#9 – Re-signing Pivotal Pieces
While some restricted free agents like Radek Faksa and Gemel Smith wait for their inevitable deals that are surely coming soon, Jim Nill has been hard at work in terms of resigning RFAs who made an immense impact last season.
Esa Lindell, a staple of the Dallas Stars’ future blueline plans, received a two-year extension worth an annual value of $2.2 million, while Brett Ritchie, whose 16 goals last season was third behind Seguin and Jamie Benn amongst returning players, accrued a two-year deal with an AAV of $1.75 million.
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Patrik Nemeth, as well, earned himself a “try-me” contract of $975,000; while Nemeth may not be a Dallas Star come October (trade, waivers, AHL deployment), his dependability on the back end as a possible seventh defender is not to be understated.
Both Lindell and Ritchie, 22 and 23 respectively, established themselves as Dallas Stars mainstays last season. At such a young age, their potential to remain as Stars stalwarts is as high as anyone else in the system.
Lindell is likely to play second or third pair minutes this season and chip in 20-30 points in the right role. Ritchie, however, is a potential 30-goal scorer. The former Calder Cup champ will use his heavy right-handed shot alongside Jason Spezza on line two this season.