Dallas Stars News: Jamie Oleksiak Re-signed, WJSS Update
The Dallas Stars are still finding ways to make some noise even in the dry month of August. Today, they re-signed defenseman Jamie Oleksiak and their prospects have an action-packed day at the World Junior Summer Showcase.
It’s another busy day in the Dallas Stars offseason. Even in the barren month of August, they are still finding ways to stir up hockey news.
Let’s dive right in.
Jamie Oleksiak agrees to new contract
The Stars took care of the final piece in their 2017 offseason free agency puzzle today by re-signing defenseman Jamie Oleksiak to a one-year deal worth $964,688.
Oleksiak was the only free agent on the Dallas roster that had yet to be signed to a new contract. Up until today, he had only been qualified by the team just before the free agency market opened on July 1.
The 24-year-old defender hadn’t filed for arbitration, meaning a new contract would likely happen before the season began, but the Stars had another handful of free agents to re-sign as well. Now they’re completely finished.
Dallas Stars
Oleksiak is a former first-round pick (2011) and has been a regular player in the NHL since the 2014-15 season. He weighs in at an intimidating 255 lb. and possesses a towering 6’7 frame. His physicality and reach are two of his dominant traits, giving him the persona of a shutdown defensive defenseman.
The only problem is that he has yet to solidify himself as a starter, and it’s been over three years now. Being a first-round pick and through his play on the ice, it’s evident that he has talent. But is there a spot for him on this Dallas Stars roster, or would his talents be better used somewhere else?
This new contract is manageable for the Stars and gives them plenty of options. Dallas is over the cap limit with Oleksiak’s contract and will have to restructure before the season kicks off on October 6. They have a surplus of NHL-ready defenders and will likely deal one or two of them before the season begins to make space.
If Oleksiak is one of those defenders that will be packing his bags, he has a contract that pairs well with his skillset to make him an intriguing piece for many teams in the trade market that may be looking for a big, starting defender. But if the Stars decide to keep him on for another year, it’s a small deal that doesn’t affect their cap all that much and gives Oleksiak a year to earn a long term deal under a new coaching staff and prove his value.
World Junior Summer Showcase update
The WJSS is back in action today, with both Fredrik Karlstrom already facing off with Team Sweden against Team Canada and Riley Tufte and Jake Oettinger facing off with Team USA against Team Finland at 3 p.m.
Karlstrom and Sweden dropped a 7-4 decision to Canada earlier this afternoon. Karlstrom scored Sweden’s fourth goal which gave the Swedes a 4-3 lead, but Canada rattled off four unanswered to take the win. The Dallas Stars prospect has two goals and five points in four games with his home country. Sweden plays Finland tomorrow.
Team USA is currently locked in a battle with Finland. Both Tufte and Oettinger are in the starting lineup. Tufte has one goal and three points in four games, while Oettinger owns a 1-0-0 record in two games played, along with a 1.98 GAA and .914 save percentage. You can catch the game on NHL Network. Team USA will take on Canada tomorrow.
Next: 2019-20 Stars To Be In Rebuild Mode?
It may not be much, but it’s something to keep us entertained. Enjoy it while you can, Stars fans.