defense and even potentially goaltending as the offseason progressed. But aside from signing Dan Hamhuis, the Stars strayed away from those two areas. Instead, they decided to shore up with a few additions to the offensive group.
Dallas Stars
Adam Cracknell was one of the first additions.
Upon first glance, almost everyone assumed that Cracknell was going to be nothing more than a leader and veteran presence for the Texas Stars in the AHL. He had barely played over 100 games at the NHL level since being drafted in the ninth round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. Not to mention that he had a career total of 11 goals and 27 points. But obviously Jim Nill saw something.
Cracknell was in the starting lineup for the Dallas Stars’ season opener against the Anaheim Ducks and tallied a goal and an assist. He also had three points in his first three games with the Stars. Talk about making an early impression.
Throughout the season, he’s been a driving force on the Stars’ fourth line. Through 54 games, he has a career-high seven goals and ten points, along with an impressive +12, which is the second highest rating on the team. He also contributes on the penalty kill on a regular basis and can play multiple positions.
He’s physical, is the perfect definition of a grinder, and is a valuable leader in the locker room.
That’s exactly why the Dallas Stars signed him to an extension. Yesterday, the Stars announced that they extended Cracknell for another year with a salary of $675,000. His contributions on the ice made him a pleasant surprise for the Stars and their offense.
Now that Cracknell is back for another year, the Stars are getting the complete package for a fourth-line grinder at a cheap price. The 31-year-old has proven to be an excellent replacement for Vernon Fiddler after Fiddler departed last offseason.
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Overall, it’s a brilliant signing for the Stars. They have a consistent presence and energetic force who can help run the show in the bottom six for another year. One thing is for sure: the Dallas Stars offense will remain in good standing.